Big Ten

Well another milestone passes as the visitor count for Amy's Fan Club tops 10,000. I don't have very sophisticated web stats so I can't analyse it too much but with continued new visitors from the UK and around the world it still seems that the site is providing a service to its patrons - whoever you are! With many of the dangers associated with Amelia's untimely arrival now subsiding it's really just a good way of seeing how she's coming on and there's nothing wrong with that. As friends and relatives are all over the world it's very easy to blink and miss an entire stage of someone's life so AFC is here to stay, for now at least. Keep well and thanks for checking in.

Sorry Vin

Well, well, well. Last week we had the great pleasure of entertaining Amelia's godmother Kay plus of course Pierre and nipper Ethan, and just look at the shenannigins that went on! I have to say credit to Ethan that when he saw the obvious chemistry between Amy and my godson Vin in Holland, he was straight down here to lay down the law. Actually on occasions Ethan's attempts to snog my daughter bordered on harassment, but I think she's old enough to make her own mind up. There comes a time when as a parent you just have to let them go. [Sigh]. Your move Vin.

Another Belated Birthday Blog

Happy Birthday yesterday for lovely Anna who turned 30 again for the fourth time. Thanks ever so much for the cards & gifts, I'm sure she'll thank you all in turn. I made another cake. We ate it.

Belated Birthday Blog

Well I've been busy haven't I? I've spent most of the week either in the car or on the roof of a school in Hove (long story). Anyway Sunday last was of course Amelia's 2nd birthday and therefore cause for great celebration and back-slapping all round. Thank you so much to everyone for all the wonderful gifts and cards, there's hardly a spare surface left to put everything.

We started the day at home opening the pressies and cards and generally just stooging about. In the afternoon we went across to the Trodds who's son James was celebrating his 4th birthday, and enjoyed a very relaxed afternoon hijacking someone else's party. At around teatime we headed for Andover to see Kate, Neil and the boys for a special birthday tea and cake.

Amy's in good spirits generally although she was running a fever midweek but this has subsided now. She is having trouble sleeping though so we're trying to figure out why but in the main, mustn't grumble. The words are also coming thick and fast so get ready for a conversation next time you see her.

Have a good weekend.

Thinking Back

Well we're into August and it's almost that time again. We don't do a lot of looking back these days but on Sunday we'll be thinking of exactly 2 years ago when Amelia's arrival took us all by surprise and changed our perspective on life forever. Although I don't dwell on the past anymore I can honestly say I look at my daughter every day and am truly thankful; but doesn't every parent? Alas not. I'll be extra thankful on Sunday but I'll also be thinking of those less fortunate.

A huge thank you to everyone who has sent cards and presents. The pile is growing and we're very grateful, especially Amelia! There's no official party on Sunday but we'll be celebrating at home together. In the afternoon we're off to someone else's birthday bash ironically and then to Auntie Kate's for tea. Another jelly and ice cream bonanza I suspect.

Have a good weekend and I'll leave you with a pictorial retrospective. A couple of shots from our previous two notable August 6ths.