Ryan's First Zoo Adventure

Sunday the 11th Oct, (Queens Birthday Long Weekend) we took Ryan to the Adelaide Zoo for the first time. I think I can say he loved it. We had been wanting to take him for a little while as he is very aware of everything now. The weather looked like it was going to be good so made a last minute decision to take him. Mum and Dad, Nan & Pop to Ryan came with us so it was lovely day out. Left home about 10:00am and pulled back into the drive way around 5:00pm.

Mmmm.....where did we start? Well we were making our way down to see the Gorilla's that are on loan to the zoo until September, but got sidetracked along the way. Ryan has a fascination for birds so we looked at a lot of these on our way down to the Gorilla's. Macaws, Flamingo's, Eclectus and many more. Michael and I hadn't been to the zoo in about 3 years when we took his Mum who was then over from Tasmania.

We saw the Gorilla's and the Chimps and were about to head into the Kids petting area, but thought about lunch first. To me this was just as memorable as the day. I got Ryan a highchair so he could sit at grown up level and he loved it. He is such a show off. I had just finished giving him two jars of gel earlier, so gave him the jar, lid and spoon to play with. What a clever little boy, he was putting on and taking the lid of the jar.

Next minute the spoon starts going in the jar and then into his mouth. He was trying to feed himself. Not something he had shown any interest in up until now. I was so happy. Over and over again he put the spoon into the jar and then back into his mouth, ok, so there was nothing on the spoon but the idea was there. It kept him amused too.

It was obvious with so much to look at that Ryan wasn't going to fall asleep in his pram. He usually has a morning nap around 11:00am. After lunch we headed back to the petting zoo, where they had baby deer running around. They were very cheeky, even getting into the bottom of prams. Ryan loved it, and although we didn't buy any food for them we managed to pick up a bit of chaff from the ground and put it in Ryan's hand in the hope a deer would come over. Ryans was more interested in putting it into his mouth than feeding it.

We went through the tropical enclosure and saw lots more different birds, which Ryan loved, and Mummy loved too, especially the Rainbow Lorikeets. We made our way back to the Pelicans' in time to see them feed, via the Little Penguins, the Zebras', American Buffalo and the Pygmy Hippos' Victoria and Albert.

We saw the Pelicans feed, which always keeps me happy too, as along with the Rainbow Lorikeet, are my fave bird. We let Ryan out for a run/crawl around on the lawned area near the rotunda for him to stretch his legs and for mum and I to go and get a drink. It was getting so cold, and even rain looked threatening, but it did hold.

The lions roar in the distance attracted to their cages like a magnetic. The lion was in full voice and one of the lioness' joined him. Not something I had heard before, and even Mum had commented on it, all the times she had been to the zoo she had never heard them either. So I felt lucky. It was getting colder, we were all starting to feel it. One thing we hadn't seen was the seals, so headed off in that direction via the Tassie Devils, and Echinida's and the newer Monkey enclosures with which they have tried to replicate what it would be like in the wild. Expect I guess the monkeys wouldn't have toys hanging from the trees now would they?

Ryan was still wide awake, although at times it looked like he might just give in, but he didn't. He didn't fall asleep until we were pulling into the street. He nearly made it til tea time. I didn't want to wake him so let him sleep fully clothed until we woke 2 hours later. I changed him and gave him a bottle and he went straight back to sleep again.

With all the screams, squeal, finger pointing and look, look's going on I think Ryan had a good day. I think we all had a good day.

My Girly Weekend

How good is the weekend when you get to spend it with two of your best girlies and laze the weekend away at a spiffy hotel. Well we thought so anyway.

Saturday Nanna H, Nanna C and myself Nanna D spent a lovely night away from our significant others, and my little boy to have a girly weekend at the Stamford Grand Hotel, Glenelg. This is something that had been booked for months, and we were just watching the days tick over on the calendar in anticipation.

Saturday rolled around, and my lovely man played chauffeur, driving us to our weekend getaway destination and then returning to pick us up after checkout time Sunday. Upon arrival I was told that our City View Room had infact been upgraded to an Ocean View Room at no extra charge.

