A Christmas tea party and our real Christmas tree!

One of our tea party guests, Netta, with Nathanael and Teddy.

The table all set for the party.

Above is the tree we cut down last Saturday at a local Christmas tree farm. There is a picture on my sidebar of Ben, Nathanael and Teddy after we chose our tree. :-)
We decorated this tree in a very traditional style and colours, with ornaments we've collected over the years, and some from my childhood.

Real trees smell so good!

A Christmasy corner of the living room. :-)

The ornaments are stored in these hatboxes during the year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :-)

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas....

Which isn't likely, considering it's Summer here in Australia- but at least I have a white tree! Haha
Since we had "Christmas in June" this past year, I didn't feel like putting up ALL of our Christmas decorations again, especially since I now have little Teddy to help keep me busy. :-)
But here are the ones we have up, in case you'd like to have a peek. :-)

I've had this little doll for several years.

This was my ornament for 1998- Mom bought

one for each of us every Christmas. :-)

Ben and I bought this one.

Teddy's "1st Christmas" ornament


Mom gave this to me for my last birthday-

I love anything teacups, teapots, etc.!

The "fireplace" in our front room.

We are still considering getting a tree from a Christmas tree farm for the front room. We shall see. :-) If we do, I'll be sure to post some more pics.

Our "new" dining set :-)

I've been searching for a long time for an affordable white or cream "shabby chic" style dining table and chairs to buy. After several months of looking on eBay, I finally found one close enough (sort of, haha) to go and pick up. It was about 3 hours each way. It is my Christmas present from Ben, and I just love the way it looks in our family/dining room!

There is a set just like this one at Everyday Living that I really wanted, but it cost too much for us. This was about half the price, including the fuel we used. So, that was a blessing. :-) Also, our old table and chairs sold quickly on eBay and paid for 1/2 the cost of this new set.

The white chair pads were an unexpected bonus. :-)

A fresh, airy look, just in time for Summer. :-)

Nathanael and Teddy's Room

I've shown you photos of Nathanael's room before, but things are little different now that Teddy has moved in, too. :-)

The change table with some furry friends and an adorable
pillow made by Kathryn at http://ourshabbycottage.blogspot.com/

Notice the new "Beatrix Potter" curtains found on eBay. :-)

The boys' initials in Beatrix Potter letters. :-)
And a picture of Teddy in the bath- 3 months old. :-)

Finished Rocking Chair Project

I love rose decals....

Nathanael wanted to model the chair. :-)

The rocking chair has a fairly rough coat of paint. But that makes it more "shabby chic", right? Haha

Actually, I just don't have time to try for a perfect finish. And the overall effect is much better now. :-)

Newest photos of Teddy :-)

The three boys- they're a cute bunch. :-)

My friend, Jessica K. and I were making Teddy smile at church. :-)He is 10 weeks old in these pictures.

Big smiles for Daddy when he gets home from work- 11 weeks old.

I finished painting my rocking chair today. One coat, anyway, so when I bring it in the house again, I'll post some pics of that. :-)

Tummy Time With Teddy :-)

Teddy is 8 weeks old and new rocker project :-)

I got the pictures in the wrong order. Haha So, here is the rocking chair we bought at a second hand store so that I have somewhere to nurse and rock Teddy in the family room. ( My main"feeding chair" is in the living room.) I made the chair pad while Teddy was napping the other day. The fabric was a piece I had been saving for a while that I bought at a quilt shop with my mom last time we went to Idaho. :-)

I will paint the chair white as soon as I get a chance. Of course, then I won't be able to use it for a little while until the paint dries. Haha :-) I think that will be a big improvement, though. The wood colour doesn't look the greatest with our other furniture.

Teddy and me after his bath. He is starting to enjoy them now. Even smiling. :-)

He enjoys taking his morning snooze in the swing.

Big brother in his new suit. Teddy has a matching one, which is still too big.

Teddy just discovered the mirror above his head in the swing. :-)He was quite fascinated.

When we took Teddy to his 6 week checkup (he was actually 7 weeks, though) we found out that he now weighs 12 1/2 pounds! Quite a chubby baby. :-) I'm glad that he is growing so well. Nathanael was always a skinny baby, so this is a new experience. Hehe I love his chubby cheeks and the rolls on his legs. :-)

Announcing the arrival of Theodore David on September 2nd!

Teddy's first Sunday at church.

4 days old

With Nathanael, just after we got home from the birth centre.

So Teddy is still less than a day old in this picture.

We are very excited to announce the safe arrival of our little Teddy. :-) The labour went very well, lasting only 3 1/2 hours (or about 6 hours after my water breaking). My midwife did a wonderful job supporting us throughout the labour and birth. A much different experience from Nathanael's birth 3 years ago.

So far Teddy is a very easy baby. He seems to have a very laid back personality in contrast to Nathanael's more intense one. Which will be good as they grow up together. :-) Nathanael already loves his little brother, and enjoys getting to hug, kiss and hold him.

I will probably not be able to post on this blog as often now, as we concentrate on enjoying Teddy's newborn days, but I will try to post new photos, etc. now and then. :-)