It could have been me ... or mum!

From the Bridge Climb site...

Since its inception in October 1998, BridgeClimb has become a 'must do' activity for anyone visiting or living in Sydney. Today Australians and visitors from around the globe enjoy, in total safety, the exhilaration and satisfaction of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Now, almost 9 years after launching its operation, 2 million Climbers have scaled to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and have enjoyed the spectacular 360' views at the summit of the Bridge.

BridgeClimb was proud to welcome Ron Fienberg as our 2 millionth Climber on Tuesday 28th August 2007. Ron Fienberg from the USA Climbed The Discovery Climb with his wife Barbara on their 13th wedding anniversary.

Whilst experiencing this unique climbing adventure that takes you into the heart of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's awesome structure, Ron Fienberg was provided with a trophy containing a cement core from the original 1932 Bridge foundation work. He was then whisked away by Limousine to his hotel to break open a complimentary bottle of champagne.

... no such luxuries were afforded the 1,999,678 and 1,999,679 climbers! :0)

Lunar Eclipse...

As you can see from this stunningly detailed image Australia experienced a Lunar Eclipse this evening. Apparently (... I'm putting on my Scientists Lab coat...) an eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's light. It's rare because the moon is usually either above or below the plane of Earth's orbit. The total eclipse phase, in which the moon has an orange or reddish glow, lasts about 1 1/2 hours. During the full eclipse, the moon won't be completely dark because some light still reaches it around the edges of the Earth. The light is refracted as it passes through our atmosphere, scattering blue light which is why the sky is blue but sending reddish light onto the moon. ... the redness is not captured here because we had to use night vision on the camera which drains the colour away!

We went out to take a look and overheard neighbours (imagine the Aussie accents) "Thats not the moon its Mars!" ... you gotta laugh!

The next total lunar eclipse occurs Feb. 21, 2008, and will be visible from the Americas, Europe and Asia. ... you heard it here first!

Sunny Sydney and sad farewells...

We've returned from our Sydney trip making the two hour trip up the Highway with a spare seat in the back as we said a sad farewell to mum who flew back to the UK today. It's been great to have her here and spend time with us and Alfie, however it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier! It shouldn't be long before she gets to see Alfie again as we are hoping to get back to the UK for a visit before Alfie is two (after which he becomes a full fare paying passenger!) so watch this space...

Our adventure started early on Monday as we traveled down the Pacific Highway to Sydney, we managed to arrive stopping only once for Alfie who started to voice his displeasure about sitting in the car seat! The rest of the journey passed away with Grandma's animal sounds entertaining all... her elephant sounding like a creaking door for some reason!

Beth excelled herself for the first time in the map reading department as we found the hotel (Beth thinks that this is harsh as she says she has only "Let me down a few times!" I may withdraw the above comment in the cold light of day!) without too much hassle. It soon became apparent that the hotel had no record of the booking for Mum's room and that they had no cots (An email relating to the cot issue would arrive in my inbox at home 90 minutes later!!!... don't get me started!)After we sorted the rooms, placed a mattress on the floor for Alfie and helped mum move into what looked like the broom cupboard we headed into the city.

The clock was ticking on our Bridge Climb booking and so we hailed a cab to speed things along, now not too much has changed for us since Alfie arrived but we now realise that we can no longer take Taxi trips without a whole heap of hassle! Cutting a long story short we got to the bridge climb and had time to picnic outside. Inside Mum and I prepared for the climb, Beth who is a bridge climb veteran took Alfie for a feed and managed to talk passing strangers into buying her drinks as she was unable to get the buggy and the latched on Alfie inside to buy one herself. Out on the bridge Mum was kitted out and in her cap was more than a passing resemblance to Jeanette Kranky (... sorry Aussie readers you have no ideas who the Krankies are, maybe I'll explain one day!)I have to say that mum did brilliantly for someone who doesn't like heights. The whole experience was topped off with a wave to Beth and Alfie who reported that the little and large combo of mum and I (...not unlike the Krankies!)was easy to spot over 100 metres away!

