First Christmas Moment

Cara's First Christmas Moment, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

What a great expression for her first Christmas moment. What a cutie! We all enjoyed a lovely Christmas at Nan and Grampi's house. Lots of presents, food and fun.

Happy December

Mmm... Milk Chocolate!
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

It's the most... wonderful time... of the year! Happy Christmas to all our family and friends- it's really exciting to be thinking about Christmas - the first Christmas for Cara, outside of the womb! She doesn't seem all too excited yet, but I have a feeling that she'll really like the little fairy lights that we'll get out next week. We'll have to see how we can stop her from eating the tree, too!

It's come around really quickly, but I think it's going to be a memorable one. It's a great time of year to take stock, to do some kind things for those around us; to make contact with those people who we've been meaning to call for a while... Happy Christmas, everyone! Not long to go, now!

10 months old today!

Cara had her check-up with the Health Visitor today. The '8' month check. The Health Visitor commented on how good she was, that she has a good attention span, is sociable and happy. We just chatted to make sure everything is OK, and collected our BookStart books.

Measurements were also taken:

Weight: 8.68kg or 19lb 2oz (little below average)
Length: 72cm (little taller than average)
Head Circumference: 46cm (little larger than average)

Cara is perfect!

Cara's first drawing

Cara's first drawing, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

We thought we'd see what happened when we gave Cara a crayon. This is it. She wanted to put it in her mouth more than scribble on the paper. When she did make a mark, it was from banging the crayon on the paper. I'm sure, given time she'll improve. We just thought that we would commemorate this special occasion - Cara's first drawing!

And she's up!

Nine Months Old, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara is not only crawling, but able to pull herself up to kneeling as in this photo, or indeed standing. She's still not too steady when she gets there, so Mummy and Daddy have to be more watchful, as there are a lot of things she could bang her head on. She is so adorable!

Eating

Bday-8, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

As you can see Cara is liking eating, and especially likes the food that Mummy and Daddy are eating.

She still prefers fruit, yogurt and rice cakes to anything meaty - but at least she eats some savory things.

Cara almost crawling

Cara almost crawling, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Well.. she has the crawling stance..

I think she secretly can crawl though. Whenever I re-enter the room, I see her move from the crawling position to laying out flat. She moves all over the place in her cot, when I'm not watching, but when I'm around all she does is stretch to get to things.

Poking out her tongue

Poking out her tongue, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Tried to snap a photo of Cara's newest talent - poking out her tongue. She also has one bottom tooth poking through her bottom gum - and the top two, and other one at the bottom are definitely close.

A Day for Swimming

The last time Helen and I went swimming together was on our honeymoon, in Oberstaufen, south Germany. Today was with our little girl, Cara. It was really fun to be able to take her into the water, and have her discover that. She's never been one for splashing - not even in the bath - but towards the end of our time there today, she was having a great time, laughing as she splashed the water with her little hands.

Plus, for me (!) - it's really a fun experience to be in the water. I found myself loving the flumes, and enjoying doing a couple of lengths in the adult pool, too. We came away saying that we'll definitely have to go more often. I think now we've all been together, and I got to be there for the first time, Helen won't mind taking Cara on her own, when I'm at work. We're lucky to hve pools all around us in Bristol!

Incidentally, today is Cara's six month birthday. She's now a six month old. That's an amazing thought. I'm so proud of her. Whenever I look at her, and see her sitting up, or smiling at us, or discovering something new... I'm so glad she's a part of my life. I wouldn't swap her for anything - our family is three! Cara is a big part of all the fun we have together, wherever we are.

Flexible Cara

Flexible Cara, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

The baby yoga must be paying off.

Happy First Father's Day

Happy First Father's Day, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It was Daddy's first Father's Day this year. Cara got to be there for it, any brothers and sisters don't get to be there for the first - so it was very special.

Mummy helped Cara to make Daddy breakfast in bed, to get a present - a Wii stering wheel and to make a card. This is the poem on the card:

I'm your little baby girl,
Your little schnuckems pie.

I wanna say 'I love you!'
I really, try and try.

Hmm! I'm just too little,
But one day I wont be!

Then I'll say I love you,
and you'll say you love ME!

Cara the Ballerina

Cara did some dancing today. Helen ordered one of those great doorway bouncers for her, and she's really been loving it. As you can see. She bounces back and forth, and smiles and smiles. Just one of her latest tricks!

First Trip to London Temple

A Shady Baby, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It was Cara's first trip to London Temple, and it was sunny. It was Bristol Stake RS Temple Day, so Cara stayed with Daddy while Mummy went in the Temple.

