Only really to say that everything is going great. The three of us have worked ourselves a little routine and it seems to suit us all. Fi is taking Harry to his Grandparent's place in Spain next week. Sadly I get to stay at home. Don't you just love work?
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Harrison
Here's an updated picture of the boy. People always talk about how kids change from one day to the next. I tell you, it's not until you live with one that you realise how true this really is.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Dyrham Park
Sunday was our first day entirely on our own and it went well.
Even though I need all the sleep I can get at the moment, I decided to get out of bed early to watch the Japanese Grand Prix which turned out to be a fabulous race. Raikkonen was brilliant and Renault should replace Fisichella. I've always thought him overrated anyway.
Late afternoon we went to Dyrham Park with Jess, Marla, Morgan, Madeleine, Jess' Parents and Marla's parents. Quite a gang actually. Although it had been dull all morning, the early evening sun gave me a great opportunity to try out my new camera. This is one of the better ones..
Believe me, there are many more images far worse than this!
Even though I need all the sleep I can get at the moment, I decided to get out of bed early to watch the Japanese Grand Prix which turned out to be a fabulous race. Raikkonen was brilliant and Renault should replace Fisichella. I've always thought him overrated anyway.
Late afternoon we went to Dyrham Park with Jess, Marla, Morgan, Madeleine, Jess' Parents and Marla's parents. Quite a gang actually. Although it had been dull all morning, the early evening sun gave me a great opportunity to try out my new camera. This is one of the better ones..
Believe me, there are many more images far worse than this!
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Another new chapter
We are taking Patsy to the airport today after an extended 1 month stay with us. She has essentially been running our home whilst we look after Harrison, which appears to be a full time job in itself.
From this day forward, we'll have to cope on our own which will no doubt be rewarding and challenging in equal measure.
So a big thankyou to Patsy - she's been a star!
From this day forward, we'll have to cope on our own which will no doubt be rewarding and challenging in equal measure.
So a big thankyou to Patsy - she's been a star!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Parenthood
The statistics read that 3% of babies are delivered on their due date, so it was no surprise that we fell into the 'other' 97%, although only just. Harrison James Clist arrived at 00:10 on September 17th, missing the eta by 10 mins.
The fun and games started around 4am on the 16th. Fi was feeling a bit funny and I engaged 'labour mode' immediately. I'd done this before of course - trying to stay calm whilst remembering everything we were told in the ante-natal classes, but this time it wouldn't be a false alarm. The midwife (Kim) came to the house around 11am and left 30 minutes later with a knowing see-you-later smile. We were instructed to call her back when the contractions got closer together and more intense.
We spent the day knocking around the house, calling Kim once again around 7pm. By this time Fi was in some discomfort. I'd called my parents in the morning, instructing them to make their way up from Cornwall and they got the the RUH in Bath around the same time that we did. Jay, Marie and Fi's parents were also there, waiting in the Family Room.
The next 5 hours were a blur and I didn't really know what to expect. Fi, Kim and I were the only people in the delivery suite for the whole event (there are always 10+ people on TV aren't there?) and there appeared to be no complications at all, although I later learned that the cord was around the little guy's neck. Fi finally got to the ward at 4am, I got home at 4:30 and all three of us got home at 1:30pm the same day. Already I can't remember what life was like before having a child!
I came away with enormous admiration for midwives. Kim was verbally abused for the last two hours, had worked a full day prior to delivering Harrison and worked a full day after. Amazing women and our deepest gratitude is extended to her.
The last 2 weeks have been amazing. We've been quite keen to get on with life as much as possible, and I think we've been reasonably successful. Harrison's settled into a pretty reliable routine, allowing at least some sleep and apart from a couple of grouchy hours every afternoon its fine. Most importantly he appears to be 100% healthy, something for which we must count our blessings. I'll leave you with a picture.
The fun and games started around 4am on the 16th. Fi was feeling a bit funny and I engaged 'labour mode' immediately. I'd done this before of course - trying to stay calm whilst remembering everything we were told in the ante-natal classes, but this time it wouldn't be a false alarm. The midwife (Kim) came to the house around 11am and left 30 minutes later with a knowing see-you-later smile. We were instructed to call her back when the contractions got closer together and more intense.
We spent the day knocking around the house, calling Kim once again around 7pm. By this time Fi was in some discomfort. I'd called my parents in the morning, instructing them to make their way up from Cornwall and they got the the RUH in Bath around the same time that we did. Jay, Marie and Fi's parents were also there, waiting in the Family Room.
