Happy Birthday, December 2027

Malia Newman has passed the 12-week mark on her pregnancy so she and Greg have told their closest ones that they're expecting. Iona couldn't be more excited - she's going to get two new siblings this year!

Does it matter

Round 17: November 2027

Greg Newman is 34, Malia is 31, Briony is 3, Rhea is 2 and Iona Fielding is 15.

Narrated by Greg.

Iona's such a big help when she's living with us. She's really into cooking so she's more than happy to get up early in the morning and cook breakfast before going to school. It's also nice to have an extra pair of hands with Briony and Rhea. Iona adores all of her little sisters and she's so excited about Erin's pregnancy.

We watch the stars

Round 17: November 2027

Alexander and Bobbie Greene are 76, Patsy and Camryn are 36, Mia is 13 and  Hanna and Jared are 6

(Liam is 15 and Kyra is 13)

Narrated by Mia.

My parents are really supportive about my art but at the same time they're on my back about being more active and spending time outdoors. Painting just makes me so happy that I don't really want to do anything else on my free time. But it's not like I bury myself in my room all the time. I do spend time with my family, we're just interested in different things.

Happy Birthday, November 2027

Erin and Toby Parker are thrilled to be able to finally tell everyone about Erin's pregnancy now that she has passed 12 weeks. 4-year-old Naomi is very excited about becoming a big sister. The baby is due in May 2028.

Erin still can't help but worry a little after the devastating miscarriage she suffered just last December. She is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure this pregnancy goes smoothly so she is planning to talk to her boss about doing less hours at the office.


Notes:

• Yay, a baby for Erin and Toby! I'm going to take very good care of Erin because I don't want a repetition of what happened with her last pregnancy.

Everybody breaks

Round 17: October 2027

Tina Robinson is 39, Tim is 6 and Michael is 3.

Narrated by Tina.

Kurt passed away last December and it hasn't been easy for anyone of us to get used to the fact that he's not here. I took some time off work both for my own and the boys' sake but at least to me getting back to our normal daily routines has helped dealing with the grief. Obviously the boys are still so small that even Tim barely understands the concept of someone dying but as time has gone by they both have started to understand that their dad isn't coming back.

Happy now

Round 17: September 2027

Sara Midlock is 18.

(Emily and Frieda are 19.)

Narrated by Sara Midlock.

I feel like I'm more used to the gruelling schedule now than I was during my first semester. I used to be totally exhausted every night but I've worked out a system that works for me. After our midday practise I often come back to the dorm, get some lunch and take a nap.

Stargazing

Round 17: September 2027

Aaron Hayes, Emily Midlock and Frieda Robinson are 19.

(Sara is 18.)

Narrated by Aaron.

I don't have any sisters so I wasn't really prepared to all the aspects of living with girls. I mean, I thought pillow fights only happened in movies but I've witnessed Emily and Frieda having pillow fights in their underwear at least twice. Whenever I catch them they just laugh and ask me to join them!