Overdue update

Well we finally found enough time to sort through some photos and update this thing. Can't think why it's taken so long...

All's good with us, George is 6 weeks old tomorrow and has really chilled out heaps in the last week. He still has the odd challenging day and the night sleeping is still dodgy but he's getting there. He's been grinning away for a couple of weeks too which obviously helps. He even managed to break out his first cheesey grin on Father's day. That's my boy!

Olivia is doing really well too, she has adjusted amazingly. I guess one benefit of having kids so close together... can't think of the other benefits though!

Anyway enough dribbling, it's the photo's I know you are here for...


Pre George coming along we took Olivia to Lollipops indoor play place - the decibels of screaming are truly a revelation... can't imagine going there with a hang over. Anyway Olivia loves the things with all the balls in them. She just goes nutso.





Thought we better have a 'before' family shot... must get on to the 'after' shot one day soon.


The Grandie's Set:

Poppa John



Grandad John


Gran Maeve

(in case you're wondering these photos were taken on different nights... John and Maeve don't do the Yank couples-dressed-the-same thing!)


First photo after George got home. He parked his........ I couldn't believe it!




We had a few celebratory drinks of course. Which presented new toy opportunities for Olivia


Speaking of which, she's a bit of a character as you can see. In between the odd spectacular tanty she's a lot of fun.




Now we're getting some decent weather she can hang out on the deck... she love's her swing. If we could find some sort of automatic pushing device we could leave her there all day



Swinging and watching action (admire the deck railing that their Dad built while you're at it)


Dowling thumb sucking competition. By the look of the fist pump, I think George is claiming the win.


Olivia loves having hugs with 'Joooor' as he is known. She's done a fantastic job at learning to be gentle - which she remembers to be most of the time.


More cuddles for lucky Jooooor



Here he is... chip off the old block I'm told



WAY HEY!!! It was this big...


A more pensive shot.


The attractive three quarters of the Dowling family.


Plotting to take over the world



That guy and that smaller guy


Always save the semi-nudity for last... keeps them coming back for more.

George is here!!!!

Well after a long wait - 12 days overdue - our boy George Flynn Dowling showed up in great time and great shape on 08/08/08... just as his dad had predicted for the last two weeks.

Things all happened pretty quickly which made for an interesting drive to Birthcare where Anna gave birth in the pool without any pain relief - legend!! It was 26 minutes from arriving at Birthcare to George being with us. He's a decent size too, 3.93kg or 8lb 11oz in the old money.

Anna and George are doing really well. Anna's looking great and feeling so much better than the with Olivia's drawn out delivery. Bubs is a great feeder and a pretty handy farter... so a chip of the old block so far!

Here's the first few photos hot off the press. More to follow in the next couple of days:

Bump update

Long story short: no news on Bubba 2.0 yet. One week to due date but we're not expecting any action until well after that. All organised and ready to go when (s)he is.

A few more pics

A few more photo's post birthday.

Loving the swing - birthday prezzie from Aunty Suz, Uncle Mat & Aimee


Practicing for a role on ER - the bandages were for Anna's sprained ankle. Not what you need when you're 36 weeks preggy!


General mischief


Practicing the Lion... GRRRRRRRRR


A relaxing Sunday morning, chilling in the lazy-boy with a flat white


Aimee's first birthday


All the Dowling cousins in one place... for a split second

Birthday Uno

A few gems from Olivia's first birthday party.


Lots of kids, equal amounts of noise


Not to mention lots of presents


The birthday girl and her birthday frock


Loving the new bean chair from Aunty Phil


Hanging with the Strang kids


Look out Burgess boys, Sean's claiming dibs


Jane and Gracie


Mum's fabulous cake creation


Uncle Shane get's his own back on the annoying noisy toy front


Here comes Milena Meg, and some bald guy

Latest latest update

Big recent news is the start of walking. Just a shade under 11 months it was... and didn't take long to go from a few steps to charging around. No fear and into everything in a second... also managed to figure out the fastest way to the bottom of the stairs when stupid Dad left the safety gate open. A few carpet burns but otherwise not too much drama!

Here's the official first steps videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-2dOjYXcqY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYj4Jk2sWYQ

Then we had a visit down to Te Puke to catch up with the Cousins and Aunties and Uncles and Dad's cousins and Aunties and you get the picture.



Hanging with cousin Sam




Chasing them silly boys around




Ain't he cute... note chasing of older cousin in background.


Practicing for the catwalk...




Feeding time at the zoo


Chillin in the pimp'd out ride...

Nelson / Marlborough

We managed to find some time between contracts to head down to Nelson/Malborough for a 4 day weekend. We caught up with Bryce and Louise in Motueka where the are running Hot Mama's cafe... the trip was worth it just for the awesome coffee!

Did a quick boat trip around the Able Tasman, drove through the Sounds to Picton and on to Blenheim for some vino tasting. Then back to Nelson via the Nelson Lakes. All up an awesome long weekend... great to be reminded how beautiful our country is again.


The Sounds


Ferry steaming into Picton


Hanging out


Lake Rotoiti - the South Island version


The little traveller seems to ok living out of a suitcase


With Mum at Wither Hills


And Dad in the cellar


Artistical photo time