Rejean, Rachel & Eléna Jerrard

Eléna's Daycare Christmas Party

2007-12-09T00:17:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday December 5, Eléna's daycare held a Christmas party for her group. It wasn't a big production, just snacks and chatting for the parents and a small present for the kids. A good time was had by all.

The kids had helped create the decorations and here Eléna is showing mummy the angel she decorated with glitter.

Eléna also had to show off her drawing skills.

Eléna Gets A Pool!

2007-12-09T00:07:00.000+10:00

On Sunday December 4, Rachel blew up Eléna's new paddling pool - and of course she was into it like a fish into water! Daddy brought out some of her bathtime toys and she settled in for some serious fun.

Uncle Conan's Suprise Visit

2007-12-08T23:55:00.000+10:00

On Sabbath morning November 3, Conan gave us a call and said that he would be in Brisbane for at least an hour that afternoon as he had needed to fly a patient down to hospital here. Of course we decided to drive to the airport and spend that time with him as we don't get to see him much.

Uncle Conan and Eléna.

Uncle Conan, Elena and Rejean. Conan could not believe how much Eléna had grown since last Christmas.

NNSW Camp Meeting

2007-12-08T22:03:00.001+10:00

This year the North New South Wales Conference annual camp meeting started Friday October 5 and finished Sunday October 13. We missed last year because Eléna would have been only three weeks old and Rachel was recovering from her caesarean section. We like going to the NNSW camp because it not only gives us a chance to get a spiritual lift, but we can catch up with my family and also our friends from our college days who still live down that way. Of course the fabulous location doesn't do any harm either - nestled in the bush beside an estuary and only a short walk to the beach!

Eléna found the best way to travel was to simply go to sleep where possible.

Four little picaninnies all in a row (in their own chairs too)!

Getting ready ... and then fun at the beach!

Eléna makes some new friends.

Eléna wets her appetite for water sports.

Uncle Rejean took Natalia to her afternoon program - a great afternoon on the waterslide.

The Beginner's program at camp meeting – singing the pitter-patter rain song.

Aunty Raegyn and her daughter Tanika.

Farmer Tanya leading out in the singing.

Farmer Tanya's helpers.

Storytime.

Uncle Ivan and his son Ryan.

Visiting Granny Tookie Again...

2007-12-08T21:56:00.000+10:00

Even though we had just visited Granny Tookie only a few days before at the end of September, we went to see her again as we were heading back towards Brisbane and didn't know when we would see her again.

Visiting My Cousins

2007-12-08T21:46:00.000+10:00

Early in October I also got to visit my cousins in Sydney for the very first time. I had lots of fun playing with them and even got to share my bathtime for the very first time.

Visiting Granny Tookie

2007-12-08T21:30:00.000+10:00

In September when we went down to Cooranbong and Sydney to visit my family, we stopped in and spent a little time with my maternal grandmother - Eléna's great grandmother. My grandfather's nickname for her was Tookie, so all the great-grandkids call her Granny Tookie as my mother Dawn is known as Granny.

It was the first time Eléna had seen Granny Tookie and so she was a little shy and clung to mummy.

She wasn't quite so clingy when sitting on the bed with daddy.

Life At Home...

2007-12-08T21:04:00.000+10:00

There are several things that Eléna really like doing around the house. The following photos depict her engaged in these activities.

First, we have the progressive meal. Eléna usually has her meal and then wanders around to the other family members and begs portions of their meals. If they don't have anything suitable, she may then receive a "rusk".

Second, entertainment value certainly comes in boxes. Eléna loves putting things into and taking things out of boxes. Tissue boxes are particularly great because they are mostly enclosed with just a small flexible opening.

Third, eating on the move is another favourite. All activities should be conducted while in the vertical position. Seating is for wimps.

Fourth and finally, presents are another source of great entertainment. Ripping the paper open and displaying the contents keep Eléna happily entertained for lengthy periods of time. Helping Pop is just a bonus.

Eléna's First Birthday Party

2007-12-07T23:43:00.000+10:00

On the Saturday night of the 1st September, Eléna had her first birthday party. It was attended by her parents, grandma and pop, uncles Wayne, Ben and John, aunts Sophie and Susie, great-uncle Chris and great-aunt Marlene as well as second cousin Josh. She scored an absolute mountain of presents and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Blowing out the candle.

Playing with some of her new toys.

