tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43552460107782277142024-03-06T01:56:49.705+00:00Katie-EllaBrunei chick living in London.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-85078891153920739772009-07-06T19:42:00.003+00:002009-07-06T19:49:33.864+00:00Baby Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFzCGHH599ZdzcAwZGlLwY-5MCLX7AhrjvWaDf_sRNmhmllRV13J-vbDVTJU1oHxY-xkcNq4U7qAJTlMaW8JOaGWwPUpJN_5W-KntaFqY5jYjd5Zguc2zdcugbHjnall2dd11Lg-CIrLU/s1600-h/rice.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFzCGHH599ZdzcAwZGlLwY-5MCLX7AhrjvWaDf_sRNmhmllRV13J-vbDVTJU1oHxY-xkcNq4U7qAJTlMaW8JOaGWwPUpJN_5W-KntaFqY5jYjd5Zguc2zdcugbHjnall2dd11Lg-CIrLU/s320/rice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355436612572947538" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I gave the Pip his first taste of "food" and he liked it. He is 5 months old now; my little baby is growing so fast. This weekend he will be moving to his own room. Mr KE and I will miss him a lot but it is for a good reason : we are having the flat valued next week. So lots of housework this week!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-7322544073915215682009-06-05T18:51:00.003+00:002009-06-05T19:22:31.342+00:00Small StepsWell, today I made the first steps towards finding childcare for the Pip for when I go back to work. Not big steps, to be honest, all I did was look up the list of local nurseries on the internet and write down the phone numbers of the ones that looked promising.<br /><br />It's something I have been avoiding for a while and I can't really put it off any longer. It's tricky because I haven't decided whether a nursery or a childminder is the best option - at the moment I'm 80% leaning towards a nursery - but I haven't actually been round any nurseries yet. So it could change once I've had a look around a few.<br /><br />The last few months have been so packed with changes that in one way, it seems like they rushed past in the blink of an eye. Is my son really 4 months old now? On the other hand, it seems <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">soooo</span> long ago when I was waiting to give birth. So much has happened since then and Mr KE and I will never be the same again.<br /><br />Last weekend I left the Pip with Mr KE for the day while I went into "big town" for the first time since before Christmas. I have left him for a few hours before, but never for this long. So it was quite a big step for me (and for Mr KE too!) although I don't think I would have been happy leaving him with anyone else other than his father.<br /><br />Still, for many reasons, I have to go back to work by the end of the year so I just have to get on with it. Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I do want to go back to work but like every other working mother, I do feel pangs of loss and guilt. It's tough but just one of those things that has to be done.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-85237300358776352242009-05-20T18:56:00.003+00:002009-05-20T19:04:35.520+00:00What's the other 58%?OK, I haven't blogged in ages because I've been busy, looking after baby, too tired to blog ...blah blah blah. You know how it is.<br /><br />Anyway, I read <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8060204.stm">this article</a> this evening and I was moved to blog. Ignoring all the tax-stuff in the article, what surprised me is that Pringles are only 42% potatoes! What else is in Pringles for goodness sake? I knew it was processed but not <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">that</span> processed. From now on I'm sticking to Kettle chips.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-7588683992160402802009-04-27T18:59:00.002+00:002009-04-27T19:07:57.288+00:00Evening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEPB_-EYEYE-HhDZ-de-1W87tDVSchGawDwttd_BN-hHtwXbBibGfvb9CURb5xC16soiebXRGI7c6BRvnNjB_kuma17tn1IOlxA5TwRHlhrwxWhkqAEkaxC1aGbbzw6CwZHvm-WABSqjy/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEPB_-EYEYE-HhDZ-de-1W87tDVSchGawDwttd_BN-hHtwXbBibGfvb9CURb5xC16soiebXRGI7c6BRvnNjB_kuma17tn1IOlxA5TwRHlhrwxWhkqAEkaxC1aGbbzw6CwZHvm-WABSqjy/s400/tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329448180716643426" border="0" /></a><br />Mr KE took this photo a few days ago from the back bedroom window. It's warmer now and it's getting easier to get out and about with the Pip. He's nearly 3 months old now and just a little darling.<br /><br />After winter months and being stuck indoors, I am really looking forward to the summer. Our first summer as a family :)Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-56295827309113605302009-04-14T12:41:00.004+00:002009-04-14T13:00:08.459+00:00New BootsSince November I have been practically living in my trainers. At that time I was hugely pregnant and huffed and puffed my way around, so no high heels for me. Now I don't go out without the Pip in a buggy or a carrier so in the interests of Health and Safety, I have stuck to flat shoes. If you have been following my blog for a while, then you would know how much I love my high heeled shoes.<br /><br />But there is hope!