Champs, Josh, Otis & Valentine

More of the Man

2008-10-17T10:58:00.002+11:00

Dads dress sense ?

he's growing up

2008-08-15T13:42:00.002+10:00

We will do better

2008-07-14T14:55:00.002+10:00

Hello to all you neglected blog viewers. We have been apalling at keeping up our blog, but will do better from today onwards, we promise. We have added a few snaps of the past 6 months events so you can track our movements. Otis is a much bigger little man than when you saw him last.

Pop's Birthday Cake

2008-07-14T14:52:00.001+10:00

Winter in the Central Highlands

2008-07-14T14:16:00.001+10:00

Tash's Visit

2008-07-02T14:50:00.000+10:00

Autumn in the garden and the bush

2008-05-14T14:10:00.000+10:00

Nanna Ruth Visit

2008-05-02T14:47:00.000+10:00

A few More Autumn Shots

2008-04-21T14:31:00.000+10:00

Luke & Jess' Visit

2008-04-10T13:34:00.000+10:00

A couple of march summer picnics

2008-03-10T13:40:00.000+11:00

Some summer fun

2008-02-14T13:57:00.000+11:00

A few christmas holiday photos

2007-12-25T13:50:00.000+11:00

Our Birthdays & Otis' naming

2007-12-16T13:13:00.001+11:00

Socks Visit

2007-12-13T10:40:00.000+11:00

There is a little new neighbour who came visiting the other day call Socks. Socks is a sweet little girl who spent the afternoon with us before we found her home. Otis was impressed, if not a little hesitant.

Ishas 1st Birthday

2007-12-09T10:35:00.000+11:00

We spent last Sunday celebrating the 1st birthday of Isha, one of Otis' speacial friends in North Melbourne. We had a beautiful day with Isha, Kate her mum, Jali her dad and thier friends and family.

Firman Girls Visit

2007-12-08T10:20:00.000+11:00

Last weekend we were lucky enough to have a visit from our old Melbourne pals the Firmans.
Maddy, Marley & Tash called in for a little visit and an early cake for Otis.

Our Boys Growning Up

2007-12-08T10:17:00.000+11:00

Our little man is a walker. In fact has been for some weeks. Will be one soon and we cant believe where the year has gone.

Boyd Baker House - Brett's Birthday

2007-12-01T10:07:00.000+11:00

We were lucky enought to spend an evening in the company of Brett and a few of his nearest in the Robyn Boyd designed Baker house in Bachuss Marsh. Very speacial house. http://www.boydbakerhouse.com.au/baker.htm

Summer - Sunsets & Roses

2007-11-17T10:01:00.000+11:00

Summer brings a couple of things to Kyneton. Sunsets and Roses.
The roses have been amazing this year. These came from our garden.

About the house and About bloody time we posted a new blog !!!

2007-09-30T11:00:00.000+10:00

My baby and me hanging out at the back door in the morning sun....

Otis standing against the couch very smitten with his new legs.

Queenie stayed the night, morning cuddles and book reading.

This is one of my favourite photos of Otis

Otis loves his tucker and every meal time is a mess. In fact I think I have to change is clothes most sessions. I think letting him play with his food is important and hey!! it's fun.

A very vocal eater

So, our blogging drought excuse is.... to busy with action jackson and hate sitting in the study at night as it is cold.
The last 2 months have been busy as usual in our great part of the world.
Spring was divine as the blossoms shone pink light through the streets. Daffodils galore remind me of my childhood and the river walk looked amazing covered in smiley daffies. Baby ducks by the river, great walks and still very little sleep.

Otis is long gone on the crawling stakes and nearly walking. He is on the go big time and hard to keep up with. He dislikes being strapped in to a pram or in the car but fine once I get him in.

A little separation anxiety has set in (don't blame him really)!! 9-10 months is a classic time for this and it may last a while but this is normal and won't last forever. He sais Mumma and Dadda and makes monkey noises and movements and Dances.

very sweet age (if only sleep would come) !!! I must say that it is better but still a constant challenge. Maybe he takes after me DER !!! as I have always been a poor sleeper.

