Paul and Yvonne's baby

My sister Nica !

2010-11-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Nica is such a cutie ... takes after me of course!

Family photo's

2010-11-04T05:41:00.001-07:00

Oma & Opa, Nica & Téa - October 2010

Mum & Dad, Nica & Téa - October 2010
Nica has way more hair tat I do! She's already stealing my hair clips at 3 months old!

The Paparazzi Photo's

2010-11-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

Watch out Paris Hilton the new kid is on the block!

The paparazzi just don't care what you look like!

Yes it's time for a pedicure! Need to look my best when I step out of the house.

Discovering my shadow

2010-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

I discovered that there is in fact 2 of me!

There is colourful me and a black me. Black me only comes out every now and then. I mostly get to play with her just after dinner. Black me doesn't seem to talk either, maybe she's a bit shy?

She is a lot of fun and she loves to dance just like me, and gives great high fives!

And then there were 4 ....

2010-09-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the date that Mum has posted this Nica is now 6 weeks old, so she has been a little slack in updating this very special occasion, the birth of my sister Nica Kyla. Nica has firmly established herself as one of the family and is loved by all. Especially me who after the initial wariness just loves her to bits. Quite literally really - cuddles, kisses and wanting to show her all my toys. I love playing with Ollie my doll. Mum bought me a pram for him and I now change his nappy – change mat, wipes and cream all have to be part of the process and no short cuts Mum!

Nica doesn’t do much, just sleeps, drinks milk and then sleeps again. I think she takes after me ... there is nothing like a great sleep to recharge those batteries in order to give Mum a run for her money! She does need the exercise you know. Mum can’t hide behind the “I’m pregnant” excuse any longer, from here on it’s just plain fat!

Mum started running the other day though she says it’s more like a shuffle in the HK humidity and heat the 440 steps at the end of the run are a real killer. She is looking forward to the day when she can run up them at lightning speed and not be a blithering mess at the top. Personally I don’t think I’ll hold my breath for that day. HK is pretty notorious for it’s stairs and hills.

Dad is proud as punch of his possie of girls. I think it’s because being surrounded by beautiful girls makes him look good. Though I’m not so sure what his feelings will be in 15 years when the bathroom is always occupied and the wallet is always empty.

Personally I’m loving all the mail that Nica is getting. As her older sister I need to censor her mail and make sure that toys received are fit for purpose. It’s a tough job testing out all these new toys but that’s what big sister’s are for right?

We have a few happy snaps of Nica and I below.
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
Love Téa

Introducing Nica Kyla McMahon

2010-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

We would like to introduce to you the latest addition to the family ....

Nica Kyla McMahon

Born 28th July 2010 at 9:15pm

Weight - 3.01 kg (~6pound 5)

Length - 50cm

With masses of black hair

At Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong

After the initial rush to come into the world early, Nica decided that actually she would rather staywhere she was and eventually was delivered by c-section.

Phuket Holiday - June 2010

2010-06-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

We (Dad, mum & I) went on a 5 day holiday to Phuket for the Annual Phuket half Marathon for the "Susie's Floosies". This year Mum couldn't participate, she actually barely made it there as the airlines nearly didn't let her fly at 33weeks pregnant with my little bro/sis!

It was a lovely time with the girls - Claire, Kristin, Elita and Olive - hanging out by the pool drinking cocktails! I invented a new cocktail "water cocktail" With fruit and a straw - yummy! I just couldn't get enough. Hopefully they weren't too expensive.

Dad did the half on behalf on mum, as well as Claire, Kristin and Olive. Elita went the whole hog and did the marathon! Woooooo Hoooooo! Elita finished very strongly with a very determined look on her face!

I really enjoyed the Sheraton Hotel - their buffet breakfast is awesome! Mum still can't believe how much I ate - scrambled eggs, toast, watermelon, yogurt, banana bread - yep all for ONE breakie! The Thai food was fantastic. I really enjoyed the pad thai and the rice - yummy!

It was fantastic hanging out at the pool. I got really brown even with all teh sun screen mum put all over me. Can't wait till next year - they have a kids race ..... I think I might enter!