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8-wVujkYXs91626QqQaamygx3SyUXkCyChyphenhyphenQzPAaB6QSHEiglOIlHqYPo-zjfnxeEDgZIVNCccRMpPUQbbKVNQcMNOZLeulbxFSmJu3VwiKcnuMRpziNffWhHe_aPmNxduHt2guaF9fr/s1600-h/boots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8-wVujkYXs91626QqQaamygx3SyUXkCyChyphenhyphenQzPAaB6QSHEiglOIlHqYPo-zjfnxeEDgZIVNCccRMpPUQbbKVNQcMNOZLeulbxFSmJu3VwiKcnuMRpziNffWhHe_aPmNxduHt2guaF9fr/s320/boots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324530792099111058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been wearing these boots and they are practical but not too granny-like. OK I wouldn't have looked at them 18 months ago, but things are different these days :)Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-56350278455053695082009-04-03T18:14:00.006+00:002009-04-03T18:35:26.711+00:00Dancing QueenMy family and close friends know that one of my favourite things is to put music on really really loud and dance around the room. I've been doing this since I was 11 (or so) and the people around me just have to live with it hahaha. My poor neighbours!! The woman who lives in the flat downstairs must be very patient or slightly deaf, because I stomp around like an elephant and play the same song on repeat up to a dozen times. Well, I only do it during the day ....I'm not totally inconsiderate!<br /><br />Anyway, I haven't been stomping around lately. Late last year when my bump was so big that I could only sway gently. Since the Pip has been born, I have been too tired to even think about it...I just slump on the sofa waiting for his next demand.<br /><br />Then today, while the Pip was napping I suddenly felt the urge to put on a bit of Rihanna and woohoo, I was prancing about the room like my old self! Things must be getting better. The old me is coming back, slowly but surely.<br /><br />I was a bit concerned that the baby would wake up, but he didn't. Well, he might as well get used to it ;)Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-88874841190512364032009-03-21T20:44:00.005+00:002009-03-21T21:01:22.136+00:00A present from my son<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttJUeYnh983XykfZY6-zcRvJMCzscQCoazhpH59Md_srr5POVuTbRxVsoIYDBK_j-vqH7pBJ4_gh_uYhOMceemA0S6vBLwi0np-mzQ-Wm4RW2arImL5gZadasDT9iithFDpGbhiMTbaMI/s1600-h/bag1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttJUeYnh983XykfZY6-zcRvJMCzscQCoazhpH59Md_srr5POVuTbRxVsoIYDBK_j-vqH7pBJ4_gh_uYhOMceemA0S6vBLwi0np-mzQ-Wm4RW2arImL5gZadasDT9iithFDpGbhiMTbaMI/s320/bag1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315745404848629010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Look what arrived for me by post, beautifully wrapped.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm_8exAiiUdhuTkZa6xZusYs8ZYre7XyV2O49zoXhNuR475DucYA-feglbuDeD2xqDUbGCoMruUjuv3pna3fDJtgHwNOZgDV6LFOSIScfXWwhJChr9Hi3BIyzPAWgshtxDUQ-WWSDBe5O/s1600-h/bag2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm_8exAiiUdhuTkZa6xZusYs8ZYre7XyV2O49zoXhNuR475DucYA-feglbuDeD2xqDUbGCoMruUjuv3pna3fDJtgHwNOZgDV6LFOSIScfXWwhJChr9Hi3BIyzPAWgshtxDUQ-WWSDBe5O/s320/bag2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315745652928219698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />A lovely leather baby changing bag. The best thing about it? It doesn't look like a changing bag.<br /><br />Lots of handy pockets and a strap that fits on the Bugaboo Bee. Perfect!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qk3gFw2cd7AH7VFN9daQOmUXYf0hllC9bwFEsSd-5tG4nkoMjYQrF0Fc8J7d74aUenU0AvprVPziFXRi_lycR0tGvViIvRr6cYKUC5D7DCjzQuNdDlElXECe7yZ5_64zXQxj2RnCz6Bi/s1600-h/bag3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qk3gFw2cd7AH7VFN9daQOmUXYf0hllC9bwFEsSd-5tG4nkoMjYQrF0Fc8J7d74aUenU0AvprVPziFXRi_lycR0tGvViIvRr6cYKUC5D7DCjzQuNdDlElXECe7yZ5_64zXQxj2RnCz6Bi/s320/bag3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315746281948009666" border="0" /></a><br />Lots more pockets and compartments inside...plus a matching travel changing mat. Another great thing about it, the zips open the bag all the way so you can quickly get to the contents.<br /><br />Wasn't it thoughtful of the Pip to save all his child benefit money to buy me a nice handbag for Mother's Day? And he's only seven weeks old...aaahh, children are so advanced these days :)<br /><br />(There were also two breastfeeding tops, but the bag was definitely the star attraction)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-5267481721473442092009-03-11T21:20:00.003+00:002009-03-11T21:55:56.415+00:00Any excuse for a new handbagMy sister came to stay at the weekend and had to nip outside for a few minutes, so she asked to borrow my keys so she could let herself back in. She laughed when she saw the contents of my handbag...muslin, spare vest for the Pip, nappy, babywipes and other baby paraphernalia. No more lipsticks, mascara and yesterday's theatre tickets.<br /><br />The old Katie-Ella is still around though. I'm currently lusting after <a href="http://www.babeswithbabies.com/product_details.asp?product=Lin+and+Leo+Tan+Baby+Changing+Bag&product_id=1862">this bag</a> (sorry, couldn't grab a picture) but you need to go on a waiting list, the earliest availability is June!! Aarrghhh, can I wait that long??Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-54165983889501903792009-02-27T19:15:00.005+00:002009-02-27T19:56:08.994+00:005 things: Being a Mother<ol><li>Listening to a baby crying is the most emotionally draining experience in the world.</li><li>You have to eat whenever you can. Because you may not get another chance to make that sandwich for a few hours!