The next 5 hours were a blur and I didn't really know what to expect. Fi, Kim and I were the only people in the delivery suite for the whole event (there are always 10+ people on TV aren't there?) and there appeared to be no complications at all, although I later learned that the cord was around the little guy's neck. Fi finally got to the ward at 4am, I got home at 4:30 and all three of us got home at 1:30pm the same day. Already I can't remember what life was like before having a child!
I came away with enormous admiration for midwives. Kim was verbally abused for the last two hours, had worked a full day prior to delivering Harrison and worked a full day after. Amazing women and our deepest gratitude is extended to her.
The last 2 weeks have been amazing. We've been quite keen to get on with life as much as possible, and I think we've been reasonably successful. Harrison's settled into a pretty reliable routine, allowing at least some sleep and apart from a couple of grouchy hours every afternoon its fine. Most importantly he appears to be 100% healthy, something for which we must count our blessings. I'll leave you with a picture.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
5 Days...
The excitement is building here in Clist Towers with the due date just 5 days away. Actually, perhaps anticipation is a better term to describe the feeling. I'm almost entirely pre-occupied with Fi and baby-to-be, as it could happen any time now. Thankfully the cricket grabs my attention from time to time.
Patsy is now staying with us and my Mum is staying with Jay and Marie. Both of them are staying in Bath for a finite period of time, so I do hope the baby can be a good lad and arrive on time. I would be unfortunate for him to arrive a day or two before everyone needs to go home again.
Fi is begining to find things a little uncomfortable now, but I suppose at 39 weeks what do you expect? She's not the first woman to ever be pregnant and she certainly won't be the last. In a couple of years, I'm sure she'll be more than happy to go through it all again.
More news as it happens.
Patsy is now staying with us and my Mum is staying with Jay and Marie. Both of them are staying in Bath for a finite period of time, so I do hope the baby can be a good lad and arrive on time. I would be unfortunate for him to arrive a day or two before everyone needs to go home again.
Fi is begining to find things a little uncomfortable now, but I suppose at 39 weeks what do you expect? She's not the first woman to ever be pregnant and she certainly won't be the last. In a couple of years, I'm sure she'll be more than happy to go through it all again.
More news as it happens.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
A little over a week
With just a little over a week before Fi's due date, all is relatively quiet on the baby front. We have spent the past few weeks trying to ensure that we are as prepared as we will ever be, finishing touches to the nursery, figuring out how the pram and car seat work, nappy practicing... you know, all the normal new-parent activities. All we can do now is wait.
The storm before the bigger storm starts tomorrow. My parents have been in Calonge with Jim and Patsy for the past week, and they return tomorrow with Patsy in tow. My Mum is hanging around for a couple of weeks and Patsy is here until the end of September. The Grandfathers-to-be are taking a far more relaxed approach to it all. Jim is coming over from Spain on September 14th and my Dad (who's going back to Cornwall on Friday), will drive back to Bath when it's 'appropriate'. Funny chap.
It's my Mum's Birthday tomorrow, so Happy Birthday Mum! 21 again eh?
The storm before the bigger storm starts tomorrow. My parents have been in Calonge with Jim and Patsy for the past week, and they return tomorrow with Patsy in tow. My Mum is hanging around for a couple of weeks and Patsy is here until the end of September. The Grandfathers-to-be are taking a far more relaxed approach to it all. Jim is coming over from Spain on September 14th and my Dad (who's going back to Cornwall on Friday), will drive back to Bath when it's 'appropriate'. Funny chap.
It's my Mum's Birthday tomorrow, so Happy Birthday Mum! 21 again eh?
Thursday, August 18, 2005
I've done this before...
It's happened again. Almost two whole months have gone by since I last posted an update here, and I'm left in a quandary. Either I spend the next 4 hours cataloging the events of the missing eight or so weeks, or I just give you the highlights..... I think the latter is the best option don't you?
Right, here we go. London won the Olympics and then was ravished by cowards, we saw the Gipsy Kings live at Dyrham Park, Fi's mother flew in from Spain and decorated the nursery, Fi and I attended all our ante-natal and pregnancy physiotherapy classes and we spent last week in my parents chalet in Cornwall with Jay, Marie, Griff, Rachael and Paul.
You can always rely on me to forget something and this time it was my digital camera. Sadly There are no photographs of Cornwall, so here's one from the Gipsy Kings (seems so long ago!)
Right, here we go. London won the Olympics and then was ravished by cowards, we saw the Gipsy Kings live at Dyrham Park, Fi's mother flew in from Spain and decorated the nursery, Fi and I attended all our ante-natal and pregnancy physiotherapy classes and we spent last week in my parents chalet in Cornwall with Jay, Marie, Griff, Rachael and Paul.
You can always rely on me to forget something and this time it was my digital camera. Sadly There are no photographs of Cornwall, so here's one from the Gipsy Kings (seems so long ago!)
