Little Toshiba

Failed again

2011-07-20T23:13:00.001+01:00

But thanks for leaving the rss in your feedreader!

BLOG HIJACK

2011-03-13T18:03:00.001Z

Thought perhaps we could borrow the blog to keep you all updated on our move the country. Sure, it will also be covered on facebook and probably sky news....

Promises Promises

2010-01-15T10:07:00.002Z

As Katie mentions below, we'll maybe get back into this this year!

Maybe...

My family

2009-03-07T21:42:00.001Z

Promise I'll get my bum into gear and post some updates soon, but in the meantime, here we all are, just about to leave for Lola's first birthday party.

First word update

2008-12-07T22:10:00.002Z

So we've now decided that mama means 'give me food'. She was shouting it at Paul today, while I was holding her and he was getting her lunch ready. And thinking back, the times which she's shouted it at me have been when she's been expecting food.

So Lola's first word might be 'strictly' after all...

The Lola Witch Project

2008-12-07T21:57:00.002Z

My husband. He just can't help himself.

Food, glorious food

2008-12-07T19:33:00.007Z

OK, so we've covered sleep. It's about time I penned a word or two about food. One of the (many) other uber important issues in the world of babies.

Rather than go down the classic route when it came to weaning Lola, we opted for the baby-led weaning approach. This meant introducing solid food in its original form - rather than pureeing it and spoonfeeding her - and allowing her to feed herself. However, it wasn't just a case of handing her a slice of pizza. Food had to be well cooked, fruit had to be ripe and items which were a clear choking hazard (nuts and the like) need to be avoided. All common sense really.

She started trying bits here and there when she was about five months, but we began the proper weaning process at about six months. I have to say, it was all very exciting. We were quite lucky in that she tried everything we offered her and she got to grips with the whole food to mouth thing very quickly. I don't think this was a hunger thing at the beginning with Lola, just pure curiosity. Bless her, she does like to know what's going on...

At six and a half months we introduced meat and fish into her diet and by seven months she was eating our meals. For lunch she has what we've eaten for dinner the night before and then I'll rustle something else up for her tea. She has an amazingly varied diet and the nice thing is that we've never had to think too hard about what to buy while shopping, or to plan meals too far in advance. Her appetite is insatiable and I'm shocked to the core on a daily basis by the amount she can put away. Christ knows where she's putting it, the health visitors still tells me she's underweight. It's a good job I don't listen to them...

It's not like me to get massively enthusiastic a baby-related approach or technique, but I really have done about this. It's VERY messy (I used to wear an apron during Lola's mealtimes and still now embark on a serious clean up operation three times a day), but it works for us. I have felt slightly self conscious at times as it's not the most common approach to feeding your baby and some people clearly think you're insane. But it's worth it.

Here's a video of Lola eating her tea today - pasta with cream cheese, prawns and avocados. As you can see mealtimes are an exciting time as they're an opportunity to dance and clap as well as eat. Paul and I have been leading by example...

First word?

2008-11-30T21:55:00.003Z

So Lola's been making the mamamama and dadadada sounds for a few weeks now. But today, on a few occasions, Lola reached or called out to me and said mama. Paul's absolutely convinced she's aware of what she's saying and considers this her first word, but I'm not so sure.

I need someone to observe it who can give a completely objective standpoint. I shan't be asking my father, as according to him, Lola understands half of the blooming Oxford dictionary. She doesn't, by the way...

Sleepy times

2008-11-29T09:07:00.000Z

After eight and a half months of motherhood I've decided to write a blog post about Lola's sleeping patterns. I'm forever asking my mother how my sister and I slept as babies but she can't remember. I can now understand how that happens. Three months ago feels like a bit of a blur, 29 years must feel like a big blur. By recording it here I will be in a position to relay it to Lola should she ever ask me.

One of the first things people ask you when they enquire about your offspring, whether they're a friend or random stranger in the post office is, "how does she sleep"? Till fairly recently my response was always "terribly". Or something along those lines.

For the first couple of weeks of her life Lola was up every hour or two at night but it didn't matter. We'd leap out of bed at the first murmur to tend to her and were strangely excited by the fact that she was awake. The novelty soon wore off and serious sleep deprivation kicked in at around weeks 3 and 4. I was completely exhausted and wondering when on earth it was going to stop. I seem to remember week 6 being a turning point - not for Lola as she was still up constantly - but for us (well, certainly for me) as it started to feel normal. Don't get me wrong, I was tired, but it was just a case of feeding her back to sleep (which only took a few minutes) and then jumping back into bed. We were on autopilot and it became everyday stuff.

When she reached about four months the reflux started and that was pure hell. Lola was in pain at night suffering from acid indigestion and as the only thing which could console her was being completely upright - which meant Paul or I needed to be too. It was such a hideous time, which felt like it lasted about three years. In reality it probably lasted about three weeks.

Just before Lola turned six months something shifted and she settled. While she didn't manage it every single night, more often than not she slept from 6.30 to 7ish, waking once for a feed at around 4 or 5am. This was pure heaven for me. I started to go to bed at night looking forward to the stretch of sleep ahead of me, rather than wondering how soon I was going to be up and out of bed again. It felt amazing. Some people still threw me a look or words of sympathy when I explained this was what she was up to, but it was such a huge improvement that I felt like I was staying in a 5 star hotel each night. There's this idea that getting your baby to sleep for 12 hours is the ultimate, but I believe that if getting up once (or however many times) in the night works for you, then what's the problem?

Don't get me wrong, we still had the odd night of hell. We even had the odd few nights of hell - particularly when we spent a couple of weeks away in October. And the bad nights were seriously bad. That's the thing about having it good. Having it bad again is awful.

So seven nights ago the unthinkable happened. We stopped Lola's night feeds and she's slept easily for 12 hours each night. OK, so on two nights we popped our heads in at 4.30 to give her back her rabbit but it's likely she was just making noises in her sleep and we didn't really need to.

It's AMAZING. I feel like a new woman. And I'm also terrified that I've jinxed the entire thing by writing this post. While I'm not naive enough to think that things will be perfect every night going forwards, I'm just hopeful that this is all a step in the right direction. Please, please keep your fingers crossed for the de Cozar Rushforths.

Sssshhh

2008-11-21T19:22:00.002Z

She's asleep, so as you've no doubt noticed, we're keeping quiet!

More soon,

promise

xxx

On the move

2008-11-17T21:09:00.003Z

Here's some footage of Lola about a week after she learned to crawl (properly, on her hands and knees). This havoc causing is the order of the day now.

As you can see, her own toys can only distract her momentarily before she heads back to the Playstation III to eject a DVD.

People talk about this phase being realy difficult as you've got to have eyes in the back of your head. I agree you've got to have eyes in the back of your head but I don't think it's difficult, I think it's brilliant. She's gaining so much independence and while I'm the first to admit I never want her to get any bigger, it's amazing to see her grasp new things. She's waving, half clapping (I'll get this on video so you can see what I mean) and standing loads (by pulling herself up on things, not unsupported).

She'll be onto Pythagoras' Theorem before we know it.

The de Cozar ladies...

2008-10-18T20:37:00.000+01:00

... get together to celebrate Tara's birthday

España

2008-10-02T09:50:00.013+01:00

Our holiday in Spain feels like a million years ago now. Here's an pictoral overview of the very wonderful week that we had.

We stayed in a lovely villa in Nerja. OK, it wasn't this one, but you get the idea.

We ate chirimollas. You may call them custard apples.

Lola spent lots of time with her Nan, Granddad, Aunty and Uncle, so Paul and I did little parenting. Which was LOVELY.

Uncle Steve bought Lola a boat for the pool. Do you think we were being slightly overprotective here?