</li><li>You can get used to being tired all the time. People have said that I should sleep when the baby sleeps. Good advice in theory, but in practice because I am alone during the day I can never relax enough to actually sleep. I'm always in a state of high alert in case he starts crying again.</li><li>Breastfeeding makes you thirsty all the time.</li><li>Despite all the crying and the feeding and the endless changing, his cute little face is still enough to make me smile and feel that everything is alright with the world.</li></ol> If anyone were to ask me - is it worth it? Well, the answer is, yes without a doubt. But be sure that you are ready. Be very, very sure...because there ain't no going back!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-87060650797344378462009-02-20T19:39:00.004+00:002009-02-20T20:31:41.140+00:00Week OneIt's Friday night and the Pip is in his crib, hopefully settled for a few hours (fingers crossed). Hooray, I've survived a week on my own and everything was OK. It's still very early days but I'm a lot more relaxed and feeling really optimistic about everything.<br /><br />At the moment, I am trying to implement Gina Ford's routines. She's quite controversial because she puts babies (and mothers!) into strict routines from the day one. Some people think that it's a bit too extreme - and some mothers believe that it's cruel to put a baby only weeks old into a routine i.e. that feeding/sleeping etc should be completely flexible in the first few months. Having said that, if a baby is hungry - of course you have to feed him/her...the routine is just to set some structure into your life.<br /><br />I'm still feeling some self-doubt though - am I being a good mother? Or a bad one? Oh well, if the Pip has issues when he is a teenager, he can always blame Gina Ford.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-56888428222131323022009-02-15T21:44:00.004+00:002009-02-15T22:05:41.692+00:00I got you, BabeTomorrow Mr KE is back at work and I will be at home with the Pip on my own. Actually, I've already had a trial run because he had to go in to work last Monday. However, this is officially the end of his paternity leave so from now on...it's just me and you, baby.<br /><br />To be honest, I don't think it's going to be a problem - I'm sure I'll be fine on my own. Mr KE and I have done the last few weeks without any help from friends or family and one good thing is that we have had to find our own way. There is no one to tell us how to do this or that, offering wanted or unwanted advice. As a result, we have gained so much in confidence every day.<br /><br />Not that we haven't had offers of help. My parents offered to stay for a few months to help us out, but all things considered I thought that it wouldn't be a good idea. For one thing, it's a horrible time of year to be in the UK. Nasty weather and gloomy skies combined with being stuck indoors all day with a newborn baby...a recipe for stress and anxiety.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-59890319845768412182009-02-07T12:47:00.003+00:002009-02-07T13:10:34.294+00:00Our little familyMy lovely little boy is finally here! Mr KE is still at home on paternity leave and we have spent the last few days getting to know our son. It's been tiring but we are both really happy.<br /><br />I said to Mr KE today that I must be coming back to my normal self because I am starting to make lists again, haha the control freak returns. Although it would be nice to have some help, it is also nice that it's just the three of us at home on our little "babymoon". We are learning as we go along but seem to have slipped into a routine already. Yes, thank you <a href="http://www.contentedbaby.com/">Gina Ford</a>!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-26444520133842634192009-01-25T01:16:00.000+00:002009-01-25T01:17:19.134+00:00Patience is a VirtueStill. No. Action.<br /><br />Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-80583374738746107862009-01-16T12:50:00.004+00:002009-01-16T13:07:29.003+00:00The Waiting GameWell, the flat is as tidy as it as ever been. The fridge/freezer is full of food. I have enough toilet paper, shampoo, soap and other household necessities to last me weeks without a trip to the shops. Lots of coffee, tea and biscuits for visitors. Hospital bags are packed and on standby. The baby's clothes are all washed and ready. The crib is made up (although I still have to figure out how the steriliser works) and the camera battery is fully charged.<br /><br />Mr KE has told me not to call his mobile at work unless things have kicked off because he gets into a panic when he sees me flash up on his phone. So I have to text him unless it's action stations; he's been very calm, bless him.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-71911893099555443782009-01-11T20:39:00.002+00:002009-01-11T20:57:43.478+00:00Sunday NightIt's Sunday night and still no action. There's no rush; I'm just enjoying these last few days of living according to my own schedule. Which mainly consists of napping, watching daytime TV and wandering down to the local shops. I think I've watched more <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercule_Poirot">Poirot</a> in the last week than I have in my whole life.<br /><br />Mr KE seems to be in a last-minute panic. He is wandering around the flat, tidying up and throwing things away. Four full bin bags in the last two hours! He is one of the worst hoarders ever, from a family of great hoarders, so for him to throw stuff away is a very big deal indeed.