Fi's pregnancy is going perfectly. This morning we had our 36 week appointment with the midwife. As usual Fi had the regular checks, but this time we had to complete a birth plan. Essentially this is just a quick questionnaire about drugs, pain relief, attendees etc... all regarding the birth (obviously). Just seems to bring it all one step closer...
Monday, July 04, 2005
Spain and a couple of Birthdays
As is often the case, a period of inactivity for my blog has been due to a great many things going on in the real world.
It was Fi’s Mum’s Birthday on June 19th and as a surprise we decided to pop over to Calonge and pay a visit. Many thanks must go to Jim for organising (and paying!) for the surprise. He successfully ensured that everyone knew about our trip except Patsy.
It was so good to go back to Spain. Amazingly it was the first time that we had been over since our Christmas trip and we had a great time, although it’s hard not to with beautiful weather, beautiful scenery, a swimming pool and loads of food and drink. It will almost certainly be the only time we’ll be able to go this year. Fi is now 29 weeks pregnant and the airlines start getting twitchy about people flying when this far into a pregnancy. Thankfully though we’ll see Fi’s parents quite a bit more this year.
Fi needed to have the first of fer Anti-D injections at her 28 week midwife appointment. An unpleasantly long needle was used and it didn’t go into her arm. It goes without saying that I had to look away. I’m not a great fan of watching people get ‘stabbed’ as the midwife so eloquently put it. Everything continues to go as planned with the increasingly large bump. Not long now….
It was my 31st Birthday last Thursday and it was a reasonably quiet affair. My parents came up from Cornwall on Thursday and Fi cooked a great dinner for us all. We continued with a Spanish theme on Friday with a lovely meal at La Tasca with the usual gang and then ended it all on Saturday with a trip to see Batman Begins. Incidentally, it’s as good a movie as I’ve seen recently. Finally let me thank everyone once again for their cards and presents. You're all too kind.
Actually, Birthdays are the in thing at the moment. It's Paul and Rach's in the coming week so expect more frivolity.
It was Fi’s Mum’s Birthday on June 19th and as a surprise we decided to pop over to Calonge and pay a visit. Many thanks must go to Jim for organising (and paying!) for the surprise. He successfully ensured that everyone knew about our trip except Patsy.
It was so good to go back to Spain. Amazingly it was the first time that we had been over since our Christmas trip and we had a great time, although it’s hard not to with beautiful weather, beautiful scenery, a swimming pool and loads of food and drink. It will almost certainly be the only time we’ll be able to go this year. Fi is now 29 weeks pregnant and the airlines start getting twitchy about people flying when this far into a pregnancy. Thankfully though we’ll see Fi’s parents quite a bit more this year.
Fi needed to have the first of fer Anti-D injections at her 28 week midwife appointment. An unpleasantly long needle was used and it didn’t go into her arm. It goes without saying that I had to look away. I’m not a great fan of watching people get ‘stabbed’ as the midwife so eloquently put it. Everything continues to go as planned with the increasingly large bump. Not long now….
It was my 31st Birthday last Thursday and it was a reasonably quiet affair. My parents came up from Cornwall on Thursday and Fi cooked a great dinner for us all. We continued with a Spanish theme on Friday with a lovely meal at La Tasca with the usual gang and then ended it all on Saturday with a trip to see Batman Begins. Incidentally, it’s as good a movie as I’ve seen recently. Finally let me thank everyone once again for their cards and presents. You're all too kind.
Actually, Birthdays are the in thing at the moment. It's Paul and Rach's in the coming week so expect more frivolity.
Monday, June 20, 2005
US Grand Prix
As regular readers will know, I am an avid Formula One fan and have been for many years. On the whole I try to keep my views and opinions to myself for they are both strong and controversial, but for once my silence is broken.
Whichever way you look at it, Sunday's race at indianopolis was a complete farce. The world watched a pathetic six car Bridgestone prosession complete the 73 laps whilst the Michelin runners lay dormant in the pits. I'll avoid the in-depth analysis that has gone before on this subject, but the fact is that Michelin advised all teams running it's tyres to not race on safety grounds. The final banked corner was generating too much lateral load in the left rear tyre, causing a failure onRalf Schumacher's Toyota on Friday and potential problems being identified in all Michelin tyres for all teams brought to the circuit for the weekend.
In an attempt to avoid a sporting and commercial disaster, the teams got their heads together to come to a solution. They found one; the Michelin teams would start from the back of the grid and score no points in the Grand Prix regardless of the result, under the proviso that a temporary chicance be built before turn 15. This would slow the cars down sufficiently through the final turn to prevent any potential tyre failure. Not ideal, but there would be a spectacle.
