Update for the Week

Well, I've tried to be true to my word and not wait for months before posting again like I did last time. Let's see, what's happened this week? Joel cut his third tooth and contrary to the normal 'order' of teeth-cutting, he got another bottom one rather than a top one. I can see one of his top teeth just under the surface and thought it might be ready to pop through at any time but so far it hasn't made its move. :) I also took Joel to see the Plunket nurse yesterday and he weighs 9kgs now (19.8lbs for my American readers.) He's quite 'solid' but the nurse said he's only about 60th percentile in terms of weight so he's not as big as I thought he was. We weighed Reuben while we were there and he's 12kgs (26.4lbs.) Both boys are happy and healthy so I'm really grateful for that.
Nathan has his last rugby game of the season today. Their team is 'top of the table' and haven't lost a game yet. He hasn't played every game this year because he and I try to alternate weekends where each one of us gets to have some 'time out' and do something for ourselves so he often plays rugby on his 'weekend' and I try to get out with some friends on my 'weekend' and go to the movies or the mall or something. We also aim to have a 'date' night every couple of weeks but that is often dependent on whether or not we can find a babysitter.
There isn't much else of any importance to tell you all about, so this post isn't going to be very long. One thing I have noticed is that the weather is SLOWLY starting to warm up. Have I mentioned I hate the cold???? I would take warm weather year-round if it were up to me and only travel to cold regions for a holiday every now and then. :) The fact that the houses here in NZ are so cold certainly doesn't help so I admit my bias may be swayed a little if I was actually warm during the winter months.
Anyway, until next time... here's some photos of my little treasures. ;) As you can tell by the photo with Reuben drawing, he's right-handed.

The Last 6 Months in a Nutshell

Okay, okay. I know I have been very 'slack' on the blogging front these past few months. I must in part blame this on Facebook which is my first port of call when updating my friends on my life's adventures but since I know some of you aren't on my Facebook friend's list, I need to make the time to fill you in as well (or you could just get a FB account and add me! Ha!) Anyway, there is lots to tell so will try to make it as concise as possible.
My youngest 'baby' is now 8 months old as of Tuesday this week! I am struggling to get my head around it as I remember very clearly the day he was born and it seems as if it was only last week. Joel has been crawling now for a couple of months and is incredibly adventurous. I understand the need for childproofing now! If I could sum up his temperament up in just a few words I would say he was determined, endearing, and utterly gorgeous! People love him and constantly comment on his outgoing and friendly personality and also what a beautiful baby he is. I know as a mother I am totally biased and think he is fantastic but it is nice to hear positive feedback from other people as well.
Reuben is now 18 months and is into absolutely everything. He is full of energy and I really don't like keeping him cooped up in this cold weather so try to get him out at least a few days a week to blow off some steam. He isn't saying a lot (at least not in coherent English) but knows lots of animal sounds and LOVES music. He claps along to certain songs in 'time' to the music so I am very excited that the musical genes in the family seem to have rubbed off on him in at least the 'rhythm' category. :) He loves his little brother but can still be rough with him and likes to sit on Joel (maybe as a dominant male gesture??) Joel usually lets out a little squeal of protest if Reuben starts annoying him too much and considering the fact that Joel is quite a solid baby, I think it won't be long before he will be giving Reuben a run for his money in the size department!
Well, I know I haven't written much but my time is precious at the moment and it is rare that I have more than a few minutes to myself so I will sign off now and attempt to be a bit more regular in my postings. :) Hope all of you out in blog-land are doing well.