<br /><br />On the other hand, I am displaying zen-like calmness. Repeat after me : Everything is going to be alright.Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-37512478750758272952009-01-06T08:59:00.004+00:002009-01-06T09:12:25.637+00:00Killing the GermsIt's been really cold the last few days. OK, not extreme cold like -40 but cold enough for Mr KE to wear his longjohns into work today. I don't mind the cold weather so much; at least it's a proper winter then - not just days of gloomy, damp, drizzling weather. Kills off all the germs too!<br /><br />Mr KE is back at work and I am now officially on maternity leave. Just a few more bits and pieces to get; I was supposed to get my nursing bras yesterday but I couldn't face taking off all my winter clothes to try them on...gloves, hat, scarf, coat, fleece, jumper, long sleeved t-shirt and short sleeved t-shirt. Then putting them all back on again. Exhausting work!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-39865550019256059752008-12-31T18:41:00.003+00:002008-12-31T19:07:13.600+00:00New Year's EveIt's New Year's Eve, Mr KE and I have got absolutely nothing planned and it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">great</span>. We have had a lovely Christmas break, just the two of us taking it easy. I haven't even been sale shopping; haven't even been into town....which is very unlike me <a href="http://katie-ella.blogspot.com/2007/12/shop-till-you-cant-shop-no-more.html">(contrast with last year)</a> but oh well, I have other things on my mind! This year I have spending my money on buggies and baby clothes :)<br /><br />So what have we been up to?<br /><br /><ul><li>We had roast chicken for our Christmas dinner; with pigs in blankets (cocktail sausages wrapped in streaky bacon), roast potatoes, baby carrots, peas, bread sauce and gravy. No christmas pudding because Mr KE doesn't eat it and I'm not such a big fan. Instead, lots of chocolates and sweet gooey things all day.</li><li>On Boxing Day Mr KE went to watch our local football team with his friends while I snoozed on the sofa. </li><li>We have been sleeping in, going on long walks in our local parks and eating lots of indulgent food.</li><li>Mr KE has been DIY-ing while I watch TV ....yes, it's a hard life....</li></ul>It's now 7pm, we have no plans for dinner (takeaway? forage in the fridge? just eat more chocolate?) and the lack of pressure is really relaxing. You know what I mean - it's New Year's Eve...<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">must</span> have a good time.....even if you get totally stressed out doing it!<br /><br />Happy New Year everyone!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-76383785462009430242008-12-26T17:49:00.009+00:002008-12-31T18:41:20.209+00:00Christmas Breakfast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkkC1wYFjjVJ2znOYFzq1gEw82opZ4hY4TRIG7RwAr8mh3owCpXEOuqtxbbpq7ATJDJrtyt0yqPQuQERVXA4IfPE59EQxlLyd55uzxrwvKec0bUvGqMpv-wvbvII1JJ_6w7f4lCQkbDsx/s1600-h/breakfas1t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkkC1wYFjjVJ2znOYFzq1gEw82opZ4hY4TRIG7RwAr8mh3owCpXEOuqtxbbpq7ATJDJrtyt0yqPQuQERVXA4IfPE59EQxlLyd55uzxrwvKec0bUvGqMpv-wvbvII1JJ_6w7f4lCQkbDsx/s320/breakfas1t.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284158505258418242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5I3iLXZAio2TS4qo5DrfhcM3llIMc3O3Fuv2m84wn1x69Pa7NKvSq94RxbkFudbnH9-yGWoOmjzOZ8oHfhpVfMhOMmU5fYa8a6DkK3BmUtrkx_1kWUFjxOslNaj68jV1EnREQ0_gthKt/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5I3iLXZAio2TS4qo5DrfhcM3llIMc3O3Fuv2m84wn1x69Pa7NKvSq94RxbkFudbnH9-yGWoOmjzOZ8oHfhpVfMhOMmU5fYa8a6DkK3BmUtrkx_1kWUFjxOslNaj68jV1EnREQ0_gthKt/s320/breakfast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284159142880499218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(Couldn't decide which photo to post - so I've posted both...)<br /></div><br />When I was young, we always had ham sandwiches for breakfast on Christmas morning. We would normally get up late, after the excitement of Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass, opening presents, and wander downstairs in search of food.<br /><br />By the time we got up, the kitchen would be in full swing preparing for lunch, guests etc. There would be a big ham in the kitchen, ready for us to cut thick slices of salty meat and make sandwiches.<br /><br />Mr KE's mother does the same, so to me - christmas breakfast is not complete without proper ham! With just me and Mr KE around, I got some slices from our local deli and very nice they are too.<br /><br />We ate in the kitchen because I couldn't be bothered to clear the dining table - lazy me.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBpRbZqWKPDi0nmXjk5gpUlT7MHElFmLGioAleNMnNuEH0tM0T9_2z5LnD_ejY92R877S5WpgHWAU_P-4vwtjsI2-bAZmrQaRrIeae4rSvbWsGr8RAndMJTCtNr7lDea4BtH7eD45Z3A5/s1600-h/chocs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBpRbZqWKPDi0nmXjk5gpUlT7MHElFmLGioAleNMnNuEH0tM0T9_2z5LnD_ejY92R877S5WpgHWAU_P-4vwtjsI2-bAZmrQaRrIeae4rSvbWsGr8RAndMJTCtNr7lDea4BtH7eD45Z3A5/s320/chocs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284158265380463474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...of course, Christmas means a never ending supply of chocolate. We started straight after breakfast with these yummies. Special thanks to our chocolate supplier, you know who you are!