Life is good - ideas are flowing (stay posted) and stuff always going on. Brett and Lisa came to visit as did lovely aunty Beck and amazing Lonnie from Queensland.
Scotty and kate came up for a counter meal at a local pub and cousin Liam visited with Magda.
Marika and Ben for lunch with their 1 year old daughter, Beck and Simon's for dinner and a party for Dashiel (also 1).
Did some weeding last weekend and planted some basil and zucchini. cooked anzac cookies and Josh did a killer roast lamb with an orange glaze and local organic spuds from Rachel's shop.

There's heaps more and I could go on forever but I am over it and tired so will say farewell dear bloggers. We love you all so much and send big hugs and kisses. Stay in touch.

Great memories of amazing times !!!!!!! we are so blessed with this life (and I am not even religious!) AMEN

Great Nan

2007-09-13T19:30:00.000+10:00

Ruthie meets Otis.....

How lucky we are to have 2 great Nans and what a joy that they can meet Otis and spend time with him. It was lovely to have Ruthie in our little home. She visited twice in 5 days, we ate, talked, cried even and played with Otis. She loved meeting him.

Ruthie picked him up on her own accord and looked very comfortable holding him. Thanks to Ruthie Otis has a new little bicycle. He loves it and now (3 weeks later) can walk pushing it around. His toes just touch the ground but he can not yet push himself along.

We hope that they can spend some more time together.

Belgrave Birthday bash

2007-09-12T19:33:00.000+10:00

Phoebe focused. Gorgeous Pete Journeaux helping Coco and Sylv blow out birthday candles. Can't believe my beautiful mum is 65! and a great looking one at that. Pete has been in hospital for some 6 weeks but looks great despite an incredibly rough journey. It was a lovely afternoon of close family and friends. Amazing aunty Julie and uncle Kevin, Great Nan to Otis Eileen, Brett and MG, Susie, Carol Hynes, cousin Lucy from France, Mel, Luke and us.

I made the cup cakes for the girls to decorate, can't believe I didn't eat one as I was too busy chatting and feeding baby Otis. How divine do they look so intensely decorating !

Ace photo

The evening before Mike cooked a wicked pepper steak and we sat as we do around the family table chatting and chewing the fat and laughing and eating and drinking and being floppy.

I adore this photo....Josh and I reckon that Coco and Otis look alike, especially when Coco was a baby.

Luke and the angels..

Mel and Otis hanging out... Thanks to Mel I was able to get a break and a chat. Mel taught Otis to point and they did this ET index finger thing and yes he is still doing it..

What Museum!!!!

2007-09-11T19:27:00.000+10:00

3 days on from the Zoo - another outing with Phoebe and Coco and finally Mel meets Otis...
They bonded instantly. Mel is so wonderful with kids. She gave him time to watch her, feel comfortable and relaxed before she got her little paws on him.....then she never got them off !!!
It was love at first sight.

The funniest thing ever was all of us infront of the funny mirrors. Phoebe couldn't stop laughing as we all shrunk, grew big heads, little legs etc etc. If you havn't done it for a while, stand in front of one of these mirrors for a laugh.

What Museum......we were all too busy hanging out and Mel and I chatting that we didn't realty explore the Museum. The kids section is great and stimulating with heaps of interactive stuff. Check out these crocodile tails....how totally cute do Coco and Otis look.

look at these 2 love birds...Otis in his Nan's little knitted vest

Coco enjoying her hot chocolate....How sweet !!
Hanging out together was great and very special as it doesn't happen often. I wish we could see each other every week.

Planting our future

2007-09-09T19:39:00.000+10:00

what an exciting moment as the truck pulled up to our block with 7 amazing trees that we selected from Trentham East advanced tree nursery. There was something very magical about selecting the trees which are 5 to 6 years old and cared from on an amazing property nearby. We walked around the tree farm as David tagged our selection.
It all happened pretty seamlessly really. The truck pulled up with a rough old bloke with a heart of gold. A dingo dug 7 holes in minutes / one hole would have taken us a couple of hours at least and heaps of blisters later.. Otis hung in the pram and on the rich dark soil. Breaking the soil was very satisfying as it felt like we were moving along and progressing with our life in the country.
Check out this trolley munchkin !!!!! he loved being pulled along by me while dad was pulling off the root barriers.
Had a real laugh.

