Busy being sociable...

Hi all,
Can't believe its almost the end of August. It has been such a hectic few weeks... and I have been having FUN!!!

Daddy has been taking care of me while Mummy has been at work - I think they fancied a change. I love them both but it is cool to hang out with Daddy. He calls me Pumpkin and has a made-up song for everything - even my toast.

I've been to a few playgroups and playdates this last couple of days, but the highlight was going to an adventure park right here in Devon.
I got to go on big slides and a steam train which I loved because I got to wave to all the people around the track (I think Mummy called them gnomes). I also had my first ever go on a bouncy castle... I wasn''t that keen at the standing up part but I loved to sit down and bounce. I laughed for ages at that.

There's lots going on with family visits too. We're going up to North Wales to see Uncle Lenny and Aunty Michelle for a few days this week. I am looking forward to see them and I hear they have a HUGE grassed backgarden for me to run around in. Woohoo.

We've also just booked our tickets to Sam Francisco for Christmas. We're going to see Uncles Paul, Doug, Andre, Aunties Michelle and Nicole, cousin Maggie and of course Grandpa Otto. I can't wait but I think Mummy and Daddy are a little concerned at the thought of 14 hours on a plane with me, without a seat. That's a lot of Charlini!!

After the US we're heading straight to Spain to see Paps before he jets off to Australia to see Aunty Claire. See, we really are the jetset family!

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

'Hey, I've put my new shoes on...'

Hi all,
Big news - I have my first pair of 'proper shoes'. Obviously I've had heaps of pre-walker shoes, and my new Nikes from Paps, but now that I am upright all the time, Mummy and Daddy decided it was time to go to Clarks and have my feet measured.
I am 4.5 F - it was great fun having my feet measured and the shoes were all very pretty, but I think the ones we chose for me are the best. Aren't they beautiful! They're very comfortable, although I'm an expert at getting them off because of the velcro. Maybe we should have got buckle-ups after all...

I've been going to a special baby group every Monday, which is all about exploring. Last week it was Messy Play, based on science (ice, jelly, water, dry, powders) so I spent my time in a paddling pool filled with cooked green spaghetti. I also dipped my feet in paint and walked all over the the floor (it was covered in paper) and it was jusrt great. Hands down, I was the messiest by far. Daddy had to come over with a whole new set of clothes for me before Mummy would put me in the car.

This week it wasn't quite so messy - I was playing in a big pile of cornflour. There are lots of bigger children there - some of them are five, and I like hanging out with them. We all sit at a table together and have a snack. Some of them lef their raisins, so once they'd been excused I ate the lot. Well, waste not, want not!

I have four new teeth almost through, but it has been very very sore this time. So much so that when Daddy was in the kitchen the other day I managed to get the phone and call the emergency services.
I only wanted to tell them that my mouth hurt and ask for their advice, but I couldn't get any words out so just did lots of breathing.
Daddy didn't know about it until they called us back to make sure we were ok and didn't need the police, fire or ambulance. I think they told him off for wasting their time, too. Woooops.
Sorry Daddy.

Anyway, that's the news from me this week.
Hope you're all well.
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Going for a stroll on a summer's day

And she's off...

Hi all,
Big news from me - I'm finally walking. Truthfully, I've been able to do it for ages but just didn't feel the need, but on Friday - aged 13 months - I took my first unaded steps. Well, it was more of a stroll actually, which has frightened the byjesus out of my Mum and Dad!
I was at a playdate at my friend Sam's house and I wanted to see Mummy but she was in the other room so I just decided enough was enough and I walked :-)

I do seem to be terrorising my doggy Zeus though - now I am up and running I can chase him all over the place - it's on!
Apart from that, life is pretty normal. I was at work with my Daddy yesterday, and it's Mummy's birthday tomorrow so I'm hoping there will be cake. It's my lat week at baby group before the summer holidays too, so already it's shaping up to be a hectic week.
Hope all is well with you - I'll try and get Mummy to post some video of me walking in the next few days - it's real! I really can walk!
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

+++STOP PRESS+++STOP PRESS+++STOP PRESS+++STOP PRESS+++ STOP PRESS+++
Here's my first walking injury - still a little unsteady on my feet!

