The Uncommon

And then there were 4....

2008-06-03T16:52:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone,

Ok, so we are now a family of 4. Yes, Archer Jack Thomas joined us at 7:54pm on Thursday, 22nd May 2008 weighing in at 3.060kg (or 6lb 12) and measuring 51cm long. He was much smaller that we thought he'd be (especially with the Thomas baby sizes), but, in saying that, at discharge he dropped to 2.890kg, and by 1 week old, he was already 110g heavier than his birth weight - so he's obviously not starving in any way!

Jessica is coping extremely well with the change, apart from being ever so slightly obsessed with kissing and cuddling him - but that just means she loves him... lots!

So far, Archie's been a good boy for me, without causing too much grief at all which is very nice, and Jess is being very helpful for me, but we'll see if that sticks after Damien goes back to work!

Well, seems time is in demand at the moment, I'll leave yoy with just a couple of piccies for your viewing pleasure!

Luv Mish!

Whoops...

2008-02-01T08:46:00.000+10:00

Well, it would seem as though its' been several months since I last updated this... so here goes the last few months in brief!

The first of the news, is that, well, another baby is on the way! Yes, we're due on 27th May, so, that's pretty exciting! Jess gets to be a big sister, which should be interesting! I'm sure she'll be good though, she's a good little girl for her Mummy & Daddy.

Second, Amelia has joined the family! Yes, Brad & Deb had a little girl this time, back in October, and she's very cute!

Just before Christmas we got our first style cut (thanks Minda!). We got a posh-spice bob, and its' VERY cute! This photo was taken not long after that cut, in the pretty dress that G-Na & Poppi got Jess for Christmas - isn't it cute!

Next, Christmas came along, which was very exciting... Jess was very excited by Christmas Lights and Santa (in pictures only) - we had some issues went we went to visit Santa in person... no different to most other kids though I gather! Therefore, Mummy had to sit in on the photo, and we're not exactly looking our best... so no upload of that one here!

Christmas was very exciting... Santa, Mummy & Daddy spoiled Jess, but that's our job! The standout time wasters are Mr Potato Head, the Dorothy the Dinosaur Tea Set, the new Bike & Trailer, the Elmo DVD, and the Bear in the Big Blue House DVD - winners there! (The fascination with the DVDs is a REAL winner for Mummy!!).

Next up, New Years - very eventful... bed by 10, up by 6 - so that saw in 2008 on a great note! New Years certainly changes aspects when you have young kids i've found... why stay up late when you still have to get up early??!!

Then, next up was moving out of the cot, and into a big girls' bed! And, we had success! Since this photo, we have also ditched the dummy... all in preparation for a new baby to arrive, and Jessica to be known as the Big Girl with plenty of time to spare so we help to minimise the 'jealosy issues' that we have read up about!

Then, Australia Day, which was fun. We went to the Plantation (local pool complex) for the morning - Jess has become quite the waterhog - to the point we're it's exciting to wear our floaties around the house! (even whilst brushing our teeth). We love swimming, jumping into the water, and going on the water slides - from the minute the water is entered, she looks like a drowned rat, but that's when its' fun!

Then, that afternoon we bought ourselves a present - a new TV (LG 32" LCD), which was very exciting, as I could then successfully watch the Australian Open final and be able to see the ball on the screen! It also makes for the playing of the Wii a little better, as when the split screen is up, it makes each side about as big as our old TV used to be in total. It also makes for giant Elmo and giant Bear when Jess watches her DVDs, which is very exciting for her!

From that point on, its' been the same kinda stuff... playing with Jess, hitting the shops, keeping the house 'habitable', and working! All the good stuff!

So, hopefully it won't be as long between drinks as this last entry, but the possibility is most definately there!

So, catch up soon!

Luv Mish

And we're off and racing...

2007-09-12T15:07:00.001+10:00

Its' been a while, yes... but, you certainly couldn't say its' because I just couldn't be bothered... more, just haven't had time!

And, we're 1!

So, alot has happened, Jessica has turned 1 in a blaze of glory, by well and truly walking around! No more stumble...stumble...fall for this house, no no! Now we're looking behind ourself, walking backwards, picking things up whilst walking, standing ourself up - all this happened pretty much the week before she turned 1. It was stumble...stumble...fall up until then.