Hard work!!!!! 5 hours later, Josh was knackered. I strolled to Red Beard and collected toasties and coffee with Otis. My key role was to determine whether they were in the holes straight and facing the right way.
Deciding where they were going was easy - I think the Dingo digger guy was surprised at how quickly we choose spots. Nice guy, lives 3 doors up so we can use him for the driveway when the time comes.

3 weeks later, they are healthy and budding, minus one tree that requires a bit more attention as the stakes to hold them in place are moving in the strong westerly.

Cousins meet at the Zoo

2007-09-07T11:24:00.000+10:00

Otis, Phoebe and Coco met at Melbourne Zoo for the first time ever. It was so wonderful to see them and amazing to witness that DNA bond. There definitely was an initial connection. The girls fussed over baby Otis all day and walked alongside the pram. They are so divine. Our highlight for the day was being within 1 metre from a huge silver back gorilla. Otis dropped his jaw in disbelief as one of his favourite toys at home is a monkey but not so big and animated.

Queenie and Mike Gramps packed a lovely picnic. Great to spend time together and of course to see my beautiful brother Luke.

Carrot was a gift from the girls... he loves it.

All together............such a great photo and time together.

Uncle Lucas with princess Phoebe...her legs were a little tired and the view was better.

Mike Gramps suits a pram!!!! this Japanese Garden at the Zoo was one that we used to visit as kids with gorgeous Mutti..

It was lovely being together. we love our Byron angels.

a pearler!!!

2007-08-15T20:51:00.001+10:00

today I went for the most beautiful walk with my son.

The warm afternoon sun brought with it soft winter light and big blue sky. we strolled down by the river. The river is full and running, cows along the banks, reflections of willowy branches in the water...so clear, crisp. I sucked in the air, caught views of dappled light within treed gullies and rolling slopes. We touched trees, leaves and flowers. I felt very calm and content. and love my boys very much.

Our little garden gnome

'Friar' Smith

laughter so sweet!!

2007-08-15T20:21:00.000+10:00

we love our boy Otis so so oooooooooooo much.
He is extremely funny, has a goofey laugh and is always up for entertaining. Otis loves his food and creates a real mess. I want him to enjoy eating and not to worry about keeping clean.

Since the snow fell, the days have continued to be very cool / crisp mornings and clear cold nights. It is very beautiful our big sky. This morning we heard kookaburra's and the blossoms have bloomed. Daffodil festival is upon us in a few weeks, as the name suggests daffies are everywhere and I love them so.
They are such bright happy flowers and remind me of my child hood growing up on the daffodil farm at Cotswold, with the dogs sorting daffies in the shed at night for market. I love the fresh, earthy smell that they have.
We have had visitors and been entertaining in our humble way.
Grixti and Ali stayed a night and brought some divine wine and much merriment, Steph and Sandra delivered with love a wombat statue so loved by Josh's Nan Ina. We have him placed in a delightful posi in the garden. New local buddies lunched with us and their 1 year old daughter.
Trips to Melbourne visiting Mr Peter Journeaux in hospital, the osteopath, Mum, Mike's sister Annie from France and the Vic Market, At the neighbours for dinner, Josh's aunt and uncle from Mildura popped by, friends with bubbies, lunch at the local Pizzaria, markets, coffee in Trentham, visiting the block, amazing drives through our rugged and diverse countryside, lambs in the fields, green, green, green and 3 rainbows in one week.
And I had a baking failure !!!!!! Honey cakes that flopped and bubbled in the oven. I was devastated and baked scones instead with Mum's quince jam and cream.

AND OTIS IS CRAWLING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCARY STUFF

He looks so tiny to be crawling but is on the go and into the kitchen, the cat food, the books, the cords, the everything...but so adorable..................

Love to all.

my beautiful boys!

a sunny afternoon outside on the grass

pots of gold await us both!!!!
in the back yard

BIG LOVE

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.

2007-07-17T11:38:00.000+10:00

Snow falling in our street.

Snow on the paddocks near Carlsrhue.

First Woodend exit, where did Mt Macedon go.

