Hello my Darling girl, 2yrs, 4mths and 2 days. Growing stronger and smarter by the day. Pre-school has done such wanders for you. You're social skills are impeccible. Whenever we are out and about, you make a point of waving and saying Hello to complete strangers. I love seeing their faces light up just from your presence. You have that way with people. Your are an angel. You are counting past twenty and with a little help can get to thirty. We are slowly teaching you to recognise numbers and you are slowly learning the alphabet. At the moment, your version goes a little something like this (screamed on the top of your lungs) "ABCHLMNOP, now I know my ABC's, next time sing with me!" You know all your colours and shapes and can draw a circle, triangle and a square. You still enjoy reading ALOT! and we had our first borrow from the library on the weekend. We walked out with 6 books and have had lots of fun reading them by yourself or to mummy and daddy. On Mondays after Pre-school you love to sing all the songs you've learnt that day. You make me laugh so much with your songs and dancing. You've always been the BIGGEST Hi5 fan, but lately you love nothing more than getting up and copying all their moves. Sometime during our day, something always relates back to a Hi5 song. Speaking of Hi5, we're off to see them in Nov with 10 other little people. Lyssy, Yas, Bibby and Bray are coming with their Mummy's. I have not told you our plans. I just plan on buying you a Hi5 outfit and waiting to see your face light up when you see them on stage. We have very good seats and I have entered a comp to meet them after the show. Finger's crossed x You're speech is unbelievable. Your new favourite word at the moment is "Delicious" everything is delicious. You COPY and REPEAT everything I say, which can be scary. You're always saying "C'mon Mummy, lets play, C'mon". It's so cute. How can I refuse such an offer.You have been sick with a cold over the past week and then came the dreaded conjunctivits. But by applying some "Macigy Water" (Magic Water) we fixed that eye right up. You're being sick never dampens your spirit. You put us adults to shame. Trying to teach you blow your nose was incredibly funny, we still haven't quite mastered it, but we'll get there. Still no progress on Toilet Training. You dont seem at all interested and are happy to walk around stinking like a sewer. Come Xmas holidays though, there'll be a lot of running around the house without a nappy on. That will soon teach you, I hope. We are all really enjoying our new home in the Mountains. We have somehow acquired 2 pet Magpies that come to our back door and sing at least three times a day for food. You yell for me "Mummy, mapies are here" so we take out bread and devon for them. I can almost hand feed the male (I am assuming he is a male), the female stands about 3m from me and I have to throw her, her food. We've been told around November that a wallaby comes to visit. I am looking forward to introducing you both. You love getting out in the yard and playing. You have a spade and bucket were you shovel up all the dirt from the garden and deposit it into another part of the yard. This can keep you amussed for hours on end. We have lay-by'd a bike for you for Xmas. It has training wheels and of course is HOT PINK with alot of tassles and a basket for your "Rab". We also got a Care Bear helmet. I dont think it will take you long at all at mastering the art of riding a BIG bike. We have a very long Drive-Way and I often picture you and your daddy out there learning to ride. Lots of falls ans scrapes as well. So my little monkey. I "luf" you to Mars and back. Stay well, stay strong and keep me giggling. As always "Mummy Happy". Mummy xxxoxxx

Hello my gorgeous gorgeous girl. Roughly 8 or 9 years ago my sister (Aunty Holly) bought a CD. I asked to listen to it and there was a song on it that I loved. Unlike many songs I have listened too, I remember thinking back then that someday I would have to print the words and give them to my children to read...thoroughly. Well, just now, I am sitting at work and I am listening to a CD I made a few years back, unaware what the contents were. I have just listened to this song, having not heard it for many many years. Baby girl, I attach the words below. Please read them, live by them.....I try every now and then: (It's a song by the very talented Baz Lurhmann, from the "Something for Everybody" album, the song is Everybody's free [to wear sunscreen]) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Class of 97', wear Suncreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now. Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine. Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind. The kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing every day that scares you. Sing. Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. Floss. Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements. Stretch. Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone. Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's. Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own. Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. Read the directions, even if you don't follow them. Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly. Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young. Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out. Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth. But trust me on the sunscreen. Bella, Read this every now and then...Please! I love you Baby....Mum xxxxxxxxx

