Born on the 30th November

Obviously he is!!!

2008-03-11T12:03:00.002Z

Dad was true to his word and in the afternoon...
...him and Frodo went up Pen-y-Ghent.
http://www.yorkshiredales.com/whernside.html

These are some special photos for people like Uncle Sneag, Auntie Ellen, Winty and Kimbo!!

This is what the top of Pen-y-Ghent looks like on a sunny day. I know you have never seen it like this. Dad said Frodo came first but only just!! Yeah right.

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Back Down To Earth

2008-03-11T11:58:00.005Z

Well we made it back down to the pub all safe and sound.

Time for a well earned pint and a bag of crisps.

I'm sorry, did you just say you wanted to go and do Pen-y-Ghent now. Are you bonkers!!

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A Very Big Walk

2008-03-11T11:31:00.005Z

So here we are, getting ready for another walk. And we are going up...

...there. Those of you who did the 3 peaks walk earlier this year will particularly remember this.

This is Whernside, the highest hill in Yorkshire. And we are going up it. Madness. MADNESS!!

http://www.yorkshire-dales.com/whernside.html

Well we had better get on with it then. At least i am a passenger for most of the way!!

Fortunately the way is well sign posted. Its really warm and sunny though.

Must be quite hard for dad. Shame!! You shouldn't drag me up these stupid things then should you!!

Here is mum putting her best foot forward. For once she's not at the back.

The views are pretty fantastic though. You can see for miles.

Are we there yet?

You don't see this very often. We were buzzed by a bomber, which is pretty strange as we were actually higher up than it!!

This is about half way up and it is pretty spectacular.

Are we there yet?

Now this is the bit where dad normally says 'we are near the top, just over that rise'.

And this is the bit where Auntie Ellen will tell you there are about 5 more tops before we get there!!

However, to be fair to dad it's not that much further and here we are at the top.

Right, time to find somewhere comfy for lunch.

What do you mean, did i pack the sandwiches!! You had better be kidding!!

And i don't know why you are looking so happy and proud of yourself - we stil have to get back down!!

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I got an Ice Cream...

2008-03-11T11:23:00.002Z

And so did mum.

And so did Frodo.

Dad will tell you that he didn't have one, but that is a fib!!

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And down we go again

2008-03-11T11:11:00.002Z

So on we go and its time to head back to Ingleton.

Now they way down is a lot different than the way up.

It's a lot darker and gloomier. However there are some pretty spectacular gulleys as the river winds its way down to the village.

You certainly wouldn't want to fall in one of these. You wouldn't come up again in a hurry that's for sure!!

So I'm going to stay right here where it is safe until we get to the bottom.

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Horsey, horsey...

2008-03-11T10:58:00.004Z

...don't you stop!!

Imagine how annoying this gets after five miles!!!

Giddy up mule!!!

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The Waterfalls

2008-03-11T10:38:00.006Z

As i said earlier, today we are doing the famous waterfalls walk at Ingleton!

http://www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk/

Dad says that he used to come and do this walk a long time ago when he used to come and stop with his Aunt Joan and Uncle Harry.

First things first, and of course the mutt has to go for his usual swim!!

And off we go. Now it is a very gentle and easy walk.

Well it is for me at least!!

The path winds up a vally alongside the river for a few miles, and there are several really impressive waterfalls...

Like this one,

and this one,

(Back up a minute i need to grab this leaf!)

and especially this one!! This is Thornton Force which is right at the top of the valley!!

From here we have to cut across to the other side of the valley and then follow another river down. There's not a lot to see, just farms and sheep, so i'll see you at the other side!!

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Money doesn't grow on trees, young girl!

2008-03-11T10:31:00.002Z

Yes it does dad. Look at that over there.

Another day and another walk. We are doing the famous Ingleton Waterfalls Walk today (more later) and this is one of the unusual sights that you see - a money tree.

