Happy New Year!

Well, I have finally gotten back into my normal routine after a trip to the USA, Christmas time, and a visit from my Townsville grandparents! What a busy boy I am.

My big news is that I got the coolest car for Christmas from Grandma, Grandad, Mummy and Daddy. I like to go really fast down our driveway. Grandma and Grandad took me for a ride all the way around the block so the neighbours could see my new present. Here's a picture of me in it.

Apparently, accordingly to Mummy, I have a vocabulary that is expanding every day. I have no idea what that means but I guess it includes hot, cold, Archie (the name of a character on my DVD), stuck, all gone, juice, sad, and happy.

I have to go to bed now. I didn't have a nap today and I am very tired. At least that's what I'm told.

Goodnight,

Noah

Having Fun

Here's a few photos to show you what I've been up to in San Diego. I had so much fun playing in a car with my new friend, Joshlyn. Mummy and Daddy were visiting their friends, Sam and Kerrie who have a new baby girl named Atalie. Joshlyn is her big sister.

We had an early Christmas dinner at my Uncle Jonathan and Auntie Annette's house. Grandma bought Olivia and me some Christmas PJs to wear. I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the presents I got. Mummy said I won't need any new clothes for a while!

I've been to the beach again with my Great Grandma Ghiloni and Mummy and Daddy. G-G Ghiloni thinks I'm pretty special. She says I'm really smart like my Daddy.

Four days left until I get back on the big plane. Mummy is praying that I will be better by the time we have to leave. I am improving but am not all the way better yet.

Bye for now.

G'day from the US of A

Well, I have finally settled in at Grandpa and Grammy's house and am enjoying all the attention I've been getting. It took me about a week to adjust but I'm feeling good now...well, not really. I managed to catch a cold and am a bit sick, but Mummy and Daddy are taking good care of me.

Here's a picture of me playing with Olivia, my cousin. I call her "Bee" because that's my word for "baby." She's lots of fun to be around and smiles at me a lot when we're together.

The other photo is of me and Madeline. Madeline is the daughter of Ronnie and Becky who are good friends with Mummy and Daddy. She's two-and-a-half and talks lots more than I do but she must like me because she gave me a kiss when we said goodbye. I might get to play with Maddie one more time before we leave.

I've been going to the beach a lot but it's a bit cold to be in the water. I really like getting all sandy and running around. Mummy thinks I'm crazy!

Lots of love to my Aussie family and friends.

World Traveller

Tomorrow I'm off to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Here's a photo of me helping Mummy pack - I'm such a big helper.

My next post will be from the USA. See you then!

Splish Splash

We have had some rain lately which Mummy says is really good because we're in something called a drought. I'm not sure what that means but I was pretty happy when the rain made a big puddle in my sandpit 'cause I had lots of fun splashing around in the water.

I'm going on a big plane next week to fly to California to see my USA family. Mummy and Daddy have bought me lots of little things to play with to try and help pass the time. I'm going to get to meet my cousin, Olivia, for the first time and I'll see my Grandpa and Grandma and Uncle Jonathan and Tia Annette and Aunty Kara and Great Grandpa and Grandma Tracy and Great Uncle John and Jonnie and Sarah. I can't wait.

Working up a Sweat

I've been earning my keep at Grandma and Grandad's place by helping rake up the leaves outside. I also helped water the plants.

I met a little boy who lives behind Grandma and Grandad; Mummy said he is about 3 years old, so he's much bigger than me. Anyway, I was telling him all about my visit and it all made perfect sense to me, but he said "you talk funny." Mummy was laughing for some reason.

It turns out that I do know the word "hello" - I said it to Ginger through the doggie door today. Mummy was very impressed but not nearly as impressed as she was when I ate fish for dinner - it wasn't even crumbed or battered or anything! I also ate three vegetable patties that Grandma made with potato and pumpkin and beans and zucchini and carrot. I will have to do that again because the reaction I got was great.

I get to see my Daddy in two more sleeps. I can't wait.

My New Friend

This is my new friend, Oxley. He's a dog. My Great Aunt Coral bought him for me.
His fur is really, really soft and he gives great cuddles. I think he's pretty special.

Kickin' It In Townsville

I'm having fun in Townsville with my Grandma and Grandad. Here is a photo of me sitting on a swing that my Mummy used to play on when she was little. Grandad replaced the seat just for me. Grandma is so cool. She bought me a really fun train set and she made me laugh and laugh when we were playing with a Care Bear this afternoon.

My two latest words are star and house. I think I might have said "hello" today too, but I'll need confirmation on that one.

I miss my Daddy and wish I could give him a big cuddle. Mummy has been giving me extra kisses to help.

Love, Noah

On Wednesday, I'm heading up to Townsville with Mummy to see my Grandma and Grandad. I will also see my Great Grandma and my Great Aunt and Uncle. I'm very excited and am looking forward to being spoiled. Mummy has two new toys for me to play with on the plane and Grandma has also bought some new toys for me to play with while I am visiting.

Last time I was in Townsville I burned a hole in Grandma's carpet with the hot iron. Mummy was very scared and upset when it happened. The DVD player also stopped working while I was there but I promise it wasn't me. Anyway, I will try to be on my best behaviour this time and leave Grandma and Grandad's house in the same condition that I found it.

Here's a picture of me doing a puzzle that my friend, Kerry, bought for me. It's supposed to be a fish, so I'm not too sure if I got it right. I'll have to keep trying.

Love, Noah

If you don't like my driving, stay off the footpath!