On me 'ead son

A rare family portrait

Lola decided that splashing in the freezing cold sea with her Daddy was even better than eating spaghetti bolognese

Paul created some sand art, which I was really impressed with

Peas in a pod

La familia visitada. Tito Paco y Tita Maria

Tita Carmen y Lolita

Tita Maria y Lolita

It was a perfect family holday. We went out and we stayed in. We ate and drank lots. It was really hot.

I want to go back.

Great Grandma Stevie

2008-09-28T21:16:00.003+01:00

Sadly, Paul's maternal Grandmother, Iris 'Stevie' Hodges died on 28 September, aged 94. If you didn't have the pleasure of meeting her, but you did attend our wedding, you may remember the poem that she wrote and recited (by heart) about our engagement in Venice. The fact that she stood up in front of hundred people and did that at the ripe old age of 91 is very much indicative of the type of person that she was. She was a special and talented lady who we miss very much.

We visited Yorkshire at the end of August and Stevie got to meet her Great Granddaughter for the second time. It was lovely seeing them together. I know that Lola is a sociable baby who gets on with pretty much everyone, but occasionally you'll see her really connect with people and she did just that with her Great Grandma. She kept touching her face and wanted to be held by her, which broke my heart as Stevie wasn't quite strong enough at this stage.

I have some brilliant memories of my Great Nana Smith, but as I was only about two when she died, it's unlikely that they're real ones. They've probably been created by the stories and photographs, but they're just as good as the real thing. We're going to make damn sure that Lola grows up with similar memories.

Spaghetti Bolognese

2008-09-27T19:52:00.001+01:00

We just had to record the first time she ate it. She'd got excited about food up till this stage, but this really was something else.

Visiting in Lincoln

2008-09-19T19:28:00.005+01:00

Is that Paul, or pie?

2008-09-12T19:47:00.001+01:00

September weekend with Mike and Morag

2008-09-08T19:34:00.007+01:00

Six months old

2008-09-07T22:46:00.002+01:00

Lola was born six months ago today. This feels like a massive milestone, which has sneaked up on us without any warning whatsoever. In some ways, it feels like only yesterday that she came into (and rocked) our world and in some it feels like six years.

She was born by emergency Cesarean section and when it became apparent towards the latter part of the labour that this was going to be the delivery method, I panicked that I wouldn't be able bond as well with our baby, as if he/she'd been born via the normal route. However, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Even though I only saw her for a few moments after she was born (she was taken back to the ward with her Dad and the midwife while I was stitched up and sent to recovery) I was in a state of euphoria, and so desperate to be with her again. We got down to the maternity ward at about midnight and I spent the whole night clutching hold of her tightly, kissing every inch of her face, smelling her amazing hair (or head, or whatever that intoxicating baby smell is) and feeling so utterly grateful for the fact that she was in our lives. I didn't sleep a wink, but didn't care. I felt so, so lucky to have fallen so hopelessly in love with her, so quickly.

Here's some footage of her lying in bed with me in the maternity wing at Lewisham hopsital, the day after she was born.

I remember thinking that this was the first day of the rest of our lives and that everything was going change. I was right.

And here she is, six months on. Eating breakfast and selecting pieces of banana with that same look of determination which she gets when she's pulling at Paul's chest hairs when she comes into bed with us in the morning. I apologise in advance for the inappropriate bodily function. We still have a thing or two to teach her about table manners.

It's something that all parents say - but the time passes so bloody quickly, it's frightening. I've found myself constantly thinking 'this age is the best, I don't want her to get any bigger' and then enjoying the next phase even more. But this one (six months) is particularly brilliant. Lola is eating now (she's devoured every fruit and vegetable we've put in front of her - along with a few other bits), she's sitting pretty well and is crawling (albeit backwards and commando style).

She's a really, really good little girl (even if we do say so ourselves) and is so incredibly happy. We don't call her smile factory for nothing. Such is her sociable nature that she creates little fan clubs wherever she goes - from the Sainsburys in Sydenham to the florist on Lordship Lane in Dulwich.

Don't get me wrong, we've had our fair share of difficult times, such is the challenging and frustrating nature of child-rearing, but they (almost) pale into insignificance next to the good times.

Happy six month birthday sweetheart. We love you like crazy.

More matter with less art

2008-09-05T22:15:00.007+01:00

OK, so I promise this isn't just an excuse to post pictures of this man

Well, maybe it is.

Just a little bit.

I'll stop now. I promise. Right after this

Tonight I was lucky enough to join my sister and some of her friends at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon for Gregory Doran's Hamlet. You've more than likely seen the rave reviews, so I'll just confirm that it was brilliant. This is the third RSC production I've seen of Hamlet (previously saw Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes, the latter was fantastic) and by far, the best yet. David Tennant's preformance was excellent - as was Patrick Stewart's - and the rest of the cast for that matter.

I couldn't quite believe my luck when we got to our seats. Row B in the stalls. The courtyard has an apron stage. We could have literally reached out and touched the cast. If the mood had taken us. Ahem.

I'm depserate to see the show again in London, but just don't think I can stretch to the £1,200 cost for a pair of tickets on ebay. Sigh...

I hadn't really thought through the fact that I was going to be away from my daughter for 10 hours, three hours from home, until I was about to leave the house. Considering the fact I've only been out for an evening before and never further away than central London, this felt like quite a big deal.

However, 15 minutes into the journey I was really enjoying being alone, despite the jammed Friday traffic. 3 hours alone in a car, with nothing but music for company (an 80s Greatist Hits compilation to be precise) was a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Great prelude to an even better evening.

First teeth

2008-09-04T22:41:00.002+01:00

I've just reached the end (I hope) of three days of hell. At five months and three quarters Lola's cut her two (bottom) front teeth and has not been a happy bunny. The poor little sweetheart has been mega frustrated, in terrible pain and constantly pulling at her mouth. Whenever she teeths, which she's done a few times (without any teeth actually appearing) over the past few months, I fear that she's gone through a personality change and is turning into a monster child.

Fingers crossed we'll be OK from here on in. That is until the next ones start coming through ...

Wedding anniversary

2008-09-01T22:33:00.003+01:00

I married Mr Rushforth and became Mrs de Cozar Rushforth three whole years ago today. It was the most amazing day ever (coming in jointly with Lola's birthday) and I would give my left arm to do it all again.

Here we are at Allerton Castle, about to say our vows

and here we are today, with the new addition to our clan, Miss Lola Ines de Cozar Rushforth.

Awww.

Bank holiday

2008-08-25T21:38:00.000+01:00

I LOVE bank holiday weekends. Even more so nowadays, as Lola and I get to have our husband/father around for an extra day.

On Saturday it was a barbeque at the Lightlys' with the gorgeous Rick

Rick bought Krispy Kremes, god love him. Here's Freyja enjoying her doughnut

and Lola after trying chocolate for the first time. Yes, we know, we're terrible parents...

On Saturday we had a visit from Laura and Will, which was brilliant. After an unusual bout of shyness from Lola, she quickly adopted them as her new parents

On Monday we made like bank holidayers and drove to Kent (again). We went to Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie the Pooh. We played Pooh sticks at Pooh Bridge

and Lola won. Not only that, but mine and Paul's sticks came through tangled together after hers. Paul thinks there's a man who sits under the bridge fixing the results. Cynic.

Some nice pictures of Lola in her new favourite place

I wish every weekend could be three days long.

Carnival Dancing

2008-08-23T09:30:00.000+01:00

Lola and Daddy getting into the carnival spirit

Aunty Taz

2008-08-22T22:27:00.000+01:00

Lola and I were lucky enough to be visited by my sister this week. We had a brilliant time.

On Wednesday we went to see WALL-E at baby cinema and then wandered around Greenwich.
Here's Lola eating grass in the park.

