celebration

This year Christmas was a pretty quiet event, just the three of us and Uncle Marci. We tried to keep the present frenzy at a minimum, considering Zoe doesn´t really get the whole concept yet, but of course we did end up giving and getting way more than necessary. Thanks, everyone. Zoe´s favourite bit about the evening was unwrapping the presents - for once she was allowed to tear bundles of paper to shreds without being told off. And she really dug the sofa she got from Marc, which has turned into one of her favourite hang-out spots during the day.

who´s louder?

well, there can be no question about that - zoe wins hands down. she has got to be not only one of the noisiest little girl around but her shrieks, squeals and screams easily reach blood-curdling levels. hmm, wonder who she got that from.

zoe at the zoo

Zoe went to the zoo for the first time. After having seen all kinds of animals in her books, we thought we´d show her some real ones. And she was mighty impressed, especially by the gorillas and the elephants. Not sure what she thought of those huge creatures but she was pointing her finger at them and exclaiming loudly non-stop. Now we just have to teach her that not all animals mooo. Sydney´s Taronga Zoo is about as nice as they come if you like zoos. The animals have at least a bit of space, they put on some good shows and the views of Sydney Harbour are stunning. This picture is from the cable car that takes you to the top of the zoo - from where you can lazily stroll down.

oma is in town

Zoe´s Oma Birgit has braved the 24-hour flight marathon to visit us in Sydney. She´s been great dealing with Zoe and has been extremely helpful in Vivien´s two busiest work weeks in years. Oma loves our back yard, also because it is the only place where she´s allowed to smoke, so a lot of Zoe´s playtime has moved outdoors. When she´s not making a splash in that little pool she´s rapidly outgrowing, she is busy exploring the nooks and crevices of the yard or trying to scale the stairs to our back door, ensuring that Oma is on her feet most of the time. The weather has been so-so over the past week, with a scorching 33-degree day followed by a temperature plunge to 18 degrees accompanied by wind and rain.

music to your ears, well jens's at least

i'd have to be one of the least jealous people you'll come across, however, i have a small confession to make.... admittedly it is oh so cute and the first few hundred times it even brought a smile to my face as well but this has gone on long enough. the word that zoe spends most of her day saying and the reply to my utterances of 'mama' are 'PAPA'. and mind you its not just any old 'papa' its a loving, syrupy, boardering on too melodramatic rendition thereof. so my plea to you is that at every chance you have i ask you to mention the word 'mama' and preferrably in relation to excellent, the best, wonderful, heaps better than papa!