Téa's first steps

2010-04-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well we had an awesome Easter holiday. We went to Nelson Bay for Easter where we met up with Uncle Noel, Aunty Aprille, Kieran & Lauren. It was great to have a few cousins to play with.

I discovered the wonders of green grass. Did you know it's quite soft even though it's spikey! We went to the beach a couple of times. Sand was something new. It doesn't taste very nice so don't bother eating it. The water was a little cool but it was wonderful. Mum broght my boat so Captain Tea made an appearance again!

The Easter Bunny is very smart he found me all the way in Australia instead of at home in HK!

I loved my chocolate easter bunny. I only had an ear ... I think mum and dad ate the rest. Next year I'll remember to keep it away from them! They can get their own.

Sydney was fabulous. Mum and I did alot of touristy things the bridge, opera house, Darling Harbour as well see some of my friends William and Larsen. The boys are soooo much fun! William and I played on the playground and he walks everywhere. I was so impressed. Larsen has sooooo many cool toys and he let me play with them. And he looks great in a pink butterfly bib. There are only so many boys who can pull off pink!

We went to Manly Beach on the ferry. Whilst we were at the playground I took my very first steps. It was very liberating! And Mum and Dad seemed really happy about it.

Anyway that's about it for now.

Chat soon.

Tea

Sydney Easter Holiday 2010

2010-04-18T03:26:00.000-07:00

The family, a bridge and an opera house!

Me and that bridge.

I've been here Dad!

My first steps at Manly Beach.

Eating pizza on the hotel bed ......... Wooo Hooooo!

Walking downhill.

That bridge again!

The opera house!

The bridge!

Easter 2010 @ Nelson's Bay, NSW

2010-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Larsen, Pink butterflies suit you!

You have cool toys Larsen!

Are you sure I can't have a seat in the plane Dad? It's a bit tight in here with all Mum's shopping!

Hanging out with Kieran & Lauren.

Sand castles are sooooo much fun when you sit on them!

Splashing in the water!

Our sandcastle!

This little piggy went to market .......

Playing in the sand. It's not so scarey after all but doesn't taste very nice.

Cousin Lauren.

The Easter Bunny came ........ and I ate it all. Except that is for the BIG bit that mummy ate!

My beach babe swim outfit. And what is this white, gritty stuff? Does it taste any good?

My friend William (Aunty Natalie's little boy) having a great time at the park in Nelson's Bay.

Early morning with my cousin Lauren - who is the scarey one in this picture?
We are meant to all look alike ...... I don't think so! Definately not related!

(Daddy & Uncle Noel)

Do you wanna see my rusk!

What is this green stuff that you have plonked me on??? It's spikey ........ GET ME OFF!

Standing alone (7 March 2010)

2010-03-09T21:03:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty smart standing by myself!
Let all give me a BIG clap.

At the pub

2010-03-09T20:59:00.001-08:00

Boy did I have some fun at the pub on Sunday afternoon!

Téa's 1st birthday

2010-03-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

My party favours Mum made for my playgroup.

We all got party hats as well and the feather was fab!

Present #1.

One of my friends from Panda Junction playgroup.

It's mu party and I'll cry if I want too!

1 March 2010 Singapore Holiday

2010-03-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

This was Apple from the "Hooters" Cafe in Singapore. She was great. Apple gave me free icecream.

Checking out the pool.

Having an afternoon drink with Dad.

Let me in that pool!

All ready for a quick dip in the pool.

An artwork.

Me and the artwork.

2010-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

This one is from Playtown a indoor playground that's loads of fun. And mum thought me going down the ladder was so funny. I just don't get it - don't you use your head to get down?

Walking my bike on the Terrace

2010-02-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Mum and Dad gave me my birthday pressent a little early ...... my first bike! Check it out. At the moment I push it around and I must admit I'm pretty fast especially on the down hill. I love it and it's red so it must go real fast. I can't wait to learn to ride!

The update since Septmeber 2009

2010-01-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a long time since I’ve updated all my fans on my hectic life and I know you are all dying to hear. I’m now 10 months 21 days old and my monthly birthday pressies that I know you must have sent must still be caught up in that Aussie post strike at Christmas!

