Sunday, April 29, 2007

Italian job

Gala night at amazing venue by lake. I've discovered a taste for champagne, it was served every night! Anyway I'll be good now.
Our sixties outfits!


We have just come back from a wonderful short break in Lago Maggiore-Italy and have got some lovely photo's to show you. Chris had a Spar conference and I was the fortunate lady who was allowed to accompany him! It was more a holiday than a conference but Chris will probably tell you it was hard work! Well the pictures tell you enough I think. We had to dress up for a sixties night as you can see and I think the Italians thought we were a bit crazy. They are not familiar with these themed parties on the continent!

latest bump

This is baby Blake at 27 weeks. Growing well as you can see!

wedding bells



Well, Im sure our loyal blog readers are pleased with today writings as we have lots to share, in contrast to the quieter weeks we have had before. I am not quite in league with my brother Aad's blog but I will try to be a bit more regular from now. First of all just want to share a picture of my lovely friend Victoria's wedding on the 24th March. We had a great day and they are a gorgeous couple. They are living in Manchester so we look forward to get to know Dan more. Victoria and I will still hang out together as girlies but she's no longer one but two!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

bump inside and out



After some literally quiet weeks from baby blake another great highlight for us this week with the 20 week scan. How amazing was that! Baby is growing well and we had lots of fun watching him or her on screen. The sonographer measured long legs and a full stomach, so its definitely taking after its parents with our length and good appetite! I think baby had a growth spurt in the last 2 weeks because my bump has suddenly appeared as you can see! I can’t believe I am still only feeling baby move about once a day the way it was kicking on the scan! Anyway it is a lovely feeling when it does move and I know it will soon be very active!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Unicef report

Just thought I'd share an interesting article I read in the paper this week (The Independant, 14/2/07). This international Unicef report has examined six categories ( Happiness, family&friendships, education, health&safety, poverty&inequality and sex, drink and drugs) for young people's physical and emotional well-being. Don't want to boast or anything but it showed that Holland came top out of 21 countries and unfortunately the UK came bottom! The paper headlines said: Britain's children: unhappy, neglected and poorly educated. It is quite a wake-up call to parents and politicians as considering England is one of the most wealthy economies in the world, we are not doing a very good job in looking after our children. So what's Hollands' secret? ''Let them be free''! Apparently we play more when english children are already learning grammar or doing homework. Is it the maximum freedom, minimum responsibility approach? The paper articles say its down to the child-centred dutch society. Family relationships are generally open and good and children are happy and well-adjusted. I must say, I love the way I used to play outside in safe roads, eat 3 meals per day at the kitchen table with my family, discussing our daily issues and not feeling under pressure to do drink, drugs or sex.
So what am I doing here in England! Well, lets begin with trying to be more salt and light in my little world and if we all start making a difference, England will become a better place don't you think!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Heartbeat

Yesterday we listened to our babies heartbeat for the first time! In the morning at work I mentioned to my colleagues that I hadn't had a listen yet and it was about time! Subsequently they got me on the floor to have a look at my tiny bump and listen to baby blake's heartbeat. Its something we do every day but it doesn't compare with hearing my own baby! Anyway, back home that night I had to bring my sonicaid (the little machine we use to hear the heartbeat) in of course so Chris could have a listen too. Well it was quite an emotional experience and we are quite amazed by all these baby highlights. Despite being a midwife I am certainly no less excited or impressed by these things. Apart from taking till 16 weeks to finally have a listen myself!
As I mentioned I now have a very tiny bump but too early to put on show yet! However I am sure it won't be long now for those who are in eager expectation!