A Sunny Sunday at Emerald Lake Park

On Sunday Neil suggested that we go out for a picnic.

I must admit that I didn't really feel enthusiastic about all the thought and work involved in packing everything we needed. With my first day of work the next day, I was fairly preoccupied.

But we ended up having a wonderful day out at Emerald Lake Park.

The weather was sunny but not too warm, and there were a lot of families with young children enjoying picnics, BBQs, and paddle boats.

We shared a picnic lunch ...

... saw ducks and other birds ...

... had fun in the playground, watched the train, walked around the lake ...

... and had a fun time together.

We were thinking maybe Grandma and Grandpa might like to come with us for another picnic in a few weeks, if the weather is good. We'd be happy to go back!

It's Looking Good

It was another milestone today ... the first visit to the obstetrician. I'm now 8 weeks 2 days pregnant, and things are going well so far.

Here's the latest photo of our new little Finnegan:

I saw the baby's heartbeat at the six week scan with the IVF specialist, but any reassurance that gave me was quickly dispelled by her lecture regarding the ongoing risks we were facing.

Today was much more positive. The obstetrician is upbeat and encouraging. According to him, everything is looking great. Less than twelve months since I last saw him, we're now back in the system and working our way through all the appointments, tests and procedures that go along with pregnancy.

I've been experiencing a lot of nausea and fatigue, but so far no vomiting. As first trimesters go, it could certainly be worse.

Most of all, I'm just so grateful for this new little life we have been entrusted with. Having a baby grow inside you is such a precious experience that I know many women are denied. I'm not taking it for granted.

A Toothy Grin

I was taking some photos of Charlotte today, and have to share this one.

She has a dirty nose, and there is still some lunch on her cheek and eye. It isn't the most flattering pose.

But she is just so gorgeous and happy and beautiful. And you can see those lovely teeth that are slowly working their way down.

How could you not love a face like that?

Garden Produce

Earlier this year (in late summer/autumn) I purchased some seeds, in the hope of growing a vegetable garden. I'm envious of my parents and the lovely fresh produce they enjoy from Dad's raised garden beds.

I planted some carrot, zucchini and silverbeet seeds. I left them to the sun, and the plentiful rain (which unfortunately overflowed from the gutter and flooded them numerous times).

But I didn't do much to prepare the soil first.

So nothing much happened.

My seedlings grew a little, and then stopped. I left them there, hoping for a miracle, but none came.

The other day I decided to "harvest" my small crop.

I thought it didn't look too bad. Steamed silverbeet and honeyed baby carrots were lovely side vegetables. It's just lucky there is only two of us (I gave the girls something else) or we wouldn't have had enough.

Neil couldn't resist a photo to prove just how miniscule the carrots really were:

But as it is often said, it isn't the size that counts. They tasted very fresh and carroty!

I think next time I'll take a leaf out of Dad's book and spend a lot of time on soil preparation and composition. But you have to start somewhere!

The Band-Aid Bandit

A two-year-old is developing a virus and has trouble sleeping.

Her father valiantly takes her downstairs from 1:00 am - 3:00 am so her mother can sleep.

Her father falls asleep downstairs.

She finds a box of band-aids.

The result? See for yourself ...

There were actually a lot more, which I found discarded around the house this morning.

Her leg elicited several concerned comments today from people at Sabbath school, and the real estate agents!

A Knitting Tribute

Neil's Aunty Margaret died last week, just a month shy of her 91st birthday. Her funeral was on Friday.

This is a picture (taken on my mobile) of the girls in the car on the way to the funeral. They are each wearing one of the four cardigans Margaret knitted for them when they were born.

I was so pleased I thought to dress them like that. In total there were seven children at the funeral and/or refreshments afterwards, and all were in Margaret-knitted attire. One of the mums attempted a photograph, but with three of the seven under 12-months-old, it was a bit of a challenge!

I will really miss Margaret. I think our whole family will. We enjoyed popping over to visit her, or ringing to tell her our news. She took great interest in the girls. Here is a photograph of her when she visited to meet Charlotte for the first time.

Margaret was a determined lady, with spirit and a sense of adventure. She was dedicated to family, and loved her knitting. I enjoyed her company on birthdays, Christmas and other occasions over the last eight years that I have known Neil and his family. True to the meaning of her name, she really was a "pearl".