Well what have I been doing since September? Well as you know that’s when I started to eat real grown up food, and boy is it yummy. Though all the REALLY good stuff mum says isn’t for babies. My mum is a bit slow sometimes, I’m not a baby, I’m Téa! Anyway I’m loving my food though my favourites keep changing – prunes, strawberries, broccoli, steak, corn, banana’s, weetbix, hummus and since it’s winter homemade pumpkin soup. Mum still try’s to feed me green beans when will she realise that I never have and never will eat green beans!

Well October was fairly quiet with a trip to Macau for the weekend (the photo’s were in the last blog post) to see Aunty Simone, Uncle Glen and Larsen. Larsen was so much fun and I gave him a foot massage – he loved it. It was cool to have someone to play with. Dad did a couple of work trips so it was just the girls at home. Mum got to watch all her favourite chick flicks without dad rolling his eyes.

November was pretty busy with life. Dad did another work trip and completed the 100km trailwalker – wow I’m still amazed at that feat. They got home at 6am and I really couldn’t wait any longer than 7am to find out how it all went. For some reason mum didn’t look too happy about me taking an interest! I did my second photo shoot with Aunty Sonia and Aunty Elita. Sonia is fantastic behind a camera and Elita just cracks me up with all her silly antics. Everyone in the park was watching her – how embarrassing for her! Dad and I went out to watch mum, Aunty Claire and Aunty Kristin do the Disneyland half marathon. We watched then headed off and then headed to the Disney Hotel for coffee and breakfast with some friends. Dad was too busy talking to realise that mum was running past to the finish. She was none too impressed.

Now December – wow what a month! We went to Phuket for the triathlon that dad and the Dragon’s love doing. Mum and I just swanned around the pool, drinking cocktails, sleeping and the buffet breakfast – awesome. I just couldn’t stop eating. Mum thought I was going to turn into a watermelon! Mum decided to get a babysitter so that she could go to the after party without me (my turn not to be impressed) but I ended up having a great time. The babysitter didn’t listen to a word mum said and as soon as I grizzled once, picked me up and played with me for 3 hours she even gave me some milk (which mum said was for an emergency only) but I don’t think she knew how to mix it because it was all grainy. But it was better than sleeping. I’m not sure why mum didn’t seem too impressed when I gave her a big smile when she came home.

The end of December saw us all fly home to Western Australia for Christmas. Talk about the slow boat to China. Mum booked us the el cheapo flights so we had a long stop over in KL. It wasn’t bad just long but the hostess’ were lovely. They loved to play with me. Stepping out of the airport into the Perth sunshine at 6am was such a shock. But what's with all the flies?

Perth was great. Lots of people to meet and BBQ’s to be had. I hung out with Nicholas & Ryan in their pool and they watched me go under water. I could tell they were super impressed. I loved giving them cuddles afterwards.

We drove up to Geraldton for a big family Christmas and I got to hang out with all my cousins. They are really cool dudes. Hope I’m as cool as them when I get older. Felicity’s sunnies looked better on me though. They played with me all day and I just didn’t want to go to sleep! I got to wear my party dress with the pretty white shoes. I looked gorgeous! Santa brought me some great pressies. Some more wiggles stuff – you can never have enough you know and a cool height chart where I can put photo’s in – of me of course. For dinner we had seafood – yummo! Prawns and scallops my favourites though I didn’t like the crayfish. And mango – hmmmmmmm! Needless to say I had a very big sleep that night.

On the way back to Honkers we had another stopover in KL were I had a little sleep on the benches. Mum said I was so lucky being little and able to do it. I vaguely remember her saying that in a few years it wouldn’t be so comfortable. I thought it was very funny though when the gates closed on us and we nearly missed the flight because dad was cleaning me up from a mega poo! I thought I was helping in reducing our luggage weight!

Just before we headed away for Christmas I began pulling myself up on the furniture. I was a little wonky at first but I could get to all those great things on the shelf that mum thought were safe. And I could reach further up the pot plant to where all those leaves are that I couldn’t previously reach. My new favourite pass time (back then) was to commando crawl into the kitchen and pull out the bottom drawer and then push it back in. Now that I can stand I’ve realised that there is stuff in the drawer. It’s heaps of fun pulling all the tea towels out and then watching mum put them back in! Oh did I tell you that I don’t commando crawl anymore? Yeap. Uncle Vince has carpet so my tummy wouldn’t slide across the floor and I had to pick it up off the floor. I’m so much quicker now. Oh and Uncle Vince was a hoot! He was getting a kitten so he had all these toys for when Dali came. I thought I would test them out and make sure they were okay. My recommendation = great fun.