I've been teething and pooing...

Hello hello hello!
Latest news from Devon is that I'm not very well. I seem to have picked up a little bug on my travels (and lets face it, I've done enough of that in recent weeks!). I'm teething like mad and seem to be filling my nappies like there is no tomorrow, but I'm still laughing and chattering like a little monkey, but it is a but tough when you've got a mouth full of cut gums.

On a happier note, I had my health check last week which revealed I'm the right weight and height for my age, so I guess this means I won't be getting picked on at school.
I've been back to my toddler group this last couple of weeks, too. It was great to so many aunties, uncles and cousins here but it was great to hang out with people my own age again!

My American passport arrived this week too, so I guess that means I'm primed for a trip to Disneyland. Are there any takers??????

Hope all is well with you all. And thanks again for your kind birthday and christening gifts. Mummy and I did the thank you cards and they're in the post.

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Donkey rides and fun parks... it must be Blackpool!

Hi all,
My sincerest apologies for lack of blogging in recent weeks. I've been whizzing around all over the place... my birthday was in the midst of the busiest three weeks I've known in quite some time.

Following on from my christening and birthday celebrations, we had a relatively calm couple of days at home with our houseguests. Aunty Claire and Mary-Ellen came to my swimming lesson, while Uncle Andre dragged us all onto the common in Torrington for an inpromptu photoshoot. Can't say I blame him... I'm very cute and it had FINALLY stopped raining!

We headed up to Blackpool the weekend before last. We'd hired a 7-seater vehicle and set off in the dead of night to beat the traffic. Some six hours later we arrived at Blackpool and I didn't really know what to make of it.
It looked like it used to be lots of fun, but there weren't many people about and I think we were all a bit tired.

Still, once the sun came out it was a whole other story and we all got into the seaside spirit. I even rode my first donkey!!!




I was introduced to fairground rides at Blackpool, too. At first, it was just the 50p sit-and-ride shows, but we all went to the Pleasure Beach and I have to say I am hooked on all the fast rides!
From Alice in Wonderland to the Cheroplanes, I went on as much as my height and pocketmoney would allow.


Blackpool was great fun. It's a long way from home, though, and the torrential rain on the Monday meant it took us so much longer to get home.
Aunty Claire and Mary-Ellen left us at that point, and with Uncle Andre off in France, it's just Mummy, Daddy and I. That said, we are currently in London trying to sort out my US passport.
I tell you, life never stops!

Hope all is well with you,
Much love Little Lottie xxx

I'm such a thrill-seeker...

Bunny girl...

'Happy Birthday to me...'

The Charlotte celebrations...

Hi again!
I've had the most exhausting two days of my short life, but it's been great!
It was first birthday yesterday - I was thoroughly spoiled with lots of great pressies. Better than anything, my Uncle Andre, Uncle Len, Aunty Michelle and cousin Mary Ellen came to see me from all over the place. I felt thoroughly spoiled, and had a lovely day.
I was still pretty tired from my late flight and had a little bit of jet-lag, but hey, I am just one!
Today - June 20th - was my big day. I had my baptism and birthday party today, and it was great fun.
I wore a beautiful dress for my christening (thanks Aunt Jean), as you can see ...




The baptism was lovely - the church was pretty and my Aunty Margaret and Uncle Pete came down from Manchester to cheer me on. I was pleased that the water at the baptism font wasn't too cold.



After the christening, we headed back to my house for some snacks and lunch ahead of my party. My friends from baby group came over, and they hung out with me and my family (there were lots of people in my small house, but we had a great time).
We all got a bit tired around 4pm, so my friends went home, my family cleaned up the house and I had a nap.
But not before I had my birthday cake and enjoyed my first ever chorus of Happy Birthday to you.
What a BRILLIANT day. I can't wait until I am two...


Thanks to everyone near and far for their cards, pressies and good wishes. I'll be getting my personal assistants to send out the thank you cards shortly!
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

From holidays to birthdays...

Hi all,
My sincere apologies for the lack of email updates... I've been inundated with visitors, and I've been on hols too!
My Aunty Claire arrived from Australia almost two weeks ago. It was great to meet her again, and I wowed her by filling my nappy for her to sort out. I am SO considerate.
A couple of days after her arrival, she, Mummy and I went to Spain to visit my Paps, as I hadn't seen him for a while.

