It's the morning of Christmas...

...and all through the house

not a creature is stirring

(if your exempt 4am and 5.30am wakings)

except me with a (computer) mouse

...

His first xmas stocking

Is hung up with care (thanks Beej, Stu & Blake)

In hope that his saintly namesake

Will soon be here

(to dispense endless piles of edible paper... refer below)

...

Happy (early) Christmas morning!!

Merry Xmas with love from Nicholas, Dan & Teresa xxxx

Nose?! What nose?

The little bloke is growing and growing and growing...

...he changes, progresses, moves onwards and upwards. Life is a very interesting thing and this particular planet has lots to explore...

...and mummy's nose has its uses in getting on with it... D

Half a year...can you believe it?!

Our not so little anymore boy turned was six months old last week. What an amazing, wonderful time we've been having. Here's the stats - he's now 69.5cm long and 6.9kg - long and lean, still! No teeth yet although this has stopped him chewing his way through a large range of fruits, veges & cruskits. He's moving about in a wriggling fashion - mostly backwards - so we're sure that he's going to be terrorising the house before too long.

Like a fish to water

Nicholas had his first swim, in Nanna and Grumps pool this week. He loved it! After this gorgeous dip, I went off to work and Nicholas enjoyed another swim with Nanna in the afternoon.

Helping out...

Our Wilderness Equipment Wildchild has been a revelation! Because it is a proper full harness pack it is so comfortable to carry him that it is no trouble to carry him around doing chores or just go for a walk... one huge benefit is that the little fella just sits there mesmerised at what is going on around him and forgets he is hungry, bored, needing attention, has wind... and when he is tired he snuggles in and enjoys the ride... Here he is helping me with bike cleaning in readiness for the next ride...

Vegetable face mask

Nicholas is has started to broaden his palate...here he is feeding his face (literally) earlier this week - his first pumpkin and his first time in the highchair (with just a little lean to the side). Thanks to Anne for the inspiration and guidance (and newspaper tip), we're going to try a baby led approach to weaning. Stay tuned for more pictures of the little fella getting amongst the good stuff.

Family gone bush

The fashion stakes aren't high (luckily) but we do love to get out and walk in the bush. Here's a self-portrait of our little family at Binna Burra, doing the Coomera Falls walk, on Sunday. Another successful bushwalk, starting with breakfast en route (in Nerang, town of my youth), lunch at the falls and an afternoon tea lamington to celebrate our successful return. Nicholas ate, bird-watched and napped in perfect rhythm with the day.

Hi ho hi ho hi ho, it's off to work...

..I go. Well, this is Nicholas (I don't change much and the little fella is the centre of all attention these days!). I've been very lucky to get some interesting work, for the next little while, in the office for the best part of Monday and then from home for the rest of the week... the equivalent of about 2 days all up. Great stuff! And Nicholas gets to hang out a bit longer with Nanna, on a Monday, and have lots of fun - I don't think he even notices that I'm not there (sniff!).

- Teresa

I'm getting bigger...

Nicholas is now 5 months old, 6.54kg and, as best Dan and I can weild the tape measure, 69cms long. Here he is being a happy chap about to head out for a walk in the...well, it could have rained. See below...

Raining? Not a problem

Dan's been hanging to put the rain cover on the pack. Whilst getting ready for an afternoon walk around the neighbourhood, a cloud covered the sun for a moment...and it was on! Nicholas was as comfortable as Dan was excited about it all. Adventurers united!

- Teresa

Bon Anniversaire Mama!

With a little help from Dad, Nicholas painted a birthday message to me for my big day on Thursday. Here we are out at breakfast (our favourite family meal outing). Cake came in the form of mum's group treats and the day concluded with a very un-birthday-ish outing to the skin doctor for Dan and I (with our gurgling spectator in tow!) - all clear for another year.

Thankyou to everyone for your calls, texts and e-mails - I did have the fantastic birthday you wished for me.

- Teresa

Nanna and Grumps come to stay

Between homes, Nanna and Grumps came to stay last weekend and a good time was had by all. Dan and I got out for our first baby free dinner (perfectly timed near my birthday so it was a group celebration!) and here's Nanna pictured with Nicholas on our visit to my great-Aunt Roma and Uncle Frank's place.

- Teresa

Hanging out with my mates

Here's Nicholas hanging out with four of his mates (there's 8 them, all up) at Mum's group last week. I love the support and laughs from our shares trails and joys. It's great to see the babies starting to notice each other - lots of fun times together ahead, I'm sure.

- Teresa

My first bushwalk...

So here I am in my new Wilderness Equipment back-pack on my first bushwalk to Bare Rock at Cunningham Gap. It’s comfortable for both me and Daddy. I loved being able to look out and about at all the trees and rocks and flowers. That was until...

...to Bare Rock

... it all got a bit too much and I just had to have a little nap. Mum and Dad enjoyed the day, too - (trucker's) breakfast at Aratula, hot cuppa with bikkies at Bare Rock and then a late lunch back in Aratula. Then home to a visit from Nanna and Grumps. What a great day.