Daddy let Cara play with other children in Visitors Centre - that was fun, and then when Mummy and Nancy came out we all had a picnic lunch together before the journey home.

Cara, the Spectator

Cara, the Spectator, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It was Alex Tovey's birthday, and so we all went to celebrate with him. It was Cara's first trip to the bowling alley. It's quite noisy in the bowling alley - but it was fun. Daddy won! Well done Daddy!

Pram ride

It's been a while, but this was taken when Cara had her first ride in a pram. (Possibly 19th May).

3rd set of injections..

Yes! Today Cara had her 3rd set of injections, and there were three of them!

She did very well, only a few tears. A hug from Mummy was all she needed, now she's sleeping, and hopefully all will be well when she awakes. We have a visit to the Health Visitor later this afternoon, so we'll see how big Cara is getting.

Well done Cara!

Jenna

HPIM1750
Originally uploaded by adcottrellski.

Welcome to little Jenna! It's a wonderful world.

We're excited to meet her, and have little Cara meet her. They are going to be very close in age, and they have the same middle name (Louise). Alan and Katie must be very proud - this is their third - sister to Amber and Leah.

Tiny babies are wonderful. Now I know! So congratulations, and see you in Bournemouth soon!

Rolling Over

Cara 17.JPG
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Cara managed to roll herself from her back to her front. She doesn't seem too happy when she gets there.. we think she's trying to crawl, but can't quite manage that yet. However, she just keeps rolling over.

I almost missed her first proper roll while I was out 'Running with Angels' lucky for me she didn't quite make it then.

A Little Photo Shoot

A Little Smile
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Encouraged by the success of the key-white background I used for the photos at the Bristol YSA convention this weekend, we decided that we'd do a proper photo shoot with Cara, on Monday. The sun was streaming through the window onto our bed, and the light made the photos look great, I think. Check out the whole set.

She's the cutest little girl on the block. Officially.

Cara's Baby Blessing

Cute in her bonnet
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints babys are given a name and a blessing. Sunday 8th April 2007 Cara was given special blessings. Daddy spoke the words, but Grandfathers and Uncles assisted. Cara was blessed for all things she needs for a happy and healthy life. She was blessed with a life of service, to find joy in helping others and as well as many other things to be grateful for this wonderful world, and know that Christ is real.

It was a wonderful day, and to have all our families there with us was fantastic. See photos.

Something Funny?

Something Funny?
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara wasn't laughing so much today. It was her first set of immunisations today. She did really well, not too much crying at the doctors - less than the doctor expected I think. About 4 hours later is when the crying started.. we had never heard her cry so loud before, I could tell this was not the normal Cara. She had lots of hugs and kisses, walked around a lot with Mummy and then slept for quite a while. The are of skin around the injection in her thigh looked a little red and raised. My poor baby girl. After a few naps she seemed a lot better, and the redness had gone, so hopefully she is all better now. Only 4 weeks until the next set though...

Banksy Comes to Stay

Eye Contact
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We got a phonecall on Saturday from our good friend James, saying that he's got the week off, and he's able to come down and stay with us! The last time we saw him was quite a while ago - so it's been great to have him. So far we've played on the Wii (see Wii Time ), eaten really good food, and basically just done some catching up.

Cara and James have got along great, as you can see. She slept the whole way through Sacrament meeting in his arms. :-)

Quiet Alert Time

Cara was being especially cute today. We could really see her responding to us, and smiling a lot. we didn't get the camera out straight away, but we did still manage to catch alittle one, and some cute sneezes.

Baby Yoga

The other day, Cara and I found some time to try out a present from Grandma Munzer, a Baby Yoga DVD. It was really fun, and Cara seemed to really enjoy it - we'll have to try and do it more often. Maybe we could even video us, and add a video clip to the blog. The plan is to add video, it's just finding the time.

Little Shunckums

Little Shunckums, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

What a great photo! Our little girl with her Daddy, Grampi and Bampa.

A Couple of Firsts

Today was Cara's first walk in the rain. It wasn't too wet, but it definately was raining. Luckily, Mummy and Daddy decided to go back home in time that we didn't get soaked. This evening was also Cara's first night out. We all went over to Ceris and Sam's house, with others and played a couple of really fun Playstation 2 games. One was party edition Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and the other was a singing game - you got marked on how well you sang it. Lots of fun!

Baby Shower

Showertime
Originally uploaded by GeoWombats.

OK.. so this isn't our baby - but it was the best photo I could find for the topic.

Southmead RS held a Baby Shower this evening. Everyone was so generous. Cara was asleep for the whole evening.

