DoubleDucks

Lots of young visitors this month, so they get an album all of their own. Starting with Anastasia Billings now at 18 months.

January 2004

Nearly a month old now, certainly looking around and starting to take note of goings on around him. This week he met is only first cousin, Sabina up from Canberra for our second Christmas lunch.

Week ending 12 January 2004

Whew! I'm wrecked and that is with Jo doing all the nightime feeds. Luckily neither Samuel or I wake up early in the morning, so we can have some quiet time together.

Week ending 19 January 2004

This has been a good week. Samuel is taking more notice of the world around him, that includes some early interaction with mum and dad.

Week ending 26 January 2004

Samuel has a tough life. After every bath he gets a well deserved massage.

Week Ending 2 February 2004

In the closing weeks of Glenn's holidays the final jobs are getting underway including rehanging the lattice under the house.

4 February 2004

An increased range of facial expressions includes not only smiles, but also the occasional anti-smile.

Week ending 9 February 2004

Our first visit to young James DeSantis (Born 26/1/04) down in the shire. He is still taking it very easy as evidenced by the photos.

13 Feb 2004

He is not really read for the sunnies yet (nose is too small), but is certainly ready to wear them with attitude.

Week ending 16 Feb 2004

Definately starting to get some movement during tummy time. However, on occasion a face plant results from transistioning the pictured position back down to flat.

Week ending 23 Feb 2004

Tis' but two photos for this week.

Week ending 1 March 2004

Of all the things he could learn as his first skill ...rolling over, sitting up, or tieing his shoes.... why start with togas ? I guess you are never to young to learn how to gear up in a Toga.

Week ending 8 March 2004

Preparations are in ernest for rolling over. The beginings of weight shifting are starting to develop, perhaps snowboarding lessons might be in order.

Week ending 15 March 2004

Ok, who's the wise guy that stole my dummy ?

Week ending 22 March 2004

This is one of those images that I'm sure Samuel will try to forget.

Week ending 29 March 2004

New capabilities this month include rolling over, grabing/tacking objects including Rattling Roy (a crab) and the milk bottle.

Month ending April 2004

Go you good boy! As the season turns to winter, Samuel's attire turns to rugby. Plus Sam throwing his feet in the air, and a couple of tickshots with mirrors.

30 May 2004

Little by little Samuels mobility is improving. He is still happiest when being stood up, but cannot yet get the crawling motion going. Rolling both directions and swivelling on the floor is not a problem any more. He is also about to sit up for a few minutes at a time unaided. In a turn of coincidence Samuel got to meet Sally (his midwife) down in at a WRX driver training session in Goulburn.

June 2004

A busy month including packing Samuel for the move from Eastwood to Beecroft. Sitting quite comfortably now, at least until something attracts his attention.

July 2004

Sam's now mobile, luckily he doesn't know how to crawl quietly, so we can tell when something has caught his eye by the enthusiastic sounds as his crawling motion picks up speed. He can also pull himself up to a standing position. Carpet at the new house has saved a few bruises, and a with the new sunny backyard perspective he spends some time outside, with his nose slowly filling out to support the sun glasses.

August 2004

This month Paul, Mirella and Sabina paid us a visit at Nalaura Cl. So lots of photos of Sabina and Samuel playing together.

September 2004

The mothers group all got together for a weekend, providing an opportunity for the fathers to meet and greet and for the kids to could all cry in unison.

3 October 2004

For our first family holiday we joined up with the Barron, Hancock and Lowndes families on the balmy Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. Thanks to all for a great holiday.

9-15 October 2004

The first of the mothers group first year birthday parties. This one was at Banjo Patterson Park.

17 October 2004

Summer time is here providing an opportunity for a quick break and a round of golf.

20 October 2004

Our flashy new Cordon Bleu BBQ from BBQs Galore. It will never be this sparkly clean and new again, so it was worthy of a photo.

31 October 2004

Loosely speaking Samuel can feed himself, although his lap, the chair and the floor also get a share of the meal. The new Vacuum cleaner is a huge hit with him.... reason unknown, perhaps the funky colours. Lastly this month he finally he has enough hair for a Mohawlk.

October 2004

After many years Sharon and Sunny (Oscar) finally tied the knot, and celebrated with a naming for Anethesisia as well.

5 November 2004

Samuel is very close to standing by himself, currently he manages a few seconds at a time. He is also pushing the ride and stride unassisted. No he is not reading, but has his moments when he does look through the pictures in a book, rather than getting excited purely by turning over the pages.

November 2004

Sam's first birthday party. A BBQ with the mothers group, family and friends along, with cake, presents, and lots of other food including 2 dozen Krispy Cremes. Followed by a swim in the afternoon. Still not walking...

12 December 2004

Christmas day at Nalaura Cl. Not as hot as expected helping us enjoy a fantastic feast, get a load of that Turkey and Ham. Sam was in fine form picking this day to really starting walking around, and why not with such a great crowd.

Christmas Day 2004

Samuel with a lot of help from his mum has pulled off his first year, and leaves 2004 eating, walking and with basic communication capabilities. 2004 the year that was has certainly been a lot of fun.

December 2004