In an alarming display of idiocy, the FIA disagreed with this solution. It appears that the Michelin-shod teams will now be summoned to the FIA for 'Damaging the sport'. What a load of tosh. Nobody can deny that Michelin made a grave mistake with their tyres, but what team would ever allow it's drivers to race when the manufacturer of such a key component advices against it? Who remembers the European Grand Prix? Mclaren came under intense criticism for allowing Raikkonen to continue with a tyre that was clearly at risk of failing. All I ask is for some consistancy.
Max has suggested that the Michelin teams should simply have 'gone slower' through the final corner. Max's single seater racing career was both short and unsuccesful and that's no wonder with this ridiculous notion. How much slower is 'slower'? I don't believe for one second that he was in any position to quantify this. Also, if driver A's interpretation of 'slower' is quicker than driver B's, what is driver B going to do on lap 2? Within 3 laps they'll be going at racing speed.
In my view F1's reputation has been permanently tarnished, especially in the US. Minardi team boss Paul Stoddard (who incidentally runs Bridgestone tyres) has called for Mr. Mosely's resignation. I see no better way for F1 to begin it's recovery.
Whichever way you look at it, Sunday's race at indianopolis was a complete farce. The world watched a pathetic six car Bridgestone prosession complete the 73 laps whilst the Michelin runners lay dormant in the pits. I'll avoid the in-depth analysis that has gone before on this subject, but the fact is that Michelin advised all teams running it's tyres to not race on safety grounds. The final banked corner was generating too much lateral load in the left rear tyre, causing a failure onRalf Schumacher's Toyota on Friday and potential problems being identified in all Michelin tyres for all teams brought to the circuit for the weekend.
In an attempt to avoid a sporting and commercial disaster, the teams got their heads together to come to a solution. They found one; the Michelin teams would start from the back of the grid and score no points in the Grand Prix regardless of the result, under the proviso that a temporary chicance be built before turn 15. This would slow the cars down sufficiently through the final turn to prevent any potential tyre failure. Not ideal, but there would be a spectacle.
In an alarming display of idiocy, the FIA disagreed with this solution. It appears that the Michelin-shod teams will now be summoned to the FIA for 'Damaging the sport'. What a load of tosh. Nobody can deny that Michelin made a grave mistake with their tyres, but what team would ever allow it's drivers to race when the manufacturer of such a key component advices against it? Who remembers the European Grand Prix? Mclaren came under intense criticism for allowing Raikkonen to continue with a tyre that was clearly at risk of failing. All I ask is for some consistancy.
Max has suggested that the Michelin teams should simply have 'gone slower' through the final corner. Max's single seater racing career was both short and unsuccesful and that's no wonder with this ridiculous notion. How much slower is 'slower'? I don't believe for one second that he was in any position to quantify this. Also, if driver A's interpretation of 'slower' is quicker than driver B's, what is driver B going to do on lap 2? Within 3 laps they'll be going at racing speed.
In my view F1's reputation has been permanently tarnished, especially in the US. Minardi team boss Paul Stoddard (who incidentally runs Bridgestone tyres) has called for Mr. Mosely's resignation. I see no better way for F1 to begin it's recovery.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
F1, Cornwall and the Midwife
It’s been little over a week and a half since I last gave an update here and much has happened.
Griff, Paul, Rach and I went to Silverstone to watch the F1 testing a week ago, last Friday. I happened to notice it on the ITV F1 website that all the major teams would be there, the icing on the cake being that it was free. Frantic holiday form filling ensued to see the four of us travel up to Northamptonshire for a fun, free day of F1 action. Needless to say, it was amazing. Back in the day I was quite the F1 attendee but the sport is not what it once was and this was the first time I’d seen the cars in action since 2000. The noise, speed and general atmosphere is something that TV cannot convey, try as they might, and would encourage anyone slightly interested in the sport to take time out to go look for yourselves.
It was a busy Friday as no sooner did I get back from Silverstone, it was time to head to Cornwall. We had been planning to go and see my parents for some time, but amazingly this was to be the first time we’d been down to Hayle in 2005. It was great fun doing absolutely nothing for 2 days.
Last Thursday we went to see the midwife for the 24 week checkup. Fi looks pregnant now rather than fat and little one is kicking quite strongly now. It is time for rhe mess that is our spare-spare room to be transformed into a nursery. It’s quite a nice size for a baby (smallish) and a room we don’t currently use so the disruption should be minimal. Best news is that Fi’s mum is coming over to help decorate it!