And, yes, we did look beautiful at our party in our pretty frock and red shoes didn't we!

Jess was spoiled with lots of lovely gifts from her friends and family, too many to mention here! And, I might add, she certainly seems to love them all!

Next up!

We can also welcome little Henri into the world - congratulations Minda & Jimmy - she is certainly a little cutie! And, a long time comming, which just made her entrance even more anticipated!

And some piccies...

To save having to read gazzillions of stuff about pictures, i'll just put up the pictures that have pretty much been a summation of what's been going on lately!

Jessica's First EKKA Experience - giving the poor animal an unwanted eye examination...

Cousin Zane - now THAT is a cheesy grin!

Jessica very excited by her bargain Unicorn! Isn't it cute?!

...Poser...

Our first piggy-tails... aren't they cute! I know Roz, pink stipey dress and piggy-tails with dingle-dangles... but who could resist??!!

Well, that's it for now, all be good now, y'hear!

Times are a changing

2007-06-07T14:30:00.000+10:00

Once again, its' been far too long!

So, here it stands in brief:

Jessica is now 9 kilos (whe're getting there!)

We have hit the crawling stage

Jessica has made her first few steps on her walker! Although, as I'm the 'catcher', I haven't yet had the opportunity to piccy this yet!

Jess has also been pulling herself up to the furniture, and started making her way around things

Toothy grin Jess has now got 7 teeth (I think the 8th may be on its' way soon... lots of drool...)

My first Mothers' Day! That was nice! Got some photos of all the kids with Grandma, but, as Na was in Malaysia, didn't get any photos of my side.

Well, apart from that, it's been all happy families of late!

I've got some new pictures below, though, so I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we've enjoyed being witness to them happening!

This is Grandma and all the grandkids on the Thomas side. Any family resemblance?

One day she might find her dolly!

Yes, we are a bit of a music nut! Jess is a bit of an Elton (or, a Ben Folds perhaps?) when it comes to her piano - she bops and sings - certainly the best toy investment made to date! Although, its' music is, I admit, starting to get somewhat repetitive...

I know, but how could someone resist such a cute hat?!

When it comes to cute piccies, I just had to put this one in! Jess has a new black furry coat, which we wore when we went walking the other afternoon - it was a bit on the chilly side, so at least there was an excuse for her to weat it!

Well, hope you enjoyed, and, once again, catch ya soon!

Michelle

As time goes by...

2007-04-13T20:51:00.000+10:00

Once again, several weeks have gone by since my last update... well, quite a lot has happened in our lives since then!

Mostly, Jessica is getting bigger and bigger by the day! Two weeks ago she hit the 8 kilo mark! She has also mastered many new talents, one of which is rolling her way around the house, and the other is sitting - what a clever little girl!

As for the crawling, well, you could say it many ways, but we'll be clean, and say she 'rocks' a lot, but not with much velocity - in fact, our departure and arrival locations bare a very similar appearance indeed.

The biggest event lately was Jessica's baptism - which was relatively low-key as for festivities, just immediate family and close friends, but was extremely great. Jess got baptised at our Church, and she looked very cute! She even wore a dress!

Jess also had fun playing with her great friend Levi, I missed the photo opportunity of them holding hands, and managed instead to just photograph the 'attack'!

And, of course, Jessica's first Easter! And, she managed to get a whole heap of chocolate, which is very unfortunate, because its' just going to have to be consumed by Mummy & Daddy! The Easter Bunny, did; however, leave a Hello Kitty breakfast set for Jess to enjoy! Jess also had her very first Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race experience! Of course, that's a family tradition that will live on through the generations, and she had fun!

Well, I'll leave you with some photos of our latest flavour, and hope you enjoy!
I'll try and remember to blog a little more frequently, too!

Christmas & Beyond...

2007-01-12T07:39:00.000+10:00

Hi There!

I hope all had a good Christmas and New Year! Our Christmas was quite exciting, as it was, of course, Jess's first Christmas! I had much fun opening presents on her behalf, and see seemed to quite enjoy what was delivered for her under the tree!

Firstly, we opened all our Christmas presents at home, then we packed up and went to Na and Dju's for some more festivities... where we got to see Brielle's very special Christmas present, of a Dorothy the Dinosaur Tutu, which I must add, is extremely cute!

