Three Henderson's in London

On Thursday Alexa was bundled into our little red car and we headed out to Heathrow to pick up her uncle's Dougal & Jamie. For them it's the first time to meet their niece, and first time in the UK. Alexa took to them instantly and has spent the last couple of days staring intently, they in turn are pretty taken with her and eager to cuddle and play with her. Not so keen to step up to the changing of the nappy though! They arrived bearing many many gifts from home - this included the obligatory NZ food (chocolate & licorice) as well as some wonderful gifts for Alexa, including a home made doll from Robyn & Natalie, children's CDs and workbook from Helen and also a few treasures for David and I.

Friday we headed to David's and my favourite London spot - Borough Markets located under London Bridge. Starting there with a Monmouth coffee we wandered east along the south side of the river to Tower Bridge, crossing the bridge and then back and crossing London Bridge stopping many times to explore local sights. We were lucky to see Tower Bridge lifting as an old barge motored past. Then I headed home while boys kept walking further west along the river to Westminster & Big Ben.

Meanwhile Alexa has had a busy week. She had a growth spurt early on and began waking twice nightly for feeds at 2 and then 5. This lasted a few days before settling back to the once nightly feed. She is becoming more active and robust each day now. David and I have been enjoying lifting her above our head to delighted smiles and she also loves simple songs and actions. Some of these have been learned at baby yoga, others from my childhood. The CD's from Helen will expand my repertoire and we can enjoying making up different movements and games. Yesterday she surprised us by rolling from her front to her back. This seemed to be a bit of a fluke as she wouldn't repeat it despite encouragement from David and I. However I can see that it won't be long before she becomes more difficult to change - and dangerous to leave her unattended on couch or changing mat (which sits on the table).

She has just reached 17 weeks - which according to local advice is the earliest time I can start feeding her solids. I have not yet, and so far there doesn't seem to be any need to. I will wait until she appears more interested in food, and also when milk doesn't seem to be enough.

Having problems posting photos - they will come later.