Up late for the first time!

8pm and very late for little boys!

Having fun with Dad at the Go Kart track

As most of you know, Jude has been a very unwell little boy over the past 6 weeks. He has had a cold (query the flu), pneumonia, tonsilitis (many times), conjunctivitis, and now topping it off, an admission to The Mater Hospital on Thursday after a 39 degree temperature, while on antibiotics (augmentin too - the ducks nuts) and on panadol. It was only overnight in the end (after an original estimate of 3 nights in hospital..., ahhh), but it saw Jude undergo a septic work up, very quickly too I might add to check there wasn't anything really nasty hiding in his little body. Turns out, Jude continues to have both bacterial and viral infections going on, so onto the 6th course of antibiotics, and the 5th different type! Thankfully, Jude loves Yakult which we have been pumping into him..., perhaps pointless, but we 'hope' it is doing some good.

It looks like Jude might have a hot date with an ENT, a little earlier then other toddlers if he gets tonsilitis this bad again, or if these antibiotics can't shake the wretched thing! And no ones seems to know anything about this viral infection..., we just have to 'ride it out'.

So....., pending all of this...., the day after he was discharged, Dale had his work Christmas party. Jude wasn't going, wasn't going, wasn't going, and wasn't going...., but after a nice dose of nurofen and another of panadol at 4pm..., he was firing and ready to kit the Go Kart track! Staying at home is neither fun for Jude, who has every minute to remember he is sick, nor is it fun for mum and dad who has to carry a 12kg bub around everywhere as every little thing seems to upset him. Outings seem to be a good distraction for the little guy, and some respite for us too!

The 'do' kicked off at 5.00pm. After watching the Go Karts, climbing and playing in the playground, getting lost with all the 'big kids' in the jumping castle, flirting with all the girls and playing footy with the boys, it was already 7pm which is Jude's bedtime. But, he was having such a great time, that we didn't even notice 7pm turned into 7.30pm, which turned into 8pm, and then 8.30pm when we finally got home, and 9pm before Jude Barnes fell into bed. He had the BEST time, and was certainly the centre of attention! It was also nice for us to hear other parents asking if he was normally 'this active', as Dale and I collapse most nights wondering how the rest of the world does it! What they didn't know, is that he is normally twice as fast when well!! Anyway, it was really fun for Jude to have a night out with the CWN and RPM Workforce crew, followed by a fabulous family day the next day where only one dose of panadol was needed at 4am! Perhaps a little bit of fun is just what the doctor ordered.....

15 months old...

Our cheeky 15 month old

Still loving those fingers

Cruizn at home

Our happy boy!

Jude Barnes turns 15 months old tomorrow..., where has that time gone? Here is a little update as to how he is developing....

The best way to describe Jude in two words....

Outgoing

Confident

Growth

Height: 84cm (95th centile)

Weight: 11.8kg (50th-75th centile) down a little due to being so unwell

Head circumference: can't remember, but it is between the 50th-75th centile (sorry)

In summary, he is tall and skinny but we are working on it by making the most of the days he is well - food food food! It has been a tough 6 weeks for the little guy!

Jude also has very big feet, hands and is very long limbed. It is amazing what he can reach, especially when he goes on this tip-toes!

Movement

It is now up, up and away for Master Barnes. Everything is a step to use and climb up on! Chairs, tables, toys, washing basket, Presley's bed etc etc. Last week, Jude stretched as far as he could to remove as many books as possible from his bookcase to STACK and use as stairs to reach his money box on his chest-of-draws. I didn't even think he would be able to strategise! So, I packed them all up, thinking it was a once off and totally unintentional, and he did it again!

Cheekiness and Temper (this is a new sub-heading as it needs a special mention)

Throwing things, biting our hands if we try to hold his to steer him away from things like THE ROAD, throwing ourselves on the ground if we don't get our own way, telling Presley off when he doesn't sit and stay, telling you off if you say 'no' or 'uh uh' to him, slamming doors, going as straight and as stiff as a board if he doesn't want to get into the pram or car seat, and yelling....., loudly, are all a few things that have developed in the last couple of months. It's funny though, apparently he is the most polite, gentle and caring child in his class at care. So why the little monster at home??

Words and Comprehension

Jude is like a little parrot at the moment. Whilst he can't really repeat the words, he will say a whole lot of jibberish in exactly the same tone and pitch you used. Usually then followed by 'ahh ha' and a little nod, which means 'yes' and a cheeky smile like he is soooo proud of himself. His favourite word is still 'ta', and he now uses it, with a pointed finger, where you would normally say 'please'. Like 'ta' and pointing to my mobile, or ta and pointing to the computer, or ta and pointing to the sissors, car keys, TV remote or anything else that is dangerous or useful in our lives that we would like to see go over the balcony!

His comprehension is amazing though. He can understand lots of things such as would you like a drink, some food, to go outside, to go in the car etc. Give this to daddy, or can daddy have a kiss, where's mummy hiding and let's change your nappy! There are too many to write but I'm sure you get the idea! I have also noticed a little 'common sense' creeping in like holding on to our shoulders while he stands to put his shoes on, or swapping the object from hand to hand while we pop each arm through his shirt, or reaching up to hold my hand to go up and down stairs. However, he still has no fear and will quite happily venture off in the shopping centre or library without a care in the world!

Favourites

Favourite toy: his jumping horse and Marshmellow (giant teddy)

Favourite food: Blueberries, sultanas, toast, cream from inside cream biscuits, and mango

Favourite beverage: well, water vs milk....., ummmmm, it's a tie!

Favourite book: Any book..., we are currently reading about 12-15 stories a day thanks to our little man being able to reach them all!

Favourite activities: Reading group on Thursday's, swimming on Friday's, walks in the pram, going to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Sunday's and grocery shopping! Oh, and sweeping, vacuuming and wiping down his tray table after meals (yessssss..., double pump and lunge Target crew..., double pump and lunge!!!!!!!!)

Book number one hundred and one and it's only 9am!!!

Playing at the library after reading group

Brekkie on the back deck

Kiss!

Another kiss!

The 'oh so safe' jumping horse!

Queenslander...

Welcome back Summer, and hello 'fruit bat Jude'. The past month has seen Jude refuse every vegetable, including those that are 'hidden' - clearly not hidden enough! However, the dietitian in me doesn't care, as he is well and truely making up for it in fruit! Blueberries, strawberries and sultanas are the favs, however, mango is climbing the ladder quickly. It would not be surprising for Jude to finish all his dinner, well, all bar the veges, and to then polish off a whole mango. Here are a few snaps of him..., looking like every other Queenslander at this time of year... (who knows why I even bothered to use a bib??)...

It doesn't get much better then this...

Serious business

Some for mum??

Nope, all for Jude!

Mini Dale...

Some quick snaps of Jude (not Dale, these are of Jude....., hard to tell them apart I know) at 14 1/2 months of age just chilling out at home playing with his toys, and attacking his mum with slobbery kisses. He looooves his new short from Pippy and David, look how cool he thinks he is!

Family Day...

One of the best things about living in Rockhampton is that it is great for young families! There is so much to do in the community, our favourite being the Botanical Gardens and Zoo. I think it is by far the most beautiful Botanical Gardens in Australia, and despite it popularity among locals, you can still fine your own little possy to spend time with those you love most...

I just love this photo..., my two favourite people!

Being cheeky (while dribbling - he is cutting molars at the moment)

Life with a little boy - all fun and games till mummy gets hurt!

Beat up daddy instead - he is tougher!

Our little man - 14 1/2 months old