I love standing up...

Hi all,
Hope things are good with you.
I'm well - had a bit of an adventure this week with Daddy. We were driving up to London in Mummy's car, and she was driving our campervan up as she's sold it to Aunty M (are you with me so far?).
Well, Mummy got to London OK, but Daddy and I broke down and had to be towed back home and it too ages. Mummy was worried as she couldn't contact us, Daddy was stressed because I was out of my routine and I was fed up because I have three teeth coming through and it hurts.

So Mummy was in London by herself and it was just Daddy and I for the night. We had fun though.

We've been going out to the Common in the village lots so I can crawl around without bumping into furniture. I love it and it makes me so sleepy.

The vicar is coming over to see me this week to talk about the Christening in June, which is not long at all. It sounds a bit odd, dunking me in water, but Mummy seems really keen.

I'm still standing up all the time. I won't even lie still when I am getting my nappy changed - I like to stand too much. I've heard the word willful used about me in the last few weeks and I suppose that sounds about right!

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the teeth as they come through, and when I finally let go of the furniture and toddle about. Can you imagine the looks on Mummy and Daddy's faces when that happens? Classic. And to think, this time last year I was still in my Mummy's tummy...

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

A party on safari...

Hi everyone,
Hope you're all well.
I'm good - I had a very busy weekend. I went to my first birthday party, a friend from baby group just turned one and asked me along to celebrate.
I wore my khaki shirt-dress (see picture above) and had an absolute ball.
I ate melon and pizza, had a go on a few sit and go toys and fell off a bicycle, grazing under my chin. But I had a great time.
They even had this big, long canvas tunnel and I crawled all the way through it. I think Mummy and Daddy had as much fun as me!
And when I left the party, I got a present - white chocolate buttons and a tamborine. I can't wait to make lots of noise with that!

Mummy has signed me up for swimming lessons - I start next Friday. Apparently it's in a heated pool so I should be ok. I think Mummy is more nervous than I am, but I need to understand how water works as Paps has a pool and I want to make sure I am safe when I am at his house.

Meal-times have become a bit more of a challenge in recent weeks, as I've realised if I hold the food in my hand when I'm in my high-chair, I can give it to my doggy Zeus. He loves it but Mummy and Daddy had a bit of a freak out because it means they can't tell if I've eaten enough. So, poor Zeus gets sent outside when I am eating. That said, I am also mastering the art of squishing the food in my hand and making it stick to the underside of my high-chair table. Hours of fun!

I am spending much of my day standing up and get quite upset when I have to lie down. I am pulling myself up from anything I can hold onto, and if I can't do it I put my head on my arm and cry. I get sooooooooooooooooo frustrated. Hopefully I'll be walking by myself in the next month.

Anyway, that's the news from me.
Talk soon, Love Little Lottie xxx

I'm forever blowing bubbles...

Happy Easter one and all!

I love chocolate!
I know I may be regarded as a little young to indulge, but I LOVE it.
Aunty M came down from London on the weekend with her sister Sukhi, and they brought me white chocolate buttons.
WOW.
They're amazing!!!

All well with me. I am now fully crawling, much to Mum and Dad's great fear. I am now totally mobile and EVERYTHING is within my reach.
This week I managed to have a good chew of a slug before Mummy managed to prise it from my mouth. I've had a quick lick of Zeus's pigs ear. I think I will end up being a carnivore after all!!

My current favourite tricks are to scream and squeal as loud as I can for no apparent reason, and to stand up against the kitchen cupboards and slam the doors. hours of fun!

I love the soft toys my Nana got me before I was born. They all make 'grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr' noises and keep me entertained while I have my nappy changed.
I'm also rather fond of my koala, too.

Anwyay, I'll write more soon, and hopefully I'll have a few pics of me in action on the crawl!

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Ironing to earn my keep...

Trying to send myself back to Paps...

Hanging out with my folks...

My media assault on the world...

Hi all!
I've been on the TV!!!! I can't believe it - I'm a TV star at nine months old!
I was at baby group the other day and TV film crew was there as our group had opened the first Milk Bar for breastfeeding mums and bubs.
So obviously they filmed the kids breastfeeding... I'm a big girl and don't do it any more, but I was on the news item LOADS!!! Lots of close-ups of me playing with all the toys they have there. I think I was playing with a mirror at the time.
We've contacted the TV company responsible, as I'd love to get it on my YouTube page and here on my blog.
I'm a multimedia baby, arent't I??

