7am Christmas Wake-Up

7am Christmas Wake-Up, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Seeing as Felicity had just settled back off to sleep, Mummy and Daddy decided to go and wake Cara up so that we could open our stockings together.

She's Starting to Get It..., originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It didn't take her long to get into the swing of things.  We spent most of the day opening and playing with presents.  I plan to blog more about the day later.

Felicity Doesn't Like Baths... Yet!

Felicity Doesn't Like Baths... Yet!, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Well.. to be fair some of the time she looked liked she could have been enjoying it. It was rather hectic trying to keep two little girls under control in the bath.  I'm sure bathtime will continue to be lots of fun.

Two Babies in Our Bath

Two Babies in Our Bath, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara enjoying a bath with her little sister. There was no big splashes or getting upset, so well done Cara.

Baby Thoughts

Baby Thoughts, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Felicity does look a lot like her sister Cara, but this is a very Felicity face - at least, I think so.

Cara - the big sister

Cara Holds Her New Sister, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara meets her little sister, and wants to hold her all the time. Pointing out her tiny fingers, tiny nose, tiny eyes... tiny everything really. She loves her new baby sister. It was so cute to see this first real interaction as sisters.

Felicity Marie Munzer

Felicity's First Nap, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

One of the first of many photos of Felicity. This was taken in the delivery room not long after birth.  Born at 11:46 on Monday, 15th December 2008 (also my Uncle Alan's birthday), and just minutes before my Estimated Due Date, weighing 6lb 6oz, and 48cm long.  

Welcome to the world our little girl, we all love you so much!

Felicity Marie Munzer

Felicity's First Nap
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

She's here! And only fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. Born at 11.46pm on Monday, 15th December, weighing 6lb 6oz, and measuring 48cm.

The birth happened rather quickly, in the end. We put Cara down to bed, and Mummy got in the bath, but it didn't take long for her to realise that things were moving swiftly. We called Grandma and Grandad, who came over to babysit Cara as she slept, while Helen and I drove to the hospital.

It's amazing what the human body can do (particularly; Helen's!) - things were already quite along way down the process of getting ready for birth. She was so brave through the whole thing, and didn't end up using any pain relief apart from the standard 'gas and air'. This was something that Helen was really hoping for, so we're all really glad that was able to go to plan.

Before long, we could see Felicity, and she popped out, with her hand right next to her head - like Superman, the midwife pointed out. There were some complications with the placenta, but with some more bravery and strength (from heaven knows where!) Helen was able to naturally deliver the afterbirth, too. She needed a few stitches before everything was done, and the midwives left Mummy and baby to have a little time cuddling together.

I drove home a bit after four in the morning, not quite sure whether everything had really registered - Felicity is with us now - and I am so excited to start to get to know her properly. Some observations so far:

1) She likes to make noise and kick about. (We knew about the kicking before today!)
2) She likes to suck on her hand. She must have been doing that before she came out, too.
3) She has beautiful big eyes, and dark hair, in a bit of a mullet - short on top and long at the back. The mullet is only temporary, however.

I'm so glad everything went so well. We love you, Felicity, and can't wait to see you again in the morning! Cara's going to be so excited to meet you...

Happy Birthday Alan

Cara sings Happy Birthday, for Alan. However, she has had a few birthdays very recently for Daddy's side of the family, and so the name part is always a little confusing.. I think she wants it to be her birthday. Not too long to wait now, Cara.

Winter in Yorkshire

'Nobody seems to mind me abducting this small child'
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

It's good up North! One of the great things about living so far from the equator is that when it gets a bit cold, it actually gets cold and wet enough that snow falls in some volume, and stays on the ground enough to play in it!

Over the last few weeks we've had a lot of snow, and at the first opportunity we drove up the nearest hills, and took Cara to have a walk and a play in the white stuff. She seemed to really enjoy herself - even when she got a bit of snow on her during the snowball fight! Ben came with us, and we made a little snowman together. Let's hope we get even more good snow this winter, so we can show New Baby - although perhaps we'll show her through the windows, from where it's warm!

Looking forward to New Baby

Hello 'new baby': we've been calling you 'new baby' so far, but sometimes 'Felicity', as we think you'll be lovely little girl. We don't mind, though, if you're a little boy, either. In that case you'll be George, and either way you'll be a great little friend for your big sister, Cara. I think she's aware that you're almost ready to be with us. She puts things in your Moses basket and then takes them out again, telling us that these are 'baby's dummies'.