Sitting with mummy and daddy.

Jimna Camp

2007-12-07T23:30:00.000+10:00

On the weekend on August 24 to 26, our church had another campout. This one was in Jimna National Park, which is in the mountains to the north west of Brisbane. It had been raining heavily for several days prior to the campout and there had been minor flooding.

Fording a level crossing during our Sabbath drive.

Eléna meets live kangaroos for the first time.

It's Time For A Swing...

2007-12-07T23:15:00.000+10:00

As Eléna is now mobile, we decided that it is time to get a portable swing for her. This would allow Rachel to keep her occupied while hanging out the washing (this usually happens after I have left for work). It would also make it much easier for Rachel to keep an eye on her.

The first ride!

Boy! Isn't it comfortable!

A Typical Sabbath Afternoon

2007-12-07T23:02:00.000+10:00

With Eléna, anything can become a toy.

Of course, life is even better if the toy can be shared with other family members.

St Helena Island

2007-12-07T21:48:00.000+10:00

On Sunday 17th June, we took a day trip to St Helena Island. The island is about a half hour boat ride from Brisbane and was a high security prison for Queensland's long term felons from 1867 to 1932. Conditions on the island were extremely harsh. The island was originally tropical rainforest, but was cleared by the prisoners and all the buildings subsequently built by the prisoners on site using local materials. The island was almost completely self-sufficient as the prisoners also grew crops for their use and for sale in Brisbane. For more information, Click Here.

Eléna enjoying the boat ride.

Our tour guide - a "Convict".

Some of the buildings.

On the boat ride home.

Eléna's Dedication

2007-10-28T00:42:00.001+10:00

On Sabbath June 16, 2007, Eléna was dedication to God at Pine Rivers SDA Church. Grandpa Jerrard dedicated her, and it was a really special service.

Eléna really enjoyed singing with Daddy in the song service.

She also enjoyed keeping time to the music by waving her arms.

She didn't really want to sit still in mummy's arms while up the front. She wanted to move to Daddy's arms.

After the service, we took some family pictures when we got home.

Grandpa, Granny and Cousin Aisha Visit

2007-10-27T16:40:00.000+10:00

In June, my parents came up to Brisbane to visit for a week and so that Dad could dedicate Eléna. During the week we were able to spend some time catching up and getting out and about.

On one day we had a picnic lunch at the park.

Eléna had fun on the swing...

...And on the slide.

But best of all were mummy's cuddles!

On another evening, we went to Sisslers and Eléna got to ride on top of the pram (with Daddy holding her tightly).

Jon's Birthday

2007-10-27T16:31:00.000+10:00

On May 12, Rachel's youngest brother Jon turned 21. To celebrate, we all had a big lunch.

Springbrook Church Camp

2007-05-20T18:06:00.000+10:00

On the weekend of May 5 to 7, our church camping group went camping up at Springbrook which is located in the Gold Coast hinterland.

We camped amid some beautiful autumn scenery.Eléna enjoyed going on walks with Pop...
…And shoulder rides from her Dad.
Great Auntie Jenny gave her a lesson in pole dancing (or climbing)...
...And one of the Eskies (cooler boxes) became a climbing gym.
On Sabbath afternoon we went on a very scenic walk to the Twin Falls.
On Sunday Pop, Grandma, Rachel and Eléna went to a little café for afternoon tea. The lorikeets decided to invite themselves and proceeded to make themselves at home.

On the way home on Monday, we stopped at the "Best Of All Lookouts" (that's the actual name of the lookout). Normally you can see most of the coast from Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise, but the clouds had rolled in and it was a complete whiteout. I got some good pictures of some of the flora. The first picture is of a small stand of Antartic Beech trees and the second is of the general vegetation.

April - I'm A Big Girl Now!

2007-05-19T16:30:00.000+10:00

April has been a busy month for me...

For mummy's birthday Grandma and Poppy joined Mummy, Daddy and me for a barbeque breakfast at the beach at Scarborough. After breakfast, Poppy and I went and fed the seagulls. It was a very windy day, but it was also lots of fun. I love to watch the birds every evening with Poppy, so all these noisy birds together was very exciting!

It was also a big month for me as I was finally big enough to sit facing forward in the car. It is lots of fun being able to watch everything that is going on. In fact, I hardly sleep in the car anymore.