Other than my TV debut, all is well. I played under a big rainbow-coloured parachute at baby group the other day, which I loved. I laughed and laughed.
I also have invites to two birthday parties, which I am looking forward to.

I am crawling backwards at the moment - it's great for getting myself wedged into small spaces. And under the table. I love it.

I love having my photo taken - each time Mummy and Daddy get the camera out I start smiling and posing. Apparently my Nana was the same, and Aunty Claire does it too. I must have got it from them!

And it's Easter next week and Uncle Lenny might be coming down to say hello to me. I hope so - I love him.

So that's me.

Stay tuned for footage of my TV debut in due course.

Talk soon, love
Little Lottie xxx

Video... clapping my hands

Having fun on my hols...

Hi all,

Sorry for the lack of posts - I have just been so busy having fun!!!

We're in Spain looking after the dogs for Paps. He's gone to the UK to watch football and horses. Hope he's had a nice time.

I've had fun this week. It has been so much warmer in Spain than in Devon, so I've been able to roll around naked in the garden and get some sun. It's been lovely.

I've also been out to lots of restaurants with Mummy and Daddy, though I've been asleep most of the time. I think the sun has taken it out of me!

I had my first taste of pizza this week - it was very yummy and I fed myself. I'll be having more of that, please.

Mummy and Daddy think that I have started saying 'Hello' and 'Hola'. To be fair, it could be more luck than accurately pronounced words, but they seem excited enough. Although I did hear Mummy say that my 'Hola' did sound a bit like 'Allah', whatever that means...

Guess what - I have been brushing my teeth! I have a purple and glitter toothbrush, and we use it a couple of times a day to keep my teeth clean. It's a really odd feeling, but I think it is doing some good. I can't wait to do it myself!

I have been taking Jackson and Chica for walks in the pine forest every day. It's so much fun in there... like a whole other world. And I laugh every time Daddy kicks the ball for Chica... it just tickles me for some reason.

Anyway, that's my news from my hols. I think we're going home on Sunday, which is Mother's Day. Am I supposed to buy something for my Mummy? Answers on a postcard, please!

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Hold the phone... with my teeth

Introducing my second cousin Russell...

He's the newest kid on the block as far as my family is concerned... Russell Blake Mackrell.

He's just two months old - I'm an old lady by comparison.

Do we look alike? He's certainly got more hair than me.

I'm off to Spain later today to say hola to Paps. I'll keep you posted.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

I love to play...

Hi everyone,

Hope you've had a good weekend.

I am well - I'm off to Spain on Wednesday, which I am sooooooo looking forward to. I might even get in the water if it's warm enough. And I'll definately be trying to walk on the sand. Atleast if I fall down, I won't hurt myself!

So what else have I been up to? I saw the health visitor last week, who said I am a very tall girl. I am 79cm in length... I was 51cms when I was born. So that's quite a growth spurt!!!

My doggy Zeus and I are still playing well together. Here we are sharing the rugby ball Uncle Lenny got me before he knew if I was a boy or a girl. We have lots of fun with it!

I am still loving clapping my hands, but not on demand. We did 'Pat-a-cake' at playgroup on Friday, which has lots of hand-clapping and I went a little shy and didn't join in.

I am still loving spending time with Daddy when Mummy goes out to work. We have FUN!

Mummy is working on taking more video of me with her camera, so you can all see how much of a chatterbox I am. My favourite thing to do at the moment is to wake up at 4am and either start clapping in my bedroom, or chat to myself and see if Mummy and Daddy come in to chat, too.

I've heard Mummy starting to plan my Christening, which I am looking forward to. Time seem's to be going by so quickly at the moment - can you believe I am almost nine months old?? Incredible!

Anyway, I'll write more from Spain.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Introducing... my first two teeth

Growing girl...

Hi everyone,

Hope you're well.

I've had another lovely week. Mummy has been at work again and Daddy and I have been hanging out. I love spending time with my Daddy, and we've had lots of fun.