An all consuming storyline

I know I'm supposed to be reading to Nicholas every day...but it's getting a little difficult when he keeps eating the material. He's loving his new "diet" of cardboard books - but it's a love expressed through soggy corners rather than dog-eared pages.

- Teresa

Uncle A visits and fixes stuff

Here's Aaron enjoying a relaxing evening with us after rebuilding our downstairs, termite damaged bathroom. Hooray and a big thanks!

A visit from an old/new friend

It was wonderful to have a visit from Megan to catch up and for her to meet Nicholas. A lovely time was had by all - Nicholas loves his new toy and book and the sticky bun was a hit with me!

- Teresa

Long and Lean

Nicholas is now 4.5months old - when did THAT happen!? Two weeks ago he had his 4 mth immunisation shots (very brave and only a little out of sorts the next day) and was measured - 65.5cm long and 6kg - 75th percentile for length and 25th for weight - long and lean...now where did he get that from?!

As you can see, we're having a great time. Note that I've had to change from my lovely diamond hoop earings to can't-be-grabbed studs. Along with earings and shirt fronts, he's also grabbing his feet and finding big toes as succulent as thumbs to suck. Very cute.

Breakfast out..with one new thing!

We're still enjoying our just-about-weekly breakfasts out. This one with a difference. Finally, a photo of Dan feeding Nicholas. Or should that be: A photo of Dan finally feeding Nicholas. Either way, Nicholas was happy and Dan especially enjoyed me capturing the moment. I know that I enjoyed finishing my meal!
- Teresa

Kitted out for adventure...

High excitement today! We brought home the long coveted Wilderness Expeditions Wildchild carrier and he loved it! He did honest - nearly as much as dad even! It is a pretty serious bit of kit, perfect for those multiday bushwalking adventures.

Happy 1st Papa's Day...

Daddy really enjoyed the socks (a cliche, but that was the request - special bike socks!), card with a collage of the Best Bits So Far of Nicholas's life and brekkie out... at least he did when he finally woke up!

Catching up with Uncle Darth

Contrary to what some believe, this is the real man underneath the Vadar vamp... at least in BrisVegas! Nicholas was all smiles and later enjoyed the coffee and cake I had with Uncle Kevvy...Teresa

I love Sunday brekkie...

...out with Mum and Dad, relaxing with the paper, enjoying eggs and creamy iced-coffee (well, I'll enjoy them later!). And how's this winter weather?!

Up, up and away

Heralding a jet-set life, last Monday saw Nicholas (at 12 weeks) take his first plane ride... to Melbourne. As you can see, I was a little more excited (and nervous) than him! No need to have feared, Nicholas was a dream in both directions.

Happy Birthday mon (my) Papa

Wednesday was Dan's birthday. After a morning ride with Pete, Dan was back in time to get Nicholas up from his post-2nd-breakfast nap and was wished Happy Birthday in the process. After present opening, and a slice of his (homemade) chocy mudcake, we were off to lunch...

The delicious-ness continues

...with the extended Winfield clan (Richard, Deb and Tom pictured) and Tim and Jen (also pictured) at Riverbed Teahouse. A delicious and fun time was had by all but the birthday boy was only briefly the centre of attention...

...attention seeker

... with the little fella stealing the show. Nicholas pictured with Amy, Richard and Tom. Orders are being taken, at your request, for pictures of Richard taken after this when Nicholas decided to bring up some of his much earlier lunch. Richard, of course, handled it with the combined aplomb of a Brit and father of three!

Fun in the country!

had a great time at Ben and Karyn's at Karyn's 21st b'day cooking up twisties and marshmellows!

Freedom to express myself

Aah, such a wonderful thing to be able to give over the pleasure of feeding Nicholas to others (Nanna pictured last Monday). Or the freedom to bottle feed on a cold winter morning in a cafe (no peeling of clothing layers...and it's quicker...and he gets a full feed) like today when we enjoyed the weekend paper and a delicious breakfast at Lure. Nicholas fed, amused himself, then us and then napped. Good boy!

Ouch!

Nicholas had his first round of immunisation needles (2) and some almost-okay tasting oral vaccine today. This is a far cuter (and quieter) photo than what he looked like after the shots! Poor little thing... but he recovered well and quickly.

Jez and Sarah come to town

Sarah and Jez winged it down from Mackay for a few days R&R, pram shopping and to get some practice in with (I mean meet!) Nicholas. In this shot, Jez has it all under control as I introduce Sarah to Lure's apple upside down cake! Dan is also off-screen savouring his ever-present short black.

Sarah and Jez come to town

Sarah also got in some practice although, at 27 weeks, her bump was making positioning awkward!

Look at my muscles!

This little piggy went to market

Today we ventured to the West End markets with Tash and Heidi and, via me, Nicholas spent the rest of today enjoying cherry and custard danish, to-die-for vanilla slice, cardoman spiced hot chocolate, homemade sugarcane lime lemonade and a taste of various feta and olive related delights. As well as an huge array of fruit'n'veg, the markets now have a seemingly unending variety of amazing foods to enjoy. A great day was had by all...and we'll be going back!