We had planned to go to an early evening movie and out for dinner followed by cocktails and ice creams and then a relaxing evening in our room in our pj's pampering ourselves with facials etc. We were greeted at the door by a concierge and porter, who took our bags and greeted us. It was fantastic, I know everyone gets the same treatment, but it isn't everyday we get that treatment.

Woohoo, Oceans views at City Prices. I was a little disappointed to begin with as we had so been looking forward to spending time on the balcony watching the world go by and enjoying the city lights at night, after all, what is there to see our your window once it is dark. But I soon got over that. It was great watching the sites below from the comfort of our 23 degree room.

Our planned 2:50pm flick session didn't happen as we got down to the bay a little later than planned, but it worked out ok. Michael and Ryan came up to our room with us for a while, before leaving to do such a mundane chore as grocery shopping. Although even that is made that little bit easier now as Ryan loves sitting in the trolley. Sorry digressing there. The biggest decision we had was were we going to go to the movies or watch an in house movie. Hogs Breathe Diner and an in house movie it was too be.

We made up our own punch, and grazed on fresh mixed nuts and yummy Doritos while watching the the Crows play in between watching the world go by. We had also taken up to our room Capsicum Dip (to go with the Doritos), Tim Tams and Mint Slice Balls, none of which got eaten as we didn't want to spoil our appetites before dinner and not knowing how full we would be after dinner. Hence we still had some goodies to take home.

After watching the world go by we decided to go down and join them and took a lovely stroll along the jetty at sunset. It was a beautiful sunset too, I was left wishing I had packed my camera. A newlywed Bride and her Groom were making the most of the photographic opportunities with Megan from Elska Studios as well. To kill time we went for a walk 1/2 way up Jetty Road stopping in at a Chemist to get something for my head cold. Alas the Codral still isn't doing anything for me, but as the advert says 'I am still soldering on'.

We had decided that we would indulge our tastebuds at Hog's Breath Cafe, somewhere I had never eaten before, but that Nanna H and Nanna C had both assured me was great eating. As there was about an 1/2 hour wait for tables, we ordered cocktails first. So we still go our cocktails at least. I am always a little sceptical about ordering steak from anyway. I usually only eat steak that I have cooked. Goes back to bad experiences when I was little. But I took the plunge and ordered a steak from the menu this time. Medium/Well done and it was bloody fantastic. Not running around the plate but not cremated either. The staff were very friendly and we had a trainee call Jack looking after us. He was fairly new to the job, but he did a great job. And we must have left and impression as he left a little goodbye and thanks note on the back of our receipt. Follow up a great steak with yummy ice cream from Andersen's and what more could a girl want.

We spent the rest of the evening in our rooms, being the Nanna's that we are. We got into our jammies, (although one of the Nanna's whom shall remain nameless forgot her jammies, so had to borrow a spare pair of mine) and treated ourselves to facials, again this was something I have NEVER done before, but it was so girly I loved it. We jumped under the covers and settle in to watch 'In Her Shoes' one of the in house movies. Two of us managed to stay awake til the end with the 3rd falling asleep. I guess someone will be hiring it out on dvd.

Breakfast Sunday morning was booked for 8:00am. The first alarm went of at 6:00am. . Why so early? Do you know how long it takes 3 girls to get ready in the mornings...hahaha. I don't think the first of us moved until about 6:15am. Nanna C hit the showers first, so Nanna H and I got to lay in a little longer. I offered to have second shower, so Nanna H was the lucky one still snuggled under the covers when I got out. Breakfast was downstairs in The Promenade restaurant, with a view of the lawns in front of the hotel, the jetty and the beach. We enjoyed a breakfast of sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried tomatoes, mushroom and hash browns, with toast and also a couple of little pastries. We were indulging in this fine fare, while those keen enough were on the other side of the glass, either jogging past or walking their pooches. Did we feel guilty....nope!

