The big day...big school starts for Amy

Today my little girl started big school. She looked so cute in her school uniform, and when the teacher took her hand she willingly went with her. I had such a proud moment watching her walk off into this new phase of her life. As for the school, it was the first time I had seen the classroom and I am SO impressed...man alive...a public school in SA would not be able to compete with this. When we came to fetch her later, we had a little chat with the teacher. Amy had been fine most of the day, but when recess came she became overwhelmed by the large amount of children and started crying. Her teacher was on playground duty so she saw her and comforted her. I have also spent a lot of time with her today talking to her about it. She is a talker like her mom...needs to go over it again and again to work through it. She also said it was too long....and yes 9am -3h30 does seem very long...but it is an adjustment for us all I guess. She has not said she hates it...but I think we may have a bit tougher time tomorrow when we leave. Will have to let the teacher know she needs a lot of reassurance. She cannot get to sleep tonight, keeps calling me in tearfully saying she is worried that she will miss mommy and daddy cos the day is too long

On the other side of the spectrum is my son Dan, who was devastated that he could not join Amy in prep. Not because he is attached to being by her side...but because it looked like so much fun. He was dragged out of her school kicking and screaming...so delightful. Anyways...on that topic. I have been trying to find him a kinder. A lot of them have no space. One I called kept saying they would come back to me and didn't. So I called them, and then went to have a look. Before I got there I was sure I would take the space they had. But then we got there...and you know when you get that uneasy feeling...and you try and push it down. He was happy enough, running off to play. But the owner/manager seemed very disorganised and could not even tell us the price!! I filled out the form to enrol him...but when we left there I called another nursery school I had seen and asked to visit. What a polar opposite...clean, orderly, structured. They focus on teaching them not only normal work but also good behaviour in appropriate place...eg the library etc. The time and place for things etc. I really really loved it there. MUCH more expensive, but I feel better about this place. So then I had the hard task of calling the other woman and telling her Dan would not be coming to her school...argh...I hate doing that, but it had to be done.

Otherwise, we registered for Tax, we did our Medicare today, we bought Myki cards for Melbourne public transport, did some more "seek"ing. Did some more grocery shopping, did washing and drying and cleaning etc. I feel like we have achieved a huge amount of things in a very short space of time and I am proud of that, but also am feeling very much exhausted and washed out now.

I really am starting to pine for our stuff now...I feel like I am nesting in our rental...but without our stuff my nesting is stunted! Container tracker says it is due to arrive in port on the 18/02. Who knows how long it will be in customs. I seriously want my stuff now...sigh.

On the weekend we went to the beach in St Kilda. We of course would choose the St Kilda festival weekend to do that...so it was hectically busy...but the kids had a ball and we all had a good relaxing time there. Beach is perfect for children! No major waves, just gentle ripples...perfect! Then on the Sunday we were invited to have a breakfast bbq at Albert Park. I had not met either of the couples there before, was introduced by my cousin over FB. But they were kind enough to include us and we had a lovely morning with them. In the afternoon we went to an aquatic centre just down the road, again kids had a blast. Was a good weekend.

Shame...my Amy has called me crying again, saying she is too worried to sleep...cos she will miss mommy and daddy...breaks my heart man!!!

Welcome to OZ!

What a crazy couple of days it has been...got back from Austria, then rushed off to Umhlanga for a few days with my family. Then back for 1 night and off to Australia.

The goodbyes to family and friends were by far the hardest thing in this whole process. So hard to say goodbye to someone you love without knowing when exactly you will see each other again. Been a long time since I shed so many tears.

The flights were a tad turbulent. Kids were good as usual...but we hit some really bumpy spots which left me praying fervently and gripping the armrest with my nails. A misty windy landing in Sydney, a crazy dash through customs with our 8 giant bags and 7 small hand luggage bags and 2 whiney children...our flight was already delayed and then we still needed to catch a connecting flight. Was a bit rushed but we made it.

Upon arriving in Melbourne, we caught a taxi to our hotel. Then we had to look for dinner and went for a walk into what seemed like the Asian quarter...lots of lovely Chinese and Vietnamese restuarants etc. Lovely vibe and good (expensive) food. That night we slept...fitfully...woke up at 2 am wide awake. The only one who slept through was Dan.

The next day was a blur...caught a taxi to our apartment, got the keys, tried to unpack. Went out shopping for appliances and a bed...the kids were a nightmare!! Cannot blame them when they were not only jet lagged but bored and in need of a good run around to get rid of energy. They focused that energy on competing between them for the worst behaved child in the store. Was honestly embarrassed...they have never been so crazy. Finally made it back to our new home. Last night we finished unpacking and got some better sleep thank goodness.

Today we received all our appliances and our queen bed...that was a story in itself. The base of the bed was too big to fit in the narrow stairwell...delivery guys ended up leaving it downstairs while we figured out what to do. Finally, C and I bought some rope and between the 2 of us we hauled the base up onto the outside balcony. We are on the 3rd floor! But we got that base up here...and now we have a wonderful bed instead of an air mattress! Yay for better sleep!

We also popped by to Amy's school. She will be starting on Monday. Looks like a lovely place! We will be going uniform shopping on Saturday! My little girl is growing up :(

Finally at 6pm after a quick dinner of 2 min noodles, we took the kiddies to a little park near us. Played there for a while and then took a walk around a block or two. Kids loved it and it was good to have some relaxing time.

So far we are loving it here. Quite something to find the shops we need etc. But having a good time exploring. We have not yet met 1 person who has not been friendly and helpful. I find Aussies to be really wonderful welcoming people...really appreciate that.

Tomorrow we look for a Kindy for Dan and try find a car to buy to replace our rental. Another crazy day ahead.

Love Australia :)