Little Surfer Girl

From my earlier post you'll remember that Paul gave Erin a wet suit for her birthday. He couldn't wait to put her in it and take her for her first swim of the summer (we're still in Spring). It was a nice day but the pool was still a bit cool- he turned the heater on- nothing was going to get in his way. The pool temp reached 25C (77F) so it was very warm and probably didn't need the wetsuit but she looked so cute in it (notice the balloon).

It's My PARTY !!!!

I'll keep the commentary to a minimum and let the pictures do most of the talking. The morning started quite warm but then a "southerly" (not exactly sure what that is but everyone here was saying "Oh, it's a southerly coming in") came in and brought a little rain- but not enough to put a damper on the party. The jumping castle arrived and it was MUCH bigger than I thought - the kids LOVED it. Erin is explaining the rules of the castle.

After a bit in the castle she opened presents and had a turn at the pinata.

Cake TIME !!! Cake was everywhere - all over the chair, floor, her dress and even her hair. Erin loved making a mess and she certainly loves to eat cake.

After a much needed bath, Erin changed into her second party outfit from Aunt Karen and tried on her party hat ready for dinner. Erin made it to 7:15pm when she just about fell asleep in my arms. It was a great day and she had a "lie in" the following morning.

Happy First Birthday and Another First

The day started with presents (pressies) in the morning. I think Erin wasn't awake when Paul wanted to open presents- I don't know who was more excited (actually I do). I'm not sure she really knew what was going on but she seemed to enjoy her new toys. Paul gave her her first wet suit - I bet that doesn't come as a surprise.

Presents was followed by a breakfast of pancakes and blueberries (and some cake batter). Once we finished breakfast we made her birthday cake. Erin absolutely needs to be involved with whatever I'm doing which makes things difficult to get done but this was one task I knew she would enjoy.

After one more ride on my gift from Aunt Karen I took my much needed my morning nap- "who me? NO I'm not scared on this thing"

I made her birthday dinner of pasta with tomato basil cream sauce-her fav. I added garlic this time but I don't think she noticed. She's now fast asleep as we prepare for her birthday party tomorrow.

Erin performed her first sign today. I was completely caught off guard b/c I've been signing to her during her meals since 6mths. It's become second nature to me that I don't even know I'm doing it anymore. So when I asked her if she wanted more Blueberries she signed the word for "more". I couldn't beleive it! I asked her again after I got my camera so that I could capture the moment.

Balloons and More Balloons

Erin was invited to her first birthday party, Jake from her playgroup. It was a great party with lots of kids, food and toys but most important to Erin were the balloons. I guess I was "lucky" that Erin never had a favorite toy in case we misplaced it. I tried all sorts of toys, books, blankets, stuffed animals - nothing. That is until this birthday party. Unlike Oprah's list of favorite things Erin's list is small but very specific; Balloons- ALL KINDS and as many as she can hold.

By the time we left the party it was all that Erin could do to keep her eyes open. She still had the Gi-Joe kungfu grip on the balloons and wouldn't let go. Here she is sleeping in her crib with her beloved balloons.

Happy Birthday and Father's Day

Sunday September 2nd was somewhat of a phenom for Paul, it was his 50th birthday as well as his first father's day. On the Saturday we celebrated Paul's birthday which started with some gift opening that Erin was more than willing to lend a hand. Erin was then off to Aunt Brenda’s for the day while Paul and I enjoyed his birthday present -a sea plane flight to lunch. The APEC summit was on so there were air space restrictions around the city but it didn’t effect our flight and we enjoyed the day. The next morning we had a sleep in (7am) – which felt very strange without Erin bouncing around. Paul's choice of cake was carrot and once again Erin is front and center to blow out the candle

Got to, Got To, Got To, Got To Have Friends

Having good friends means you have an extended family. I'm very lucky to have such good friends.
One of the highlights was heading over to the Hertings for a BBQ. As usual they cooked up a feast but everyone was there including Mrs. Hertings parents. Grandma Myer always makes all the Herting kids and their kids hand knited Irish sweaters. As they grow a new sweater would be made. Erin was given her very own Myer sweater -it was so sweet and very thoughtful, I felt like part of the family. Having Erin be a part of it all was great. There's Erin is hanging out with her new "mate" Jake.

We also spent some time with Drew and Kristine. They have the cutest boys - Aidan and Declan. Aidan is such a sweet boy and was really kind and gentle with Erin. I love the pic of them on the couch together riding the rollercoaster.

Before Paul arrived I caught up with some of the AIG gang (Peter, Lisa and Brendan in pic above). Once again I was overwhelmed with everyone who came out for a cocktail. Perhaps it was really just for the cocktail - either way it was still a good time. Louise made the trip out from Brooklyn for lunch with Erin and I.

Ofcourse there are the Binghamton girls. What can I say about my girls, such great friends and the trip would not have been complete without seeing them. Always a good time. There a shot of me with a few of them out to dinner in NYC. (Not the greatest pic of me but you get the idea). Have to thank Big Erin for hosting a BBQ and the girls that travelled in. It was great to catch up and share lots of laughs. You always need to have a a good laugh now and again it's much better than a good cry. Lanny - we are coming to Denver- it just isn't the same without seeing you.

