Way back in October Chance, Kezia and I all went for toddle at the Greensands Ridge.
The Greensands Ridge runs through Bedfordshire and part of it runs through Ampthill park. We are so very lucky to have all this wonderful countryside on our doorstep. :D
Here is a lil video of Kezia enjoying her time in the woods ... if you listen carefully you'll hear her chatter, sing and say 'fwoof fwoof'!
A walk in Ampthill from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Kezia, Chance and I go for a wee trundle along the Greensands Ridge in Ampthill.
Uncle Wato
We had a lovely catch up with The Boy the week before Mamma went into hospital.
Kezia had a lovely afternoon playing with her favourite Uncle and it was lovely to catch up on all his news and gossip. He has grown into such a lovely chappy and it's wonderful to watch him play with The Gal ...
Piccies, complete with soundtrack, as always:
Uncle Wato visits from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Kezia and I pootled over to mamma's to see David on one of his visits from London. :D
Kezia had a lovely afternoon playing with her favourite Uncle and it was lovely to catch up on all his news and gossip. He has grown into such a lovely chappy and it's wonderful to watch him play with The Gal ...
Piccies, complete with soundtrack, as always:
Uncle Wato visits from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Kezia and I pootled over to mamma's to see David on one of his visits from London. :D
The day we caught Keith smiling ...
Chance, Kezia and I had a simply wonderful Sunday afternoon this weekend, thanks to dearest mamma and pops and Keith and Jan - our bessy family friends from Cornwall. (Dad and Keith actually went to school together in Grimsby ... )
We met at lunchtime and had soup ( "two soups" ) before setting off around the grounds. It was a very busy lunchtime, so Chance and I grabbed a table with Kez whilst the oldies (oops, sorry, young uns in disguise) got the lunch.
Instead I bloomed with maternal pride at my lovely little Noddle and said thank you and how proud we are of her. It's so lovely when people comment on lil Kezia, and as she grows into this lovely, smiley and happy little girl people seem to comment more and more! *Author pats herself on back for at least getting part of this parenting lark right!*
Stowe itself was as lovely as ever - and the colours at this time of year are just gorgeous. It was lovely to walk 'round surrounded by family and good friends, shooting the breeze and appreciating all the wonderful nature that surrounded us.
We revisited the Temple of Worthies - which encouraged some infantile behaviour from the boys regarding when David had a toilet moment behind the Temple (he was about 4 I think). At one point Keith was practically doubled up on the floor with giggles ... I think dad had said that a few weeks after the 'David' incident that we had returned to poke it with a stick. *sighs*After toddling round the shorter route in the gardens we returned to the cafe to have a nice cup of hot chocolate and a bit of cake. Keith took this opportunity to show Kezia how to make her toy vibrate ... or was he merely amusing himself with a new toy? In all honesty, it was hard to tell - but he did smile!
Photos, complete with soundtrack, as always!
Stowe Landscape Gardens from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Oct 2010 - Mamma, Pops, Chance, Kezia, and Keith and Jan all enjoying a walk and a giggle in the grounds of Stowe School, Buckinghamshire.
Wimpoling!
Oh yes. Wimpole!
Mamma, Kezia and I had a lovely playday at Wimpole last Thursday. We parked up at about 2pm and toddled into the restuarant for a very nice cuppa and lunch before setting off for a walk round the gardens.
It was a beautiful day, although a little overcast, and kezia had a wonderful time chasing both me and grandma around the grounds.
Not a lot more to say really, except that here are the photos of the day!
Wimpole Hall Oct 2010 from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Mamma, Kezia and I had a lovely playday at Wimpole last Thursday. We parked up at about 2pm and toddled into the restuarant for a very nice cuppa and lunch before setting off for a walk round the gardens.
It was a beautiful day, although a little overcast, and kezia had a wonderful time chasing both me and grandma around the grounds.
Not a lot more to say really, except that here are the photos of the day!
Wimpole Hall Oct 2010 from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Throwing some shapes ...
This is just a quick posting ...
Chance was going through the bits and pieces on his iphone and showed me this glorious video of Kezia at Sophie and Dan's wedding. Well, I couldn't not share it with you all!
I loved the little outfit that she was wearing that day ... yummytastic!
Kezia dancing at soph's wedding from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Chance was going through the bits and pieces on his iphone and showed me this glorious video of Kezia at Sophie and Dan's wedding. Well, I couldn't not share it with you all!
I loved the little outfit that she was wearing that day ... yummytastic!
Kezia dancing at soph's wedding from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Grafton Regis History Fayre
Some time ago, mamma, pops and us Watkinson-Hoopers toddled over to Grafton Regis for the history fayre. A history fayre at Grafton Regis? I hear you cry. Yes, indeed. And let me tell you why:
"The village of Grafton Regis was mentioned in the Domeday Book of 1086 as Grastone. The old church, dating back to Norman times, has dominated the skyline of Grafton for almost 1000 years. The Woodville family lived in the village from the 12th century. In 1464 Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville in secret: the marriage is believed to have taken place at the hermitage, the site of which is still visible today.
Their grandson Henry VIII stayed at Grafton Manor on many occasions and bestowed the designation of Regis on Grafton. The strategic importance of the village gave it a brief involvement in the English Civil War in 1643."