Hello My Princess, Woops, too long since I have written. Since your second birthday you have started Pre-School at a beautiful little place near Emu Plains. The first 2 weeks leaving you was a real tear jerker, but as soon as I drop you off now you run and play with little friends, blow me a kiss and off I go. Your teacher's are 2 very lovely ladies. Jenny adores you and has many stories to share when I come to pick you up. Both ladies have commented on how very independant you are. So true, you like to do things on your own with no help and if you can't do it, you get frustrated. But eventually you give in and ask for help. I think this is a great trait to have. At least Daddy and I know that in years to come you'll be able to hold your own, per say. You're artwork is better than Michaelangelo's (hahaha). You adore painting and if paint wasn't used that day, that's OK, you use the glue as paint. So alot of your work comes home dripping of glue. When I ask what you have painted...always a flower or Mummy. So very cute you are! You only go to school for 3.5 hrs on the Monday. I pick you up just after lunch whilst the other little ones are settling down for a rest. The reason I do this and not let you stay for the afternoon is that you still have 3hrs sleep a day and before I even get onto the freeway to take you home, you are snoring in the back seat. I carry you into bed when we get home and you stay that way for between 2-3hrs. Oh, you love your sleep little one....just like Mum! You have become a parrot, copying everything we do or say. Have to be most careful what's said around the house, if you know what I mean...wink wink! You come out with little sayings like, when I ask you to do something "just a sec" or the other day I dropped a pot in the kitchen, you came running in and said "are you awwight?". You are so adorable and sometimes way beyond your years. You love having us read to you before you go to sleep of a night. First I hop in and read a book, then it's Daddy's turn. I love nothing more than sticking my head in your door and watching you and your Daddy read. Last night you two were talking about the character's on your watch (Princess's). He was talking to you like a 20 yr old and you were watching so intently to everyword. You have begun signing alot and know the words to Twinkle Twinkle, Happy Birthday, Baa Baa, Ring-a-ring-a-rosy, Little Peter Rabbit, Ga-loomp went the little green frog and Hickory Dickory. We sing all these songs whilst having dinner in amongst all the actions as well. You sometimes pretend you are playing the guitar or singing with a microphone. Not surprised at all at you becoming an entertainer when you're older, with my dancing and Poppo's band you're bound to do something in that field. Well, my little lady, until my next entry, please stop growing, stay little forEVER! I love this age and wish you could stay 2 forever. But I've said that pretty much since you were a week old. Lots of sloppy wet kisses and BIG bear hugs to you from your Mummy and Duddy! xxxxxxxxx

Happy 2nd Birthday my Angel, You are two today and that just blows my mind.....where have the last 2 years gone. We had such a lovely day. Daddy, myself, Aunty Amy, Nanna and Bibby went to feed the ducks at Central Gardens. We played on the play equipment and went for a nice walk and looked at all the animals. Afterwards, we visited Aunty Shen, Uncle Dave, Yas and Lyssy. They had bought you a birthday cake and decorated their home with balloons and streamers. They love you so much and we are very thankful that they are your Godparents. They got you a pony to ride around on and some beautiful earrings which surprisingly you let me put in when we got home. For your birthday we got you some new linen for your beds, 2 Hi5 DVD's and some play-doh, which you absolutley adore. You know all the colours and like cutting out the shape of the shark, which you call "Hi Bruce" just like in Nemo. On Saturday we have a few friends and family visiting our new home in Hazelbrook and to celebrate your BIG day. I am sure you will be spoilt with lots of presents and LOVE. I am going to attempt at making you a CupCake Tree. We'll see how we go. You start pre-school on the 20th June just for a few hours every Monday. I can not wait to see what artwork you bring home and at how many friends you will make. I have to get busy putting your name on clothes and bags. It's a very emotional time. My little girl's first big day at school. You are such a lovely little lady and you are talking so well these days. You are stringing 3-4 words together and love nothing more than talking on the Hello "phone" when someone rings. But when you're