now then, where were we?

Long time no blog... but here we are again! And I'll make up for it, by typing quite a lot today, so bear with me...

So, we're just back from Lincolnshire where we went for the weekend for Granny Anthea's birthday (which was on Friday). We had a good journey there and back and a lovely time despite rubbish weather on Saturday.

On Friday evening we all went to the Royal Oak for our tea (although I slept through most of the food munching) but big thanks to Grandad Tony for treating us.

Then on Saturday (25 weeks old today!) we were going to go shopping, but the weather wasn't up to it, so we went to Andy & Sarah's for a couple of hours for a change of scenery instead and that's where the first of today's photos comes from.

Left to right are: Joe, moi, Daddy, Katie and Beth.

Adam was off somewhere in his car, and the grown-ups were preparing to feed the 5,000 at a shoot on Sunday (they were shooting arrows at targets before anyone gets the hump).

Later that evening we went back to Bridge House for a Chinese meal (none for me!) and Joe and Katie stayed with us over-night as they weren't going on the shoot. I spent some time watching them play pool and table football and was in bed pretty early having sweet dreams.

So - on to Sunday and the weather was glorious, why wasn't it like this on Saturday? : ( Today I decided to show off my language skills by saying my first 'proper' word: "mama". To be honest I said it once or twice to Daddy on Saturday, but when he tried to make me repeat myself I had some fun by staying quiet and making him look silly...

But today I thought I should let them know I'm not just a pretty face, and that I have been paying attention and practicing when nobody's looking. Mummy, Daddy and Katie all heard me say it at least once and it's a little bit of improv, but am sure I'll perfect it in time.

Then Daddy went out to play football with Joe and Grandad Tony, whilst we (Mummy, Katie and me) went for a little walk. Not long after we returned, was time to come home so we said our goodbyes and headed back down south to Olde Londinium.

Which leave us with our second photo of the day is of me and uncle Andy having a laugh...

G'night,

Samanthax

It's me again

Not had a particularly eventful week as yet, but had another weigh-in yesterday and am 16lbs 11 oz now, just above 'average' (whatever that means).

Daddy said I should get a "gain weight now, ask me how" badge made up but I think he's joking with me.

Although I have to say he's been pretty good so far this week, leaving work close to "on time" and also has to tomorrow, AND he's off on Friday as we're heading up to Lincolnshire for another family visit (in fact Uncle Andy is staying at our house on Thursday night which should be good fun. He has a chin like Mummy and me... : ) )

That's it for now, but today's photo is of me (naturally), from this morning, having a laugh with Mummy.

See ya,

Sam
xx

Part II

Just off to bed, but wanted to say it was lovely to meet Dan, Camille and Tyler today. Tyler was a little quiet at first, but soon relaxed enough to be playing football in the back garden which looked like a lot of fun. Can't wait to join in when I'm old enough.

We watched In The Night Garden (see pic of Tyler watching telly) and I watched the grown-ups get stuck into their food - even Tyler ate some pizza!

I've been a good girl today, had three mini-sleeps (still about half an hour each) and two bowls of baby rice!

Bed-time now, fingers crossed for a good nights sleep.

Love,

Sam x

Part I

Sunday afternoon and am sitting on the couch with Daddy, chewing the small finger on his typing hand whilst he tries to type with the other!

Yesterday we went to say "bye bye" to Mardi, Graeme and Zac who are off to Australia on Wednesday (and not just for a holiday). It was sad to see them for "one last time" but am sure we'll see them again in the future. Also saying goodbye (that Mummy and/or Daddy knew) were, Rachel & Jason, Dave & Leza, Sam & Mark and Mike, and we also met a little boy called Oscar (with his Mum & Dad and two sisters.

Today we're the ones with house guests as Camille, Dan & Tyler are due round any time now for more of that big round food that Mum & Dad like so much!

This week I have been eating baby rice (and loving it), and I even tried a little strawberry yoghurt today (I wasn't convinced but maybe it was the coldness or the surprise of a new taste). I've also discovered my feet this week (see pic) and take every opportunity to grab them and pull my socks off so I can play with the toes.

That's enough for now. Due to Daddy taking nearly no photos yesterday, you'll have to make do with another one of me, from earlier today, playing on my jungle gym.

Speak later,

Sx

Back, back, back

Friday night and me and Mummy are back in the smoke with Daddy again.

Had a fantastic whirlwind trip up north, I behaved myself all the way up there and back in the car and had a great time seeing family again and meeting lots of new faces.

Hi to Dawn, Aunty Roma, Kate, Wynne, Jim and Esther..., Mummy can write more tomorrow, so enjoy the first pic of me and Grandad Ozz!

Off to the land of nod now...

Samantha
xx

it's the start of the week

and this may be my only blog of the week as Mummy and I are heading up north tomorrow to see some family for a few days.

We've not seen any Liverpudlians (or New Millsians!) since Christmas and won't get to until Easter unless we take a break this week, so we're leaving Daddy behind for a few days (to work even longer in the office no doubt!) and will come back on Friday...

