Time for an update!

Time has once again got away from us and a lack of broadband has impeded me from keeping up this blog as i would have liked. But now we're settled in Cairns, reconnected to wonderous broadband and I'm looking forward to some blogging. Abbey has changed so much. She has achieved. She has laughed and cried and all of it has been wonderful in it's own special little Abbey way.

I'm now 26weeks pregnant with babe number two. Feeling pretty good and grateful for the advances in independance Abbey is making as we get closer to having two little people to care for.

Here is Ryan with Abbey in the trolley he made her. We weren't so impressed with the wooden ones on offer in the stores so Ryan decided we would make one and the end result is fabulous! Abbey enjoys pushing it around however gets into a little trouble when she gets to a wall as she hasn't worked out how to turn it round. This used to result in Abbey collapsing on the floor and bursting into tears but now she's toned down to a little tizz.

And before we knew it a year had passed by and we were celebrating Abbey's first birthday!

Early morning present opening.

And the cake which I was determined to make despite having to move into out new place the sameday as Abbey's birthday.

She seemed to enjoy it and wasn't at all phased by moving yet again.

By that evening we had her in her own cot again and I think it did her the world of good. It was a real blessing to be able to stay with Mikaela and John (my sister and bro-in-law) and Abbey is quite comfortable around them now and her new little cousin John.

Since arriving in Cairns we been out most weekends exploring the countryside. We picked up a child backpack for a bargin at a garage sale one weekend when we were looking for furniture. It was $80 and looks like it's never/hardly been used. We also spotted a bike seat at a garage sale for $15 and Abbey has enjoyed going out on the bike. Unfortunately as I'm getting bigger it's a little bit uncomfortable now for me but hopefully she will get out with Ryan before it gets too hot. At least we have the pool to cool off in after such rides though!

Our first walk with the backpack was the Blue Arrow Track which goes from the Botanical Gardens here in Cairns. A tough walk with a lot of uphill so Ryan got a good work out that day but great views and Abbey seemed to really enjoy being able to see everything.

We also did a walk which was basically an hour uphill from Crystal Cascades to Copperlode Dam. Wonderful being in the rainforest though and it makes the views at the end so much more worth it. You can drive there of course and when my mum and dad arrive in a couple of weeks I dare say we will be chosing that option. They woek out enough on the farm in NZ each weekend so will need a nice relaxing break. There is the added bonus of a cafe at Copperlode Dam where Abbey tasted her first ice block. It went down a treat!

We've explored the Tablelands area and went for our first camping trip since Abbey was born. It was only one night but it was great to get out and she took to it well. She enjoyed supervising Ryan putting up the tent.

Not so much the evening wash which was rather essential post pooy nappy and very dirty child. Have you ever seen such a face?! (oh and if you think you can spot a black eye you'd be right. Our first nasty fall at home one day) Hopefully it didn't put her off the camping experience. She settled to sleep quite happily in the tent in the evening which was fantastic allowing Ryan and I a lovely relaxing evening under the light of a full moon.

So other than the weekend explorations life goes on and each day brings something new. Our latest cause for concern is how to explain to Abbey that screaming will not be tolerated. We've decided to give 1min timeout a go. Yesterday we did it twice placing her in her room on her mat and closing the door. She burst into tears and waled making as much if not more noise than the ear piercing screams but maybe she will make the association i don't know. I've not looked at any books in regards to child discipline and perhaps at such a young age it is futile.

Dinner times are getting a bit better with Abbey now able to use the spoon. We do still see a fair bit on the floor though and rogue weetbix is found in hair and ears hours after breakfast is over and we thought we'd washed her properly! This second picture was taken just the other day when we went with playgroup to a kids play place called Squeekers. They had a party there and Abbey got to have her first taste of fairy bread. It didn't seem to have any adverse/hyper effect but i think we'll stick to a less sugary lunch menu.

She's now fully off breast milk and enjoying the cow variety without any problems so far. She weaned very well. We had one occassion one morning though which was quite funny. We usually bring her into bed with us in the morning and i would give her the first feed of the day. Well this morning we offered the bottle only to have her push it away and start pulling up my top trying to get to my breasts. As if to say 'don't try and give me that imitation stuff I know where you're hiding the good stuff. So we realised we had to change the association of morning milk and Ryan got up with her and gave her her bottle out in the kitchen. She's adjusted in a couple of days and now I'm all dried up and she obviously thinks the cow variety is just fine.

We have found Abbey to be a real helper. She will often get in the way but she's just so interested and wants to help. Here she is helping washthe car and getting a little too close as Ryan cuts some fronds.



We have been taking her along to Gymbaroo which is a childrens dance and movement class based around developmental stages. they have all sorts of equipment for the children to play on and Abbey loves climbing. The only downside is that we don't have that equipment at home and so she climbs whatever she can from vege trays to glass louvre windows!!! eeek!