On Thursday we babysat Freyja

and played football in the garden. I'll have to get video footage of this one day as Lola really does have the skills. She's a mini Cesc in the making.

walked the neighbourhood and watched the shadows

On Friday we went the Horniman and visited the Aquariam

and the gardens

We had a perfect week, were very sad to see her go and hope she's going to come back soon.

Night out

2008-08-21T21:31:00.008+01:00

Tonight Paul and I had a night out. The fifth in as many months since our daughter was born, we went to Nobu. It's officially Our Favourite Restaurant in London. Not at all overhyped, or overpriced (even though you practically have to remortgage to eat there). The first time we went Paul said of the experience, "it's like angels dancing on my tounge". He wasn't kidding. Tonight we let our waiter select our food for us and ate yellowtail sashimi with jalepeno, steak tartare, tuna salad, black cod and dover sole with chilli. And a chocolate bento box of course. We may have eaten something other stuff but I was a little bit tipsy so can't remember. That'll be the raspberry bellinis I had beforehand...

We had such a good time. It feels so good going out nowadays and just being us, on our own. Here we are in the Met Bar, post raspberry bellinis.

And sneaking a quick kiss in the cab. Hope this isn't too gratuitous, it's just I really like the picture.

And here's me with the fantastic babysitter, who had a brilliant night as Lola decided it was time to party and spend much of the evening awake.

Everyone's a winner.

Apart from me the next morning. I had my first proper hangover since Lola was born. I wanted to curl up and die, but was saved by the fact that my sister was there to look after both of us. I got pizza, garlic bread and glasses of full-fat coke and Lola got danced around the living room to hip hop.

My lesson for the decade is hangovers and babies REALLY don't mix. As my sister wisely explained mothers who drink champagne cocktails have nannies. Bully for them.

Another Sunday in Kent

2008-08-17T22:57:00.000+01:00

Hanging out in Hythe

Lunch in Farningham

While we haven't started properly weaning Lola yet, she has tried a few things, including green beans and apricots. Here she is demonstrating how to eat a carrot. She seems to have a better grasp of it than her father.

You can be my wing man anytime.

Farming World

2008-08-16T22:43:00.004+01:00

Farms might be a way of life in the North, but they're a tourist attraction down South.

Cricket at The Oval

2008-08-13T21:04:00.014+01:00

So you know that sinking feeling you get when a great holiday has ended, you're stuck in a tiny airport in France with one tiny vending machine which only sells coffee and Ryanair have announced a delay due to a serious technical fault? We do. But it didn't last. Just after the onslaught of hideousness, which was all of those things combined, Paul had a call from his good friend Ollie who had won a competition. To compete in the Betfair 20/20 Challenge. At the Oval. With an ex-England player captaining the team. Seriously!

Here's the day in pictures:

Paul greeted his family for a quick kiss before the match started

Adrian bowled Devon Malcom who could do nothing but stare at his stumps

Just a little bit excited

Paul bowled a couple of overs and took a wicket (that's Dean Headley (c) wicket keeping on the left)

The WAGs were out in force

Bowled Rushforth, Caught Lightly.... arrrgghhh!!!

So exactly how many more overs left, Daddy?

(Ollie and Paul) Kids in a sweet shop or what?

Time to get the beers in. Deano proved he was a worthy Relisher by joining in with the boozing at 11am
More WAGs (and Lola in her cricket whites)

Getting ready to bat

In the dressing room, at Mark Ramprakash's locker. Just when I thought I couldn't love him more, I found out he's an Arsenal fan (check out the Thierry Henry quote scribbled on the wall). There was a picture of him with no top on pinned up and it took every ounce of strength in me not rip it off the wall and take it home

Stealing a quick cuddle with the captain. Who could blame her?

Big O's Golden XI unfortunately lost by just two runs. You can see a write up here in The Sun.

So, so close. Not that it mattered. It was like everyones Christmas and birthdays had all come at once. Can we do it all again please?

Lascombe

2008-08-04T21:32:00.011+01:00

We had a fabulous time on holiday en France at Lascombe

There was much rosé and relaxation. Just what the doctor ordered. We went with our friends Solveig, Adrian, Caroline and Ben. We used to spend nights like this

But are now grown up (yeah right), with children, so spend days like this

It was just lovely and Lola had a whale of a time. Here's some video footage of her first pool experience (higher quality version is available on youtube)

and a few more pictures

Nan and Bob's annual Summer party

2008-07-26T20:06:00.000+01:00

On the move

2008-07-23T20:09:00.003+01:00

No matter which position we put our daughter in at bedtime she manages to get into another one. Tonight I put her in bed with her feet at the other end of the cot, popped in a couple of minutes later and she was here.

Sunday lunch with Dan and Emma

2008-07-20T22:00:00.000+01:00

Picnic in the park

2008-07-19T23:10:00.000+01:00

Admiring her consPosing

Daddy's girl

Busy times

2008-07-18T11:18:00.013+01:00

We've had a busy, but highly enjoyable week.

On Monday Lola had a long-awaited meeting with the stunning Oscar Garfield in Richmond. She was very keen on him and seems to be keeping Theo on his toes.

On Tuesday we shopped on the Kings Road with Great Aunty Maxine.

Now, Maxine is the perfect shopping partner because she does the following:

1. Picks out clothes for you to try on, including items which you wouldn't have necessarily thought suitable
2. Is completely honest about what looks good and what doesn't
3. Looks after your baby for the day allowing you to focus entirely on the task in hand.

(I may start pimping her out).

I'd briefed Maxine when we met in the morning:

I need tops which I can breastfeed in without too much drama (that is, they pull up or button down) and the only shoes I need are flats as heels just aren't practical at the moment. And I have a budget that I just can't exceed as, well, I'm on benefits and I'm a mother.

It was a hugely successful day where we stuck to the plan and I bought some great sale items.

And then I suggested we go to Manolo Blahnik.

Just to have a look. Just so Maxine could see it. I promise that I had absolutely no intention of buying a pair of the legendary Spanish designer's shoes at this point. I secretly hoped that Maxine would find and fall in love with some so she could own a pair (like she and every woman deserves).

I do have a beautiful pair of Blahniks which my father bought me for my wedding. They're oyster, low heeled, leather tie sandals and I love them almost as much as my daughter and my husband.

So off we trotted to the International flagship store on Old Church Street. Amazingly, it's the largest of his boutiques (of which there are only about eight across the globe), but is tiny. Not a huge number of shoes there as he doesn't make that many. Which adds to the whole exclusivity and excitement of it all.

And then I spotted the sign. There was a sale. A SALE AT MANOLO BLAHNIK. The stuff of legend!

I was breaking out in a cold sweat at this point.

Maxine quickly found and fell in love with her pair of coral strappy sandals. They were beautiful and clearly made for Maxine's feet. That's the thing about His shoes, they're not just shoes, they're special and they're made for individual's feet.

Lola woke up from a nap especially to enjoy the experience. Here she is, wide eyed

And then I spotted them. A beautiful pair of mary-janes. Turquoise with a red heel and bar across the front. Last pair in my size. Shit!! I tried them on. They felt so comfortable. That's another thing about His shoes, you feel like you're wearing a pair of slippers, no matter how high the heel is. My brow was furrowing. It would be irresponsible and silly to buy an expensive pair of shoes which I wouldn't be able to wear when I was pushing a pram/wearing my daughter in a sling. Wouldn't it? After clutching the shoes for dear life and going over and over it in my head, I put them down. I was not going to buy them.

So I left the shop in what I can only describe as a deep depression. I was miserable! We got half way back down the Kings Road and I decided to call the Husband. I knew he'd say it would be a stupid thing to do and that would bring me back down to reality and then we could put the whole sorry episode behind us.