Griff, Paul, Rach and I went to Silverstone to watch the F1 testing a week ago, last Friday. I happened to notice it on the ITV F1 website that all the major teams would be there, the icing on the cake being that it was free. Frantic holiday form filling ensued to see the four of us travel up to Northamptonshire for a fun, free day of F1 action. Needless to say, it was amazing. Back in the day I was quite the F1 attendee but the sport is not what it once was and this was the first time I’d seen the cars in action since 2000. The noise, speed and general atmosphere is something that TV cannot convey, try as they might, and would encourage anyone slightly interested in the sport to take time out to go look for yourselves.
It was a busy Friday as no sooner did I get back from Silverstone, it was time to head to Cornwall. We had been planning to go and see my parents for some time, but amazingly this was to be the first time we’d been down to Hayle in 2005. It was great fun doing absolutely nothing for 2 days.
Last Thursday we went to see the midwife for the 24 week checkup. Fi looks pregnant now rather than fat and little one is kicking quite strongly now. It is time for rhe mess that is our spare-spare room to be transformed into a nursery. It’s quite a nice size for a baby (smallish) and a room we don’t currently use so the disruption should be minimal. Best news is that Fi’s mum is coming over to help decorate it!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Griff in a Bog
Here is another picture from our ride on Bank Holiday Monday. Just the other side of a stream, Griff rode into unusually sticky mud. Here is the result!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Bank Holiday Weekend
We've just come out the wrong side of a long Bank Holiday weekend and unusually for Fi and I, we spent it at home.
Saturday night was J and Marie's engagement party at the local pub. Some good food and not so good karaoke saw us into the small hours of Sunday morning. Wedding plans are well on track now. They'll be married in Antigua on April 27th 2006.
Sunday saw the re-incarnation of my mountain biking career.... sort of. I used to ride a reasonable amount about 10 years ago but got lazy and hurt way too often. More bravado than skill you see. In a half-hearted attempt to fend off middle-age spread I gave my bike the once over and headed out to the hills. Of course there is no way that I am any where near motivated enough to do this alone so thankfully Paul had shown a keen interest in a bit of off-road action and we'd been discussing routes for some time. Griff and Rach made up the foursome as we headed to the Quantock Hills for our first taste of 'proper' mountain biking.
The route we chose was the 'easy' route from the June edition of MBR magazine - a short 8 mile loop. Our lack of fitness was immediately evident as we ended up walking the first 1 mile climb!
Apart from this setback, the scenery and the weather were great. Here's where we ate our lunch.
The comedy highlight was Griff losing his shoe in a bog... Paul and I literally had to dig it out - most amusing!
Saturday night was J and Marie's engagement party at the local pub. Some good food and not so good karaoke saw us into the small hours of Sunday morning. Wedding plans are well on track now. They'll be married in Antigua on April 27th 2006.
Sunday saw the re-incarnation of my mountain biking career.... sort of. I used to ride a reasonable amount about 10 years ago but got lazy and hurt way too often. More bravado than skill you see. In a half-hearted attempt to fend off middle-age spread I gave my bike the once over and headed out to the hills. Of course there is no way that I am any where near motivated enough to do this alone so thankfully Paul had shown a keen interest in a bit of off-road action and we'd been discussing routes for some time. Griff and Rach made up the foursome as we headed to the Quantock Hills for our first taste of 'proper' mountain biking.
The route we chose was the 'easy' route from the June edition of MBR magazine - a short 8 mile loop. Our lack of fitness was immediately evident as we ended up walking the first 1 mile climb!
Apart from this setback, the scenery and the weather were great. Here's where we ate our lunch.
The comedy highlight was Griff losing his shoe in a bog... Paul and I literally had to dig it out - most amusing!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
I'm still here...
It's been a while since my last post and alas this will be a short affair.
Last week Dad, J, myself and Mum busted a gut to refit our kitchen. it was not without drama, frustation or argument but it is mostly done. The kitchen itself is fully functioning and Fi and I are left to decorate. Given our past record, this will take us some time but we'll get there in the end. So here's a big public thankyou to everyone who helped. Nice one.
Other news now. Fi is doing very well. We go to see the midwife for the 24 week appointment next Thursday. Junior is moving around quite a lot now. The first time I felt a movement saw my midset change - this is really going to happen!
Last week Dad, J, myself and Mum busted a gut to refit our kitchen. it was not without drama, frustation or argument but it is mostly done. The kitchen itself is fully functioning and Fi and I are left to decorate. Given our past record, this will take us some time but we'll get there in the end. So here's a big public thankyou to everyone who helped. Nice one.