Actually it's the result of a tradition that saw people push coins into the bark of the tree. The whole of the tree is now covered in old coins. Pretty weird looking.
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A very special place

2008-03-11T10:23:00.002Z

Whilst we were on holiday, mum and dad brought me to a very special place for a picnic.

This is Aysgarth Falls

http://www.yorkshire-dales.com/aysgarth-falls.html

For those of you who don't know the story this is where dad, in a complete fit of madness, proposed to mum all those years ago. And mum, in an even bigger fit of madness, said yes!!!

Reins are definately needed here, and dad has been warned not to even think about doing anything silly!!

It looks a long way down there!! Right thats enough, lets get back to the car.

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Special needs candidate?

2008-03-11T10:17:00.003Z

Wellies - they really are difficult when you are less than two years old!!!

And it doesn't help when you are wearing a stupid hat!!

It would help if they had left and right painted on them like Grandad Pete's pit boots!!

Look is anyone going to give me a hand here?

Thanks mum.

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Some nice snaps of me and mum

2008-03-11T10:12:00.004Z

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to put these in because they are some really nice photos of me and my mum.

I also wanted to say that the ordnance survey maps are wrong! We stopped here after a nice long walk with the promise of a couple of pints and a packet of crisps.

However it is no longer a pub!!! Unless of course this is one of Kimbo's maps of legend!

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More Parklife

2008-02-08T16:54:00.000Z

Just a few more photos from another day in the park.

And no dad didn't get stuck in the pipe Uncle Sneag, before you say it!!!

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GT look away now

2008-02-08T16:51:00.000Z

Of course you didn't think i was going to get away with it did you? Dad was bound to try this.

This is the photo that will send the grandparents into a state of panic and have those close to me ringing social services!!!

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Thats what wellies were made for!!!

2008-02-08T16:40:00.001Z

This tranquil looking place (tranquil until we arrived mind you) is called Tarn Hawes in the Lakes. It is not far from where we were staying so off we popped for a day.

After a nice stroll round the lake on Dad's back (!) we stopped and had a picnic for lunch.

Frodo however had other things on his mind (with much encouragement from dad i might add).

Well i have my wellies on so lets give it a go.

Now i need a little bit of help from dad of course (always on the watch for a sneaky splash i might also add).

This is kind of fun, and i'm sure that i can catch dad with some of those splashes.

Cool wellies, Hey?

And so we head back. I've had a pretty hectic day so i'll just catch some zzzzzz's in the car.

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Beer Monster

2008-02-08T16:36:00.000Z

One of the good things about when we go away on holiday is that Dad is always trying to find the perfect pint of real bitter.

Now Yorkshire was going to be pretty good for this, and as some of you may remember from previous posts, i am never one to pass up on really good pint myself. So here goes.

Dad does not look very amused does he.

Good pint though. I seem to remember this was in a pub in Bedale if anyone fancies one!

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Parklife

2008-02-08T16:29:00.001Z

Well here we go then.

This is way back in the mists of time. At the end of September last year we went on our family holiday to Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales.

Whilst we were there we found a pretty fabulous park where i had loads of fun.

I kept dragging mum and dad down here every day.

There will be more pictures to follow soon.

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Hi Everyone

2008-02-05T19:20:00.000Z

I'm really sorry that i have been incredibly slack on the blogger.
Part of the reason has been that we have had problems logging into it since we made the switch in email names.
However thanks to the skill of a computer wizard (no not dad, uncle Ian of course) I can now log on and continue to do my little bits.
Now i have a long way to go back so it will take a little time. So keep watching this space and we are so, so sorry!
Zoe
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Well it's a week later...

2007-09-11T10:00:00.000Z

...and we are camping again. Now mum did take a lot of photos but they are still at grandad's.

However the weather this weekend was really sunny and hot. So down to the beach it was.

Here is me with a very happy Linz, and a very happy Tash, and Kirsty!!

Now mum bought me a little suit to protect me and at first i though i would look a right fool.