Well now it’s back to Honkers and the cold weather! Not impressed. I’m now starting to cruise around the furniture whilst mum furiously looks at apartments to rent. I think she thinks, I take up too much space!

Anyway I try and write a little more frequently to keep all my adoring fans in the know!
Till next time
Kisses and hugs
Téa

2009 Christmas Card

2010-01-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and wonderful 2010

2009 has been one big blur of a year. The highlight was the arrival of our daughter Téa Susie. Téa entered this world her way; NOW - which gave the doctor’s a bit of a hurry on and is exactly how she does things now. Téa is a social baby who laughs and smiles a lot and loves to be with the girls for Sunday drinks at Staunton’s. Everyday there is some new discovery that she wants to show you, be it our wine collection or the contents of the rubbish bin or how to destroy the one and only plant in the apartment!

Téa’s first 9 months have been very busy indeed. She is a world traveller with 2 trips to Australia visiting Brisbane and Perth and then Melbourne and Sydney, Hainan in China, Macau and Phuket. She knows how to woo the flight attendants and get her own seat (actually 4 seats once) with her own TV so she could watch the Wiggles! Téa still has no hair but we think she is saving all that growth for her teeth as she now sports 3 with another one on the way. Téa took to eating with gusto with her favourite food being a juicy piece of steak! She loves nothing better than having dinner with Oma or Uncle Marc over skype! The wonders of technology.

For Paul 2009 has been extremely busy. His conference was even a bigger success than last and will prove to be HUGE in 2010. He has also taken onboard Mathletics as the Asia Director meaning more travel. Paul latest pet hate is taxi rides in Beijing and Shanghai This hasn’t slowed his sporting efforts. Again Paul completed the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker over the mountains of HK (the total mountain ascents is equivalent to Mount Everest from sea level!) the sub-15hr time still eludes the team, as well as numerous hiking races and triathlons. His highlight was crossing the finish with Téa in the Phuket Tri.

Maternity leave saw the finish of the City of Dreams Casino in Macau for Yvonne which was an awesome experience to work on a project of that size and nature. A day was about all Téa would let Yvonne rest after finishing work before her arrival and after 10 weeks it was back to work. Yvonne decided it would be the year of travel, finally using all those holidays accrued, searching out the sun, beach and cocktails by the pool. Yvonne has started running again and completed the Disneyland half marathon at the end of November. Whilst 2hrs 6min wasn’t any PB it wasn’t too shabby for the amount of training that she was able to do. With all the other things going on in daily life going out for a run is last on the priority list (though procrastination probably also has something to do with it!)

For Téa 2009 has been the year of firsts – first smile, sitting, crawling, eating, first tooth with a few more milestones to come. For Yvonne it’s the year of the holiday and when will she stop organising them? For Paul it’s just everything at 100 miles an hour desperately trying to fit in being a father, husband, work, play and exercise into 24hours.

We are off to Perth and Geraldton for the Christmas holidays, the first time in 5 years we haven’t spent it in HK and Yvonne is more excited than anyone. Maybe it’s just the thought of again having a warm Christmas with prawns on the BBQ rather than having 10 layers of clothing on. It will be lovely to spend Téa’s first Christmas with family.

We wish you all a fantastic Christmas wherever you may be in the world and a 2010 filled with laughter and happiness.

Lots of love from
Yvonne, Paul & Téa

Téa - October 2009 - 7.5 months

2009-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Eating my way ........

2009-09-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well mum has deemed I'm old enough to have solids now! Yippee.
I didn't know there were so many different tastes and textures out there. I've been waiting for ages to have a try at what mum and dad were eating. I like the squigyness of yogurt - it goes everywhere, but apples are crunchy and cold. Strawberrys make my clothes go red and brocoli tickles my lips. Cheese is easy to hold onto but it breaks easily and toast and jam hmmmmm, yummy - goes a little mushy after awhile though. Banana's and avocado are a little bit slippery I taste them straight off the tray!
Mum doesn't mind how much mess I make ..... which is great because I make LOADS of mess!
I can't wait to find out what mum has for me tomorrow.

