So, we think we've found a house we like. Not in the suburb that we were "meant" to be looking in, but otherwise it ticks all the boxes. Twice as much land, on a tram line, inner city, close to schools, parks, shops, cafes... The house itself has loads of character but needs a LOT of work. I think it would be fair to describe it as the cliched "renovator's delight", which could be rather challenging with three small children!
Anyway, we've been pre-approved for finance, and we're now waiting for a building and pest report. The auction is in 3 long, long, long weeks. Fingers crossed!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last minute drama
So, with less than a week before we leave for the US, Heidi has come down with a shocking ear infection.
On Sunday night she came into our bed (which she only does when she is very sick), and complained of a sore ear. The next day she was fine and told me that there was nothing wrong with her. I thought I'd better get it checked out anyway, and booked her into the doctor that afternoon. Sure enough, she has a terrible ear infection in both ears, with one ready to burst. The poor little mite must have been suffering in silence for days!
We managed to get her in to see a paediatric ear specialist this morning, who sent her off for audiology tests. The upshot is that she has fluid in both ears, is partly deaf (temporarily), and cannot fly. Panic! But no. He has managed to schedule her in for grommet surgery on Friday at the Mercy. So all will be well.
So basically we've gone from a doctor's visit to surgery within 4/5 days, seeing 3 medical professionals on the way. And the whole thing will cost less than a couple of hundred dollars.
What a huge relief - and thank God it didn't happen next week in the US!
On Sunday night she came into our bed (which she only does when she is very sick), and complained of a sore ear. The next day she was fine and told me that there was nothing wrong with her. I thought I'd better get it checked out anyway, and booked her into the doctor that afternoon. Sure enough, she has a terrible ear infection in both ears, with one ready to burst. The poor little mite must have been suffering in silence for days!
We managed to get her in to see a paediatric ear specialist this morning, who sent her off for audiology tests. The upshot is that she has fluid in both ears, is partly deaf (temporarily), and cannot fly. Panic! But no. He has managed to schedule her in for grommet surgery on Friday at the Mercy. So all will be well.
So basically we've gone from a doctor's visit to surgery within 4/5 days, seeing 3 medical professionals on the way. And the whole thing will cost less than a couple of hundred dollars.
What a huge relief - and thank God it didn't happen next week in the US!
Monday, May 10, 2010
My baby is 5!
Juliet turns FIVE tomorrow. Can you believe it!? She had a big birthday party last Saturday, complete with 14 children and who knows how many adults. Naturally she had a brilliant time. Photos below. It was the first party we'd held with kinder friends, and it was a great success I think.
Imogen had her first major accident yesterday, when she fell off the steps in an attempt to get on to the trampoline. After 3-4 hours in Emergency (isn't that the perfect way to spend Mother's Day?) it turns out she has a minor fracture. Not bad enough to warrant plaster, but she has a splint for a week or so. She seems to be dealing with it ok, though it clearly hurts her at times. Not enough to stop her from dancing all day though!
Imogen had her first major accident yesterday, when she fell off the steps in an attempt to get on to the trampoline. After 3-4 hours in Emergency (isn't that the perfect way to spend Mother's Day?) it turns out she has a minor fracture. Not bad enough to warrant plaster, but she has a splint for a week or so. She seems to be dealing with it ok, though it clearly hurts her at times. Not enough to stop her from dancing all day though!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Busy, busy times
So busy! I barely know where to begin.
After the disappointment of our house hunt, we decided to cut our losses and take the kids to America, as you do. We'd originally planned to go next year, but once we thought about it, there were so many reasons why this year was more sensible that we bit the bullet and bought tickets. So at the end of May we're off! Disneyland for a few days, then New York for 2 and a half weeks. Wish us luck for the flights... Oh, and 2 weeks after booking the flights, we won 3rd division Powerball which almost covered the ticket cost! See, it really has been an exciting few weeks. But wait, there's more:
James has got a new job, or at least will be starting one when we return from the US. He's finally jumped from government, and will be working as a contractor in a small, well-regarded firm. He'd always said he'd leave by the time he was 40, so he will just fit it in by a matter of weeks!
I've also applied for a 10 hour a week job. I had an interview last week, but won't find out til Tues or Wed if I was successful. Apparently they interviewed a lot of people, so we shall see.
Here's a few recent photos of the offspring:
After the disappointment of our house hunt, we decided to cut our losses and take the kids to America, as you do. We'd originally planned to go next year, but once we thought about it, there were so many reasons why this year was more sensible that we bit the bullet and bought tickets. So at the end of May we're off! Disneyland for a few days, then New York for 2 and a half weeks. Wish us luck for the flights... Oh, and 2 weeks after booking the flights, we won 3rd division Powerball which almost covered the ticket cost! See, it really has been an exciting few weeks. But wait, there's more:
James has got a new job, or at least will be starting one when we return from the US. He's finally jumped from government, and will be working as a contractor in a small, well-regarded firm. He'd always said he'd leave by the time he was 40, so he will just fit it in by a matter of weeks!
I've also applied for a 10 hour a week job. I had an interview last week, but won't find out til Tues or Wed if I was successful. Apparently they interviewed a lot of people, so we shall see.
