October arrives. . . .

October found us settling into a bit of a routine with young Ricky - he brought such joy to our family! For the girls it was like having a real baby doll to play with all the time, but for me and Dugs it was a bit more work than that. However Ricky is a sweet, adorable, happy baby and we enjoyed every moment with him.

This little man has started smiling at us, so cute!

Baby toes.

He's cute even when he cries.

He wasn't happy in the stroller, don't worry we got him out and cuddled him after getting a picture. 

Ellie set up her own couch in the sun room with a bed for Chloe behind her.

And in one of my favorite pics ever she gave Ricky his first experience of the ipad.

Ellie has made a sweet friend at school named Alex, and Alex's mom, Fiona, has been such a blessing to me in so many ways, but especially in regards to Ricky. She has stepped in so many times and looked after him if I couldn't for one reason or another and she and her three daughters have loved him like we do! I'm so grateful for the support and encouragement of all of our sweet friends - there is a reason women don't have babies at my age but we are getting by with a little help from our friends!!

Ellie out with her friend Alex.

Ellie with Alex and her sisters Georgia and Helen having gelato.

Josie went to a cupcake decorating class and brought home one for everyone.

Ellie made the cover of the school magazine.

Life continues as normal and Ricky just fits right in.

The little girls participated with school children from all around Wellington in ArtSplash. Here is a short video of their performance at the Michael Fowler Center. Marsden is to the left in the balcony.

Ellie's Speech on Sisters

Ellie did a great job for her first speech at school and her teacher kindly made a video of it. Enjoy!!

Ricky Arrives and Grandparents Day at Marsden

So on September 13th this little bundle arrived on our doorstep having cried the entire 30 minute drive to get to us! The poor little guy was understandably distressed and we were understandably slightly overwhelmed but our first longer-term foster baby had arrived! Dugald and I had planned to go out that night - we had received too many phone calls in the past asking if we would take a baby only to have CYFS find a family member at the last minute which meant we changed all our plans for naught - so when young Ricky arrived at dinner time it was a bit of a scramble finding food for us and for him and canceling the sitter and letting our friends know and so on, but totally worth it. This little three-day-old has brought us much joy!

Very first cuddle.

After a bath and bottle he looks much more serene, happily snuggled in Josie's arms.

Katie learns how to make a bottle. 

He's so tiny even Chloe looks big next to him.

After having Ricky only a few days it was time for Grandparents Day at Marsden. Auntie Diana happily stood in for the girls since their grandparents couldn't make it - and being an Old Girl herself it was quite special to have her there. She went to chapel, saw the girls in their classrooms and watched a show then had lunch. It was a lovely morning and Ricky was very good and slept through most of it.

Josie as a robot in her robot dance.

Here is a short video clip of both girls performing with their classes.

And just like that it was September!

We started the month off by celebrating Meggie's 14th birthday almost one month to the day late. She invited her closest friends to come for a sleepover and movie marathon. It was a challenge finding a date that suited everyone as these girls stay very busy!!

We made a giant 14 filled with photos of Meggie for decoration.

Martine, Kristi, Harriet, Sophie,  Megs, Ashley and Katie

Ellie and her hockey team
Front Row: Ellie, Grace, Minnie
Middle: Zoe, Joyce, Pippa
Last Row: Victoria, Julia, Sara

Josie's Winter Netball Team
Front: Paige, Josie, Kiarah
Back: Maddie, Sophie, Lucy and Georgina

Katie and friends before a dance - Saro, Juliet, Katie, Grace and Lottie.

Ellie's friends from her class made her this.

Katie and Juliet having fun at road patrol despite the rain.

More Pictures from Sarah's Wedding

Sarah just sent us some great photos from her wedding, so posting here in order that they make it into the family photo album at the end of the year!! Such a fun night.

And then some fun from the photo booth: