At 2.....

Alexandra, at 2 years old you:

• weigh 12.5kg
• are 85cm tall
• can fluently count to 10
  
• know about 100 words
• can speak in 5 -6 word sentences
• are completely in love with your big sister
• get upset when Mummy leaves the house
• happily kiss Daddy goodbye when he leaves the house!
• LOVE having coffee dates with Mummy when Bella is at Kinder
• have mastered tantrums
• sing the alphabet song - with the letters all out of order :)
• know about 5 colours, but still have a bit of trouble matching them up to the right colour lol
• can recognise 5 shapes....star, heart, circle, square and triangle
  
• sleep on average 15 - 16 hours a day
• love to swim
  
• have 2 of your 2yo molars
• let mummy & daddy brush your teeth, but like to help too
  
• enjoy all your vegies - especially broccolli
• love to pose for a camera
• love to sing (you know all the words to everything!!)
  
• hate having your toe nails clipped
• still love your favourite snuggle toy - Chad
• are completely in love with Dumbo
• still twirl your hair when you are tired
• have never had a haircut (except cutting out knots from twirling!)
  
• are doing everything your are supposed to be doing developmental wise
• are showing signs of wanting to go to the toilet
• still sleep in your cot - but you are perfectly happy in there and love your own 'space'
• love going to play with your playgroup friends
• bring so much joy to everyone who knows you

The nurse was happy with Alexandra's progress and said she was doing everything she should be doing - plus more. She was most impressed with her speech and vocabulary! Alex speaks particularly well and we are even having proper big girl conversations. Alex is showing signs of wanting to toilet train again, after stopping a few months ago. I have learnt that is really isn't a big deal when they train and will just take it at her own pace. Isabella was completely day trained at 2.5 so there is still a lot of maturing to be done in the next 6 months for Alex. Rick & I discussed turning her cot into a toddler bed but we decided to keep her in the cot. She is just so content in there and actually seems to appreciate having her own space.

Well, it is official.... Alex is no longer a breast fed bub. She had her last feed the week she turned 2 and while I am thrilled I fed her for 2 years, part of me feels a sense of freedom and another part of me is a bit sad! She still asks for 'boobie' and 'moolk' but has lost interest in nursing. I feel a bit odd that it is all over.... in total I breastfed for 3.5 years between the two so it has been a huge part of my life the past 4.5 years! But, cutting those apron strings need to start somewhere .... lol.

Some photos of Alex's 24th month can be seen by clicking here.

Cairns Holiday DAY 7

We had a huge day today! Another road trip and this time we headed north! Off to experience the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and surrounding areas. It was such a beautiful day for a drive and the girls certainly were looking forward to it.

It was quite interesting to drive through the banana & sugar cane fields (well, not literally through them!) and see the sugar cane trains all lined up. Rick explained how it all worked to me and I was surprised as to how much he actually knew...I guess all those years of watching Discovery Channel and the like has paid off and he does actually absorb stuff lol.

We went to Daintree Village which was the actual town, and there wasn't much to see at all...just a few shops and a few squished cane toads on the road. So, we went back to the rainforest and crossed the Daintree River on the ferry.

It was so lovely being right in the middle of the rainforest and going to the lookouts. Such spectacular views. We live right next to a mountain range in Melbourne and do the touristy thing and go up the mountains - but I suppose you take it for granted when you live there and appreciate it more when you are on holiday ...LOL.

After stopping at Alexandra Range lookout we went to a place called Cow Bay Beach. It was a nice part of the world that was tucked away and didn't have many people there. We had a picnic lunch and joked about all the crocs in the area. Needless to say I sat on the table the whole time as my back was to the shrubs and wetland! It would have been nice to swim in but we were a bit put off by the signs at the picnic area!! Interesting! The thought of sharing space with crocidiles or stinging marine life didn't do it for me... so we had a paddle instead.
Rick went off on a coconut hunt and Isabella spent a lot of time collecting coral. She particulary wanted to take some home to all her kinder friends and show them a bit of 'Cairns'. We filled her hat up with a big collection and I was sure the customs people would be thrilled to see how much we took! LOL

Before heading off into the forest for a walk we stopped at Daintree Icecream Company. Here they made icecream fresh from the locally grown exotic tropical fruits of the forest - Mango; Soursop; Rasberry; Wattleseed. It was soooo good, and so interesting.