It was lovely and warm - I was in his pool loads and at the beach. I loved the sea, although I did have a little a toilet emergency in the waves... :-)
I ate out lots while I was in Spain. I went to the vegetarian restaurant The Spice Hut... TWICE! We also went to The Wok, the local Chinese eatery for Aunty Claire's birthday. I took her to the beach and swam with her for her birthday and we had a lovely time.

I missed my Daddy, but I knew he was ok as his twin brother - and my uncle - Andre was over for Hong Kong. Sounds like they had lots of fun hanging out.
We left Paps on Monday and arrived back in chilly North Devon just an hour before my first birthday, but I was wiped out after the late flight back so didn't really stir. It was nice to be home with my Daddy and my doggy, but I miss my Paps.
Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

This time tomorrow... I'll be one!

Hi all,
apologies for the lack of postings, but I've been on holiday with Mummy and Aunty Claire. It's the middle of the night in Devon now, but I will write more tomorrow... when I am ONE!!!
Talk soon,
Little Lottie xxx

Getting some pressie-opening practice in...

Ready to pounce...

They keep me locked up, you know...

Hi all!
Do you like my cage? Paps sent it over for me because I was getting into everything and up to mischief. This way, Mummy and Daddy can keep me in one place, and generally away from the stairs which is officially my favourite thing to climb at the moment!

Life is good - I am still swimming atleast once a week and love the water. So much so that Mummy and Daddy take me to the local pool on the days I don't have proper lessons. I can't wait to get into the pool at my Paps' house. I'm hoping he'll swim with me. I'm going to see him next Sunday with Mummy and Aunty Claire, who will be here from Australia by then.

Another of my favourite things to do is to hide the car keys! I just love keys, but I think it's annoying for Daddy when he wants to go someehere but can't!

I now have all four of my front teeth through - two and the top, and two at the bottom. Hopefully they'll be fully through in time for my christening photos - I want my smile to look as beautiful as possible!

I've been going to the common lots to play on my trike, and spent yesterday at work with Daddy at the beach. Mummy burned herself but thankfully I was in the shade for the most part, so just have a healthy glow. Looking good!

Anyway, time for bed for me. Only 19 more sleeps until I am one! Can't wait to be a big girl...

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

'Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go...'

Water baby...

Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in...

Hi all,
Thought I would show you my lovely new waistcoat that Aunty Jessie brought me from India. It's so snug and warm, and I've not seen anyone else wearing one... especially not looking as cute as me!
I love my tricycle. It has a big pole at the back so Mummy and Daddy can push me and make sure I don't jump onto the road. I've got this tune in my head all the time at the moment... I think it's Born to be Wild or something, but I think it suits my cycling escapades.

I did my first painting this week. Well, if you don't count the foot-painting debacle when I was five weeks old! I used yellow paint, some sponges and my hands, but the paint itself didn't taste very nice. I thought it would take like yogurt, it was a similar colour, but apparently not!

I am still chattering away... I seem to be great with the d and g sounds. I say Doggy and Daddy all the time... I'm working on the rest of the words! Well, I am just 11 months old.

Anyway, I'd better get back to it. I'll get some more pics on here asap.

Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

How much is that doggy in the window...

Hello everyone,
Just to let you know that I have officially learned my first work - it's doggy. I even understand what it means, and when I say it go over to my doggy Zeus and pull his leg.
I have a new night-time routine now, too. I won't go to bed unless I am allowed to climb the stairs all by myself. I'm really fast at it, and am pretty fearless! It's great.
I am a bit of a terror on two legs at the moment, so Paps has sent me a cage to play in. It's not as it sounds... it's just a way to keep me contained and safe so Mummy and Daddy can do important things like go to the toilet and into the kitchen without worrying about me hitching a ride to London!
Hope all is well with you!
Talk soon, love Little Lottie xxx

I looooooooooooooooove cake!

I had my first piece of chocolate cake this weeek. It was fantastic, but a little messy, as you can see...





I know I need to work on my eating ettiquete, but I hear I'll be having more cake... especially with my birthday around the corner!