Mummy thinks I'm having a growth spurt. I am growing out of my clothes so quickly at the moment - I'm into 9-12month stuff right now, and at the rate I'm growing, I won't be in that size for long. What can I tell you... I just love my food!!!

I've started feeding myself my bottle, toast, rice cakes and carrot fingers, but they're the snacks inbetween my yummy main meals. Current faves include cheesy pasta, porridge and sweet potato, broad bean and broccolli puree. I just can't get enough.

I am getting very frustrated that I can't crawl in a conventional sense. Truthfully, I think I'm just going to skip it... I'm already standing up all the time and hanging onto the furniture. I hope to be walking before I am one.

Mummy has taught me how to clap my hands, and I love doing it. I love tricking her too - I went to giver her a cuddle in the kitchen, with my arms outstretched, and when she came closer instead of cuddling her I clapped my hands! It was so funny.

I have my first birthday party to attend soon - a little boy called Sam in one of my baby groups. He always gives me kisses when he see's me - and I, in turn, pull his hair. I'm not big on kisses at the moment, but I'm sure that will come.

I don't watch TV much, but I really really love Sponge Bob Square Pants - he's so funny and colourful. I sit so still and quietly when he comes on the TV.

My doggy Zeus and I have been playing together more and more, though sometimes I get confused about which are his toys and which are mine. But we're working it out!

So that's the news from Devon this week.

We're off back to Spain on March 7th - can't wait to see my Paps again. But I'm sure I'll talk to you again before then. There are pictures of my teeth, so I'll get these on here as soon as possible.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Musical youth...

Hi everyone!

So, I've had a very busy week.

Mummy and I have been back to my baby groups - it was good to see my friends after such a long time. We've all grown so much.

Mummy and I also went to the Bump and Rhyme class I love so much, but we were the only ones there so the teacher lady made Mummy sing nursery rhymes to me by herself. I think she was a little embarrassed.

As you can see by the photo above, I've been playing my piano lots. It's a foot piano for in my cot, but it works just as well in my high-chair. I love singing along, too.

It's been a week of Daddy Daycare for me, too. Mummy went to work a few times this week and Daddy and I spent our days together. It was lovely to have him at home and we had a great time. I missed Mummy a bit, but she came home full of smiles so she must have had as good a time as we did.

I've been back to the health centre this week for my check-up ... I'm 8.5 kilos and apparently developing perfectly for my age and length.

I've also two MORE teeth coming through - the front top ones this time, so four in total. The top ones are still cutting through the gums and have been keeping me awake at night, but I think they're almost through. I'm not really sure what to do with my tongue now - my teeth may be small but they're sharp!

I'm almost crawling, and am getting really frustrated that I'm not fully mobile yet. I can roll and commando-shuffle my way anywhere, but it would be so much easier if my upper arms were a little stronger. Ah well, hopefully ti won't be too much longer.

So that's the news from Devon. Mummy, Daddy and I are heading back to see Paps in Spain on March 7th - he's going over to the UK for a few days so we're going to look after his house and dogs for him. It's a bit chilly and rainy here in England so I am looking forward to the sun.

Hope you're all well - talk soon.

Much love, Little Lottie xxx

Look what my Uncle Andre made...

I'm a little Eskimo...

Hi guys,
Just a quick one to let you see some new pics. Still none of my teeth - yes, that's PLURAL!!! I have TWO bottom teeth now, but they're a little too small to be photographed at the moment.

So you like my lovely new winter coat? My Nana's friend Aunty Pam bought it for me - I saw her and Uncle Malcolm when I was in Spain last month. It keeps me toasty warm, and what can I tell you ... I'm just about the best-dressed baby in Devon!

I got a lovely parcel from Aunty Nicole in California - lots of bath toys. There's this great penguin and it sings a song and when you lie it down it gurgles the song. There were heaps of great sea creatures and the ones that haven't made it into my bath (as yet) have made it into my mouth.

I have started singing lots - not quite sure what it is, but I have a nursery rhyme jukebox on my baby walker and I sing along to that for hours at a time. I think I am rather tuneful!

I'm off to get weighed and measured this week so will let you know how I'm doing development-wise.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

My Paps calls me smiler...

Crowded mouth...