We were getting picked up at 11:00am so thought we would take one last walk down Jetty Road, although at 9:30 in the morning there wasn't a lot open. That was ok though as we were waiting for a Chocolate Shop/Coffee house to open that we had found the night before, that made hot chocolate using real Belgian Chocolate. I can't for the life of me remember the name, but they had the yummiest looking Chocolate fountain in the window. The three of us took Hot Chocolates up onto the balcony and watch the life on a Sunday morning go by before heading back to The Grand to be chauffeured home again by my loving husband and little man. It would have to be the best hot chocolate I have every had.

Thank you Nanna's for sharing such a great and most of all RELAXING weekend. The company was great and the time we had fantastic. So good to be able to spend quality time with the girlies. Worth the wait from when we had originally pencilled it in our diaries and booked the room.

A big THANK YOU also to my Lovely Man for putting up the room for us too ( I know you'll read this eventually...hahaha)

Easter 2006 - Our First Family Holiday...

For those of you that didn't know Michael, Ryan and I went to Mount Gambier as I have family down there. This was our first driving holiday and our first family holiday. After plans of leaving at 0900 Friday morning we ended up getting out the house at about 1010 so that wasn't too bad.

Stopped and filled up the tank at Glen Osmond and then motored on to Tailem Bend. Ryan was such a good boy. He slept all the way from Wayville to Tailem Bend where we woke up for morning tea and a bottle, and we got out and had some lunch. So we stopped there about 3/4's hour which was a nice break. I drove the first stint. Back in the car and heading to Keith. Michael did this stint and it was his first really experience with country driving, and at speed while having to negotiate disgusting weather. He did really well, with a little bit of coaching from the front passenger seat.

Stopped at Keith for a 10 minute toilet break and then onto Narracorte. Michael felt he could continue so he drove onto Narracorte. Ryan fell asleep 1/2 between Tailem Bend and Keith and didn't wake again until we pulled into Narracorte. I did the last stint from Nara to the Mount and almost out to Carpenter Rocks. We got into the Mount about 1700. It would have been a quicker drive, but now there are three of us to think about, but it was lovely though.

My Uncle and his wife have quite a good size property that they are renting at the moment. They are building a little futher out of town at a place called Glencoe. When we pulled up there was a hot fresh pot of Potato and Leek soup on the oven and an freshly baked apple pie, and Dona also cooked up Thai Green Chicken. Not to mention the Fruit Cake, Butter Biscuits and Fruit Cake that she had made and put in the pantry for us, incase we got hungry in the middle of the night.

Saturday we leftt the house around 0945 and spent most of the day on the road getting home about 1700. We went down drove past the Blue Lake and then onto the Saturday Markets (produce, craft, homemade yummies etc...). We stopped for a good look at the Lake on the way down to Port Macdonald for a Seafood lunch....yuum. Then drove to Port North Cumberland. Headed over the border to Nelson, so Ryan had his first taste of Victoria..and yes we did the standing under the border signs. I did all the driving this day, so about another 250 - 300kms.

Saturday night was BBQ night....Mmmm Mmmm. After tea we went to Umpherston Sink Hole where you can feed the possums at night. Such a beautiful garden there too and we were lucky enough to feed possums. They are so cute, if not a little on the tubby side and in need of Jenny Craig, but when you are getting free meals everynight wouldn'y you look like that.

Sunday was sleep in morning while the others went to church. We met them in town around 1230 for lunch and then headed out to Glencoe to look at the new property. It is so lovely out there, can't wait to go back once the new house is built. Finally started heading towards Adelaide around 1500. I drove from the Mount to Narracorte while Ryan slept from Glencoe to Naracorte. Again we stopped at Narracorte. Ryan was due for a feed then anyway so it worked well. Michael drove from Narracorte to Tailem Bend. Stopped at Keith to let Ryan get out and have a run around and look at the birds and the final stop at Tailem Bend for us to have tea and Ryan to have his. I think we walked in the door around 2145 Sunday night.