It's almost Christmas, and we can't really believe that you're going to be here with us even before we get that far. It's going to be just wonderful to be the four of us: our little family for our first Christmas all together!

Keep growing, and come to us safely - we're going to have lots of fun together very soon!

      love, Daddy.

Hello Baby!

Hello Baby!, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

You are in there.. and hopefully coming out really soon. We love you so much already, our little one.

When will you come?

OK.. so it's Wednesday 10th December today, you are due Tuesday 16th, so less than a week away, but when will you actually come? Before, after, exactly on your due date? Who knows?

Well.. I think we are finally completely ready for you. Mummy has packed a bag of things to take to the hospital, some cute little tiny clothes for you to wear and keep you warm and cosy. I can't believe how small you will be. Your big sister Cara is just so big now compared to a little baby. Mummy's been trying to explain to Cara about you coming to be part of our family, so we're all getting extra excited - and we hope you'll be here to celebrate Christmas with us.

Last week at Mummy's appointment to check that you are doing well, the midwife said that you had turned round into a breech position, this would not be good for Mummy, and might mean that you would have to be born by C-section. Mummy really would like for you to be born naturally, so when we went this week, Mummy was really happy that you had turned back round to be head down - well done! Now you just need to stay there, OK.

Cara was born by C-section, and if that turns out to be the way you are born, then it'll be for the best, as long as we have you out in the world with us all will be great. Your big sister is so special, I think you are going to be the best of friends.

See you soon, little one.

Mummy x

First Snow

'Nobody seems to mind me abducting this small child', originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We woke up this morning to snow. Cara's first look at real snow. She loves Snowmen, and always wants to sing the Snowman song. When she woke up we brought her straight in to our bed, so she could look out the window with us at the white outdoors.

We got ready as quickly as we could, wearing LOTS of layers and then went to get Uncle Ben to join in the fun. We were going to the White Horse, as Daddy said there would be lots of snow there to make a Snowman. Our little car couldn't quite manage the steep snowy hill though, so we settled for a little pathway at the bottom of the hills.

Cara seemed to love walking in the fresh snow in her wellies, and kept wandering off. She ran off down this hill leading to a farm, so Daddy had to chase after her and bring her back. There was lots of giggles.

We did make a mini snowman, and then Cara was definitely ready to go home, cold and tired. Lucky we did go though, as we still were a little late for afternoon church. What a fun day!

Hopefully, we'll have more snow - maybe some for Christmas.

Drawing

Cara loves to draw at the moment, and paint.  At the children's centre we go to they have a white board easel with pens, and Cara has loved it the past couple of weeks.  Today she was drawing away - mostly doing lots of circles, and the the put two dots in this circle while saying eyes.  It was amzing!  She really was drawing a face.  She then proceeded to clean the board, so I didn't get to take a photo of her first real drawing, but I was very impressed.  I've been trying to get her to draw another face ever since, but whenever I ask her to draw a face, she asks for Mummy to help.

Oh well.. next time, I'll be quicker!

Cara Nutures Nature

We went on a family trip out today, to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales.  It was lovely.  A little windy and there was a little rain - but it was beautiful, and we all enjoyed our walk in the countryside.

Cara found a big rock, as soon as she picked it up she called it special...

It was not long after, that she decided the rock should go in the pram, and she said night, night.. how cute we thought, but then something even cuter.  She found her special rock a dummy (this is Cara's favorite thing about bedtime).

New Baby

Hello New Baby!

That's what we're calling you at the moment.  We think you are going to be a girl, but we can't be certain.  If you are, we think we might call you Felicity, don't don't be upset if we don't, whatever name we give you will be lovely, at least your Mummy and Daddy will think so.

You've been in Mummy's tummy for quite a while now.  Just around 10 weeks left until you are due to come outside and see us all.  I think your big sister Cara will be really excited to see you and have you be with us.  She does sometimes say 'hello' to you and give Mummy's bump a cuddle.  We love you already, but Mummy does sometimes think you're a little too wriggley.  You move around in her tummy a lot more than Cara did, and poke your hands and feet out lots so that Daddy gets to feel you too.  We love you little baby.

See you soon.

Marmite

Cara's newest word - Marmite.. with no gesturing from me whatsoever.  The Marmite was on the side, but this morning Cara said Toast and then Marmite, very politely - so that's what she had for breakfast, before moving on to Cheerios, and then a banana.

