More firsts for Isobel this week, particularly with her first Christmas Day on Monday. Normally we'd do presents after lunch, but we moved the 'opening ceremony' to the morning to make best use of her good humour after waking up and having a feed.

Santa brought some more rattles and things to chew on, including a set of plastic beads which have become a new favourite - just the right size for her little hands to grab, and small enough to fit her jaws around. She also received a couple of Fisher Price toys - a Laugh & Learn Puppy, a Drop & Roar Dinosaur and some more Roll A Rounds, as well as some more clothes and books from relatives back in Australia. The puppy was a real challenge to wrap up, as it kept chatting away from beneath the paper while we were taping it up - very disconcerting to hear a disembodied voice from under the tree!

Her vocalisation is still growing - many more funny squeals, and she's discovering volume can get her some attention! We were also treated to her first laugh this week, after bouncing her gently up and down on one knee - a huge grin and a little giggle, but it's a rare treat so far! She's also reaching out for toys now, and will take her beads from Mummy or Daddy's hand if they're held a few inches away. We've also noticed her toy frog is being ejected from the car seat when we're out and about - not sure if she's playing pick-up with us already, but we haven't put it past her.

Bit of a novelty to watch the start of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after Christmas lunch! Andy outdid himself with spicy chicken and roast veg for lunch, and then Australian lamb chops for dinner. Even splashed out and had a glass of wine ... one glass only for me, however! Andy was disappointed the Test only lasted three days, but was glad to watch Warne get his 700th wicket.

We didn't have a white Christmas, but we did get another snowfall late in the evening on Boxing Day - we would have missed it if I hadn't looked out the window after putting Isobel to bed that night. We spent another hour or so taking photos of our Christmas lights in the snow from our guest room window. Andy also got up early the next day to get some outside shots of the house before everything melted - but it's been so cold since then we still have a little snow in the back yard tonight.

It's also been interesting to watch the memorials this week after the death of President Gerald Ford - presidential funerals are still a pretty rare event. All the news stations are showing speeches from the funeral at the moment - a fairly sombre end to the year.

Speaking of which, we can't believe how quickly this year has flown - Isobel is nearly four months old already, and Andy heads back to work next week. We probably won't make a big fuss for New Year's Eve, but we'll catch the fireworks at the Space Needle on telly again.

Happy New Year, everyone!