Notes on Andrew Belinda & Benjamin Lattimore

Another First Day…..

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Belinda

I seriously can’t believe it.

What a different boy!!!

Today was Ben’s (2nd) first day of Kindy. Andrew and I decided to keep Ben in Kindergarten another year. We had the choice to move on to Prep but it just didn’t feel right. I think it is the teacher in me that really wanted him to have another year. I want to see his confidence grow a little more before he enters formal schooling. This morning Ben showed me we had made the right decision. If only you knew how many times I walked out of Kindy last year with tears in my eyes watching my little man upset or struggle. But not today…… he stood tall, proud and confident.

He was asking children their names – Last year he was clinging on to me not saying a word.

He engaged in an activity without any encouragement – Last year he showed little interest.

He told me I could go home – Last year he was crying and my heart was heavy.

I have walked out of Kindy this morning knowing my little man is happy and in the best hands. A great start to what will be a fabulous year!!

Posted in Benjamin | Tagged Ben, Second first day of Kindy | 4 Comments

Hello There!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Belinda

Hello There!!! It’s been a while. I have lots of little bits of lovely to catch you up on. But for now I am going to share the new addition to my hallway. I first saw it here and just fell in love with it. I ordered it from here.

So cute and so much FUN!

Who is coming over for Hopscotch?

Posted in Benjamin, Family, Ladies' Business | Tagged decal, hallway, Hopscotch | 3 Comments

New Years Eve 2011

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Belinda

I have got far to used to snoozing in the day (with Andrew being on holidays). I think I started my New Years Eve with a nanny nap after breakfast!!! (New Years resolution #72 Stop Nanny Napping!)

Our afternoon and evening was more eventful. We spent it with good friends at home – a bbq dinner, great conversation, listening to the kids play on the slip and slide, riding motor bikes, pavlova, bike riding, chocolate, champagne, gyro caring, rum balls, scooters, glow sticks and sparklers.

(Oh and I took some tragic photos…… but good memories)

As our little family head into 2012 with a some uncertainty of what the year will bring. We are certain it will be full with family, friendships and much belly laughing xo.

Happy 2012!!!

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Christmas Time xo

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Belinda

It’s over….. Christmas just goes by so fast . Our tree is gone and I miss it already!

We had a quiet relaxing Christmas with just seven of us – my Mum, my Dad, my Brother, his Wife, Andrew, Ben and I. Most preparations were done the day before so the day was fabulous. You would think since I was organised I would have heaps of photos……… well errr no! I took one picture all day…….. tragic I know!!! I just didn’t feel like it. I scrounged some from my Dad and my Sister-in-law (thanks). But on Boxing Day I tried out Instagram on my iPhone (photo App) – Oh I’m in LOVE!

Our Christmas day was full with family, eating, snoozing, chatting and Lego. Lego covers my house (well that is really no different to any other day!!). The days that followed were filled with family, more food, more snoozing, more chatting, more lego and the best marble run in the world.

Thanks to everyone for making our Christmas wonderful.

Happy Holidays !

Posted in Family | Tagged 2011, Christmas | 3 Comments

Twelve Christmas Favourites #12

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Belinda

#12 Christmas Favourite - Ben’s Christmas

There has been a big lead up to Christmas. Christmas celebrations started for Ben in mid November at Kindy with preparations for the Christmas concert. There were Christmas carols, tree decorating, decoration making, present making and a Christmas concert. The concert was a big hit (refer to Christmas Kindy Concert).

Ben has helped me at home put up and decorate the tree, write Christmas cards (which aren’t in the post yet!!), make special Christmas treats, and wrap presents. He insists on putting Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer on repeat. This has driven me a little mad!! Maybe he has inherited my love of Christmas carols….. YAY!

We have also been to see the Christmas tree in the city, the Christmas windows at Myer, some Christmas house lights and made a visit to Santa. In the last few days we have introduced a very special Christmas surprise. Yesterday Jack the Pixie Elf arrived from the North Pole (well from Amazon.com). Jack (Ben named him Jack) the Pixie Elf’s job is to watch Ben and report back to Santa. Every night Jack magically flies to Santa to give him this important information. So each morning Ben needs to find Jack. It’s all very cute and a lot of fun. Ben keeps asking me “Mum is Jack really real?”

Tonight Ben prepared a snack and a drink for Santa and his reindeer. I also had a super special surprise for him. We had a message from Santa on the apple TV – Oh My Gosh Ben was intrigued.

Ben is so excited about being on the ‘Nice List’.

Ben is now tucked up in bed. Santa has made his deliveries and the last minute preparations are being made for a relaxing, enjoyable and memorable Christmas day.

I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share these amazing experiences with Ben – love you little guy xo.

Posted in Benjamin, Family, Ladies' Business | Tagged #12, Ben, Twleve Christmas Favourites | 2 Comments

Twelve Christmas Favourites #11

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Belinda

#11 Christmas Favourite - Giving

I adore giving gifts to loved ones. I love finding that special something, wrapping it up and keeping it safe until Christmas day. I have difficulty waiting until Christmas to give people their presents. I just get a little excited.

This year I also thought it was important for Ben to experience giving gifts and not just receiving. This year Ben gave some gifts to World Vision. Online we looked through the gifts you can give children that aren’t as fortunate as Ben. We explained to him that these children don’t have Christmas trees with presents, special treats to eat or maybe even toys to play with. He had trouble believing that this could be possible. He chose pencils, a chicken and feed and a fruit tree – small gifts really that can make such a difference. I am not sure how much Ben understood but hopefully we have planted a seed.

Posted in Benjamin, Ladies' Business | Tagged #11, giving, Twelve Christmas Favourites, World Vision | 1 Comment