Well, we also had lots of fun throughout the Christmas/ New Year period, which involved Dadddy being a bit of a twit too... don't worry, Jess obviously thought it was pretty funny too!

Well, the new year for Damien's family began with a bit of a sad start; and we pray the the year gets much better for them all.

Well, all the best for 2007!

Lots of love,
Mish & Damo

Parties Galore!

2006-12-21T08:08:00.000+10:00

Hi There,

Well, since my last blog (which was a little while ago now), we have attended a few parties. The first being Harry's Pirate Party for his 1st birthday! I haven't got many photos of it, so the best thing would be to see Brad & Deb's new blog (the link is on the right). I just have two photos that I needed to share with you... the first is of Pirate Scary Pop, and the second is of the birthday boy obviously quite chuffed by all his pirate looty.

The photo below is of Jess wearing Daddy's Pirate Hat which was taken when we got home... typical of Daddy, forgot to actually take a photo of his daughter wearing her getup... mind you, all it was was a red shirt with a jolly roger and the following slogan "YO HO HO AND A BOTTLE OF MILK"... well, I thought it was a good effort! Hand-painted too!

We've also had my work's Kids Christmas Party, which was held at the Chermside Aquatic Center - this saw Jess have a great time in the pool! We had no tears at all this time, so each venture into the swimming arena is definitely getting more fun!

Further info... we have had our first giggles since the last post! These were very exciting, and saw Mummy needing to perform all sorts of head-banging manoeuvres in order to gain a reaction (We'll see what damage it caused in later life no doubt...), but at least it worked! Now there's no stopping Jess... full of beans we are... laughing and giggling all the time now - it's very cute! I also managed to catch an action shot, for which I was extremely happy - even if it did cause a crick in the neck!

We've also just celebrated the Thomas Family Christmas last night (a little early, but it's the even year which means we don't spend Christmas Day with Damien's family, it's my family instead this year). So, we all scooped the pool with goodies, and Jess was overly spoiled... but certainly not complaining. Unfortunately, we left the camera at home, so I have no photos of the celebrations, but Deb is going to put her photos up on their blog, so keep watch to see them! I will be taking photos as the Christmas celebrations continue... there's plenty more to come!

Well, hope you all have a great Christmas, and I'll post again after the festivities have petered out...

Love to all,
Mish

A Few Firsts...

2006-11-16T14:38:00.000+10:00

Hi Again!

Well, since I last posted, we had our first dip in a pool! Our first taste was in a floaty contraption - not such a big hit...

But, once we were out of that and clinging with dear life to Mummy, it appeared to be not so bad after all!

What a relief for Mummy! Thought we weren't going to like the water for a second there! The shame of it all!!! But, thankfully, we regrouped, and enjoyed our self. Yeah!

We also introduced Jess to LuLu - her dolly. And, as it turns out, LuLu was a big hit - now we just need to get Jess used to associating LuLu with bed time - and not Mummy or Daddy!

We also had our first positive tummy-time experience, where we didn't start crying immediately, and actually gave me time to take a photo! Here's the evidence!

In other news, Rozzie had a boy! Yeah! Levi David John Niven (see their blog for the updates!) - and what a cutie! Exactly 11 weeks younger than Jess - a destined playmate for sure!

Apart from all this exciting news, I really can't think of much else that's been happening, except that (surprise, surprise), the Tinsel Tart has already been at it, and, yes, the Christmas Tree is up and decorated! Now I just need to get Dames motivated to do the lights, and we should be in action! At least this year I've got an excuse for being over-excited about Christmas (even if Jess won't have the foggiest idea about what's happening, and no doubt the wrapping paper will be the most exciting thing)! But anyway, you get that!

Well, 'spose that's all the news for now, so I'll be updating again soon (after Harry's 1st Pirate Party on the weekend... how cute!).

So, in parting fun, I'll leave you with a few choice photos... hope you enjoy!

Cheerio,
Mish!

Me and my LuLu... the best of buddies!

No, really Mum... it was her!

... What can I say... aren't I cute...

All's well!!!

2006-11-08T18:51:00.000+10:00

Hi there again!

So, to let you in on what's been going on... parenting! Jess is being very good, she gives us even more sleep now! She goes to bed at around 7:30/8:00, and she wakes up at 5:00 in the morning! What a good little girl to her mummy and daddy!