Their grandson Henry VIII stayed at Grafton Manor on many occasions and bestowed the designation of Regis on Grafton. The strategic importance of the village gave it a brief involvement in the English Civil War in 1643."
Source: http://www.grafton-regis.co.uk/
Have you glazed over yet?! So, to celebrate the rich, noble and royal history (!) of Grafton Regis, which they insisted on referring to as Grafton Woodville, it's C15th name (yes, it was that incomprehensibly anal) they had a history fayre. There was cake, a dubious food stall, a few little historical stalls, talks and lectures from local historians and some re-enactments. We weren't hoping for anything amazing and quite frankly, we weren't disappointed! It was a good effort by all and sundry as we watched the Duke of York try to ferry his taxes through Grafton Regis (nope, sorry, Grafton Woodville) only to be attacked by local rebels (again, sorry, local 'heroes'). The fact that their outfits bore a striking resemblance to Viking period dress, and one woman seemed to be bizarrely dressed as some outlandish Pict, seemed to have escaped most people.
Later in the day we watched the Knights of Grafton Woodville (no, Regis, no Woodville - buggar) try to save THE two princes from capture from the evil Richard, Duke of York ... I'm not sure but I think that may have ended in a draw ... History may differ somewhat ...
Anyway - despite our amusement over the day, we did have a lovely day out and we would go again. The re-enactments were worth watching so long as you're not expecting something on the scale of The Festival of History.
Another Hooper weekend ...
This week we had the pleasure of Jean and Robin coming to visit for a few days whilst Chance is enjoying his week off.
We had a lovely two days and spent a lot of time larking about outside - as can be seen by the pictures. :D
I think both Kezia and Grandpa Hooper are completely worn out after their time of running about the garden and in and out of the washing line ... not to mention Grandpa's nice line in washing-line-peep-bo
Here are some piccies of the weekend:
August 2010 mit Hoopers from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
We had a lovely two days and spent a lot of time larking about outside - as can be seen by the pictures. :D
I think both Kezia and Grandpa Hooper are completely worn out after their time of running about the garden and in and out of the washing line ... not to mention Grandpa's nice line in washing-line-peep-bo
Here are some piccies of the weekend:
August 2010 mit Hoopers from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Wedded bliss
August 28th 2010 saw us all celebrate the marriage of lil Soph to the man of her dream, Daniel Lawrence. The ceremony was held at Ely Cathedra, with the reception afterwards being held at The Maltings, Ely.
It was a lovely day. The boys all looked lovely in their tails and lil Harry looked simply gorgeous in his own little version of a tails sut. Sue looked lovely in her cream dress and hat too. Sophie wore a lovely lacy dress with matching bolero and veil and looked like a lovely bride.
It was lovely to be included in the day and we wish the happy couple all the best for the future. :D
Below are some piccies of the day ...you will want the sound up on your speakers.
Sophie and Dan's Wedding Day from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
It was a lovely day. The boys all looked lovely in their tails and lil Harry looked simply gorgeous in his own little version of a tails sut. Sue looked lovely in her cream dress and hat too. Sophie wore a lovely lacy dress with matching bolero and veil and looked like a lovely bride.
It was lovely to be included in the day and we wish the happy couple all the best for the future. :D
Below are some piccies of the day ...you will want the sound up on your speakers.
Sophie and Dan's Wedding Day from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Another year older ...
So, July this year saw good old pops turn 61. To celebrate the Hooper clan met up with the Watkinson clan for a trip to Canons Ashby.
It was a beautiful day, really sunny and we all had a lovely time eating scones, drinking tea and abosrbing all that wonderful history.
After we had gone round the inside of the house we went outside to the gardens and spent several hours rolling around on the lawn with the gal.
Anyway, here is our day out:
Untitled from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
It was a beautiful day, really sunny and we all had a lovely time eating scones, drinking tea and abosrbing all that wonderful history.
After we had gone round the inside of the house we went outside to the gardens and spent several hours rolling around on the lawn with the gal.
Anyway, here is our day out:
Untitled from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
Kicking back for a week ...
Well, we're back! And we're much rested thanks to a brilliant week in Cornwall. The holiday was just blissful. Right down there in the strand, with my family and friends just chilling and relaxing. :D Wonderful ...
We set off at quarter to six in the morning, having got up at about 4.30am. Thankfully we had packed the car up the night before with everything but a few bags for the back seat, so we were able to get up, washed, dressed and out of the door pretty smartish for us!
The journey down was nice and carefree and we stopped at the services on the way down. The practically single track, side of cliff typical Cornish coastal road down to Trebarwith Strand proved to be a little bit more nerve wracking in the Jag to what it was in my old Polo but we managed it!