asked a question you nod your head instead of saying Yes, it's so very cute. You have taken so well to our new home, it's like you've lived there forever. You look so tiny in your new BIG room which we painted pink, of course. It's very girly, as it should be and I never knew just how many Teddy Bears you own. They are everywhere! We have to walk up the driveway about 100 meters to get the mail. You love putting on your gumboots and going for the walk. We take "Hi Fritty" and you talk to her the whole time. You help me in the yard when Daddy's at work and we must blow bubbles the whole time. You love exploring up our yard, because we have a bit of land and you squeal with delight when you hear a Kookaburra. The smallest things amaze you and it's just adorable. Well, on your 2nd birthday my darling girl, I wish you nothing but happiness and hope that all your little wishes come true. Your Daddy and I love you more than you'll ever know. You are our world. Lots of kisses and cuddles from (Bec) Mummy and (Gran) Daddy xxxxxxxxx

Little Girl, No longer.....as of 2 nights ago you are now sleeping in a BIG bed, which is heartbreaking, where has my baby gone? For the last few weeks you have been waking very early in the mornings (2-3am) and crying uncontrollably for hours. You won't settle and you and I have ended up most nights on the loungeroom floor together until you're fast asleep and I then carry you back to your cot. Daddy and I thought that maybe, you've just grown out of your cot and feeling a little restrained. So into the BIG bed you went. You may wake once a night, but tend to settle yourself. The good thing so far is that you have not once hopped out of the bed and still call for us in the morning when you wake up.....finger's crossed this remains the same forever!!!!! Last night you fell out but we were readily prepared having put your Barbie lounge next to the bed so your fall would be cushioned. You were scared more than hurt, but Daddy settled you and back to sleep you went. I love being able to give you cuddles so easily in the morning when you wake. You love the cuddles as well and if I move to get up, you say "more cuddles" and we lay there together for a few more minutes. It breaks my heart when I check on you before I go to bed and see you laying there in that BIG bed. I can still remember placing you in the cot for the 1st time when we bought you home from hospital nearly 2 years ago....where has the time gone? You're also sitting on the Potty before bathtime. You did a wee the other night and Daddy and I carried on like 5 yr olds. You clapped and laughed at us, walked over to the tissue box to clean up the wee, because you thought you'd made a mess. You are so clever. Still calling me Dada and Nanna tells me yesterday you called her Dada aswell. Hmmmm, I think everyone's Dada to you. Your manners are impeccable, your Ta's and Peases are so frequent and you are saying "parbon" when you burp and even when you cough. Too cute! Our new house settles on the 27th May and our first priority is your bedroom. Because it's such a huge room, we're putting 2 single beds in there, one for you and the other for when someone stays over. I can just imagine you and Nana or Aunty Amy (mimi) having slumber parties till all hours of the morning. Sheesh! I'm also going to make a little reading corner, with bookshelves and beanbags for you to read. You love reading books just like mum! Well Princess, I just wanted to make a quick update on your bed news. STOP GROWING SO FAST BELLA!!!!! That's an order! Love Mummy (Dada)

To my Bella Rose, 22 months (on the 9th April). I can not beleive you'll be 2 in just 2 months. This time last year I was organising your 1st birthday.....nearly 12 mths later and we're thinking of what to do for your 2nd....where has the time gone. You seem to be growing and learning new things every single day. You are the most caring and sweet natured little girl. You are talking so well and have begun stringing 2-3 words together. You're learning colours at the moment and tend to think everything is BLUE! But we're getting there. You're counting a little and can recognise numbers. I had a shirt on the other day with the No.8 on it. When you saw me, you said "8" and I nearly fell over. The one thing that you cant quite grasp at the moment is calling me "Mama". You call me Dada, it's sweet and i think they day you call me Mama will be a wonderful day, until then I answer to Dada and so does your Dada. You went through a little stage there about 2-3 mths ago where you didn't want anything to do with your Dad. Even if he came near me you would get cranky. But at the moment, you idolise him and I love watching you 2 interact. Daddy's the wrestler and ball player at home. I often hear the two of you cackling in the louneroom. To you, I am the cuddler. We spend lots of time on the lounge cuddling by reading books or watching movies. At the moment your favourite is "Puppins" Mary Poppins and Toy Story 2. You are still Hi5's NUMBER ONE FAN. You're also interested in Dora the Explorer which is a great show on Nick Jr. You really interact with the