Other news now. Fi is doing very well. We go to see the midwife for the 24 week appointment next Thursday. Junior is moving around quite a lot now. The first time I felt a movement saw my midset change - this is really going to happen!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
20 Week Scan
So after 20 weeks of incubation, here are the first pictures of our first-to-be-born. I'm told by the ultrasound nurse (I'm sure they have a better title than that) that the head is on the left hand side of all the pictures
Watching the ultrasound nurse (I'll call her USN from now on) in action was fascinating as she measured, checked and re-checked things. I say 'things' because it really is difficult to make out what the heck you are looking at. The heart was reasonably obvious as it pounded away, the spine was quite clear as were the wiggling legs, but that was really it. I frequently mistook the torso for the head and vice-versa. I'm sure anyone else who's gone through this would second my observations.
Needless to say, Fi and I are both thrilled. Thankfully everything is fine at the moment with mother and child so the final question that we wanted to ask was the sex of Baby. Apparently the little blighter had 'flashed' USN a few times and when we asked her she confirmed it was going to be a boy (or at least confirmed as much as they can). Classy lad it would seem! Next Baby appointment is in 4 weeks with the midwife so more news then.
The Bank Holiday weekend was spent camping in Burnbake Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset. It's a great part of England and somewhere I'd spend many of my childhood holidays, so much of it is familiar. The normal gang was there plus the welcome addition of Becky, Rachs's sister along with her tent 'Bernie'. The weather on Sunday and Monday was excellent and the highlight for me was the boat trip from Swanage, skillfully mapped by Paul on his shiny new handheld GPS!
I'll post the photos at a later time.
Watching the ultrasound nurse (I'll call her USN from now on) in action was fascinating as she measured, checked and re-checked things. I say 'things' because it really is difficult to make out what the heck you are looking at. The heart was reasonably obvious as it pounded away, the spine was quite clear as were the wiggling legs, but that was really it. I frequently mistook the torso for the head and vice-versa. I'm sure anyone else who's gone through this would second my observations.
Needless to say, Fi and I are both thrilled. Thankfully everything is fine at the moment with mother and child so the final question that we wanted to ask was the sex of Baby. Apparently the little blighter had 'flashed' USN a few times and when we asked her she confirmed it was going to be a boy (or at least confirmed as much as they can). Classy lad it would seem! Next Baby appointment is in 4 weeks with the midwife so more news then.
The Bank Holiday weekend was spent camping in Burnbake Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset. It's a great part of England and somewhere I'd spend many of my childhood holidays, so much of it is familiar. The normal gang was there plus the welcome addition of Becky, Rachs's sister along with her tent 'Bernie'. The weather on Sunday and Monday was excellent and the highlight for me was the boat trip from Swanage, skillfully mapped by Paul on his shiny new handheld GPS!
I'll post the photos at a later time.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Ultrasound
Just a quick update to tell you all that we have our 20 week ultrasound on May 3rd. If at all possible, we are going to find out the sex...
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Congratulations all round
Just a quick post to publicly congratulate my Brother Jason and his Girlfriend Marie. They announced their engagement on Tuesday. Early plans are for a wedding next year.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Cav and Pag
Fi's Birthday weekend was a pleasant affair. Saturday night turned out to be a Karaoke-fest. It is with some misfortune that we have in our possession both the 'Singstar' games for the Playstation 2. The songs are mostly bouncy pop tunes from the charts but there are some classics there too keep the oldies interested!! Anyway, that went on until 1am(ish), by that time, our collective old age had got the better of us.
We had a good old family lunch on Sunday and followed it up with a trip to the Cinema to see 'Hitch' - an entertaining flick.
With Monday being Fi's actual Birthday, we both had the day off. Given that we've been member of the National Trust for some time now, we decided to go to Dunster Castle near Minehead. It turned out to be a good decision and I would recommend it to anyone who happens to find themselves in that part of England. In the Evening, we had a great meal in The Moon and Sixpence. It's a bit of a Bath favourite, but the first time we had been there and it was fantastic!
The Powergen Cup was last Saturday and Bath were in the final for the first time since 1996. We all had high hopes, not least because we were playing bottom of the Premiership Leeds Tykes. Sadly, we weren't good enough on the day and lost 20-12 despite dominating for much of the game. At least I didn't waste money on the ticket though!
I mock, but would've gone given half the chance, but as luck would have it we had booked tickets to see Mascagni's Cavallaria Rusticana and Leoncavalla's Pagliacci at the Bristol Hippodrome many moons ago. In contrast to the Rugby, the Opera(s) were excellent, especially as we somehow managed to get front row seats! Cavallaria Rusticana holds a particularly special place in our hearts as the Intermezzo was played as we signed the register at our wedding. The live performance was unforgettable.
We had a good old family lunch on Sunday and followed it up with a trip to the Cinema to see 'Hitch' - an entertaining flick.