We had made good time and were sat in the car park at the strand at 11.30 am so we poddled up to The Port William pub to have some lunch before the cottage was free from the cleaners at 3.30pm
The house proved to be relatively nice. The linen etc was nice and clean and it was brilliantly close to both the beach, the hippy shop and the pub ... winner on all fronts I feel! The carpets were a little grubby in some places so Kez did tend to get dirty feet and knees in the evening when she was toddling round on the floor, but as she could be put into beach clothes, and those clothes could be washed at the cottage each day, it wasn't a problem really.Mum and dad arrived shortly after us, so we toddled to the pub again (I know, terrible shame!) to have dinner and a few more bevvies before sinking into our beds
Tuesday was a big day for Mamma and Pops as they had their tea party with the Queen at Bucks Palace this day. So they got dressed up in the best rags and got the train from Bodmin into London.Chance and I decided that the ideal way to spend our day would be with a walk into Tintagel. Ok, before you all hear Chance exclaim loudly in the distance, it was my idea. I admit it. And next time I have the same idea Chance is more than welcome to shoot me.
It was, quite possibly, one of the worst non-relaxing ideas I have ever come up with! In my defence, when we used to stay in Kittiwake Cottage at Gull Rock (up top of cliff) it wasn't a bad walk at all. I used to go in along the cliff path. Beautiful. I would usually stop off at Tintagel Church on the way into Tintagel and then return the same way. I know, however, that the cliff paths are going to be a no-no for a couple of years now until Kezia is older, as they can be so very treacherous. So I thought we would do the road route - of which there are two options. A short and but very, very steep narrow road, or the longer road which was, according to me, longer but not as steep.
That in itself was not a lie - but Oh My God was it loooooong. The continual up, on a bumpy road surface with the sun roasting us ... it just would not end. And when we got to the top of the road I remembered that we then had to ascend steeply anyway, so in effect the route that I had oh so knowledgably chosen was all together longer, steeper, harder and far less practical. Winner!
There were no paths, so we had to hike down a country road with pushchair. Just as we were getting ready to think about giving up and retracing our footsteps (we had been going for over 2 hours at this point) when we met one of the nicest sights I had seen in a long time; a sign that said Tintagel was now only three quarters of a mile away! Nothing spurred Chance and I into action like the thought of a sit down and a cream tea ,so we practically raced the last part (which was finally paved) and fell into a local tea room like Laurence of Arabia and his companion after their long desert ordeal ... It was tough times people!
Mamma and pops came home in the evening with David ( they had rather bravely travelled down with him from London in his white van) and we all poddled off to bed after a quick catch up, as we were all fairly shattered!
Then there was the day of the England v Slovenia game, so I drove the boys into Tintagel so that they could watch the game in a pub with a few beers. Meanwhile, Kez and I found a lovely bench on the cliff top next to King Arthur's Castle and we sat and had a lovely lil time together. We spoke about the sea gulls, and the cows and then the cows digestive system as one had a wee in the field behind us, followed by another one doing a slightly heavier job! Ya gotta love the country!
The rest of the holiday we pretty much spent around Trebarwith Strand and on the beach.
The first trip to the beach she spent quite a lot of time eating the sand ... until she decided that it really was as yucky as we all kept saying it was.
She had a little crawl on the sand and then a little walk. There was lots of seaweed in the sand, which she avoided completely. She didn't touch it and decide that it wasn't for her. She just wouldn't go near it at all and diligently crawled in a round circle each time she came across some!
Mamma took Kezia for her first look at the sea whilst I took Chance to a more secluded part of the beach which has caves. You used to be able to get to it by scrabbling down a cliff path, but since my youth that path has fallen into the sea and the only way you can get to it now is by going through the rocks at low tide.
Mamma took Kezia for her first look at the sea whilst I took Chance to a more secluded part of the beach which has caves. You used to be able to get to it by scrabbling down a cliff path, but since my youth that path has fallen into the sea and the only way you can get to it now is by going through the rocks at low tide.
Each time we took Kezia to the beach she grew more and more in confidence and by the Sunday she was waddling off after other children ( a young pair of boys who were running around playing football proved to be of particular interest for a while ) and taking mamma for long walks in the rock pools and in the sea.
Linked below are most of the piccies from our holiday. There are a lot there though - just to warn you!
But before you go, I will share two of the best photos that were taken that holiday ...
Kezia's footprints in the sand:
Holidays pics:
Untitled from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
... Willen Lake ...
Mamma, Kezia and I met up with my Aunty Sue and cousin Harry on the Thursday of the half term and pootled over to Willen Lake.
It was a beautifully sunny day and we all had a lovely time. Mamma took Kezia on one end of a see-saw and I went up the other and Kez had a lovely time going up and down. This was followed by a go on the swings ...
The day would not have been complete without a play on the pirate ship with Harry ,... even if it was a bit of a tight squeeze for mamma!
Chance has bought us a flash new camera - a proper zoomy Nikon one, detachable lenses and stuff. Bit superior for the likes of me really, but I'm having a lovely time working out how it works etc and have taken some good pics already - although I know I still have a long way to go to learn how to frame a good piccie etc! The fact that it will take a continual stream of photos if you just hold the button down is brilliant, as it means I can just click away at Kez when she's doing something in the knowledge that one of those many piccies will be good!
Anway, click on the slideshow below to be taken to the photo album of our day at willen lake ...
It was a beautifully sunny day and we all had a lovely time. Mamma took Kezia on one end of a see-saw and I went up the other and Kez had a lovely time going up and down. This was followed by a go on the swings ...
The day would not have been complete without a play on the pirate ship with Harry ,... even if it was a bit of a tight squeeze for mamma!