Off the bridge it was down past the Rocks to a bar for some drinks (...warm milk for Alfie!)before strolling to have a mooch around the Opera House. Mum then treated us to a lovely alfresco meal as the darkness closed in. It was good to sit outside on a lovely Spring Day, it was really quite hot during the climb ...26 degrees! We then befriended a young backpacker and made sure she got back to the Hostel before retiring to the Hotel which was a little like Faulty Towers.

In the morning it was another early start before the short trip to the Airport where we said goodbye which is always hard having spent so much time together during the previous weeks. Back at home the spare room felt kinda cold and empty... we have no further bookings and so if you are seeking the perfect sunshine getaway we are taking bookings for Summer 07/08 and beyond. ;0)

Nelson Bay...

Sunday took us up the coast to a sunny Nelson Bay. It was something of an early start as our whale watch set sail at 10am. It was a 3.5hour cruise and we actually got some fleeting glimpses of Humpbacks on their way back to Antarctica with their calves after giving birth in warmer waters, something that Beth related to. If you are reading this and you are a Japanese whale boat captain "We didn't see nothin!" (The Japanese feel the need to continue whaling off the coast in international waters!).. don't get me started although I will say that my yearly subscription to Greenpeace is money well spent!

Anyway moving swiftly on we left the harbour shrouded in mist, chased by a chilling breeze and filled up with sea sickness tablets. However soon the sun shone through and the whales appeared as recorded by Beth on video. It quickly became apparent that some people were more excited than we were judging by their reactions... they are probably the same people that "Oooooo" and "ahhhhh!" at firework displays!



Alfie seemed to enjoy the boating experience, the rocking motion and having to be papoosed up meant that he didn't see much of the outward trip in favour of catching up on some sleep. Although after a change of clothing and some food he seemed a little more up for seeing what was going on in usual Alfie fashion.

Back on dry land briefly it was time for something to eat before Alfie got the sand between his toes and his feet in the Ocean... we're not sure what he made of it but check out this short video clip and make up your own mind! ... maybe we'll try again when the really warm weather arrives! ;0)

Cuddles with mum are good too...

About a month ago we realised that I had taken most of the pictures of Alfie and therefore didn't get in front of the camera that often ... thank goodness you say! This month Beth has been the happy snapper and so everything seems to be me and the boy... well to some what restore the balance heres a really cute picture of Alfie and mum.

The Customs House

Yesterday mum treated us to a nice lunch down at the Customs House in Newcastle. The weather was cool although we still managed to sit outside with the help of some heaters. We're not really sure where the time has gone since mum has been here and so now we are running around like headless chickens trying to fit everything in.

The food was lovely as always, don't think I have ever seen mum eat so much! Although having said that I did have to help out with the Sticky Date Pudding, Beth raised her eyebrows in disgust at my scavenging antics before tucking in herself!

After our meal we had a lovely walk through the park and found out more about the history of where we now live by reading the many plaques that are dotted about in the Park. On returning from reading one such plaque we asked Beth what it had said, she replied "I dunno summat to do with Frogs!" so I'm not sure what any of us found out but an enjoyable afternoon none the less.

Here are some pictures, I usually don't add captions but hey a change is as good as a rest so hover over each for an explanation of what's going on, that is if you can't work it out from the picture!

Australian Head Massage...

Alfie seems to like hair... having removed most of his early hair during some cot thrashing sessions... he likes nothing more than getting a handful of Beth's or a ... a ... a... ... touching mine! We've all heard of Indian Head Massage, here is Alfie giving the Australian version!

..."You want me to do what?"

... Alfie getting hands on!

... "Oh my goodness I've rubbed a patch of his hair away!"

... Daddy explains "that one day his hair might fall out, just like Daddy, Grandad and Great Grandad Ivey. It's family tradition!"... he takes it hard!


... on the subject of hair Alfie's is growing back rapidly but seems to have decided on a colour change and looks to be something of a Blondie! I was very fair as a baby and the rest is well history! ;0)

This little piggy...

Alfie caught up with his buddies Elliott and Ben on Thursday, although from the pictures he clearly didn't spot Ben's disguise!

Happy Birthday Blogger

Although "What's doing Down Under" is little over a year old, our first post was 28th June 2006, Blogger itself is 8 today.

Congratulations to all at Blogger and thanks for all that you do to make this possible completely free of charge!

