Another hot summer

It's shaping up to be another hot summer and Reuben's favourite saying is "Oh, it's hot" (However, when he's very cold, he also says this). Reuben has also decided to be scared of fans this summer, especially ceiling fans. This has caused him to hide behind doors until they are turned off. These pictures were taken last night- his bedroom was approaching 30C, so he spread out to get the best advantage of the air from the fan. It's such a male look with his hands down his pants, however the mouth wide open is more like me.

Going to the Zoo

Off to the zoo again on a nice sunny day. Reuben is loving it more and more. He was transfixed by the giraffes ("so high!") and loves the cow (AKA Miss Moo). I included the picture Mike took of the dead Tapirs suffering from swine flu.

Silly George!

Reuben has a book about a silly dog who like to have fun when he is getting dressed. He puts socks on his ears, a hat on his tail, jeans on his arms etc. Reuben came up to us the other night, wearing a pilfered pair of Ashleigh's knickers. Pants on your head? Silly George!

In Daddy's shoes (or socks)

Reuben has just discovered the joy of wearing our shoes. Today he also decided to wear Mike's socks around the house. He thought it was pretty funny.

Outside with Dad

Reuben loves to work outside with Dad. He has great fun helping to mow the lawn and getting dirty and wet. He also loves to be pushed around in the wheel barrow, throwing out balls as he travels around the backyard.

Working outside

Today Reuben was outside helping Dad with various chores. He had his worker overalls on and lion gumboots which helps when lifting and fixing things. Reuben would bring me interesting tools to look at in between saying 'bye bye' to every plane that went over.

Sweating in the Solomons

We have just recently got back from our holiday in the Solomon Islands. We had a fantastic time, Reuben especially. He seemed to thrive in the hot, humid weather and went naked whenever he could. We did a lot of scuba diving and we left Reuben with various people we met along the way. At one stage we dropped him and the nanny (Mary) off at a deserted island, did the dive and met them there for lunch. After a few more dives, we would leave him with someone who took him back to their village and he spent the day playing with other children, going to church and eating coconut biscuits.

Reuben has been a dream traveller and has encouraged us to keep looking for that ideal place in the sun to live!

Blowing Bubbles

Reuben has become very anti- shower lately and only likes to have a bath. He's been having a great time blowing bubbles in the bath and just chatting away to himself.

Goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Today we took Reuben to the zoo again. He has changed so much since Australia Day, when we last took him. This time he could walk everywhere and he also stated to appreciate the animals- especially the cows! He spent a lot of time peering through fences and chatting to himself. Another highlight was eating an ice block which he got all over himself and us in the process.

I can walk!

Reuben has taken off over the last few weeks. He thinks it's a great game to pick something up and show me as well as running off with his latest treasure. This can be anything from the phone to a tissue.

Australia Day

Today we spent Australia Day at the Zoo. Reuben had a great time growling at cows and checking out the lions. After we got home, Reuben showed no sign of wanting a sleep because it was too hot. We put him in his pool and he had a great time splashing away as well as getting stuck into our sole surviving pot plant.

Survival of the fittest

Yesterday was a potential day for tragedy.

Reuben and Spaz have long since had a tenuous relationship- Reuben tries to pat Spaz (the cat) and she swipes him in return. Generally, Spaz just avoids Reuben but sometimes she just can't help herself and she lashes out.

Spaz upped the level of violence yesterday by going for Reuben's eye. I found Reuben sobbing with his hands over his face on the floor. When I checked him, he had blood running down his face which looked horrifying. Luckily she had missed his eye and whilst Reuben looks a bit bashed, he was fine in a couple of minutes.

The same can't be said for Spaz though. She is very aware that she's on death row. Mike ran around the house trying to catch her and I think if she was caught, then she would have lost all 9 of her lives.

As a result, Spaz has a restraining order taken out against her and so will no longer be living with us.

It was a very scary day for us and once again I realise just how protective I am regarding my little boy.

I am now 1.

Reuben has finally hit the milestone of 1 year old. So much has happened since his last blog. Reuben has stood by himself and has even taken a few steps!

We spent a great week in Port Lincoln and I think that all the exercise and activity has really given him a boost. Reuben climbed over everything- tractors, chairs, people and playgrounds. He has also come back really brown.