A Visit to the Park

Mummy has a friend whose little boy is named Matthew; he was born on the same day as me. Matthew's mummy told us about a special park that is just for children up to 5 years old, so today we went and checked it out. It was really cool with lots of fun things to do. I slid down the slippery dip (that's a slide for all my USA readers) and clapped for myself because I was such a good slider. I counted the spots on a mushroom and played with a spinning game.

Tomorrow I am going to be looked after by my friends, Chantal and Michael. Mummy is playing the piano at church and Daddy is preaching, so I am going to have a special play date. I'm a little bit nervous because I haven't been minded by people who aren't my family before. I'm sure I'll have lots of fun though.

A special shout out to my Aunty Kara who is at a special school for grown ups called University. I hope you're having lots of fun making new friends and that it's not too cold yet in Michigan. I'm looking forward to playing with you soon. Maybe you can take me to the beach?

Until next time...

Feeling Better

Hi Everyone,

I am sorry that I have not kept you up-to-date on my almost-two-years-old life, but I have been sick for almost the whole month of September! The doctor told Mummy that it is normal for a toddler to catch a cold or virus two times a month, so I guess I'm just sticking with the program. I am feeling much better now and only cough a bit at night time. I can't work out why, but it seems like I have my worst coughing fits at 3 a.m. It's nice to see Mummy or Daddy in the middle of the night - and they bring me a drink of water...what a treat! They don't seem as pleased as me though. I can't imagine why.

Here are some photos of things I've been up to while I've been getting better. I played with my magnet set from Grandma and Grandpa G. I brushed up my piano skills on my keyboard from Grandma B, and I helped Daddy eat his yummy birthday cake.

Grandma G - Mummy thought you would like to know that I drink iced tea just like you and Daddy. It makes Mummy laugh. She also thought you would like to see a photo of me having a snack after my nap. Daddy had dressed me for bed and you can see by my mismatched socks that I am already a Ghiloni-male-in-the-making.

My latest word is "shoes" and I also say "Giggles" when I want Mummy to put "The Wiggles" DVD on for me. When I count, I say "ugh, two, three, four" and for some reason, that makes Daddy laugh. I like to point out the animals on my bedroom wall and I laugh and laugh when Mummy makes the buzz sound for the bees.

Love to all my family and friends,

Noah

My Big Day

I had a big day today. First, I took Mummy and Daddy to the Coffee Club for breakfast. They have a special kids' area and I had lots of fun playing with the train set and slide.

When we got home, a special box arrived from America and it was full of special things just for me! Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for the magnet set, the great clothes, and the really cool shoes. I can't wait for church on Sunday so I can dress up.

After my nap, we went downtown to meet with the U.S. Consulate from Sydney. I am going through the process of being recognized as an American citizen. I will even get my own USA passport and Social Security Number! That makes me a dual citizen at the ripe old age of two. Mummy says I am very cultured and well-travelled for my age.

After our meeting, we went to Starbucks to celebrate and I had some carrot cake for a treat. It was yummy! Then we went to the library and played at the park.

Now I need to go and have a big sleep.

Goodnight, love Noah xxx

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

This is a special "shout out" to my great Uncle John in Imperial Beach, California. I'm really glad you can read my blog every now and then. My mummy said that you would laugh at me because I like to check myself out in the mirror. When I'm whining but not really crying, I go into Mummy's bedroom and look at myself in their big mirror. I also play peek-a-boo with my own reflection.

I guess I must get this trait from my Daddy...he still has the mirror you bought him when he was 15 because he liked to gaze at himself so much!

Looking forward to seeing you in November, Uncle John.

Love from Noah

Play Date

Today, I went to Playgroup like I do most Mondays. We have lots of fun running around in the hall, doing craft, eating morning tea, listening to a story (though I'm usually too busy to stop and listen), and singing songs. I have two friends named Jamie and Aaron. Jamie is two months older than me and Aaron is two months younger than me. Us three boys get up to lots of mischief together.

Here's a photo of me looking at Jessica's shoes. They are so cool because they have flashing lights!! I got a little too close while Jessica was playing on the see-saw and my fingers got squashed. Mummy kissed them all better though. I also played with a truck today. I really like cars and trucks.

Bye for now, Noah

G'day

Hello to:

Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Jonathan, Tia Annette, Olivia, Aunty Kara, Great Grandpa Tracy, Great Grandma Tracy, Grandma, Grandad, Uncle Simon, Auntie Caterina, Matthew, Cassie, and anyone else who might happen to check on me from time to time.

Phew! What a lot of family I have. My mummy told me that my Grandma in California likes to know details, so I've set up my own blog to keep her up-to-date on all the exciting little things that happen in my life. I will do my best to stop running around for a few minutes every couple of days so that I can post my news and views.

Tonight, I went out for dinner with Mummy, Daddy, Adrian, Mary Jane, and Hamish. Hamish is two months younger than me, so we swapped notes on life as toddlers. We ate at El Taco Mexican Restaurant, but Daddy told me that it was gringo food. I don't know what that means but he said I will understand once I meet Mario in La Mesa, California.

Hamish came over to my house after dinner and played with my toys. I don't know what came over me (Mummy said I have never acted this way before) but I kept taking the toys away from Hamish - even the ones I haven't played with for months. Then I took two fistfuls of Hamish's hair and gave it a yank. For some reason, Hamish wasn't too thrilled about his new hairstyle. Mummy was very embarassed but I was just letting him know that I was tired and it was past my bed time and he needed to go home.

Anyway, here's a picture of me with Daddy that Mummy took before we went to the restaurant. I'm wearing a very nice shirt that Uncle Jonathan and Tia Annette bought for me and some linen shorts from Grandma. Mummy said that I looked very handsome.

Thanks for checking out my first foray into cyber space.

With love and cuddles,

Noah James Ghiloni