But he didn't! He clearly sussed what was going on as soon as he heard by woeful tone and just said "Buy them". And he didn't say it in a disingenuous way, he bloody meant it. I love my husband very, very much.

I don't think my Aunty has ever seen me run so fast. And lord knows what Lola thought, who was strapped to my front in the sling.

And here they are

So, back to the busy week. On Wednesday we met Claire O'Gorman for lunch on the South Bank, our old stomping ground back in IBM days.

And on Thursday Cathy came round armed with an amazing array of edible delights for lunch.

Lovely.

Another Sunday, another cricket match

2008-07-13T11:05:00.000+01:00

This time against the BBC Mishits at a gorgeous little cricket club in Burnham, near Slough. We won't dwell on the result as it wasn't anything to write home about, but Lola and I had a wonderful day watching the boys.

Everything goes in the mouth at the moment

Check out that sky

He's much more of a bowler than a batsman

Consoling the captain

Shameless promotion

2008-07-12T11:39:00.002+01:00

It feels like an event every time I go out nowadays. It feels like an even bigger event is when my good friend Jason is playing new material at what used be the George IV in Brixton.

It was a marvellous opportunity to catch up with mates and hear a brilliant set. Particularly as he played my favourite track (Walk out Under the Stars) twice. Nice one Jase.

Mums on wine (and cocktails)

2008-07-10T10:09:00.000+01:00

Rieter, Rachel, Carys, Freya, Andrea, Vicki, Alice and me

Celebrations in Norfolk

2008-07-09T22:24:00.006+01:00

Our second family holiday of the year was a top notch trip to Norfolk to celebrate Lola's Nana Carolyn's 60th birthday. Even the (very) wet weather couldn't put a dampner on the occasion - although I soon realised that we deserately need some kind of zip up waterproof outfit for the little one.

We had a brilliant time - and Paul and I got some well deserved rest, all thanks to those keen Grandparents again. Highlights included a legendary Singstar session the night before Carolyn's birthday where we did a group rendition of Queen's Don't Stop Me Now at midnight

Other highlights included Paul and Nice Al's version of Run DMC's Tricky, Nice Al and Liz doing Paul Abdul's Opposites Attract and Carolyn's pitch perfect rap performance during Junior Senior's Everybody. Who'd have thought it?

Even the rain paused to allow us a faboulous day on a hired boat on the Broads for Carolyn's actual birthday.

Lola unfortunately had an off day due to an upset tummy. I convinced myself I'd passed on a hangover, but have since decided it was probably caused by teething (which she's in the throes of by the way).

Here she is taking in the view with her Nana

Pulling off the moody look with her Uncle Ian

And still managing to have a cheerful moment even though she feels like crap. That's my girl.

Congratulations Carolyn on your retirement, turning 60 and being such a glamorous Grandmother. Here's to this very exciting chapter in your life.

The Great Grandparents

2008-07-02T20:57:00.004+01:00

We were extremely fortunate to get a visit from the maternal Grandparents this week.

Nan and Lola watched Wimbledon

Lola worked out why Granddad Bob is known as the cuddliest Granddad in the world

Bob and Paul discussed the merits of the use of sugar over glucose when homebrewing

Four generations of ladies

More al fresco action

Mum and Lola walked

A very good time was had by all and Nan and Bob proved why they were such great Great Grandparents

Good times

2008-07-02T08:28:00.001+01:00

Hanging at the Horniman

2008-06-30T20:53:00.001+01:00

Clockwise from Lola: Lucy, James, Connor, Dylan and Fergus

The garden of England

2008-06-29T21:09:00.006+01:00

Paul and I are partial to the odd trip down to Kent. We like to drive down there and try and find country pubs in nice villages. Today we embarked on our first trip as a family and ended up at The Plough Inn at Lingfield. It was a winner.

Here we all are enjoying a fabulous pub lunch

See the frills on the bum? Now why can't all clothes have frills on the bum?

And as there are so few pictures of my daughter and I, I thought I'd post these too

Saturday, it's a Saturday

2008-06-28T20:52:00.003+01:00

Enjoying a cuddle with Jo

and Jonny

She really is everywhere

Jonny's taking this wedding malarkey very seriously

Lola admired Jo's stunning green sapphire and diamond engagement ring (as did I)

Then it was off to watch Paul play cricket again (and cuddle Becs)

NB: There was a lot of other cuddling that took place, which I didn't manage to capture. Fortunately Antonia got this one. How adorable is Esme?

Out of the baby bath and into the big bath

2008-06-27T22:19:00.005+01:00

Getting her into the game early

2008-06-27T22:06:00.004+01:00

Pram to pushchair

2008-06-27T22:00:00.002+01:00

She's not quite sure about it, but she'll get there...

Knackered

2008-06-26T21:46:00.008+01:00

I'd like to start off this post by letting you know that Lola topped off that perfect Father's Day with a (near) perfect night's sleep. I fed her in her sleep at around 10pm, she woke at 2pm for food and then slept till 7pm. SEVENPM. That meant for the first time in 14 weeks I had a whole five hours sleep. In one go! It was incredible. I woke up and literally leapt out of bed, made breakfast and left Paul to lie in (very unusual as he's almost always the one who gets up with Lola in the morning).

Paul got a full night's sleep. Probably only the third or fourth he'd had in 14 weeks. He still gets up a lot in the night to settle his daughter, which I REALLY appreciate. While I'm the one who inevitably has to feed her, he often hears her first and tries to settle her down before I go in. For a baby who has been so very good at getting to sleep, for naps in the daytime and at bedtime , she sure does wake a lot a night.

I really feel that the 5/6 week mark was a turning point in that I felt that I got used to the sleep deprivation. Before that there were occasions when I thought I was going to lose the plot I was so exhausted. But it's true that you do get used to it. Thank goodness.

So, if you'd have asked me if there was anything difficult about motherhood the day after Father's Day I'd have said 'no'. Everything was right with the world and this parenting lark was an absolute breeze. Nothing difficult about this. Nope, nosiree.

But that was the calm before the storm. The next night all hell broke loose. We had a terrible time where Lola woke hourly with what we suspected at the time to be rapped wind. She was screaming, tensing up and wouldn't settle till she was upright. We took it in turns to cuddle her and lay her back down in her cot. It was a long-winded (no pun intended) process which on both nights ended up with her in bed with one of us at four in the morning. Needless to say we got very little and very broken sleep When the exact same thing happened the next night it started to worry us. I was at the doctors the next day for something unrelated, so decided to mention it to the GP. She did a quick examination to check there was nothing serious going on and her response went something like this:

This baby is clearly very happy (as Lola beamed up at her in her usual smiley way) and very healthy. It's very likely that this is just a blip. She's a tiny baby, it'll just be a phase. I'd like you to give it another week (I gasped out loud at this point) and if it's still happening then please bring her back in.

One week??? The thought of one more night had me reaching for the valium.

But then I thought rationally (which I believe you can only do in the cold light of day and don't stand a chance of doing at 3am in the morning). My Mum was coming down that night for a visit, which meant she could help out if things got rough and we were in Derby for the weekend which meant an eager Great Aunt and keen Grandparents would be on hand to take Lola so actually yeah a week sounds fine. We can do that, I said.

It wasn't easy. Even though we were able to hand Lola over to the keen relatives and she slept on their chests for a significant part of the nights, it was still exhausting. Lola moved into her own room when she was 11.5 weeks old (which she loves by the way) and I'd completely forgotten how loud and snuffly she was - so sleeping in the same room as her was a right royal pain in the bottom. Anyway, we got through that and she was still waking, in pain, with what seemed like wind. So I went back to the doctor and she was diagnosed with Silent Reflux. Pretty nasty and pretty painful for the poor little love.

