Four Years and Father of Two

Life has changed so much these past few years! Just four years ago I was still single, and now I am a father of two! Of course, it seems a lot longer than four years... especially when Renata and I recount memories of holidays, time spent together, milestones, and of course children! We often say, "It seems so much longer than four years hasn't it?" So we're very thankful for these years that God has given us the energy to serve Him, start a family of our own, and feel His hand of blessing and assurance upon our lives. What will the next four years hold? Many things I'm sure - Renata and I said to each other that we would live them with an open hand trusting God for whatever faith steps come our way.

Family Portrait

Yes, it's our first family portrait! Taken at Talia's moon yuet with Ethan dressed up to receive as much attention as possible since he now has to compete with his younger sister. He is a good Gor Gor though - look at him blessing his new sibling!

The Laughing Bumble Bee

This was taken at Talia's Moon Yuet - her one month celebration party. We haven't sorted out all the pictures yet but here is one of big brother who was such a good boy that day. After a swim we dressed him up in his Bumble Bee outfit from Goo Ma who took this picture of him having a good chortle!

Scaling Heights

Ethan climbed this ladder in the playground all by himself today! It took a few times of coaching with demos and encouragement from Daddy but he did it by himself a few times after that. He's a fast learner - just very cautious!

Sibling Success!

Our efforts and planning seem to be bearing some fruit!  The two siblings get on quite well together so far.  Ethan asks permission to play with Talia’s toys (she’s been getting lots), and Talia always says yes!  And every so often during the day it is “hugs” time and Ethan will give Talia a supervised cuddle.

Proud Grandparents

Over these last few weeks, we've been very blessed to have the love and support of our parents who have brought nutritious and yummy food for us each week..... ......taken time to have fun with Ethan and help keep the kids entertained.......
......showered their love and attention on the little ones.......
......and been there to share our joy as we discover new things about and grow with Ethan & Talia each day! It's been great to see Ethan and Talia (soon) grow to love their Grandparents and share many happy memories with them -- its a very special blessing that we are sure they will treasure for the years to come.

Daddy's Lap

She fell asleep while I was burping her and did so in this cutest pose! Talia has this super-contented expression after a milk feed.

Peace on Earth

I took this photo on our 3rd day in the hospital after Talia's morning feed when I noticed her peering out of her cot with her cute little eyes. Peaceful and contented and quietly curious about this strange world that she's suddenly found herself in......

It's heart-warming to watch babies fall asleep in happy contentment after a milk-induced high! Talia has been giving us lots of sleep smiles after a good feed but they are too fleeting to capture on camera!

Boys at Ballas

The boys went to Jacob Ballas Childrens Garden again today. Ethan got some much needed exercise cos he likes eating so much. We don't want him getting tubby so it's the good ol' outdoors for our boy!

What was Ethan grinning so widely about? He's activating the lights on these cool "flowers" by turning the crank! Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is really cool...

My Turn

Ethan's waiting for his turn with the new toy! We trying to teach him to say "Please Talia" and "Thank you Talia!" for sharing her toy with him.

Baby Gym

Her first go at her own baby gymnasium! We're getting ready for a trip to the doctor to check Talia's jaundice level. At the same time, Ethan will get a pneumococchal vaccination to protect him for the nursery 1 kindergarten that will start next year in January.

Feeling Better

Her jaundice levels have come down but she still needs more phototherapy before she can come home with us. You can see here how her skin looks a much nicer pink except around her eyes which is still yellow cos she wears eye covers during phototherapy. So it is back to nasty blue lights for Talia and poor girl is crying now in protest as compared to her happy state just a few minutes earlier in this photo when she was just federal by Mummy and lovingly burped on Daddy's shoulder.

In comparison, Ethan had a fantastic day swimming and snacking with Grandpa, Grandma, uncles, aunties and cousins! Not a bad exchange for having to wake up this morning to disappearing parents and asking, "Where babeee?"

Double Phototherapy

Talia is getting phototherapy from both above and below, so while other babies get padding in their cots our princess has to be content with hard unforgiving transparent plastic for a mattress. Poor sweetie...hopefully she will get discharged tomorrow.

Hospital Again

Poor Talia has high jaundice levels and has to be admitted for a couple of days so we're scrambling to make arrangements.

Jaundice Check

Talia has to get her jaundice levels checked. She has been borderline high so we woke up very early today. Here she is freshly bathed and ready to go at 7.30am!