Car coming from Woodend near Kyneton.

Sleepy Snowman.

Its snowing! Today we woke to the text messages from locals spreading the word that snow was on the way. Sure enough by mid morning the rain started to move in slow motion and swirl around a little bit. We were looking forward to a day in town working and catching up with family, but by the time we got to the first Woodend turn off we were getting a little nervous about travelling home later this evening. With more snow forecast we headed for Kyneton to stare wistfully out the window and sip our cups of tea.

Home Made Bread & Winter Hats

2007-07-09T21:36:00.000+10:00

Growing Up

2007-07-05T07:43:00.000+10:00

Our little man is growing up. He's sitting up, eating everything that can be mashed or pureed, and bordering on crawling (he's going to be such a handful in this house). We're all well, managed to pretty much shake our bugs, and we seem to be putting up with our first winter in this chilly part of Victoria, we might even be enjoying it. There is apparently snow in Daylesford this morning, which means there's probably snow in Trentham, very exciting. We've had regular rain, but not heaps of it and water storage's don't seem to be moving to quickly out here, so it looks like stage four for another summer.

Champs is such a wonderful mother, Otis loves filling his days in her space, the two of them giggle their way through the days. She's been baking Cakes ( for Dad's Birthday ), Savory tarts, pies & loads of soup every other day. Her days are still pretty long, as as well as Otis is going with his settling, he's not sleeping for long periods. Hope all are well and look forward to seeing you in our neck of the woods or yours soon.

The Firmans Visit

2007-07-03T07:30:00.000+10:00

Today we had the pleasure of a visit from Maddy, Marley and Tash. Although a bit chilly, Kyneton managed to turn on a suitable outdoor day for a quick hide and seek session in the garden (which is very wintry, but very green, lots of rain). The girls were very sweet with little Otis, and he was beat when they left, all that female attention is a bit much for a man.

Do you like my hat ?

2007-06-22T11:13:00.000+10:00

--------------------------------------------
Hi all, few pics of our little man in his new jumper, trackies and hat from Nan, very Kyneton (in the middle of winter). Pic from our visit to Geelong to see Nan & Pop a month or so ago.

Well winter is certainly hear and so far try as it might, it hasn't managed to ruin our time here in Kyneton. With all the events of the last few weeks, it has been a blessing to be able to enjoy the space and the beauty of our part of the world, and as Christie has eluded to the daylight only gets longer from here.

A few markets to get to this weekend including Trentham - as long as its not coming in sideways, but if it is we can always find a spot next to the scotch oven at "red beards' in Trentham. Its been a bit woolly, but its a great excuse for soup, stew and pies & redwine (not all at once).

Enjoy your weekend everyone, keep your loved ones near. J

Strange Times

2007-06-20T08:32:00.000+10:00

Couple of pics, Otis in his beautiful knitted hat and jumper (which he needs - 7 degrees the other day ) which was made with love by Judy. Otis and his new trick, sitting up un aided.

Its been a very strange couple of weeks since we all touched base. I was sick, then Champs was sick, then Otis got sick, then I got better, then Champs got better, then Otis got worse, then I got sick, then Champs got sick, and finally Otis is getting better.

Lots of events on today the 20th of June.

We wish Ruthie (Nan) the very best of 80th birthdays, and all our thoughts will be with you up in sunny Canberra.

We wish little Coco Reno up in Byron the happiest of 3rd birthdays, we hope its full of magic.

Finally, on a sad note, today we say goodbye to our beautiful Ina (Nan) who passed away on Friday in peace. Her simple joy will be dearly missed. godspeed xx j

Smiths in FNQ

2007-06-05T14:20:00.000+10:00

We were very privileged when away to have some photo's taken by Nick's brother in law Paul. We're so grateful for him to give up a little bit of his holiday time to give us such great mementos of our first little Smith family holiday. A few of our favorites below.

Family holiday in FNQ

2007-06-01T16:05:00.000+10:00

how lucky are we to have spent 10 days in divine port douglas FNQ.
A far cry from the chilly nights in country Kyneton.
Our friends Nick and Tanya were married and we were not to miss it for all teh tea in China.
A planned trip and our first family holiday.
Sylvia and Mike also on vacation, joined by Carole and Barry Hynes who are such good family friends. Mum was the celebrant to marry Nick and Tanya and did a truly magical job.