Fight, Fight, Fight....

Alfie and I had a scrap on the bed this morning, from the pictures it looks like Alfie was getting the upper hand but a few more minutes and I could have taken him! ;0) ... in the end he was lucky mum came in to break it up!

Alfie lays the first punch...

... he goes for the eye!

... then sticks fingers up my nose!

... look out its mum.... guilty faces "He started it...!"

The World According to Alfie...

G'day, It's your favourite little Aussie here! Not been on the inter wide web for a while as dad has been very busy working this month. He says that my nappies are very expensive and so he needs to work harder to pay for them. I'll do my bit and try to fill them up better.

It has been good having another grandma here... they do make me laugh when they talk to me because their voice goes all high and they say the same things over and over. It's hard work keeping them entertained but I do my best. Like my other nanny this one seems to want to spend money on me all the time, so far I've got my little chair and a growth chart for my wall! It was fun to watch Daddy bang a nail into my wall to hang it, thank goodness he waited until I woke up... although he didn't have to wait long!

I think that sleep is very much over rated, so last month... awake is the new asleep ... blah blah blah! I have so much fun during the day that I can manage 40 mins before I let the big people know that I've woken up and that I'm ready to entertain them again. During the night I let them have a little more rest but as soon as the wake up bird outside the window says "good morning" I'm ready to go again!

The big people now make we wear a bib ALL THE TIME because they say that I have a bad case of dribble mouth... every time my mouth opens some comes out and runs down my chin, sometimes it even makes a dribble string that slowly reaches down to find mum or dad.... it's so embarrassing!

Mummy has been putting together a photo album of my life so far and I have to say that it's looking great, they have so many picture of me I'm not sure how they choose them. When the camera comes out I try to do lots of different faces for them. Mum says that I am so cute that she has sent some pictures of me to something called a magazine. She was really pleased when she found out that they are going to print them... I was amazed that they are going to as daddy was in the picture too!!! Daddy says that we should split the money we get between us - obviously I'll be taking a larger cut as I'm the main attraction being the cute one!

Speak to you again soon...

Alfie
xxx

Back to Blackbutt

Today took us back to Blackbutt Reserve for a Koala Encounter and Picnic. For a little over £1 each we got to meet Suzie the Koala. Being a little long in the tooth (lacking in teeth!) she now has her diet supplemented through a syringe. I'm not sure how old she is but anything over ten is good for a Koala. We didn't manage to hold her as this isn't encouraged, but we did get a really good look and pat of her. Mum managed to get closer than I expected her to and got some good pictures to take home.

I did manage to get two little critters in my arms at one stage as we were joined by Benjamin and Kate. We had a little play in the park, I was somewhat reluctant ... ;0) ... but someone had to take the kids in!

Eagle eyed bloggers will spot the deliberate mistake in the pictures! :0)

Those embarrasing baby pictures...

I have now built up an impressive collection of embarrassing "Alfie as a baby photos" to dust off when he brings his first girl friend home (... not for a few years yet please Alfie!), I'm sure that they will be a very effective bargaining tool in years to come .... "Dad you're like sooooo embarrassing dude!" (this is how everyone will speak in 2023!)

However after stumbling across the following article I have started to ponder the effect blogging every coo, bath and shower will have on him when he becomes a teenager. We'll try to preserve some of his modesty in future, it's not nice knowing that everyone has seen .... well everything! ;0)



NEARLY two decades after becoming the music world's most famous naked swimming baby, California high school student Spencer Elden says he feels like a porn star.

The 17-year-old Los Angeles teenager was the centrepiece of one of the most iconic record sleeves of all time in 1991, when a photo of him swimming underwater graced the cover of Nirvana's hit album Nevermind.

But Elden admitted in an interview with MTV.com that his small role in music history has given him mixed feelings.

"It's kind of creepy that that many people have seen me naked," Elden said. "I feel like I'm the world's biggest porn star."

Nevermind became a huge success for Seattle-based grunge-rock band Nirvana, whose lead singer Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The album sold more than 10 million copies in the US alone.

While Elden has never seen a penny of royalties, he continues to make money from media requests while attending school and working part-time in a juice bar.