Chance has bought us a flash new camera - a proper zoomy Nikon one, detachable lenses and stuff. Bit superior for the likes of me really, but I'm having a lovely time working out how it works etc and have taken some good pics already - although I know I still have a long way to go to learn how to frame a good piccie etc! The fact that it will take a continual stream of photos if you just hold the button down is brilliant, as it means I can just click away at Kez when she's doing something in the knowledge that one of those many piccies will be good!
Anway, click on the slideshow below to be taken to the photo album of our day at willen lake ...
Who'd like some cake?
Well, we did it. Kezia has successfully seen in her first year! I can't quite believe just how quickly the last year has gone, nor how much we've got done/been witness to in that short time!
The year has seen Kezia learn to roll, sit up, chat, stand, find her hands, find her tongue, discover all the noises she can now make, learn how the piano keys work, learn to climb the stairs, learn to crawl properly, learn key words like 'mamma' 'dadda' 'nanna', learn to dance with our arms in the air, learn to giggle, learn to play, learn to be cheeky, learn how to pass objects, learn how to actively play peep-bo, learn how to feed herself, learn to spot her parents in a photograph, see the arrival of two teeth ... as you can see the list is endless! As it is with most babies, I know, but I will also be extra proud of anything little Kezia ever does. :D
We had a lovely day with Kezia on her actual birthday. We decided not to bombard her with presents all in one go, in case it did her in a bit, so we spread the gifts out through out the day. Starting with an old fasioned wire and ball puzzle that she had when she was rolling about in bed in the morning with Chance and I.
When we poddled downstairs we opened our cards and presents from people. We were sent some really lovely things for Kezia. I wasn't expecting so many people to remember and send something along. So thank you to all who sent a card or a present. It was really kind of you to think of her. :D
Uncle Wato came to visit in the morning and we all had a lovely time together before he had to dash off. He got Kezia the cutest little pink wooden trike with trailer that you are ever likely to see! chuckle. In return for buying Kezia such a wonderful present ,we allowed him the honour of helping Chance pump up the inflatable pirate ship - a gift from Chance to Kezia.
Now, we were fine doing the inflatable hats, swords and shields as they were relatively small, but the ship itself turned out to be a different matter. I think we will have to get an electric pump! The pirate ship was significantly bigger than we had anticipated ... so big, in fact, that it filled most of the available floorspace in the playroom .At the moment the only thing that can be played with in the playroom is, in fact, the pirate ship. We thought it was going to be half the size ... good job it's designed to be a paddling pool with water jets etc as it will disappear to the size of a postage stamp in the garden! In the meantime, we have filled it with lots of ball-pit balls that Grandma and Grandpa Watkinson bought for her. Which seems to be doing the trick nicely!
In the afternoon of the day of her birthday we had more guests when Kezia's Grandma Lynn, Great Aunty Sue, Great Uncle Trevor and cousin Harry came round to play. The Wyatts had bought Kezia the most amazing palamino rocking horse that has buttons in the ears that you press for different sounds. The mouth even moves when it neighs! We haven't decided on a name for it yet, but she loves it already. :D Kezia also had a brilliant time rolling around the inflatable pirate ship with Harry and had a good old chuckle with him. She sure loves her cousin Harry!
One of my best friends, Nuria, nipped in too and bought Kezia a lovely flip phone that makes all different sorts of sounds. It is becoming a firm favourite in the toy bag already ...
So we had cake, lit the candle and sang Happy Birthday to Kezia. As she was too young to blow the candle out Harry did it in her honour! tee hee!
On the Friday of her Birthday weekend her Grandma and Grampy Hooper came to see her and, as always, spoilt Kez rotten! She got 2 waybuloo toys - Nock Tock and De-Li - so now she has the complete set! She also had a waybuloo hard book which, as soon as she was given it , she started to point to the waybuloos hidden in the garden. She also got a lovely waybuloo blanket with Yo-Jo-Jo on it, that her Grampy had spotted and bought all on his own!
I had some serious cake baking to do on the Friday, ready for the bigger party on Saturday, so Robin took Kezia to the only place a man could - the inevitable pull of the pirate ship became to much ... Whilst in the play room Kezia showed off her musical skills and showed Grampy just how clever she is at hitting all the different keys on the iano - sometimes in a big mash up, somtimes just individual notes. She also recognises different pitches in notes, so will follow sounds up the piano and play keys alternately to hear the different sounds. I may have a pianist on my hands! I don't think there will be any doubt, though, that playing some form of musical instrument (or percussion!) is in her future somewhere!
On the Saturday we had a birthday party with as many family as could make it. It was a lovely day. Kezia's Great Grandpa Watkinson was there. They had bought her a brilliant little walker which she sat and played with. In fact, it didn't take her long at all to get the hang of how the front worked and was soon a pro ...
She also got a pair of jodhpurs and a horse brush from her cousins Tom, Ruth and Vicki ... just scrummy! Jo followed with the horse theme too and bought her a lovely soft horse teddy ... and as luck would have it, the lady over the road bought Kezia a teddy-horse rucksack for her days out! I think Chance is starting to get the idea! chuckle.