Also caught up with my best friend from High School - Janine. So much has changed in my life since we last saw eachother but again it was like time stood still. She looks and is doing great. Met up with her parent's as well and they are fantastic people- been travelling for the past six years. What a life.

I was not able to catch up with everyone that I would have loved to -never enough time. Also, this spot is too small to fill with all the good times with the people that I had.

We Are Family

This was such a fantastic trip back to New York. Not only did Erin get to see New York and her second home but she also met the rest of her family and it was just an amazing time. She is awesome and to have her meet and revisit with her grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins was wonderful for not only her but for me as well. Sydney is a far way from New York so these times are very special. It was also the first time in probably 10+years that the entire family was together. During this trip Erin spent a lot of time at her Aunt Karen's house which was fondly referred to as "Camp". She had the best time there. It was there that she started to crawl and had lots of firsts in the food and drink category - such as chocolate shake. She also had her first sleep over and poor Connor - such a good guy to let a 10month old sleep in his room with him. My sister never heard Erin "stir" in the night but I bet if you ask Connor he'll have a different story to tell.

Cross country flight and the Australian Rugby Team

OK I bet that caption got your attention. It's been SOO long since my last post and I feel like Erin is a completely different person since I was last here. We've been to New York and back and she's just starting to walk around the furniture and say a few "words".

Our flight to New York was pretty much uneventful- Thank goodness ! But my biggest complaint was going through imigration in Sydney airport. There we were, Erin in the baby bjorn strapped to the front of me and an equal if not more weighing backpack strapped to the back of me, surrounded by the Australian rugby team. George Gregan was standing right in line behind us, the rest of the team was scattered in the line on their way to New Zealand. Would you believe that NOT one of them offered to carry my back pack ! I'm a big fan of the team so this was dissapointing and not a good way to start our holiday. None the less we made the flight on our way to one of the greatest cities on earth. The flight was packed with middle and high school kids so they kept Erin very busy that she didn't sleep. By the end of the flight it was all that I could do to keep her in the bassinet- have a look at some of the pics of Erin - "sleeping". Erin was great but we were both extremely tired by the time we touched down at JFK.

"9/11 - six years and still fresh in my mind- we still remember"

Maddie and Erin go to the Park

It's been school holidays for the past three weeks; yes you read that right, three weeks. Maddie wanted to spend some days with Erin and I couldn't be happier. Maddie is great with Erin and
this time was no different when we went to Centennial park.

Maddie took Erin on her first slippery dip (slide) and some other playground thingies. I guess I should eventually learn the names of the other playground items otherwise Erin will be made fun of the first play date she has on a playground. The weather has been beautiful lately and the park was very crowded but was a great day out. Erin slept like a baby.

Looking Every Bit The Part

Today we went to pick out some new toys for our flight to New York. The goal was to pick out toys that weren't too big, too expensive and most of all too noisy. I'm prepared to loose a few along our travels. We were fortunate enough to have Jessie and Maddie (cousins) along for the trip to Toys R Us. Jessie made sure Erin was equipped for her shopping excursion and graciously provided her with her own credit cards. As any typical young girl - she held onto these until the credit cards cleared and the goods were acquired.

The shopping trip was a success - well almost. The one item that Erin desperately wanted fit most of the criteria. It wasn't expensive - in fact the money went to charity and it wasn't noisy but it failed miserably in the size department. Have a look.................... (Needed to use the night function on the phone camera as it blocked out the sun in the car window). Why Toys R Us ? Why ???

Australia Day

The official date for Australia Day falls in January but when you're an American visiting everyday is Australia Day. For Terry and Elizabeth yesterday was a unique day in that even a local would be proud of their efforts. The morning started off with a surf (as one does when living in Bondi). Donning a wetsuit and facing an incoming storm they went out for a surf lesson, following by a game of Aussie Rules at Aussie Stadium. Meat pies were consumed as they watched the Sydney Swans win a much needed game. Upon arrival back home they were greeted by a plate of Prawns and Sydney rock oysters (when in Rome). Elizabeth braved the tasks of pulling the heads off the prawns and even tasted her very first oyster. After the entrées were completed Paul followed with a main of lamb and chicken for us girls. If only they could sample the tasty Shiraz purchased to complement the meal. Not a bad way to spend the day, not a bad way at all.

Airport goodbyes are never any fun and today was no different except for the fact that Erin and I will be going to the states in less than two weeks. Also United whisked Terry and Elizabeth away before we could even realise that we had said our goodbyes on United's terms. Tomorrow I will wake with the spitting pig and know that a legacy has been left behind. Erin was just not herself today.

Featherdale

Erin's First Koala Elizabeth and Erin share a moment with a Wallaby

Terry takes on an Emu

Pigmania

It's been a bit since my last post as we've had some excitement in Erin's world - some visitors from America - Cousin Elizabeth and boyfriend Terry. I can no longer say that Erin is a baby with no tricks. We have the now famous pig face. Terry has been very generous in helping her expand her talent into the "spitting pig" Basically the pig face (as shown) and raspberries combined. I've noticed that she is very proud of her new trick when I heard her in her crib the past two mornings honing her new talent. Every time Terry walks into the room Erin flashes a quick smile - (which I think is just a running start into the Spitting Pig) and then launches into the spitting pig. Both Elizabeth and Terry have been banned from looking at her when she's eating. I was covered in peas during one of her spitting pig shows – I’m so proud