Then we moved on to do a self-guided walk around the rainforest. We came across another welcoming sign that warned us about wild cassowaries and how they can kill you, and what to do if confronted. Gee, yet another sign to make us feel safe!

It was a nice walk but at one stage we all seperated and I found myself all by myself with mum and the kids a hundred metres in front and Rick and Raelene 100 metres behind. My thongs were squeaking away and it occured to me that this sound just might be similar to the mating call of a cassowary! (The things that go through our mind!). Then I became quite paranoid and starting walking faster and faster to catch up but then the noises were getting louder and faster and I kept looking around to make sure no cassowaries were chasing me! !LOL So silly! When I got to Mum and Debbie I was cracking up laughing at myself! I guess you had to be there :)


After our walk we decided to head home back to Cairns. But on the way we stopped off at Port Douglas and had a look around. It was nice - not quite what I expected but still nice nonetheless. It seemed to be filled with a lot of rich older types - might have something to do with the big golf country club. Anyway, it was nice to say we have been there now and see what all the fuss is about.

The trip home was ok, we got home late and had a low key night. All set for another big day tomorrow. All of today's photos can be seen here.

Cairns Holiday DAY 6

Well today was a much more relaxing day! We stayed close to home today given our big day yesterday and out big day planned for tomorrow.

We went into town again and walked around, did a bit of shopping and sight seeing.

Debbie and Tim looked after the girls for us which was nice and it was rather relaxing not having to worry about 2 small children for a few hours. Although, it felt weird not having them there or a pram to push! LOL

After dinner, Mum, Raelene and I ventured back into town to the night market. Raelene was in heaven with all the didgeridoos - she is quite good at playing it. Me, well I sound like a very sick walrus when I attempt to play it!! LOL

We were very naughty and had a whopping big Baskin Robbins icecream as a treat....I did intend on hiding my treat from Rick, but I had no chance once it dribbled all down my front. It was soooo yummy - peanut butter and chocolate icecream!!!

We struggled to take many photos today due to the down time...but there are still a few and you can see them here.

Cairns Holiday DAY 5

Today was a BIG day!
We packed the cars up and headed off for a drive throughout the Atherton Tablelands. This is the highland of Cairns and surroundings and was spectacular! So much to do...we couldn't fit it all in the one day so will have to go back next time.


Our first stop was to a coffee plantation in Mareeba. Jacques Coffee was apparently the first ever plantation in Australia. It was so interesting to learn about the process of growing and cropping coffee beans and how they turn them into my most favourite drink! I was in heaven! After our tour we all had a cup and tasted some coffee liqueur. We also bought my most favourite treat - chocolate covered coffee beans!! YUMMMM. We also got up close and personal with some termite mounds, which were interesting.

Moving on, we made our way to Yungaburra to see the infamous Curtain Fig Tree. This was very interesting and quite a sight. This is the most amazing tree you are ever likely to see. It is a picture of a century of natural history – a unique example of nature’s unpredictability and power. As one of the largest trees in North Queensland, the Curtain Fig Tree is fascinating and unusual.


Getting a bit peckish now so we stopped at the Mungalli Creek Dairy for some cheese tasting, devonshire tea and lunch. Oh this was such a yummy place - and we were in heaven! Their fetta was to die for - so I had a fetta and chicken focaccia and the most unusual jam and soda water drink! We were stuffed afterward... this is the view from the tea house.



We then went to Millaa Millaa Falls. There are so many gorgeous waterfalls in this area and we desperately wanted to swim in it, but we picked the only day of the week that rained to go here and we didn't want the girls to be too wet and miserable.

Raelene and I were willing to jump in, but Alex wouldn't be happy with me swimming and not her! Maybe next time.

The further south we drove the more devastation from Cyclone Larry we saw. There were a lot of tarped roofs and still a lot of flattened houses and buildings. The banana plantations were stripped and there were trees everywhere. We didn't go quite as far as Inersvale but certainly saw a lot damage. Very eye opening.