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-29411935315673615422008-12-25T23:26:00.003+00:002008-12-25T23:52:43.981+00:00Christmas Eve<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEs17CarC_Qmz9O3woLczxOpXSbuzDbYXhvafO3EAOyNaszxn-Puj-YEoQE6Ks9tMeEMybiGhiWAY32RuN0TpsJwkpe7xfBMuzGxK9Tj2QowKiBv9ExpSYk5wGcdLSndl648LtNJ6iB0N/s1600-h/eve1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEs17CarC_Qmz9O3woLczxOpXSbuzDbYXhvafO3EAOyNaszxn-Puj-YEoQE6Ks9tMeEMybiGhiWAY32RuN0TpsJwkpe7xfBMuzGxK9Tj2QowKiBv9ExpSYk5wGcdLSndl648LtNJ6iB0N/s200/eve1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283873626169721682" border="0" /></a><br />Mr KE popped into M&S on his way home and fancied these chinese snacks, so we had them as starters on Christmas Eve. They were all duck-based and came with a little pot of hoisin sauce.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEgl7zod4rwBgfeYwT9AdoAsQ2oKzL85kVXLboXBl9ftqcFFMjRNmUOioqip7zvKcNIgvhWmU64HHU1_GComgjF9saM9PvbOsBR4OrXOH01ZXKnmcIuJeLCUh5XLuBsO247T_c9kJJKW9/s1600-h/eve2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEgl7zod4rwBgfeYwT9AdoAsQ2oKzL85kVXLboXBl9ftqcFFMjRNmUOioqip7zvKcNIgvhWmU64HHU1_GComgjF9saM9PvbOsBR4OrXOH01ZXKnmcIuJeLCUh5XLuBsO247T_c9kJJKW9/s200/eve2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283873872446026370" border="0" /></a>For our main course, we had individual beef wellingtons, <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1096/potatoes-dauphinoise">potatoes dauphinoise </a>and green beans. The beef wellingtons were from Waitrose but I made the potatoes from scratch; they are basically potatoes cooked in layers with double cream and milk. Very decadent indeed!<br /><br />As for the Beef Wellingtons, they were OK but I can't help thinking that it is a bit of a waste of beef fillet. If you haven't had it before, beef wellington is beef fillet, pate and mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry. Very 1970s dinner party. These days it's more fashionable to have cook things simply eg if I had a good bit of beef, I would just pan fry it with a bit of salt and pepper.<br /><br />Anyway, we were too stuffed after our meal for any pudding, so we just crashed out on the sofa for a rest before heading off to midnight mass. I had to have a nap before our walk up the hill...I need to conserve my energy these days!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-49736016112416730132008-12-23T22:00:00.005+00:002008-12-23T22:31:05.602+00:00Christmas - Past, Present and FutureThis will be the first Christmas <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ever</span> that Mr KE and I are spending together on our own - and this is probably the only Christmas that it will be just the two of us. Well, for some years to come anyway.<br /><br />We normally spend the holidays with his parents in the countryside but this year we are avoiding the journey and staying at home. To be honest, I'm quite looking forward to spending some you-and-me time with Mr KE in our London nest before the pipsqueak arrives. As I have been reminded by lots of friends who have young children - <span style="font-style: italic;">spend as much time with your husband as possible, go to the pub, eat out and enjoy sleeping in</span>. I know that they are not trying to be negative about having children, but the reality is that life will be completely different...but that's okay. <br /><br />From a practical point of view, this means that I am cooking our Christmas dinner!! My mother-in-law always has christmas completely organised so usually we just turn up at their house, eat lots of delicious food and spend the whole holiday sitting on the sofa watching TV and eating chocolates. I am totally useless daughter-in-law, hahahaha.<br /><br />Although we aren't really thinking about Christmas (we haven't even got a tree), I still have to make some kind of effort on the food front. I've even written out "menus" :) .... good little wife or what??Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-70630934636737478982008-12-19T21:02:00.003+00:002008-12-19T21:30:27.969+00:00My Last Day at WorkToday was my last at work. I have a few days leave to use up so my maternity leave doesn't officially start till the New Year. It feels really surreal, because I've always had a mental picture that I would start seriously preparing for the pipsqueak once I had finished work. So now, that's it.<br /><br />It was a very quiet day at work, with a lot of people on leave or at meetings etc. The overall feeling in the office is one of pessimism; everyone thinks that 2009 will be a very difficult year. In a way, this is a very good time to be on maternity leave as I will be away during the hard times.<br /><br />I can't complain about my conditions; I can have up to one year's leave and go back to my current job, or my Employer has to provide me with an equivalent position. (This is Employment Law in the UK) I get 12 weeks maternity leave at 90% pay and statutory maternity pay (SMP) for 6 months after that, which is about £500 a month. The company will also continue to pay for my health insurance, mobile phone, pension and car allowance (hooray!) while I am on leave. In this situation though, the most valuable thing is that your job is essentially safeguarded for one year.