We wish you a merry christmas

We have survived another christmas! Last year, the most difficult thing about christmas was James. This year the easiest thing about christmas was James. He got over his cold several days ago. The rest of the family (including grandparents) have been suffering with colds and sinus infections for more than a week.


















We still had a fun time on christmas day at the farm and on boxing day with nanna and grandpops. James had a lovely time unwrapping his presents and has been thoroughly spoiled by his adoring grandparents. Here he is playing with his new car and quadbike. He truely is the happiest giggliest loveliest boy I have ever met.

Like father like son

The way things are going, the nursery will soon have to buy a new accident book. For the second day running James has come home with an injury - evidenced by the blood smeared all over his top. Today he fell head first into the toy box and bashed his mouth. He's now fully recovered and very pleased with the little red car that he found in his party bag from nursery.

Happy birthday James!

Incredibly, a year has passed since Lionel bump transformed into baby James. Our little boy is growing up. Here is a quick recap of his first year.

12th December 2005














January 2006

















February 2006

















March 2006

















April 2006

















May 2006

















June 2006

















July 2006

















August 2006

















September 2006

















October 2006














November 2006

















12th December 2006

A double dunking

On Sunday 10th December, James and I were baptised. James delighted the congregation with his winning smile and loved being the centre of attention. It was great to have so many friends to support us on this memorable day. Photos to follow...

Cake and carols

Today we went to a carol service for very small people at our church. James had a great time with his hareem from babies club. Here he is with Agnes tucking into a plateful of biscuits, crisps and mince pies.

This time last year...

...James was in here and due to arrive in the world. Little did I know that I had another ten days to wait.















This is James after his bath today, one year later, showing off the size of his tummy.

Baby walking

Over the last couple of days James had been charging around the place with great confidence using his baby walker. The happy face lasts only until he drives into something that won't budge, and then his world comes to an end.

From Kent to the Kentmere Horseshoe.

After a quick dash (6 hrs) up the motorway I arrived at the new Lake District base camp and my sherpa awaiting with a hot drink. After a few hours sleep we got into the yakmobile and were transported to the end of civilisation at the start of the Kentmere Himilayas. Off we trundled up, up and forever up. Eventually the view of our route came into sight and the realisation that we wouldn't be back in time to watch Robin Hood on Saturday night.As we travelled higher we met the snow and had some awesome views until the cloud came in, the wind picked up and it started snowing hard in the wind and our faces.












It was a long walk that was planned over the two days so we decided to yomp on until late but by now the temperature had dropped to "rather chilly" and the wind chill was forecast as -13 degrees brass monkeys. We dropped down off the top (deliberately) and found ourselves a campsite with a brilliant view (see below).




After pitching the wigwam tent and having a cup of tea we soon realised that the ground sheet leaked like a sieve. After a good dinner, another cup of tea and then another we soon realised that the wind had picked up and the ground sheet was now like a water bed. A good dinner and the prospect of snow during night helped us forget the cold.















After eating and more tea there was nothing else for it but to get the sleeping bags out and hope for snow in the morning. And as if by magic.....














We started walking with a cup of tea in our hand and soon found deeper snow and great views.

















Evenetually we found the top and started the long plod back to base camp following our fence as the guide. A top fun weekend and the first snow of the season found and played in.

From here to maternity

Today was Charlotte's last day at work. Here she is surrounded by balloons and baby things strung from the ceiling in the office. I hope you get a decent break before the happy event Lotty! We will all miss you lots, but especially me.

Noses

Today at Grandma and Grandpa's I made a discovery. I think God must have designed fingers especially for noses as mine fits up there perfectly.

My first week at nursery

I went to nursery this week for the first time. On Thursday and Friday I stayed all day and this is what I made. On my first day I did hand and foot painting and made this book so that mummy and daddy can read what I do each day. Yesterday I did a nice picture for mummy with crayons, and I made a poppy from card and tissue paper.

Beautiful walks and awsome views

Maisie dog looking elegant in the woods outside Jon and Hannah's house















Rydal water













...with Mummy












...and Daddy













A boys trip round the Helvellyn horseshoe in the early morning sunshine.

































Reflections on Ullswater












Thanks to Ivor, Bex, Molly, Jon, Hannah and Daniel for a lovely week. And to Chris who joined us for the weekend. Despite all being ill at some point (although Ivor waited until he got home) it was a great holiday and we look forward to enjoying many more.

Playtime and new moves

James had lots of nice playtimes with his friend Molly and cousin Daniel.
Here is James having a ride on a trundle courtesy of his surfer dude cousin, followed by a bit of cousinly loving. I wonder how long we will be blessed with magic moments such as these..










And here is Molly being treated to bathtime with the boys - looks like she is enjoying herself don't you think?

Here is James snuggled up in his winter woollies knitted by Nanna. It has been a week of progress for James. He has slept well, eaten well, learned to climb up and down stairs, and taken his first few steps aided with a baby walker.

Sunday lunch

After a delicious sunday lunch at Jon and Hannah's, we all went for a stroll up Gummers How ...actually, for Daniel and Chris it was more of a spin.