"It's kind of cool, knowing that I've been on an album cover, but I feel pretty normal about it because growing up, I've always known I was the Nirvana baby," he said.

End of season...

Saturday afternoons are now free again after the end of season last weekend. It's been an interesting one played on rock hard pitches with a month off after the storm swept through Newcastle. As you can see its not been the best of debut seasons but if the team sticks together we should be that little bit more competitive and consistent next year.

1 Argenton
2 Garden Suburb
3 Lake Macquarie
4 Plattsburg
5 Shortland
6 Dudley
7 Medowie
8 Stockton

Away form was the problem after a poor start, we only managed one point on our travels! We went on to win most games at home including a win over the top team who only lost once all season.... I'm vowing to play again next season and come back fitter!!!
... looks like I'm playing on my own!!!!

So that's it for the season although there is some consolation in the fact that the English season has started and so late Saturday nights (12am kick off!)listening to the Greens on Internet radio will be in order until May! I'll be happy with another top half finish above B****** C*** :0)

Best seat in the house....

Now that Alfredo is able to support his head easily Grandma treated him to his own seat or "Bumbo" to be precise! He seems to enjoy having his own chair as it allows him to have a better view of the TV. Kinda looks like a Potty if you ask me... to avoid confusion we'll make sure that his potty is any colour other than blue!

Without wishing him to develop square eyes he does enjoy (so do I!) a short Baby Einstein DVD each day. He laughs all the way through them, particularly when there are puppets in the screen.

Recovering From The Shock...

We have received many (abusive!) messages of concern about the ordeal that I put Alfie through by taking him naked into the shower. I can assure all blog readers that the after effects have been short term and there has been no long term damage.

You want proof? .... OK this picture is clear evidence that Alfie has forgotten about the whole thing... ;0)
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What a Shower...

Beth decided that having mastered the bath without tears it was time for Alfie to move on and venture into the shower with dad... his reaction was much the same as his first bath! I have to say that he didn't really enjoy the experience but that may be been caused by the shock of seeing daddy naked!

I have posted the picture which is least likely to arouse (sorry wrong word!) .... generate feelings of repulsion and disgust! :0)... cue abusive comments!!!!

The Youngest Swinger in Town

We inherited a swing from Matt and Sharron and were about to hang it from one of the trees that didn't fall over when we received another (exactly the same but different colour!) from our neighbours because their Grandson had grown out of it! We thought that it was such a nice gesture that we should hang their donated swing! We rarely see or speak to them and when we do the conversations go along the lines of the stock phrase "They grow up so quickly don't they" which is repeated until Alfie gets bored!... god I hope they don't have the Internet!;0)



Anyways up the ladder I went to hang the swing and the long and the short of it (and the reason for the post!) is that Alfie enjoys it .... we think! Make up your own minds!



.... Sorry Brett couldn't resist! :0)

Happy Birthday Nanny...

Just to say Happy Birthday Nanny, Hope you like your present and card.

lots of love, dribbles and kisses from

Alfie
xxxx

PS: Mummy and Daddy say Happy Birthday too

There were three in the bed and the little one said (something that sounded like) roll over...

After Alfie's rolling rendition for the Doctor at the hospital the challenge has been on to get him to do it at home. We decided that the Huggies Hindrance was a factor and so down went the towel and off it came. He soon started to roll from side to side until he noticed he was on a brightly coloured towel (he is fascinated with coloured patterns!) and that was that despite Beth's attempts to lure him with a blue slipper!!!!! ;) ... enjoy the video.

Stockton Ferry

Today we took the Stockton Ferry to yes you've guessed it ... Stockton. Alfie can be seen here giving it the thumbs up...

Despite being a bit blowy it was great to be out in the sunshine for a walk along the beach.

We stopped off for a bite to eat on our way back before walking a little more for a coffee and then home... walking is thirsty and hungry work you know!

Mum managed to tip her toes in the Ocean and reported that it was cold, back on dry land she took the stairs up the observation tower. This caused some controversy with mum suggesting that I gave her the impression that I'd been up there at some point and this was something that she should do... she was quite surprised when I asked her what it was like! For clarity I can confirm that I have not been to the top of the tower although I'm sure that I will be forced to follow in her footsteps next time! :0)

The thirty three faces of Alfie Jack...

