Current obsessions

"Iguanodon! Iguanodon! Iguanodon! Iguanodon!"
"Orla, are you an iguanodon?"
"No! I'm a MEAT eater!"

Kitchen bling

Oh yeah.

Bird survey 09

We have just completed this year's annual nationwide Garden Bird Survey.

Last year our tally was:

Blackbird 3
Chaffinch 2
Fantail 2
Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 6
Kereru 1
Silvereye 3
Tui 2

This year, we got:

Blackbird 1
Chaffinch 1
Eastern Rosella 1
House Sparrow 2
Silvereye 5
Song thrush 1
Tui 2

So fewer birds and less variety (which might just mean we weren't as observant!). The Rosella was our most interesting find this year.

It is amazing what you notice when you take the time just to quieten yourself and use your senses. Suddenly where there was nothing there are little movements here, and there - a flash of wings in the tree or a scurrying in the undergrowth. And the still morning is suddenly awash with quiet, yet distinct bird calls.

A new collective noun

A writhe of children.

Most frequently observed when multiple children wrestle with one adult.

Baby update

Ewan has most definitely moved into the next baby phase - the "three monther" (which given his early arrival is spot on developmentally).

He's in his own pattern. He is very smiley - he loves and recognises the big kids. His neck is strong. Still loves his black and white things. He sucks his fists, and has the first signs of some arm control.

He is growing out of more clothes. He's drooling more!

He is especially smiley and sweet first thing in the morning. I always say that babies are good for the ego. When he sees me hovering over the bassinet, his eyes widen with such genuine pleasure, followed by the most delicious smile! His little arms pump up and down, and if babies could fly, he would fly right into my arms.

He enjoys his feeds. One little hand strokes the skin on my back, the other has my hair tightly in fist.

He likes the front pack. He likes floor time too, but gets lonely if there's no-one very close to hand.

He tolerates copious toddler love.

He gazes at me with a special intensity if he sees me across the room.