However Linz very generously looked a bigger one to deflect the criticism.

Just one question though. Where is dad!

Well he is up here. This is a photo taken on top of England. Finally he managed to find the top of Scafell. I say found the top, though how you could see anyhting up there i do not know!!

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Dib dib dib!!

2007-09-11T09:52:00.000Z

Well not actually but it was another first.

We went camping in August. We went with Tash, Kirsty and Linz to a place in Derbyshire near to Ashbourne.

So we enjoyed things like eating al fresco,

and and i slept with linz in our own little bedroom.

However on saturday it pored it down and kept on into Sunday.

So we came home!! Better look next weekend as i go to Norfolk with Mum and Auntie Ellen's lot!

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More wedding photos!!

2007-09-11T09:46:00.000Z

Basically its just me looking cute in the flower beds!

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More dressing up!!

2007-09-11T09:36:00.000Z

And dad is wearing a dress this time too. Well a skirt actually.

It was Justin and Emma's wedding this month. They are the parents of my friend Lili-Mai, whom you may recall I was in the hospital with all those months ago.

Finally Justin has made an honest woman (yeah right of emma).

Also there was my friend Abigail, who was also in hospital with us.

And yes it is the same hat.

Its not that we are trend setters, its just that dad and Abi's mum are both tight and bought the same knocked down hat!!

Anyway the grub is coming out so i had better behave! Right what am i supposed to do witht his and why are there so many foks!!

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Does my bum look big in this?

2007-09-11T09:29:00.000Z

No but i look like a massive big pink dollop of angel delight!!

However it was a surprise birthday party for Dan Morris this month so we all got dressed up in our finest.

He was 30, and he didn't have the faintest idea about it.

Lots of sun though and plenty of times for cute poses...

...with dad (not looking cool)

and with mum (not looking sober)

and even with grumpy graham (and if he pours that pint on my head i won't be happy)!!

At the end of the day though you just have to go rooting in the undergrowth and getting nice and dirty!

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Here comes the sun!!

2007-09-11T09:23:00.000Z

Finally, the sun is out.

No worries, it's only August!!

However now it is here, at last i can have fun in the garden.

You may have noticed that dad has increased the size of the swing for me now. I can just save a little time by swinging on this bar though. Which dad is not happy about at all.

Here is me and Frodo. He never gets a moments rest these days. I follow him everywhere and the only time he stops is when i go down for a nap!

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A Bundle of Trouble

2007-09-11T09:19:00.000Z

Yes it's the thing of grandparents nightmares.

Here is a picture of me and my cousin Millie together.

Grandma and Grandad brought her over one day whilst she was off school.

Im not quite sure this chair will take the combined weight though!!

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Fun on the Farm

2007-07-23T08:54:00.001Z

Well the bad weather can't put us of having fun.

This weekend Mum and I went to meet up with some of mums old friends at a fun farm park near Southwell.

This is me with Rosemary who brought her two daughters Elizabeth and Courtney,

and we also met up with Estelle and Samuel. You may remember that i went to Samuel's christening last year.

Anyway there were loads of animals like goats...

...and chicks.

And then we had a great time on the swings.

Before a bit of Massey Tractor racing (i'm in the lead - dad would be so jealous)

And then it was off to the ball pit for a bit of fun.

As you can see Samuel was having fun too.

And they had a huge soft play. I went right to the top, under the watchful gaze of my two new friends of course.

In fact the only bad thing was when i had to come down and leave

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Warning - Men At Work!!

2007-07-23T08:48:00.000Z

Dad has made a huge list of things to do round the house to get it looking finished.

Ambitious you may think, knowing my dad!

However with a personal assistant like me, we should have no problems.

Here are a few shots of me helping Dad to paint the kitchen.

As you can see i am under the watchful gaze of clerk of works Frodo!

I'm not sure dad has put any paint on this brush!!

