Rory - I am so glad that he will be home for pressie opening. Chelsea was beside herself with excitement last year so its bound to be more exciting for her this year! And Marley will be able to rip open everything. He worked last year but only for 4 hours in the afternoon, which was what he was hoping for this year. I will be making sure they don't roster him on next xmas! How are you travelling? I can't believe you are so close.

Tali - that is so sweet of the kids to ask Santa to send their daddy home early! I shouldn't be the one complaining, you should be. At DH's work they usually get the younger/single ones to do the early or late shifts, but for some reason this year, they are letting too many take holidays and they need to make sure they have a senior person on too, so DH fills that spot. As Maya said, keep talking to him about it, but keep the conversation light and relaxed. Hopefully he will relax enough to talk to you about it a little more.

Amanda - great the move went well, see you back online soon (hopefully!!)

Maya - so glad to hear you are feeling better. Some dad's really do miss out alot with their jobs. I hope my kids don't remember too many times that their dad isn't home for xmas. Times like this I really hate his job! I think an election party sounds like a great idea, you have to find someway to make the night interesting lol!

We have had a busy weekend. Dinner at one of Chelsea's kinder friends house, it was a great night and the kids really enjoyed themselves. DH worked today so I took the girls to my brothers and they played with the cousins. Marley is starting to say a few more words, some don't make much sense to me but she knows what she is saying and gets very annoyed at me when I don't know what she means!! My SIL is taking part in a study on language development with the Royal Children's Hospital (her DD is 14mths old) and it sounds really interesting.

Trying for an early night (well this is early for me LOL!) tonight, so best get myself off to bed!