Talkin' about 4 generations

This week, my father (Pa) and his partner Deb (Nanna Deb... but just to the kids, Jean!) visited for a few days from Victoria to meet Nicholas. With my grandparents holidaying up the coast, we captured this photo of our four generations together. Nicholas turned on the charm and had a waiting list of people keen to have a hold (as much a treat for me as him!) A great few days has been had by all... Teresa

Growing before our eyes...

Six week check-up this week... Nicholas is now 58.5cm (up from 51cm at birth - more than 1cm/wk, he'd better slow down soon!) and 4.9kg. Good to see he's making good use of all that trotters-in-the-trough time!

Casting a quizzical eye over all things Bike

The weekend included a leisurely breakfast at Lure (I got to have another slice of their to-die-for upside down apple cake with double cream... leaving a polite 20 minutes after finishing breakfast...I love breastfeeding!). Dan and Nicholas enjoyed catching up on the latest from the World of Bikes - Nicholas is not buying the puff piece on Lance... Teresa

Joining the Paddington coffee set

Last Friday was a very cruisy day, starting with a long coffee (and delicious cake) with Craig at Lure, in Paddington. Nicholas slept for over an hour in Craig's arms... a PB in Baby Holding for him, well done! Home for a nap and...

Beer and a curry.. a great night out

... then it was off to the Albion for a beer and, because Nicholas was behaving himself so well (read, still sleeping), we headed over to Sitar for our first Post Baby Indian. Tim and Jen joined us for this delicious meal and a cuddle (of Nicholas, too!).

Life is just a walk in the park...

... especially for Mum when Nanna is visiting! A very smitten Nanna pictured looking after Nicholas at Kalinga Park, a short-ish walk from home. Thanks to Phil for organising the event and the absolutely, gorgeous day and to Scott for looking after their boys so us girls could have a great natter... Teresa

Nicholas takes a roadtrip...

...and meets his great-grandparents!

My grandparents are on their annual Sunshine Coast holiday so Nicholas took his first roadrip (okay, one hour and a bit - but it's a long time compared to his short life!) to hang out with them on Saturday. These guys are pretty practiced when it comes to calming babies!

We also managed to squeeze in a yummy brekkie, overlooking the ocean, in Mooloolaba. A great day was had by all...Teresa

Nicholas meets the Chamberlain family

Ooh, look at the beautiful couple...Kev and Stef, visited us on Monday and brought a taste of things to come for our not-yet-childproofed home in the form of Amy (4) and Liam (2), pictured with glimpses of Amy and Nicholas! Who would have seen Kev and I in this setting way back in year 11 economics?! Although, we are starting to see a certain economies of scale developing (referring to our growing families not Kev's more healthy look!)

Happiness is a full tummy and nothing to do, and all day to do it in!

A social whirlwind

Saturday was a whirlwind of society for Nicholas. The day started with sumptuously dressed India and Lilly (pictured with Mat) visiting to take over child minding duties. Cheering from the sidelines were...

A social whirlwind!

... Carly with Stella and Paul. The Aspley FC crew together again... with (most) partners...and (almost all) children - The years have been kind!

A social whirlwind!

... then we were out for a coffee and cake to meet Karen and hear (and see) all about her recent wedding - congrats Karen and Leighton!

A social whirlwind!

... and finally a cafe outing for lunch with Mum and Dad. Hey, Dan, isn't that t-shirt the same colour as something I cleaned up just before arriving?!
Then we were home for a nap and an evening watching Australia beat Italy in the rugby
- Teresa

Keep eating, Mum!

Here's Nicholas out for a cafe brunch, and meeting a doting Sandra, on Saturday at Wilston. Today, at 3 weeks and 1 day old, he had his Community Health visit and this is how much he's grown:

- weight 4.2kg, up from 3.7kg at birth and 3.3kg at his lightest

- length (a popular request, for some reason?!) 56cm, up from 51cm

...no wonder I'm so hungry and thirsty!

Teresa

First pub visit

It was Friday night and so we were off our semi-regular weekly wind-down - introducing Nicholas to both the Albion and to Melissa and Randal (a.k.a The Captain). Nicholas enjoyed himself by sleeping the whole time (good boy!) whilst we enjoyed to beer and company.

This Life thing is ok...

. ok... so every now and then you might eat a bit more than you should but after a bit of a stretch and gurgle it all sorts itself out...

Lazing around on a tuesday afternoon

Introducing The Winfields & Ashcrofts

Sunday evening Dan and I took Nicholas to be introduced to most of the Winfields and Ashcrofts (Deb's extensive family) at their Sunday dinner. Pictured is Deb's beautiful daughter, Georgia, with Nicholas - being well looked after. A very delicious, filling, fun and learned (thanks to the Sunday Quiz) evening was had by all. Being a long weekend the introductions continued with...