Me - shy of 6 months !!!

2009-09-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

At 6 months I weigh 6.6kg and am very tall at
I still don't know what colour I want my hair to be blonde or dark brown, so I've gone for blonde on top and brown at the back, though my mullet style is getting a little last season. My blue eyes are a winner with the boys and the chinese ladies at the bottom of the street. I love dogs but am not so fond of cats. Mosquito's love me but I definately don't like them. Mum says I'm already a great actress as I can cry on cue and smile and be cute 10 seconds later! I love to swim. When we were at Hainan Island my friend, Sophia gave me her boat - it's really cool and I get to be captain!
I've started eating solids - but you can read all about that in my previous post.
I'm getting the munchies from all this blogging stuff ....... MUUUUUUM where's my milk!
Ah right on cue - I yell, she comes running.
Life IS grand!

My friend WIlliam

2009-09-05T02:31:00.001-07:00

We after Melbourne Mum and I flew to Sydney. We went and stayed Aunty Nat & Uncle Matt's place in Cessnock (outside of Newcastle). Would you believe it .... they have a son, William my new best buddy. I'm a week older than him but I think he's way smarter - he can roll on and off his tummy all the time. He loves his tummy time, personally I'm not such a fan.
We had a great time playing together and Aunty Nat is soooooooo cool. She loves to play and kept me from getting bored when mummy went shopping!
Can't wait to see them again.

McMahon Family

2009-09-03T21:46:00.001-07:00

On the trip to Melbourne I got to met Dad's side of the family. We stayed with Uncle Noel and Aunty Aprille, Kerian & Lauren. Kerian & Lauren were great to play with. Kerian kept on making these funny faces with his eyes and Lauren read stories to me and played with me in the bath. I can't wait to go back and visit! Though is it always that cold in Melbourne, even with the sun shinning?
We went to Ballarat where I met Aunty Mary - she gives great cuddles. I also met my cousin Cynthia when we were in Cessnock, NSW - how random that we were in the same country town!

Uncle Ralph's Wedding

2009-09-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ralph got married to a wonderful lady, Tania who looked gorgeous! Uncle Ralph was pretty dashing as well, but looked a little nervous before the event (as you can see in his smile). Not sure why - they were already married in Brazil!

Uncle Ralph, Dad and me!

Mummy and I. I love my little dress...

Mummy & I again. Mum's a great fashion accessory!

Daniel, Thommo, Gerry, me & mum. We all look so gorgeous!

Mummy, Daddy, Uncle Nev and Aunty Penny - smiles all round!

Flying

2009-09-03T07:15:00.001-07:00

I don't understand mum and dad - there is plently of leg room in economy! And they have the wiggles and Mickey Mouse - how cool.

(Melbourne holiday August 21 2009)

Susie's Family

2009-09-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

Whilst on our quick trip to Melbourne we went to visit Susie's wonderful family! I now know why Susie always had a smile and laughed - her whole family are like that!
They are truely fabulous - so warm and welcoming (even when we turn up late - naughty dad - he should know his way around Melbourne by now!

This is Susie's mum - Pauline - she has wonderful cuddles.

These are Susie's younger sisters Anna and Sarah - they made me giggle and smile. Mum said Anna makes yummy scones.

Kate is Susie's older sister, she tells the funniest stories. I like the macau taxi one the best!

Sanya, Hainan Island Holiday

2009-08-12T06:21:00.001-07:00

A weekend get away at Sanya, Hainan Island China. 31.07.09 - 2.08.09.

I made a new friend, Sophia who I had a wonderful time playing and swimming with and the occassional nap on the sun lounger together. Well that is what you do on holiday's isn't it? Mum & Dad also had a fab time hanging out with Sven & Olivia (Sophia's parents). We had an awesome room - it was bigger than our aparment in HK. Mum was very excited because you could walk around the KING sized bed! Ahhhh small things ..... Sophia let me use her boat - it was fantastic to cruise around in. It has little cut outs in the bottom so my legs could stick out. I was so fast paddling my way around the pool. I didn't like the beach so much the waves were a little big for me and the water a little cold. Dad loved the massages on the beach, I think he had one everyday! Holiday rating - 8/10 - Mum says the cocktail range wasn't very good at the pool bar.