A new doctor this time who explained that her digestive system was still developing, it was common in 3/4 month babies and that he fully expected her to grow out of it quickly. Rather than prescribe medication he'd like us to give it two more weeks (I'm reaching for the Xanax at this point). I was pleased that he wasn't too quick of the mark to suggest giving medication to my tiny daughter but was also wondering how on earth I'm going to get through the next two weeks.

Needless to say, the past two nights have been hellish (that's a total of 11 nights since this episode started). We've been into Lola's room every 30 minutes to an hour to try and ease the pain a little and don't seem to be getting anywhere so we've bought some Gaviscon. I've spoken to the doctor who has instructed me on the whens and hows of the dosage and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it does the trick.

We'll keep you posted.

(I bet I read this post back in a few weeks and wonder what all the fuss was about. The relux will be over and we'll be onto teething...)

Baby mates

2008-06-26T19:37:00.009+01:00

Paul and I attended an NCT class at the beginning of the year and I'm so glad we did. We met seven lovely couples and I don't know what I'd have done over the past few months without the ladies. It's so reassuring to meet up with them on a weekly basis and find out that everything your child is up to is completely normal and that there are other people out there who are going through exactly the same experiences. They're all brilliant people too, which is a bonus.

It was my turn to host the coffee morning today so I decided to take a few pictures.

Lucy and Dylan sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g

Not sure what Lily's just said to Lucy and Dylan, but it was obviously all a bit too much for Connor (above)

Lola finally got out of bed but despite her best efforts couldn't get Dylan to notice her. Think he was dreaming of Lucy...

Theo and Lola

2008-06-25T21:57:00.000+01:00

First trip to Derby

2008-06-23T18:42:00.000+01:00

Lola and I travelled up to Derbyshire to visit Great Aunty Maxine and Great Uncle Steve and to meet more of Lola's adoring public. I'll update with more pictures as soon I receive them (hint, hint)...

Making a mess of Nanny's shoulder

2008-06-19T18:45:00.001+01:00

First Father's Day

2008-06-16T17:05:00.012+01:00

Yesterday the de Cozar Rushforths enjoyed a perfect first Father's Day.

Lola and her Daddy chilled out in the morning

the Relishers played a very tight home match against Whalers CC

where Lola and I wore matching outfits

Aunty Katie and Uncle Ian showered their niece with the usual love and affection

the Betts-Rhodes enjoyed their first Gentleman's Relish experience

Freyja had a bit of quiet time with her Mum (after entertaining the masses)

Theo was his usual chilled out self

and Paul took four wickets.

Happy Father's Day darling.

Oh and Happy Father's Day to Gus and Mike too...

Skills

2008-06-09T12:54:00.002+01:00

Here's some footage of Lola demonstrating her new skills. Can't quite believe how quickly she's picking things up. On the plane on the way home from Scotland she took a wooden rattle from me and shook it around before whacking herself on the head with it. I was so proud I almost burst into tears.

In this video you can see her grabbing, eating, rolling and throwing. The rolling is particularly exciting, but not so good when she makes it all the way onto her front as she can't quite manage getting back again. Fortunately we're not subjecting you to the trauma with this post!

Making friends with Joshua James

2008-06-09T10:26:00.006+01:00

He-ll-ooooooo....

Alright darlin?

Come 'ere often?

Er, actually I do. This is my playmat.

Storytime with Granddad Gus

2008-06-05T14:22:00.000+01:00

We've introduced storytime already in the de Cozar Rushforth house. Here's my Dad reading her a book he picked up on a recent trip to Spain - Lola Reina de las Princessas (Lola Queen of the Princesses).

Hanging out with Great Aunty Max

2008-06-04T22:59:00.001+01:00

Sex and the City

2008-06-04T22:00:00.003+01:00

The moment that I've been waiting for for the past four years has arrived. Sex and the City the GODDAM MOVIE is here!

Those of you who know me well know that SATC is one of my guilty pleasures. In fact, I don't feel guilty about it, it's just a pleasure. I'm actually watching sky-plussed episodes as I type this blog. Paul's in bed of course.

It was only right that we carefully considered Lola's outfit for the trip to the cinema. So, what to wear?

A bold red pantsuit a la Samantha?

A pretty pink dress suitable for presbyterian-turned-Jew Upper East Side princess Charlotte?

Or an ethnic, boho number fit for earthy Miranda?

It had to be the Carrie-style corasge-d cardigan and pink tutu-esque skirt.

And did we enjoy the film?

Absof***inglutely.

However, after all that, the air con at the cinema was knackered so we ended up having to strip Lola off to her white terrytowelling babygrow.

The dreaded mastitis

2008-05-29T20:08:00.006+01:00

Yes, it struck. The thing I worried about getting during the early part of Lola's life rocked up when she was 12 weeks. And it was hideous with a capital H. Bound to the bed with what felt like a nasty bout of flu, I panicked when the symptoms started as I just couldn't get my head around how the hell I was going to look after Lola while feeling so bad. We were very lucky as Paul's work were great about him taking a day off and my Dad was able to come down for a day when Paul had to go back. Thankfully it was short lived, once those antibiotics had kicked in I was right as rain.

I'd like to take this opportunity to let my friends know that I'll be there for them if they get it (or any other illness for that matter) while looking after their small babies. I know how impossible it is so please do give me a call!

A rose by any other name

2008-05-27T15:28:00.000+01:00

Thanks to her Dad Lola has quite a few monikers. I reckon that only one of them will stick so I wanted to record the names he calls her so I can look back on this in years to come. I will keep adding to it as he seems to come up with a new one every other day:

Lollipop, Lolapop, Lola Pagola, Smile Factory (my personal favourite), Stinky Plinky, Grinny Malliny and Lola Hood (which he sings to the tune of Robin Hood, Robin Hood riding through the glen. What is he like?)

Trip to Scotland

2008-05-22T13:37:00.015+01:00

Over the May bank holiday weekend the de Cozar Rushforths took their first holiday together up to Scotland to visit Grandparents Mike and Morag at their new home in Angus. With glorious weather to match a stunning house, we had an absolutely marvellous time. Lola travelled really well (that makes her sound a bit like a travel size bottle of shampoo) and seemed to cope exceptionally well with the new experience of flying. Her face at Gatwick airport was an absolute picture as she marvelled at the strange place we'd bought her to at rush hour on a Thursday morning with literally thousands of people wandering about. In fact the whole six days bought strange new experiences and lots of 'firsts' for the little one.

Her first trip to the beach in Crail, where Morag's parents spent many of their later years

Her first trip to a pottery barn (don't think she noticed this one though)

Her first extremely choppy boat trip, which rocked her to sleep and made her Mum and Dad feel quite sick
Her first trip to the Isle of May to see the puffins and lots of other seabirds

Och, it's Lola's first Loch (Balgavies)

In addition to all that activity we did a lot of chilling out. And with a house and garden like this, it would be rude not to...

That last picture is Lola watching England beat New Zealand in the test match. She really does love her cricket and I wouldn't be surprised if her first word was Monty or Panesar.

The garden is incredible. It has an orchard and vegetable plots and everything. Every time I wandered around it I thought about how much Lola is going to love running about and getting lost in it. It reminds me very much of my Nana Margaret and Granddad Bob's garden in that way.

So all in all a very relaxing week. The only downside was that Lola woke frequently and slept fitfully every night except the first. This could be due to many things, new bed, new environment, growth spurt - we're not quite sure. We were able to deal with the exhaustion thanks to the Grandparents being willing to take her at any opportunity in the way that only grandparents are. Thank you Mike and Morag for giving us the relaxing break that we needed and huge congratulations on a beautiful new home!