Cara's first trip to the cinema

I heard about a free cinema screening of In the Night Garden, and so applied for tickets. The showing was this morning. We got tickets for me, Andrew and Cara. It was great to see so many children at the cinema, and everyone enjoyed the show. We watched 2 new episodes of In the Night Garden from the new Tombliboos DVD that is coming out on Monday. All the kids got a free goody bag after the show, and one lucky one got a box full of In the Night Garden toys.

I wasn't sure what would be in these goody bags, and I was very surprised. Cara got an Igglepiggle toy, a DVD of In the Night Garden, and CBeebies goodies, such as a mouse mat and sticky notes. I was impressed. All this for free.

It was fun to be in the cinema together. Cara liked the lights in the ceiling and would point to the screen saying 'Tee', which is what she calls the TV. A lot of the kids were clapping at one point too, which Cara joined in with.. and she laughed a lot when the Tombliboos were going really fast in the Ninky Nonk and their trousers fell off. It's a weird show!

In her wellies

We actually bought these wellies at a car boot sale, the reason being we had rushed off in the morning and forgot to put Cara's shoes on.  So she was confined to the pram unless we found her some shoes.  Luckily someone was selling wellies of the right size, and for 50p, how could you go wrong.

We decided to go out for a walk together in the woods, and play in some muddy puddles.  We had lots of fun.  However I think Cara likes water only puddles a lot better than muddy ones.  She doesn't like things to get dirty.

The Cooks come to visit

Cara Gives Martha a Cuddle, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It was lovely to have Linda, Emily, Naomi, Leisl and Martha come and visit with us in our new home. We have come to love York ,and walking around it. We decided that in the afternoon we would take them to the National Railway Museum. We thought it wasn't too far, however by the end of the journey home everyone was very tired. Well done everyone for making it home!

At the Railway Museum they had an activity where we got to paint our names in Chinese Characters, Emily, Naomi and Leisl did a good job of this. Martha and Cara just enjoyed running around.. or as you can see here, having a cuddle. Cara loves to say Martha now.

First Real Bed

Cara's First Bed, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We were lucky enough to have been given a cot bed, so decided that now was as good a time as any to get Cara out of the cot, ready for our new baby. We don't want her to be jealous. (We just need to be brave and do the same with her dummy!)

From day one she seemed to love her bed. There were a couple of times when she fell out, but it's not far, so no harm done, and now she can sleep in a bed - yay!

Our Local Park

Does She Know She Can Walk Around It?, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We are really enjoying living in York. Really close to our place is a nature reserve, and within it, is this park.

Cara loves to play at the park, although you might not get that from this particular photo.

In Bournemouth

Helen at the Cottrell's
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

At the moment we're staying at the Cottrell (Sr.) house in sunny Bournemouth; enjoying a (very) long weekend, after the wedding of Helen's brother Matt to his new bride, Hannah. It's been great fun, hanging out with Helen's extended family, and yesterday we visited the beach with Linda, Richard and the kids, had a BBQ with Alan and Katie, and then visited Wendy and Royce in the evening. Despite the continued discomfort of hayfever, I've really enjoyed the chance to be in the sunshine, and kick back a little.

Cara has been having lots of fun, too. She seemed a little cautious about going in the sea, and was wary of the big kids splashing at the paddling pool, but she loved playing in Alan and Katie's back yard, and got so tired that she started falling over and bumping into things. She loves playing with her 7 cousins, especially Martha, who she enjoys swapping dummies with.

We'll be in Bournemouth for another day, and then will spend Wednesday at 'Bird Land' near Cheltenham with the Cooks, before heading home. What a great way to welcome in Summer!

Enjoying the Swings

Enjoying the Swings, Mummy and Cara, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara has really started to love the swings! This face says it all.

Fun in April 2008

Just a few clips of the fun we've had this past month.

Hey Little Girl

Hey Little Girl, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

What a great photo! Isn't she gorgeous. We went shopping today to get Cara's feet properly measured, and bought her some lovely new shoes. She is a size 3, width G, but that could all change soon, let's hope she gets to wear her pretty pink shoes for a while.

She's been walking by herself a little more today, it's so lovely having her walk with us. She's always got lots of smiles from strangers, but today she was so cute walking holding onto Mummy and Daddy's hands that this old man just smiled so much, it was lovely.

