Meet.....HARRY JAMES BAILEY

Harry arrived on Friday 18 December, 7.43pm, after along day of contractions. He was due on Christmas Day, so decided to make an appearance a week early in time for the big day! Once we got to the hospital, Harry was born in just under 3 hours and literally flew out! He is the spitting image of George when he was born and weighed 7lb 5oz, so smaller than his brother. I only stayed a night and as everything was well, I wanted to get home and make life as normal as possible for George. He loves his new brother and cannot get enough cuddles, as is the same with everyone that has popped in to see Harry.

I have just put the first day's photos on here, so keep checking back and i'll update as much as possible so you can see the new Bailey Boy develop.

End of term

December seems somewhat of a blur already!

The girls threw me a baby shower, which was a lovely evening and very funny. Lots of silly baby games and laughs! We went to the city to see the Christmas Pageant, it was a hot morning, so once it was over we ended up with friends in the pub. George has been keeping us busy with lots of playgroup parties at the end of term. He graduated from his 3 year old kindy, was given a scroll and had to wear the mortar board!! He was really proud to collect his scrapbook full of the art work he had been doing....it was a bit of a tear jerker for me as well :)
He starts Kindy at school next year, two days a week. We've been going to his school each week for a playgroup session in preparation, so he is well aware of the surroundings and is really excited to be going. He was really chuffed when I collected his uniform and said 'THANKS MUM!'

This weekend...

Rod landed on Friday to spend the next two months with us. He has barely had time to settle with the beach, a pool party and a day of golf packed into his first weekend! We took him to Coogee beach on Saturday morning, the water was so still, a little chilly, but ok once you were in. That afternoon, we went to Josh's for his birthday and as you can see from the numerous photos, a huge amount of fun was had clowning around in the pool with everyone.

(I am now up-to-date with all of our recent photos and will keep everyone posted with news in the following weeks, prepare for phone calls, text messages and photos at ridiculous hours of the day or night!!)

A day at Cottesloe Beach

A couple of weekends ago we spent the day at Cottesloe beach with friends. Most of the time was spent in the water riding the waves, even George got the hang of body boarding after drowning a few times!

Thomas Show and in the pool

At the end of October, we took George to see Thomas the Tank Engine, with friends, Dean, Angela and Harrison. The boys had a great time and only complained when the engines went off stage!

Picnic in the park & Perth Royal Show

A couple of weekends back, the weather was supposed to be nice (and it was for a bit) we met friends down by the river for a sausage sizzle. In true brit style, we were cooking in the rain! We managed to take the kids to the beach and the lads did some fishing, it was just nice to catch up with everyone.

This week saw the Queen's Birthday, another bank holiday and the start of the Perth Royal Show. Wes took a day off in the week to avoid the crazy weekend that we went on last year. It was definitely a good move as the queues were non existent and it wasn't as manic as we previously experienced. It is quite an expensive day out, but well worth it to see the smiles on George's face throughout the day.

Father's Day Weekend in Busselton

Father's Day always falls on the first Sunday in September, so we booked a family break away down south for the weekend in Busselton. It is just over a 2 hour drive, but we stopped in Bunbury on route to for some lunch. The campsite we stayed at in Busselton was lovely, great for George. We brought his bike with us and it was safe enough to cycle all over the camp. He loved jumping on the inflatable pillow and was exhausted every night, he has never slept in so well! The pool was a bit chilly to use, but we were able to use the campsite down the road, which was heated.

We took George to a local farm and even there, he managed to home in on the train set! He is obsessed!! We spent the weekend dodging the rain, but had a nice break just the 3 of us, before the madness of the baby arriving at the end of the year is soon upon us.

20 week scan

Photos from our 20 week scan.

George came with us to see the baby on screen, he liked the fact that it waved at him and he stood very still when we heard the baby's heartbeat. I am now 23 weeks and feel much better than I did. The baby is well and kicking like crazy! Lots of movement so am guessing it will be another long baby like George. My belly popped out around my birthday, so I actually look pregnant now. We did not find out the sex and await the surprise at Christmas!

