Our First Family Holiday

Roland had a long weekend over Melbourne Cup so we headed South for our first family weekend away. Rhyll on Phillip Island was the chosen location and we stayed in an old house overlooking the water. It was a beautiful location and a wonderful weekend. Jess loved being in a new environment but most of all, loved that her grandparents were there too! Nanny and Poppy came for the weekend which made it a very special time.

There was a lovely grassy area out the front where Jess enjoyed sitting, playing, crawling, eating and bird watching.

The boys, Roland and Dad, were super keen one morning and were on the water as the sun was rising. Their efforts went unrewarded but over the course of the weekend caught enough flat head and whiting for everyone to some some for lunch and dinner. We could watch them out of the bay from our house.

Jess loved spending quality time with her parents and grandparents, and everyone loved spending time with her!

It was a very successful four days which gives us confidence as the Summer break approaches. We're heading much further South then - to Tassie for 10 days, which should be wonderful.

Growing, Growing...

The months are ticking past at an alarming rate! Here are some pictures of 8month old Jess.

Here she is with her big cousin, Thomas. Her favourite activity in the whole world is watching big kids play. We go to a play group occasionally just so she can giggle at the big kid running around madly.

Although is now capable of moving forward (but not quite crawling), her main mode of movement remains rolling and side-shuffling. Items under the coffee table always prove very interesting.

Hello sunshine! The sun was out, but the breeze still cool. But we are very keen to start making use of the deck.

Happy bub!

If Jess decides that she isn't all that tired, it's impossible to keep her in her sheets. Here, she's fallen asleep after wiggling around her cot.

Lunch time!

Meal times continues to provide some fantastic photo opportunities. Jess still isn't eating much but is certainly enjoying being around food. Some times she'll eat off a spoon, but mostly she prefers to feed herself. Favourite foods include cheese, zucchini, pear, pasta, broccoli, red meat and porridge but she'll try everything that is put in front of her.

 

 

This and That

It's been a while since the last post and plenty has been happening since then. Jess is still growing like a mushroom and is now over 8kg. We've had some lovely times with grandparents, cousins, and Mum and Dad. Playing, or at least observing, big kids seems to be her most favourite thing in the whole world right now. We've been to a playgroup which was undoubtedly the most exciting hour of her life!

Playing with Dad at Nanny and Poppy's

Too cute!

Having some lovely time with Poppy

Cousin Thomas reading Jess a story

Ready to go to church

We're at Canton City - the Chinese restaurant. Why wouldn't you be smiling!

We started  on solid food about a month ago. It's been an interesting journey so far. After a couple of weeks of tears and refusals, I gave mush the flick and have stuck to finger foods since. She'll eat pretty much anything as long as she can pick it up herself. Pear and broccoli (not together!) seem to be her favourites so far.

why eat mush when you can eat the bowl?!

Just a cute little picture, sucking her favourite toy, Dad's teething ring.

In the mornings the house can be a bit chilly. So while the central heating does it's job, I rug Jess up while I prepare breakfast. This is a particularly cute combination!

Reading the paper with Dad on Saturday morning.

Fun with Mum

Can you spot my cutest teddy?

Jess loves playing with this couch of toys!

And Cookie Monster is extra fun!

And I have no idea why saying 'WHOA!' is so hilarious but clearly it is! Her giggles are the most beautiful sound in the world!

Fun Around the House

Here are the latest happy snaps of the Happy Little Girl.

The Activity Station continues to be a favourite as Jess can sit and stand and lean forward and suck on the microphone!

It make both of us laugh!

We have Nudie Time each day to have a break from her nappies.

And of course, it's a good opportunity to catch up on her reading!

During the cold snap a couple of weeks ago we were brave enough to leave the house after three days inside. It was still freezing cold, but the rain had stopped. I rugged Jess up very well!

This is the new mat for Jess to play on on the deck. She seems to like it already.

 

we also have a smaller mat for inside which I think will get good use.

Birthdays Galore

May is always a big month for birthdays in the Pike household, but this year saw a couple of major milestones: Mum's 60th and Lisa's 30th. We had a lovely night at Eynesbury for Mum's party. Jess enjoyed playing with Nanny and Poppy and her big cousins. Abi and Emily were very good at keeping a smile on Jess' face, as the puppets below show.

Abi is behind me here working the puppets for Jess.

Jess thought they were great (and so did Nanny!)

Nappy and Poppy before the party

 The second gathering for Lisa was dinner in the City. It was another lovely night with the family.

Dad's present - a guide book for New Zealand

And of course, the girls