Busy Bees

Sorry for the lack of cute photos recently - hopefully this one makes up for it!

Anna has stayed out of hospital for a couple of weeks and we took the opportunity to go away and celebrate Andy's 40th birthday in London. Many thanks to Katie for hosting us and making Andy's birthday do possible; to Ally and Howie for their hospitality and, last but not least, to Howard and La Smackie for making it to the do and putting a big smile on Andy's face.

Honourable mentions go to my brother who saved our bacon when our car broke down as we were leaving for London and Andy's sister Alison who gave us a lovely lunch on the way back up the country and also bought Andy a fab watch!

The latest health update on Anna is that the daily, 'continuous' antibiotics plus the steroid inhaler she's on seem to be doing the trick. We're starting to relax slightly...

Janie
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A First for Ella and Andy

Ella went on the rollercoaster at Metroland today. Andy had never been on one before either and they both had a great time. It's a proper full on ride, so I was very impressed by Ella's bravery. You wouldn't get me on a rollercoaster - it's my idea of hell!

We've had a fabulous weekend. Yesterday we went to a lunchtime World Cup party with Vicky, Al, Ed and Sheena plus kids and got home at 9pm. The day was pretty idyllic with perfect weather, lots of splashing in the pool for the kids and a game of cricket and some chilled drinks for the grown ups.

Today, we went to welcome Verity - Maxine and Ray's new baby - to the world and Ella has also had a another session going down the garden slide into the paddling pool. Andy is doing a gig tonight to celebrate the summer solstice (their singer is a white witch!), so it's just me and my gorgeous girls this evening.

Janie
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Trolley Dolly

Those of you who knew Ella at age one will know that she was very attached to her wooden trolley. Well, here's Anna in the garden yesterday taking her first steps with the same trolley. Cute as a very cute thing!

In and Out...Again!

Anna and I have had another stay in the RVI. We went in on Sunday and got out last night (Wed). She had the same breathing problems as before and is now being thoroughly investigated by the respiratory team. In the meantime, they have also put her on a preventative regime of continuous antibiotics and daily inhalers, so hopefully we can stay home for a while.

I hope that you like the shot of Anna during her hospital stay - she looks like she was in baby gaol.

We've decided to cancel our holiday to Italy in July. It would be far too stressful being miles from the nearest hospital and we can't take any chances with madam. If you fancy two weeks on an organic farm in Tuscany during the school holidays at a very reasonable rate I can give you the web address...

Other than frequent hospital admissions, life is great. We had a really lovely time at the BBC Springwatch stuff at Kielder on Saturday and it has been really hot for the rest of the week. We even had the paddling pool out this afternoon which is a big event in the normally frozen wastes of Northumberland!

Janie
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Elizabeth's a Bloater!

For the first time in months and months Elizabeth's weight is above the second centile and she weighs almost 18Ibs. Woohoo! All that extra mature cheddar is doing its work.

Here's a shot of her leaning against the sofa and showing off her lovely, chubby thighs. Doesn't she look grown up all of a sudden?

I have also attached a shot of Chloe on our day out to a local 'children's farm'. She rode a donkey, bottle fed a lamb, cuddled a chick and saw traditional Northumbrian farm animals such a llamas, guinea pigs and wallabies... It was great fun.

J x

PS; If anyone saw ER tonight please feel free to call me to discuss the amazing end-of-season cliffhanger!