Téa

2009-07-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Chatterbox

2009-07-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Téa being the chatterbox in the bath.

Téa @ 4 months

2009-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

The face may not show it but Téa loves bath time.

Hanging out with the girls at Staunton's for a Sunday afternoon drink.

At last sitting at the table.

Having lunch in DB with Dad.

Dad's sunnies look better on me.

Video of Téa’s First Swim

2009-05-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Whoops!

Thought that this was already up!

Here is Téa on a towel looking cute.

Budda Belly

2009-05-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

Our Little Girl is Getting Bigger.

2009-05-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

This is Yvonne showing how much Téa has grown in 2.5 months.

2 Months Old Now!

2009-05-01T01:06:00.000-07:00

Hey, Look how much I am growing!

A great one of little Téa with a big smile!

Looks like I have just crawled out of bed :(

Another big smile (of sorts!)

A bit of red eye but she looks alert!

Téa @ 6 weeks

2009-04-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Having a little nap - again!

Play time on my mat.

2009-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

The progression of the pregnancy!

2009-04-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

What an awesome photo! Yay for Oma & Opa.

The family!

Pretty in Pink!

2009-04-13T07:20:00.001-07:00

I think I look like Ceasar with this ridiculous headband!

Hanging out with my cool Dad.

Catching up on my reading.

Bedtime for me. Don't know where mum & dad are going to sleep. Obviously we need a bigger apartment!

Oma & Me.

Nap time with Oma.

Oma & Opa's Visit to HK

2009-04-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Oma having a cuddle with Téa.

Oma & Opa with Téa. What a team.

Oma & Opa - proud as punch.

Opa & Téa having cuddle time.

More photo's of the Cutie

2009-03-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Some random photo's of Téa. I think she has changed so much in 3 weeks. Her personality is definately starting to shine through. And today Téa managed to hit the 3kg mark so we are very proud!

With Aunty Elita - who Téa used to headbutt through my belly.

Téa in her cool demin dud's! A little big but we are working on that.

Having a quick little nap.

Mmmmm having a nap with my cute little bear from Aunty Ali.

Mum thinks this is becoming my natural state - Nap time. Or maybe that's just when she has enough hands to take a photo! :-)

Yeap another nap with my cute little cow. A definite fav!

My very first visitors - Aunty Sim & Uncle Glen - oh and my boyfriend - still in Simone's tummy. He's nearly ready to come and play! WoooHoooo!

Bath Time

2009-03-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

Our little one enjoying the daily bath.

Another Short Video

2009-03-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, Here is another video to share with the family:

First Video Upload of Téa

2009-03-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

I an not sure by how much I have infringed my daughter's privacy by putting her photos and videos online for all to see. Guess that is the sort of world we all now live in?
I think you can also get the idea that Dad is proud of his little girl :-)
Enjoy!

Téa's first few days at home

2009-03-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

We were allowed to leave hospital on the Thursday afternoon after 3 days. It was great to be back at home and only contend with the sound of one baby crying rather than the others in my room. Friday was an awesome day of sleeping in and spending some quantity time as a family. Téa discovered that the best way to fall asleep was on dad's chest!

Saturday was the first trip out - actually back to the hopital for a check up and to remove the stitches. It all went well with the nurse giving some great tips for breastfeeding. It all sounds sooo simple in the prenatal classes. Téa looked so cute in her little hooded jumpsuit!

Sunday was the big day to venture out. I decided I really needed to get out of the apartment. So a late lunch was on the cards. After getting organised - not such a quick event anymore - we headed out with the stroller to explore Soho, Central & Lan Kwai Fong and discover the easiest way to get from A to B with minimal stairs - a bit of a mean feat here in HK. Téa seemed to love the rymthm of the stroller even with the rough footpaths. We ended up at an Irish Pub in Lan Kwai Fong and at the age of 5 days old Téa managed to go to the pub (& break the law) in the entertainment district of HK. There was noone there so we had a lovely lunch and even though asleep Téa managed to swoon the staff.

