Jack and the Benstalk

13th – 19th June

We had some big firsts this week – first roll over, first swimming lesson and first time at the park.

Jeff and I were at Alamanda for breakfast on Monday and as the sun was shining when we finished, we wandered down the path and took Jack onto his first playground adventure. Jeff held him on the bouncy see-saw and the spring loaded motorbike. We also strolled past the ducks on the way out. We’re very lucky to live so close to amazing parks, gardens and wetlands. I’ve even started doing drive-by’s of all the parks in neighbouring estates to check out what they have. I’m just glad that the inner child in me hasn’t disappeared completely. Hopefully Jack will love spending hours going to and playing in all the parks that are in our area. Knowing that we have passed the shortest day for the year, allows me to dream that winter could be over in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, being in Melbourne, I know too well that we’ve got more wintry, windy and cold days ahead.

Megan and I wandered down to Jump swim school one morning, just to ‘have a look.’ The next thing I knew, I’d signed up Jack to start his swimming sessions the next day! While I was a nervous wreck all morning before his lesson, once the lesson was over, I was much more relaxed. I think the idea of jumping in the pool, post baby, is a little nerve wracking, and it doesn’t matter how many walks or gym sessions you do, you’ll always know that your body just isn’t what it used to be. I’m pleased that Jack made it through his lesson with no tears, and neither did I!

Jack managed to finally roll over this week! I was anxiously awaiting the day, and knew that it wasn’t far off – all last week he was rolling his hips over, but just getting stuck on his shoulders. No longer can I leave him on one part of the floor and expect to come back to him in the same spot. He’s also managed to, from a sitting position, fall gracefully forward and support himself on his arms. Hopefully this will stop all those awkward face plants.

I’ve also started thinking of the toy sales for his birthday and Christmas. Arrgghhh, I’m not ready yet to think about his first birthday. Knowing that it is now less than 4 months away, also means that the inevitable return to work is just around the corner. The only happy point is thinking about planning our trip to the states. No, we still haven’t made any solid plans or booked internal flights or accommodation. One day James may actually spend enough time at home to sit down and nut this out! I’m just dreaming about eating my way around (yet again) although I thankfully won’t be drinking as many mojitos and cocktails as I did on our honeymoon! I think I might need to start thinking about a shopping list and hopefully we have enough room in our luggage.

6 – 12th July

Jack was still sick this week, we even had a few days of high temperature. Thankfully Panadol seemed to knock it back down to normal range, and even though we had more sleepless nights, we seem to be getting slowly back on track. We had breakfast with Uncle Jeff on Monday morning and we finally said goodbye to Wyky, our Commodore that we’ve had for a few years on Tuesday. I was meant to catch up with Bec on Friday, but postponed until Sunday. The weekend was meant to be horrible, freezing cold, wet and windy. Saturday arrived and having researched Pinterest for rainy photo inspiration, I waited for the rain to come. Of course, the day cleared up, and all I could do was wait for Sunday and the promise of extreme wet weather. Sunday thankfully brought the rain, and I only had 10 minutes to snap a few photos before running out the door to meet Bec at Harbourtown. I was very, very happy with the photo of Jack, hands on the glass, staring outside as the rain dripped down the window. Bec bought Jack a little Changing of the Guard teddy from her trips around Europe. We also went across to the Ice House to see James at work. Jack got to have quick cuddles with Uncle Sam before the game started, and Jack even got to sit in Dad’s seat and pretend to take over for the day. He was a natural, reaching for the take-bar and smashing his way through the buttons.

29th June – 5th July

Poor Jack has been hit by a cold this week – all snotty noses, unpredictable sleeping and the smell of euky bear. While I generally love the smell of euky bear/Vicks, it really opens up your nose and while this mumma is still adjusting to the joys of food number 2’s, it’s not exactly the best combination when Jack’s on the change table… We missed out on catching up with Jack’s friends this week – the last thing other mum’s want are bubbas sharing snotty noses around! We still caught up with Uncle Jeffy for brekky and coffee – Jack loved being able to whack the table with his hands. He took great delight in the crash, bang and tinkle of the cutlery sitting atop the plates. He quickly cottoned on when Jeff would soften the blows by putting his hands under Jack’s, and Jack would stretch to reach around Jeff’s arms.

With James heading to Adelaide this weekend, I had a spare Friday night and I thought I’d attempt a chicken pie. Mum used to make the best chicken pie – Jeff and Dave used to love it anyway. It used to contain mushrooms or something that I didn’t like, so I’d use the excuse that I wouldn’t eat slugs, and mum would make another meal just for me. The things she used to do – I shake my head at my own antics… Anyway, Jeff came over and braved my chicken pie and I’ll definitely make it again soon. It must have been the week to attempt new things. I made cookies and cream brownies (which I unfortunately burnt – forgetful mum, oven temp settings etc etc), banana bread with my over ripe brown bananas, and then this pie. In some ways  I prefer when James is out/away/visiting his other family (just checking if he actually reads this) so that I can brave new recipes/ ideas. My brother eats like a horse, so I generally feel safe dishing something up to him.

