Snow!

It's all about the snow this week - Sophie's first snowfall in fact. Dad, Grandad and Uncle Paul had an appointment with the Scottish parliament (ok so just a tour, more about that later) and missed out on the fun so it was up to Mum to get wrapped up and take Sophie out. She had a great time with her Mum out in the snow.

Meanwhile through in Edinburgh the lads were getting a tour of the Scottish Parliament which was actually arranged as a bit of a gift for Grandad's birthday - my thoughts, well I'd always thought it was a disgrace that the Parliament cost so much (and I still think someone somewhere was ripped off) but I have to say that I am very proud that the building is something amazing rather than just reusing an existing building. Thought has went into absolutely every detail, the building is eco friendly (no air conditioning and re-uses rainwater for example) and materials where possible were sourced in Scotland - no expense spared. If only everything in Politics was this awesome and such value for money - well played Scotland.

There were no photos allowed inside the Parliament but here is Grandad and Uncle Paul at the Castle esplanade.

While the guys were out and about Sophie and Mum were having their own adventures - back from the snow and nice and warm, Sophie got ready for bed, brushing her own teeth.

Unfortunately we have now reached a stage where Sophie is very close to climbing out of her cot - so I spent 20 minutes adjusting it today. Which I don't think went down too well - and hasn't been very effective.

"What have you done Dad?"

"Hmm, I have a cunning plan."

"Watch this Dad."

"Almost there."

"right, that's me, I'm going over the top!"

It looks like Sophie's cot needs adjusting again already - she's almost mastered the standing and then it will only be a matter of time before she is over the fence.

In developmental news Sophie has had another cold this week and is teething again so cue sleepless nights and lots of dribbling. Granny Hilary is with us this week so hopefully that will take Sophie's mind off being unwell. Hopefully we'll get some nice photos of them both together.

Dad starts a new job this week - still in the same place but working with pupils who require support with behaviour and achievement. It's just a temporary post but should be the challenge that Dad was looking for. (as if the house and the Sophie weren't challenging enough.)

In other standing developments - Sophie looks like she prefers to play the piano standing up these days (well almost).

"Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!"

A New Year and a new regime.

So back to work for me on Monday and I will certainly miss hanging out with my two favourite girls but I think we have all turned a huge corner over the last 4 weeks.

Sophie is now drinking milk from a sippy cup three times a day and eating a LOT of solid foods -  last night we had her go through the night without an additional feed which means she is close to sleeping through the night on her own and being solely fed at the table along with having milk drinks from a bottle, which is tremendous progress. She is also having very defined naps during the day and although we know this will change at a moments notice it is great to feel that things are settling down for everyone. Katie and Sophie already had a great routine but with Sophie a little bit older and more interested in solid food etc.. hopefully things will be a lot easier from now on.

Sophie is also desperately trying to start crawling - watch this space but she's not far from zooming around under her own steam. She also starts her swimming lessons on Monday - she'll be unstoppable from Tuesday onwards.

We had a great New Years Day, a long walk followed by a really lovely dinner at our house with Gran and Grandad - it was a great way to start the year.

"Is Gran really letting me do this?"

Today we had a wee family day out to Pollok park and the Burrell Collection on what was a really nice sunny day. I have also managed to get my camera out a wee bit more recently in what I hope will become a more regular feature - personally and professionally.

"I've just eaten a huge amount"

"Mum - what on earth is this?"

"Oh, I see - it's a new game!"

You can tell me which you prefer of the next picture (black and white or colour) in the comments section below, it would be good to hear some opinions.

We have had a great Christmas and New Year together - next stop Easter and Uncle Paul's Wedding. Here's to a non-stop, full on, action 2015!

"If you look closely you can see my wee teeth"

Christmas 2014 - part 2

Well, where do I start? Probably best to begin with the photographic evidence of Santa's visit this year - just as well we have a large chimney with no fire.

Santa arrived on Christmas eve in fine form and even hung about for a gluten free beer or two.

Sophie has been doing really well recently with her solids and she is also now drinking milk from a sippy cup which is great news and allows us to start to reduce the other feeds. She's standing up and holding a lot of her own weight on her own two feet and she has started to get frustrated as she wants to crawl but is going through the travelling backward stage. She's making amazing progress.