Hi guys,
BIG NEWS from me - I've cut my first tooth!!!! Mummy put me to bed on Saturday night and all was well, and when I woke up on Sunday morning, I had a tooth! It's at the front at the bottom, and I'll make sure you have updated pics as soon as possible.

I'm adjusting to being back in the UK, but I miss my Paps and the sunshine. It was snowing yesterday!!! Daddy had to chop more wood for the fire to keep us all warm.

I went up to Yorkshire to meet baby India and we had a good chat - she's so little. I can't ever remember being that small. But it was nice to finally meet her since her parents and mine are such good friends.

We also went to see Aunty M and Uncle Dom in London, which was great. They thought I'd grown heaps, and everyone spoiled me with lots of presents.

Our dog Zeus is now back at home with us - I missed him so much when I was in Spain, and it's nice for us all to be together again/

I'm crawling around all over the place the moment - it's driving Mummy crackers! I got wedged under my cot yesterday... I'm such a monkey.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated on my tooth progress, and will make sure there are some up-to-date photos on here as soon as possible.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Back on our feet...

Hi everyone,
So my time in Spain has come to an end. I thought we were going to stay here forever - I really like spending time with my Paps and it's nice and sunny here.
But he's back on his feet (much like me in this picture) so my work here is done.

I think we're coming back in March for another blast of Winter sun. So I'll look forward to that.

But just because I'm going home, don't think I'm getting back into a boring routine. Oh no! I'm off to London and North Yorkshire over the weekend, and I may well find time to pop into my baby group to see if my friends have grown as much as me.
I am going to meet baby India over the weekend, too. She arrived just as Mummy and I went to Spain. I'll teach her a few things about feeding and crying and how to get your own way. I've certainly got it under control in our household.

Mummy says that I keep saying ABBA - she was trying to get me to say it to Aunty Claire on the phone the other day - but as I keep trying to tell everyone, I'm not a show pony. I'm just naturally gifted and funny - I can't perform on-demand.

I'll write more when I've got used to wearing a big coats and lots of layers. I think I'll be suffering from SADS before too long...

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

My Paps has got his pot off, hip hip hip hooray...

Hi guys,
Paps had his plaster cast removed at the end of last week!
The doctors say his leg isn't broken any more, but he's still walking with a slight limp. He says his leg still feels heavy. But he is driving, walking the dogs... everything. He seems much happier.

I'm still having a great time in Spain. I have been playing outside lots - Mummy put my travel cot in the garden so I was contained, but I kept making her laugh by standing up in it and holding onto the edges. It's hard work though! Good thing I've suddenly developed a bum - my arms can't hold me up for very long and I keep falling on my behind.

Paps has a housekeeper called Maria, and she loves to sing Spanish nursery rhymes to me. I love it when she sings to me - but I don't know how to tell her I haven't a clue what she's saying. What's Spanish for pardon?

I am no longer a boobie baby. I am on solid food with a couple of bottles a day. And I am even able to feed myself with the bottle. Though I do cheat and rest it on my toys when no-one is looking.

Paps took me out last week and bought me a new toy - he held up all these different soft toys and they were ok, but nothing really caught my eye. But then he held up a Fox and I was smitten. So I now have a new best friend, Foxy. I'm a Foxy girl.

So that's the news from Spain.

Lots of things are happening in the next few months - my Uncle Andre might be coming over from Hong Kong, which would just be brilliant, and Aunty Claire is coming over from Australia when I am one.

I'm also going on holiday for a few days with Mummy, Daddy, Uncle Len, Aunty Michelle, Aunty Claire and Uncle Andre to a place called Blackpool. Not sure what it's like - they're talking about donkeys and towers and dirty beaches and they keep laughing about it... sounds delightful!
I'll let you know how we get on...

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Latest look at Little Lottie...

My best friend Foxy, and I...


But Mummy, I'm not Amish...

Happy talking, talking, happy talk...

Video taken on Friday January 19 2007 - aged 7 months

Hanging out in sunny Spain...

Hi all,
Hope you're all well and that 2007 has been kind to you so far.
It's being kind to me in so far as I'm not freezing in Devon - though I do miss my doggy Zeus.

