The Donaldsons in Oz

Fiona and Mark’s youngest son Rory was christened on Sunday in the church at Middle Park. Alan stood in as godfather for Mark’s friend who is at home in Ireland. Rory was on his best behaviour and fell asleep shortly after the ceremony.  We all went back to Fi’s house for brunch.  A great time was had by all.

Rory being christened

What a beautiful family…..

Hugh and Ella in their Sunday best

K

Saturday (Jan 26th) was Australia day which is the big day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories (Monday was the public holiday as it fell on a Saturday). On Australia Day the nation celebrates what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

We went along to our local cafe (Cowderoy Dairy) for breakfast then did some shopping in the morning. We spent a little time in the city in the afternoon before heading back to the Albert Park Hotel for drinks with Amanda, Olivia and Sophie. Maz and Blanche joined us later.

Ella enjoying breakfast

Charlie enjoying breakfast

Tram ride up to South Melbourne

Watching the helicopters taking off at Southbank

Charlie’s first ice-cream

Ella and Olivia swinging in the Albert Park Hotel

K

Whitney and Brian are the proud parents to new baby Spencer who arrived safely on Friday morning. From watching the video clips on their blog, big sister Maddie is quite enthralled with her new baby brother. Ella & I visited the hospital on Sunday afternoon – he is a beautiful little boy and I was delighted to get a cuddle! Mum and baby got home yesterday so we look forward to seeing them in a few days.

K

I took Charlie along to the maternal child health nurse this morning for his developmental assessment – she was very happy with him and just gave some general advice about diet etc.  His measurements were (and Ella’s at same age in brackets):

Weight – 12.4 kg (11.9)
Length – 79.5 cm (77.5)

Head – 49.2 cm (47.5)

He’s a healthy, happy and very mischievous little boy!!

K

We were excited about our first family camping experience only to have it washed out by the rain….

We headed down to a campsite in Geelong on Friday afternoon and the weather was lovely and warm as we pitched the tent. Both Charlie and Ella settled off to sleep under canvas then about 9p.m. the rain started. We foolishly (for Scottish people) thought it might just be a shower but no, it was on/off until we packed up to head home on Sunday. Such a shame as the campsite had great facilities, pool etc. but the weather wasn’t on our side.

Ella and Charlie had a ball though – here are some pictures.

Should we have read the instructions before leaving home????

Alan – the only one who knew what he was doing!

Fun in the tent

Dinner time for Charlie

Our little camp site

Ella in action

Charlie on Daddy’s chair

Sleeping babies

A messy Charlie as we packed up in the rain

Here’s hoping that next time the sun shines….

K

I’ve entered a race at the end of March and I’m looking to raise as much funds as possible for a Childrens hospital appeal here in Melbourne.

If I can raise $500 I’ve committed to run the race in a kilt.

So please help and donate some money to my cause!

You can donate money here

Alan.

Yes, a year has passed already and little (?) Charlie turned 1 yesterday.  It feels like such a milestone as he’s just starting to walk, cut teeth and use a few words……where has our baby gone????  We had a relaxed morning playing with his new toys and later on headed to a local park for afternoon tea with a few friends.  Here’s some pictures.

Having a giggle with some winter clothes sent from Scotland….

Playing in the hallway with his new ambulance

A family picture

Charlie and Sophie

Mummy, Daddy and Charlie

Big Sister Ella

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you…………

Peekaboo Charlie

Climbing Charlie

Stopping for a rest….

Fun on the slide

K

Yesterday morning we headed down to one of the parks in Elwood.  Amanda, Olivia and Sophie joined us.  Alan was determined to fly his kite but after many attempts (and some help from Amanda) decided there wasn’t enough wind.

Ella and Olivia had a ball, Charlie cruised around and little Sophie is starting to crawl.

Sophie and Charlie happily sitting on the rug:

Ella & Olivia posing for the camera:

Ella climbing:

Daddy & Charlie:

Amanda with the girls on the swings:

In the afternoon I went to a baby shower for Whitney.  It was held in Carolyn’s apartment in Port Melbourne which has the most stunning view out over the bay.  It was good to catch up and see all the gorgeous baby gifts.

K

It was Dave’s birthday on Saturday so we took the opportunity to go out for dinner minus Ella and Charlie.  We joined Jill & Dave and Mhairi & Harry.  It was lovely to have some time out with Alan and to enjoy a delicious Indian meal at Bhoj in Docklands.  Blanche was looking after Ella and Charlie much to Ella’s excitement.  Charlie was asleep before we left but here he is in his ‘go faster stripes’ pyjamas:

I sat up chatting to Blanche when we got home and she said that Ella went to bed quite happily after watching Toy Story….they definitely know how to play up to mummy & daddy when it comes to bedtime!!  Typically Alan fell asleep on the sofa, half drunk bottle of beer in hand…..

K

Melbourne has been suffocated by temps of 40+ for the last couple of days which has put a stop to any outdoor activities.  Yesterday morning we took an early visit to the library- we were home for 10:30a.m. and the temp had already reached 32.  We spent the rest of the day indoors with a visit from Amanda, Olivia and Sophie.  Alan took Ella round to Hugh’s for a quick visit in the evening.  It was an uncomfortable night with the temp staying above 27.

Alan, Charlie & I went out for a walk this morning at 7.  It wasn’t a pleasant experience at already 30 degrees and the flies were out in force! Marie & Frankie visited this morning and Jenni, William and Darcy this afternoon.  A cool change came through too so we’re no longer sweltering….

K