Here's a few recent photos of the offspring:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
House news
Well, discouraging news this week. We were all set to bid on a house this Saturday, but the banks have given us an almighty "NO". Even though the deposit will be huge, and we can clearly make the repayments, we're being rejected purely on the fact that I am at home with the kids and James has 4 dependents. If I get a crappy job and we end up having LESS money due to child care, we'd be fine apparently. Just because I'd be officially working again. There's no logic to their rules/red tape at all.
I'm trying not to be too pissed off, but failing miserably. Really, if we can afford the repayments, what do they care what I'm doing?! Sigh. So the upshot is I'll be looking for work now. Just a couple of days a week, and hoping I can find childcare for Immy. I'd really hoped to put it off til she turned 2, but I guess it's not to be.
I'm trying not to be too pissed off, but failing miserably. Really, if we can afford the repayments, what do they care what I'm doing?! Sigh. So the upshot is I'll be looking for work now. Just a couple of days a week, and hoping I can find childcare for Immy. I'd really hoped to put it off til she turned 2, but I guess it's not to be.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Cute stuff
Imogen gets down wobbly-head style to some Basement Jaxx
And a massive congratulations to Erin who is now the proud mum (mom!) of a gorgeous baby boy, Benjamin Patrick. Well done Erin - he's beautiful!
And a massive congratulations to Erin who is now the proud mum (mom!) of a gorgeous baby boy, Benjamin Patrick. Well done Erin - he's beautiful!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
The end of summer
Last week we went down to Dromana for a glorious 6 day holiday. We managed to fit in a crazy number of activities in an attempt to wear the kids out each day. Strawberry picking, bike riding, indoor play centre, Heronswood, Pt Nepean National Park, a children's farm, a maze, the beach... They had a brilliant time, as you'd expect!
Imogen is 14 months going on 2. She seriously has tantrums already, usually shouting "Na NOOO" the entire time. It's full on! She runs everywhere at full tilt, and is talking up a storm. She has about 20 or so regular words, plus parrots many more. Very cute and very, very cheeky!
Imogen is 14 months going on 2. She seriously has tantrums already, usually shouting "Na NOOO" the entire time. It's full on! She runs everywhere at full tilt, and is talking up a storm. She has about 20 or so regular words, plus parrots many more. Very cute and very, very cheeky!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Days at the Spray
We spent the Australia Day long weekend down at Seaspray - lovely and relaxing. A few photos:
(The bath colour is dye, not the result of a shark accident or similar.)
(The bath colour is dye, not the result of a shark accident or similar.)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Imogen
13 months and walking a little further every day. She now gets from one side of the room to the other, looking as pleased as punch with herself.
Daycare started this week, thank God. I was really, really starting to go a bit mad at home with all three kids every single day, as much as I adore them! This year we decided that Heidi would go to kinder on Tues and Thurs, and Juliet on Wed and Thurs. This gives me a chance to have each of them at home with Imogen for one day a week. I think it's valuable for them to get to know Immy a bit better (instead of being the 2 person team that they currently are), plus it lets me spend time with each of them while Immy's napping. Yesterday I took Heidi and Immy to the museum and playground, which is usually a bit of a daunting experience with all of them and one adult! I also think it's a good idea for them to socialise with other children at kinder, instead of just playing with each other. They aren't terribly impressed by the idea but they'll get used to it. On the upside, they do drawings for each other and are incredibly pleased to be reunited at the end of the day, which makes a change from bickering!
We're off to Seaspray for a few days this weekend. Should be great - I'm really looking forward to getting out of here for a bit.
Daycare started this week, thank God. I was really, really starting to go a bit mad at home with all three kids every single day, as much as I adore them! This year we decided that Heidi would go to kinder on Tues and Thurs, and Juliet on Wed and Thurs. This gives me a chance to have each of them at home with Imogen for one day a week. I think it's valuable for them to get to know Immy a bit better (instead of being the 2 person team that they currently are), plus it lets me spend time with each of them while Immy's napping. Yesterday I took Heidi and Immy to the museum and playground, which is usually a bit of a daunting experience with all of them and one adult! I also think it's a good idea for them to socialise with other children at kinder, instead of just playing with each other. They aren't terribly impressed by the idea but they'll get used to it. On the upside, they do drawings for each other and are incredibly pleased to be reunited at the end of the day, which makes a change from bickering!
We're off to Seaspray for a few days this weekend. Should be great - I'm really looking forward to getting out of here for a bit.
Monday, January 18, 2010
When all the cows were sleeping...
The girls were very keen for me to video them singing this song this afternoon, so who am I to refuse?
Please note a) Juliet's surgery this morning seems to have been forgotten already and b) Imogen is starting to walk!
Please note a) Juliet's surgery this morning seems to have been forgotten already and b) Imogen is starting to walk!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
First movie
I took Juliet to her very first film at the cinema today, Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I was a bit nervous after hearing many reports at how scary it was, but Juliet assured me she wasn't scared at all. Not at ALL. "I just sat in your lap for some of the bits because I felt like a snuggle."
She's got more first experiences coming up, when I take her to hospital for her first operation on Monday. She's getting grommets put in. Hallelujah! It will be SO good to have her hearing fixed up. The poor thing is almost totally deaf in her left ear. Maybe we will all stop shouting all the time as the whole family has started to do!
She's got more first experiences coming up, when I take her to hospital for her first operation on Monday. She's getting grommets put in. Hallelujah! It will be SO good to have her hearing fixed up. The poor thing is almost totally deaf in her left ear. Maybe we will all stop shouting all the time as the whole family has started to do!
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