She was also bought some lovely clothes by Sophie and Dan, and Kezia's Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Church. She's going to look scrummy in her lil bits. :D
We all lit the second birthday cake, which I forgot to take a picture of (D'Oh) but it was a tray of bricks and alphabet blocks! Chance and I blew her candle out this time ... :D
All in all I think everyone had a lovely time.
It has been a true pleasure to watch Kezia grow over the last year. Each week has seen something different, some change that is really starting to give us a glimpse of the wonderful little girl that she is turning into. I look back on the last year and I do feel a small sense of sadness. We were so happy to have Kezia enter our lives and we all spent nine months anticipating her arrival with baited breath. And she was so unbelievably wonderful when she got here. She has always been patient, she's always been a well behaved and peaceful baby. Because of her good behaviour Chance and I were able to pick up part of our old life, like going to country houses, with Kezia within two weeks. And, to be honest, the two weeks were more down to Chance and I getting the hang of going for a good day out without packing the entire house up! Something we have become quite proficient at now! I know I will never have those 'baby' days back with her again, but the sadness of that thought is also filled with a sense of pride and happiness.
I am proud that she is now one. Watching her grow has been a huge pleasure.
But you know what, it will only remain a pleasure whilst it continues to happen. A year ago we could not have imagined just what a beautiful little girl Kezia would be today. Beautiful outside and in.
So imagine how amazing she will be this time next year ...
I am proud that she is now one. Watching her grow has been a huge pleasure.
But you know what, it will only remain a pleasure whilst it continues to happen. A year ago we could not have imagined just what a beautiful little girl Kezia would be today. Beautiful outside and in.
So imagine how amazing she will be this time next year ...
With huge love to you all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Birthday pics (some from my phone still to be added):
A Weekend of adventure
This April saw another visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hooper. We try and see each other once a month so that Kezia can have some quality grandparent time - and we like to catch up with them too!
This weekend was a real adventure for Kezia. Grandpa introduced her to stairs. Something I have thanked him for most loudly as I dash along the landing from the loo, with my pants round my ankles, in a desperate bid to catch Kezia before she zooms up the first set of steps. It really is the end of my world as I know it!
We also all went to the park and Grandpa did a sterling job of walking Kezia round for, quite literally, hours. I'm not sure the poor boy could straighten up properly the next day!
My April Weekend from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
I have also found back in the archives a video of Kezia at four months old which has been up on facebook, but those who don't have access to that may not have seen it. How she has changed - same laugh though!
This weekend was a real adventure for Kezia. Grandpa introduced her to stairs. Something I have thanked him for most loudly as I dash along the landing from the loo, with my pants round my ankles, in a desperate bid to catch Kezia before she zooms up the first set of steps. It really is the end of my world as I know it!
We also all went to the park and Grandpa did a sterling job of walking Kezia round for, quite literally, hours. I'm not sure the poor boy could straighten up properly the next day!
My April Weekend from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
I have also found back in the archives a video of Kezia at four months old which has been up on facebook, but those who don't have access to that may not have seen it. How she has changed - same laugh though!
Easter Bank Holiday Monday
Following the Good Friday fun Chance and I decided that a good family day out at Wimpole Home Farm was needed on the Bank Holiday Monday.
It was a glorious day and everywhere was full of daffodils. We had a really lovely time. :D
Picces of our day out:
It was a glorious day and everywhere was full of daffodils. We had a really lovely time. :D
Picces of our day out:
Good Friday Frolicks
Well, it has been ages since I last updated this blog. Goodness only knows where the time has gone!
To get back to past events at the beginning of the month we had a Good Friday family party ...
(Quality of this video is slighly dubious - I saved in too low a quality vid, so I will be upgrading it and savind it again properly when I have time!)
The party was a brilliant success and I had a really lovely time hosting it. Here's to more of the same over the years! :D
To get back to past events at the beginning of the month we had a Good Friday family party ...
(Quality of this video is slighly dubious - I saved in too low a quality vid, so I will be upgrading it and savind it again properly when I have time!)
The party was a brilliant success and I had a really lovely time hosting it. Here's to more of the same over the years! :D
Kezia's Christmas Video
Yes, it may well be a couple of months late, but it is at last here!
Hope you all enjoy. x
Hope you all enjoy. x
Christening video ...
It's only taken me three months to find the time to do this ... but here is the christening video! Hurrah!
Kezia's Christening from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
13th December 2009
St Andrew's Church, Ampthill
Kezia's Christening from Emma Hooper on Vimeo.
13th December 2009
St Andrew's Church, Ampthill
A lesson in how to eat spinach ...
Well, baby led weaning (BLW) is certainly a whole new adventure for Chance and I. For those who aren't yet in the know, BLW is a form of weaning where, instead of pureeing food and then moving up onto lumpy food etc, you give your child whatever you are eating as finger foods. There is, of course, slightly more to it than that, but that is about the main idea of it. We decided to take this route because Kezia, who had always been good at eating her proper food, suddenly decided that she didn't want to be fed on a spoon by mum. Oh no, she knew how to do her own finger food already and decided for herself that eating on her own with us is far more interesting than having her own spoon-fed mealtime. And who can blame her!
We've had adventures with all food types now and her range of foods is ever increasing, from gentle curries and breads to full dinnes, sandwiches, panini's ... you name it, she's pretty much tried it, mushed it between her fingers and then lobbed it around the dining room!