Next stop was Lake Barrine. Surrounded by rainforest, this lake was formed by a volancic process some 1200 years ago - and was just so beautiful. It also featured two historic pine trees that are over 1100 years old and are two of Australia's oldest trees. Raelene spent some time 'tree hugging' and doing her hippy thing!! LOL

It was getting dark now and we decided we had seen quite enough for the day. The kids were soooo good. They snoozed on and off in the car and travelled so well - until we were almost home :( Coming down the tablelands (mountains) was interesting. The only way out was down the windy road that lasted 20kms. It was horrible.... it took over an hour and the curves were so sharp and continuous. Unfortunately, both the kids were car sick and threw up at the same time. Alex has never been car sick before but Isabella tends to get sick a bit on windy roads. We found it difficult finding a spot to pull over, but eventually did and cleaned them up. We vowed never to drive that road again, and next time we will rather add time on our trip and go back the other way. Poor kids :(

Day 5 photos can be seen here.

Cairns Holiday DAY 4

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We woke up this morning and had a lovely pancake & fruit breakfast on the patio. It was a lovely way to spend Mother's Day morning! It was nice for Mum to have most of her children around, and it was nice for me to have my girls and be with my mum, and it was nice for Debbie as she was a mum-to-be! Phew!

We decided a pamper session was ideal for Mum so we gave her a 'voucher' from all of us and we planned to pamper Mum later in the week. I had to wait till later in the day to get my presents from my girls as Rick had to pick Bella's present up from kindergarten while we were here and bring it up with him later today. Today we headed into town. While Debbie went to the airport to meet Rick, we all went for coffee to an internet cafe so Raelene & I could catch up on our emails, do banking, etc. Then Rick arrived and it was so great to see him! The girls were very excited and all had big cuddles for ages!

We had some more coffee before heading off to the pier for lunch. We went to the Boardwalk cafe which overlooks the Marlin Marina and Trinity Bay. Such a lovely spot.


After lunch we walked around the Esplanade and over to The Lagoon. This place is amazing! (Click on the links to see the pictures.) The kids absolutely loved it here - it was like a big beach and pool combined.
Such a safe and fun way to swim. Raelene and Mum were too busy checking out the life guards though! Yet another free entertainment feature of Cairns that appealed to me. This place must be wonderful in the Summer months and I imagine people make use of it all night long. We all had a swim until the kids were totally exhausted, then we headed home. Isabella was now able to give me the presents she made for me at Kinder. It was such a lovely surprise.... I got a laminated poster of our hand prints with a gorgeous poem, a very cute flower magnet with a photo of Isabella in it that she decorated herself, a handwritten card and homemade macaroons!! She had been very busy. The picture she drew is of me swinging on the clothes line! Notice all the pegs (and all my legs!) :)

I just love those sorts of presents and had to try very hard not to cry! She was so very proud of herself. I also got a hematite heart necklace that Rick picked up on behalf of the girls.

We ended up having another swim in Debbie's pool before dinner. We then had a relaxing night as he had a big day planned for tomorrow.
Day 4 photos can be seen here.

Cairns Holiday DAY 3

We had a nice relaxing morning today, and while everyone pottered around I made a birthday cake for Alex! Mum and Debbie did the old wives tale of hanging her wedding ring above her belly to determine the sex of her baby. It was quite funny as it kept swinging in all directions!

Debbie had some old friends coming up from Townsville and she had planned a small birthday party for Alexandra. We went to a great place along the esplanade called Muddy's. It is basically a huge playground and water park for the kids. It backs on to the Trinity Bay beach, and when the tide is out it is quite muddy so the kids play in the mud and then wash off in the water. It was fantastic and all the kids had a blast. Best of all it's free! We met up with our friends and had a great time. Alexandra loved the 'marties' on her cake and soon loved the water spurting from the ground. Isabella was in heaven and ran around like crazy :) There was so much to do there and the kids didn't want to leave.



After completely wearing the kids out we headed back home for a bbq. Debbie and Tim were having a bit of a house warming party and we also threw them a surprise baby shower. They loved it!

We played some silly baby shower games that made us giggle. We played the game where you have to get a piece of string and guess the girth measurements of Debbie's baby belly. Naturally, her husband Tim won with me a close 2nd! We then played a game where everyone had to draw a picture of a baby - on the top of our heads! The results varied but it provided a few laughs.

All in all it was a busy day and we were all exhausted. Day 3 photos can be seen here.