The weather is starting to get cooler now, so I get to wear tights with my Sabbath dresses now. Don't you love my pretty silver glitter shoes - all my babysitters at church loved them!! (Thank you Nana Shirley!)

This month I also went to visit Great Great Auntie Mabel for her 99th birthday.

On April 25, we watched the ANZAC march. This holiday celebrates the heroism of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp who fought at Gallipoli (Turkey) in WWI. Grandma held me while we waited for the parade to start.

A picture of some diggers (former soldiers).

I don't normally like to wear hats, but I thought this was pretty cool. Don't I look so grown up!

Mummy also received an award this month. It was in recognition work done during the recovery period of Cyclone Larry (2006). It was presented by the Queensland Government Minister for the Department of Emergency Services (left) and by the Director-General for Qld Emergency Services (centre).

March - The Happy Little Vegemite

2007-05-19T16:07:00.000+10:00

In March, our church camping group visited one of our favourite camping spots again. Yes, we went to Noosa Northshore camping area.

We saw the usual wildlife - including this 6 foot long Goanna.

However, we also received a surprise this time - the kangaroos seem to be a lot tamer, as you can tell! They obviously found the shade around our tent to be very comfortable.

We spent time with the family - Eléna enjoyed playing with Uncle Ben and Aunty Sophie.

Daddy also got a chance to do some great four-wheel driving. This picture was taken where the four-wheel drive track joined the beach again and you had to drive through a small creek.

Back at home, Eléna now gets a bath in the laundry tub as it takes less water to fill (Brisbane is on strict water restrictions) and she can sit up by herself.

She also enjoys playing in the laundry basket with her toys.

She has also started hanging onto the furniture and pulling herself up. In this picture she has been looking out onto the front verandah.

February - Eléna Gets Out and About

2007-05-19T13:41:00.000+10:00

February was a busy month for our little munchkin. She started using her high-chair, flew with mummy to Tasmania to visit Pop and Nana Gray and also went for a beautiful Sabbath afternoon drive up Mount Glorious.

First high-chair session...

...with first solids!

Such an angel when she's asleep!

"I don't like hats, but Mummy thought I looked cute!"

My first bubble bath...and I loved it!!

Out for a walk seeing historic Tasmania.

The Coalmines - one of Tasmania's lesser-known convict sites.

Mealtime...again. It tastes better when it's spread everywhere!

I had great fun playing with my uncle Anthony and his toy robot!

Feeding Pop Gray's llamas.

Checking out the birds and the cat with Nana Shirley.

At the Nubeena park in Tasmania's south.

Lots of cuddles...

I learned to stick out my tongue and blow raspberries this week!

Father, daughter and granddaughter at the Tesselated Pavements.

The first time in my walker - thank you Nana Shirley!!

The scenery around Mt Glorious in QLD is beautiful and reminds you of the English countryside.

January 2007 - Eléna Starts to Move!

2007-05-19T13:22:00.000+10:00

In January, Eléna started trying to crawl for the first time.

She also liked to play with the toys hanging from her playmat.

She developed a desire for experimentation - anything unknown needed to be tested in her mouth.

She helped mum with the washing.

Spent time with Great Uncle Chris and Great Aunt Marlene.

And finally, she had her studio portrait taken for the first time.

December 2006 - Let's Move and Celebrate

2007-04-29T20:44:00.000+10:00

December 13 saw us leave the house we had called home for over two years. We moved into the downstairs section of Rachel's mum's place. It's not very big - being only three rooms, but we are comfortable there for the moment. Most of our furniture etc is in storage until we move on. Pretty much the rest of December was spent in organising our space and travelling.

The weekend of December 15 to 17 saw us travel to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate an early Christmas with Rachel's extended family. We all stayed in a large suite at a resort hotel and had a great time. Eléna in particular had a ball looking cute and receiving lots of attention.

She also put on her new swimmers for the first time and spent some time in the pool.

Three generations - grandma Maureene, mum Rachel and daughter Eléna.

Playing "Santa's Little Helper" with Uncle Wayne and Aunt Susie.

Getting creative - anything can become a toy.

Then on December 21, Rachel, Eléna and I flew to Cairns to spend Christmas with all my family. We did quite a lot while there and my family were able to meet Eléna in person for the first time. Dad helping to feed her.

We went out for a special meal to the Villa Romana restaurant one night.