Jess has become quite the chatterbox with her new found talent of "aahh-ooo" (I tell everyone that she says "hello", because that's what it sounds like) - what a talent she has!

She talks to her elephant, her Mr Bee, and of course, Mummy and Daddy. She also was talking to Na the other day, and Jason (my workmate) got a few chats in on Melbourne Cup Day.

Went in to my work on Melbourne Cup Day for a free feed and to show off the kiddo, and I think she was a bit of a hit. It was great to see everyone, too!

Went and had lunch with Roz & Dan, and Ari of course, (See their blog here) at the Wynnum foreshore on the weekend which was nice (should be any day now Rozzie... I hope!).

Also, in other news, Jess's Big Cousing Harry turned 1 yesterday (Tuesday), but the party is not for a couple of weeks (a pirate party), so when that happens, we'll put up some piccies of that!

In other stuff, I can't really say too much has happened, except that everything has been going really well! Certainly can't complain about parenthood - I love it!

Well, better go now,
Love Mish!

Time Flies!

2006-10-19T08:03:00.000+10:00

Hi All,

Wow, what can I say... time flies!

I can't believe that Jess is already 7 1/2 weeks old! She already looks completely different (well, maybe not completely, but she's certainly changed) from the early days. And, well, i'm biased, but isn't she cute!

The last few weeks have been great - she's sleeping well for Mummy & Daddy, and letting us get out and about during the days - a nice life! She even was good enough to sleep for Daddy yesterday so I could go and get a haircut! Whew, what a relief that was!

The last time I got my hair cut was the day before she was born (thanks Mel!). I should have known she was a girl, hey, waiting patiently until after I could go and get my hair cut and coloured.

Well, our neighbour has had a little boy, Joshua, their 30 days apart, so Jess has got a very close paymate. Poor kids, I'm sure their going to be teased by Daddy about being boyfriend/girlfriend for the rest of their lives... Oh well, Josh's a cutey.

As for milestones, we've been getting quite a few smiles, although, it's very hard to catch them on camera... the stupid delay on the digit camera! By the time the photos taken, all I get is the tail-end of the smile! Anyway, you get the idea.

She's taken quite a liking to the elephant that my Uncle Trevor, Aunty Cathy & cousing Bethany bought for her (thanks so much for that - it's really cute!) - as you can see! Also, she now has an appreciation for the rocker (good news for us!)

We also had our first trip to the beach, which ended up with Jess asleep with her feet in the sand. No actual trip into the water - it was too cold... I wouldn't even have gone in (although, that didn't stop my nieces & nephew going in)! So, we just milled in the sand for a little while... at least we left with beach evidence... their was sand all on her carseat... oh well.

The other exciting news, my nieces Brielle (sister's daughter) turned 3 (and got stuck into the cake), and Esther (sister-in-law's daughter) turned 4 (nice photo Dames, got the cake, but cut off Esther's head).


Brielle	Esther

Also finally got a photo of Jess & her closest cousin in age, Zane. Getting the photo was a bit annoying, because they both kept staring at the fan, so Tan had to manouver herself between the kids and the fan to get them looking at the camera!

Anyway, better go now... due to wake up any time now!

Mish

It's a Girl!!

2006-09-21T07:35:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone!

Ok, so a lot has happened in the last few weeks!!!

I'm proud to announce the arrival of our little girl, Jessica Fae Thomas!

Jess was born on the 28th August, 2006 - she shares a birthday with her cousin Emma (at least there's 6 years between them!). Jess was 3.790 kg, and 54cm long - so, she's quite a long little lady!

I can't say how more excited both Dames and I are at the arrival of our gorgeous little bundle, and are chuffed at how cute and good she is - she gives mummy between 7 and 9 hours sleep every night already! What a good girl! (I hope it doesn't stop!)

So, it's nearly feeding time (again), so I'd better go, but enjoy the photos, and i look forward to seeing any comments anyone posts up!

Lots of love,
Mish, Damo & Jess

It's been a while...

2006-07-09T17:01:00.000+10:00

Hi there!

OK, so it's been like forever since I posted anything, but what can I say... I've been busy?? Well... that'll do as an excuse anyway!

The time is fast approaching (as you may well imagine), for the arrival of our bundle of joy. At the moment, it's all going on track, except for the revelation that we're having a giant - well, according to our last scan (taken on Friday at what we thought was the 32 week mark), our child is in the 93rd percentile for its' gestation... or... it could be in fact that we're not at 32 weeks at all... but that we're actually at 34 weeks!