A proper introduction to London

2008-05-18T12:58:00.008+01:00

Lola and I get out and about a lot. We meet up with friends, visit parks and check out big houses in the local area which we'd if we had endless cash. All of these activities, and more have become highly enjoyable ways to pass the days. However, up till now Lola has only really got to see the smoggy London skyline as she gazes up from her pram. Today we turned her around in the sling so she could see what was going on. Here are Paul and Lola:

leaving the house

stoppping for a quick photo and chew of the Baby Bjorn

Pausing to appreciate the view of London from Blyth Hill

Many moons ago Paul blogged about out first trip out of the house with Lola and our friend Antonia made a comment about how getting out and about with your baby is new and exciting and like seeing London for the first time all again. I know exactly what she means.

The week in pictures

2008-05-16T12:08:00.010+01:00

Paul bottling his beer in the brewe- sorry - the nursery.

Lola happily watching me putting clothes away. Bugger, that means I no longer have an excuse to not do the laundry while I'm looking after her.

Getting ready for a bath.

Lola's shadow, which looks freakily like an embryo.

Breezy playing Lola's guitar to her (a very special gift from Uncle Ian).

Granddad Gus on morning duty.

Granddad Gus calling Nana Rosey to tell her that his granddaughter is beautiful for the sixteenth time that day.

The tapas restaurant which Paul and I went to for a very nice meal and a few too many glasses of wine.

Our first proper night out together since Lola was born was an absolute delight. And despite what people predicted, we didn't spend the entire evening talking about our daughter!

The Gettysburg address

2008-05-13T20:17:00.002+01:00

Here is some great footage of Lola practicing public speaking:

Things to look out for:
1."I love you " in a slurred 'vowels only' dialect learnt from Daddy
2."Grades", or maybe "Grapes" which makes much more sense
3. Mummy and Daddy acting like grown ups when someone breaks the wind
4. The most offensive squeaker ever heard (I think it was an organ harvested from a muppet)

Perfect Day

2008-05-10T22:34:00.000+01:00

The de Cozar Rushforths headed off to Dulwich Park on what felt like the hottest day of the year so far. Here's Lola chilling out with her Dad:

Showing off her new hat:

Having a laugh:

Contemplating:

Perching:

Being a bit fed up:

All in all a perfect day. And doesn't Paul look like James McAvoy in this picture? Lucky me...

On the town

2008-05-09T21:44:00.007+01:00

On Friday I went out for the first time since our daughter was born. Hooray!! Lola and I had a very relaxed and indulgent day lazing about at home and it wasn't till the afternoon came and I decided to think about what the hell to wear. She chatted and smiled away at me while I tried on several possible outfits to find that absolutely NONE OF THEM fitted around my boobs. Bollocks. This was the first opportunity to wear whatever I wanted (without the need to breastfeed or consider a massive baby bump) in months - and nothing bloody fitted. Fast forward an hour or two and Paul was on the phone to say that due to a fatality at Charing Cross he was going to be late home. Which meant that I was going to be late leaving. Aaaarrghhh!! At this point I seriously considered sacking the idea off completely and just staying at home and having an early night, but no - I was going to do it. I was going to go out goddamit. So off I trotted to Clerkenwell to the lovely Sam Tring's birthday party. Here he is handcuffed to an inflatable sheep with a big bottle of cider:

and here I am with the gorgeous Cathy, Camellia and Emma - and a jug of Pimms:

I had such a great night. Earlier in the day I'd considered just popping along for a quick one, making my excuses and buggering off home - but as it happened the evening went super fast and I would have happily stayed out till the wee hours. I didn't - and got home at half 12 - a happy medium between the two extremes. Of course I missed Lola terribly, but that just made it all the more special when I finally got home and gave her a sneaky cuddle while she slept.

Thanks Sam for having a great party and getting a new mother out of the house. Wishing you a fabulous birthday.

Baby steps

2008-05-09T20:56:00.000+01:00

A picture of Lola sleeping in her cot in her OWN ROOM for the first time. We've not quite braved the move at night time - this is her having a nap in the day, but one step at a time. It feels like five minutes ago that we were panicking that she'd only sleep in our bed...

On trend

2008-05-07T19:59:00.005+01:00

I promise I'll stop blogging about Lola's clothes soon, but I wish I could rock the wide-leg, high waisted white trouser look like our daughter does. Perfect attire to see the gorgeous Patrick Dempsey in Made of Honor and lunch at the Gipsy Moth in Greenwich. Cracking pub by the Cutty Sark.

Staying out for the Summer

2008-05-06T18:50:00.001+01:00

The first real day of the Summer was spent chilling out at Manor House Gardens in Lee. Friends, ice-cream and cute little goslings.... can maternity leave get much better than this?

Here's Lola with Lily and Connor. Caption competition anyone?

The first time ever I wore a dress...

2008-05-05T21:07:00.008+01:00

Lola has an enviable wardrobe - it really knocks spots off mine. Thanks to her very generous family and friends she has a huge array of clothes and accessories and we have great fun each morning choosing what she's going to wear. Till now, everything she's worn has been very baby-like - but today we shifted gear slightly and Lola wore her FIRST DRESS which caused much excitement in the de Cozar Rushforth household. Among the ladies at least ;-) Here she is modelling the gorgeous little number which Becs and Jase picked up on their honeymoon in Thailand.

The first of many!

Just like old times

2008-05-05T13:01:00.008+01:00

It's funny how much you worry as a new parent. Lola spent the first few weeks of her life permanently attached to mine or Paul's chest and was very rarely put down. She never slept anywhere else during the daytime and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It worked very well during the maternity/paternity leave bubble, but caused a few issues when Paul went back to work. Would I ever have a shower/eat lunch/go to the toilet between the hours of 9am and 7pm again? Let alone do the housework. I convinced myself that she absolutely hated her bouncing chair and moses basket as she cried when I put her in them (to be fair she probably whimpered and I whisked her up and back in my arms immediately). The only option was to accept that that my chest would be where she slept during the day (and my life was over).

Then the unthinkable happened and (thanks to Paul) she started to go down in her moses basket. Since then we've progressed very quickly and all of her daytime naps are spent in her moses basket in the bedroom, or if we're out and about in the pram or car seat. In face she's now done a bit of a u turn - where if I do encourage her to sleep on my chest she's unsettled and won't sleep properly - so I don't do it as it would be unfair on her.

While it's wonderfully liberating to have numerous 50 minute-ish slots to myself throughout the day to either chill out or get things done - I really, really miss her sleeping on me. So imagine my pleasure when the little love cuddled up and decided to have a three-hour sleep on my chest today. Bless.

We don't like cricket. We love it.

2008-05-03T21:48:00.001+01:00

Gentleman's Relish Amateur Cricket Club (GRACC) kicked off the season with an away match against Whalers CC in Chiswick. They might not have won (Paul or Adrian will have to confirm the score as I was, as usual, distracted by the company of the other ladies), but they had a lovely day.

From left to right: Atheer Al-Salim, Nick Hughes, Chris Territ, Bod Evans, Ollie Bartlett, Paul Rushforth, Lola Ines de Cozar Rushforth, Adrian Lightly (C), Jason Leitch, Luke.

Re-enacting that scene from ET

2008-04-27T21:18:00.004+01:00

I promise I had absolutely nothing to do with this. It was all Daddy's work.

Hidden talent

2008-04-26T21:11:00.004+01:00

So I overheard Paul singing this to Lola yesterday to the tune of Estelle's American Boy:

Take me to the bedroom, put me in my cot
Lay me in the nursey while you clean my bot
I really want you
To play Raffi Track 2
While I play in the bath with my toy
The bath with my toy

Take me to the garden where I squint my eyes
Place me on the playmat with the butterflies
I really want you
To play Raffi Track 2
While I play in the bath with my toy
The bath with my toy

He's wasted in the television industry.