Monday was a rest day, sort of. I was raining and miserable, but we wanted to go out to a car yard and have alook at a car we were interested in, aswell as heading in the IGA in Gilbert Street to do some grocery shopping. Then it was home to do the washing. We rearranged the lounge so that Ryan's playpen was no longer infront of the wall furnance, and by that time Mum and Dad dropped in with our dog whom they had been puppy sitting.

So there you have it our Easter Weekend.

Well, What a Week...

Well, yes Herbie the wonder car went for a drive without us and 3 days later we get the phone call saying he had been found...Monday (9th Jan) night we rang to cancel the insurance claim on the car, and our insurers. they offered us a free inspection to check for any other damage the theif/theives may have caused that wasn't visible. My god, quick, the tow truck was down within the hour.

As of Wednesday (11th Jan) of last he is no longer part of our family...After us ringing our insurer (Monday (9th Jan) night) to cancel the claim. We did know they would find trouble under the hood , but they also come back telling us the tail shaft was near on shot too. Transmission $900, Tailshaft $700. They insisted on the doing the inspection even though we told them not to worry. So they gave Michael the option, keep it and have to shell out $$$$ or write it off and get $$$$ back for it .....he/we/my parents went for the right off option.

Down side is back to a one car family for awhile, which we are already find a nuisance Mum and Dad have been good they have offered to pick Ryan up from CC on the nights that Michael needs to be at his 2nd job by 6:10pm. He finishes his day job at around 5:30 and wouldn't get home until possibley 6:00pm on transport, to then have to be somewhere 10 mins later.

I think his plans are to stay a one car family for 6 months, pay more off my car with the money we will be saving on petrol, rego etc....and then go out hunting...

Tuesday night (10th Jan) we had a lovely friend, Drew over for dinner. We hadn't seen him in about a year. It was so cool to catch up and just hang out. We cooked chow mein and he finally got to meet Ryan. He loved Ryan and much as Ryan loved him.

My poor little man though, as it was time to say good night to Drew, we went to wake him up only to find him in a pool off vomit, poor little thing, he had cried once earlier during the evening, as he does sometimes if he is dreaming and then went straight back to sleep. He continued to vomit. I put it down to over eating, but in hindsight I think it may have been a touch of gastro.

Remember gastro is catchy....got up, felt like crap but went to work anyway. I only made it to lunch and then I was on my way home. OMG not a pretty site, better off at home and not at work. I was lucky my wonderful parents were able to come down and look after Ryan for me while Michael was at his night job. Uuughhh...I ended up having Thursday off aswell. Which worked out well as Thursday is Nan & Pop day. Ryan spends the day with Mum and Dad. I could spend all day in bed. Only drawback was I had to go into work on my day off (Friday).

I really thought I was losing my little boy on Saturday(14th Jan). He just plain refused 3 feeds off of me. Very distressing as all he did was scream as soon as he saw them. He was still eating his solids well enough, but I was feeling so confused. I ended up ringing ABA and asked it it were possible he were self weaning. Possible, but not likely. It was more likely a passing phase and he would come back to it when ready.

The counsellor from ABA did ask if it were possible I were pregnant, or if AF's had returned as the hormones both these produce can alter the taste, smell for Ryan. Well guess what? No I am not pregnant, but after 19 1/2 months AF arrived earlier. So weird. Here is me thinking I am losing Ryan and AF arriving the same day, it was enough to do my head in. But on a brighter note things returned to normal yesterday and Ryan was quite happy to feed from me.

The feeling of being rejected was just horrible, heart breaking, although they do grow up and become a little more independent each day. And Ryan is proving this every day. I was in the kitchen yesterday and turned around to see him 'kneeling' up at the little table in the lounge. He had pulled himself up to that point. So proud.

Yesterday was just washing, groceries and then we went and saw Leeanne and John for awhile, to return the battery her cousin so kindly got cheap for us. Thank god it didn't make it into the car. The car was sold at auction on Friday we believe.

The Prodigal Car has Returned....