Birthday Celebrations

It is official, I am no longer in my twenties! My birthday started early with George and Wes popping party poppers, the bed room was trashed with confetti, string, envelopes and wrapping paper, followed by chocolate cake for breakfast. What a treat, George was in his element scoffing it all up. It made a nice change to cereal and toast! Most of the day was spent meeting friends for coffee, in between running George to Kindy and swimming. For dinner, we went to the revolving C Restaurant on top of one of the skyscrapers in the city, we had heard mixed reviews about it, but we had a lovely meal and George enjoyed being up so high. It was dark, so the views were minimal, but it was nice to see the city lit up at night. I met the girls for dinner the following night, whilst the lads took the kids to the dogs. We had a lovely Italian and plenty of laughs :)))

Stringing out the celebrations with a few close friends, the following weekend, we booked into a hotel in Scarborough (about 40 minutes north of us) for a girly day of treatments and stayed the night. I was the only sober one there, but nonetheless, enjoyed the night watching them getting drunk. We were up late and still managed to make it for breakfast....fry ups all round. The hotel was lovely and we would go back, although maybe when it warms up so we could make full use of the outdoor pool and cocktail bar!

I had a lovely birthday and thank everyone for sending cards, presents, money and best wishes. xxx

Wes' trip back home

Our fortnight without Wes

A little under a fortnight ago, I dropped Wes at the airport for his trip back home, with passport, wallet and the correct flight details in hand!! The time has gone fairly quickly and George has been really well behaved, other than when we have webcammed or spoken to Wes :)) He is missing his Dad and started out by saying 'I've lost my Dad, need to get a new one'....bless him, we all know he wouldn't change Wes for the world!! George has told Wes on many occasions that he needs to come home now....it brings a tear to your eye listening to him. George is eagerly awaiting the delivery of his Buzz Lightyear and asks every time we speak to Wes if he's got it. Thankfully, George saw Grandad give it to him last night on web cam, so he knows his Dad is coming home soon. One of George's friends, Buster, and his mum made George a Buzz Lightyear sticker chart, so he knows that when he has run out of stickers, his dad will be home. Each morning George had rushed to the fridge to pull off his sticker. The first time he did it, he wanted to take them all off in the hope that Wes would be home that day, it is funny how his mind works.

We have both been really well looked after by our friends over here. Everyone has been really kind whilst Wes has been away. We have been fed well, had dinners, lunches and play dates at the beach. I think have done more than usual, keeping George entertained and trying to wear him out. It must be working because he has slept longer than he ever does when Wes is here. The usual 6.30-7 starts have moved to 7.30-8, George knows who is boss in this house :-)))) but I am sure they will revert back on Wes' return!

I cannot wait to see all the pictures that Wes took when he was away, he was under orders to take loads, so i'll upload them as soon as I get chance. I was gutted not to be there with him to see you all and catch up with all our family and friends, but the trip back was just too much too soon for us all to return and now being pregnant (and being such a good traveller...NOT!!) it was best to stay here. Hopefully next time??

We miss you all loads.......but missed Wes more!! xxx

Anniversary Weekend

Six Years!!

It is hard to believe this time six years ago we were at the hotel getting married surrounded by our family, friends and the silly waiter was making us sing or dance for our dinner!! It still feels like yesterday, although so much has happened since then. We did not for one minute think we would be where we are today!

We took George to the circus yesterday, it was lovely to see him clapping and cheering when the performers first came out, but he got a bit fidgety and lost interest in some of the acts. He did enjoy it though, especially when it went dark and he could wave his glow stick around! The weather took a turn for the worst as we headed into Fremantle for food. We had a romantic dinner of fish'n'chips, followed by hot chocolates!!

Today was spent catching up with some friends from the UK....bacon sarnies, footie down the beach and some beers up the pub. It was great to see some familiar faces again :-)

Thank you to everyone that sent cards and best wishes, it is lovely to be remembered even though we are so far away xx

Catching up with the last couple of months

The past couple of months seem to be somewhat a blur, they have just flown by. I have not been to great on the whole baby front, morning sickness and feeling exhausted, although nowhere near as bad as I was with George. Am starting to feel more like my old self again which is good, but am eating loads, so will probably look like a double decker bus by the time this one arrives!! No real cravings, but seem to be favouring savoury over sweet and am partial to a bacon and egg sandwich or two!! The next scan is a few weeks away and we are not planning to find out what we are having. As tempting as it maybe, we are waiting for the surprise at Christmas.

The weeks have been full of routine, playgroups, kindy and swimming, not to forget Wes' football. Sundays we go and watch him play and are lucky enough that most grounds he plays at have parks and sand pits to amuse George. George absolutely loves the manager, Ron, and asks every weeks if he is going to be there. Kitted out in his Spurs kit, George was team mascot last week and shook all the team mates hands before the game, led them out onto the pitch and then held hands with the boss as they walked to the dug out. He must have been a lucky mascot, because they won for the first time in weeks!!

