Is Santa coming?

Zoe is a very cool plane traveller. Not so happy during the lengthy car trips, which was a shame, given the lack of places to pull over and reconcile a crying bubba between the city and Gosford. The best news is that Dad has been given the 'all clear', and will be fine once he has recovered from the trauma of his major operation. We arrived home yesterday and, realising that that day is imminent, put up the Christmas tree last night. This is a rather special artefact. It comes from a factory where my Pa, Poss Hemmings, once worked. I have recollections from my childhood of it being a rather enormous tree, so when I put it up now, I get a little bit disappointed. It does look rather smart though, although the baby barrier around the bottom detracts a little. Zoe is not too sure. I now need to make some time this week to shop for presents.

Backyard pictures

Here's some pics of our backyard before we started cleaning it up, which involved several ute loads of garden waste and lattice being taken to the tip. Our aim is to make it baby friendly, so we're trying to establish some lawn, and hope to pave a small area, establish the vege garden, replace the fence and, rather unfortunately, remove the trees you can see. I think they are macadamias. Can anyone confirm that from these photos? I also want a swing for bubba.

Longer term, we'd like to get rid of the rather enormous shed, which will double the size of the yard when we do , and replace the rainwater tank.

Where has the year gone?

December is a typically mad month for me. Is it so for everyone else? Must be the panic of realising I haven't acheived all that I had hoped in the months previous. This is particularly true with my study, which should be a little more advanced than it is, even when factoring in baby Zoe's presence.

So, in true form, I am dashing down to Sydney next week to give things a kick along. The fact that my Dad has just had major surgery and could use some help at home gives me a good excuse to make this trip. We will go by plane, which is a little scary, but I am sure all will be fine.

Ewan had a four day weekend last week, during which we endeavoured to paint the lounge room. It was supposed to be a fun, bonding experience, but was really just a nightmare, particularly up to the painting stage. After four long days, including juggling the care of Zoe, who wanted to be in the thick of the action, we have painted the ceiling and three of the walls and doors. We have a 'divorce wall', that requires a lot more work, but might remain in it's current state for a little while longer. We pulled fake brown wood panelling off this wall [very 80's], sanded and sanded and then undercoated it, but it still needs some help. Maybe after Christmas. The room itself does look much better, regardless.

I'd like to post some pictures, but can't remember where the camera-PC cable is at the moment. Sorry.

bruises

Zoe's prediliction for pulling herself up on furniture has led to a few bumps and bruises in the last few days, mostly on her forehead and cheeks. Apparently this is normal for babies of this age. She's very 'busy' at the moment, going here and there and pulling up on everything. As we're in the middle of prep'ing and painting the living areas of the house, this is making things tricky. Most of the work is being done at night.

It's been consistently very hot here, maybe a little unusual for early summer, but not too unexpected. Zoe has been suffering from the heat a little, and is maybe teething too, so has been pretty uncomfortable. A cooler change yesterday was most welcome.