Festive finale...

And so my least favourite of days comes when all that festivity must come to an enviromentally friendly end. Christmas trees must be taken to the park to be turned into ornamental bark, decorations back into their box to be re-used another year, cards recycled at M&S, and leftovers eaten, composted or made into soup. It's a sad day and the flat looks very naked by the end, but I try and cheer myself by reflecting on the fun and good times that have been shared over the past few weeks, and the first major festive season of many for Emily.

So what's this year's celebrations been like? Well for me it started in mid-December celebrating my 40th with T, Emi, and a lovely brace of pheasants. I also got given a parachute jump which is very exciting - so watch out for the blog on that. The next day my parents arrived with cake, and more laughter and good times were had. Their departure a few days later was swiftly followed within 15mins by the surprise arrival of my brother, in time for a lovely night out with friends (including a guest appearance by the Dodds) whilst T kindly babysat Emily. Coming in late meant there was a visitor in my bed...

Who's been sleeping in my bed?

And then it was a short pause for breath and Christmas was upon us. Pre-Christmas drinks were had with friends and last minute preparations completed. It was always going to be a special time this year with the addition of Emily, and she was now (for a change) really waking up to the world. Whilst sleeping is still a favourite pastime she is definitely now more alert, starting to enquire about her surroundings and communicate with us.

Emily soon learned that Dad was kidding when he said Christmas was cancelled 

and so delivered a well deserved left hook...

The days after our lovely family Christmas at the Gurneys (see Daddy loves Christmas) were spent with my niece Ruth. Ruth arrived just after Christmas and joined in looking after Emily (apart from nappy changing), helping entertain the neighbours (top marks for mince pies) and wins the prize for the best Christmas present this year (a completed version of a baby cardigan my sister had started knitting before she passed away - simply magical). 

Cousins - 19 years apart, but much loved shared

And then New Year came and went (see Happy New Year) and first footing season started with visits made to friends and colleagues. T made up for her pre-Xmas mince pie drought in fine style and we both enjoyed visiting so many people. Thank you all for your hospitality.

But there are many visits that still need to be made and more good times to be shared. For those near enough for us to 'pop in' we will try and do so in the coming weeks. For those further away you are no less in our thoughts, but we will need to work on our planning to see you in 2013. Wish us luck - there are never enough weekends to spend with you all.

For me 2012 was magical and the start of a wonderful journey. Despite today being a sad day (probably my least favourite in the year), the amazing festive season and wonderful times had with so many, have stood me in good stead to move forward into 2013 brimming with excitement. So much can happen, so many adventures to be had and shared with T and E. I can't wait...so bring it on.

My two favourite people in the world