Come on dad you don't have time for taking photos - get a shove on!!!

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Summer Sunshine

2007-07-23T08:41:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Well the summer is here. Not very good is it!

Still we did manage to grab a bit of a party one day. Here are the photos to prove it.

Here are Linz and Rosie helping me round the garden on my bike.

I started out all lovely in a pretty dress.

However a tub of garlic and chives dip later and i was back to normal.

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Daisy, Daisy!!

2007-06-11T09:57:00.000Z

Well its not quite made for two but it has been adapted.

This weekend mum and dad decide to get some extra transport for me.

Now you can't see it butmy dad is grumbling because he looses out in two ways.

Firstly he now is going to have to do twice the work as i hang on for dear life.

And seconldly the seat will not fit his bike so he will have to use mum's!!

It's really cool though.

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Jammed in like sardines!!

2007-06-11T09:47:00.000Z

Well it certainly got a little cramped towards the last few days.

First Uncle Ian came down to spend a few days with us.

And then we were joined by GT (Grandad Taylor).

We went to quite a few places including walks to the beach again.

And then we went to a spooky place. This is Uncle Ian and Mum at the Beer Quarry Caves.

http://www.beerquarrycaves.fsnet.co.uk/BEERQU~1/Beer_Quarry_Cx.html

It was quite dark and cold but we had a great tour by a funny Welsh person (not Auntie Annie)!What was really amazing however was that if you looked really, really carefully you could see some bats!!

So there you have it. We had a really lovely time on holiday and thank you to Annie and Grumpy for the caravan.

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More ice cream fun!!!

2007-06-11T09:42:00.001Z

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Just to prove it!!

2007-06-11T09:38:00.000Z

These couple of photographs are in just to prove that it is not always my dad who carries me around.

As you can see mum does her fair share.

Although dad would argue whether mum doing downhill and dad doing uphill is fair share!!!

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Delaney had a donkey!!

2007-06-11T09:25:00.000Z

And so do I!

I'm not sure how many people know this but for my birthday and Christmas last year, Annie and Grumpy got me two donkeys.

The first was Eric which i'm sure you have all seen the photos of.

And the second was one called Daniel P which lives at the Donkey Sanctuary in Branscombe http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/site/2/EST_Sidmouth.html.

Well i don't really own it but i have adopted it for a year.

So whilst we were down here we decided to go and visit. It is a really nice place and well worth a visit. They have around 300 donkeys in all there centres, but we only saw a few of them.

And then it was time to go and meet Daniel P. Unfortunately it was a really hot day and he was so warm so he didn't stay out too long. As you can see he is quite big!! But he is really lovely too.

However as it was so hot i got to have a treat. Now this is the before it gets too messy picture. Ther will be one of me later in the holiday where i look a real tramp!!

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Devon knows...

2007-06-11T09:13:00.000Z

... how they make it so creamy!!!

Hi everyone. Well last month saw us Amblers go on holiday. We borrowed Aunti Annie and Grumpy Graham's static down at Branscombe.

We drove down on a night tuesday, leaving at quarter past seven at night. Mum and dad thought that i would sleep on the way down and they could just shove me in bed.

And this is me having a look round after staying awake all the way! Best laid plans!

However i did eventually go to sleep and got up lovely and early for breakfast. Now after making sure that everything was all fine we went for a walk down to the beach.

We were a little unsure of what we were going to find. Branscombe is where that big ship Napoli got grounded at Christmas. Dad was hoping for a BMW bike.

And there it is. this was really starnge as it was about a 1/4 of a mile to the cliff path from out static and it's just there!!

However we need not have worried. The beach is lovely and clean. Frodo and i had great fun playing on it.

Right up to the bit where dad decided to take me for a paddle. It was soooooooo cold! Notice if you will how dad keeps his walking boots on so he doesn't get his feet wet!!

One of the good things however is the lovely pub at the bottom of the hill which sells its own real ale. Strange how they always managed to tire me out by this point!!