I guess this means it might not arrive on Pop's birthday afterall (31st August - what we thought was the due date)! In fact, in might actually arrive on Jamma's birthday (which is the 10th of August)!

A lot has happened since my last post - not suprising considering that was in February, and it's now July... but we've gained another nephew! Hooray!

Zane Tyler Pappalardo was born on 7th May (my birthday)! So, lucky me! Little Zane is exactly 25 years younger than me! Pretty groovy if you ask me!! So, Brielle is now a big sister, and I think has come to terms with the fact that Zane is here to stay. I think Zane was about two weeks old when she said to Tan (my sister), "Mummy, we take Baby Zane back to the hospital now?". Ummm.... I don't think that Baby Zane is going anywhere in a hurry! Sorry Brielle!

Isn't he adorable! Chubby bubby!

And, oh, how cute is this picture of Tan, Brielle, and the new arrival!

Anyway, for now I'm going to go, and hope that all goes well over the next few weeks (supposed to be 8, but apparantly it's more like 6...).

Will promise to post again soon!

Mish

New News!

2006-02-06T15:12:00.000+10:00

Ok, so, I can't wait any longer - most of you will already know, but why not let the rest of the world in on our excitement?

An heir is in the making! We had our first OB visit today - very exciting, and got our second look at bub - looks alot more like a baby now!

Well, due date is 31st August 2006 (Pop's birthday - I think he's a bit excited...), so, could be a good Father's Day gift for Dames!

Well, I'll let you know how progress goes, but for now - just trying to stay awake!

Cheerio!

Dancing with the Stars

2005-11-16T18:05:00.000+10:00

No, it's not some pissy link to a dodge TV show - I certainly wouldn't want Darryl Sommers to think he was worth it... It's my nieces!

Well, as "The Good Aunt" and "The Good Uncle", we attended our first Ballet experience at our nieces' end of year concert on Saturday night. What can I say? It was absolutely gorgeous!

And, to top it off, how proud we are of the dancing two - they both took home a trophy for their work! A perpetual one at that! I believe Sam (the girls' mum) told Emma as soon as she was given the trophy that she'll have to give it back next year - I don't think that Emma thought that idea was too crash hot, as she said "I don't want to dance next year - because I don't want to give any trophies back". Ohhh, butter wouldn't melt!

But, both girls were very excited about their awards (as were Mum & Dad, Nana & Pa, Grandma & Pop, and Uncle Damo & Aunty Mish), and proudly posed for the photo below.

Unfortunately, we couldn't get them in their costumes, but, Emma's last outfit was as a 'teddy bear' for here Teddy Bears' Picnic ballet (hence the nose and whiskers), and Sarah's was a very pretty tutu for her ballet.

Well, the girls certainly did clean up, and performed very well, and definately made us very proud of them.

All we can say girls, is "Congratulations", and that we very much look forward to next years dancing as well!

Harrison Thomas - the First Nephew!

2005-11-16T17:51:00.000+10:00

Hi All,

Great to be back!

I’ve got some exciting new… I have a nephew! The first boy… and what a cutie! Big lad though! He was born 10 pound, and was 56cm long! Harrison Thomas – destined to be tall (after his mummy and daddy), has already been recruited as an honorary Chicago Bulls player, after his dad (Brad) bought a miniature uniform, and a pair of infant sized Nike Air Jordan boots (and some matching Air Jordan Booties for when he’s not on the court)!

I’ve attached a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

This is what we're dubbing "The Foot" - being approxiamtely 7.5 cm long from heel to toe, we thinks this one might be big!

Well, that's all for the exciting nephew for the moment, except that after 4 neices, It'll be fun to be able to buy boys toys for a change! All those trucks and leggo! It'll be great!

Anyway, Cheers Big Ears!

I've Moved!

2005-11-16T17:31:00.000+10:00

Ok, so something weird happened, and our old blog (http://champagneedition.blogspot.com) seemed to disappear from my management area - and being a bit of a technotrog when it comes to this blogging thing, I just figured, aah well, let's just start again.

Probably something to do with the fact that I was so lasy in updating anything!

Anyway, to start afresh, I've got a bit of gloating to do, so, more posts comming!