telly and copy dance moves or sing the songs. It's very precious to witness. You got sick a couple of months back with Tonsilitis. That was a very sad couple of days to see you off. Vomitting, nappy rash, not eating and high temps. You spent alot of time resting and lost alot of weight. But you're back to your funny little self now. I then got the horrible bug and you were an angel when I was sick. You spent lots of time giving me cuddles and I think that's what made me feel better. Our trip away in May has been cancelled. Mummy's holiday leave did not get approved at work so we decided to try our luck at buying a house. WE DID! YAY for us. Little girl, we will be moving in a couple of months up the mountains which is what Daddy and I have wanted for quite some time. It is going to be a very sad moment leaving your bedroom behind. We've made a lot of memories in our little home, but I am certain we'll make many many more in our new home. We hope to be moved in for your birthday and plan to have a little combined housewarming/birthday party with a few friends and family. I can't wait. I am looking forward to taking you for walks in your stroller through the streets of our new suburb. You love sitting in your stroller telling me everything you see, birdy's, planes, trucks and bikes. You are quite the chatterbox. We've stopped swimming because you are nearly as big as me and stronger. I can't hold you as you very much like to think you can swim by yourself. Such a determined little thing you are. Winter's coming up anyway, so we may take a break all of winter and do some casual lessons when the weather warms up. When Nanna minds you on Thursday's, she looks after cousin Billy "Bibby" too. You two get on so well and it's gorgeous seeing your face light up when you see him. Nanna tells me you like to help feed and bath him. When you're at Billy's house, Nanna often finds you in Billy's cot with him, JUMPING the life out of the matress and him laughing at you. I hope you both grow up with a special bond. You're Nanna adores you and I love hearing her stories of what you've gotten up to during the day. You are a character. You got your first haircut a few weeks ago. Just your little fringe. It was getting in your eyes so Daddy took you to the hair salon for a trim. I was at work and he sent me some photo's. I nearly cried. You sitting in the BIG chair with the cape around your neck. Daddy bought me home some of your hair for me to keep in a very special place. You're soft white blonde hair.....I Love It! The Easter Bunny bought you a raincoat, gumboots and an umbrella (Umbulla). You did not take them off for at least a week after Easter. Rain or not! Daddy had to take you to the shops in the sunshine wearing your new outfit, umbrella up and everything. You make us laugh so much. You truely warm my heart with everything you do. You're still having one sleep a day, from about 12pm to anywhere between 2pm and 4pm. You have a wonderful appetite for breakfast but dinner's a different story. You're never really fussed. But we make sure you have a healthy snack before bed, usually yoghurt or sultana's. You're helping me pack at the moment. Whatever goes in a box, comes out by you, or you like to sit in the box and colour in whilst I pack around you. You talk to me in your own little language and keep me most amused. Well, I hope to update again before we make the big move to our new home. I love you BIG BUM! Keep smiling and please keep on making everyone else smile :o) Love from Mama (or in your case, Dada) xxxxxxxx

19 months and 3 weeks. Almost 20 months (on the 9th of Feb). My dear Monkey, You have grown so much since Xmas day. In the last 5 weeks you have learnt so many new words. You tend to copy everything we say to you. If we say "Whale" you copy, if we say "Banana" you copy. You understand everything said to you from "get your shoes" or "lets go swimming". You are a smart little cookie and make us laugh all the time. Words: Mumma, Dadda, Nanna, Poppa, Hi Hi (for Hi5), Memo (for Nemo and Monsters Inc) shoes, hair, eyes, ears, mouth, Ta, peese (please), juice, milk, nana (banana), apple, car, kuck (truck), dance, bath, paddle, moon, sun, star and so many many more. You know alot of animal sounds as well. You talk non-stop all day from the moment you wake to the moment you sleep in your own little language. Someday's it sounds Chinese, other day's it sounds, French, Double Dutch. You're a funny little thing. You really enjoy swimming and I've been taking you to the pools just for fun (not for lessons) and you have so much confidence, maybe a little too much. You tend to think you can swim by yourself without floaties in the big pool.....nit yet Princess. But soon. I love watching come up from under water, you look adorable. You're eyes a wide open and you look very scared, but up you come and you laugh and squeal with such delight. Daddy took you to the clinic for a weigh-in on the 2nd Feb. 13.4 kg. He has booked your 18-20 mth check up for a few weeks from now. You and Daddy still have your wednesday's together which he just cherishes. I call the house "Daddy