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1st school photo

2007-05-16T15:03:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Just thought i would share this with you all.

Its my first ever school photo.

Now, i was the only one who managed half a smile for the camera. Everyone else just cried.

Hope you like it.

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Yes it is that tent!!!

2007-05-09T14:01:00.000Z

For those of you not in the know let me explain.

At christmas i got a lovely tent from Auntie Gillian and Uncle Keith. Unfortunately it did not want to fold back down once it had gone up. Dad ended up loosing his rag with it and it has been in a box.

However the sun is out and so is the tent. I think the only reason it is out is because a) Auntie Ellen gave me another tent and a tunnel and b) dad just puts it away in the shed and he says that is how it is staying until Winter.

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Here we go

2007-05-09T13:55:00.000Z

Well the moment has finally arrived.

The one that dad and Frodo were fearing.

I CAN WALK!!!

Here are some shots of me toddling up the garden. It only took a few weeks from me getting my balance, walking around the sofa's to being off all over the place. No place is sacred anymore. We have had a couple fo mishaps on the way. last weekend we went to see Jo and Steve in Wolverghampton and i ran head first into the front door. Lots of tears but it doesn't seem to work on mum and dad. They just put me back on my feet and continue what they were doing.

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Well Done

2007-05-09T13:47:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Now i just want to say a big well done to mum and dad and their friends.

As you know they were doing a charity walk to help raise money for teh hospital unit where i was.
Well they all managed the 25 mile round trip. This is them on top of the highest peak, Whernside.
All the money is on its way in, and mum thinks that they have all raised over £2000 which is pretty amazing.
So thank you to all those people who sponsored them. We had a huge response. It was amazing, including the really touching comment that someone put on the blog site about their family. Please check it out - it goes to show how this is more common than people believe.
Thank you them to:-
Mum, Dad, Uncle Sneag, Auntie Ellen, Uncle Graham, Uncle Stu, Uncle Kimbo, John, Uncle Dave, Mag, Tash and Luke.
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Down with Sheep again

2007-05-09T13:04:00.000Z

It has been a while since i did the blog.

I am really sorry. There is so much that i have not shown you.

I now have got eight teeth which are causing me some grief i will tell you. Luckily we are keeping Boots in business in teething powders.

My hair is growing at an alarming rate, unlike my dads which is rapidly decreasing. Also mine is blonde which dad says just adds weight to his theory. I don't know what that means but i will let you work it out!!

I am a lot more active these days which means i am burning more energy. The good thing is that i am still a little piggy so i get lots of fuel for my activities. I am up over 21lbs now and well on the way to catching up.

My words now include no, Frodo, dad, sit down, NO, cup of tea, mummy, tash,kiki and anything else people say to me!!

And finally as Grandad T says, I'm becoming a little cheeky thing, although looking at this you wouldn't think butter would melt in my mouth.

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Zoe Does Comic Relief

2007-03-16T07:16:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Last night mum was voted out of the house by me, Frodo, Jess and Dad for her awful rendition of Rehab.

Have a good old laugh today!!

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Special Announcement

2007-03-14T10:48:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Now earlier I said i had some special news. Some of you may remember that a few years ago, mum and dad and dad and their friends did a 100 mile walk for charity to help a very special little girl.

Well the fools have all decided to do another one to help lots of special little girls and boys.

As you know I was in hospital for two months after i was born, and the only reason i am here now is because of the hard work and dedication of the nurses and doctors at the Kings Mill Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.

The Fellspotters are going to be doing a walk in April to help raise money for this special care unit. They are planning to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk is a very demanding but rewarding walk, which takes in the summits of Pen-y-ghent (694 metres - 2,276 feet), Whernside (736 metres - 2,415 feet) and Ingleborough (723 metres 2,372 feet) all in one circular route. The walk is 24.5 miles (39.2km) long and takes in over 5,000 feet (1,600 metres) of climbing.

