Pipe and Slippers

As mentioned in the previous blog, we have just got a new car. Well our fist outing in it this weekend really made me realise that we are getting old now. Firstly, the trip out was to the hypermarket to stock up on nappies and other family related goods. This in istself is enough to throw the towel in! I can remember when new cars, or borrowed cars, or any cars one could get one's hands on would be imediately taken for a "spin" up the m606 to see how fast they could go. For those of you not from West Yorkshire, the M606 is a short spurt of motorway (just a couple of junctions worth) with a slight gradient to it. It is the said gradient, known to all local youths, which makes the achievment of hitting 90 by the time you have merged into the main stretch all the more gratifying.

In days gone by, another ritual act upon entering a new car would be to test out the stereo. Well, I had to laugh this saturday in Carrefour's carpark when I realised we had driven to the supermarket without even looking at the stereo, never mind turning it on. Instead, Jose had been singing the joys of the little button that automatically folded in the wing mirrors and I was going on about the automatic rain sensor (which really is great by the way). I mentioned the lack of stereo action to Jose and we looked at each other knowingly. We gracefully accepted that isofix is now more important than wattage ...... and stuck in a Norah Jones easy listening cd on the way back.

On arrival at our car park the smell of the new leather seats was suddenyl masked by a suspicious smell coming from the back. Olivia was playing with a material elephant and ready as ever with her gummy smile upon recognition of my face but undeniably sitting in poo! However, what would normally have been an awkward job is truly a delight (relatively) in the new car! Open up the boot door and there you have a newly carpeted, perfect height changing station! With it being a 4X4, the boot is massive and flat and perfect for changing nappies. Who would have thought that woud have been something I would have loved a vehicle for?!

So, other than the slight gash on my right eye that the car gave me, I love it. I suppose it was my fault about my eye. I opened the passenger door with some force and was probably not watching and assuming the low door of the Audi but ......no.....bang, smack, wallop - the bloody TALL HEAVY door caught me in my eye. It still hurts but surprisingly hasn't come out all blue coloured, or is that just that you can tell any way due to the constant tired look I have due to Olivia's teething episode.

I will get a photo of the car once we actually go somewhere real, as apposed to the Carrefour car park.

S xx

sitting and sea lions

This week's new trick is sitting up by herself. My God she looks grown up. Its scary how fast she is developping now. I feel like Iam loosing my baby!

She is supposed to be in bed now but she is flinging herself around on a mat on the floor. Its amazing to watch her - I don't how a baby can be so strong - she literally flings herself around from front to back then back to front. She was placed on the mat leaning back on a cushion and she is now miles away from there with the cushions around her and on top of her. She is a bit of a nutter (as my sister confirmed when she saw her the other week).

I hope you like the lovely hand knitted duck that Nena sent her. We love it! Thats me and Jose by the way. I think Olivia likes it too - which I suppose is who it was meant for.

The sea lions are residents at the Oceanographico here in Valencia. Its a good day out teaching you all about all things sea related. I never new that sea lions could be so violent. Thos macho ones were having a right old scrap! They are very cute (I thought) in an ugly sort of way.

Olivia is now off the mat by the way. She can't crawl yetbut she can certainly get about!!

We have taken delivery of our new car. Photos will follow - perhaps this weekend if we go for a day out. Good job we got it when we did because Jose is now really worried about the economic crisis that is coming (has come to a certain exent) and has put a ban on all luxuries from now on. Boo hoo.

Right, I shall now try and coax this hyper baby into bed.......although I have a feeling she has the pilas puesto (batteries put in) and that we wont see lights out for a good hour or so. She is now having a pillow fight with her self.

S xx