UP!

..Cooper enjoying a splash with Dad on Christmas Day.

Character

His little friend was sitting on the floor crying. She was in trouble for being a bit naughty. He went to her & crouched down then gave her a big embrace. She cuddled him back. I love that he has care & instinctive compassion in him. It shows me that I am raising a thoughtful little man.

I also love that I find him doing things like this.


He's definitely got some of my tomfoolery in his DNA.



And a love of headwear.

Two Up...

Yes, turning 2 is a wondrous, adventurous step toward independence.
Yes, you are displaying hints of maturity.
Yes, you can blow out sparklers.

No.
You still aren't allowed to play with scissors.
Or eat dog biscuits.

Sorry 'bout that son.

The Big Game..

Blue & Gold.
The colours of the Rugby League team I support.

I was born into a very fanatical "Parra Eels" loving family. As kids we were taught to say "Parra" before anything else.

There is something tribal about loving your team. When they are winning one can become insanely passionate.

When they qualify for the Grand Final for the 1st time in 23 years...well, one's head may explode from sheer delight. Last weekend I joined my family & 82,000 other spectators to cheer on our beloved Blue & Gold warhorses.

I created my very first football banner....the perfect accessory for a 37 year old woman! It was huge fun.
I kept thinking of the "Seinfeld" episode called "The Face-Painter"...Elaine's new boyfriend paints his face in team colours and she is mortified at his immaturity. What a hoot!

Here I am! Hilarious!
My Banner said "THE r'EEL d'EEL"...so smug was I with my imaginative play on words.
Sad. My team lost.
Sadder. My banner poles nearly impaled the poor lady in front of me on several occasions.
Saddest. I wasn't on the TV.
Happily... I am ready to do it all again next year!

Travel Tales

We recently spent a week with my Brother & his family.

It was wonderful to experience their new lifestyle way up north. Home for them now includes wide, open grassy acres, Kookaburra's, surfboards, wandering cows and no great need for a watch. We immersed ourselves in the rural atmosphere. The ocean is close by. The night sky is dark & brilliant with stars. Cooper had a grand time with his cousins. He loved watching his Aunty & Uncle ride motorbikes. All the neighbourhood kids ride too. The flurry of action had him transfixed. He wasted no time gearing up in a helmet, boots & pants. He had found his Garden of Eden.

We miss each other alot, reconnecting with my neice & nephew was precious.

My nephew had trouble pronouncing Cooper's name when they were really little & much to our amusement he has always called Cooper "Buddy!" It's a nickname that has stuck, infact they are both referred to as "Buddy". It can be a little confusing for the boys, they don't always know which Buddy is being yelled at!

...Fashionista.

He already tells me what he will & will not wear.

Unbelievable. I wasn't expecting this before his 2nd Birthday.
Acceptable items of clothing include anything with a Motorbike, Buzz Lightyear, Bulldozer or Thomas motif and/or a missing button, broken zipper, is 2 sizes too big or in the dirty clothes basket.
Unacceptable items include jumpers, jackets, overalls, anything freshly ironed or overly sensible and especially any outfit I find overwhelmingly adorable.

It should be noted that a previously unacceptable item can transform into acceptable if a Wiggles badge is attached, or if he's too transfixed by "The Muppet Movie" to notice I'm dressing him.

Thanks Kermit.

Father & Son Video

...in our backyard.
Just incase anyone thought I was having a Britney Spears moment.

Sincere apologies for the shrill commentary...as if the accent required any enhancment.