Twenty-Nine Weeks

Let's start with a much better picture of The Fang, courtesy of Daddy and the macro function. The Fang is getting lots of use; it gnaws rusks, chews lumps of pumpkin, savages fingers, and let us not go into the details of what it is doing to other parts of its mater's corpus. Suffice to say: ow.



Anyway, today Fang and Co woke up to a very chilly but beautiful day. Behold, the sight from our bedroom window!



Loooooads of snow. So we decided to go and find even more. Off we set for the Nelson Lakes, and set ourselves up on the beach for a picnic. See what Sebby's sitting in? It won't fit on our table at home (boo) but it's great for on-the-go!



Side point: Mutti, remember when you asked whether Sebby had the same beautiful round forehead as his sister? Well, here 'tis.



After lunch we set off for a wee hike. Mollster was determined: she was tough enough to carry her brother. (Hum along with me: He ain't heavy, he's... etc.) She did an amazing job, stomping up the hill with him. I happen to know that he IS heavy, brother or no brother!





We all fell asleep(ish) on the way home. 'Cept for Daddy of course.

And one last photo, which is just here because I so often can't believe how beautiful he is. I know every mother thinks this about their kiddling, but oh my. He is just so glorious, I tear up half the time I look at him. And here, doesn't he look so much like his papa? Why do babies do that? I want one that looks like me!

Achievements

We tried really hard to get a pic of Sebster's toothipeg. Turns out it's hard to photograph a minuscule shiny wet patch in the shiny wet gob of a wriggly-biggly baby. But if you look really closely, through your rose-coloured glasses, you'll see it.



Also, today in his swimming lesson he swam underwater BY HIMSELF. Viz., he was thrown from the teacher to his papa under the water. I am seriously glad I was not there to watch it. But apparently he had a good time.

Miss M also had a good time this evening, curled up by the fire watching trash telly while her parents staggered off down the local. Three cheers for our lovely responsible babysitter!



But! Her mama and papa were not just being aging lushes. They were on a Mission. And they emerged victorious from the Brightwater Sprig & Fern, brandishing their $40 bar vouchers, having proven themselves on that classic field of suburban battle, the Pub Quiz Nite.

Twenty-Eight Weeks Old

Well, here we are on Friday night and it's been a busy and eventful week. Tuesday was Stage Challenge, and though they didn't win, Garin put on a great performance and my girl had a great day. Their piece was about two friends who go on to high school and get separated and go through all the different cliques; geeks, bullies, populars. Molls was in the first phalanx of dancers, who play the childhood friends. So cute!



Meanwhile, Seb also had a busy week. Shopping on Monday, swimming lesson on Tuesday, school mass and then coffee group on Thursday, more swimming on Friday; what a social butterfly! This week he did his first rolling over from back to front. Anyway, it was all very tiring.



He also got a really cool pressie from his Aunty. How snuggly does he look? It's beautiful, Fuffy! Thank you!



And today, a very exciting development... peeking through his gum, the first little edge of a tooth!

Can I just also point out that this week Daddy did the shopping, AND all the cooking, AND all the housework, AND all the washing and nappies, AND made Sebby tasty goodies like mushed up chicken livers? And he makes me and Molls breakfast every day, not to mention our delicious packed lunches. He's the best. Love ya, Daddy.

Twenty-Seven Weeks Old

This weekend Sebby and I had lots of time together. Daddy and Molls went to Canvastown for a hooley and stayed up late, much later than me and the Sebster can handle. We had been planning to go, but the weather was so completely stink, and I was so draggingly tired, that in the end I cried off. So boo, I missed out on seeing lots of people I would've liked to see, but on the other hand, I got to spend the weekend looking at this dear little mush (rhymes with push, not lush, and my granny used to say it all the time so it's got to be a real word, right?). Here's my guy in his highchair (thanks again, Lydia!) enjoying a rusk while his mummy wrestles with pureeing and says rude words about cookery in general and marrows in particular.



And now I am officially very tired. Solo parenting is hard work. Am appreciating Daddy's daily efforts all over again.

I wish I had another photo for you, 'cause I just got back from Molly's Stage Challenge dress rehearsal, and I am so proud of her! I put the camera in my bag and totally meant to play paparazzi, but I was running late and only just got there in time for her bit, but I'm sorry, I couldn't bear the idea of not seeing it myself because I was busy staring at a camera. But she was fab, and cute as a button, and I am so very very proud of her and of how hard she has worked. The show is on Tuesday, so cross your fingers and toes that she has as great a time this year as she did last year!

Unicorn Chaser

What (you are asking) the hell is a unicorn chaser?

It's a silly interwebz phrase that means something lovely coming after something horrid. And since I made my entire readership blub last post (sorry chaps) I am going to redeem myself by posting three of the CUTEST THINGS EVER.

Let's start with this. Sibling adoration. Who knows whether they'll still be speaking to each other in a few years' time - but right now, there is lurrrrrve.



And here's the boy at the pool with his daddy, swimming his little heart out. Sorry for the fogginess, the camera steamed up. You'll just have to squint, and then you'll see that nothing will do but a Paula-ism: Bless!!!



But here's my favourite cuteness of all the cute moments. This is how Daddy found his boy after a nap a couple of days ago. Totally unposed, swear.



Could he be ANY more adorable? Ultimate unicorn chaser.

Twenty-Six Weeks: Mothers' Day

This isn't really a post about Seb. This is a Mother's Day post, a day early.