It is great fun, far less time consuming than making purees up all the time and incredibly messy!
Today was lamb slow cooked with cranberry jus, spinach, baby carrots, broccoli, mashed potato and peas ... the spinach was certainly the most sticky ...
We've had adventures with all food types now and her range of foods is ever increasing, from gentle curries and breads to full dinnes, sandwiches, panini's ... you name it, she's pretty much tried it, mushed it between her fingers and then lobbed it around the dining room!
It is great fun, far less time consuming than making purees up all the time and incredibly messy!
Today was lamb slow cooked with cranberry jus, spinach, baby carrots, broccoli, mashed potato and peas ... the spinach was certainly the most sticky ...
Can we gave a standing ovation please?
Well, it's true what they say about kids (who'da thought it!) and they really do have sudden bursts of activity and doing stuff...
As I said in my earlier post, Kezia has now got the hang of the crawl - or the floor swim as we like to call it! She can get herself up on all fours properly and in fact, when she does, she rocks forwards and backwards and laughs at herself (simple pleasures) but when she wants to move forwards the knees seem to collapse and we do a combat crawl along the floor. But we only use one knee, so the other leg just gets pulled along limply behind her. At first, I was worried that perhaps there was something wrong with her hips and that she was moving like that for a reason, but after watching her for a few days I can see that she does use both legs to do the pushing - just not on the same trip! Lil weirdo. I can but hope that she doesn't think that walking works like this!
She has also started standing at the side of the playpen to talk to her daddy. She isn't pulling herself up yet, but Chance pulls her up to the side and she grabs on and has a merry old chat. Chance has been moving her hands along the bars to teach her to move along them and yesterday she moved not only her hands on her own but also her feet! So she has developed a kinda wobbly sideways walk! The fact that she can do this means that she now wants to do it all the time ... but she needs supporting whilst she does it, so I'm spending a lot of time sitting next to things whilst she gets the hang of this new skill. I really must remember to thank Chance for that lil gem!
As I said in my earlier post, Kezia has now got the hang of the crawl - or the floor swim as we like to call it! She can get herself up on all fours properly and in fact, when she does, she rocks forwards and backwards and laughs at herself (simple pleasures) but when she wants to move forwards the knees seem to collapse and we do a combat crawl along the floor. But we only use one knee, so the other leg just gets pulled along limply behind her. At first, I was worried that perhaps there was something wrong with her hips and that she was moving like that for a reason, but after watching her for a few days I can see that she does use both legs to do the pushing - just not on the same trip! Lil weirdo. I can but hope that she doesn't think that walking works like this!
She has also started standing at the side of the playpen to talk to her daddy. She isn't pulling herself up yet, but Chance pulls her up to the side and she grabs on and has a merry old chat. Chance has been moving her hands along the bars to teach her to move along them and yesterday she moved not only her hands on her own but also her feet! So she has developed a kinda wobbly sideways walk! The fact that she can do this means that she now wants to do it all the time ... but she needs supporting whilst she does it, so I'm spending a lot of time sitting next to things whilst she gets the hang of this new skill. I really must remember to thank Chance for that lil gem!
The tooth fairy ...
Well, the tooth fairy has entered our address into her little book; Kezia has her first tooth!
Last night she was rather crabby and didn't sleep very well and then this morning, lo and behold, we have a tooth! And not just the corner of a tooth either - but the entire bottom edge of her top right tooth!
Just like me she is choosing to shun current trends in tooth growing and has decided that she needs her top teeth first! It's confusing some confusion for her, as she keep popping her fingers in her mouth in an exploratory fashion and her lil tongue keeps running itself around the rim of her gums! heheheh. And her poor old teds are paying the price as she keeps on chewing their ears.
We can see the left top tooth through the skin so reckon that it won't be too long and that one will pop through too. They don't seem to be thin frilly ones like mine were, but big strong ones like her daddy's.
There was lots of shrieking in our house this morning when we discovered she had a tooth (mainly mummy, I do have to say) and Kez looked highly pleased to have all the attention, even if she was a bit bewildered as to why she was getting such adulation! chuckle.
So, here we go - our lil girl really is growing up now!
Last night she was rather crabby and didn't sleep very well and then this morning, lo and behold, we have a tooth! And not just the corner of a tooth either - but the entire bottom edge of her top right tooth!
Just like me she is choosing to shun current trends in tooth growing and has decided that she needs her top teeth first! It's confusing some confusion for her, as she keep popping her fingers in her mouth in an exploratory fashion and her lil tongue keeps running itself around the rim of her gums! heheheh. And her poor old teds are paying the price as she keeps on chewing their ears.
We can see the left top tooth through the skin so reckon that it won't be too long and that one will pop through too. They don't seem to be thin frilly ones like mine were, but big strong ones like her daddy's.
There was lots of shrieking in our house this morning when we discovered she had a tooth (mainly mummy, I do have to say) and Kez looked highly pleased to have all the attention, even if she was a bit bewildered as to why she was getting such adulation! chuckle.
So, here we go - our lil girl really is growing up now!
The new world hero?