First trip up North

2008-04-19T21:35:00.004+01:00

The first trip to our home towns of Lincoln and Skipton was a roaring success. Lola very much enjoyed meeting (clockwise from top left) Great Great Aunty Mary, Great Grandma Stevie, Great Granddad Bob and Fergus and Finlay Prone

A warm welcome to the gorgeous Theo Lightly...

2008-04-18T21:24:00.005+01:00

...and Lola's future husband I like to think :-)

Huge congratulations to Solveig, Adrian and Frejya on the stunning new arrival to their burgeoning family. He's just perfect!

Paul's first words when we received the news were "F**k tradition, we're splitting the cost of the wedding".

Lunch date with Lily

2008-04-08T12:07:00.004+01:00

Here's Lola with her friend Lily. OK, so they're struggling to focus on each other at the moment but it won't be long till they're playing together happily and keeping each other amused, I'm sure. Thanks to you both for behaving very well and letting Rachel (Lily's Mum) and I enjoy a meal at the Honor Oak.

A bit of sleep

2008-04-06T12:01:00.002+01:00

Last night, after seven exhausting and unsettled nights of Lola waking around every hour, she decided to do her Mum and Dad a favour and sleep for one three-hour and two two-hour stints. After feeding she settled pretty much straight away. I woke up feeling like a new person and ready to face the (snowy) day. Thank you our darling daughter – we love you more and more each day!

People tell you how tiring the newborn stage is – and you think about times that you've been tired before and multiply it by 100 – but in reality, you're still not quite there. I truly believe this is why you love your children so much. If you didn't, you'd just get too damn knackered and put them out with the bins on a Wednesday.

The Brandt-Parks

2008-04-05T11:50:00.002+01:00

Today saw a visit from Will and Lucy. Here they are with Lola – complete with Will's new beard which makes him look pretty hot. And a bit like this bloke out of 300.

First night out

2008-04-02T11:32:00.002+01:00

An important night for the Arsenal, we decided to head up to the Blyth Hill Tavern and watch the Emirates leg of the Champions League match against Liverpool. While it wasn't the best result for us with Liverpool scoring a crucial away goal, we had an absolutely marvellous time. I did feel like a bit had dropped off me at first. I did spend most of the time talking about Lola to our pub aquaintances (to be fair on me, they did ask) but it was really good to get out. And Nan and Granddad obviously relished the opportunity to have Lola to themselves for a couple of hours.

Nan and Granddad de Cozar

2008-03-31T11:28:00.002+01:00

This week saw a visit from the maternal grandparents which was wonderful for both Katie and Lola. There were trips out to Jam Circus and the Honor Oak, and to Wickes (which she didn't find so exciting) and general parading around the neighbourhood being shown off by her very proud Granddad Gus.

Trip to B&Q

2008-03-30T11:24:00.002+01:00

I absolutely love this picture. Paul looks lovely – knackered, but gorgeous. Both Paul and I absolutely hated DIY related trips when we were younger, but thoroughly enjoyed this one to B&Q to choose garden furniture. One of the effects of parenthood I guess. Advance apologies to Lola for all of the boring weekend excursions to Currys, B&Q, Carpetright etc we're going to put you through during your life...

Lola's weekly bath

2008-03-30T11:22:00.002+01:00

Fortunately for us Lola likes to have a bath. She's even happy for her Daddy to wash her hair. It may be the strange folk singer Raffi who plays on the CD player while she's having her bath that she really likes. A strange Rushforth family tradition which is completely new to me.

A whole weeks worth of updatery

2008-03-28T09:50:00.007Z

A thousand apologies for not being more consistant with the posts. I don't know what we were thinking.

Here's the down low on the last 7 days:

Easter Saturday - Bromley

Our first travels to a different postcode saw us brave snow and trains for an afternoon in Bromley. Mum shopped like mother should, and dad tried to find any form of child friendly estalishment for a sit down, and maye a glimpse of the football. No joy, so went for moules et frites instead with Daniel K.
No pictures, but to be fair, it was Bromley...

Easter (Not so super) Sunday - (Sky Sports 1, 1pm-5pm)

Jonny and Jo popped in for a cuddle.

Lola was so upset at Aresenal's performance she had a 90 minute protest sleep on Adrian's chest.

We ate some eggs too. Or, more honestly, eggs three.

Easter Monday - Daddy's Birthday
Had a lovely morning in bed opening cards and presents, before venturing to the Honor Oak for lunch. As Daddy was due back to work on Tuesday we all had an early night.
Nothing to do with easter Tuesday

Back to work for Daddy - Boo Hiss, but a nice visit from Great Nanna Margaret and Pretty Damn Good Auntie Maxine, who brought all of Baby TopShop with them.

Plain ol' Wednesday

A lovely morning with a visit from Emma,

And trip to London and Lunch on the South Bank. Perfect.

Thursday

Mummy hosted her first NCT coffee morning, a sucess by all accounts, and officially registered Lola's existence. Daddy was once more earning the daily (lightly toasted and drizzled with olive oil, ciabatta) bread.

Out and about...

2008-03-21T10:52:00.002Z

Well, since the last post there's been no stopping us. On Tuesday it was Mummy's Birthday, thanks for all the cards and presents, we opened them all in bed with a nice cup of tea. Then we went to lunch at The Honor Oak, which was nice. Lola slept the whole way through, waking just once for a snack.

Wednesday was Dan King's Birthday, and we went to the Perry Hill for lunch. It's new and spangly and very nice, good food, good price and great service. Again Lola slept through the whole thing, waking only once for a snack and a quick change.

Grandad Rushforth came round to introduce himself and demonstrate his calming ability, and his skills at wind manipulation. A very pleasant evening by all accounts. Despite watching Manure act completely in character and hammer Bolton.

Thursday, no birthdays and not really leaving the house weather. Lola spent the day doing very little, but somehow ended up over tired, leading to a rather long evening. Luckily though, she slept quite well through the night.

Too easy

2008-03-18T08:46:00.003Z

We decided that this newborn parenting game is far too easy, so we turned the difficulty level knob a whole quarter turn from "Beginner" to "Easy", and mixed it up a bit.

Firstly, we decided to leave the house. And so wearing nothing more than confidence, a babygrow, a cardigan, a pram suit, a blanket, a hat the pram cover and hood, Lola left the house. After an initial right turn, avoiding the possibly sharp branches of the privet, we headed south down Carholme Road. There was no sign of rain, and the wind was 8mph SW. 3 Doors down a cat shot across our path, we paused, composed and continued, the cat shadowing our steps at a safe parallel distance. As we rounded the corner (right onto Marler ) we encountered a youth, coming towards us. Luckily, he was busy on his phone, no doubt making youth plans, and barely noticed our passing, which was a lucky escape, as we instantly had to switch our attention to driving through dog poo.
As we rounded the next right corner (onto Northwood) we heard the noise of a car accelerating and moved in closer to the fence. Luckily,said car was a block away, and so just missed us by 70 yards. We rounded the next right (A205) and quickly completed the busiest part of the journey, the presence of the newly installed speed camera increasing our confidence levels. We passed Carholme on our right, and decided to brave one more block. As we turned right again, a dark feeling crossed me, as I realised I'd never walked this road before (Blythe Vale), Katie assured me she had, and we passed a woman carrying a pointily wrapped present without incident.
Here Lola began to cry. A lot. A poo we think, but in the middle of nowhere, we had no choice but to plow on. Luckily, a Honda motorbike (loud but safely on the other side of the road, settled her, and we continued. Two sharp rights and we were back safely on Carholme. In honesty, our pace quickened with sight of our objective, and as we bundled back into the warmth comfort, and safety of the lounge mother and baby breathed a sigh of exhilarated relief. Daddy decided he could afford, and probably deserved a sit down before going out again to put the fresh copy of the Lewisham Shopper in the recycling.

