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We’re now on the Tuesday after a very hectic bank holiday weekend.  You may have guessed from previous posts that the house we’re renting isn’t the largest and at the best of times it’s a bit of a squeeze, this weekend things got a little squeezier!

Sister Anna came to stay with Rupert, their two children (Sebastian and Constance) and their two dogs.  Things got a little busier on the Saturday when Dad came over with Viv and three of her Grandchildren (Lewis, Nicole and Andrea).  It was lovely to see everyone and luckily the weather was pretty good and we were able to spend a lot of time outside.  We went to a neighbouring village’s fate on Saturday, it was a typical country fate with Tombola, cake stall and beer tent.  I came second in the Welly Wanging competition with a wang of 21m 70cm (30cm short of being Champion!).  Dad went home with several bottles of wine from the Tombola, so of course he was extremely pleased.

Needless to say the house is much quieter now.

A couple of weeks ago the Barrs family (except Ian’s sister as she lives 4 hours away) got together to celebrate Lance’s (Daddy Barrs) 62nd birthday. We went to a very nice pub and enjoyed a very filling Sunday roast lunch with all the trimmings. Ian and Gordon even had whitebait, but I have to say it didn’t look anything like the whitebait in NZ .. more like the size of sardines- YUK!

Back row, left to right – Viv (Lance’s partner), Uncle Gordon holding Charlie, Daddy Barrs, Ian with Megan

Front row, left to right – Edward (Gordon and Sam’s son) and Aunty Sam .. and I’m obviously taking the photo

While playing with Charlie this morning I discovered she has tooth #7

Four on top and now three on the bottom and we had no idea she was teething .. may this continue for the rest of them

One day before she turns 11 months old our little girl has taught herself how to sit up all on her own

After her morning and afternoon sleeps today when Ian went into get her up she was sitting up waiting for him, but this afternoon we put her on the floor and she proceeded to show us just how she sits herself up – I was so moved by watching her I almost cried (yes I think its just the preggie hormones).

She’s done it three times in the last five minutes so now I think she is just showing off

N and I went for a very grown up date last night (the first we’ve had for ages), we ate Mexican and then went to the movies.  It’s fair to say that we both really enjoyed the new Batman movie, we’re talking about going to see it again.  If you’re thinking of going to see it, do!  It’s a movie to see on the big screen.

Megan’s been staying with us all week, it’s been a bit of a strange week for her and she’s missed her Mum quite a lot and is struggling a little with not being the centre of attention all the time.   We have seen a big improvement as the week has gone on.  She’s very clever and extremely articulate, we have to keep reminding ourselves that she’s only 5 years old and adjust our expectations accordingly.  Having said all of that it’s been great having her here and we’ll miss not having her around next week.

After months of speculation and uncertainty .. I can now confirm that Charity Barrs aka Charlie Bum Posey Pants, Missy Moo, Chunky Monkey, Crinkle Cut, Chubba Wabba (and a few I can’t remember right now) has her mothers beautiful dark brown eyes

What a lucky girl ..

I’ve decided to try and remember to take my camera with me just when I walk the dogs.  Here are a couple of efforts from today.

Yesterday not only marked the start of the new football season but also my return to the County Ground, it was a truly moving experience! The Mighty Swindon are the pundits choice for relegation this season and based on today’s match they’ve got it very wrong! We stuffed a well fancied Tranmere Rovers 3-1, we look a very good side and if we can build on this start it could be a very good season!

C’mon the red ones!

Well it’s been an interesting time in good old blighty:

Of the two jobs on offer, I’ve decided to take the one working for the management services consultancy company.  It was a tough call to make, but in the end a couple of things swung it, they are obviously a company of very clever people so there is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn and they are local.

I went to lunch with the Managing Director and the Commercial Director and got on well with them both.  I think I’ll be a bit out of my depth to start with (but that was one of the things I liked about the opportunity) but am sure I’ll do an OK job.

I’m all Jagged up:  I picked up my new car today.  It an S-type Jag 2.7 twin turbo deisel.  Love it!

Oh, and we’re pregnant.  We had the dating scan this week and N is about three months.  After the initial joy we both looked at each other and said “oh my God, what have we done!”.  “Smelly” is due on the 20th February.