Gifts from the Baby Shower:

Little Me Toiletries - Deanna Hole
Bear Photo Frame, White Blanket, Baby Album - Mary Savikas
Lilac & White trousers and top - Helen Palmer
Baby Feeding Things - Rebecca Amery
Baby Lotion - Jackie Nash
Wipes, Pink Dress and Tights, Sudocream, Nappies - Tamara Tovey
Wipes, Talcum Powder, Lotion - Louise Camacho
White Dress - Merle Bathe-Taylor
Musical Baby - Viv Hurley
Fabric Bib, Muslin Cloths - Elizabeth Hurdon
Wipes, Lotion, Toiletries - Rebecca Ribbon-Barrett
Babygrows and Dresses - Angela Ribbon-Miles
Baby Book - Jackie Ryan

Thanks Everyone!

(PS more people gave presents at other times.. I'll have to list them sometime too)

The Munzer Families

The Munzer Families
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

More visitors today, and more presents. Cara you are a lucky girl! Today you got to meet Grandad, Uncle Joe, Auntie Hannah and Uncle Ben. We all had fun watching you. You slept a lot as usual, but you are still the focus of attention even then. We love you Cara!

Four Generations

Four Generations
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

You had some visitors today Cara. Your Grandma and Great Grandma came to stay for a couple of days. They were so excited to see you. You had lots of kisses and cuddles. This is you with Daddy, Grandma and Great Grandma Widdowson.

Us, Happy at Home

Us, Happy at Home
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Mummy thought that we'd both be staying in hospital a little longer because of the operation - but we got to come home after just two nights. Mummy was very pleased to get to be home with Daddy.

Your car seat will only fit in the front of the car, and the car is only 3-door. Mummy wasn't too keen on getting into the back of the car, so first of all Daddy took you home. You got to have you first Daddy-Daughter outing, and we had some friends, Alex and Tamara Tovey come and sit with you in our flat while Daddy came back to get me. The hospital is just round the corner, so we didn't leave you long.. but you did have your first time without Mummy or Daddy - You were a good girl, as usual.

Happy Birthday, Cara!

Dear Cara,

Yesterday, you were born. It was an amazing experience for your mother and I, and it took quite a while to finally get you there with us. We were awake all Saturday night with you, the contractions getting more and more regular and powerful, until we called the midwife, and arranged to drive to the hospital at around 6am. When the midwife checked up on you, it seemed like you were nearly with us, and we expected to see you in only a matter of an hour or so. At 9am it appeared that things weren't going to be quite so simple, and your Mummy was moved into a different room, and we started listening to your little heart beat through a monitor, and your mother was given some pain relief, so she could rest while you turned yourself round to be in the right position for birth. I snoozed in a chair by the bed, until it was time to get things moving again.

At 2.30pm, Mummy started pushing again, and you quickly moved down the birth canal, to about an inch from daylight. It seemed like you were going to arrive any second, and Mummy was making a huge effort to help you come into the world, but nothing was happening. You'd stopped, right near the end of the journey! Meanwhile, the little monitors showed that after every contraction, your heartbeat would slow down, and a few doctors started coming in, and checking on you. We seemed to be meeting more and more medical people over the next few minutes, as various doctors tried pulling you out with two different venteuse devices. They really leaned back on those things - but still, you wouldn't budge.

Later, we found out that you were facing the wrong way up, coming down the birth canal, and you'd also put your chin back, so the harder Mummy pushed, and the harder the doctors pulled, the more you got stuck right where you were. They whisked us into the operating theatre, asked us to pick our favourite CD to put on, and with me and Mummy behind a green sheet, a team of wonderful doctors grabbed you feet first, and pulled you back out, into this world. You needed a little help to get going, and the doctors gave you a little oxygen, but in a few moments, we heard your first proper cry, and were told that you were our beautiful little girl - Cara Louise. You were born at 4.31pm, and weighed 7lb, 10 1/2 oz.

After they did a few measurements, you were handed to me, and I got to hold you and talk to you in another room, while they finished off stitching your Mummy's tummy up. I was amazed at how attentive you were, moving your little eyes around, and not crying at all - just stretching your fingers, exploring the world.

We feel so lucky to have you, and today we got to know you a little better. We love you, and will do all we can to help you as you start this exciting journey on this earth. Happy Birthday, for yesterday - and well done for getting here as you are - perfect, healthy and happy! love,

Daddy. xx

Southmead Hospital, Again

Southmead Hospital, Again
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Nan and Grandpi came to visit you today! You were born in the same hospital as mummy. You are so beautiful! Nan and Grandpi bought you a beautiful outfit.. Rowan Reynolds and Rebecca Amery also came and visited for a bit today - they bought you pretty clothes too. Everyone is excited that you are a girl. We all love you very much.