Talk soon,
Love Little Lottie xxx

Ho-ho-ho what a monkey I am...

Hi all,
I've had a GREAT week!!! So busy, and I am feeling much better. Might be something to do with the fact that Mummy and Daddy went out last weekend and bought me swing for the garden, a rocking dog (apparently it's like a rocking horse, but a blue dog), a tricycle and a toy that I push around to help me get balance.

I love my swing... I can make it swing by flapping my feet about and I could spend hours in it if I was only tall enough to get in by myself.
The rocking dog is a different story - I can get on and off by myself, though it did take some practice. Mummy caught me trying to get on it by myself and I was slumped across it, stuck on my tummy!!!
And as for my push toy, I struggled with that a bit as the wheels went faster than my legs would carry me, but I seem to have mastered it and when Mum came home from work on Fri night I pushed it across the room with one hand, walking, and waving at her with my other hand. I'm getting co-ordinated!!!

One of my favourite things to do is to lie under the clothes horse and pull all the clean but damp washing off onto the floor. I think it drives Mummy crackers. I've also taken to climbing onto things and launching myself off them.

I do like looking at myself in the mirror, and although I won't give anyone a kiss, I like to kiss what I believe is my own reflection!




With a bit of determination and lots of encouragement, I climbed our stairs this week, too! All 12 of them! Daddy was behind me all the way and Mummy was at the top, but I managed it! I conquered my very own Everest.

It was week two of my swimming lessons this week. I love is so much!!! I think I embarrassed Mummy though... the instructor was talking to all the parents about what they could expect in the lesson. All the other Mums were in the water but looked like they wanted to stay as dry as possible. Certainly, they weren't keen on getting their hair wet. Where's the fun in that??
So, I splashed and kicked and chatted until everyone was soaking!!!
I really am a water baby!

Big news from me - my christening is booked for June 20th. Uncle Andre from Hong Kong, Second Cousin Mary Ellen from Sicily and Aunty Claire from Australia are all coming over. It will be a league of nations! Then we're all off to Blackpool. Lots and lots going on!!!

I'll keep you posted!
Love Little Lottie

Hanging out with my Mummy...

Party time!

Hi all!
I've had another busy week... life is just so hectic at the moment.
I started swimming lessons this week. Mummy was very nervous about it, and I have to admit when I was put in this special waterproof nappy I did wonder what was going on, but I LOVED it. Mummy had to sit me on the side of the pool and let me fall in. When I finally came up for air Mum looked terrified, but I was kicking my legs and chattering away. It was great - can't wait for next week!!!

Daddy looked after me for a couple of days this week, and I tried to make a run for the stairs. He's on the ball, my Dad, so he was right behind me, but I almost got up the first stair. Freedom... I can smell it, it's that close!

I met the local vicar for the fist time this week. He came over to bless the house and Mummy, Daddy and I, and to organise my christening in June. I crawled over to him and was pretty keen on taking a lump out of his knee, but I gave him lots of smiles instead and held onto his beige slacks... great for dribbling on!

It was my baby group friend Sam's first birthday yesterday. I was feeling a little under the weather, but Mummy and I went along for half an hour. We left HOURS later... Mummy couldn't get me away. All my friends were there AND there was a ball pool with slide and heaps of toys to sit on a drive. I stacked one particular sit-and-ride toy a few times but I didn't hurt myself. I didn't even cry! Well, I am almost one...

I've had a bit of a cold and have been a bit chesty this week. Could have been the swimming... anyway, Mummy wangled an emergency appointment at the doctors, but the nice man in the white coat said I just had a sniffle and he made me laugh lots. I especially liked it when he looked inside my ears. Great fun.

Mummy and I went to Tescos this week and guess what... I sat in the babyb seat for the first time! I was a bit scared at first, as I couldn't see where I was going, but by the end of the shop I was smiling and waving at people. Such fun.

My gums are still very sore - I should have a fair few teeth coming through in the next while. But I am still smiling!
Hope you are, too!
Talk soon,
Little Lottie xxx

PS: Ciao to my Great Aunt Margaret and Second Cousin Mary Ellen, who've just started reading this. Welcome to my world!!! xxx

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