Day Care" that day. You get out into the garden together and go for drives, sometimes to Golf. You take books and colouring-in books and draw in the cart whilst Daddy plays a round. You have just recently cut out a day sleep, your morning one. Your new routine is up between 7 and 8 and back down for a big afternoon nap around 1pm for anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. Your in bed every night about 8.30pm and sleep all the way through unless you have a dream, but you mostly go back to sleep by yourself. You are very fit and healthy. Running around alot has made you shed a bit of weight, but you still have a lovely big tummy and bum which we love to plant with kisses. Your hair is getting very long and I love experimenting with different styles. You sit so patiently on your little chair whilst I plaite or put in pony tails. It is the most beautiful blonde colour. I am very envious. Your skin just glows and you always seem to be laughing or TALKING. Did I mention you talk alot.....oh, how I love it. You're like Daddy. Daddy's a talker, I'm a listener. You follow me around the house and help me make beds or clean and jabber jabber jabber. You're my best friend and I can't imagine what my life was without you....very selfish I think. We are planning a lovely trip away in May to SA then Melb to visit friends and Nanna Jude. It should be lots of fun. I'm a little worried about you in the car with all thw driving, but we will stop as much as we can, so as to make your trip comfortable. We have out your name down for a Pre-School in Leonay for when you turn 2 in June. It is very sweet and the teachers are lovely. I think you will love it, you are very sociable and get on well with anyone, any age. So finger's crossed we get a place in June for just 1 day a week. We'll start you a few hours a day, then gradually increase to a max of 6 hours. You'll have a blast painting and drawing and singing. Well, my baby girl. My heart beats for you and always will. Remember I love you through everything no matter what. Mummy xxx

Merry Christmas my precious Girl! What a wonderful day we spent celebrating your 2nd Xmas. We started the day around 7am with your Daddy and I rushing you out into the loungeroom to open presents from Santa. You received a tent with a tunnel for playing hiding's. A dolly stoller for your new Dolly "Bibby" which Aunty Denise, Uncle John (Ooroo) and Jess bought you. All the quint-essentials for Bibby. Bottles, rattles, nappies, carry capsule, bibs, food etc etc. A Blackboard/Whiteboard which you enjoy drawing on with your Dad. Tons and Tons of clothes for summer, books, puzzles and of course, your favourite.....Hi5 Dvd's. You should have seen your little face when you pulled them out of your stocking. You would have to be the BIGGEST Hi5 fan in Australia. So natrually they were played ALL DAY! Our little family of three had a lovely quiet day at home together. We relaxed playing with all our new toys and you had a lovely BIG sleep in the afternoon just before everyone turned up for Xmas Dinner. It was the 1st year I had put on Xmas dinner for the family and I really enjoyed myself. The weather was delightful, nice and cool, so no one was hot or stuffy. Our Xmas Day family included Nanna, Poppa, Aunty Holly, Uncle Adam, new cousin Billy (his first Xmas) Aunty Amy, Uncle Michael, Poppy Ross, Aunty Ruth, Uncle Doug, Crystal, Uncle Darryl (Aunty Cheryl was in hospital and we missed her deeply. Mummy's 1st Xmas in 28 yrs without her) Aunty Elaine and Uncle Gordon. We had a wonderful time sitting around the Xmas tree opening presents. You were absolutley spoiled. Clothes, Teddies, Dvd's, Magna Doodle, an outdoor jungle gym which you and Crystal had more fun playiung in the big box it came in. Books and puzzles, hats and lots lots more. You were such a treasure all day and even though it was a busy afternoon, you helped everyone else open their presents and at about 9pm sat down to watch Mary Poppins with everyone and settled into bed without a fuss. I think you were most thankful when I put you in your cot. It was such a wonderful special day having Aunty Ruth and Uncle Doug there. Our first Xmas together. It was a shame that Aunty Cheryl missed it. But we're praying for a speedy recovery and will celebrate Xmas with her when she comes out. Uncle Darryl was a little out of sorts not having her there. But we kept his mind off things. I can't beleive that it's been almost a year since his cancer reared it's ungle head and that he is fighting fit and in remissions. God Bless him. Once you were tucked into bed, Nanna, myself, Poppa, Daddy, Uncle Michael and Aunty Amy were the only one's left. Poppa fell asleep on the lounge and we decided to watch the video we had taped throughout the day. We had a wonderful laugh at you playing in the big box in the yard and getting so excited everytime you ripped open a present for yourself or even someone else. You truley don't understand the true concept of Xmas yet, but perhaps next year or the year after you will. Afterwards we watched a little tape of when you were a little bubby. Nanny and I had a really good cry at how big you have gotten. You are such a little lady now. A baby no more. Merry Christmas my beautiful girl. Thank you for making this day such a wonderful and memorable occassions. Your Daddy and I love you more than you'll ever know. Mummy xxx