<br /><br />The UK minimum is 6 weeks at 90%, but it really depends on your Employer. A friend of mine had 6 months full pay, then her SMP kicked in. She was on maternity leave for a year, went back to work for a few weeks, then resigned. And you know what, her company actually owed <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">her</span> money because you still accrue annual leave when you are on maternity leave, so they had to pay her for the annual leave that she didn't take. Unfortunately, not all companies are that generous!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-58087824798440827562008-12-19T20:26:00.003+00:002008-12-19T20:59:53.035+00:00The Hospital TourOn Monday afternoon Mr KE and I went on a tour of the hospital's maternity wing. We waited there with a few other couples...and waited ...and waited. The tour was supposed to start at 4pm, then at 4:40 a doctor popped her head round the door and told us that all the midwives (who normally give the tour) were busy. So she would give us a short tour instead, in a little while.<br /><br />Fair enough, in a busy hospital, us "tourists" are not the priority. So it was 5 o'clock before we actually had a look a round the delivery suites.<br /><br />The delivery rooms themselves were OK, you get a private room with en-suite bathrooms, armchairs, birthing balls and CD players. Some of the rooms had facilities for water births. We were advised to bring pillows (!) because there is chronic shortage in the NHS...people steal them apparently. Even so, they are still hospital rooms with lots of medical equipment in the room eg resuscitation equipment, monitoring equipment. So not really an environment where you would to spend a lot of time.<br /><br />You are only allowed 2 people in the suite with you, for security reasons, infection control and also out of respect for the other people giving birth. It made me smile thinking of the Brunei hospitals which are over-run with visitors.<br /><br />We also found out about admission procedures. When you come in, you get assessed by a midwife and there is a triage system (like A&E) where the more serious cases get prioritised. So there is no point going in too early as you will just have to wait in the corridor. As the doctor said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">there is nothing more annoying than seeing someone else walk straight in when you have been waiting with contractions for 2 hours</span>. But they will just take the person who is more advanced in labour, regardless of how long you have been waiting. <br /><br />After watching lots of movies where someone starts contractions, and it's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">quick quick</span> get to a hospital; it's quite reassuring to find out that it's more like s<span style="font-style: italic;">tart contractions, go the hospital, the midwife will probably send you home and say come back when you are <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span> in labour</span>. Like in 8 hours time.<br /><br />So the lesson of the day was: stay at home as long as possible. That's what I'm going to do (hopefully).Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-52412239529606430512008-12-13T20:37:00.002+00:002008-12-13T21:30:09.758+00:00Chocolate MakingWhile my workplace seems to be all doom-and-gloom, Mr K-E and his colleagues have been defying the recession with lots of office outings. Two weeks ago they went ice-skating at Somerset House and on Thursday night, his team went on a chocolate-making evening.<br /><br />I was really jealous, so I asked him to take lots of photos for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx0Wg7J1DHVfnaOTE04bkmbhyphenhyphenoShdefRQZkaDuR8dGIDRsLOnZMScPuOQSqrLR0SlZszZHPaezPi9xM3mpqVdLDOv3hU_vUG8zagps7RkSZpKPWmtBRJv4uD83aoCe_6sYNkweqjcHL9M/s1600-h/chocs1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx0Wg7J1DHVfnaOTE04bkmbhyphenhyphenoShdefRQZkaDuR8dGIDRsLOnZMScPuOQSqrLR0SlZszZHPaezPi9xM3mpqVdLDOv3hU_vUG8zagps7RkSZpKPWmtBRJv4uD83aoCe_6sYNkweqjcHL9M/s200/chocs1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279377268107902002" border="0" /></a>The set-up was a long table covered in greaseproof paper.<br /><br />To start off with, the instructor explained the difference between "real chocolate" and "confectionary bars". It is all to do with amount of actual cacao in them. So Cadbury's Dairy Milk is a confectionery bar, not strictly speaking "chocolate".<br /><br /><br /><br />I remember a few years ago there was uproar when the EU were going to impose a standard i.e. only a product with in excess of 50% cacao could be called chocolate. This would mean that most of the "chocolate" in the UK would not be allowed to be sold as chocolate....well, that idea was quickly shot down and manufacturers still call their low cocoa/high vegetable fat bars <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chocolate</span> bars.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5DZz6EgcbvujBCyhtelZw2hPVGf1Qe2QJZ4Y9YOw8dg4hdpSrnoz_z5fyr9Ai-vWcDOlcqVSnoDs7HJaGrtCZvQL1HaLXx-Ug_afc4e4iK5aJneRyWRoT0K7Z0hyphenhyphenS-O1XyTG5LXfVdqV/s1600-h/chocs2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5DZz6EgcbvujBCyhtelZw2hPVGf1Qe2QJZ4Y9YOw8dg4hdpSrnoz_z5fyr9Ai-vWcDOlcqVSnoDs7HJaGrtCZvQL1HaLXx-Ug_afc4e4iK5aJneRyWRoT0K7Z0hyphenhyphenS-O1XyTG5LXfVdqV/s200/chocs2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279377427361697250" border="0" /></a>Anyway, back to the chocolate making.