A few weeks back we went to a train exhibition and the look on George's face as he went round made it all worth while. He could not get enough and rushed between the various displays to see what was next. His favourite was a small display with Thomas the Tank Engine, but he was able to use the remote to drive the trains. Some of the displays were amazing, especially the LEGO one, so much detail and the cruise liner was so up-to-date it had a swine flu warning on the side!

The weather has not been the best lately, storms and gales... but when sun is out, we still manage to get out, whether it is to the beach or the park to cook sausages for lunch whilst George wears hismself out, we are still thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle here.

Hope you are all keeping well, love to everyone xx

George's Sibbling!!

It's official...George will be an older brother!! We are expecting the new arrival on Christmas Day, but as George was 5 days late, it could be more like New Year. Luckily, this time around, I have not has the sickness as bad, but the waves of nausea just hit. I am eating loads, so no doubt will be the size of a bus by the time it arrives!!

Will keep you posted and many thanks to those who have passed on their congratulations already! xx

Our first year in Oz

What a year we have had!

It has been full of many highs, lows and difficult times but we have still managed to have lots of enjoyment and adventures along the way. Our main aim when we jetted out a year ago, was to find our feet and just settle to see whether or not we would actually like it and live here. We hoped to build a better life for ourselves and George, and can definitely see the benefits of our move. After a shaky start and a few bad decisions, we were determined to make a go of things, so moved into our own rental and now just take each day as it comes. Our weeks are full of work, playgroups, swimming lessons, kindy and footie training. Our weekends are filled with BBQs, meeting friends, kayaking, parks, beaches, football and lots more.

We have met lots of people in similar situations to ours, and for us, felt it best not to force the issue of making friends. We settled ourselves and being sociable people, we knew that we would build a friend base relatively easily. We have a close group of friends who we can rely upon, who have shown us support and given us advice where needed, but most importantly, they are people we trust and have alot of fun with. George has settled really well and it is through him, we have met so many people. He has alot of friends his own age, who we can see him growing up with and generally asks after them most days. We have put his name down at the local school for him to start kindy in February, where he will be going two days a week. Schools start a year later, so he will not be going full time until he turns 5 in 2011.

We have just signed up for another year on our rental. We like the area we live in, just 10 minutes drive from the beach, shops and trains to the city. Currently, we still believe houses are overpriced and whilst you do get a huge amount of space compared to back home, we are not committing to the housing market just yet. Our preference when we do commit, is to buy not build. We have seen friends build and whilst their houses are lovely and you get to choose your own house from scratch, we see alot of work involved for us at the moment. Wes is settled in work and will have been at Fuji a year in August, he enjoys his job and especially the hours!! He leaves at 8am most days and is rarely home after 5pm...he has never had it so good!! I am working part time from home, doing some data entry work. It works well for us and around George, which is the most important thing.

Our life here is so different to back home. The weather makes a huge difference and whilst we are going into winter and expect rain, we cannot complain when the days are still warm and we have had months of lovely sunshine. We were passing each other on the doorstep in the UK and here we get to spend quality family time together. We are not missing the place, but do still think about our family and friends often. Admittedly, we probably talk to them more here than we did back home, but like we always said, just because we have moved this far away, we cannot and would not forget the special people we have left behind.

We already have a busy year ahead of us with friends and family coming over and Wes jetting back for a wedding in August. He will be back for nearly two weeks and already has a lot planned with being best man at James and Emma's wedding. As much as we would love to, George and I will not be coming back this time, but will be putting in a huge order of stuff for Wes to bring home!!

We hope you continue to enjoy the news and memories we are sharing with you on here and promise to continue to do so. All we can say is watch this space for more!!!

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Friends in Oz

Craig and Donna were here a few weeks back and spent a fortnight with us. We packed alot into the two weeks as you can see, there are quite a few photos!

George's New Bike, Footie and the Frog!

A few weeks back we bought George his first big bike, which he loves and has got the knack of pedaling very quickly. He's good at wearing his helmet and loves riding up and down the street with Wes.

Wes has joined a footie team, Kwinana United. He is training twice a week and currently playing for the reserves on a Sunday, but has been on the bench most week for the first team, straight after he's played his match. The boss says he should make the first team once his fitness levels raise!! No more beers and barbies for Wes!!

http://www.kwinanaunited.com/index.php

The frog...seemed to like our front door, no matter how many times I got rid of it, it kept coming back. George thought it was hilarious!