Well, after a long application process and many heats to go through the Hero of the World has been revealed:
http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1267051321271RA65
Copy and paste the link above into your address bar. It takes a few mins to load but you will be amazed by what you see ... It may well be someone you recognise ...
http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1267051321271RA65
Copy and paste the link above into your address bar. It takes a few mins to load but you will be amazed by what you see ... It may well be someone you recognise ...
Hands, shoulders, knees and crawl!
Well, this week has seen Kezia move on leaps and bounds, even though she has had a nasty lil cold.
We have been clapping to ourselves, had a short burst on waving and she also now pushes herself up onto her knees and kinda sways forwards and backwards.
She has also developed a swimlike crawl which mamma says is very reminiscent of the elegant (not!) way that I used to get around at Kezia's age.
Not much more to add - just a quick update!
We have been clapping to ourselves, had a short burst on waving and she also now pushes herself up onto her knees and kinda sways forwards and backwards.
She has also developed a swimlike crawl which mamma says is very reminiscent of the elegant (not!) way that I used to get around at Kezia's age.
Not much more to add - just a quick update!
Our wedding montage
Hey chaps. I realise that this is totally out of sequence, and rather late in the day, but I thought I would post up here the montage of our wedding day, complete with songs from the church and reception. It's been on facebook for two years now, but I realised that some of you would not be able to access it on there. Have a peep and relive a very special day! Complete with music from the day.
Also just below is a link to most of the photos from our wedding day - professional ones and friends ones. If you would like a copy of any of these please let us know. :D
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| From Wedding montage |
Also just below is a link to most of the photos from our wedding day - professional ones and friends ones. If you would like a copy of any of these please let us know. :D
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| Wedding albums |
Cor blimey - what a brilliant week!
Well, what a week it has been. After several months of listening to lil Kez say 'dada' non stop, she astounded us two mornings ago with a 'Mamma' !! She only said it the once - but it's that once that counts! It was said in a beautiful sing song voice - as though she was just testing the water! chuckle. Of course, once I heard it I shot up into the upright position as though someone had snapped me at the hips and covered her in snogs!
And then, she went on to further astonish us by sitting up all on her own. She's obviously the type of baby who only does things when she reckons she has the hang of it, because she sits up like a dream. Lovely straight back and no wobbles at all! Lil madam!
And then, she went on to further astonish us by sitting up all on her own. She's obviously the type of baby who only does things when she reckons she has the hang of it, because she sits up like a dream. Lovely straight back and no wobbles at all! Lil madam!
Kezia's first Christmas
People always tell you that it's children who make a Christmas - something that I was always slightly dubious of, being the big kid at heart that I am! Since leaving home I have continued to deck out every available piece of house, mantelpiece and shelf space to full capacity with christmas decks, garlands and fairy lights and have fastidiously written my letter to Father Christmas each year and left out a glass of sherry, mince pie and carrot for Rudolph (and yes, I have also eaten a bit of same said pie, carrot and quaffed the sherry each Crimbo morning when I get up stupidly early, whilst the rest of the house is sleeping, before I silently stuff Chance's stocking with some pressies so that I can act all excited and surprised to him that Father Christmas has visited, eaten and left gifts!)
However, this year has been even more of a pleasure. And I know this feeling will just get better each year as Kezia grows to become excited about Christmas and come to understand what the strange weirdy beardy man in red is all about! This year she was mainly bemused by all the singing (for a change it wasn't just mummy singing at the shops) and all the lights
caught her attention readily enough - but did she realise it was Christmas? No, just like the LiveAid song, she didn't know it was Christmas time at all ... Nonetheless, she enjoyed her first Christmas day, as she had her bath and then got to be put back into her christmas day pyjamas which had been bought especially for the occassion!
She had so many toys it was untrue - although, in true baby style, it was the wrapping that caused the most glee until mummy had to quickly take it off of her for fear of a nappy filled with soggy, glittery paper!
She was thoroughly spoilt by all and sundry - as were Chance and I!
Boxing day bought a challenge of it's own as Kezia's temperature soared up to 40 degrees centigrade (over 100 degrees farenheit) and she spent pretty much the whole day wanting to be held by me and just sleep. A call to NHS Direct later and I felt armed with all the information I needed to take care of the little lamb. Thankfully the next day she was back to normal with the temperature - just incredibly snotty and had a terrible cough. We could tell she wasn't feeling quite like her usual noddly self so we didn't dare take her out of the house and into the cold until the Wednesday after Christmas.
When we did take her out we took her to the snowdome so that Chance could have a snowboarding session - what a huge mistake that was! I realise a time will come when I will look forward to school holidays, but that time is not yet upon me!
The city centre was, quite literally, crammed. It took me 45 mins of driving round the car parks to find a space and when we got in there it was full of children of all ages running round. Nightmare! chuckle.
So Chance did his snowboarding sess and then we watched a full size puppet polar bear - which was amazing
It was all about highlighting the plight of the polar bear and the need to preserve the ice caps - but I think the children were mostly interested in the puppet. It did give the opportunity for Chance to show his comedic streak however, as the pretend keeper asked the children "Why don't polar bears eat penguins?" I heard a voice, which I recognised as belonging to best beloved, cry out "Because they can't get the wrappers off" but thankfully no one else seemed to hear - or they did a very job in ignoring him! Turns out that polar bears don't eat penguins becuase polar bears live in the north pole and the penguins live in the south pole - or is it the other way round?! As you can tell, I was really paying attention!
