The Ritchies and the Promenade Project

The decision to build

2011-01-17T12:59:00.001+11:00

Well as you can see by the timeline to the left, our decision to build was made quite quickly. We have decided to build with Boutique Homes and have chosen the Promenade35 design (which is no longer available).

Our block of land is in the Heritage Springs Estate, Pakenham. So far, our experience has been excellent. Both our Sales Consultant and Pre Start Consultant are fabulous.

We have had a delay with the land being titled but the developers can't control mother nature! We are still seeing progress even though they are battling against a wet weather (even in summer).

My new Kitchen and Molly is getting bigger

2008-08-10T21:45:00.006+10:00

I have been very slack with updating the blog thank you to all those who keep reminding me!

Miss Hugh Heffner

Here is the before and after shot of our new kitchen which I just love! Can't say my cooking has improved!

Molly has four teeth now!

Granny knit me a Peter Rabbit as big as me

Overdue Update

2008-04-28T21:26:00.007+10:00

I have been a bit slack lately...... Molly has two teeth, I have a new kitchen, therefore Andrew has a cute baby and a happy wife!

Check out Molly's Ralph Lauren's that Naomi bought her!

This will be the only time I will ever make Molly wear a head band....

Molly helped Granny and Popsy pick a butternut pumpkin out of thier garden

Getting a cuddle from Big Grandma

and a smooch

Bubby School

2008-03-17T19:55:00.007+11:00

This is Molly's second week at bubby school. She has settled in really well. She has already made a friend called Martin Ling. They laze around in the rockers together and touch feet. Molly's back pack is nearly as big as her.

We have also started making way for the new kitchen so the long weekend turned into a working bee.

Molly had to wear protective goggles

Notice that Dean is doing all the work?

Shazza & Dazza

2008-03-04T16:58:00.005+11:00

I would like to introduce you to Shazza and Dazza. Apparently mullets are back in according to Upper Gully's mini bogans!

Stay away from my Molly!

It's all about Molly...

2008-02-17T18:26:00.002+11:00

Molly is still cute and has been up to all sorts over the past few weeks. She has started swimming lessons, eats pureed apple and love just hanging out with her Mum.

Hanging out with Mummy in the spa

My Bonds Baby

My new activity centre

How cute am I in flanny pj's!

Eating... and other cute shots

2008-01-27T23:48:00.000+11:00

This week I let Molly try some Farex Rice Cereal. After a few days, she is now opening her mouth and wanting to eat it.
I have learnt:
1. Don't let baby put hands in the mouth when eating rice cereal
2. Don't encourage baby to babble when eating rice cereal
3. Don't be sitting in front of baby if she sneezes when eating rice cereal

The Silly Season

2008-01-02T17:56:00.000+11:00

Well that's it for another year people... my Mum and Dad trekked over here for Christmas, Michelle and Jimmy joined us for New Year and Molly was oblivious to the whole lot!

Look closely, Miniature Santa is sitting on the chair waiting for people to get their presents

Thank you for my dolly

and my book

and ALL the other presents!

Grandma and Popsy had to remember how to dress a baby

The Borts went to the Healseville Sanctuary for the day... it was hot but we were tough.

Nicky was pretending to be a koala on Uncle Andrew's back

So we look after "their" kids, "they" can look after ours

NEW YEARS EVE... Cocktails all round. The majority of photos are not appropriate to post on the blog. However, William is seen here enjoying his mocktail.

This photo demonstrates that the adults should have been drinking mocktails as well

Very shy family

2007-12-08T11:36:00.001+11:00

As you can see from the pictures scrolling through below, "The Borts" (an inhouse family name) are extremely shy people. We hate when there is a camera around!

Our Trip to Canberra

2007-12-05T21:37:00.000+11:00

Friday morning Molly and Mummy set off to the airport for their big adventure to Canberra. Daddy left his work trip in Sydney to join us just for the weekend.

William and Nicholas are Molly's cousins. William on the left informed us that Molly is a girl because she doesn't have a doodle.

Molly doesn't really like meeting new people but she loved Uncle Jimmy and Aunty Michelle.

Michelle and Andrew have a disorder over catalogues. They both LOVE them and both need to look at ALL of them from back to front before they are thrown away.

This photo had to be taken from the waste up... William did not have any pants on. A picture can tell a thousand words!

"There's a baby in my belly!"

