Bella's first twelve months

Well, here I am. The biggest surprise packet in Mum and Dads life. I've noticed my big sister has something like this so I thought I'd copy. This is me only a few days old next to my very own bear. As each month goes by, i'll try and get Dad to update my progress like he did for Charli.

My how quick a month goes. Here I am at one month old. Not a great deal has changed - I've grown and put on a bit of weight but am still in the 25th percentile so have a little way to go. I don't think this will be a problem though as I do love my food!!

Well, here I am again, another month has passed and many two hourly feeds later, I've managed to get my weight up. I'm starting to give smiles now that aren't always cos' I need to fart, and even seem to be recognising my name. My big sister has even stopped poking at me (most of the time). We move into a new house over the next few days so that will be fun and in the mean time I'm going to keep eating and growing big and strong.

Yes, I'm three months old now and the world seems a different place everyday.... Mummy and Daddy have discovered something called a ticklish spot - it seems to be between the top of my head and the bottom of my feet. Not much to report this month, I'm starting to make noises and babble a bit but am a long way from beating Charli... Daddy says sorry the image is a bit blurry - I wouldn't sit still for him this month

Well here I am at four months old.. In the last month I've had my first hospital visit (RSV and bronchilitis), I have my own cot as i was popping out of the bassinette and am eating like a horse and growing well because of it...

Okay, so I'm five months now and becoming more vocal. I love attention though it can be a bit difficult with my big sister demanding it a bit too, and especially love when people talk to me. I'm still only on the bot-bot but am watching mummy and daddy eating that solid stuff so will be ready for it when I turn six months old..

Yes, it's that time again. I'm now 6 months old and growing all the time.. I love my "food" though not real keen on that stuff mummy and daddy call "solids" usually creating wonderful art works on the floor, couch or mummy or daddy (even uncle Jason wore my work). At six months I weigh a little over 8kgs and am 67 cms in length, a little taller than Charli was at the same age.
The last few weeks haven't been the best for me health wise with that bronchiolitis (sic) rearing its head and almost turning into pnuemonia but a quick dose of 'roids and I'm all good now - though am now growing hair on my back (go figure).

Guess what? I'm 7 months old now and quite easily in the 90th percentiles for height and weight. I'm not really into solids as yet so heaven help mum, dad, Charli and the scales when I do start to eat them. I've got to be watched closely now as I'm rolling around from front to back and vica verca and sitting up unassisted. Still very quiet unless I'm hungry or tired, otherwise you don't usually hear from me though I have started to make conversation.

Time has flown since my last post - and i'm 8 months old now. I'm eating like a horse now (no, not eating hay), with two or three jars of food being accompanied by bottles and anything I can reach that's edible. I'm able to stand and support my own weight but thats when someone picks me up and puts me that way, otherwise I roll all around the floor.

Wow doesn't time fly - I'm nine months old now and life is pretty good. I'm loving my solid food now and am making pretty strong movements to crawl (and even walk sometimes). As you can see from my photo, I'm a pretty happy bub, and am really looking forward to my first Christmas.. whatever that is. this is a typical attempt from me of crawling - more like rolling at present - please forgive the carpet and my missing sock - it is one of my latest tricks

Yes, it's true! I'm now ten months old, and what a fascinating last month it has been for me.. I've experienced my first Christmas where there were lots of shiny colourful things under a big shiny colourful thing and I got to make a mess. I went up the river for something called New Years - not sure what all the fuss was about that, I was asleep by 8pm, I'm crawling like a demon and pulling myself up and walking with the assistance of furniture - or even a walker AND I've got two teeth. Big month for me!

Introducing Anabella Grace Murdoch

It is with much joy and happiness that we introduce our second gorgeous daughter, Anabella Grace. Bella arrived at 8.50am on Wednesday 12 March at Burnside Hospital. Bella weighed 2.8kg, a bit smaller than her sister Charlotte and lost almost 10% during her hospital stay. Unfortunately this meant mum and dad and big sister missed out on a luxury weekend at the Hyatt, vetoed by the Paediatrican but that was fine as it was too hot to move anyway. We are pleased that at last count Bella weighed in at a healthy 3.3kg and judging by the way she loves her food we are expecting another decent weight gain this week.

Charlotte is enthralled by her little sister and doesn't want to leave her alone, we think she is a bit impatient and wants Bella to play with her now. Otherwise she has been a wonderful big sister and even helps pat Bella's back at burp time.

The Murdoch household feels very complete now and very busy with not much sleep happening at night. We are estatic with our little brood and look forward to giving you regular updates as our darling little princesses continue to grow.