With Monday being Fi's actual Birthday, we both had the day off. Given that we've been member of the National Trust for some time now, we decided to go to Dunster Castle near Minehead. It turned out to be a good decision and I would recommend it to anyone who happens to find themselves in that part of England. In the Evening, we had a great meal in The Moon and Sixpence. It's a bit of a Bath favourite, but the first time we had been there and it was fantastic!
The Powergen Cup was last Saturday and Bath were in the final for the first time since 1996. We all had high hopes, not least because we were playing bottom of the Premiership Leeds Tykes. Sadly, we weren't good enough on the day and lost 20-12 despite dominating for much of the game. At least I didn't waste money on the ticket though!
I mock, but would've gone given half the chance, but as luck would have it we had booked tickets to see Mascagni's Cavallaria Rusticana and Leoncavalla's Pagliacci at the Bristol Hippodrome many moons ago. In contrast to the Rugby, the Opera(s) were excellent, especially as we somehow managed to get front row seats! Cavallaria Rusticana holds a particularly special place in our hearts as the Intermezzo was played as we signed the register at our wedding. The live performance was unforgettable.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Fi's 30th Birthday
It's Fi's 30th Birthday on Monday and to celebrate we're having a weekend of activity. This evening I was hoping to host a BBQ in her honour but it' s turned really cold here in the last day or so. Now, I'm a hardy chap but I don't want to be outside on my own!! So, plan B I think - the less exciting 'buffet' option. Should be fun though
Fi's got some really nice presents, but I can't post what they are yet. After all, she does read this from time to time!
Fi's got some really nice presents, but I can't post what they are yet. After all, she does read this from time to time!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Baby Excitement
We saw the midwife for the second time today. This time, we managed to hear it's heartbeat for the first time... Ahhhhhhh
It was quite emotional I can tell you.
It was quite emotional I can tell you.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Don King and I
We've had a quite relaxing weekend after our return from New York. It's a truly amazing place and a full-on assault on all the senses. After suggesting that we might take things a little easy, I realised that this isn't really possible in NYC. Everywhere you turn there is something to see, do, read, visit or eat. That being the case, we ended up doing the main tourist attractions - Empire State Building, Central Park, The U.N, Staten Island Ferry (not really an attraction in itself, but the views are amazing) , Tiffany's , St. Patricks Catherdral, Rockefeller Centre, etc, etc...
Here's a picture down 7th Avenue - just across from our hotel.
People have asked me since our return what my 'favourite' bit was. I suppose it depends on which way you take that. St. Patrick's Cathedral was suprising and enlightening, there were great views (and awful queues) to be had at Empire State and Ground Zero was moving, horrific and very emotional. What I will say is that we will definetly go back.
I can't really place New York. We were both relieved to get home but are both drawn back to the place. I can honestly say as a reasonably seasoned traveller, that there are few places I have a greater urge to return to.
One funny tale was that Don King was having Breakfast at our hotel (The Michelangelo) last Tuesday - it actually was him.
You can see all of our photos here sadly there are none of Don King.
So good they named it twice.
Here's a picture down 7th Avenue - just across from our hotel.
People have asked me since our return what my 'favourite' bit was. I suppose it depends on which way you take that. St. Patrick's Cathedral was suprising and enlightening, there were great views (and awful queues) to be had at Empire State and Ground Zero was moving, horrific and very emotional. What I will say is that we will definetly go back.
I can't really place New York. We were both relieved to get home but are both drawn back to the place. I can honestly say as a reasonably seasoned traveller, that there are few places I have a greater urge to return to.
One funny tale was that Don King was having Breakfast at our hotel (The Michelangelo) last Tuesday - it actually was him.
You can see all of our photos here sadly there are none of Don King.
So good they named it twice.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
New York
We've just finished packing for our trip to New York tomorrow. We booked it back in November and as normally seems to be the case, the time has flown by.
We're in the US until Tuesday, giving us 3 whole and 2 half days to roam around and we're staying at The Michelangelo - it certainly looks nice, but time will tell. As any previous visitor to NY will tell you, there is a whole heap of things to do. Fi and I are both virgins to the area so it will be easy to try and cram too much in, however, we're both in need of some relaxation so we'll try and keep it a little calm.
Until next time.....
We're in the US until Tuesday, giving us 3 whole and 2 half days to roam around and we're staying at The Michelangelo - it certainly looks nice, but time will tell. As any previous visitor to NY will tell you, there is a whole heap of things to do. Fi and I are both virgins to the area so it will be easy to try and cram too much in, however, we're both in need of some relaxation so we'll try and keep it a little calm.
Until next time.....