I'm doing it a day early in the hope that my very own mother will perform her morning ritual of blog-checking and find it, because she's the reason I'm writing it. Seb and I have spent the last week with her and it's been his first chance as a non-newborn to get to know her, and for her to get to know him, and watching that process has reminded me yet again of what an amazing mother I have, and what a fabulous grandmother my children have. Watching her with Seb reminded me of what it was like to have the completely undivided love and attention that she lavishes on a child.

It reminded me that being one of Mutti's children meant always knowing that you were the centre of someone's world, and that whatever you needed, she would provide it for you. Knowing that someone had your back in the fiercest possible way. Knowing that there was someone in the world to whom you were endlessly interesting. You gave that to me and Pippa, and you give it to all your grandchildren, and it's precious.

Mutti, I hope you don't mind me posting this picture. I know it's not the most gorgeous and flattering one. But it reminds me of all those mornings (and all those nights, if I wasn't well) snuggled in your bed, and how safe and warm and full of dreams and love it was in your arms. Seb is a lucky little guy to have you as his grandmother, and so are Molls and Lukie and Pearl.



Thank you, Mutti. Happy Mother's Day. And to avoid sentimentality (too late, I hear you cry) here is proof that you sing rude songs to my little punkin. It sounds rude, anyway.



Happy Mother's Day, darling Mutti!

Six Months Old

My dearest and darlingest little man,

Today you are six months old. Half a year already! It's just crazy how fast that's gone. The day of your birth is still so very near and fresh and wonderful, and yet it was so long ago that the earth's moved right round to the other side of the sun since then.

But the sun still shines on you, my handsome. This is you today, smiling and squeaking. You are SO LOVELY.



You and I got back from Auckland yesterday, and your daddy and sister were SO happy to see you again. You were full of smiles for them; the sort of smile that's all wide open mouth and crinkled up eyes. You had a great trip away and were wonderful to travel with. You slept everywhere, and ate well, and charmed everyone you met. Your Auckland family are madly in love with you and who can blame them?

So, on the day you turned half a year old, this is what you did. You woke up at about six, but went back to sleep again till seven; then had a biiiiig feed, and got kissed to bits by your sister before she headed off to school. Then it was a breakfast of pears and baby muesli before nap time.

Your naps have generally been getting a bit shorter, but today they were good solid one-and-a-half-hour jobs. That's because of your trip; you were pretty tired still. In fact, here you are in the car yesterday on the way to the airport. One zonked out baby. Your mutti kept driving when we arrived, 'cause we had the time and we couldn't bear to wake you! The rattle was a present from your cousin Pearl. You loved it, and clutched it all the way.



Where was I? Oh yes. After your nap we had another big feed and then played for a couple of hours. You liked it best out in the garden, where you sat under the grapevine and gazed at the leaves while I read my book. Then you had lunch; kumara and carrot and baby rice, which you ate up with great gusto.

After your afternoon nap and some afternoon tea, we went for a walk. It's getting chilly now, so you wore the cute little "baby viking" hat that Pippa made you, and I tucked you in tight with a snuggly blanket. You slept for about forty-five minutes under the grey, rain-threatening clouds, and woke up the moment we got home.

After yet another feed (what can I say, you're a hungry guy) you had a play with Daddy, and then tonight as a treat you had a shower with him instead of a bath. You love that, and don't mind it one bit when the water goes in your face. You bat at it with your plump little hands and smile your crazy Sebby smile.

And that was it. Off to bed and down to sleep without a peep.

This month's been hard for me. There was a big big change, with me starting work and having to leave you all day. I thought for a while that my heart would break. The only reason it hasn't is because your daddy looks after you so very well and you are still such a happy little darling. I wish I could be with you all the time... but because I'm not, I love it even more when I am. I love the raspberries that you blow all the time. I love the way you gaze at trees and are so happy when you're out under the wide blue sky. I love the way you crane your neck back to look at the people you love, when you're supposed to be feeding, because then I can kiss your dear little throat. I love the way you yell at your rolly monkey when you can't reach him. I love the way you chew your toes the moment your nappy comes off. I love the way you open your eyes as wide as the ocean when you get a shock. Oh Sebby, there isn't any darn thing that I DON'T love about you.

Happy half birthday, my sweet sweet pie.

Holiday!

Seb and Mummy are on holiday in Auckland!

It was terribly sad leaving Daddy and Molls though. Especially Daddy, who's Seb's bestest matey. They had lots of last cuddles at the airport while Daddy gave Mummy Instructions For The Care And Feeding Of Sebastian.



Seb was pretty darn good on the plane, where he slept for about half an hour, zonked out on excitement, altitude and milk. And then we were at Auckland, and he was greeted by his Adoring Public, who got a bit teary-eyed to see what a big chap he is now.



That afternoon his cuzzies came to visit, and he found them most intriguing.



But not as intriguing as his Uncle Matt, who has mad guitar skillz and impressed Sebbo no end. As you can see, Seb put on a special tshirt for the occasion. Bad choice of pants, but.

Next day we went to Lisa and Jonathan's wedding. It would be typical and predictable and boring to show you photos of the beautiful location, the adorable bridesmaid, or the gorgeous bride. Instead, here is Seb having his pants changed in the boot. Pooey one, eh?

Next morning Seb had a go at busting the Family Heirloom Rattle. New record set! He played with it for about 27 seconds before cracking the sucker. That's my boy.

Love you, Sebby, you handsome beast.