3pm, still, warm afternoon sun beaming towards the point where we gathered, surrounded by amazing milky skies, pale glistening waters and layered mountains, I doubt there are many locations in the world more beautiful.
Tanya arrived by boat, her brothers carried her ashore over the rocky beach. tears loomed in everyones eyes.
the feast afterwards was truly amazing. seafood to die for. I was very excited and felt spoilt.

So Josh, Otis and I spent our days in the sun strolling, eating, lazing by the pool and chatting to friends and family also there for the wedding. It was lovelty to stay in accommodation where others to enjoyed company. Nick's 2 sisters Lonnie and Vanessa were such great company along with their partners and Bella.

The Sunday market is a favourite. Multi talented locals display their crafts. anything from Daintree grown rare breed orchids to local mango icy poles.
The colours are green.....so many greens, so alive and vivid. The vegetation strong and wild. The air sweet and sticky.

We did sneak a look at the boathouse where we stayed last year on our 'romantic' vacation prior to the arrival of Otis.
But that's life and we are blessed with this incredibly beautiful, spirited little man.
Otis was a hit with all. Poolside and beyond. He is a real charmer and has a wicked smile and giggle. Only at 3am and many other times during the nights it somehow loses it's charm !!
Otis is eating pureed pears, sweet potato and apple and loving it.

Gorgeous friends Mischee and Reddog were there with their 2 monkeys Lena and Isabella. So nice to spend time with old friends. It was 16 years since I first met them and lived in Port.

We are happy to be home and have nestled in well to the very cool nights and the totally different skyline, smell, colour and atmosphere of our new town.
Farmers markets are on every weekend where we purchase local produce. The wood fire is going and we are rugged up in woolies.

love to all.
xx

Sunday market relaxation.

Habitat wildlife sanctuary. Otis and I explore

Reddog, Mischee, Nick and us.

kicking back in the hired help

not overly keen on the pool

what a beach!

Country Nights

2007-04-19T18:47:00.000+10:00

Autumn is well and truly settled in here in Kyneton. Plenty of Ash's turning their beautiful strong shades. Not allot of news here from 'sleepy hollow'. The natives are friendly, and the weather has been at its best ( beside the perennial lack of rain ). Last weekend was spent poking around the area, as well a a trip to Red Beards in Trentham, and a wander past our little plot of land.

Days consist of me working, either here or in the city, Champs looking out for the Otis, who is about as predictable as a greyhound. In her spare moments, walking cooking, and befriending the native fruit, flour, wine, coffee, book & meat sellers. She has been cooking, and made the most amazing apple tea cake today ( very CWA ), which was dismembered well before I thought to take a photo.

A couple of the photo's attached are from this evenings walk. There was a beautiful autumn chill in the air. The sun was setting, and all was nice and peaceful. The exact moments, I think, that we have come here to experience. The more time we're spending here the more it fits. Hope all is well. x J

we just feed him and he grows!

Just around the corner from our house.

The nearby coliban river in its autumn glory.

House Guests & Sunshine

2007-04-10T17:58:00.000+10:00

What a beautiful Easter long weekend. We had many visitors this weekend. Beck (friday/saturday), Mike & Sylv' (Monday/tues), Caro & Jay (Monday) & A Chook (Thursday).

We had beautiful sunshine and got out and about to see more of this little part of the world we find ourselves in. We went to Trentham to red beards bakery and got our hot cross buns cooked in the scotch oven. We went to a little coolroom shop out the back of a house in Musk called istra for some beautiful small goods, and to cap it of we visited zig zag rd wines on the way home.

We had a lovely quiet couple of days in the garden which has been bathed in sunshine, beautiful warm days, but admittedly the nights are getting chilly. The garden is greening up thanks to a bit of rain a few weeks ago, although it wont be long until it needs it again.

Otis is growing so quickly, and is adorable. The country air seems to agree with him.
In fact I think its agreeing with us all. We all seem a little more relaxed.