This week also brought about Ben’s 2nd birthday. In some ways I feel sorry that I don’t have the time to devote to Benny, just like in the ‘old days.’ While I always try to ensure that we have cuddle time on the couch or in bed without Jack around,  it can be hard to find that balance. With the Melbourne wintry days really set in, the motivation to go walking is lacking. But, I know that Jack would be warm and snuggly in his pram and I can put on as many layers as I need to brave the elements, so I’m aiming to start again. Real soon… maybe… as long as it’s not raining…

On Sunday, Leanne and I ventured out to the Swagger Child Design Market in North Melbourne. We love a good market, always happy to wander the aisles and browse the offerings. I had sworn off buying any more clothes for Jack, and managed to walk out with a pair of slouchy pants from Mr Willo (https://instagram.com/mr.willo/) and a custom t-shirt from Little Scooch(http://www.littlescooch.com.au/).  Benny had gotten the birthday treatment – he was allowed to unwrap his presents on Sunday morning, and then went for a ride in the car to Nanny’s and Poppy’s. Poor Poppy got to go for a walk, twice, and Benny slept very well that night.

22 – 28th June

15 – 21st June

When sleep eludes you, you do funny things. Sentences make sense only to yourself, you stuff your face with whatever is in arm range and increasing the amount of caffeine, doesn’t help your situation. Since the Christmas/ New Year period, Jack magically ‘slept like a baby’ delivering 10-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. We also managed to skip the 4 month sleep regression that can rear its nasty head and disrupt whatever pattern bubs has. So this week, nearing 7 months, we think those toothy-pegs may have been playing havoc with our little boy. They are yet to make an appearance, however, Jack made an appearance each night, generally every 30 minutes between 1am and 3am.  Oh, and occasionally at 11pm.

Jack and I headed into the city to visit my work on Tuesday. We spent the morning saying hi, and then disappeared to the Emporium for lunch and visited a few stores before heading home. I can honestly say that the change rooms at Emporium are so nice and new. The space allows mums and bubs to relax, toddlers to play and they are so clean. I ventured, quickly, into H & M – never a fun place to take a pram. The best shopping trip in there, is a fast one! We then walked to Flinders Street and caught the train and the bus home. I miss my daily wanderings down Bourke Street during my lunch break. I’m sure that my wallet doesn’t miss it though.

On Wednesday I did my weekly PT session in the morning. In an attempt to shape up before the big 3-0, and with 17 weeks until that date, I need to make a few changes to my daily habits. I think I managed a whole week and a half without eating carrot cake. So, I bought a food and exercise diary from kmart, and on the days where it’s not exactly horrible, I’m aiming to walk Benny. The other reason I want to tone up, and lose a few kg is that we’re planning a trip to the states right after my birthday. Last time we were there (for out honeymoon) I put on between 6-8kg. I love my food, and will make reasonable choices, but I also know that it is a holiday, and I want to enjoy myself! We’re yet to decide which part of the states we will visit, as we’re waiting for the NHL to release the 2015-2016 schedule.

Megan and I went for breakfast down to Werribee and afterwards, we took the boys to the library to  have a play. Uncle Jeffy also dropped in and helped cooked dinner on Friday night while James was attending a corporate box footy game. With Saturday being Jack’s 7 month milestone, and the weather behaving itself, I loaded the pram with a picnic blanket and took Jack to the local park to get some photos. I’m so very lucky to have one beautiful little boy, and one amazing camera that can make photos look absolutely awesome in the hands of a beginner.

8th – 14th June

It was over a year ago now, that James and I posted to facebook to tell the world about the little bean that became this absolutely gorgeous boy! Biased, I know!
This week, Jack had a few sporting firsts! We went to the Queens Birthday AFL game between Dad’s team, Collingwood, and Uncle Jeff’s team, Melbourne. Unfortunately for Jeff, Collingwood were the winners, but it was a lovely day. We sat in the sun and braved the cool winter breeze. Even with the 60000 strong crowd, Jack managed to sleep through the fourth quarter. He also managed to sleep through the last period of his first game of Ice Hockey, despite Sam yelling out the window, or the goalhorn going off merely metres away from him.

Jack and I had a lunch date with some of the girls that also had bubba’s around the same time, we attended our weekly baby time session at Point Cook library and caught up with a few of the mums afterwards for the usual coffee.  We also heard Jack’s first attempt, I suppose, of talking. Unfortunately he chose something that sounded as close to ‘dad’ as possible! I remember reading on a facebook forum that a mum had said she was actually wanting her bub to say ‘da da’ as that would be the name that the bub would call out in the middle of the night!

1st – 7th June

Jack and I ventured down to Point Cook Beach with Uncle Jeffy on his day off. Having recently moved closer I thought I’d show him what is around.  We drove down and ventured out in the sun, even though the wind was cool. I also took him via the veggie farms, and unfortunately covered my car with red mud from top to bottom! The original plan was to get a coffee down in Wyndham Harbour but the cafe was closed, so we detoured around Werribee South Beach, K Road and onto Wyndham Cache. I’m looking forward to seeing the development continue down in Wyndham Harbour. I’m sure that by the time Jack’s in high school that many of those empty fields we drove along won’t remain like that for very long.