Hope everyone's week is off to good start, take care,

Sx

Another social whirlwind

Hi folks,

Had a busy day today. First up, we went to the park (Elthorne, not Bunny) and I managed to stay awake on the journey there to be able to have a go on the swings. I must admit I probably didn't seem over-flowing with enthusiasm, but I was tired, had the sun in my eyes (at first) and am probably still a little small for the seat. But soon my followers, soon.

So that was the morning, and in the afternoon we went to see my old (not really, she's younger than me, but you catch my drift) chum Isla and her folks at their lovely home near Barons Court tube (and very near to Queens Tennis Club). Uncle Matt was there too but he seemed a little under the weather (I hope he's alright for next time!).

This was round three of the "Come Dominos With Me" eating contest (at least it looked like a contest to me they way they got stuck into the food) so next time it's back to ours again...

Isla's doing great, she had some top toys and "stuff" us babies seem to collect and she let me sit / lie on her Baby Bjorn Bouncer* whist she played with Makka Pakka (see below) who was talking to her for ages...

Unfortunately Dopey Daddy forgot the camera so we don't have any pics to show you (maybe Isla's Mum & Dad have something?) so todays pic is me in the park.

That's all for now *yawns* am tired out and hope to sleep for hours... : )

Sx

*I want one

http://www.inthenightgarden.co.uk/en/visit-makkapakka.asp

Lady of leisure

Another Saturday comes around - I'm 23 weeks old today, give it another three weeks and I hit a landmark 6 months.

Mum went out to get her haircut today so me and Dad went for a walk to Waitrose and I had a snooze in the pram for much of the way.

Came home and had a play until Mum returned and - only just now - I tried some baby rice, proper food!! Got some pics, but they're not that great so today's (first?) pic is me from this morning - "Lady Of All I Survey".

Maybe write more later...

Love,

Samanthax

I'm only sleeping...

...right now, so blogging by proxy (again).

Had a restless day (again) so mummy took me out in the car and when I woke from my catnap, we had arrived at some shops! Mummy said I needed some new clothes 'cos I'm growing so fast, well that's her excuse anyway, maybe she just likes spending money...

I was a big girl sitting in my new high chair yesterday, so that's where todays pic comes from, me chewing my hand off and drooling all over my book. Good times.

Hope all's well with you lot, feel free to email us and say "hi" or send a recent pic of yourselves if you want a guest spot in my blog.

Lots of love,

Sx

...Sunday, here again, tidy attire

Went for another trip to the park today (Elthorne Park not the Bunny Park of yesterday) and slept through it again... : )

Daddy wonders if he'll ever get a picture of me on the swings!

Once we got home I came to life and had a go in my indoor swinger instead (thanks Kate & Neato!) which I think I'm starting to get the hang of. So that's what todays pic is of... enjoy!

Samantha
x

Big girl bathtime

I'm in the big bath already! Check out my groovy pink bath seat, it's a bit like riding a motorbike, but in water and with no wheels. I rock.

Laters,

Sx

Visitors from back home

...yeah yeah, I know I was born in London, but I'd like to state this "for the record" once and for all. I consider myself a Northerner. So deal with it!

Today we had some visitors from Liverpool - Linda, Lee and Adam. I met them last November on my first trip to Liverpool (I was only a wee nipper then) but it was great to see them again even if I was a little tired.

So we went to the park for a little while, then they went back to their hotel in Brentford (they're in London until Sunday) and I hope to see them again over the weekend...

Getting late now so off upstairs to the land of nod. Will add a photo tomorrow.

G'night,

Sx

(pic. "you lookin' at me?")

am currently asleep

so "shhhhhh"

(but this pic is a week or so old)

Ouch

It's official. I am amazing.

Went to the quacks again, had three more jabs (two in left thigh, one in right) and was very, very brave. I only squealed a little bit after the second one and after the third, Daddy picked me up and gave me a cuddle for being such a good girl.

I think they were all expecting world war three, so seemed very pleased with my reaction.

See picture for evidence and thankfully, that's the last of the injections until October - hooray!!

Sx

10 down, thousands to go

I'm actually trying to type this one myself, but Mummy keeps taking my hand away from the computer. So... over to Daddy (again)

It's another relaxing Sunday night chez Baines and we're chilling in front of the telly, the oldies have some chocolate fudge cake in the fridge and I've just had a bath and a bit of booby.

Daddy's off work tomorrow 'cause we're going to the doctors (for him I hope, but I don't think they're being totally honest with me...). He also has a new wardrobe to build, so I'm preparing for profanity and will do my best not to repeat what I hear.

We went for a walk to Sainsbury's yesterday. I know that's not exactly what you'd call interesting, but we didn't do that much else after a busy Friday.

So - not a lot else to report, but I like to stay in touch. Are you watching Australia?

Ciao for now,

Samantha
x

PS - today's pic is me telling Mummy who's boss.