Joe's 1!

Sorry haven't posted on here since we were in Amsterdam, it's all been a bit hectic here!
Joe was 1 on Monday - hurrah! Simon took the day off and the three of us hung out just relaxing after his party the day before. We just had a few friends and family over but it was really nice, the children enjoyed the bubble machine and ball pool. Joe got some fantastic presents including a push along tricycle from Granny B and a sand and water table from Conor. But I think his absolute favourite was the helium balloons which he's still carrying with him around the house. I'll put some photos on at the weekend. Thank you to everyone who came on Sunday and to everyone who sent birthday cards. Thank you notes are on my to do list!

We're expecting Esther for a visit on Friday. Conor and Liz are going to come over too for a get together. Conor and Mum have been working hard decorating the spare room which is going to be Joe's bedroom. He'll be moving in soon hopefully as there's not much left to do.

Hopefully Chelsea are two up against the scallies by now so I'm off to listen to the game!

Scorchio!

So here we are in a sizzling Amsterdam. The temperature must have reached the low thirties in central Amsterdam today.

Paul, Sam and Siun arrived on Friday evening. We went out for pancakes and the boys drank lots of beer! On Saturday we bought tickets for the Canalbus and saw the city from the water, very civilised especially in this heat. We spent a lot of time ambling round the Jordaan, stopping frequently for refreshments! We had a hotly contested evening of Who Wants to be a Millionaire last night, complete with prizes, which Sam won. Today we were back on the water again, visited the zoo then surrendered to the blistering heat and came home.

Joe and I are flying home tomorrow, new sofa arrives on Wednesday - not sure if I can take this excitement!

Forgot to mention the momentous visit of Hunter S Mackie on 1st april, incl our visit to celebrate Evie's 2nd birthday! Evidence attached.

Do you like the matching father & son Tshirts? Niamh has one too, but won't wear it :-)

More photos added down the page by the way!

Spring is in the air

Our first full day in Amsterdam. Joe and I discovered that Dutch builders start work at 6.30am. Take note Conor! The blossoms on the trees are out, all the cafes have tables and chairs outside, loads of boats and pedalos on the canals, all in all Spring has Sprung! Not as warm as London though, quite grey and cloudy. Joe and I went to the organic cafe for lunch, each day they have a gorgeous dressing for the sandwiches, as well as the obligatory freshly squeezed orange juice. We also popped into my favourite shop so far Kitsch Kitchen for our dose of tack. A lot more of the shops are open and we saw far more pushchairs on our travels.

Simon came to meet us for dinner but a party of American schoolchildren beat us to the Pancake House this evening so we had dinner at Cafe Von Twist next door instead. Joe discovered a love for free jazz and continued his appetite for all things Italian, devouring my mozzarella with pesto and parmesan as well as some lovely homemade hoummus. I have some photos but I can't find the cable to connect to the computer so when I get home I'll post some pics.

Loved Life on Mars last night. What a great ending. Good ending to the football too!

Catch up time

Haven't posted on here for a while. Too busy chasing Joe around!
Joe went to his first baby birthday party on Good Friday. Max was the first of the NCT babies to reach 1 and his party is a tough act to follow. Claire went to town with balloons, ball pools, party hats, goodie bags...the list is endless. Joe had an absolute whale of a time as did we all.

Phyllis and Gordon were with us over Easter weekend and kindly babysat so that Simon and I had three (count them) nights out! Went to Magee's birthday/house warming party at the new place in Acton and caught up with some old friends which was great. The Grogans came over on Saturday. Sophie and Joe had lots of fun playing together. Joe got his first birthday present, a truck that Sophie pulled him around the house in, he loves it! We went to Lulworth Cove in Dorset on Sunday along with thousands of other people, the fish and chip shop had run out of fish and I think we got the last ice cream left in the county! On Monday we had a lovely picnic in Bushey Park to make up for the motorway madness of the previous day.

Mum arrives on Wednesday and will be staying at Conor's.

Had 12 week scan in March and all's well.

Joe starts at the local nursery on 30th April so keep your fingers crossed that he likes it!

Family in Amsterdam

So, here we three are, in Amsterdam again: here for a week as a family. Had a great flight in with Joe. Whether by luck or judgement, he slept from just after take-off and we had to wake him to get off. Great because Niamh is flying back alone with Joe on Monday: a repeat performance would be ideal.

Since we were here last Joe has started walking, so have a totally new view on how (un) child-friendly the apartment is. The apartment is OK though: Niamh was at home with Joe today and says you just have to keep your eye on him. [Slight aside, the apartment is really a bit of a bachelor pad, all granite and white, it's a lovely place though I'm normally working til late late - however this week we're trying the whole 'family in the same place' thing so work at night isn't an option. Now isn't that just what 'normal people' do? It feels a lot better getting home, bathing Joe, having dinner with Niamh, than working til midnight then getting up at 6.]

Amazingly we have Valencia:Chelsea on TV now: we very rarely get to see live football these days (rant rant....) However Valencia have just scored so I'm pleased Life on Mars (finale nonetheless) starts in half an hour.

Sam and Paul and Siun will arrive on Friday and we'll spend the weekend here together. Should be great, many combinations and permutations of adults and children, in and out, should keep us all amused.

Will post photos soon, promise.
S