<br /><br />Everyone has their own "stations". You start off with the fillings, a bar of soft dark chocolate (like a ganache) and a bar of semi-brittle nutty paste.<br /><br />The funny looking fork is for dunking in chocolate. (More about that later)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxAUTq95qWjsaCMAvF9lKumeVPymqkPWBQQ-AkaYjj2p5tu-0NH1FEmN5TUv_jRYyow0kTJr2rRHpdGki_-VKOlY_ZMON6Qgn1-ebnS0xUkNm4s12GHDAbEKvnjg3VFM4FaErv9cZiUK/s1600-h/chocs3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxAUTq95qWjsaCMAvF9lKumeVPymqkPWBQQ-AkaYjj2p5tu-0NH1FEmN5TUv_jRYyow0kTJr2rRHpdGki_-VKOlY_ZMON6Qgn1-ebnS0xUkNm4s12GHDAbEKvnjg3VFM4FaErv9cZiUK/s200/chocs3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279377610719412546" border="0" /></a>You get mini cookie-cutters in different shapes. You can see the round one in this photo along with big bowls of dark, milk and white melted chocolate. On the table there are also saucers of dry toppings (cocoa powder, coconut etc) and caramel-covered almonds.<br /><br />They used a special kind of chocolate which stays melted at room temperature.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUMZPH7Wl-5IL_p8phPXSnsUVLX8dRXIGTNAhpvnhUkQIrF-jYAs6tp9fIsZlLCkGpSWZX59NpZGiAQy1Lt2KypUxRofgPu2ydiQBl83gRIghSzi_FTe4fGFY7zakth1TZwxQhpOyqhvN/s1600-h/chocs4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUMZPH7Wl-5IL_p8phPXSnsUVLX8dRXIGTNAhpvnhUkQIrF-jYAs6tp9fIsZlLCkGpSWZX59NpZGiAQy1Lt2KypUxRofgPu2ydiQBl83gRIghSzi_FTe4fGFY7zakth1TZwxQhpOyqhvN/s200/chocs4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279377826887908962" border="0" /></a>In short, you cut a shape out of the "block" and then use your fork to completely cover it in chocolate. Shake off the excess and leave it on the table to dry. If you want to decorate it, you need to do it before it is completely set.<br /><br />People were quite sceptical before but everyone really enjoyed it.<br /><br />Look at the state of the table!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShiLB-M7_TqfiSe2jfiHQ658TIvxnSwu-8W4UMBBoKWaTTKdNTCw_in9YeeOWouo-5VsDZm1CX0dXFNz4XSHQjNuhvlZvIiiB87pE6WO5MP-pEtMd2VLuQNwX96O3KEJtD7990qr39dzY/s1600-h/chocs5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShiLB-M7_TqfiSe2jfiHQ658TIvxnSwu-8W4UMBBoKWaTTKdNTCw_in9YeeOWouo-5VsDZm1CX0dXFNz4XSHQjNuhvlZvIiiB87pE6WO5MP-pEtMd2VLuQNwX96O3KEJtD7990qr39dzY/s200/chocs5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279378019621653010" border="0" /></a><br />You also get two glasses of champagne to help with creativity :)<br /><br /><br />These were Mr KE's efforts. Some people were eating the chocolate all the way through, but Mr KE was concentrating so hard on making them look nice that he didn't eat any during the session.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMF1UFT31O9ajqX6Q2rIvKUABm7bKmdVQbE4NrEQ4h_2m6-y1ro2-NLR6xcilRUotCX6bjqOBgN1fhI09SVdq6FRaGz5yIN66r53n-2_E7efGg9Q8ez4qwUdPzzixnUbhCBmDgfol4I-X/s1600-h/chocs6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMF1UFT31O9ajqX6Q2rIvKUABm7bKmdVQbE4NrEQ4h_2m6-y1ro2-NLR6xcilRUotCX6bjqOBgN1fhI09SVdq6FRaGz5yIN66r53n-2_E7efGg9Q8ez4qwUdPzzixnUbhCBmDgfol4I-X/s200/chocs6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279387411159263810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He wrapped them up nicely and brought them home for me to eat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_REcOJ7ZFqZ7krvfrwoaHRv7gJJnb-2LF4T4ZXVXtY84YlMgi1AfyiQK3_Q5eRP3B8wCjLNWiV9z0AI7T0QpE6bzmhP6f4H2HyTvhtAmtUvyqEuLn_QOLztvLpa8f2q66H1ifTkMDsymR/s1600-h/chocs7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_REcOJ7ZFqZ7krvfrwoaHRv7gJJnb-2LF4T4ZXVXtY84YlMgi1AfyiQK3_Q5eRP3B8wCjLNWiV9z0AI7T0QpE6bzmhP6f4H2HyTvhtAmtUvyqEuLn_QOLztvLpa8f2q66H1ifTkMDsymR/s200/chocs7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279387766975956914" border="0" /></a><br />They are lovely, really fresh - the nicest chocolates I've ever had. And I'm not just saying that because my husband made them!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-26333368567865459512008-12-07T21:31:00.001+00:002008-12-07T21:41:40.533+00:00New CarWe picked up our new (second-hand) car on Thursday night, woo hoo!! It almost didn't happen, because despite two e-mails and a phone call to our bank warning them that there would be a large transaction on our current account, there was still a problem during the money transfer.<br /><br />Aarrrggghhh!! Luckily the cashier at the car dealer persisted and finally (after one hour of calling the bank and holding and being transferred from one person to another) the transaction was processed. Most dealers do not take personal cheques or credit cards, so unless you want to carry thousands of pounds with you in cash; the only way to transfer the money is by direct debit. Oh well, I suppose it means that the money in my current account is secure.<br /><br />This weekend we drove down to Southampton to see my favourite nephew :) who is really cute. Mr KE loves the new car....after driving our little "lawnmower" for 5 years, oh, the thrill of having power steering and 5th gear!!Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355246010778227714.post-12380261682630209982008-11-29T23:13:00.000+00:002008-11-29T23:49:03.791+00:00A different kind of shoppingThis morning we got up early and drove to the DHL depot to pick up our Mothercare stuff, then unpacked it all at home before going to our NCT class. All <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">before</span> 9:30 in the morning, on a Saturday : a time when when I am normally still in bed. Well, they say parenthood brings new experiences.....