Training is already well under way, and as you can see Uncle Kimbo is really taxing the fools. This is a shot that was taken at Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire, just hours before the river broke!!! Serious stuff.

I know that there are lots of demands on people to help charity work out but i think you will all agree this is one situation where you can definately see the benefits of your support.

So if anyone would like to sponsor either mum and dad, your support will be gratefully appreciated. Just drop them a text or email.

I personally will not be doing the walk as i am not stupid!! I will be running riot with Grandad GT, and Grandma and Grandad!

Thank you so much for whatever support you can give.

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Don't look down Auntie Ellen!!!

2007-03-14T10:28:00.000Z

In february, i went somewhere very special.

Me, Grandad GT, Mum and Dad went down to Southampton where Uncle Ian lives and had a weekend with him.

On the saturday we went into Sounthampton. Now Uncle Ian lives near the New Forrest which is across the water. So we got a boat, which was really great but really chilly.

And then on the Sunday we went to nearby Portsmouth as Uncle Ian wanted to show us the Spinnaker Tower.

Soaring up to 170m, the Spinnaker Tower is a new landmark for Portsmouth and the south coast of England.
Visible from miles around the Spinnaker Tower has already changed the skyline forever. It is the UK’s tallest publicly-accessible building outside London, offering thousands of visitors stunning views for its three decks at 100, 105 and 110m.

http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/home.html

What is really good though is that the tower has a glass floor!!. You have to take your shoes and socks off but you can crawl around it for ages.

And i wasn't scared by it at all. However i wouldn't advise Auntie Ellen to have a go. Its a long way down!!!!

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Happy Birthday to you!

2007-03-14T10:17:00.000Z

As well as it being grandma and grumpdad's wedding anniversary, 5th March is also special because it is my cousin Millie's birthday.

And this year she had a big party with lots of frinds that i was asked to. Now it was a Princess themed party, so there were lots of pretty dresses, mostly pink. Those of you who know me really well will realise pink and frilly dresses are not my thing.

However Grandma made me this really pretty party dress. Dad wanted me to go in stripy socks and take Jess so i could be Alice (except Jessie never grins) but mum would not let him.

Anyway there was a magician and face painting and we played party games.

All the little girls got their faces painted and mum did not want me to miss out so i got my face painted like a cat.

Finally it was time to sing happy birthday to Millie and to have some cake.

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99 Luftballons

2007-03-14T10:05:00.000Z

Auf ihrem Weg zum HorizontHielt
man fuer UFOs aus dem All Darum schickte ein GeneralEine Fliegerstaffel hinterher Alarm zu geben,
wenn es so warDabei war da am Horizont Nur 99 Luftballons

99 Duesenjaeger Jeder war ein grosser Krieger Hielten sich fuer Captain Kirk
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'Ey up me duck'

2007-03-14T10:00:00.000Z

That is what they actually do say in Derbyshire!!!

Anyway this is me and mum in Bakewell. We all went for a lovely day out.

I am now getting really good at standing and walking with a little help from people.

Now these ducks are all really fat, which is probably why they are not in the pictures.

They eat so much, even more than me and dad, that they just cant be bothered to come.

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Frodo will be sooooooooo jealous!

2007-03-14T09:56:00.000Z

Mind you he is off having a great time with mum and dad walking in the countryside.

So whilst they were out i went to stop with Auntie Sue and Rosie, and their dog Bee.
And as you can see she is just as stupid as my dog.

Now i have some important information about all this so i will fill you all in later.
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Och aye the noo!

2007-03-14T09:52:00.000Z

This year Dad cooked a very special Burns Night Supper. He invited Uncle Sneag and Auntie Lynn, and Uncle Graham and Auntie Ellen.

Now Scottsih wear was essential so here are me and dad in our kilts. Nice legs dad!!

And this is me and mum. Mum kind of got into the swing of it and this is me wearing Uncle Graham's stupid hat. Unfortunately, despite me eating everything that is put before me, I missed out on the haggis!!

