More holiday pics...

Could not resist. More holiday frolics! Lucy discovered a toddler size trolley that maximises her shopping and spending power and Anna is sporting regal head gear made by her sister. No comments needed, simply lovely memories....

The smiler, the witch and the mouse behind the fridge....

We have just returned from a short break away for the weekend, it was quality family time. Relaxing, eventful and fun. Both girls have had a cracking time, full of smiles and stories to tell. Anna has not stopped smiling all weekend. She is so alert and interacting with so many people. Alright, constant smiles and small giggles. She's not having full blown conversations just yet! We have also dropped her 10pm bottle and so far so good - fingers and every other part of my anatomy crossed. Lucy has also had a wail of a time - she's been swimming every day and shot down water slides face first, had daily visits to Starbucks for a babycinno (spelling), been bowling for the first time and scored a spare with a total of 82, fed squirrels and ducks by hand, dressed up as a witch and cast many a spell with the words 'iggety, ziggety, zaggety, zoom', done clay hand prints and made paper snakes - the list is endless. Actually thinking back she has really worn me out, but it was definitely worth it. I go back to work refreshed. Amy and I have also had a lovely time, aside from the fact our holiday house was infested with mice. Very bold mice I would like to add that popped up onto the kitchen work surface and helped themselves to any food they wished!

She survived a day with her daddy....

Anna did indeed survive a day with her daddy on Tuesday. I have not spent much time with her one-to-one, so I have to confess to being a bit nervous. I had a lovely day. Anna will tell you in years to come about her first full day with her daddy. Please see picture attached of Anna with the most intelligent company she had all day! Yesterday we ventured back to the zoo and Lucy developed a temporary fear of the animals! It did not rain this time, the sun was out and it was lovely. But Lucy just was not up for it. She did however enjoy the walk on Cromer pier complete with chocolate ice cream. I wonder why?!?She has been in Bambi on acid mode this evening. She is hyper excited as we are going away for the weekend to Center Parcs. I can't wait. Time away with the girls and away from work and other troubles. Bliss....

Happy birthday Looby Chick!

I can't believe my little girl is three today. She has had a fine day and here are the pictures to prove it! Amy set her up a wonderful 'find the present' trail this morning that culminated in a bike in the garage with a balloon attached. On opening the garage door with a metaphorical fanfare Lucy simply said 'Wow it's a balloon!' She seems to have had a wonderful day. She has eaten chocolate muffin, chocolate cake and chocolate biscuits! Healthy balanced diet today then - oh sod it, it is her birthday. After she opened her presents she announced that she had finished her birthday on the phone to Grandma - it was only 9am. Happy birthday Looby. You are very special and adored by all who come across you. We love you and look forward to so many more with you and Anna.

Two take high tea!

As promised yesterday a picture of Lucy and Anna taking tea at our Sunday morning tea party. They really had a good time together - Anna was very vocal with her sister and Lucy's imagination went into overdrive. With their pretend tea they had muffins, strawberries and cream, jam tarts and daddy even got a cappuccino! Today my holiday begins and I am looking froward to my time with my family.

Proud dad!

Amy has been poorly this week, so I have been tasked with the responsibility of taking and collecting Lucy from nursery. I have really enjoyed it. We have walked to nursery hand in hand and chatted away. Lucy waved to cars and politely said good morning to everybody. I have to say I have been beaming with pride. The walk home has been entertaining as Lucy when questioned about her day would not reveal anything and then bit by bit started to tell me about her friends and the staff. I never thought I would be pleased to receive a gift of painted pine cones, but life can take all kinds of twists and turns! On Sunday I had the girls on their own, I was very nervous, but I have to say I think it went well. Anna and I are still getting to know each other and I wasn't sure what cry meant what. She seemed happy. We did have a tea party - pictures to follow. High excitement in our house, two more days to go and the Looby chick is three! Lucy has been telling people for weeks with a parrot like phrase she learnt from somewhere. 'I am three on October 17th, it's my birthday! Yea!' I cannot believe my girl is going to be three, things like school will be looming soon. Life passes us by so quickly and I need to make sure I don't loose this time with my girls. I know I will get tearful and emotional.....

Parenting in a nutshell....

This blog is never consistent. Being a dad to Lucy and Anna is the best 'job' in the world. When I post issues or details of events they can be both amazing and negative and frustrating. Watching them grow and develop is pleasurable and painful. Lucy for example can make me beam with pride or frustrate the hell out of me. I guess that sums up parenting in an nutshell. No matter what happens I love them and am proud of my family. Attempting to balance other aspects of my life such as work can wear me out and when I get home and the girls are both tired; it can be hard. Because with Lucy in particular a tired toddler means a difficult toddler. Toddlers are also very egocentric and they won't recognise that you have had a bad day or are feeling stressed. Compromises are difficult to find. I am going to be living with three women so I better get used to it!! Despite this, I have been spending the day thinking how lucky I am and that I would not change anything for the all the cash in the world and I truly mean that. Please see picture attached of my family and I love them all.

The arm's better and it's full steam ahead.....

Lucy's arm is much better and I have to say I am now feeling calm about the accident. She has not been at all concerned about it and still tells everybody with pride about her poorly arm. She has also been telling people, including me, armed with a pointed finger, 'don't touch daddy it's hot!' I think she may have learnt a lesson this week. Anna as you can see is simply enjoying life, despite a cold, the smiles keep coming and I think we are on the cusp of many giggles. Pure joy! I have to confess that I am really starting to find Anna more stimulating. I get a bit more back each day and she keeps trying to interact, which is lovely and I love to see Anna and her sister smile at each other. I am not sure that their life together will be all smiles as we have not got to rowing over boys or toys yet, but I know it will eventually come. In the mean time I will enjoy the relative peace and quiet.....