I went to the camera today to update the blog and found that Beth had been busy capturing pictures of Alfie, 33 pictures to be precise! There are some cracking ones in there but we've created a slide show of them all... they give you a really good picture of what the little chap is like...

Blackbutt Reserve

I'm desperately working during the week so that I can have weekends and one day off to spend with mum while she's here. That said I do take some time each day to get out of the house and enjoy some really nice winter (nearly Spring!) weather. We took mum to a local nature reserve to check out some of the local wildlife - koalas, wombats, kangaroos Mum was brave enough to feed the emus and enjoyed the Koalas. We found out that you can pick the little furry fellas up if you get there at the right time so we may well give that a go before she goes home!

Back to the John...

Today took us back to the John Hunter Hospital, the site of Alfie's heroics just three short months ago. Our appointments are all part of the care he received at the time and a way of checking that he continues to develop the way he should, and do some interventions if he doesn't.

The great news is that he continues to impress the doctors who are delighted with his amazing progress. His weight, growth are all coming along nicely, they even suggested that he's quite advanced for his age which is amazing considering his ordeal. He had a good chat and exchanged some smiles with the doctor. When asked if could roll over we proudly announced that he has done the back to front roll three times... "What about front to back?" enquired the doctor... "Oh no not yet" we replied.... cue Alfie's first front to back roll complete with broad grin! In Homer Simpson style "Why you little....." :0)

Quick call Norris McWurter....

... if you're Australian you have no idea who Norris McWurter is - It appears neither do Beth and Mum!!! Maybe its just me! - he was the guy that Roy Castle would bring on after world record attempts on Record Breakers. Does anyone else remember him?

Anyway back to the reason for the post! Alfie has set a new record for sleep getting through 11 hours of shut eye. He went to bed at 6:30pm Saturday and woke at 5:30pm on Sunday morning... this was followed by a feed and thirty minutes of Alfie staring at Beth through the darkness and two more hours of sleep.

Again our delight is somewhat measured as the experiences of our birth class partners who are a month or two further on suggest that a full nights sleep will be a temporary treat!

Hunter Valley

Today we ventured up through the Hunter Valley for a picnic to celebrate Matt's (Beth's Brother) birthday... big one next year then Matt!?! ;0)

It was a great sunny winters day perfect for spending some time together and getting some fresh air.... for the girls it was also a great day for sampling the local produce! ... the valley is famed for its wineries!

Alfie the Child Model...

With Alfie taking all of my good looks ... ;0) ... he's already been snapped up as a child model.

At his first photo shoot Jake the photographer left with an empty camera and his blanket covered in Weeeeeeee (Just for you Brett!) after Alfie threw a diva like tantrum. At the second shoot Alfie called the shots and rewarded us with some smiles amongst other facial expressions!

Jake is now using pictures of Alfie in the portrait section (pg9) of his website at www.jakethomas.com.au, mum and dad even get in on the action! :0)

Mum arrives...

Mum arrived today exhausted but ready to give Alfie his first cuddle! We left Newcastle at 4am to arrive at the Airport just in time... it would seem that getting a nose bleed is a sure fire way to get the golf buggy treatment and be whisked through a very thorough and often slow Australian customs. I'm really proud of mum making that journey on her own (4hr Coach, 12hr flight, 8hr flight followed by 2hrs in a car!) I think after seeing Alfie she thinks its worth it already.

Not only did she bring some lovely weather but also suitcase filled with yet more gifts from home, you can see Alfie pictured above with just some of them. Thanks again to everyone for everything they have sent, so unexpected and generous.

We adopted the keep busy, stay awake approach to dealing with jet lag which basically involves trying to go to bed when everyone else does to get the body clock sorted. At 9pm mum is still awake (...after the odd snooze or two!) and so hopefully should wake up at sensible o'clock. We went for a walk along the lake and got some shopping in... importantly we also made a list of things to do for the coming four weeks (yes Kate Stocko Ferry included this time!!!) so that we can make the most of her time with us. It was a long list so look out for lots of pictures of Grandma Down Under!