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Hard at Work

2007-03-14T09:45:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

I'm really sorry that i have not been in touch for a while. Things here have been so hectic and i have hardly had a spare minute.

Anyway i am back and i have lots to show you about what i have been doing since Christmas.

Now i'm sure you all know how much i am enjoying going to nursery every Friday. I have a great time and i have learnt so many new things.

And to get Dad in the swing of things, here i am at home sat at my new desk. I have my protective smock on just in case I go to wild but this is really cool.

Fortunately I take after my dad's artistic side rather than mums.

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On the first day of christmas....

2007-01-08T09:48:00.000Z

I slept in really late. We were all going to the Hardwick Inn for our Christmas meal on Christmas Eve.

Here i am sat in my high chair wearing my lovely Christmas bib from Aunty Pat.

We had a really nice meal and I ate loads - not as much as dad and Grandad T but then there are limits!!!

It was really nice to see Uncle Ian up again. He was very worried as the first few times as i kept crying. But as you can see he is a real laugh and we became really good friends over Christmas.

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On the second day of Christmas....

2007-01-08T09:47:00.000Z

I discovered just how lazy our pets our. All they did all Christams was sleep!!!

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On the third day of Christmas....

2007-01-08T09:46:00.000Z

Up nice and early!! Not quite as early as Mum but i am sure this will change in the future.
You know, knocking on mum and dad's door at five in the morning!

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On the fourth day of Christmas...

2007-01-08T09:45:00.000Z

I finally decided to give this crawling lark a go.

And it's a doddle. You should see me off around the house. Dad's life will never be the same again!!

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On the fifth day of Christmas...

2007-01-08T09:44:00.000Z

It was no rest for the wicked. Before we could start all the super present ripping it was round the res nice and early with Frodo!! Very cold but not enough to stop dad rolling up his sleeves!! Nutter.
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On the sixth day of Christmas...

2007-01-08T09:41:00.000Z

It was round to Grandad T's for some really serious present opening!!!

Now how do you keep the two Taylor children quiet for half and hour? Very simple, you get them to try and assemble a child's toy on Christmas Day. Eventually it took dad taking it outside and hitting it hard (a usual construction technique of his) but what i ended up with is a toddle truck. And here is a picture of me using it. I am quite fast on it and very rarely fall.

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On the seventh day of Christmas...

2007-01-08T09:39:00.000Z

I was still opening presents. There was a huge mountain of them to get through, and then Autie Pat and Uncle Brian turned up and there were even more!! It got to the stage where I found that present opening was a lot easier when you are semi naked!!

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Splish Splash

2006-12-11T20:00:00.000Z

Now i know that Uncle Ian was very upset that he could not make it up for my birthday, so i though i would put some photos on here of me enjoying the lovely presents that he bought me.

Now by now you all know that i'm not that keen on being captured 'commando' as it were. However these bath toys are really cool and you would not believe the fun you can have splashing mum and dad with them.

Don't worry about the birthday Uncle Ian. I know that you are coming up soon for Christmas and you are goignt o be here for quite a long time. You can give me all the tips on how to wind Grandad up!! And you can also tell dad off, as he keeps using my crab mirror to have a shave!!!

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More Birthday Photos

2006-11-30T21:25:00.000Z

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Thank You.....

2006-11-30T21:18:00.000Z

.....to everyone who came and helped me celebrate a very special day. It was really wonderful and i have received so many great presents and cards.

Here are a few pictures from the day that i hope you will like.

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All this food!!

2006-11-30T18:13:00.000Z

Just for little old me.

Well actually it is for all the guests coming, But i'm sure i can sneak something when no one is looking.

A big thank you to Auntie Ellen who came runnig round to help mum this afternoon. Dad has not been very well and had to go to the hospital this morning so mum has been working very hard.