Rachel and Eléna

Natalia

Aisha

Carlo

Conan and Jett

Cairns at night from The Esplanade

Looking over the swimming pool at night

The coastline north of Cairns - a very scenic drive

Dad, Mum, Rachel and Eléna at Mossman Gorge

These signs were on the public toilet block at Daintree Village - Crocodile Territory

Mum and Dad

Rachel and Eléna at Barron Falls

Kuranda Railway station - end of the line for scenic rail trips between Cairns and Kuranda

The extended Jerrard Family

At the beach

The cousins

On the flight home - we were there for just over a week and then it was back to Brisbane

November 2006

2007-04-29T19:52:00.000+10:00

Hi! Well we're back. Sorry for being away for so long. Now, lets bring you up to speed as to where we're at.

November last year (2006), we decided with about four week's notice not to renew our lease and to instead move in with Rachel's mum. As a result, most of November was spent in a mad rush getting ready to move. However we did find time to celebrate the birthday's of Rachel's mother and brother (Ben).

Rachel's dad Steve, stepmum Shirley and brother Anthony also visted us from Tassie.

They spent Sabbath afternoon with us and then all of Rachel's family got together on Sunday for a Barbeque.

Noosa North-Shore Wilderness Camp - Again

2006-10-14T21:34:00.000+10:00

We last visited the Noosa North Shore Wilderness Camp with our church camping group in July (see the post for that trip). However, the church group decided to have another camp there last weekend. It was Eléna's first camping trip and a first for a few other things too!

We all had a great time and it was a perfect weekend - bright sunshine, a soft cool breeze, beautifully clear water, great waves, warm sand - what paradise! We arrived there early Friday afternoon (it's about 1 1/2 hours from our house), unloaded our gear and got set up, and then started relaxing.

Our Tent

Sabbath started off very promisingly - we saw whales some distance off shore. I then wandered around the campsite and saw a few other creatures and things - of which I took pictures. After breakfast, most of the group then drove off up the beach and spent the morning watching turtles, whales and dolphins off Double Island Point (which you get to by driving about 20km up the beach. The rest of us spent the morning relaxing around camp or in the water.

A young Roo

A yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

A young Goanna

Some great scenery

Sabbath Breakfast

Eléna sporting her usual hairstyle - all natural

Sunday morning we packed up early and came home as we were having some friends (Luke and Amy) to tea on Sunday night and wanted to get organised for that. However, before we left Eléna had her first experience of the sea - she got her feet wet.

Eléna meets the Sea - for the first time

Eléna with Grandma and Poppy Bailey and Uncle Wayne on the beach

Eléna at home in her cot

Eléna at Home

2006-10-14T21:00:00.000+10:00

Well it's been a while since we put some pictures up. Here are a few pictures taken around the house since we last posted anything.

In her carseat...

...Holding her dummy in.

Asleep in her port-a-cot.

In her rocker in the lounge room.

Being changed in the kitchen after a bath.

Eléna goes to Church

2006-09-09T17:56:00.000+10:00

This morning was Eléna's first trip to church, but it wasn't usual church. The local Adventist school held a Festival of Praise in the Big Camp Youth tent (the school shares the grounds with the South Queensland Conference Campground and our local Adventist church) and as Big Camp is in a couple of weeks, the school was able to use the Youth tent from camp.

We went to that program, had a great Sabbath lunch with some friends and then dropped in to visit Grandma and Poppy Bailey and found Uncle Ben and "Aunty" Sophie there. Then we went home and daddy spent some time with Eléna while mummy relaxed.

A Family of Three

Uncle Ben & "Aunty" Sophie

Eléna and Sophie

Eléna relaxing with her daddy

Mummy and I come Home

2006-09-07T19:56:00.000+10:00

On Sabbath, September 2, 2006 Daddy took Mummy and me home from the hospital. We stopped off at Poppy and Grandma Bailey's house for lunch and then came home. It was a big day of many firsts for me.

My first ride in a stroller - though I don't remember much about it as I was asleep.

It was also the day I had my first car trip - but I don't remember that either because I was still asleep.

Poppy Bailey met us when we got to their house and we had a great conversation, though I was still a little sleepy. I must take after my mummy as she also sleeps in the car on long trips.

When we got home, I got to have a nice sleep in my new port-a-cot. Mummy and Daddy bought me a nice new cot which is in my own room, but as I was having a little bit of reflux at the hospital, they wanted me close to them and so they have me in their room in my port-a-cot for a few weeks.

