2007 was a busy year for Grant, Cullen and I. We saw the new year in with a 5 week old baby and I seem to remember my resolution being just to survive! As the summer progressed, Grant and his Dad with the help of Darryn our friend and neighbour, set about transforming our new kitchen with indoor/outdoor flow. They installed our new french doors and began the massive deck. Cullen and I spent many a day at Nana's (Carol's) to avoid electric saw and hammer noises. It was finished just as daylight savings started. We recorded some record temperatures on the deck even then - 40 degrees in mid afternoon.
In February our wee family went on our first holiday. We travelled by ferry to Nelson for Rach and Andy's wedding. I was bridesmaid for Rach. It was a great trip and surprisingly easy with a 3.5 month old. Cullen was wonderful and seemed to enjoy all the new sights. Mum and Dad also came too. Grant and I stayed on for a couple more nights in Nelson and we really enjoyed ourselves.
Grant began a new suconment position at the bank shortly after this and has been considerably more challenged at work and has been enjoying this. He has recently completed a pilot programme for his team and a subsequently a permanent position. He works with a great team (mostly blokes) and seems to enjoy what he is doing - which is just as well for me as I can continue being a mummy! I also did some work in 2007, although not until much later in the year. Carol was very happy to look after Cullen for me 2 days a week when I was offered some relieving work at the local school. I thoroughly enjoyed my time out from mummy duties and Cullen was marvellous for Carol and had a ball there. He would see the toy box as he arrived and never once looked up to see that I had gone. Carol would bring Cullen along at lunchtime for a feed and he would then slumber the afternoon away. Cullen, Carol and I look forward to the same arrangement this year too!
In June, Grant took 2 weeks holiday from work. We had planned to holiday in Sunny Otaki but unfortunately our accomodation fell through. We stayed home instead and yes - it rained! This year our holiday is in Feb. We did a few day trips including a trip up to Lindale Farm. It was terrific and Cullen at 7 mths old thought the animals were pretty awesome. I enjoyed feeding them all too. Definate plans to go back there.
My mum and dad took off for another trip to the US of A for a month in August so Kylie, Gem and I were on Dog sitting duty. Cullen and I stuck it out for most of one week but had to ditch it a bit early as he cut two teeth and I was shattered from getting up to him at night and both dogs who needed to pee as well. All of the kids got gunky eyes and so did the dogs!! Cullen loves the dogs and spent most of the days trying to get their attention and getting licked. We had a great couple of days with Kylie, Maddie and JD too when there were over.
In October, I turned 30 and in the same month Cullen started to crawl. He had been a commando crawler up until then. He became faster still once he was on all fours! There was no stopping him now. He loves being outside so if there was an out - he made for it. Cullen learnt very quickly how to tackle the steps leading off the deck and proceeded to explore his yard. Since learning to crawl he has found other wonderful activities to keep him fit and entertained - namely the staircase at Nana and Grandad's. He is very happy to go up and down countless times in a visit there with any ole sucker who will follow him up and down. He has now learnt to go down backwards which is a big relief to us all as it saves our backs carrying him down.
Cullen loves all parks, playgrounds and adventures. He will zoom down slides on his tummy, head first only to turn around at the bottom and climb right back to the top. He likes tunnels and swings just as much. We gave him a little ride on bike for his birthday and although he is quite happy to sit on it, there is little in the way of 'riding' it yet.
November 14 was a very significant day for us - Cullen turned one. Grant took the day off work and we were planning to take Cullen to Staglands but the weather let us down so we enjoyed the day at home instead. Cullen had two birthday parties. One for each of his extended families. It was a very busy weekend but the weather on both days was stunning. We had an afternoon tea on Saturday with the Donaldsons and then on Sunday lunch with the Caves. It was a special time also as Kylie had her 2nd son, Riley on the Saturday night.
Christmas was a lovely time this year too as Cullen was able open his own pressies.He had no idea what they were for but enjoyed them nonetheless. We spent the afternoon on Christmas day with the Donaldsons and then Boxing Day at our house with the Caves. Both days weather wise were a disappointment but enjoying the family made up for that.
After turning one, Cullen is a baby no longer and every day surprises us with new learning and a wonderful sunny personality. He is coming up to 14 months. This year both Grant and I have set new individual goals and none of them centre around surviving! When I reflect on 2007 I found it challenging and at time bloody hard, I love being a mum and enjoy seeing Grant being a terrific dad.