Oh my goodness, I can not believe it's been since AUGUST, that I last wrote in your diary. A thousand and one apologies baby girl. Slack Mummy I am! You are 17 months next Tuesday. So much has happened since my last entry. Where to begin? On the 3rd of Sept Aunty Holly went into labour at 4am. Very mild and spasmodic contractions from 4am to 9am. The hospital sent her home at 1pm without having done an internal since 9.30am that morning. She went home and was back at the hospital at 3.30pm. 9.5cm dilated and 4.38pm little William (Billy) Lee entered with world rather quickly. My very first blood nephew and I just fell in love with him the moment I layed eyes on him. He had difficulties breathing at first and a few days in the NICU saw him fit and well and at home just 5 days after he was born. He was a tiny little fella, 6pd 2oz and the spitting image of his Daddy. It still upsets me that I was not there to witness the elation of Holly and Adam when Billy was born. Because it was so quick, no one was around when he was born. I got a call at work at 7.30pm that night from Aunty Amy to tell me Little Billy was here. But he's safe and well and that's all that matters. I was so proud of Holly, no drugs and just a few stitches. She is so brave. A lot braver then I would ever be. You love him to bits Bella and call him Bibby which is just the cutest thing. Since he has entered your life, you are much more active in your play with Dolly's and I find you occasionally feeding them your milk and rocking them in your arms just as we would with Billy. You are so smart and pick things up so quickly. Well, that's the BIG news. Apart from the newest member of our family, you have grown so much since August. You are talking a lot more. You tell the Dog's to "SIT" and jabber all day long in your own little baby talk. You tell the most wonderful stories (If only I could understand them...hehe). You have taken to climbing lately and climb on top of anything and out of everything. But Daddy and I have taught you how to climb OFF the lounge which is good, because at first you thought that by simply walking off it would work....Ah, no. Lots of crying and bumps on heads, we decided to teach you the proper way and you had mastered it in about 1/2 an hr. So clever. We had Foxtel connected a few weeks ago and trying to pry you away from Hi-5 is murder. You love it more than anything and get so excited when I tell you it's on. You either sit on your Barbie lounge and don't move or other days you will be up and dancing, Depends on your mood and if you've just woken up or not. I find it a really good show and am glad you like it too. It's very educational and bright. You also love Blues Clues, again another good educational show. You love to dance and spin in circles until you fall over and I often find myself crying with laughter at some things you come out with. I don't remember laughing as much in my life before you entered it. You bring Daddy and I such joy. I am constantly smiling from ear to ear when you are around. And when you're not, I just have to think of you and you brighten any moment any time of day. I love you to bits Monkey. We are back at swimming on Monday's. You really enjoy it until I put you on your back. I've noticed though all the other kids dislike it too. You love the bath now and I often find you blowing bubbles in the water and laughing at yourself. You have the craziest personality. You have recently also started talking to stranger's, no matter who they are or what age they are. You'll walk up to a stranger in the street or at the shopping centre and wave and then start telling stories. I am sure you touch a lot of peoples lives without even knowing it. You are a shining star Bella. You still love reading most of all. I can find you in the lounge room with music on, telly on, sitting cross legged on the floor reading books. You read books at dinner, in the bath, in the car, in the pram....anywhere. I wander what places you go and who you visit in your stories? Aren't they fascinating? I hope you enjoy reading all through your beautiful life. You are starting to identify shapes and can count to TWO. You have a Ten Pin Bowling set and you place the Pin's down and say "Un, Two, Un, Two". I only counted to you a few times and you have already picked it up. You are also understanding things a lot more like, when I ask you to pick something up or pack your toys away in the bath, you do exactly that. You enjoy being outside and playing with our dogs Princess and new comer Molly. You are so gently with them and pat them with little fat pudgy fingers. You love all the different sounds outside and picking up new things on the ground and examining them. You also have a very independent personality and don't like to hold hands in shopping centres, or only when it suits you. You start to chuck tantrums, but I