Coming on leaps and bounds...

Since returning from France, life has been somewhat hectic. It all started the week we returned, when Mummy decided that "we", ie Daddy, Nana and Baba, should decorate the supreme being's room. Never let it be said that we are somewhat slow on the uptake, but Emily has never really had a room upto now. I'm not sure when a nursery would stop becoming a nursery and become a child's bedroom instead, but I guess we were not far from that point when the holiday finished and the painting began.

So within days of Emily's arrival back from starting 'le grand tour', the supreme being had her own room to play in (although admittedly we are still working up to her sleeping all alone in it). Her own room coupled with her holiday experiences, seems to have seen her take some major developmental leaps. It's a fantastic time to be around Emi, as everyday seems to bring a new thing that she couldn't do the day before.

Her desire to walk before her first birthday keeps our backs feeling suitably sore; she is endlessly inquisitive about her new world, constantly pointing and enquiring; she loves storytime and is starting to recognise the same characters as she turns the pages; her new found joy of cycling is keeping me from getting unfit; she is learning to pile up and put away, as well as knock down and take out; and she dances, claps, sings, smiles and laughs all day long... All in all she is a total delight to be around - her four tooth grin lighting up my day every morning and evening.

New seat and helmet and ready to go

 Secret plans being made with the Gang of Four

As if butter wouldn't melt - with Pink Coo, Polar, Evil Panda and Duckie

Videoclip: Supreme Being's have special dancing powers

Un Séjour en France (deuxième partie)...

I'll tell of the Battle of Hastings,
As happened in days long gone by,
When Duke William became King of England,
And 'Arold got shot in the eye.

'Le grand tour' continued in week two with a week in the quiet town of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme. Little beknown to ourselves or the supreme being, it was from here that almost 1,000 years ago William set sail to conquer England, and change the course of English history forever. Apparently my mothers side of the family came over from France around that time to do a spot of gardening (hence her maiden name Parker, shortened version of Parkkeeper) so we should have felt right at home. And indeed we did, or at least the supreme being did her utmost to promote the 'entente cordiale'.

One of the highlights of my holiday was the daily trip to the boulangerie. Every morning around 7.30am I took Emi in her pyjamas to the boulangerie 50yds from the house - it was an instant hit. Or, more to the point, she was an instant hit. Croissant, pain au chocolat, pain aux amandes and a plethora of other breakfast fancies ensued. Mummy was delighted, and her sweet tooth satiated, so from there the holiday could not go wrong.

'The Doorstep Wave' - A good way to meet the locals

 Enjoying watering the garden

Saint-Valéry is a picture postcard town complete with medieval walls, riverside esplanade, delightful steam train, local market and a wealth of good eateries. The surrounding Picardie countryside whilst flat, is home to nature reserves and some lovely beaches which Emi made the most of, but is somewhat overlooked by many British tourists who drive right on through to reach the better known areas in Normandy and Brittany.

The supreme being took to France like she was born there and loved every minute. Holidays are a great time for me to spend some real quality time with her and watch her grow and learn. I can't believe our daughter is nearly 10 months old - her 'walking' is coming on a pace, she chats away, does a very cute 'shufffle dance' and claps her hands at the slightest entertainment. She really is a happy soul and is a constant joy to be around. Let's hope it continues...

'Walking' on the beach

Mummy indulging in a spot of seafood

 

Daddy on his manly bike

Enjoying the view from the steam train

 The Somme Estuary

Unfortunately our holiday had to come to and end, but the journey back was made easier by a few days stop at the Southern Rookes where we got to spend a day on the Thames. The perfect ending to a lovely fortnights break.

 Hooray for boat trips!

 It's good to show older cousins who's boss