Paps is getting better - his plaster will be coming off for good on Jan 19th, and he is so excited to be able to be fully mobile.
Mummy, Daddy and I made him a pretend shoe out of an old sandal and some sellotape, which he was able to put on the bottom of his foot to help him get about. Poor Paps.

Mummy, Daddy and I have been having a nice time in the sun, and I am back in a good routine, which I think they're all pleased about.

Daddy is going home for a few days this week as he has to go to the dentist, but he's coming back and by that time Paps will be out of plaster and on the mend, and we can all have some fun.

I am not the youngest in my family anymore. Mummy's cousin Graeme and his wife Amanda, who live in Canada, had a little boy on Thursday. He's called baby noname at the moment, but I am no longer the youngest in our family. I'm a big girl!

Uncle Andre send me some cool stuff from Hong Kong - apparently he looks just like my Daddy. I think I will find that very confusing when I am giving him a cuddle. Hope I get to hug him soon!

OK, I am off to practise my Spanish on Charlie, Chica and Jackson.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

I heart my Paps...

What did I say about dressing me up...

Making a meal-time mess...

Chitter, chatter...

Hi everyone,
Hope you're enjoying the festive season - I am!
Well I guess the biggest news here is that I have said my first word... it was Mama and unfortunately I said it when I woke up this morning, my Daddy's birthday. Whoops!!!
He didn't seem to mind, though - I gave him a couple of full nappies.
Mummy has been telling people that I've developed this fake cough. She's right, but its such fun to cough and watch her, Daddy and Paps look to me immediately to make sure I'm OK. I've not been able to keep a straight face since I started playing this game with them.
I've also started doing a little girly scream, though I think they've all got bored of it since I did it all through lunch at a local restaurant.
What can I tell you - I'm a vocal girl!!!
Anyway, Paps is babysitting me tonight when Mummy takes Daddy out for his birthday. They're going for Mexican, not that it will make much difference to me... I am weaning myself off the boob! Formula is LOVELY and I like taking a bottle these days.
I'm growing up fast...

Not sure what the plans are for NYE, but I know I will be wearing a tartan dress as a salute to my Scottish Grandparents. It's a tradition my Nana used to uphold, and make Mummy, Aunty Claire and Uncle Len follow, so I'm carrying it on. Great Aunt Margaret in Canada sent me a tartan outfit for Christmas, so I'll give that a whirl.

Anyway, I hope you have fantastic New Year celebrations, and I hope 2007 is good to each and every one of you.

Much love and talk soon,
Little Lottie xxx

Tis the season to be sleepy...

Feliz Navidad...

Hi all,
Hope you had a fantastic Chritmas.
I had a lovely time - it was nice and sunny in Spain so I was able to eat my Christmas lunch outside. Very nice.

I spent most of the day in my Santa suit. I'm still not sure about it, but Mummy, Daddy and Paps all thought I looked very cute in it - complete with black santa boots.
I was, as you would expect, totally spoiled with gifts this year. I got far too many things to mention - thanks to all of you - but I think my favourite is my new dolly called Emily. I really love her.

The big relief on Christmas Day was that my Daddy was able to join us at all. There had been such bad fog in the UK in the days leading up to Christmas, and most flights had been cancelled. I was really worried he wouldn't have made it, but am thrilled to say he did. I think Paps is enjoying the male company - Mummy and I can be a bit girly some times.

We had a vegetarian Indian banquet for Christmas dinner. It was very yummy indeed.

So that's me really - we're going to be in Spain for the next five weeks, when my Paps should be out of his plaster.
He's bombing around in his wheelchair now, and seems to be able to do most things without too much drama (apart from take a bath...)



Talk soon and Feliz Navidad,
Little Lottie xxx

Mercy dash to see my Paps...

Seasons greetings!
I'm in Spain!!! Mummy, Daddy and I weren't supposed to be getting here until Christmas Eve, but my Paps had a fall last week and broke his leg so Mummy and I came over straight away and are looking after him.

He is in a wheelchair, but is as fast as I am in my stroller.

I have been sitting with him and chatting to him quite a bit, as well as bouncing on his good leg.
We all went to see Nana at the cemetery yesterday, which I am sure she would have got a good laugh at. There was Paps in his wheelchair, going down a little but very steep ramp in the cemetery, with me on his lap (mummy couldn't push a wheelchair and a stroller) and Mummy not really able to slow us down. It was great fun. I think we'll be doing wheelies next.