All I want for Christmas.........

2007-11-28T16:37:00.001+11:00

Molly had no idea who the scary man was (she will be told that velour & faux fur are fashion no no's except for Christmas time). This year, Andrew and I are not going to spoil her with presents... now where did I put the credit card?

Lynda - The "King" of Hens Nights...

2007-11-25T19:36:00.000+11:00

Saturday night we celebrated Lynda's Hens Night. I have 20 days to lose 15 kilos!

As all the other crazy women at the front door, her 3 Bridesmaids (Susie, Simone and myself) were looking extremely hot in their black diamante t-shirts....

The three of us then ensured that Lynda became part of the "T-Shirt" click as well as a few extra accessories.

The Leica Girls...

Lynda and her Mum Nolls kicked off Singstar which made us hope that Lynda is not going to serenade Paul at the wedding

A great night had by all...

Our girl is growing....

2007-11-10T22:40:00.000+11:00

Molly is just over 2 months old. I just don't know where the time has gone. Well, I can guess that some of it has been left at Knox Shopping Centre and at Naomi's house sipping champagne!

Playtime - thank you Aunty Michelle & Uncle Jimmy for my mat

"Hey Katelyn, can we play Singstar now?"

Mum lets me watch tv only if I drink all my milk

Molly has a Yummy Mummy... and Dad is pretty cool too!

Photo Shoot

2007-10-26T19:31:00.000+10:00

I have resisted for 6 weeks to not exploit Molly's cuteness... today I failed! Who needs Pixie photos?

Molly thinks Ms Pinky is histerical!

Molly hanging out with her friends, Ms Pinky and Stella

Special Edition Blog

2007-10-23T11:59:00.000+10:00

I have neglected to make mention of my two little mini cousins.... and their Yummy Mummy's.

Meet Jake (Leanne & Jeff's little boy). Looking very cheeky.

This is Oscar (Darren & Kate's little bundle)... he overloaded Olive & Sophie with his nutrigrain when they visited us. Olive & Sophie are now in Sugar Rehab.

And meet their Mum's.... Leanne looking very suspicious - like she was about to steal Molly. Kate is the looking particularly hot in her satin number.

Molly's 1st smile

2007-10-17T10:13:00.000+10:00

This morning Andrew was cuddling Molly before he went to work and we thought she was about to crack her first smile.... later in the morning during her play time, she smiled more than once cancelling out wind.

Molly's 1st trip to Adelaide

2007-10-16T14:16:00.000+10:00

Molly experienced her first trip to Adelaide this weekend. We went over there for my cousin Hayley's wedding and especially so that Molly could meet her Grandma & Popsy Thomson. Molly also met her Great Grandma. Everyone who met her over the weekend spoilt her rotten with gifts and cuddles.

Great Grandma Joan

Four generations...

Hayley and Darren Wilson...

First dance with Daddy...

The table in the corner near the bar (the cousins!)

A few cute shots...

2007-10-04T20:30:00.000+10:00

And today on the cat walk, our model Molly is sporting a beautiful garment hand knitted by her Grandma Thomson. The designer has used a gorgeous shade of pink that our model can match with her one piece under garment....

Molly is in training for when she is old enough to play in the big spa with Mummy & Daddy

Molly's 1st trip to the zoo

2007-10-01T13:23:00.001+10:00

On Sunday we went to the zoo with Mark, Alessia & Alex. As you can see, Molly was just so over excited by it all!

Andrew thought it was hilarious that my arse was the same size as the elephants' in the background.

Meeting a few Aunties & Uncles

2007-10-01T12:43:00.001+10:00

Molly has been the main attraction around here. Uncle Michael & Aunty Katy have visited, Aunty Alessia, Uncle Mark & Alex drove all the way from Adelaide and Aunty Kim, Uncle John, Ebony & Jana have also popped in.

Saturday we watched the Grand Final with Mark, Alessia and Naomi. Check out the piccie of Nay and I....... the story of our lives! BUT, check out what my darling husband organised for me. Look closely, he made a giant straw for me to sip on my champagne.

I love my husband!

Molly Joan Ritchie

2007-09-23T13:26:00.000+10:00

And so it began on Friday the 14th September @ 7.30 am. I was in pre labour and honestly thought that I would have her Friday night - how wrong I was! I find it difficult to recall exact times and what day it was as it was not a very nice experience for me at all. The midwives at the Angliss were our saviours as I was struggling to work with the pain of the contractions.