In the evening, mummy's uncle and aunt and two of their three children came to visit me. In the picture from top to bottom is Aunty Marlene, Josh (the youngest), Uncle Chris and Tim (the middle child). Their eldest child Daniel wasn't able to come with, but you can see a picture of him in the post "Daniel's 21st" (March).

More Pictures of Eléna

2006-09-07T18:03:00.000+10:00

Rachel's family all came to visit the first night - her stepfather Warren (Wally), her brother Ben and his girlfriend Sophie, her mum Maureene, her brother Jon and Rachel's sister Susie and her husband Wayne.

Rachel and Eléna - Rachel had to have a blood transfusion as her haemoglobin level dropped too low and she almost fainted.

Eléna peacefully asleep in her basinet next to Rachel's bed.

Eléna's favorite position - on her back with her hands up near her face.

Rachel with Eléna sleeping in her arms.

Announcing the birth of Eléna Brielle Jerrard

2006-08-29T15:52:00.000+10:00

Dear Family and Friends...

Well our little one has finally arrived. Rachel was admitted to the hospital at 6:45 this morning for her scheduled caesarean section. We unpacked her things in her room in the Maternity wing and were called to the Operating Theatre at 9am. In the pre-op room they gave her an epidural and spinal block and at 10am they wheeled her into the Operating Theatre itself.

At 10:16am on August 29, 2006, Eléna Brielle Jerrard was born. She gave a lusty cry and wouldn't stop squirming. I took some pictures, cut the cord, and took more pictures. She weighed 7lbs 3oz (3.27 Kg), was 48cm long, and had plenty of hair. The doctors spent about 30 minutes stitching Rachel up, and then it was off to the recovery room where Eléna had her first feed.

After about 40 minutes in recovery, Rachel and bubs were off - back to the maternity wing and a nice surprise. Rachel's mum Maureene was waiting for us. She got to hold Eléna while the midwives performed some more checks on Rachel and then Eléna was off to be weighed, measured, and put into her first nappy before rejoining mum. At this point Rachel's mum and I said our goodbyes as Rachel was looking very dozy and went to phone the immediate family - such excitement!!

After the calls, I came home to have lunch and update this blog - so here are the pictures you have all been waiting for. Love, Rejean.

Rachel dressed for the Operating Theatre

Rachel on her bed in the Maternity Wing

Rejean dressed for the Operating Theatre

Eléna's first picture

Mother and daughter

The first family picture

Eléna relaxing

Eléna and her Proud Dad

What a cutie!!

Eléna and Grandma Bailey

On the scales and weighing in at 7 pounds 3 ounces (3.27 Kg)

Fast asleep

Sabbath Afternoon At Bribie Island

2006-07-22T19:58:00.000+10:00

On Saturday July 8, we spent the afternoon with Damon and Lisa again - just before they flew back to PNG on Sunday morning. It was a beautiful mid-winter afternoon. We took them to Bribie Island - an island just off-shore about a half hour drive north of where we live. We all really enjoyed ourselves and it was great spending time out in nature.

Rachel and Lisa resting on a log - Rachel gets tired easily now that her pregnancy is so far along.

Rejean and Duke climbing around - as always.

What a perfect winter afternoon - no wind, sunshine, temperature 19C, and an almost-deserted beach.

Duke enjoying the water (I don't think he realises that its winter and that he is supposed to find the water cold).

Warner-Brothers Movieworld

2006-07-22T19:47:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday July 5, we caught up with some old friends. As many of you know, Damon and Lisa Roberts are currently flying for the church in PNG. Well they briefly came back to Oz for a short 2 week holiday (partly for Damon to renew his flying qualifications).

We spent the day with them at Warner-Bros Movieworld on Qld's Gold Coast. It was a day of fun and rides - roller-coasters, the Shrek 4D adventure, and the Batman ride. Rachel spent a lot of her time playing bag minder. However, we all enjoyed ourselves and it really was great to catch up with them.

Here they are in front of the sign for the new Superman Escape roller-coaster (it goes from 0 to 100km in 2 seconds and pulls +4Gs and -2Gs during the ride).

Luke & Amy's Wedding

2006-07-22T19:26:00.000+10:00

On Monday July 3, Luke Bapty - an old friend of ours from Avondale College got married. Luke and Amy (Venter) had a wonderful wedding up at Caloundra (about 1 hour north of Brisbane) and we really enjoyed sharing their special day.