<br /><br />Woohoo, I feel so much better that we have all the stuff we need now. The only things we need to get now are the car seat and the car. Oh yeah, pretty big item :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefQ8FXFF3Xthzgim0B1cg-czxTpsyWvOzaCtCAo5m0XwKCFGsI8ls-UczKD9rW0sa6dVzpsypt-1WNzLwwAh-5Wwd3mj94FR9pHg2bJlZk0ZA861nCb6MSw9nR3MnQNCDJ8njUkFqpnPv/s1600-h/stuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefQ8FXFF3Xthzgim0B1cg-czxTpsyWvOzaCtCAo5m0XwKCFGsI8ls-UczKD9rW0sa6dVzpsypt-1WNzLwwAh-5Wwd3mj94FR9pHg2bJlZk0ZA861nCb6MSw9nR3MnQNCDJ8njUkFqpnPv/s400/stuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274224766497022018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ8eCCx2fQVQD-Kmxg1hdzsOIxzQpgDr2sh79yU3mWfP2Dwj-g3anpw3ai6wbauTdvcbdXcRrwqDhFxdL0Jpp-XE5iOkVMhbNxszYvK7AJ-pyXDrttfZFuhyphenhyphenNzC0GKO6vsv8MobhWpiTM/s1600-h/arlo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ8eCCx2fQVQD-Kmxg1hdzsOIxzQpgDr2sh79yU3mWfP2Dwj-g3anpw3ai6wbauTdvcbdXcRrwqDhFxdL0Jpp-XE5iOkVMhbNxszYvK7AJ-pyXDrttfZFuhyphenhyphenNzC0GKO6vsv8MobhWpiTM/s320/arlo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274225018557879490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We checked the delivery in the living room. We already have a cot and a crib, but we decided to get a Moses basket too so the pipsqueak can sleep downstairs while I watch trash TV.<br /><br />Mr KE bought Arlo from Mamas and Papas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTCPv4UpSjqDqU6-hBkvJDl2jGR1tZFm5z42ApKSTZn4AV_N0VV52xo9c_l5DluNHhP_XnZXPlDeua3RHWyc32-xZM5IwqEoGf17fh9MEsks5fUtIXaKomfunBtHpOMl-rPW-OmB_eV1l/s1600-h/bearsuit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTCPv4UpSjqDqU6-hBkvJDl2jGR1tZFm5z42ApKSTZn4AV_N0VV52xo9c_l5DluNHhP_XnZXPlDeua3RHWyc32-xZM5IwqEoGf17fh9MEsks5fUtIXaKomfunBtHpOMl-rPW-OmB_eV1l/s320/bearsuit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274225647240296130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Mr KE's favourite outfit for the pipsqueak is this bearsuit which is a pramsuit for wearing when we go out.<br /><br />It's really cute and soft. It has ears, mittens and even bear footprints!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90aSzaWGVs884nzeKAy72T0anBLXF9MHsLY4hs0UpLZJwcva1uCHsKJ9yjgMouw6TA4A_3oYrg5UBQlGfErj_9-FtoTn2XmlmqfdZaueVaJ5WTLLG7Z43QUihYh8EMQxHC9Iv5jVr4OsC/s1600-h/bee1.jpg"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90aSzaWGVs884nzeKAy72T0anBLXF9MHsLY4hs0UpLZJwcva1uCHsKJ9yjgMouw6TA4A_3oYrg5UBQlGfErj_9-FtoTn2XmlmqfdZaueVaJ5WTLLG7Z43QUihYh8EMQxHC9Iv5jVr4OsC/s1600-h/bee1.jpg"><br /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br />He also spent ages playing with the Bugaboo, changing it from mode to mode. Rear facing to stroller mode and back again. I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90aSzaWGVs884nzeKAy72T0anBLXF9MHsLY4hs0UpLZJwcva1uCHsKJ9yjgMouw6TA4A_3oYrg5UBQlGfErj_9-FtoTn2XmlmqfdZaueVaJ5WTLLG7Z43QUihYh8EMQxHC9Iv5jVr4OsC/s1600-h/bee1.jpg"><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzMuoeR4w1Mu0Dee5fi_-9QARjvTCpA5Od1bYZogC67ZIvq4FGSJn4MvZ42WD0-KyPS2X1oWBTMPRxzYMcYXP_AHgfZfaTVEQStTzeZS5C9GbfCIal9HIuN7Dv-8PlWEW49maGr8Ek1kW/s1600-h/bee1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzMuoeR4w1Mu0Dee5fi_-9QARjvTCpA5Od1bYZogC67ZIvq4FGSJn4MvZ42WD0-KyPS2X1oWBTMPRxzYMcYXP_AHgfZfaTVEQStTzeZS5C9GbfCIal9HIuN7Dv-8PlWEW49maGr8Ek1kW/s200/bee1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274228906730644978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79ho322tVEcTO85rJwloWeA6BrIrJ9fzJjdiDVWQ4OnbJQK2yvhndD-wH18hkAzGHYUmrw6CWLl7mYQ8QkrBYBVT6g2Oy5W6IWrzVVUd6nAJNuJhVQTWOE2H_1lDe_J-eH_6NUhdU_JgU/s1600-h/bee2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79ho322tVEcTO85rJwloWeA6BrIrJ9fzJjdiDVWQ4OnbJQK2yvhndD-wH18hkAzGHYUmrw6CWLl7mYQ8QkrBYBVT6g2Oy5W6IWrzVVUd6nAJNuJhVQTWOE2H_1lDe_J-eH_6NUhdU_JgU/s200/bee2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274229064624862466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA1Om1Ce2YO5j6wzLnymbWe4dKf-JyM2rsDGMwhLhwiSeAGipR9IYO5sBd6h776MgMANn5s1OsemOh2XmNm-HEnRFpgA5SQK7n1lVt_kkBhxkSacIOVbJVuUFYl-AmWp4v-z1aIBGdKnx/s1600-h/bee3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA1Om1Ce2YO5j6wzLnymbWe4dKf-JyM2rsDGMwhLhwiSeAGipR9IYO5sBd6h776MgMANn5s1OsemOh2XmNm-HEnRFpgA5SQK7n1lVt_kkBhxkSacIOVbJVuUFYl-AmWp4v-z1aIBGdKnx/s200/bee3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274229234721196418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi81eXdwVbq0_m9DOUjL4Dc-uLqZPdTbPcY4ky7RS4ZAhuRmQFLOUnDjFZwW-RLIaKDsBL25jcHtSrpd0hFW9rEHSHRhLDC6v5hN7ID5JEQ9dZPSX8jVhQbRxdHtZK-36SRbtEa7f99HC/s1600-h/bee4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi81eXdwVbq0_m9DOUjL4Dc-uLqZPdTbPcY4ky7RS4ZAhuRmQFLOUnDjFZwW-RLIaKDsBL25jcHtSrpd0hFW9rEHSHRhLDC6v5hN7ID5JEQ9dZPSX8jVhQbRxdHtZK-36SRbtEa7f99HC/s200/bee4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274230148361467698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90aSzaWGVs884nzeKAy72T0anBLXF9MHsLY4hs0UpLZJwcva1uCHsKJ9yjgMouw6TA4A_3oYrg5UBQlGfErj_9-FtoTn2XmlmqfdZaueVaJ5WTLLG7Z43QUihYh8EMQxHC9Iv5jVr4OsC/s1600-h/bee1.jpg"><br /></a></div>Katie-Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05870195572257496196noreply@blogger.com0