Alexa and Gran

We had a short visit from Gran today. She arrived last night at 5pm and got to pick Alexa up from daycare and then observe the regular evening routine for Alexa and I - crying cos dinner was taking far too long, drinking the bath water, then the struggle to get her into PJ's, but quickly to sleep. Once Alexa was in bed Mum, David and I enjoyed a quiet dinner and then off to bed - with a hot water blanket for mum and electric blankets for us. Our house is like an icicle in winter with temps of between 11 and 13 degress in our bedroom at night!! So I am currently investigating underfloor insulation.

Today was a stunning day - crisp clear weather with blue skies. After the morning chores - which I got to do while Mum kept Alexa occupied which meant no tears and pulling at my knees for cuddles, we went for a walk a coffee and play in the playground. Alexa loved having her Gran with her and would constantly seek her and enjoyed running to her for cuddles. In the afternoon, following a sneaky game of scrabble played while A was asleep, Gran and Alexa played scrabble with Gran teaching Alexa the different letters. Grandma would have loved to see this!!

Josephine & Mark's Wedding

Josephine & Mark's wedding was amazing. The ceremony was held in a beautiful church in Carterton with the reception following at Brackenridge, where most of us were staying. Josephine looked stunning in her outfit and caused a hilarious moment when she came to kiss the groom as she hadn't anticipated how tight the netting was, and it was quite a struggle to roll it up for the kiss. All to the hilarity of the packed church! The church as you can see was very cute, and spot the stylish `carriage awaiting the bridge and groom! We waited around in freezing temperatures while some photos were taken of the family, then decamped into warm buses with glasses of bubbly for the return trip to the reception.

The reception was nice and relaxed with random seating - so we ended up on the bride and grooms table. It was great catching up with friends we knew from UK and we really missed Taran and Bridget!! But loved your 'telegram'.

A very full May

Phew a lot has happened since last blog. Firstly we had to say a final farewell to an awesome lady, Alexa's Great Grandma Betty. I travelled down to Wellington and Pukerua to join the Henderson family to say a very special goodbye. We were very lucky that she could join us for our wedding earlier in the year and I was also lucky to have recently had a great chat with her, with her advising me on the best way to produce a good compost (this was at my request!)

David and I have had our first weekend away from Alexa! Not that this will suddenly become a common trend, but was a pretty big step for both mum and dad, and far less so for Alexa. We all travelled down to Pukehina on Friday, then David and I left Saturday morning and returned midday Monday. Alexa had a fabulous time with Gran and Grandad on the farm, did not noticeably miss her parents and instead was able to climb into their bed for an extra early morning zzzz. She had rides in the farm truck with Grandad out to change the fences for grazing cows, a day trip to the beach where she ate carrot cake and raced off down to the sea keeping Gran and Grandad on their toes closely following.

When David and I returned we got a vague smile, then it was business as usual as she navigated the streets of Rotorua wooing sales ladies in the shoe shop (who offered to swap the boot Alexa was holding for her Pooh Bear - an offer not taken up!). You would think she hardly noticed our departure, however there has been one noticeable change upon our return home with her suddenly insisting on joining us early morning in our bed!! Hmm will have to break that habit shortly!

Other bits of news will be brief cos I'm tired and it's late, but promise to add photos and more detail soon.

Attended Josephine Coles and Mark Fullerton's wedding in Martinborough - place is bloody freezing, wedding fabulous with a beautiful bride, lovely ceremony, good food and friends. Great place to lay in bed watching NZ beat Luna Rosa in

I have now finally become employed after a fairly long time looking. I received two job offers on the one day and agreed to take up an HR Adviser/Projects post with Auckland City Council. The role is part time, 3 days per week and for 5 months ending 31 October. More detail to follow.

This timing works perfectly having me finish up just 3 weeks before Alexa's next sibling is expected to arrive. Yes that's right we are extending our family and the grandparents are thrilled!! I am just under half way with a belly that is just starting to poke out. All has gone well to date with minimal morning sickness and the benefit of having midday sleeps with Alexa when I am with her.