Today (Monday) we headed to the Pediatrician and then out for a coffee morning with a bunch of either expectant mothers in March. I was quite suprised at how much I enjoyed it all. Though I was glad to be home in the afternoon for a bit of quiet time. Téa slept though the whole experience! WHy didn't she do that last night :-)

Paul has been wonderful. Looking after his two girls. Téa will become a a little daddies girl - he's already the one who has the knack for getting her to sleep. Something I hope to learn.

Yvonne

A few photos of Mum and Baby

2009-03-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

The proud Dad gets first holds.

2009-03-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hmm...

Not sure I like the way that some of these photos show but you can see the whole thing by clicking on any one.

She Came Early!!

2009-03-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing like the best made plans of mice and men often go awry! We arrived at the hospital on Tuesday, to register at 9 am and before we knew it, Yvonne was going into labour and was being wisked off for an emergency C-Section, the baby still being breech. The result being a 12:11 pm delivery of a little girl (2.752kgs) who decided it was time to come out.
Picks taken on the day below:

February 26th Update

2009-02-28T00:39:00.000-08:00

The latest, only a week before the birth:

Just thought I would let you all know a quick update on the baby.

It looks like our baby has already inherited it’s mother’s trait of stubbornness and won’t turn so it’s currently in the breech position (head up rather than down). This means a natural birth isn’t possible – unless a miracle happens! J The doctor has scheduled me in for a caesarean on Wednesday (4 March). It’s all a bit daunting really. I was just getting used to the big belly and wide load label and am not so sure I’m ready for the next stage. A cute baby - yes, the sleepless nights, crying and not knowing what to do – yikes!

Other than that we are both doing well and Paul has been a real trouper working hard and looking after me.

I finished work yesterday and moved back from Macau so Paul has had to lug one or two things, okay numerous suitcases from the ferry terminal and up our stairs. Now our small apartment looks a little bit smaller than it did 2 weeks ago. Tomorrow’s plan is to sort it all out and discover that cot that is in the room underneath everything else! J

I hope all is well with everyone and will keep you posted on the latest news from Honkers!

All our love

Paul & Yvonne

January 9th Update

2009-02-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

Here is Yvonne's update of January 9th 2009:

Hi all,

Thought I would send you the latest scan which was done yesterday at 31wks, 4 days.

Norm/Norma is approx. 1.8kg and doing fine by all accounts. The doctor believes the birth weight will be around 3.6kg which means I’d have to double in size in 8½ weeks!

Now that is scarey!

Anyway I hope everyone is well and enjoying the New Year!

December Update

2009-02-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Posted by Yvonne on December 15th:

All,

Norm/Norma’s from the inside and outside!

I know how much Ryan is fascinated with the “belly” pics.

Doctor Doo (yes that his his name) believes everything is going okay with Norm/Norma’s approximate weight being 1.2kg. Which is a smudge above the average curve. So he thinks Norm/Norma’s will be about a 3.6kg baby. Is that big???? Sounds HUGE & scary to me.

Unfortunately this is the best scan pic that we could get as Norm was happily having a cat nap with either hands or feet in the way of a good 3D happy snap. But you get to see Norm/Norma’s Mick Jagger lips! :-)

November Update

2009-02-28T00:24:00.000-08:00

Posted on November 5th:

Hi all,

Just thought I would forward on the latest ultrasound picture. We still don’t know if it’s going to be a Norm or a Norma though we did get the doctor to write it down and seal it up!

Hope all is well with everyone.

Introducing the Latest Member of the Family

2009-02-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

This was an email from Yvonne sent to family members in late September:

Hi family!

Presenting the newest member of our family – Norm! Aptly named after couch potato Norm from the “life be in it” adverts of the 90’s.

Norm should be a little more photogenic in early March.

Will keep you all posted.

You can see the scan results here to the right and below.

Kicking Off the Blog

2009-02-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

I guess all of this started 9 months ago but I will be trying to catch up some of this in early posts in the next few days so, for now, the journal has begun!!