What an amazing 20 minutes.

This photo was taken while there was no imminent danger.
(I was keeping an eye on the cat though)

Words of wisdom from the midwife...

2008-03-18T08:36:00.001Z

"Every time I Come here it smells amazing, Daddy must be a great cook!"
- Hopefully she's referring to what's on the hob and not a lingering aftermath, although both would be compliments.

"Yes, Mummy has a fair pair of Melons" - Hopefully she was, erm, referring, erm, no,she meant exactly that.

Lola has reached an impressive 9lbs 4Ozs.

We are Family...

2008-03-16T15:53:00.007Z

Wow, what a weekend, aunties, uncles, friends and grandparents came from miles around to coo and drink tea, and eat bisuits, and eat cake, and coo some more.

Food Glorious Food

2008-03-12T17:19:00.002Z

One of the things "they" tell you about being a new family is that you'll not have time to cook. Yes, this is true. One answer to this is to, like I did, cook a massive vat of a couple of your favourite foods, and freeze them for use in the first few weeks. This is a great idea, even though I'm sure it wasn't mine originally, but it does mean that you end up with 6 meals worth of Spag Bol and 6 meals worth of Chilli, not exactly a varied menu or diet.

If for whatever reason you don't have time to cook, but don't relish ready meals, instant pasta or Favourite Chicken, try these guys www.cookfood.net

So far since we got home we've had steak and red wine pie, sausage and potato stew, and still have a fish pie, chicken ham and leak pie, a Morrocon lamb curry and various others. Simply take from freezer into oven, cook for 1 hour, add vegs and serve.

If I can only ever offer one piece of useful advice to you, it is this;
Click this link, give it a try, it's had a huge impact on us.

Daddy hard at it...

2008-03-12T14:09:00.002Z

It's nice to do things together, especially when those things are sleep! Nice hair Daddy. You should get your hat back from the hospital.

A video, from Uncle Ian

2008-03-12T10:52:00.003Z

Here's a video uncle Ian made. Funny to think that even back then, this was our little Lola.
Although I think Mummy would say you were kicking harder than that!

Quick update:

She slept for about 7 hours last night, broken into 2 and a half our chunks. Most of this sleep was carried out in the moses basket, with just a brief visit to Daddy in the middle of the night.
It's becoming clear that she gets her looks from Mummy, and her appetite and mastery of bodily functions from Daddy (both of whom pull a very cute face when passing wind)

Hey, how about another video?

2008-03-11T16:13:00.002Z

Here, due to popular demand, is another video of tiny person.

Here she is demonstrating the correct way to lie down and pull faces. She's been practicing for a few days now, and I think she's got it down.

We'll post some more stuff soon, unless you're getting bored of it all....?

Fanfare please...

2008-03-10T20:32:00.006Z

It is my pleasure to formally introduce you all to:

Lola Ines de Cozar Rushforth

We'd assumed it was a boy for so long, we had a handful of boys names, and we'd only ever really had one girls name. We did recently come up with a couple of other names for girls, but having met this young lady, none sat quite as well as Lola.

(It did take a long time to decide against "Jason", it was close though, she just has too much hair to be a Jason. Sorry Jase.)

Home sweet home

2008-03-10T10:21:00.004Z

Well, after all that excitement, family de Cozar Rushforth finally made it home.

Baby slept the entire journey, and then some, racking up about 2-3 hours continuous sleep.

A trend which did not last all night. Though she did make it out of our bed and into the moses basket. For 10 minutes.

Wow moving pictures

2008-03-09T08:33:00.002Z

Here are some fancy moving pictures of the little one enjoying hickups.

Twice

And so she continued...

Yay, Welcome Tiny person!

2008-03-08T07:16:00.009Z

Greetings.
Well, we finally made it. A bit of a mad rush towards the end, a few hairy moments, and a very hairy baby.
I'd like you to meet Toshiba. A name which, in light of it being a girl (????) I think we'll have to change. But for now, meet Shiba.
All's well that ends well an Mummy and daughter are doing just fine. If a little tired.

No am dram here, this was proper theatre, with stunning performances from all.

For one reason or another (we'll ask her in a few years) she wasn't too keen on coming out, but Katie wasn't overly keen on her staying in there, and I'd have no idea how to give her pocket money if she did.

We'll be staying at Lewisham hospital for a couple if days, while everyone is brought back up to strength, I'll post contact details later on, but it's Maternity ward 5. In ther mean time you can get me between 1pm-3pm and after 8pm on the mobile, post comments here (Which she'll see and read (Katie, not baby)), send e-mails (which I'll read her). *** WE'RE HOME NOW 10/03/08***

More photos here

We'll see you all soon and we love you all very very much.

Oh and please pass this news on to anyone you may speak to!

Sac Magic

2008-02-19T21:54:00.001Z

Bulging at their faux leather and polyester seams, two bags lie by the door waiting to make a life changing journey. They contain various seemingly ordinary items, chocolate bars, heat magazine, maternity pads(???), to help their carriers along on a voyage to discovery. A voyage no doubt destined to stall at the first hurdle, as the bags currently prevent the door opening wide enough to allow the currently “Extra Large Value Pack Katie” to pass through unhindered.

But packed and ready they are. I had been lead to believe that they were a myth and that noone ever got round to packing them. But we have. I won't go into detail, as it's pretty dull. Needless to say, if we're in there for a very short space of time, we've got far too much stuff, and if we're in there any longer than 2 day's we're gonna need to call Argos Additions to deliver more velour tracksuits. Although I think in Lewisham they are only available to buy in bulk. At 9 months pregnant, bulk is not a problem.

She's holding out very well. Better than Daddy I think. She's doing everything perfectly. She looks impeccable. She's watching what I'm typing.

She's my wife, and a mummy, and I love her.

She's still watching.

Con Alert

2008-02-03T21:16:00.000Z

While we're on the subject of everyday items that have been shrunk to tiny person size, I thought I'd take the opportunity to show off another "little" gift!

Sized to fit small people between 3 and 6 months.
Special thanks to Ian and Katie for this very stylish gift.

Toshiba will hopefully take after its mother when it comes to fashion. Father has, sadly, the dress sense of a blind 80's circus sawdust sweeper.

A Little Relish with that?

2008-02-03T10:54:00.000Z

In the heart of South East Londinium, there is swaggering band of (fake) moustache sporting sportsman, who between them form the Gentleman's Relish Amature Cricket Club (G.R.A.C.C).

It's numbers have swollen by one today, after the presentation, by Lady Carolyn Rushforth, of the first (un)official item of the GRACC Junior Members clothing range.

(Remote control not included, added for scale purposes only)
(Pattern available on request)

Be sure to come and see it in it's full baby covering glory at any of our matches this year.
Details available at www.gentlemansrelish.org.uk/

What's in a name?

2008-01-02T11:58:00.000Z

So I should imagine a vast proportion of you are wondering why on earth we have named our currently gestating cash guzzler "Toshiba".

Well, if you take a peep at the first every photos published of the wee one, you can see that lewisham hospital infact are responsible:

Will it stick? Well, so far so good, it's appeared on a number of cards and presents over the festive period. I should imagine it's unlikely that it'll ever make a school register, but it may last as nick name. Afterall, as my mum will happily tell you, I petitioned her for months to name Nice Al (my brother) Mitsubishi, which to be fair, I think he'd be quite keen on now!

Don't forget to enter the sweepstake competition here!