Rachel looked very beautiful for the wedding and definitely very pregnant.

Luke and Amy signing the marriage register.

Luke and Amy outside in the sun after the ceremony - it was a beautiful winter day.

Noosa North-Shore Wilderness Camp

2006-07-22T18:24:00.000+10:00

Friday April 28 to Monday May 1 was the our church camping group's campout at the Noosa North-shore Wilderness Campsite. Our camp was only about a 30 second stroll through some brush away from the beach. There was a toilet block which was okay, but the location and views were spectacular. We had a very restful long weekend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

The group leader always brings his huge tarp which we put up and set up the various kitchen areas under, with our tents scattered around it.

The beach as I mentioned was less than a minute's stroll away. It's over 40 km long and is a proper gazetted road with speed signs and police patrols. Most of the areas is a national park and the camping and fishing is great.

On Sabbath we drove up the beach (40km) to Double Island Point. It was a beautiful autumn day and the beach stretched away before us. This picture was from about halfway up the headland.

From the top of the headland, you could see the whole countryside and the 4WDrives on the beach looked like little square bugs.

The old lighthouse was really picturesque against the late afternoon sky.

Back at camp, a family of grey kangaroos paid us a visit. They actually came to within 3 metres of the tents. The male on the right would be about 7 feet tall if he stood up straight, while the female was about 4 to 5 feet tall.

The young one was so cute standing there - I couldn't resist putting in this close-up for you all to see.

The Ultrasound - Our Baby's First Picture!!

2006-07-22T18:14:00.000+10:00

Thursday (April 13) was the date of the long-awaited ultrasound. The sonographer took about 20 minutes and I was allowed watch as well. Rachel said that the sonographer pressed quite hard when doing the scans and her abdomen was quite sore for a day or so. We apparently have a very active baby girl who is perfectly healthy. Yes that's right - we are having a baby girl!!!! As for her name...well you'll have to wait and find out when she makes her appearance. Anyway, here is the ultrasound picture we were given.

I was preparing this entry to the blog when the computer died, but at last you all can see our baby's first picture - isn't she beautiful!

We're Back!!!

2006-07-20T15:55:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry the blog hasn't been updated lately, but our computer died and when we finally got it replaced work got really busy. Well now I've got the time and so here is what we have been doing since you all last heard from us.

As Rachel's 25th birthday was Saturday April 1, we decided to celebrate it with a short holiday at the Rydges Oasis Resort at Caloundra which is about a one hour drive north of where we live. We drove up about lunchtime on Sunday, spent Monday there, and drove back Tuesday afternoon. The facilities and grounds were very nice and we really enjoyed ourselves. Here are a few photos of the resort.

This is the wing we stayed in. It is called the Boomerang Wing and we stayed on the second floor.

The restaurant from the foyer of the Boomerang Wing.

The pool and heated spa which are behind the restaurant.

Looking back at the Boomerang Wing from the restaurant balcony.

A water lily from the pond by the restaurant.

Remembering Malawi - Part 3

2006-04-12T23:51:00.000+10:00

And finally we come to that little band of carefree fellows (and maidens). Do you remember who's who in the pictures of our adventures? Adventures like canoeing on Lake Malawi...

Playing games at birthday parties...

Going to school...

And singing in the choir.

Remembering Malawi - Part 2

2006-04-12T23:07:00.000+10:00

Remember the worker's retreats for all the expatriates held for a week on Lake Malawi at Pumalani? The hippos grunting from across the lake at sunset, the screams of the fish eagles, the baboons in the Baobab trees, the antelope in the brush...

The road to get there...

Which was often more like a stream...

Camping in tents - and trying to keep the baboons out...

And the view.

Remembering Malawi - Part 1

2006-04-11T22:38:00.000+10:00

Two weeks ago (April 1) I presented a special presentation on Malawi for Sabbath School. It was 13th Sabbath and as the quarter had been on Mozambique, Lesotho and Malawi, I was asked to take a 10 minute presentation on what it was like to live there. I contacted Dad and got him to scan his slides of Malawi and send them to me. Some of the pictures were of us kids and our friends - and I thought I would share the memories. So here goes....

Remember how the locals would sell their baskets and carvings on the sidewalks...

Or how the women carried almost everything on their heads...

The smell when passing lakeside villages and their sundried fish...

