Christmas Time 2011 and other stuff

Another year has flown by. I'm sure they seem to be picking up speed!

We had a lovely Simon's Christmas get together on the 17th December, then Christmas Day was spent with the Parsons'. Niamh got thoroughly spoilt!! I'm not too sure that 21month old Niamh knew much about what Christmas was all about as the sparkly Christmas tree and wrapped presents underneath had no impact on her. She did get into the hang of opening the presents on the day though! Santa got her lots of bits and pieces- a colouring in book, clothes, playdough tools, lollies and books. Lucky girl!

Niamh also had her daycare Christmas Party on the 23rd December. The children from The Playhouse had prepared songs to sing to the parents. I'm sure it would have been overwelming with soooooo many mums and dads sitting (or standing) so close with cameras and camcorders pointed at the children while they preformed. We were SO proud of our girl as she took part, shy and sitting on Sheree her teachers knee, but still sat with the others and joined in. We also now know the songs she has been 'singing' at home. "Fire Truck" and the "National Athem". We got Niamhs portfolio for the year and it was so good to read her progress and to see how her confidence has grown over the year. Mummy and daddy are soooo proud of you Niamh!

We spent a couple of days at Kawhia straight after Christmas, went for walks and a drive and even went for a swim- it was a little chilly though. Anthony has only has the Stats off so it was back home after 2 days.

Niamh is becoming a real little girl now, picking up lots of words and starting to put them together like "All gone". Her communication is really improving. She is still an incredible cheeky, cute wee thing. She is at the stage where she loves helping us AND prefers to do things herself. I have found new patience!!!!! She loves reading and blowing bubbles and spending time outside. Niamh is started to go up stairs standing up and holding the side. She still loves slides and anything with speed (!).

We have ordered Niamh a big girls bed and I'm looking forward to setting it up in her room to start day sleeps in. We have just bought her a pillow and started putting that in her cot to get use to. So far so good! I have my eye on a gorgeous duvet set. Can't wait to get her all set up and ready in plenty of time before baby no.2 arrives.

It's been a very wet January so far, so we haven't been up to much. Niamh and I have had lots of mummy and Niamh time as she has a little break from going to daycare. She will start back mid January and still only for 2 days as normal.