A few Christmas pics:
However, this year has been even more of a pleasure. And I know this feeling will just get better each year as Kezia grows to become excited about Christmas and come to understand what the strange weirdy beardy man in red is all about! This year she was mainly bemused by all the singing (for a change it wasn't just mummy singing at the shops) and all the lights
caught her attention readily enough - but did she realise it was Christmas? No, just like the LiveAid song, she didn't know it was Christmas time at all ... Nonetheless, she enjoyed her first Christmas day, as she had her bath and then got to be put back into her christmas day pyjamas which had been bought especially for the occassion!
She had so many toys it was untrue - although, in true baby style, it was the wrapping that caused the most glee until mummy had to quickly take it off of her for fear of a nappy filled with soggy, glittery paper!
She was thoroughly spoilt by all and sundry - as were Chance and I!
Boxing day bought a challenge of it's own as Kezia's temperature soared up to 40 degrees centigrade (over 100 degrees farenheit) and she spent pretty much the whole day wanting to be held by me and just sleep. A call to NHS Direct later and I felt armed with all the information I needed to take care of the little lamb. Thankfully the next day she was back to normal with the temperature - just incredibly snotty and had a terrible cough. We could tell she wasn't feeling quite like her usual noddly self so we didn't dare take her out of the house and into the cold until the Wednesday after Christmas.
When we did take her out we took her to the snowdome so that Chance could have a snowboarding session - what a huge mistake that was! I realise a time will come when I will look forward to school holidays, but that time is not yet upon me!
The city centre was, quite literally, crammed. It took me 45 mins of driving round the car parks to find a space and when we got in there it was full of children of all ages running round. Nightmare! chuckle.
So Chance did his snowboarding sess and then we watched a full size puppet polar bear - which was amazing
It was all about highlighting the plight of the polar bear and the need to preserve the ice caps - but I think the children were mostly interested in the puppet. It did give the opportunity for Chance to show his comedic streak however, as the pretend keeper asked the children "Why don't polar bears eat penguins?" I heard a voice, which I recognised as belonging to best beloved, cry out "Because they can't get the wrappers off" but thankfully no one else seemed to hear - or they did a very job in ignoring him! Turns out that polar bears don't eat penguins becuase polar bears live in the north pole and the penguins live in the south pole - or is it the other way round?! As you can tell, I was really paying attention!A few Christmas pics:
Our December
Well, what a month it has been! It seems to have taken forever to get to the bottom of it and yet, at the same time, it seems to have flown past!
As we all know, it started with Kezia's christening - the only child I know who was christened holding her sparkly slipper! It was a lovely day and we had about 40 people in total attend - so our lil house was pretty chocca!
Kezia was so very lucky and received many wonderful presents. Thank you letters are all on their way ...
As we all know, it started with Kezia's christening - the only child I know who was christened holding her sparkly slipper! It was a lovely day and we had about 40 people in total attend - so our lil house was pretty chocca!Kezia was so very lucky and received many wonderful presents. Thank you letters are all on their way ...
We also had nana a
nd grandpa's 90th birthday celebrations this month. And it was really lovely to have a reunion with the Gill and Hall factions of the family. They are such a cool and dignified group of people - as was evidenced by the photo that pops managed to get at the end of the day of two of his cousins asleep on the sofa with their little mouths wide open and snoring gently. How very ladylike! chuckle.
nd grandpa's 90th birthday celebrations this month. And it was really lovely to have a reunion with the Gill and Hall factions of the family. They are such a cool and dignified group of people - as was evidenced by the photo that pops managed to get at the end of the day of two of his cousins asleep on the sofa with their little mouths wide open and snoring gently. How very ladylike! chuckle.
We all had a lovely meal in a local hotel and Kezia wore her best party
dress and Christmas party hat - and when the crackers were pulled she was adorned with the hairclip that came in her cracker (although truth be told, I'm not too sure she was that impressed!)The next adventure to launch itself at us was loads and loads of snow! It was a Sunday, so Ch
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ance was at home and we rushed Kezia outside to give her the opportunity to meet her first snowflakes. As per usual for our gal she revelled in the moment and just seemed to enjoy the time with her parents acting like idiots and squealing!
to do our shopping. I had the bright idea the Wednesday before Christmas (day before Christmas eve) that I should go and visit the old folk in woburn sands and newport pagnell, so merrily got the car out of it's snowed in position 
on Church Avenue and felt rather proud of myself, especially as I am known for being particularly rubbish at driving in snow! But, my confidence peeked too soon and I was soon completely stuck on solid street ice at the bottom end of Church Avenue. No rocking or anything could get the car off of the ice and even resorting to using a small improvised shovel to chip the ice away from under and from behind the wheels still didn't allow me to move. So I had to phone mamma and pops to come and help me push it out! Talk about a drama! chuckle. Still, I got there in the end and decided to visit just the relatives who live in Woburn Sands - A good choice as it turned out because it started snowing again before I left at 5pmSo there you go - a brief run down of our December in the lead up to Christmas ...
December and christening pics:
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