Happy Birthday to Samuel & Jacob

S&J are TWO today! We've had a pretty low-key birthday but are going to have a party in a couple of weeks; have just been waiting for Jacob to get over his op.

The morning started with Samuel seeing the Thomas the Tank Engine train set we had bought for them. It was met by a big, "Wow!" from him and lots of smiles from Jacob.

Jacob was more into reading the birthday cards from everyone. He just loves books and cards at the moment.

We had to take a trip up the road this morning as Jacob needed to get his wound checked by our lovely GP, Dr. Jane. It's all good and he's back to being able to enjoy his bathtime with his brother now as he can get as wet as he likes! It was an interesting time that I had getting the 3 boys from the car and into the Dr.'s surgery. J&A are now in the stroller with S walking beside me. Needless to say I had him wearing a pair of reigns (which he hated to begin with). Whilst S enjoyed walking he tends to want to go in the opposite direction to where I'm heading! It was a good job that the Dr.'s is near where Bren works cos he met us afterwards and we were able to go for lunch together. It was then a dash home to get the boys to bed for their nap so I could get their birthday cake finished.

They had a good afternoon of play and we had their cake when daddy got home.

It's been a bit of a nostalgic day for me. I was looking back at photos of when they were first born and I'm so very proud of them both. They had such a hard beginning to life but are two strong little fighters and have come out of it incredibly well. To top it off, Jacob is improving daily and can now 'bum-shuffle' his way around a room.

What incredible boys we have.

(Top baby photo is of S, next one of J, both taken on the day they were born. We didn't see their eyes for several days cos of the 'sunglasses' protecting them; we were able to hold S after one week and held J after 2 weeks).

Samuel

Yes, point taken from all of you who've said there aren't any posts dedicated to Samuel. He's a tricky guy to photograph these days cos he's always wanting to be behind the camera or is running off. However, here are a couple to show you that he's gorgeous and just as cheeky too!

(As you can see, he loves his food, particularly his daddy's lasagna!).

Australia Day 2008

It was a gloriously hot day and everyone was out celebrating being Australian or living in this fabulous land...I mean how cool is it to have a day dedicated to celebrating your country?...and you get a day off work!!!

We decided to take the boys to Cronulla as the local Shire put on lots of entertainment there and there is always a good turn-out. We had a great time with the boys watching the staged events at South Cronulla beach. Bren won a prize for looking like a loony - was wearing the local free-ad newspaper cardboard sun-visor ontop of his knotted handkerchief! Samuel enjoyed running around and being chased by his daddy; Jacob enjoyed grooving to the music and Alex enjoyed squeeling and blowing raspberries, which is his current new trick.

Samuel got so worn out from his running round that he asked to go home for his afternoon nap! S&J didn't quite make it home before they both fell fast asleep...

Alex

Just realised that I hadn't posted any images of Alex so here's a cheeky little one of him showing his two teeth!

Jacob is home

What an amazing little boy Jacob is. He came out of surgery at 6:30pm and by 8:30pm he was on the ward, eating a cheese butty and clapping along to the Wiggles! He slept well and was home the following morning giving smiles and kisses to us all.

Whilst his wound and surrounding area is swollen and tender he is looking great and we have noticed already a change in his physical being. He seems to have better balance which may just be a coincidence but we're hoping not. Samuel is incredibly pleased to have his brother home and has been looking after his brother by bringing him toys and playing together with him. Alex has no concept of what's been going on (there again he is only 6 months!!) and has simply been the happy little fella that he is! All three slept well last night so Bren and I got an undisturbed nights sleep which is pretty rare.

We're looking forward to a weekend of picnics and playing as it's Australia Day weekend with a public holiday this coming Monday - fantastic!

Keeping in contact

Thought I would finally get round to setting-up a blog so we can keep in contact more easily with family and friends around the globe.
I can't write much at the moment as I'm waiting for two of my three boys (Samuel & Alex) to wake up from their afternoon nap. Bren has taken Jacob to hospital as Jacob is going to have his right ear implanted with a cochlear implant this afternoon. He had his left ear implanted last Sept. I'm feeling rather nervous but know he's in great hands (Prof. Bill Gibson, world renowned ENT specialist/surgeon and probably the most experienced person globally at implanting cochlear implants) and of course he is with his daddy who will take the very best care of him.