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"