The town certainly seems to have all we need, with one significant omission - the bottle shops are appalling. I can see a monthly trip to see Barry & Tim ( Carlton Cellars ) to get ourselves a mixed dozen.

We're Here

2007-03-29T11:46:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

The have telephones here and everything. In fact even internet, although due to the sad untimely death of our ADSL modem, we are working of the trusty dial up at the moment.

We have all settled in amazingly well, a few boxes here and there and many of our conversations begin the same way; 'What we need is one of those ........ '. Storage is a little interesting, I cant believe the lack of foresite shown in the 1910's.

Otis is well and growing, chatting and generally ruling the house, followed closely by two very housebound cats. Who despite having been lovingly built the Cat-mahal (thanks dad) still see a much more interesting world full of bigger and stranger birds for them to stalk.

We've had a few visitors in the last few weeks. Lol came by on the first leg of her little regional Victorian Jaunt. Of course we had Uncle Luke (Lucas pictured above) down from Byron to meet his little nephew and catch up with family and friends.

Our 3rd wedding anniversary the other day. Seems like yesterday. My beautiful wife is more beautiful than ever.

Must run - but cannot stress enough that the last few weeks would have been alot more hairy without the support of both our family's, we've been supplied with removal help (and advice, surprise surprise), food, and just general hand lending. Couldn't have done it without them.

X J

A few photos for the members of the otis fan club. A shot of Lucas, Mike, Champs and Otis. Uncle Lucas and Otis Lucas, & A view of our new house from the backyard.

Otis Is Growing Up / Smiths on the move

2007-03-15T08:42:00.000+11:00

Busy Busy times in the Smith household.

For some of you it may come a bit of a shock to learn that we a relocating our little cult to Kyneton. We've been so busy handling Otis, Work, & Packing that we wont have seen many of you. And you'll all be more shocked to learn that its this weekend. We're on our way to a little cottage in Wedge street, Kyneton. Which is the first step in our Trentham tree change. We're very excited, as well as being a little apprehensive over leaving a home that has recently had so many special memories. So you all must start considering your little country sojourns and we will look forward to our outing to 'Town' to see all of you. It less than an hour away at the right time of day so don't be scared. We have been wonderfully supported by our families and I'm not sure we could have attempted this without their support.

Hard to believe that it was 3 months ago when our little man arrived. Otis has changed so much in the last few weeks its hard to know where to start. He loves a chat. When I get him up in the morning he will quite happily spend 45mins just chatting away, telling me how to do things.
Its so difficult to catch him in a smile when I take a photo now, 1 because he's so intrigued by the camera & 2 he's to busy telling me how to do it. He is sleeping a little better, will go down for little naps during the day, and is still a very healthy little man.

Beautiful Charmaine is doing amazingly. She is such an instinctive mother and I'm so proud of the way she's taken on all that this year has thrown at her. Otis is lucky to have her, and so am I.

Hope everyone is well and happy. Uncle Lucas is in town and we look forward to spending some time amongst the boxes with him over the next week.

xx Josh

daydream

2007-02-18T15:55:00.000+11:00

Peter Neumann's first hold of baby Otis

Judy was sure to take him home -

very funny - the park was breezy so we used the sweet little beanie

in the car

Hi all,
how time flies with a bubs and how i have no concept of days and weeks....otis is growing as you can see. he is adorable, smiling a lot with his dad and remains cheeky - not loving sleep. he is now 9 weeks old, over 60 cm long and making lots of chatting noises. we have little doubt that he will be doing many things early...so get ready for action !!
here are a few snaps of him smiling and of josh and i in the park with him last week. today poppy and nan neumann came over for a visit all the way from tweed heads. it was delightful to see them and they loved meeting otis. very hot...38, house is stinking but have a cooler in the bedroom. i love the weekends as josh is on deck and i love the company. had a hard week just gone - a few days that otis didn't sleep at all. have started a sleep / feed / pattern yesterday so will be trying to implement it over the next few weeks as things became desperate for all and baby otis neds more sleep to be happy.
so ....here we go all into week 9 of life for our otis.
love to all...
he is screeming as i write this....as josh is holding him.....but i am comforted by his happy face and adorable smile.

