Look Mum! No hands!
I’m still trying to convince TJ to investigate regular-style crawling. . . with little success (it’s meant to be great for coordination, or I wouldn’t care – he’s happy, and it doesn’t change how much I have to carry him), but technically this is more exciting, since the day TJ can walk to the car and climb in himself is a glorious day for my back.
Also, fun for all (incidentally, that’s my babysitter in the “slacker” T-shirt – make of that what you will).
Best Playgrounds in Canberra
Earlier this year (and adding to previous experience) I set out to become the world expert on Canberra playgrounds. I think I succeeded, and I have the travel articles to prove it. First, a not-very-plausible Tour of Canberra (seriously, all of it) through playgrounds. It really does work for seeing all Canberra’s best bits in a single day, and it involves art, science, culture, history, and music! 
Secondly, the best ten playgrounds rated – by imaginative fun, parental seating, safety, toilet facilities, fatal flaws, likelihood of crowding, and more! I write a LOT of travel articles. These two are the best by far, hence being put on the blog. Louisette’s godmother saw the Epic Tour and said she’d like to attempt it! I’ll let you know how far we get before Louisette begs to go home 🙂 
NB These picture are the property of WeekendNotes.
Nap
Always a crowd-pleaser.
Thing are extremely exciting in TJ-land. I was so excited about the Cotter River I forgot to post TJ having fun on the Cotter Playground slide (above).
In the last week he’s been all about movement. If we hadn’t child-proofed ages ago, we’d need to do it IMMEDIATELY. As it is, we need to re-establish some old habits – like closing doors – and teach them to Louisette too (luckily she’s got that toddler-OCD door-closing habit already). He can get anywhere he wants on hands and knees (still in that funny caterpillar-humping movement). His knees have been visibly red 24-7 for days, and he and Louisette “race” across the kitchen, laughing maniacally. When she hides, he finds her! He’s also started walking forwards (with hands held) very enthusiastically and quite fast.
In the last 24 hours, he’s (just) pulled himself into a standing position, and (just) stood independently (for a max of about three seconds, after careful placement and balancing).
Felicity Banks 