Pirate ships and pick-up trucks

Sometimes it feels like my day is a neverending game of hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo. And it's a lot of fun! Daniel is growing up, communicating more and finding life enthralling.
Yesterday he discovered a run-down, abandoned black ute (pick-up truck) behind our house. One of the wheels was broken, but we made do. When I drove it over to him he was so excited and cruised around it, sat in it, smiled non-stop and made appropriate driving noises. This morning it was parked outside our front path and his huge grin brought me such joy! We also played with our 3yr old neighbour Rick, who was very patient and sharing with Daniel. I'm spending much more time outdoors with Daniel, and he thrives in the big, wide (sunny) world. Here are some pics below.

Job Interview

I had a job interview today, at a private girls' school. The position was for Coordinator of Information Technology, looking at technology integration into other subject areas. I got all dressed up in my new outfit (emergency shopping on Sunday and Monday as my body has a new 'shape'), caught the bus to the school, and had a 25 min interview with a panel of 4. Fortunately it wasn't as scary as I'd anticipated. I've had lots of people pray for me, and although I was nervous, I didn't feel any pressure, for which I'm thankful. Dana and Clay were kind enough to look after Daniel for me, as Nathan is in classes morning and afternoon for the next 2 weeks. I guess I'll know the outcome in a week or two.

Playing in the park

This weekend we had some lovely warm weather, and both Saturday and Sunday Daniel spent about an hour playing outside, soaking in some Vitamin D. He got to use up lots of energy crawling, standing, playing peek-a-boo and pushing around a giant Tonka truck. Here are some photos we took on Saturday.

Haircut

Yes, Daniel has his first 'professional' haircut this week. Just using the clippers, as the hairdresser didn't want to chop off any ears. Nathan took his laptop and played his Baby Einstein DVD from Uncle Josh and Auntie Renae, and although he looked around every time a hairdryer was turned on, there were no casualties!

New Photos

things

I'm not really sure what to write, but I'd noticed that it's been a few weeks since we've written anything. I've been redoing my resume, and am looking into jobs still, and will apply for once next week (even though I'm not sure if I can do/want the job). Nathan is reading and note-taking, but has the flexibility to take time off during the day to help out or do something. Daniel is teething again (#7 and 8, on the bottom), so drooling and snot galore, which is causing him to cough really badly, particularly at night. We're hoping those teeth come through soon!
I found out one of my cousins was in a car crash last Saturday, and is in intensive care. I've heard they planned to start taking him out of his induced coma, but I'm waiting to hear how that's going.

A change of heart

Last night I (Mareesa) got an automated email telling me of some new job offerings at a website I regularly check. I read through the job details - part-time secretarial work, linked to training/education, and nearby. And then I realised that a hint of anticipation and excitement had set in and I no longer loathed the idea of going back to work and not looking after Daniel full-time. It was such a relief, and I know that it has to be God. When I finished university I prayed that he would change my heart, because my practicum experience had left me feeling like I definitely did not want to teach. But he did change my heart, and also led me to the perfect first day experience, only giving me what I needed to know at the right time. And I feel that God is doing it again, and I am thankful for those who are praying for me, and have listened to me worry and complain about needing to work (when so many people I know do work and enjoy it and it doesn't wreck their family). I am still fearful about inadequacy and finance, which makes me want to jump in and apply right now! But I also want to enjoy these last few months with Daniel. Ideally I would start work in August, and I need to leave that in God's hands too.
Recent praise points:

• We received the Australian baby bonus this week (We thought we were ineligible, so this was a suprise!)
• Daniel has slept through to 5.30/6am the last two mornings.
• Nathan has finished the semester! We have loved having him around these last two days :)