HOW DIVINE ARE THE SMILES... the cute little woolen hat was knitted by sandra, there is also the sweetest matching woolen cardigan.
xxx

toooooo cute

2007-02-05T18:27:00.000+11:00

monday night at 10.15pm and we have just got cheeky baby otis into bed after a 2 hour session and some very loud screaming...we think hot, tired and probably everything else a baby can feel.
need to head off to bed now as my second wind is running low. josh is reading over a pool contract for work on the couch, cats going wakky in this cooler evening. sandra and steph spent yesterday afternoon with us which was lovely - although otis had a bad day as was very hot and just did not want a sleep. steph was very touched by the little mans alluring smile (how can you not be) days roll on and seem to disappear....loved seeing photos of phoebes birthday and the celebration that went on, she is divine and mel an amazing mother. off to bed.
love to all.
HOW CUTE IS THE SMILE !!!!!!! AND JUST A LITTLE BIT CHEEKY
the dress i am wearing in the above photo is one of beck's little numbers (clever girl).

growing up

2007-01-30T18:17:00.000+11:00

Hi,
Otis is growing up. He was 6 weeks old yesterday. we can't believe it. He has changed so much since birth and developed a really strong little personality. He loves to feed and watch everything going on around him.

Aunty Beck is looking very comfortable with the little man. She is divine - sewed me 2 dresses and a top just because.....they are gorgeous. We have continued to have a steady stream of visitors...Kate and Scotty cooked us lunch on sunday, rick and Kaz popped in with a cake a their beautiful daughter ruby, Tima and Louise from the Prince, Katherine from Romsey, Tash and the girls, Brett and Lisa...to name a few. I did make certain that I informed Brett that just because we had a baby didn't mean that we had nothing else to talk about !!!!
The days fly by - up early with the boys, feeding, washing, settling etc etc etc. by the evenings things can go a bit pear shaped. He seems to have a witching hour /s from around 6pm to 10pm ish. 6 weeks seems to be the time people refer to as when change occurs and crying increases. This has certainly happened as his body is developing and he is observing his environment.

Mum popped in yesterday with fruit and veg...she is in very besotted in otis. Mum and I cooked a beef casserole for our dinner.....food is very welcome as I am still eating like a monster and it seems to be hard to get dinners together. He is totally divine and very cheeky. josh and I still cannot believe that we have a son. went to a picnic party in the bot gardens last week. With both josh and I there it was easier with Otis. Our friends little boy turned 1. We are officially amongst our friends as the couple with baby...never thought it would happen as we were always at gatherings with kids as the couple without child. I think all the practice has paid off a little as we feel comfortable amongst crazy kid world and speak.....

off to maternal health nurse tomorrow to see how much our boy has grown over the last 2 weeks...

love to everyone.

champs, josh and otis

The three of us

2007-01-20T17:31:00.000+11:00

Hi all,

beautiful rain ! love it.

It is Saturday afternoon / evening and Josh is trying to settle baby Otis.

He has been awake most of the day which is not at all preferable.

Just doesn't like sleeping very much at the moment and is very stimulated and active / especially for a 5 week old (this Monday).

He is toooo cute though and although we are sleep deprived and a little testy - you can't help but adore him.

He has a very strong little personality and seems defiant and determined. very cheeky (takes after mum) and incredibly strong.

Since birth he has grown 4 cm in length and has put on over 900grams.

Josh has been busy working again after his break and is finding it difficult to focus and cope with the busy load. Although he is busy which is wonderful.

Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. It certainly is a trying time, one where so many adjustments take place and a confidence needs to be built between the three of us.

take care and enjoy watching him grow.

He is offering little smiles which is divine.

A few more photo's

2007-01-03T09:20:00.000+11:00

2006 ? what 2006 ?

2006-12-29T17:03:00.000+11:00

Where did 2006 go ? I cant believe that its new years this weekend. We've been home for one week now and the days just seem to melt. its 11 then its 2 then is 6 then its 9. crazy. Champers is still a bit battered and bruised which is making sitting up for the night feeds hard. I'm very very proud of her, she's such a trooper. Little Otis aka 'oink' sure loves his milk. A few more snaps of the little man for all those adoring fans below. He's filled out a bit already, and at his last weigh in had put on a whopping 400+ grams.

