Is 'Uh-Oh' a word?

When D was 12 months old, she had 8-10 words. It was a blessing that she could communicate so young. We never had that frustrating phase where the child wants to convey some need or want but doesn't have the verbal ability to do so.

C is now 12 months old. We've been anxiously awaiting the first word in hopes of having 2 early talkers. T insists he's been saying "Dada" for months (It's just babble). Will it be "more"? It really ought to be "Mama". But, I think we'll have to settle for "Uh-oh!"

Dictionary.com defines uh-oh as an interjection "used to indicate concern or chagrin at a mildly unfortunate event". C started declaring this about a week and a half ago whenever he would drop/spill/tip over any of the items he comes into contact during the day. (And dropping/spilling/tipping is big, frequent fun for him these days). In fact, I suspect some of the "accidents" are deliberate when I hear the "uh-oh" before the cup/spoon/pancake/toy/book takes a hit.

D continues to amaze (and entertain) us with the new words she puts into conversation. Lately I've enjoyed her use of "safety violation" when witenessing a person riding a bike with no helmet or a person in a car wearing no seatbelt. This morning (and this one is good for a laugh or a scare) she named the imaginary king in her pretend kingdom "soul-ja" because he has lots of soldiers. Not sure where that one came from.

Sibling Revelry and Other Adventures in Parenting

Well, Daddy is away and C is taking the task of being "Man of the House" very seriously. What ever would we do without him!? (That's the television remote in his hand)

I was cooking this morning and both kids were playing so nicely together in the playroom. I enjoyed the sweet sound of their laughter. I wanted to know what had them laughing but not enough to risk interrupting them and causing them to stop. Soon, they joined me in the kitchen to show off their latest stunt. Good times.

Finally, we took a trip to the grocery store yesterday and left the car at home. One thing I love about living here is having most things within walking distance. I hope to have this when we move back to the US too. Anyway, we walked and toted our goods home in the buggy. Most things fit in the basket below, but D did me the favor of holding a bag of fruit on her lap.

It was near lunch time and often C gets fussy as we approach noon but he was quiet and content in his seat, under the sun cover (where I can't see him well).

We arrived home and I quickly discovered why C was so content. He had chewed up the fresh zucchini I had placed in the basket at his feet. The stem was gone and the poor vegetable was missing half a dozen chunks! C likes zucchini!

Farewall to an Amazing Lady

Family and friends, we are sad to report that T's Grandma, Virginia Sweeney, passed away on Wednesday. Services will be held Saturday in Creston, IA.

She was one of the neatest ladies I've ever met. So sweet, so kind, so funny. We've had many great memories and laughs with Grandma, who has always had such a sharp mind and fantastic wit.

D shares her middle name with Grandma.

It is always very hard to say good-bye each time we are headed out overseas but we are very pleased that C was able to meet Grandma on our trip home last December.

T is in the air right now, traveling back to attend the funeral. The kids and I are not taking this trip. The journey is very, very long and we would be in no shape to attend services when we arrive. T will be back here in Perth on Thursday.

D and I have been looking at photos and having nice talks about her "Granny." Grandma always delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And D is always happy to entertain!

Thank you to those of you who might offer up some prayers for Grandma, T, and all of the family.

First Birthday Festivities

C's first birthday went very well. Thanks to all our marvelous family and friends who sent greetings, gifts, hugs and kisses, and who attended his birthday party. The celebrations left the little guy exhausted- but feeling loved!

We had a couple of Skype calls on Friday and C opened a few gifts that arrived from overseas. Thanks grandparents!

We held the party Saturday afternoon and, unfortunately, the weather was quite cool and windy. But, never the less, some of the time was spent outdoors will the bubble machine (thanks Maggie!) and a round of Pass the Parcel. But the guests spent most of the time inside eating and enjoying good company.

This was C's first taste of Nana's layered ice cream cake. I made him his own miniature version. He seemed to really enjoy the icing. Who wouldn't?

Below (and this is a shout out to you ladies from IHS) is my work of art. We threw C's party with an ocean theme and I couldn't pass up the idea once I found it. For anyone who can't tell, it's a whale carved from a watermelon. The watermelons here are more round than oblong so I wasn't sure how well he would turn out but, I think all the guests knew what I was aiming to create.

Sunday was spent recovering from the party and enjoying the leftover balloons. Few things bring out squeals of delight like having a dozen balloons thrown at you in the kitchen. If only they could last forever...

Our gift to C was a bouncy castle/paddling pool combo thing that will come out of it's box when the weather is a bit warmer. We'll post photos then. That could be a blog post all by itself!