understand your frustration at not being able to do something on your own. Sometimes Mummy gets that way too. You have my stubborn streak, can't blame you for that! You are lovely though and when you carry on, I smile, because people stare and must think you're a brat. But I say to them under my breath.....you should see her the other 99.99% of the time, she would melt your heart. Apart from all that, you are strong and healthy and are ahead of where you should be by leaps and bounds. Slow down with the growing little lady, before I know it you'll be in High School or walking down the aisle getting married and with a blink I'll have missed you growing up. I want to savour every moment. Daddy and I watched past videos of you and I cried the whole time.....where has my baby gone. She is now a lovely little toddler with the most out-going personality whom I love more than anything in all this world.....never for a second forget that Isabella Rose. I love you with every beat of my heart and you too Grant xxxxx

To my dearest baby girl Bella, Whilst we all wait patiently for your little cousin to make an appearance in this BIG WIDE WORLD you have yet another 2 teeth (2 top eye teeth) making that a total of 16 beautiful white pearlies. You had been a little out of sorts over the past week or so and I was at my wits end trying to figure what was making you so "not yourself". Your sleep patterns were disturbed, you were'nt eating and as a result have lost a little weight. Your jeans hardly fit you anymore and the worst of it was that you wouldn't go to anyone other than Mummy or Daddy. Well, low and behold, 2 days ago I rubbed some Bonjela on those little gums of your's (which is the only way you will let me get my figner's in your mouth) and there they were. I have noticed now that your little finger's are constantly rubbing your back gums, I suspect your 2 yr molars are not far behind and you're only 14 months old. Slow down little girl, you are growing too quickly. Daddy and I went out for dinner on Monday night, just the 2 of us whilst Nanny and Poppa looked after you. It's the 1st time we've done so since Xmas. At one point I interrupted Daddy and asked "what on earth did we talk about to each other before you came into our lives". All we talked about was you and how wonderful you are and how much you have changed our lives. You are the best medicine for anyone that comes across your crazy personality. Your most favourite thing at the moment is playing chasings. I say "ready, set" and you yell "GO". You spin around and take off running for your little life. It is so gorgeous. You truley love to dance as well and have started spinning around in circles when the music on's. You stop after about 3 spins, your eyes spin in your head and you fall to your bum, very dizzy. You giggle and it is the most breathtaking sound on earth. You have also just started to sit on your Barbie lounge and watch "Nemo" or "Monsters Inc" very intently whilst I dod the housework. You wont sit for the whole movie, but I do ususally get about 40mins out of you sitting very quitely. Last night when I got home from work, Daddy was cooking dinner and he had you in front of Monsters. I basically interrupted you and you completly ignored me. It was very cute. You jump at all the loud sounds and clap when something exciting happens. We went to Brayden's 1st birthday party on Sunday which was loads of fun. You ate your very 1st (4 slices) Fairy Bread. You were covered in 100's and 1000's. We danced to Hi 5 and you played with the big kids in the cubby house. You are very sociable and will be such a wonderful cousin when Aunty Holly has her little baby. I am really looking forward to becoming and Aunty by blood for the 1st time. Only a couple of weeks to go. Daddy and I are metting with someone next week to look at buying our very 1st home. We desperately want to move up the mountains further. I have such wonderful ideas for your bedroom. I am going to miss the house we are in now. We've been there nearly 4 years and it was the home we brought you home from hospital too. It will break my heart leaving it, but we are going to make so many more beautiful memories as a family in our new home, which will be all ours. Yay! So finger's crossed we get some good news. I was a little adament at first about buying a home now. A few months ago I was desperate to have another baby. But the cluckiness has gone since waiting for this other little baby to join our family. Daddy and I are happy at the moment with just our little family of 3 and I don;t want to change that just yet. We have plenty of time to make you a sibling. Having just you is enough. More than we could ever ask for. We love you dearly and thank God everyday that he blessed us with you. I tell you, I must have done something good in my past life. You are everything I ever dreamed about and more. Keep healthy Monkey. I wish I could take the teething pains away and have them myself. We'll get through it together. I love you to the moon and back and nothing will ever change that. That goes for you too Grant. I love's ya both. From Mummy xxxxx