1999 - Sunday - 21st March

Up early again to fly out at 7.30 a.m. The flight was a little bumpy but you were extremely well behaved. I fed you when we took off and again as we were landing. You didn't have any problems with your ears or vomiting. Aunty Nola, Nanna and Pop were there to meet us at the airport and very excited to see us. "Look at how big he has grown." "His hair is going to be red." "What a cutie." "Let me take him to show Mrs so and so, she was the lady who made your matinee jackets and blanket." "He's smiling at me." You had an afternoon sleep for 4 hours before I decided to wake you. We then picked up Nanna to visit Aunty Nola's new house in Tarcoola, which is currently being renovated. The house is just as you would imagine Aunty Nola's house to be, sparkling clean, meticulous, and modern, a little on the smallish size but magnificent views of the ocean.

1999 - Monday

It is so humid and hot that we are forced to bath twice a day just to cool down. The room we are sleeping in is stifling hot and we sleep with a fan going all night. You didn't sleep all that well last night. We visited the workshop at Greenough to take some digital photos for me to do a Web Site when we return to Margaret River. I sent Dad an E-mail to comfort him while we are away, he misses you. We dined with Nanna and Pop for them to spend some time with you. I took their car home so I could pick Nanna up in the morning for us to go shopping.

1999 - Tuesday

You slept very well and I felt refreshed. We picked Nanna up mid morning and shopped for 4 hours. Nanna couldn't help herself and wanted to show you off to all my old friends. Every shop we passed Nanna called into because somebody I knew worked there. I managed to buy all my Easter present for my side of the family to leave in Geraldton. Aunty Nola missed her daily walk this morning, too tired, she was walking for about 3/4 hour every morning right up until we arrived. She isn't use to having little babies around and has forgotten how energy sapping they are.

1999 - Wednesday

Another very good night, I think this mean that when we return home you will be going into a room by yourself. Debbie a girlfriend from school and my basketball days rang and we have arranged to meet on Saturday, she currently has the flu and doesn't want to pass it onto you. We visited my school friend Jenny who has a 14 month old boy, Coby. It was lovely to catch up with Jenny and her family. Poor Aunty Nola, she slept in again this morning too tired to walk.

1999 - Thursday

We spent the morning with Nanna and Pop while Aunty Nola presented herself at the office for a day's work. We shopped in the afternoon until about 5.30 p.m. Aunty Nola's new vanity basin was installed in the new house today. This leaves only the tiling in the bathroom before they can move in. I think Aunty Nola has decided to give the walking away until we leave. Uncle Johnny made a point of being home early today so he can play with you before going down for the night. The last two nights you have been fast asleep before he even got home from work. I rang Dad and as expected he misses you terribly. He says "I want my son home with me".

1999 - Sunday - 28th March

Up early to catch the 9 a.m. flight out of Geraldton. Everyone came to say there farewells with lots of hugs and kisses. The sky was clear with detailed views of the cray boats fishing below. Despite the strong Easterly the flight was smooth and you slept for the entire duration. Dad and Daen were waiting eagerly at the airport, both very pleased to see us. We didn't arrive home until 4.00 p.m. because we stopped in on Kim and Karen as well as Grandma and Grandpa. All the Easter Eggs were very soft when we finally arrived home and needed to be put in the fridge. It is so nice to be home.

1999 - Monday

A very average night with you. Dad took you at 6.00 a.m., he missed you helping him water in the mornings. I spent the whole day dusting, washing, vacuuming and tidying up.

1999 - Friday

We took Nanna shopping with us today to buy Michael and Kirsty's wedding present, Aunty Nola's house warming present and a few bits and pieces to take home with us. You were grizzly all day and refused to sleep. I shouted everyone to tea at the Food Hall, which was very average. Ros and Allan were there for Leanne's birthday and were delighted to have caught up with us again for Allan to see you. I will have to plan very carefully for packing tomorrow as I have purchased so many little items.

1999 - Saturday

We walked up the road to the Surf Shop to purchase Daen's Skateboard deck. We then decided to continue on to Target and have lunch. The weather is stinking hot again and I am looking forward to some good old Margaret River cool climate and rain. Seeing as it is our last day in Geraldton we had Nanna and Pop over for a pleasant BBQ. I have been taking Digital photos all week for the Home Page but needed to borrow Aunty Nola's camera to take some for your "First 5 Years" album. Debbie has been hanging out to catch up with me and to see you since we first arrived but due to the flu has had to put it off until today. Debbie has three children, aged 13 (Wade), 11 (Dwayne) and 9 (Maddy). Aunty Nola is completely exhausted and is looking forward to a well-deserved rest tomorrow once we have left. I keep telling her it is good practise for when the grand children come along. We visited the new house in Sydney Street to drop off some more linen and nic nacs. They will enjoy the ocean views and house for a long time. You didn't sleep for eight hours after waking in the morning and it was for only 1/2 hour. What a horrible sleeper you are. You love to sit up but need to be supported because you haven't perfected the balancing act as yet. I caught Aunty Nola and Uncle Johnny feeding you chocolate tonight, which they denied stringently, but the final give away was the dark brown dribble. I am packed for an early departure tomorrow except for toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

1999 - Tuesday

I only needed to get up to you twice during the night. You are having Farax every night now as well as the crust from either toast or bread to chew on. It is time to purchase a seat which sits on the table for you to participate in the evening meal instead of me nursing you and trying to eat with one hand.

1999 - Wednesday

You can roll over with complete ease from your stomach to your back. While in Geraldton Aunty Nola tried to get you to crawl but we are still a few weeks off.

1999 - Thursday

I purchased you a swing to hang from the rafters outside today. Dad and I are planning your play area between the chalet and the house where it will eventually go. With the Easter Bunny coming on Sunday we purchased all our eggs to avoid the mad onslaught tomorrow and Saturday. Daen is working all the school holidays.

1999 - Friday

Good Friday - You are teething and your cheeks are bright red. You are very difficult to put down at night as you want to be comforted with the pain from your teething extending through to your ears. Dad's first day of school holidays and as usual swam in the morning, cappo at Gnarabup and played golf in the afternoon. Daen is maturing into a handsome man. He works out each night doing sit ups and push ups.

1999 - Saturday

You would have to be the worst sleeper I have ever encounted. You just don't sleep during the day with only 3 - 4 hourly naps at night. Last night you wouldn't go in your cot at all, (teeth I think) so you slept in the bed with Dad and I. I have started to give you puree solids from today. Chicken and Noodles for lunch followed by Pears for Descert. You ate all the Chicken and Noodles and only a few mouth fulls of the Pears. The Chalkies sponsored todays' golf and of course, Dad played. The town is splitting at the sides with tourist, here for Easter.

1999 - Sunday

Easter Sunday - We all received lots and lots of Easter Eggs, too many in fact. Yours will have to be evenly distributed amongst Dad, Daen and myself. Dad is complaining because he thinks he is badly done by due to the fact he has looked after you for more than an hour. I have a contract job with Dr Shaun O'Rourke which I need to work on today. The weather is a superb Autumn day, ideal for gardening, swimming, etc.