Daddy is coming on Sunday, and I am looking forward to seeing him and letting him look after me a bit more so Mummy can look after my Paps.

I'm getting bigger and braver by the day, but with this courage comes danger, so I'm told. I crawled off the bed the other day and gave Mummy the fright of my life. I banged my head too, but it is ok. Not a mark actually! I think I heard Mummy talking about a straight jacket... I'm hoping that was only a fleeting thought.

As you can see from my picture this week, I have mastered the art of drinking ouf of a cup. I was a little unco-ordinated before and kept tipping it over myself, but I have mastered the art now I am in Spain. I need to drink all these fluids because of the lovely weather here.

Anyway, I will write more at Christmas, but until then, talk soon and Merry Christmas!

Much love, Little Lottie xxx

Ripping into the pressies (a little early...)

Little Miss Happy-go-lucky...

Fourteen more sleeps until santa comes...

Hi all,
Hope you're all well and set for Christmas.
I am looking forward to it - presents have already been pouring in for me. Thanks so much. Does this happen every year?

What to tell you about the last few weeks... I am now over a stone in weight. Apparently I'm slighty under weight, but I find that hard to believe since I have tasted Chocolate for the first time and can't get enough (relax - I'm not eating by the truckload... it's from my advent calendar and I get to suck a TINY piece).
I am still loving my solid food - parsnips are YUMMY! I am also using a big girl's sippy cup with handles on either side. I've not quite mastered the art yet, though. Sometimes I can get nothing out and other times I tip it all over me!!! D'oh!

I am also now too big for my bouncy chair so have graduated to a high chair. It's great being so tall - I can see heaps more stuff.

Uncle Lenny and Aunty Michelle came to see me this weekend. Uncle Lenny is funny - I think he needs his ears testing. There was I, chatting away to everyone, and making new sounds. My current one is ha-ba. Well, Uncle Lenny was convinced I was saying handbag (I WASN'T). I don't even know what a handbag is.


I've also started laughing but I've heard Mummy and Daddy say it is a fake laugh. There is nothing fake about me - I am just copying the sounds I hear around me.

I really like chewing the leg of the coffee table. I think it's the combination of varnish and dust, but I can't get enough. So, you can imagine my frustration in that it takes me about 20 minutes to manouvere myself from the rug to the table, and Mummy about two seconds to swoop down and put me back where I started. I guess I'm not supposed to be using the table as a teething ring...

Anyway, I think that's all my news for now. I'll keep you up to date as Christmas approaches. I am really very excited about it!!!

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

See me in action...

Hi all,
We've FINALLY manged to overcome some technical difficulties, so allow me to present some video footage of myself taken since June 2006...

My first bottle

Daddy and I have a dance

Mummy and I making thank you cards

If you're happy and you know it, kick your legs

My first smile

Life is a playground...

Hello everyone,
I can't believe it's almost Christmas. Aunty Claire has sent me a Mr Men Advent calendar, not that I can eat the chocolate yet. I would like to.
I'm LOVING real food at the moment. Mummy gave me pureed sweet potato and I'm not kidding, I just couldn't get enough. Same with the pureed apples and pears, though they've been a bit tricky for my relatively new constitution to process.

I've got two favourite toys - the giraffe in the picture above, and a scrunchy colourful butterfly. All the toys I have keep me entertained, but they're my particular faves at the mo. I'm sure I'll switch preference when Santa Claus has paid me a visit.

Auny M came down to visit this weekend - it was so nice to see her again and to her show her what I can do.

I've decided I'm an ABBA fan. Mummy was in the kitchen the other day and Waterloo came on and i couldn't help but try to pull myself up on the couch and bounce up and down in time to the music. They sound fantastic!! I think these Bump and Rhyme classes are beginning to pay off.

I'm going to bed earlier and earlier these days, too. I'm generally sound asleep by 8pm, once Mummy has read me a little bit from Charlotte's Web.

Looking forward to going to Spain again - only four more weeks to go!!!

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

My Paps and I having a cuddle...

I'm a big girl now...