With Andrew and Kim both at my side, I officially went into first stage labour on Saturday which equated to 16 hours of proper labour to when she was born. Over the Saturday and the Sunday, I was not progressing so the decision was made for me to be induced on Sunday around 2 pm. Given that I could not mentally cope with the pain, with the advice from the midwives, Andrew and I decided to that I needed an epidural. This was never an option for us but of course now, we do not regret it one bit.

By Sunday night, I was 9 cm dilated and Dr Davenport was confident that she could be delivered with the help of the suction vacuum. Within an hour, it all pretty much turned to shit...... literally! Molly started showing sings of distress, I had a fever and Dr Davenport was called back to try with the suction. After three attempts, he called it quits and ordered the caesarean.

So after my high blood pressure, high temperature and internal bleeding, Molly was finally brought into the world @00:44 am Monday morning. She needed a little bit of help, I was given a quick hold and then Andrew escorted her to the Special Care Nursery. Molly weighed 6lb 15oz (3.1kg) and 50 cm long.

Molly was kept in there for 3 days and I finally had her with me in my room with me on Thursday afternoon.

Since then, Andrew, Molly and I have been very happy and have started our own routine together.

I came home yesterday and Molly is very happy in her new environment. She is so little and cute and reminds me of the fairy tale character Thumbelina.

Introducing Lincoln Jet Kelly Lankester

2007-09-12T20:28:00.000+10:00

Lincoln came out weighing 9 lb and 56 cm's...... no wonder Naomi needed a caesar yesterday! He is very cute and I was hoping that he could coax Pickles out today but Pickles isn't budging!
I think Lincoln looks like Dean but he has a tint of red hair like Naomi.

Two Fat Ladies

2007-09-09T21:04:00.000+10:00

I didn't realise how big I am until I saw this photo today. Naomi will be having her baby by the end of the week via caesarean... lucky her!
On Thursday, I would appreciate it if everyone tuned into the "Labour God" to help bring on Pickles. Not sure what will happen with the countdown once Thursday comes along.

The Manshed

2007-09-01T16:11:00.000+10:00

And so it began on the 27th October, 2006. As you can see by the original shed shot, the new dwelling/storage unit increased in all varieties of dimensions. When I fell pregnant with Pickles, Josh and Andrew were given the deadline to have it finished by the end of July 2007....... today (1st September, 2007), I officially commission the double storey bedroom/storage unit..... "The Manshed".

Who needs a professional builder when a range of friends and family have helped with it along the way. Thankyou to Michael, Jimmy, Katelyn, Dean, Jeff and Rick the electrician.

Josh and Andrew slept in it last night. Apparently the bed needs stoppers under the wheels to stop it from moving. Andrew was not impressed when I suggested that maybe the floor wasn't level.

Andrew's Highlight: Owning a new range of expensive tools (justified to Jade as being cheaper than hiring them, e.g, cordless nail gun).

Andrew's Lowlight: Nobody told me there were such things as building regulations and council permits (thanks Dean for the prank call from the Council).

Garden Gnomes

2007-09-01T16:07:00.001+10:00

1st September..... welcome Spring! Josh wanted to complete a gardening project with his favourite Step-Mum so to add another touch, we planted up the garden bed at the bottom of the Manshed.

38 Weeks..... BORED!

2007-08-28T21:17:00.000+10:00

I technically should only have 2 weeks to go but only 5% of first pregnancies are on time. I am slightly bored at home (yes, I know I should lap this up) but day time tv is really crap and there is only so many times I can change the sheets on the cot!

Having to sleep up right as indigestion is really bad. I have consumed roughly 3 litres of Mylanta during the pregnancy and had to wake Andrew up about 4 times this week because I thought I was about to vomit and not make it to the bathroom.... hmmmmm nice!

Thank you to those who completed the latest poll. Suprisingly, Andrew has been getting home cooked meals and just this morning I actually got up and made him brekkie at 6.30 am. Ok, I was hungry and it would have been rude if I didn't get him something but that is besides the point!!

Andrew would like to say a few words...."I am enjoying the hot meals, pity it won't last".

Fatty Fat Fat

2007-08-21T21:26:00.000+10:00

37 weeks today. Day two of no work and loving it! Went food shopping today so for all of those have voted for Poor Andrew, we had a lovely meat pie with mashed potato for tea tonight (garnished with tomato sauce).