She woke up at 6.30am on Christmas morning and I have to say that I thought to myself - "this is probably the latest she will sleep in on Christmas morning for the next 5 years."

When she came down to the living room she was her usual happy self but once she worked out what was going on she had extra big smiles. She especially enjoyed the noise of the paper and all the different colours and shapes. Exciting times.

"I thought Santa used Reindeers?" 

"This looks like it's going to be a lot of fun."

"I'm ready for more presents"

"Dad - can't you see I am busy?"

"Ok - just one more photo for now."

Sophie was a very lucky girl and got so many great presents - thanks to everyone for their gifts, it is very much appreciated.

After the presents Sophie got dressed for her big first Christmas at Gran and Grandad's house. Gran and Grandad had put a lot of effort into making everything great for the day itself - it was just a shame that Gran wasn't feeling her best but everyone had a great time.

"Aunt Joyce won't let me steal
her glasses or necklace!"

Skyping Paul and Nicole

Big girl at Christmas dinner

"More presents? This is great!"

Sophie tucked into her own food but also managed to get a taste of many things on the dinner table - there is a video of her first taste of lemon that she won't thank me for sharing with you but I will have to as it is just too funny - and when I edit it down from 2 minutes to just the required 20 seconds it shall appear her.

I forgot to mention that Uncle David paid a visit before he jetted off to work - it was nice of him to pop in and see Sophie - hopefully she'll see him again soon.

So that's really it folks, Christmas is over and done with and Sophie had a great time, as did we. Another year is almost over and it is always a good time to stop and reflect and think about what as happened over the previous 12 months.

This time last year I was painting our flat ready to get it rented out again, Katie was 3 months pregnant, we'd bought this house (in January) and we'd started to rip it to bits before we moved in on the first week of February.

We learned lots about Japanese knotweed, plastering walls, painting and decorating and I visited the council tip on a regular basis.

Sophie was born of course on the 3rd of June and since then life has never been dull - tiring yes, difficult yes, but never dull.

Things have changed forever and we couldn't be happier - what a year and what a lucky wee family we are. Thanks to everyone for being part of our year and our lives.

We are getting lots of good feedback on the blog and fully intend to keep it going - it is a great record of what we are up to and we are so happy people are enjoying dropping in now and again to see what's happening. Thanks for reading!

Happy New Year to you all ;o)

"See you in 2015 - x"

Grandad brought Santa to visit

Grandad and Gran came over tonight with a big cuddly Santa for Sophie. It was a great surprise and Sophie was very taken.

Grandad's birthday and a change to the plans on Sunday.

Family selfie on the floor  

It was Grandad's birthday on Saturday and we paid him a wee visit (his first birthday as a Grandad by the way). Sophie tried to steal his nose and his glasses but he was too quick for her. 

"Almost - I'll get them next time."

"Happy Birthday Grandad x"

The plan on Sunday was for Dad to be out in Edinburgh at a rugby thing but due to unforseen circumstances it was decided that he should take the day off and look after the girls - he has had an awful lot of late nights lately and he's out again working late this week. In the end it was the best for everyone.

We went for the longest walk ever, saw Darius fae off the telly, visited a new cafe in the town and even caught some live music before getting a takeway to bring home for dinner.

Sophie continues to be spoiled in the bedtime story department - she gets at least 3 books every night, read to her at least twice. Her favourites are "Can you find your nose", "I wrote to the zoo" and "Sophie La Giraffe Peekaboo".

Sophie also received a very nice letter from Santa Claus which I have photographed and added to the blog. She's starting to get very excited about Christmas - either that or it is just the solids to blame for the extra movements.

Thought would finish with a couple of extra shots from the week - she is getting so big so fast but remains, cute, funny and beautiful all at the same time, quite a skill.

                          

And in a final piece of "breaking news", it was discovered today that Sophie has a wee tooth peeking through on her lower gums. She'll be ripping her toys apart in no time I am sure. Pics to follow and toothwatch progress updates when we get a chance.