And the other additions to their diet.

Still Just A Big Puppy

2006-04-02T01:22:00.000+10:00

Here are a few pictures that I took of Duke a few days ago. He loves playing tug-of-war and chaseys. He isn't always the most obedient of dogs, but we love him anyway. On Sabbath afternoon we went to the park near where we live and he got a chance to run around and chase me on my bicycle. He came home absolutely wasted from running around so much!

Happy Birthday Rachel!!

2006-04-02T00:49:00.000+10:00

Yesterday (Sabbath) was Rachel's 25th birthday, and no, it's not an April fools joke. We had a special Sabbath lunch at Mum and Warren Bailey's house with all her siblings and their partners. She is feeling a lot less nauseous lately, and she really enjoyed it all. Today (Sunday), we will be going 1 hour up the coast to Caloundra for a 2 day holiday at Rydges Oasis Resort. L-R in the picture below is Rachel, Sophie (her brother Ben's girlfriend), Ben, Jonny, Susie, and Wayne (Susie's husband).

The Bump Makes An Appearance

2006-04-01T16:06:00.000+10:00

We are very pleased to announce that on the 12th March 2006, at 14 1/2 weeks along, Rachel's bump finally made an appearance. It wasn't a big one to be sure, but since then it's been working hard as the next picture shows. It was taken today and Rachel is now 17 1/2 weeks along.

An Army Mum

2006-04-01T15:51:00.000+10:00

The last picture from Daniel's 21st. Rachel's mum in a full army outfit - the hat was the perfect touch. Doesn't she look great? We all had such a great time.

Daniel's 21st

2006-03-20T18:34:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday night we visited Toowoomba (which is about 2 hours west of Brisbane for you non-Aussies) for Rachel's cousin's 21st birthday. Daniel, her cousin, is a real Mash fan and so the theme of the party was of course Mash. The front door of the house was Mashified, Rachel and I dressed up in our authentic Korean costumes (which we got when we were in Korea) and the rest - well several Klingers turned up, some Mash nurses, a doctor, and of course assorted other military-type personnel. Enjoy the pictures of the event.

Hello All

2006-02-19T15:07:00.000+10:00

Well we are now pretty much settled in Brisbane, Australia. As we are hopeless at keeping in touch, we thought we would set up this blog to keep all you friends out there updated. So here goes at working out how to blog.

We have been living in Brisbane for just over one year now and we are really enjoying it. Rachel's mum, stepdad and youngest brother (Johnny) live about 2 minutes down the road, her sister (Susie) and her husband Wayne live about 10 minutes up the road, and her other brother (Ben) lives about 25 minutes in towards the city. We are renting a nice house with a large backyard in the outer northern suburbs of Brisbane, and at the moment everything is quite green because it is the wet season. We have a nice big park next to and behind us, so we only have one neighbour. The temperature here is usually in the low 30's (C) in summer and in the high teens in winter. Over the next few posts, we hope to show you more about where we live.

Now we want to introduce you to the third member of our family. Duke is a Labrador cross New Zealand Huntaway. Huntaways are a type of sheep dog from New Zealand, and are very smart. His temperament is very labrador, but his colouring is mostly huntaway. He was 6 months old when we brought him home, and we have had him for just over a year now, so he is about 18 months old and still very much a big puppy. The picture of him was taken soon after we got him, so he has grown a bit since then.

And finally for some great news. We have told some people, but are not sure if everyone is aware that we are going to have a baby. Rachel woke me up on Thursday the 29th December 2005, holds out the pregnancy test and says "Guess what!!" Very sleepily and befuddled, I mumble "uhhhh what?" Rachel waves the test stick at me and says "Look!!!" and again I say "What?" Finally she relents and says to me "I'm pregnant!!" Well immediately I woke up. Now don't get me wrong here. We had been trying for about a year and a half to have a baby, I just wasn't expecting to finally have succeeded. It's really great news, and we are absolutely thrilled. Rachel is now 11 1/2 weeks along and is unfortunately having rather bad time of it with morning sickness. Our little bundle of joy is due on September 6, 2006 and we eagerly await his/her arrival. Rachel is booked in to have an ultrasound on the 13th April, which is when we will hopefully learn the baby's sex.

Well this is probably enough for our first post, so we will finish here. Keep in touch and we will continue adding to this story about our lives.

All the best and God bless,

Rejean and Rachel.