One day old

One day old and I already knew you were a good girl. After Mummy's operation, and Daddy having to leave the hospital at 8pm, Mummy was a little worried about how the night would be. You lay in a cot near my bed, but I couldn't turn to pick you up - and I was so tired. I had a buzzer I could ring to ask someone else to come pick you up.. but you were such a good girl all night I didn't need to. Everytime I heard you stir I put my hand in yours or stroked your head and told you that Mummy was close, or that Daddy loves you, and you would go back off to sleep. You are amazing!

Nearly Time for Your Arrival

Dearest Baby,

You're nearly with us, and we're so excited for you to arrive. It's late on the evening of Saturday the 27th January, and since this morning, your mother has been having 'twinges', and later, definate contractions. This evening we've been timing them, and hoping that now is the time we've been waiting for so eagerly. Nothing seems to be vaguely important compared to you - you're going to be our first priority from now on!

A few minutes ago, Mummy showed me how much you're moving around. When you read this, you'll not be able to remember this time - but I know that you're excited too. These changes are not always easy, but they are worth it. Now you move from being in your Mummy's tummy, to a new and exciting world 'outside'.

Right now we don't know whether you'll be a handsome little George, a beautiful Cara, or somebody completely different. But whatever we choose to name you, we promise to love you with all our hearts, and do all we can to prepare you for a happy journey through this life.

All my love,

your father. xx

Checkup Time for Baby

Today we had another checkup with Doctor Redmond, of Elm Lodge Surgery, Bristol. He's a nice Irish chappy, and we went, excited to see what he'd say. He didn't say anything too exciting in the end, apart from that baby's head is very much engaged. Still, Doctor says that with first time mothers, the baby will usually be late, so we'll probably be hanging around for another 3 weeks. In some ways, this is actually ideal, as it means that I can get all my exams and essays out of the way before baby comes along. I even have a week off classes in 3 weeks time - 'Reading Week' - so I can combine reading with playing with baby!

I'm really enjoying being at home with Helen during the days, now. We feel really lucky to be able to do this - to be the two of us - and soon to be three!

A Walk Out to Queen's Park

Green Fingers
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It's nice to get out. I blogged the other day on my other page about how good it is to just take a walk in the outdoors - and we put principle into practise today by going with Linda's girls out into the little copse of woods near Helen's parent's house. It was lovely to go running around with them, and then to think about how soon it will be before we can have our little baby with us. We had a good conversation with Linda, too, about how good being a parent is.

Today Helen's grandparents celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. We took some photos of them, fired off some party poppers, and played some games with them. And of course, there's going to be the big party on Saturday... quite an achievement, though. Congratulations to them.

Dear Baby

From your Dad -

It shouldn't be too long now before you're with us. Your Mum is looking just huge, and is beaming all the time. We're both so excited, it's a shame you can't see us! But all in good time. You're hopefully using all that energy from your mother to grow properly, and get all ready for your big journey in the next couple of weeks. I can hardly imagine what that will be like for you: to go from all you can remember - a world of warmth and comfort - and to be thrust out into a bright, cold place, where all is unfamiliar.

Well hold on, baby. We'll be there with you, and we're determined to teach you all you'll need to know to be able to deal with this world. It's not an easy place to live, but it is a happy and rewarding world, if you let it be.

So, keep growing. We'll see you when you get here - to our little family!

The First Day of the Year

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2007! I was surprised at how excited I actually was last night, as it ticked over into the new year. Very often I've been at some big party, and it's been a kind of anti-climax. Probably the thing was, I didn't expect to be all that excited - and, well - it's just quite exciting, isn't it?
We fired party poppers around, and watched the amazing firework display in London on the TV. I called my parents, and found out that they'd all been in bed asleep since 9.30.

So - what will 2007 bring? We'll have our little baby in just a matter of weeks now, and Helen and I will get lots of practice at being parents. I'm aiming to get astronomically high marks in my essays this year, and perhaps Helen will write some computer code that will make our millions. Seriously though - New Years Resolutions for 2007:

1) Andrew to spend at least his 40 hours a week on University study.
2) Andrew and Helen to both read their scriptures every day this year.
3) Andrew to do at least 300 words of creative/personal writing daily (including journal).
4) Helen to learn how to teach baby to read, and start steps to help him/her this year with that.
5) Helen to plan nutritious, healthy meals.
6) Andrew to exercise regularly, by not using the car.

That's plenty to be getting started with... if we can get all these down, it's going to be a great start to the year. There's so many things I'd like to do, and life seems to be going by faster and faster. I heard a quote from Julius Caesar in church yesterday:

There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.

(Act IV, Scene 3)

Let's take the current current! Here's to a great new year, everyone.