Friday, March 18, 2005
Better get used to The Tweenies
In what seems to be an increasingly rare posting to my blog, I reveal our most exciting news since Fi and I married. Yep, it’s the big one – we’re going to be parents. The life-changing month is September, round about the 15th-17th, depending on who you speak to. We’ve known now since before we went skiing back in January, however we’ve bowed to tradition and waited the suggested 3 months before making a general announcement.
Mother and bump are doing well. It’s easy for me of course but Fi has had what seems to be ‘fairly standard’ morning sickness, although it’s been occurring in the evening. As we enter the second trimester (I’ve been reading up on these things), the sickness seems to be abating and I can slowly wean myself off ready-meals for one.
Bath and North East Somerset council (or BANES, if you prefer the ‘catchy’ version) don’t pay for the traditional 12 week scan, so we wait until 20 weeks unless we’re willing to pay £200 for it. We thought about it but decided last night to wait – it’s only 6 weeks away anyway.
Obviously we’re both over the moon as it something we’ve wanted for a while now, but it’s overwhelming. Perhaps it is something that won’t settle in for sometime but then maybe it never does?
Other news is that we’re off to New York on Good Friday. This is partly in celebration for Fi’s 30th Birthday (April 11th) but mostly because it looks fun and something we’ve both wanted to do for some time now. It’s quite nicely timed given that come September we’ll never have any free cash ever again.
Mother and bump are doing well. It’s easy for me of course but Fi has had what seems to be ‘fairly standard’ morning sickness, although it’s been occurring in the evening. As we enter the second trimester (I’ve been reading up on these things), the sickness seems to be abating and I can slowly wean myself off ready-meals for one.
Bath and North East Somerset council (or BANES, if you prefer the ‘catchy’ version) don’t pay for the traditional 12 week scan, so we wait until 20 weeks unless we’re willing to pay £200 for it. We thought about it but decided last night to wait – it’s only 6 weeks away anyway.
Obviously we’re both over the moon as it something we’ve wanted for a while now, but it’s overwhelming. Perhaps it is something that won’t settle in for sometime but then maybe it never does?
Other news is that we’re off to New York on Good Friday. This is partly in celebration for Fi’s 30th Birthday (April 11th) but mostly because it looks fun and something we’ve both wanted to do for some time now. It’s quite nicely timed given that come September we’ll never have any free cash ever again.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Christmas & New Year
Where has all the time gone? November 30th is over two months ago and yet the blog has remained static. Hopefully this is a return to form for Yours Truly and I will attempt to backfill the last couple of months without labouring too much.
Obviously the big calendar event was Christmas, or in our case 'Christmases' (not even sure if that is the correct plural...). Being that we were due to spend the big day in Spain with Fi's parents, we spent the weekend before with my parents in Cornwall. How about that for equality eh? Thankfully after the demise of the old digital camerea, I was presented with a shiny new, smaller and better one. Nice one Mum & Dad!
After the weekend it was all about preparations for Spain. These were all thrown into the air when we received an email from Ryanair stating that there was a proposed baggage strike at Girona airport on the day we were due to return. Now they stated that although they wouldn't be accepting checked baggage, they would still fly... This wasn't particularly helpful given that we were hoping to make the homeward journey laden with presents! Thankfully it all turned out to be a storm in a teacup - the strike was cancelled, not before we had arranged to come back 4 days later than expected though. Christmas in Spain is exciting - you should try it.
It seems that party life is rife in Spain. I suspect when we look back in the years to come, the most memorable will be the Christmas Eve party we attended. It was hosted by Andy Ball, the ext keyboard player from MUD - remember them?.... It was a Christmas Carol party and just in case you're curious, we did sing 'Lonely this Christmas'.... Legenedary
Obviously the big calendar event was Christmas, or in our case 'Christmases' (not even sure if that is the correct plural...). Being that we were due to spend the big day in Spain with Fi's parents, we spent the weekend before with my parents in Cornwall. How about that for equality eh? Thankfully after the demise of the old digital camerea, I was presented with a shiny new, smaller and better one. Nice one Mum & Dad!
After the weekend it was all about preparations for Spain. These were all thrown into the air when we received an email from Ryanair stating that there was a proposed baggage strike at Girona airport on the day we were due to return. Now they stated that although they wouldn't be accepting checked baggage, they would still fly... This wasn't particularly helpful given that we were hoping to make the homeward journey laden with presents! Thankfully it all turned out to be a storm in a teacup - the strike was cancelled, not before we had arranged to come back 4 days later than expected though. Christmas in Spain is exciting - you should try it.
It seems that party life is rife in Spain. I suspect when we look back in the years to come, the most memorable will be the Christmas Eve party we attended. It was hosted by Andy Ball, the ext keyboard player from MUD - remember them?.... It was a Christmas Carol party and just in case you're curious, we did sing 'Lonely this Christmas'.... Legenedary
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