did somebody say velour????

water babies

Getting into the swing of things...

We've finally unpacked (or hidden away) all the boxes and life is beginning to tick along in our new abode. Joel has even managed to get the tomatoes "in by cup day" (5th nov) - not before tackling an enormous thorn bush that was occupying a good third of the previously abandoned vege patch. What a man!

RR keeps daddy on a close rein.

Reading Beatrix Potter (they're never too young to start...

Thanks to Amy Watts who inspired us with a great book my Mem Fox on reading to kids!)

Self family portrait on back deck.

Our little house....

lots to report

Since our last entry RR has been on her first trip back to big smokey melbourne...

(pounding the pavements of north fitzroy with the Orenstein posse)

Rakaia has developed baby boobs and now weighs a whopping 5.8 kilos.

You go girlfriend!!

...and the big news... we've bought (and moved into) a house!!!!!
it's been quite a whirlwind and has all happened since our last blog entry. We had a 30 day settlement and moved in last weekend.

Mum and RR in the fab garden a couple of weeks back. The house is on 1/2 acre with great fruit and citrus trees and lots more...

The previous owner was kind enough to let us start painting before settlement.

We used non-toxic biopaints which meant Rakaia could help out.

We'll post more house photos soon (once it looks like less of a bomb site!)

But some info in meantime: The house itself is small but open and perfect size for our wee family! We're looking into buying an old caravan for guests... so still make plans to visit us!!! We've moved inland/upriver to a town of about 600 called Bruthen. It's got a real community feel about it and a good set of country shops (including a great op shop!) Bruthen is about 20minutes north west of Bairnsdale where Joel works and RR+k8 go for our big shopping outing once a week!

Our details: 101 Chambers road, Bruthen, VIC 3885

phone (03) 51575610

"yeah THAT'S RIGHT!!! drop us a line or come and visit!"

Rakaia loves playing on the floor in her new house!

All tuckered out after the big move...

leaps and bounds

Rakaia has reached the 3 month milestone today! And it really feels like she's not a little little new born baby any more but a proper little miss. Recent developmental claims to fame include:

Riding frontwards in the sling

(pictured here with Uncle Will visiting from Melbourne)

Watching her hands and being very interested in what they might be able to do (pictured here with Aunty Jess visiting from Newcastle)

Getting some major lift during 'tummy time'

Well hello there!

happy anniversary baybeee

Joel and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary last week by having an early dinner, bathing and massaging Rakaia, and then heading off to bed for a nice early night (of sleep).

Yep, we sure are crazy kids.

Joel's uncle (that's right, uncle) in america knitted these special ozzie booties. tasty!