Had to bring the groceries up in two loads. Those who are aware of our steep driveway, you will understand the following declaration: I will not be grocery shopping between now and when Pickles is born.

How much longer?

2007-08-19T23:34:00.000+10:00

Over it, over it, over it.... this week I caught a bad cold (off of Andrew, thanks hun). Temperature was on the rise and actually resorted to popping a few Panadol (perfectly safe for foetus). I spoke to Pickles warning him/her that labour was not an option while I am feeling like this.

Completely finished work so this week Andrew is expecting the house to be sparkling and meals on the table upon his arrival home... AS IF! Feel free to take the latest poll.

No photo for this post until until my snotty nose clears up and I stop feeling like an elephant in stretched lycra.

35 Weeks and still growing

2007-08-08T21:50:00.000+10:00

Pickles is on the way down town! The baby is in the right position and giving me some great kicks during the day or night. It is uncomfortable to sleep, my back hurts and I can't sit down for long periods of time - poor Andrew.

I finish work on Friday so it will be great to laze around for a few weeks. We are both getting very excited.

1st Birthing Class

2007-07-17T11:23:00.000+10:00

Last night we attended our first antenatal class. Quite a few characters amongst us. I have never heard the word "perenium" mentioned so many times! Next week we focus on the role of the support people and various comfort techniques for labour so Andrew & Kim best come fully prepared with wads of paper.

Andrew and I would like to say BIG congratulations to Teresa & Konrad on finally receiving confirmation that Dabria will be part of their family soon.

10 weeks and counting..........

2007-07-01T18:14:00.001+10:00

As you can see by the counter to the right, we have now starting counting down the arrival of Pickles. I am 30 weeks pregnant. Pickles is moving alot and reacts to Andrew's voice. Pickles punched him in the face the other night, very funny.

Travelling to Adelaide this weekend for Alex's Christening, by car, for 10 hours, with a sore back... poor Andrew.

My 30th Birthday

2007-06-17T22:06:00.001+10:00

My birthday was on the 30th of March so it has taken a little while to posts these piccies. The theme was Witches & Wizards. Andrew came as a Wizard Home Loan representative and I was a gothic bride. Olive & Sophie also came dressed up.

The Nursery

2007-06-13T22:37:00.000+10:00

Mum and Dad came over for a visit. Dad wanted to see the nursery set up before they left so he and Andrew jumped to it. There were bits of timber, instructions, boxes, allan keys spread all over the floor but with a little bit of supervising from me, it all came together........

25 Weeks

2007-06-01T21:18:00.000+10:00

I have well and truly popped out from 5 weeks ago. I am walking around resembling a hippopotamus on two hind legs.

Hey ladies, wanna come for a drive?

2007-06-01T19:42:00.000+10:00

Alex is looking very zippy in his new wheels. Aunty Jade is going to buy him some fluffy dice.

20 Week Scan of Pickles

2007-04-29T22:35:00.000+10:00

Saturday we had our 20 week scan. All went well. Before anyone asks....... no we do not know what the gender of Pickles is.

How cute is this....... one little foot

Don't worry.... Pickles does have two feet

The Father of my Child!

2007-04-25T22:30:00.000+10:00

Half Way @ 20 weeks

2007-04-24T20:12:00.000+10:00

Here I am definately showing a tummy!

Joshua & Katelyn

2007-03-20T23:05:00.000+11:00

Joshua (11) and Katelyn (9). A rare moment where they are being affectionate with one another!

The Girls

2007-03-20T23:00:00.000+11:00

Here are our two scally wag dogs. Sophie on the left and Olive on the right.

Robert and Cassie Bigg

2007-03-20T19:40:00.000+11:00

Robert and Cassie were married on Saturday the 10th of March 2007. Gorgeous dress. A really lovely day.

Alex Centofanti

2007-03-20T19:25:00.000+11:00

Alex Centofanti was born on Thursday 1st March, 2007. He is just gorgeous and we can't wait to meet him when we go to Adelaide. Alessia and Mark are doing really well and enjoying every minute of their latest edition.

Our Wedding 11th March 2006

2007-03-20T18:32:00.000+11:00

I can't believe it has been over one year since our wedding. Just a reminder to those who attended, it was 39.7 degrees!