Not long now

The nesting instinct has kicked in. I've spent this last week sorting out cupboards, washing floors, uncluttering bookshelves and surfaces (like the top of the fridge), and removing cobwebs. Todd's been busy too, making the yard secure for Sarah (who has just started to run) and our dog, fixing the front door, and answering my endless question "what shall I do with this" to which he almost always replies "Chuck it". Todd's loving this burst of enthusiastic cleaning and decluttering and he even dislocated his shoulder helping me clean places under the bed I couldn't reach. I think he's hoping I'm a changed woman - I doubt it. But I must admit, it feels so good to know that the top of the extractor fan in the kitchen is clean. I've finished work now, and am due in just over 2 weeks. I've packed my bag for hospital, and have set up the bassinet in our room. I have washed his tiny little clothes and sewn a couple of blankets. I've practiced relaxation breathing, and Todd and I have practiced acupressure points for labour. I'm ready to meet our son ... I think. I've heard second births are much easier. And don't anyone tell me otherwise. Now its time to relax and enjoy Sarah as my little baby, and savour quiet evenings with Todd. Who knows how long it will be before the fun begins, but one thing I do know - By hook or by crook he's coming ...

Soininen Beauties

These photos were taken just over a year ago on a family holiday in Tasmania. I know they are a bit old, but its pretty rare to get us all together - all 23 of us. I chose this 1st shot as it was the only one where everyone was looking pretty normal at the same time (hard to do with such a big group)

I love you mum and dad. You are both amazing.

Rebecca, Morgan, Hannah, Sam, Mark and Elizabeth Kelly, David, James, Ethan, Ben, Elijah and Matti
Kate, Todd and Sarah
Amelia and Andre
Erin
Matt

EllenI love Matt's expression here. So cool.

Poor boy, how did he manage with 6 sisters?

Midnight capers

This week Sarah has been sick again. She has another virus and this is a nasty one. Temperature, blisters in her mouth, sore bleeding gums, aches and pains (not to mention interesting breath). Anyway, the other night she woke up screaming at 12:30am. Todd and I both got up and didn't know what to do as she wasn't settling in our arms, or with distraction. Todd suggested going for a walk, and it worked a treat. So there we were at midnight in our dressing gowns and slippers walking down the street. Every time we tried to take Sarah home though she started screaming again, so it was a rather long walk. I wonder what the cars thought as they drove past.

Recent Pictures

I just had to post some recent snapshots of Sarah. At the moment she is standing at her door instead of going to sleep and I am pretending not to notice her so I can get this done.

She loves to help mum cook, and mum likes to cook chocolately things.

There they are - the loves of my life.

That cheeky face again. Sorry Dad - I tried to sweep it up.

She makes it easy for us and opens really really wide.
This photo looks a lot like Todd when he was a baby. Couldn't you just kiss those lips.