We're Home

2006-12-24T16:25:00.000+11:00

We're home. No more buzzer. No more bossy midwives. Just the three of us. Otis seems to like his new digs. Here's a few photo's to keep you all going till next time I have more than 5 minutes to myself. Champs (the great) is doing pretty well. Still sore, as to be expected, but is feeding our little man like a trooper.

xxx love to all and merry christmas. we're going to sit back all three of us and watch the carols. j

Welcome Otis Lucas Smith

2006-12-20T10:20:00.000+11:00

Otis Lucas Smith - 18.12.06

Its a Boy - Welcome Otis Lucas Smith. Born 18.12.06 7pounds 3 ounces.
good healthy, if not a bit bandy with a big head, little boy. Little nick on his forehead
which no-one knows what its from, but all little tuff nuts need a scar. Champers is doing really
well all things considered. Very Very proud. xxx josh
More to come with more time ( i wish ).

Birthday, but no baby

2006-12-17T11:53:00.000+11:00

Thankyou everyone for all your birthday wishes. We got some special things and were made to feel very loved on our birthday/day's. Big thanks to Phoebe & Coco for her special cards, and Madi, Marley & Tash for there birthday cake laden visit.

Our day comprised of wake up and say happy birthday. Breakfast with the Smiths ( but not all of them & not the band). Home for a spot of lunch and retuning a few calls of birthday messages. Cricket and some presents. Birthday cake with the Firmans. A little middle eastern feast with Sylv' to finish off.

We were both very lucky with clothes, books and all sorts of beautiful gifts coming our way, so thank you all. We managed to not unwrap one little package, so although it may have been fated, we managed not to have our first little one on our joint Birthday. Love to all and Christmas wishes. xx josh

Our Christmas Tree

2006-12-13T12:11:00.000+11:00

Hi all,
hope everyone is well and looking forward to Christmas. Josh and I are very pre occupied with thoughts of baby, this December certainly doesn't feel like Christmas nor our birthday month. We have made no plans for set itineraries as we cannot possibly commit to going or being anywhere as the due date is 21st.
Josh is still crazy busy and trying to free up some time in early Jan so he can be at home and we can settle into things as a family.
We will be lying low and enjoying being together as a family.
I have made a huge Christmas cake that is soaking in brandy...yum yum. and a ginger bread tree. I am sure any new addition news will travel fast amongst our lot......Love to all and best wishes.......

green spotty dress

2006-12-06T19:59:00.000+11:00

Hi all,
bubs is due in 2 weeks.....Mel brought me this green spotty dress - it has been a ripper !!
Walked back from the bottle shop this afternoon with a hip flask of brandy in a paper bag for soaking the fruit for my chrissy cake..
Josh is really busy and trying to free up some space for when bubs arrives.
We will have a very mellow Christmas whatever the timing as baby is due on the 21st and any time either before that or after....
had a swim in the local pool yesterday, very nice.
I hope everyone is well and looking forward to the festive season. We will put up a tree this weekend - love the tree and the beautiful lights.

Love to all.
xx

- Welcome -

2006-12-02T14:12:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

This is our new blog - you can use it to keep track of us and all the events of the smiths over the next few years.

We cant believe its Christmas soon, & as most of you will know not long now till we have our first little bub. Champs has finished work and we're doing what we can to get ready (not sure what you can do) , without doing too much. Baby is very busy and not allowing fantastic rest for champers (but as everyone keeps saying, I'm sure its not going to get better).

<-- This is my Beautiful wife a few weeks ago (36.5 weeks)

We'll be adding to this regularly, along with a few snaps along the way. Hope your all having a great festive season, and enjoying the company of loved ones. We hope to see you all in good time. As you may well understand its a little difficult to plan to much in at the moment. We'll keep you abreast of any news, I have all your mobiles in my phone, so as is the way in these times, I'll txt you with any events once they've happened. Thank god its cricket season, its a nice time of year to be around home waiting. Bloody Australian pitches (I'll get to that another day). Go Aussies. Until next time

xx Josh & Champs & ?