July 2007
Wow this year is whizzing by....I am unsure where my days go but I know that I seem to have no time to just sit!
In saying that the two boys are great fun to watch and spend time with (just as well). Most days are full working between meals, feeds, naps and Keian's 40,000 activities he has on.

Paul is now back at work full time and this took some adjustment both for the boys but more so for me. He is with CSC and is up and out after getting Keian up and havving some father and son time over breakfast.
Keian is hilarious, he is so active and his little mind and body do not rest anytime he is awake. He loves to be outside and the weather of late has allowed for this. He is still completely committed to his music and dancing, he will listen to music and dance at any opportunity he gets. He is a Wiggles addict and we have had to restrict him to only watching them before 9am and after 530pm as he would sit there all day if you let him. He is absolutely beautiful to watch as he knows all the actions and then interjects with a few of his own "moves". He has most of the Wiggles paraphenalia and spends loads of time on the guitar and conning people into dancing and playing guitar with him. On a recent visit from Gran he was most strict on having her participate in dancing and guitar playing, being very quick to tell her what for if she even tried to put the guitar down or take a seat. I wish I had captured this on video, but will try to do this in the coming weeks to show him when he is older.
He is having a great time at Jitterbugs which is for 2yr olds but since it is music and dancing he is right into it. He also goes to Building Blocks which he loves and recently started Gymbaroo at Penrith with his friend Makenzie.
Dad has started the compulsory swimming lessons on a Saturday morning with him and he loves this as he still loves to be in or near or playing with water. As a result bathtime is still a huge hit with him as you can see from the photos.
He is becoming very interested in choosing his own clothes and although not talking he makes his wants and desires, oh and dissatisfaction well known.
At first he gave rough lovin to Jaiden but this has developed into a true interest and devotion, constantly kissing him and licking him and cuddling him. Some of the photos show this. He loves to discover where Jaiden is and especially if he finds Jaiden "unattended". He then tries to pick him up or poke his ears, eyes, nose or put his fingers in his mouth. Often I find Jaiden with toys, utensils, blankets or anything else he has handy on top of him courtesy of Keian.
Jaiden is not really phased most of the time but occasionally drops the bottom lip which often leaves Keian walking off in disgust.
As I said they really do provide you with different laughs every day. I am so biased and just love Keian to bits, I did not realize how much I would miss spending all my time one on one with him. But alas we have adapted to this and worked out another balance.

Jaiden is now 3mths old and is truly a delight. He is full of smiles and generally happy unless tired or hungry. He responds immediately to any attention with a to die for smile, Paul says one of those a day would be enough to make his day but he gives many more than that. He is not keen on loud noises that startle him and an example of this was the church band at my cousin's son's christening in July. He immediately drops that little bottom lip and sobs - too cute until comforted. This is not a good thing when he lives with a big brother that is anything but quiet at any time!
Jaiden loves cuddles and his bath, likes to look out the windows and doing running exercises which Daddy does with him laying on the couch. He also loves to sneak into mum's bed and cuddle into her to sleepin of a morning (of course Mum will do anything for that extra half hours sleep.
He has just about doubled his birth weight now I think (have not weighed him of late) and people tell me he is starting to look more like Keian but I cannot see it.

Recently we have had a new addition to the household.....Jana who is our German Au Pair. She is fabulous and has slotted into our home nicely going into her third week now. This is terrific for Keian and German is now spoken in our home again. She brings new ideas and fun into our house and we look forward to sharing time with her until May next year. Many of you will get to meet her during this period. She is in the photo with Keian at Balmoral Beach. What a great help to me having an extra pair of hands.
Unfortunately this resulted in us having to lose Lucy on a regular basis. Keian will miss her very much but I have no doubt she will still be in his and our lives. I definitely will miss her more than she can know as she is organized, competent and a breath of fresh air as she enters the house. Keian adores her and I have learnt so much from her as she is so natural with bubs. Shame we could not con her into full time, live in with us! But we will keep in close touch Luc!

I am now starting to get into a "groove". I have learnt that every day is different, routine is something that evolves continuously and when you think you've cracked it the rules change.
Jaiden and Keian are the centre of my days and keep me on my toes. I miss having ample time with Paul but we are getting into some routine of time together of an evening and taking time on the weekends to share time together. I started back at the gym last month to try and search for that figure I am sure I once had. The kilos are not moving as quickly as I would like but perserverence will pay off one day I hope. I cant wait to get back into some of my fabulous clothes.
I also joined a mothers group in Ryde area and have met some super new friends which I LOVE! I look forward to getting to know them better and we have started meeting each week and either having lunch, coffee, walking etc. I still really miss my mothers group in Germany but holidays with some of them here in Australia is always on the cards.
I went to the Australia netball game with Mez, Karren, Sherri, Maureen and Bronte this month which was excellent. We knocked the opposition for a six!
We continue to share time with the Whoaphuckers which is great fun also.

We have been house hunting and although found a few we would have bought the market is very competitive and we missed out. This just means identifying the next opportunity and eventually we will end up with one. We are looking at the Putney or Gladesville area which is a great area for families and lifestyle, not to mention some good friends living there and others not a stones throw away.

September is shaping up to be a busy month with birthdays, visitors and fun.
We look forward to hearing from all of you when you send us your updates.
Congratulations to Paul and Anita Woods on the arrival of their 3rd Grand child and the announcement of their 4th being on the way! Fantastic.

We farewelled a loving friend of ours, Fay Denman who unfortunately lost her short and fierce battle with Cancer. Love to all of the family and friends who are still dealing with shock and adjustment.

We held the Bon Voyage "do" for Jacqui and Eric who have moved back to UK and Jacqui rejoined Deutsche Bank. No doubt we will see them as they jetset around the globe in the coming years.

Congratulations to the pending births of my German Mother friends who are expecting their number 2 bubs. Goodluck and keep me posted on the progress. 

Last but not least all the very best of luck to our friends Vibeke and Allan who will wed in September. We will be thinking of you and so very sad we cannot be there to share your magic day. Cant wait to see the photos and hear all the juicy details. Vib you will look gorgeous and Allan - its about time, but you could have done it in the four years we were living across the yard!!!!!

So until next time I can find time to write to you all, take care, stay in touch and make the most of every day!

Loads of love
Corrine, Paul, Keian and Jaiden.