Bank Holiday Weekend

We did not actually have a lot planned for the bank holiday weekend, it was just going to be nice to have it off together. The first with neither of us working. Good Friday, we went to Rockingham and spent the day at the beach, packed a picnic, built sandcastles and bought ice cream. We were amazed at how little there was open, so much so that we struggled to find a pint of milk! Long gone are the days of the 24 hour supermarkets for us, it was like a ghost town here. Saturday morning, we were down at Woodman Point by 8.30am with Zoe and Martin. They brought their kayaks for us to try out, which was a lot of fun and luckily the water was calm, so we did not capsize. Late afternoon, we travelled up North, about 40 minutes, to a friend from Wes' work who was having a moving in party. Ladi and Bec were there, George adores Ladi and drew him a picture in the car on the way up. Sunday, the Easter Bunny had visited our garden and left eggs for George. He had great fun finding them and thanks the Easter Bunny for helping out Nanny and Grandad for delivering their chocolate bunny xxx

Wes is now playing football for Kwinana United and is training weekly with his mate Steve. They played Easter Sunday in the heat, about 34 degrees, a tough game and they lost. They were very appreciative of the roast dinner I had slaved over! We had a lazy day on Monday, it was actually raining!! Yes, we have rain here...it was quite refreshing. I went for a run down the beach, surprisingly, I was the only one there and ran double the distance I would normally, so was well pleased. I think Wes is starting to think I could be fitter than him ;-)

As with anytime time off, it all goes too quickly, but our so called 'quiet' weekend with nothing planned was lovely. We have friends arriving this week, which we are excited about and will no doubt have a busy couple of weeks with them here.

Thanks to those of you that sent Easter cards and messages. Hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend xxx

Easter Parties

We had a busy week with the build up to Easter, starting with a egg hunt party at our house with George's friends. They had great fun finding all the eggs we had hidden, although we were limited as we had to put them in the shade! The few we put in the sun, did not take long to melt! George had two more Easter parties at playgroups this week as it was the end of term. We have so much chocolate here, it should keep us going until Christmas!!

Last Weekend

Wes took George to the Scitech Museum last Saturday. It is not the same as the Science Museum we have been to in London, more like the basement part where the kids can play and experiment with gadgets and gizmos. Funnily enough, George homed in on the train table and spent a fair bit if time playing! We spent the evening with friends having curry and beer, which led to some drunken wrestling and a hose down. It ended up being a bit of a late one and we were a little delicate on Sunday, so took a drive north to Yanchep National Park. We started by taking a tour of the cool caves, this was really refreshing as temperature was high at 38 degrees above ground. George enjoyed it, but got a bit bored towards the end. He enjoyed wandering around the koala walk, searching for them in the trees. It was a tad hot out so we ended up at the Inn for dinner. It was a nice afternoon and we plan to go back up there to see the rest of the park.

http://www.scitech.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=7&Itemid=140

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanchep_National_Park

The past couple of weeks through the eyes of a 3 year old....

Ever since mummy told me Grandad was coming to visit it us, I was so excited and asked her nearly everyday if we could go to the airport to collect him. That day arrived two weeks ago and we just made to the airport before Grandad came through the door. I ran towards him to give him a massive hug, hardly giving him time to record the precious moment. Mummy had loads of things planned for the time Grandad was here, she let him have a bit of a lay-in to recover from his long journey, before we headed to Heathcote Reserve to play boo on the pirate ship and throw twigs down the cliff. Grandad threw his a lot further than me and I am sure he must have hit someone down below!

Grandad came to watch how well I am doing in my swimming lessons and even took me for an extra lesson to help me kick my legs. I kicked for a bit, but had more fun splashing him!! He also came to see all of my friends at playgroup, where my buddy James adopted him, I didn't mind because Grandad played with us both. When it came to song time, I tried to get Grandad to shake his sillies out, but he was having none of it. I did however, shout out that Grandad should be sitting on his bottom, all the mums found this hysterical! We invited some friends over for a barbie so Grandad could meet our them, he got on really well with them whilst he was here.

Grandad had a nightmare trying to find a beer that he liked, we even took him to the Swan Valley, for wine and beer tasting...he tasted a lot, but by the look on his face, you could tell he didn't like them!

We took Grandad to al ot of places including Fremantle, for more beer sampling and fish 'n' chips, Coogee Beach to build sandcastles, we cooked sausages on the barbie at King's Park, we walked along the beach at Rockingham and played in the parks, we shopped in the city for Ugg Boots and went on the Big Wheel and Mummy took Grandad to the doctors because he was a bit poorly (I'm glad he's ok now though), I played trains with Grandad a lot and he read me lots of stories. I think Grandad had a great time being here, I know we all loved having him and were sad to see him go.

Dads second week in Oz