Regression

Jack has obviously been stressed about loosing his dummy. He is learning to self settle and how to cope with his two year old emotions. He is doing well but I won't tell you it has been easy. We have had less melt downs and he is already talking more and talking through his troubles rather than running to his bedroom to find comfort in the dums. So there are some positives. 

Remembering to use the toilet has been a trouble since loosing the dummy and I found this article very helpful. I hope this phase passes soon. 

Take 2

I found this picture after I had completed the last post. I like this one. It's very 'Molly.'

Molly

Molly and Aunty Rach came to play this morning so that Jack's mum could get her hair done. Jack has had some troubles with pushing over a little girl at daycare but he was in a for a shock when he pushed Molly over today and she bit him in defense. They both found themselves in Time Out.

Little Molly is no push over. See my pearly whites. Argh!

Aunty Bec just loves Molly's kissy face. The cousins were both worn out by the time I got home (after only 2 hours) Jack was fast alseep and has been for the last 3 hours. 

Jack was proud to show off his big boy bed. 

About life without the dummy, I have to say that I'm not really excited about it yet. Jack slept well the night before last but last night he had a big cry at 1am and I felt terrible for him. All he wanted was his dums. Mummy's cuddles come a close second but at 1am it is exhausting. 

Dummy Update

We had a great sleep last night. Jack slept for 4 hours at daycare yesterday (and we pay them for that) and he slept until 5.30 this morning. He struggled to get back to sleep but there was no kicking and screaming. He just needed his mum by his side, he forgot he threw the dums. By 6.15 we were all back in our beds which caused us all to sleep in a bit this morning but we are getting there. Last night was NO WHERE NEAR as bad as the night before.

Stuart said, 'The next child is NOT having a dummy.'

Yeah right. Like he has a say. :p

Bye Dummy

Jack has had his dummy since he was 2 days old. When we were still in hospital he needed the dummy to fall asleep. After plenty of feeding and rocking he would still not fall asleep unless he had his 'dums.' 

Jack had his dummy in hand way too often and he only liked the expensive 'Nuk' dummies. Jack hasn't needed his dummy at daycare for almost 12 months and he sleeps up to 3 hours most days. Since Jack turned 2 we have had the dummy attached to his bed for sleep time only but recently it has been the cause of too many tantrums and it's time has come.  

That video makes Stuart *sigh* "He is growing up". Imagine how proud we will be when he graduates college. 

Last night was very rough. Jack cried and cried inconsolably for 2 hours before he finally fell asleep and then he woke at 6am and sobbed and carried on for another 45mins. It really was our hardest night in a long time. When Jack got to daycare this morning he announced to his carer 'no dummy, me big boy' and he was so proud and happy. Tonight he fell asleep after 20mins but he was truly exhausted, he didn't even ask for the dummy. 

 

Thanks to Nan R and Pop for the 'big boy bed.' After all, you just can't have a dummy in a big boy bed! 

Happy Birthday Dad

Stu had a lovely birthday yesterday. It was a good idea to be surrounded by friends.

We dined at Mistress @ Manuka 'rodizio' style - straight from the sword.

The big boys enjoyed 'all you can eat meat.' Jack enjoyed the 'chockie cake.'

Thanks so much for making Stu's birthday so memorable. He was very spoilt. We are looking forward to the big THREE-O next year.

We all headed North for the weekend to get away from the cold and to visit some family. Jack spent some lovely time with Grandpa and Aunty Judy.

We stayed 2 nights at Aunty Rhonda & Col's house and they were so wonderful. They made us breakfast every morning and Uncle Col made his famous Salmon curry with steamed vegetables
for dinner. After lunch and shopping in Byron Bay we walked to their beautiful beach and Jack walked Marley the West Highland White Terrior. Aunty Rhonda's guest bed is like sleeping on a cloud.

We went to Sea World and the weather was spectacular. It was 29C in Surfers and I was wishing we packed more summer clothes.

Jack loved the 'Happy Feet' and the rides although he wasn't impressed with Elmo and Ernie when they approached his for a cuddle.

My personal favourite was feeding the sting rays. They were so friendly that they wanted to be patted along their wings.



We dined at my favourite restaurant after an exhausting day at Sea World.

Staying in Rydges was a bit of a dive after staying at Aunty Rhonda's house but they did do a very nice buffet breakfast.

After checking out of the hotel we drove to Mount Tambourine Distillery where Stu sampled some of their finest. We went for a short walk through the trees before we jumped in the car again and headed off home. That was what I call a busy weekend!

Mother of the Year 2009

I was totally shocked when I watched the news this afternoon and saw this announcement

Mother of the Year

Of course I am humbled to win such an award and there are so many people I have to thank:

Firstly, my own mother who set the mark to high and my dear husband who admittedly contributes to 50% of the parenting. My son who is a role model child and makes my job so much easier and my late Mother in Law, I miss you Gail. 

And some advice for the Jolie-Pitt's: Sometimes less is more.   

Baby Bounce

Jack and Molly have had some fun times while Jack's usual daycare lady has been on leave. 

I have been working on getting my Mac skills up so this is my first iMovie - so much better than the old Window's Movie Maker!

Stunt man

Jack has taken to extreme quad riding. We have seen all seen the baby stunt before....


But this is the latest, notice how he maintains perfect control of the bike whilst side saddle.

Next time he'll be standing on the seat for sure!