We are very happy to be welcoming Spring and some warmer, sunnier weather here in Melbourne. It's been a stormy, wet and overcast Winter but we've made the most of our hats, coats and scarves and braved the elements in various parks and beaches.
Jude is really enjoying his 5 hours of kindy a week now. He's excited to go but has a big smile, 360 degree turn and a kiss ready for me when I return. The carers there LOVE him and there is a chorus of "Goodbye Jude" from the other 20 children and adults as he leaves. Very cute.
He remains pedantic, neat (he gets upset if even the smallest amount of food drops on his clothes or seat!), organised, structured, bossy, chatty (he has no problem saying any word irrespective of how long or complex it is), affectionate, empathetic, fiercely independent (when it suits) and inquisitive. He loves role play and is often having conversations with himself or Ivy with a particular scenario in mind. He really enjoys music (listening to and trying to play) and dancing. And he is gaining confidence in the water with every swimming lesson. Eating vegetables usually involves some bribery but on the whole he is pretty good with his food and if he gets a treat he makes it last a long time in case it's his last for a while. I'm such a mean mum!
Ivy is messy, disorganised (she can be precise in selecting something or putting something on but then usually throws it in any direction shortly after!), cheeky, independent and social. She loves running around with Jude but equally ignores his bossy instructions and does her own thing much to his annoyance. She has started to show a particular penchant for painting and knows how to throw a tantrum when I limit what she can decorate. She enjoys most food so is easy to cater for - cheese is her favourite. She started walking properly a few weeks ago and is practically running now. I rarely see her without a pair of sunglasses on, a scarf around her neck or a different pair of shoes on her feet - accessories are her thing!
Thanks to mum babysitting and James being my taxi, I managed to complete my image consultancy studies and have started practicing. Work is slowly coming in (which I do at lunchtimes or evenings when the children are sleeping) and I hopefully have a corporate image presentation to deliver to 100 women at National Australia Bank in Melbourne soon which will hopefully bring in more clients. I am working hard to maintain momentum this year as I will have to put things on hold for a few months after Pip arrives next year. The pregnancy is going well so far and most of the time I am too busy to remember I am pregnant!
James is working hard too. A number of positions are vacant in his department at the moment so he is busily trying to fill those whilst maintaining the status quo. Hopefully once these are filled things will calm down a bit.
Weekends are spent planting vegetables in the garden, going to the park or train rides. Ivy loves playing in the mud and water and Jude never fails to fill me in on her antics - she's not going to get away with much while he's supervising!
We're now getting geared up for a week's break in Brisbane to chill out and catch up with friends and family - our first holiday of the year. Jude is very excited to be seeing Nanny, Poppy, Aunties, Uncles and cousins again and we are looking forward to seeing all of the children playing together while we enjoy a wine!
I hope you're all well - keep all of your news coming.
Love Nic x