Hi all,
Mummy and I are back from Spain now. We had a lovely time - so nice to be away from the rain of Devon in November.
The morning I was leaving, I discovered how to make a couple of new sounds. I seem able to blow a raspberry and then follow it with a lip-smacking sound. I was doing it to Paps, and he was doing it back it me for ages. It keeps me occupied in the mornings when I wake up, too.
Not sure if I mentioned it, but I'm in my own room now and loving it. Daddy gets up really early for work, so this way I am not disturbed. I love it!

I went to parent group on Friday and the two teachers were in fancy dress foe the Children in Need charity. I was cared for by a bear and a fariy! I lovd it. Mummy went off to make a book for me with the other mummies and I stayed with the bear and the fairy and all the other children. It was great fun.

I had my last set of injections last week, too. I was big girl and didn't cry and so thats me done until I am one. Hurrah!

I'm on some solid food now - lots of baby rice and I had pureed apple on Saturday, which was a taste sensation. I really enjoyed it. Mummy gave me a sniff of a chocolate wafer - it was heavenly!

Anyway, that's all for now.
Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

A little bit of winter sun...

Hi all,
Mummy and I are in Spain this week with Paps. It was great to see him and he has been looking after me quite a bit so mummy can do important things like take a bath and wash her hair.
Paps says that I am talking much more now than when I was last here!

I've been so tired with the heat - I've been going to bed at 8.30pm and not waking Mummy until 6am and even then I've been feeding and going back to sleep. I don't know, it just seems the older you get the more tired you become.

Mummy, Paps and I went to a vegetarian restaurant in Torrevijea a few days back - it was delicious! And of course we've been up to visit Nana at the cemetery lots too - I want to show her all the things I can do, and all the pretty clothes I have that I know she would love.

We're going back to the UK on Wednesday night, so I'll write more when I'm home. We'll be on the Christmas countdown then!I've no idea what Christmas is, but it sounds FUN!

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Commando kid

On my feet... and rolling

Hi all,
I've DONE IT!!!! I've managed to roll over by myself. Completely over. It has been so frustrating but I managed to do it yesterday afternoon when Mummy was on the computer. Hurrah!
What else to tell you... I forgot that the clocks went back for Winter so I had Mummy and Daddy up, although I think they might have forgotten too.
No baby classes until Friday this week due to training (the teachers, not the babies), so Mummy and I are going to take Zeus out for lots of walks. I have a new, pink duffle coat for outside, and a snug sleeping bag for when I am in bed, so I am toasty warm.
Off to Spain next week - I can't wait for a little bit of sun.
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Questionable head-gear

Hi all,
Just a quick one to bring you up to speed with life with us.
All well - Mummy and I are still whizzing about like mad and Daddy is still working really hard.
I've discovered two things in the last week or so - my toes and my voice. I love to lie on my back, scrunch my legs up to my chest, grab my toes and try to shove them in what I believe is called my mouth. Mum says I should enjoy it while I can because when I am older my feet will be much further away from my mouth.
I know I was talking the moment I was born, but I've just realised that I can make other noises besides crying. My favourite noise to make is "Arghggggggarggghhhh". It keeps me amused all day, though I think Mum was a little worried that I was in pain.

I managed to turn myself over completely the other day when Mummy was in the kitchen. But I did cheat - I used the leg of the coffee table to push my feet against. Mummy has moved it now and I am very frustrated that I can't do it again! I can move around a bit on my tummy - i like to scrunch my knees up under me, and push off against the floor, a bit like a commando crawl. Great fun.

I am teething a little bit at the moment, too, which I guess is normal as I am almost 4.5 months! How time flies.

Now, about that picture above this. I have two sets of ears. Please don't take this as a complaint as you've all been bvery kind and generous to me, but what is the deal with dressing babies up like animals? I have the same hat but as a bear (the one above is supposed to be Koala ears), and I've spied some kind of all-in-one furry bear contraption in my wardrobe for the not-too-distant future. Also, Christmas is just around the corner, so I feel sure I'm going to be dressed as a Christmas Pudding or as Santa. Don't get me wrong - they're all cute ideas, but when I'm 25 and trying to get a boy to marry me, he's going to get the wrong impression...

