Ask Nikki what her favourite part of swim lessons is, and she will tell you: jumping in.

We had a marvellous time celebrating with Carrie and Michael at their wedding today. Carrie was a beautiful bride and Michael a gracious groom.

The ceremony and reception were held outdoors at the Cottesloe Civic Centre on lawns overlooking the Indian Ocean. Cloudy skies, a refreshing breeze, activity packs for children, and scrumptious cakes combined in a lovely mid-day celebration.

     

With the exception of Ben, we’re all wearing new clothes in these photos as well. Thanks to Zach and Laura for Vi’s sweet ensemble, to Colin and Megan for Michael’s smooth shirt, and to the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog for the gift certificate that enabled me to purchase a new nursing dress, including international shipping.

Our best wishes for the happy young couple as they embark on their new married life together!

We went out shopping for a shaving cabinet this weekend and came across this kid-sized loo.

Photos do not begin to capture the joy and excitement Nikki and Michael felt upon discovering a toilet that was just the right size.

And she’s off!

A sweetie with her prize.

With all the extra carrying Vi has had with her recent illness, it’s no wonder Nikki and Michael have also been keen to wear Baby and Holly.

Vi helped us learn a few things about croup this past weekend that I thought might be useful to share here.

Vi’s first ever visit to a hospital;
Ben took this picture while we were waiting to be seen by the doctor

the admitting nurse gave Nikki and Michael some colouring sheets;
it was also Michael’s first ever experience of a hospital

• Croup is akin to laryngitis, and the reason it’s dangerous is because it narrows the narrowest part of the throat, making it difficult to draw breath.
• Croup is contagious and is currently going around Perth.
• While suffering, Vi was much more comfortable upright on Ben’s or my back in a carrier than in any other position.
• Because one of the steroids is more difficult to store than others, doctors at the hospital give a different steroid than doctors in general practice.
• Perth’s children’s hospital, Princess Margaret, has studied croup extensively over the years, and they give the lowest steroid dose in all of Australia.
• They used to keep children in for two nights of observation following treatment for croup, but they let us go after just half an hour since we live nearby and can easily return to the hospital if necessary.
• We took Vi in for treatment after a few difficult nights at home. Because of the low drug doses, Vi’s quick improvement, and the excellent care we received, I wouldn’t hesitate to take my children to the hospital much more quickly if croup hits our family again.

Vi perked up just half an hour after receiving a low-dose steroid

Many thanks to all the lovely ladies who entered! I so enjoy seeing all the pictures next to your comments! Comments are now closed and Random.org picked commenter number 1, MEGAN, as the winner! Your Seeds of Purpose CD will be on its way to you after the long holiday weekend here in Australia. Happy Easter!

I am pleased to announce that one winner among my fantastic readers will receive a Seeds Family Worship CD.

photo credit :: Mothering by Grace

If you are not already familiar with it, Seeds music is scripture set to contemporary, fun, upbeat, catchy music. Just by listening you will memorize Bible verses with very little effort.

If you’re like me, that’s one song you’ll love humming when you wake up, dancing to in the back yard, and singing out loud while you wash the dishes.

How to enter this contest:

1. FIRST, leave a comment with the title of the CD you would like to win: Courage, Faith, Praise, Purpose, or the Power of Encouragement (Click here to listen to a sample.)
2. **NOTE that your entry will not be counted unless you personalise your comment with a picture.** (I posted instructions on the free, easy way to add a picture to your comments here.)
3. You can ALSO earn extra entries when you spread the word via your online social networks (Twitter, Facebook, e-mailing your friends, posting on your own blog, etc) about this giveaway. **In order for an additional entry to count, you must leave a separate comment telling me what you did.**

I’ll close the comments at 3pm Perth time on Friday, 2 April. The winner (chosen at random) will be announced shortly afterward.

Contest open to: Worldwide.

Vi’s first tooth erupted on the 6th of March, and it was followed closely by the second tooth.

Early tooth pictures are tricky, but so worth it!

Related posts:

Nikki’s first tooth – 25 September 2007
Michael’s first tooth – 24 October 2008