Settling in

We've been here almost a month and we're definitely settling in. This was my first week completely on my own with the kids and we had absolutely gorgeous weather. I absolutely loved it since this meant we could go on walks every morning and play in the yard every afternoon. The kids just loved being outside so much and discovering all kinds of new things they could put in their mouths.

Some days we walked to the store and Caffe Latte for a drink. Other days we just go down and feed the ducks. And on the weekends, Jeff and I take the kids to the Sunday market and down to the river.

We also drove over the Limerick to check out their Saturday market. The kids are trying to get used to facing forward in their carseats in a single row. They did okay at the market for a while, but Walt and Adele were getting over colds.

Kitty cat is settling in really well.

All 3 kids have changed and developed so much since we moved here. Today, Adele actually walked around the room -- over 10 steps -- for the first time.It was so wonderful to see. She's also chit-chatting like crazy. This is one of my favorite videos of her ever.

Gordon is walking like a pro. One of his favorite games is to throw a ball, then chase after it. He also is really into spinning plates on the floor -- a very noisy activity! Verbally, he's babbling like crazy and repeating words and sounds. He knows mama, dada, banana, hi, and a few others.

Walter is also all over the place. He prefers to walk whenever he can, even when he sometimes shouldn't. Poor guy is a mass of bruises from all the falls he takes. He's also finally making progress with his words. He says mama and dada consistently and he's starting to pick up a few more words. I know he has a word for kitty cat, but I just can't make it out yet. But he really understands a lot. All 3 kids are getting really good with 'happy and you know it' and other interactive songs, but Walt's probably the best stomper.

And here's a video of all three kiddos. They really are 'so big.'