Joshie Boy Turns One

I know we have already posted our 12.12.12 photo but here are some more photos of Joshie's special first birthday.

Gracie found it hard to come to terms with it being Joshie's birthday, NOT hers.

Of course after opening all the toys, the balloon got the most attention!

Screen shot, good timing, Phew!

This little cutie Charlotte (Charly) is only a few months older than Josh and they could be twins. Whenever I am around her I totally get that rush of endorphins and can't help but smile, just like when I am around Joshie, funny how our brains work aye?!

This is the birthday table.

Summer and Joshie, the guests of honour

The party guests, (left to right) Summer Higgins, Hunter Lock, Joshie, Lucy Down, Breana Tata, Charlotte Reid.

All of the Mum's I invited had two kids. I suggested to all the ladies that we get babysitters for all of our  toddlers..........IT.WAS.HEAVEN.

We stuck a whole heap of paper to the floor and laid out crayons and we also filled a play tent with balls and they were entertained for the whole party!

One of the Mums was standing at the table and thought...'stuff standing up, I'm pulling up a chair"

Within five minutes we all had chair around the buffet table and we stuffed our faces and laughed for a good hour. Its was so great to get that time out.

I seem to also have started a new tradition for my kids first birthday cakes................they suck!

Gracie's first birthday cake was a disaster, Joshie's was no exception. Gracie's Second Birthday cake was GREAT so I am hoping to follow the pattern for Joshie's second.

I feel like a horrible mother.

Oh well, it tasted ok.

Later on my family came over for cake and presents and once again, the cozy coupe came out and we were throwing the kids down the hill.

This is my nephew Caleb, he is fearless. He did this multiple times and LOVED it!

This next one is Joshie's first time, he wasn't quite as happy about it as we thought he might be.

He had a great day. We love Joshie a lot, he is such a happy, sweet boy and he keeps a smile on all our faces.

Gracie's 'Special' Day!

For Joshie's first birthday party (post coming VERY soon) I asked all the Mum's to arrange someone to take their older kids so that the babies could have their moment in the spotlight.
It worked out really well as the party was SOOOO relaxing and my mate Terina was super excited to take Gracie out for the day. She wasn't really handling all the attention being on Josh so I was glad she was being pampered toddler style elsewhere.
Here are some photos of her day.

First and foremost it's sunblock time.

Park time.

Get scared of the ducks time.

Lunch time.

Tramp time.

Movie time.

Randomly find your mate on the beach time.

Park on the beach time.

Posing time.

Play with the dog time.

and of course, shove the playdough in their very expensive speakers time.

Glad she had such a fun day. Thanks Terina and Yoonsung :)

Tairua

My parents decided last year that they wanted to be 'real' kiwi's and they bought a Family bach!

We have been there a couple of times (including Christmas Day) and our time there as a family has been great.
Even though we have the kids with us, we come back feeling so refreshed and relaxed. We are hoping to get out there a couple more times before winter. We are so grateful to my parents for sharing their little weekend getaway home with us.

The bach is in Tairua and although it's not on the beach you can drive there in 2 mins and walk in about 10-15 mins. It is right at the top of the hills and the view is AH-mazing!

Nature Boy

It's not a secret that I was a little scared to have a boy. This is why............

I don't know how to play with cars, or dinosaurs, or action figures. I don't like playing in mud or climbing trees or jumping off things. I don't like mess, end of story.

But boys are SOOOOOOOOO easy.

Joshie was more challenging as a baby and didn't sleep through anywhere near as quickly as Gracie and I had many times where the crying wouldn't stop and I had NO idea what he needed. I had never experienced this with Gracie.

They seem to have switched places.

Gracie is needy, whiney, defiant and squeals!

Joshie sleeps well, eats well, plays by himself and grunts.

This boy just wants to be outside ALL the time, playing with the bikes, the water or the dirt. He gets pretty gross but I don't care cause he doesn't bug me all day (oh and cause the pills are working!)

He is so easy to play with because he takes the lead, I just copy, and if the door is open he is in his element.

Here are some photo's of him being a typical BOY!

Found eating dirt.

Stealing Gracie's leftover breakfast!

Eating the sand.......over and over again!

Full!

Eating dirt again!

Naked, 80% of the time

Longing to go outside.

Fed up of waiting for me.

At Mitre 10 Mega with Dad.

Walking into walls!

Catching the view.

Being a plonker!

Under the apple tree.

One night after giving the kids dinner, a bath, and brushing their teeth we couldn't find Joshie. I was kind of freaking out. Then we found him.....down in the bottom corner of the garden where we couldn't see him...........throwing apples............in his pj's.........Grunting.

I love this boy and I can't wait to see him grow up.

xx