At 2:15am this morning the phone rang. Such a bizarre time for the phone to ring. I was quick to get to the phone, not incase there was something majoriy wrong as is normal with a phone call at that time of the morning, unless of course it is your drunk brother ringing to tell you he loves you (isn't that sweet), but so that it wouldn't wake Ryan.

It was the police, letting us know that our car had been found relatively unscathed...thank god, like we have the $$$$ to fork out on the stupid thing anyway.

Seems like someone has just borrowed it to get to where they wanted to go. We had to go and pick up a distributor lead from the local police station and then we where on our way again.

Let me tell you, as hard as it is going to be to be able to repair the minor damage and also a new rear tyre, it is going to be a helluva lot easier that trying to refinance a new car. But the great news is that the baby seat was still in the back. YAY! Unlike last time when they took everything.

Although we didn't want it back, I am so glad it is. It being found and in one piece has to be alot easier on the wallet than not!

You've Got To Be Joking....

AAAGGGHHHHH......How many times can one family be so unlucky?

Thursday night I get a phone call from Michael at work asking if I had moved or taken his car home? The first words out of my mouth 'You're ****cking joking?'

Yep for the third time, we have had a car stolen, although this is the second time this particular car has gone for a drive without us behind the wheel.

We have reported it to all the relevant authorities, now we just have to sit back and wait. Ah, the 2WW, a bit like waiting to do that first pregnancy test really. It is the longest two weeks.

Good thing is , the fuel tank was near on empty when they took it, and the transmission was playing up. So unless they were smart little (or big) thieves and filled the tank I don't think they'll get far.

We found out it was taken between the hours of 5:30pm and 7:10pm, pity we didn't know about this last night, would have given the cops a little more to work with. Ah well, back to being a single car family for awhile.

We had thought about taking the loan car on our ins. policy , but if our car is returned and usuable, we will have to pay back the loan car, can't afford that , let alone paying the excess.

I am glad our inconvenience and suffering is allowing someone else the mobility and freedom they quite obviously desire....NOT.

Happy New Year

Wow, another year has just begun. Where are they going? Why is it that as we get older, the years tend to pass us by more quickly.

Originally we didn’t have N.Y.E plans and were more than happy to stay home with movies and a pizza, original I know. Ryan would’ve been in bed by about 8:00pm and we could have had the night to ourselves. That was until we received an invite from Ryan’s Godparents, Allie & Brent to ring in the New Year with them. What a lovely idea.

Things kicked off around 7:00pm. 4 couples, 2 rampaging toddlers and Ryan. I say rampaging toddlers as these two little boys were just going nuts. Mum and Dad had no control over them, and couldn’t keep them quite. There is playing loudly and then there is running riot, these two were running riot, for the other 6 of us it made it a long and tiring few hours. We unconsciously seemed to be taking it in turns to seek refuge in the kitchen for a few minutes at a time.

The relaxing part of the even for us all kicked in around 10:00 – 10:30pm once the couple with kids decided they had better take their little ones home as it was evident that they just weren’t going to settle. It had been very hard for me to keep my patience with these two, and not say something to their parents. Especially as they were running up and down the hall where Ryan was sleeping (and he himself had just had a rough couple of hours and was very unsettled). Yes, he is a good boy and will sleep through anything, but he was definitely tested with them yelling and screaming right outside his door.

It was also the first time Ryan was to sleep in his portable cot too. We didn’t know how he would go. After a belly full of food we wrapped him, and let him drift off to sleep in my arms and then placed him in his porta cot. He was great. Just rolled over onto his belly as he does and that was it. He only stirred 3 times and that was when we would stick our head in the door to check on him (he would just roll onto this other side). It was nice to be able to sit back and relax (finally nas from between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:00pm he just screamed) knowing that he was ok.

Midnight came around and we celebrated with poppers, sparklers, kisses and hugs. There where fireworks going off around the neighbourhood, we could hear them but not really see them. We had a great, relaxing (in the end) evening with a bbq and drinks, great company and some really cool tunes drifting out the speakers of the radio. So many songs that we hadn’t heard for so long, but always seemed to get played on N.Y.E.

A perfect end to a year, and a great start to a new one.