Cara Walks Outside! At the Zoo!

Cara Walks Outside!
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

We had a lovely day out on Saturday - down at the Bristol Zoo! We put Cara's little shoes on her for the first time, and she was walking about all over the place - with a little help from Mum and Dad, of course. Cara looks so big, when she's walking about. It's amazing what a difference it makes, to see her up on her legs.

We'd recommend Bristol Zoo to anyone, especially while there's the 'buy one, get one free' offer on with Corn Flakes! There aren't a lot of big animals, compared to larger zoos, but there are some amazing fish, smaller animals, and birds. We are all amazed!

Cara Walks Outside!

Cara Walks Outside!, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We had a great day at the zoo all together, and Cara did so much walking! She still wanted to be crawling, but if you hold her hand she'll walk and walk and walk.

She can walk on her own, but only really does that if she's really excited to get somewhere or has something in her hands already.

She is such a clever girl, it was so much fun to be with her. She absolutely loved standing right by the glass and seeing the fish or seal, or penguins swim by.

It was such a lovely sunny day too - I hope we get more of those.

1st Birthday

1st Birthday, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

One today, I can't believe it. We celebrated Cara's birthday yesterday with lots of family. Cara had lots of fun, especially with the balloons, but also with her new toys.

It has been a really special year for us all as a family. What a wonderful daughter you are, Cara. You are so happy, and fun to be around. I love you so much.

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.

Almost Christmas

Mummy finished work on Friday, everyone at work is very excited about meeting you and has given mummy lots of presents for you. Tomorrow mummy and daddy will be travelling down to Bournemouth to see all your family there.. your Nan and Grandpi, Great Nan and Bampa, Uncle Steve and Uncle Matt, Auntie Wendy and Uncle Royce, Auntie Katie and Uncle Alan, and your cousins Amber, Leah and another baby bump. Hopefully we'll get to stop off at the Temple on the way up to York to see more of your family that love you already - you are so loved. We'll see your Grandma and Grandad, Uncle Joe, Auntie Hannah, Uncle Ben, Auntie Jan, cousin Sally as well as Great Grandma Widdowson, Great Grandad Widdowson and Great Grandma Munzer, oh and Auntie Jean and Uncle Randy. Wow! That's a lot of people! and there's more family too.. you just wait.

We are so excited to see you. Daddy really can't wait. I keep telling him not to get too excited because although you could conme early you might also be late (your due 24th January). Daddy was being silly this morning.. he said he might go and register your name as Felix, even though I say that its a cat food name.. I don't think he will really though.. hopefully you'll like whichever name we choose for you. We are thinking really hard, we want it to be special.

We love you baby! xxx

In my tummy!

Hey Baby! Just thought I'd write you a little note. You seem to be moving around a lot at the moment. Sometimes we even get to see you move! Daddy likes to know when you're moving around too, so that he can feel you. We love you so much! The other day I found out more about the day you come into the world. Mummy is a little worried about how all that will go, but with Daddy there all will be OK, and we are so excited to see your beautiful face. Love you loads! Mummy xxx

Mummy loves you!

There's just over 4 months until you're due to come into this world. I'm so excited to see you. I want to hold you, and kiss you and see you looking back at me. It's hard to really comprehend that such a wonderful baby is growing inside of me. At times it's easier than others. Today you were moving around while the Sacrament was passed. I like to feel you moving around inside - it makes it more real to me. Daddy likes it too, it is great when he gets to feel you too. It seems that you like Daddy's warm hands holding my now very round tummy. You move more. Hopefully in the coming weeks you'll start kicking lots! Maybe we can then see you kicking and not just feel you. I just can't wait to hold you. I love you!

A Message from Daddy

It was so wonderful to see the first little pictures of you, as you seemed to look out at us, and kick your tiny arms and legs to say hello. I remember your mother and I laughing with joy as we saw that together, and realised again how lucky we were to get to be your parents.

Your wonderful mother has sometimes felt unwell, and often feels tired - but she is so happy to go through these things for you. This is because you are so special to us; our first child, the beginning of our family.

We both love you very much. We'll do everything we can to prepare, so when you come to us, we'll be able to give you everything you need to grow up healthy and happy.

One day you will be able to read this, and know just how much we loved you, even now, before we can hold you in our arms. Thank you, our sweet baby, for bringing us so much joy and love!