Anyway, thats me for now. Will be in touch soon and hopefully have some pics with me and my Paps in Spain.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

It's good to talk...

Hi all,
Another hectic week for me with my baby groups and play afternoons. Mummy and I are really enjoying ourselves getting out and about.
I was even at the gym with Mummy and Daddy the other day. The weights looked a bit too much for me though...
I had another set of injections this week and I have to confess that I did squeal a bit but I'm an old hand at getting pricked in the leg now. I think I heard the nurse tell Mummy I have to have more next month, but hopefully that should be me for a while after that.
Do you like this week's cool picture? Its of me talking to my Uncle Andre in Hong Kong. But to be fair, I spend lots of time talking on the phone. Everyone is so very far away...
Anyway, I'm off! Time for some sleep after all this playing.
Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

I'm famous...

Hi all,
Aunty Claire has used my photograph on her news website in Australia to illustrate a baby story. She says the baby in the pictures she had taken was really wrinkly and ugly, so she used me instead!
I wonder if I'll get paid...
Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

Social butterfly...

Hi guys,
Mummy and I have been going to all kinds of baby classes this week - I've never been so busy.
We went to Mums and Toddlers group last Monday and it really was an eye-opener. All these other Mums brought other babies and we all sat in the middle of the floor while the Mums watched us play. I couldn't believe what I was seeing - I genuinely thought I was the only baby in Devon. It certainly seems like I'm the only baby girl - all the other babies were boys. A big boy - I think he was six months - tried to hold my hand!! How sweet.
We went to Baby Beat yesteday - it was lots of Mums singing to babies and again, I was the only girl in the group. I looked great in my Princess outfit and posh wrap-around-cardigan. Pretty in pink indeed.
I did come to blows with one of the other little boys there - Sam, I think his name was. He and I both reached for some crinkly paper at the same time, and then both put it in our mouths... it was a real battle of wills.
I think we've got a Bump and Rhyme class next week, and some swimming lessons. Its no wonder I'm so tired!!!
Daddy and I have a routine now in the evenings - we have bath and story time. I think I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I really do love books.
So, I'm a happy little girl at the moment ... and a busy one!
And finally, Mummy and I are going to see Paps in Spain again in a few weeks. I can't wait to see him again and show all the new things I can do. And I love his cuddles.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

The generation game...

Hi,
Just a quick post to let you see some of my treasured snaps of me with Grandpa Otto. He's back in America now, but I miss him lots. That's him, Daddy and I - three generations of the Eichman family!
All is well in Devon - I am trying to sit up and am nearly managing it now. I can pull myself up into the sitting position if I use Mummy's fingers. I should be driving cars in no time...
Mummy has been reading me the A to Z by Dr Seuss - I like him very much. So funny. I think I am going to love books - Mummy and Daddy loved to read before I arrived.
I'd better get going.
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Tall girl...

Hi all,
Just a quick one to bring you up to date with my news.
I had a great time with my Grandpa Otto. We went out and about all over Devon and Cornwall and he kept trying to make me giggle. I nearly did, too.
Mummy and I drove him to London, and popped in to see Aunty M and Uncle Dom again. I really like them, and I love going to London.
Daddy bought himself a car, so Mummy has her Volvo, Sahara, and Daddy has his Vectra called Beaujolais. They're both comfortable for me :-)
The Health Visitor came to see me this week, to make sure I'm growing properly. I am 13lbs and 6oz, and a 65cms long which is taller/longer than average! I've grown 12cms in length since I was born. I'll going to be giving Kate Moss a run for her money on the catwalk if I keep growing at this rate!
Mummy, Daddy and I went to Plymouth this week, to work. More pocket money for me, as I smiled and cooed and made people buy stuff.
I'm moving into my own bedroom in the next week or so. Daddy has been decorating it for me - it's lilac and violet, which were my Great Nana's favourite colours.
I've also started taking a bottle every day. Aunty Claire gave me first one in Spain and I really wasn't that keen, but Daddy seems much better at it, and I like that it gives us Daddy and Charlotte time. He's babysitting for me on Thursday night when Mummy goes out - can't wait!
Anyway, better go - I'll get some pics of Granpa Otto and I up as soon as possible.
Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

How cute am I...