And a thank you as well to Great Auntie Joan who has made me a lovely cake. And look at the cake mum did in the shape of Jessie!!

Tuck in all of you!

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Pressie Time

2006-11-30T15:07:00.000Z

Well here we are on my birthday and I'm starting on the presents. Only a few as I have a lot of very important people coming later and i have loads coming from them (I hope).

Now this one is from mum and dad. It feels very familiar but i'm not sure what it is.

Get rid of this paper. Although i have to tell you that it is quite tasty!!

And inside we have.....

.....a sky+ remote control!!!

Now if i am lucky this means that dad has got me sky multiroom for my bedroom. if not it means dad is fed up with me eating his sky remote and has got me one of my own.

And it is the second thing. Never mind! I'm pretty sure that this does not work either. Iv'e been pointing it at the telly and nothing happens!!

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Yeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyh!

2006-11-30T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Birthday to me!

Well it's pretty amazing isn't it? I have been doing this blog for a year now which makes me the ripe old age of ONE!

I certainly have been coming on a lot in the last couple of months. Just look at all that hair on my head. In fact i have so much now thta it is difficult to see my birthmark. Actually that is really going down. It is very nearlly flat to my skin and its going a lot paler. The doc says that it will still be a couple of years before its gone but with all this hairt who cares!

Now I'm not crawling yet but i do have very good balance and hardly ever fall over when i'm sat now. And i have started climbing things which makes everyone more sure that i'm not goign to bother with that crawling thing and just go straight to walking.

Well i had better leave you now and wee what Mum and Dad have got me!!

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Little Saint Nick

2006-11-29T16:17:00.000Z

As you may recall, some of us from the neo natal unit meet up every month for a bit of a chat and chin wag and a cup of tea.
Well this week we had our christmas party and we went to the White Post Farm again.
We did the usual looking at fluffy animals and smelly ones too, and then we had a bit of lunch. And then before we left i went to see someone very special.
Now this is the first time i have met Santa, and between you and me i was not too sure.
However, after a few minutes we hit it off and he promised that he would deliver all the things on my christmas list. Unlike Dad i have been very, very good this year!!
Only a couple of days to go now to the big event. Mum and dad are doing me a bit of a party so hopefully i'll have some photos of that for you.
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All my bags are packed...

2006-11-17T07:50:00.000Z

...I'm ready to go!

Don't worry, I'm not about to break out into a Peter, Paul and Mary hit.

However, it is a very important day for me as i am off to school.

We'll actually its nursery not school, but its the same thing to me. Mum and Dad have decided to send me here for one day a week just so i get chance to mingle (boss) other children.

The nursery is one near to where mum works and this means that dad also gets a day off to do things important- like play golf with grandad!!!

Anyway, as you can see i am ready to leave so i will let you all know how it goes.

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(13 sleeps to my birthday!)

Proper Food

2006-11-08T08:23:00.000Z

Hi everyone.
Sorry that I have not been on line for a while. We've been having internet problems at home that have caused a temporary halt. However here we are back and look - it's only November. That means that in a few weeks i will be 1. Unbelieveable really.

Now that i am a big girl though, I have started to have meals with the parents. So this is me tucking into my first proper spag bol.

As you can see i still manage to get it everywhere. I have not quite perfected the spag bol slurp like dad.

Now i have tried Chilli at Aunty Ellen's, Plaice at Grandma's and Dad even got me a cuzza. And i love it all. in fact I just love food full stop. Bit like Dad really.

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Bring on the good stuff!

2006-10-10T07:26:00.000Z

Last night, mum found something strange in my mouth.
Now i have been having usual teething problems for a while now. You know what i mean - buckets of spit dribbling down my chin, people shoving fingers in to my mouth to gnaw at.
Any way yesterdat i had a really good chew on grandma's finger, nearly down to the bone!
Later mum came home and gave me my dinner and then i had a chew on hers. And it hurt her because something sharp was there.
Thats right, i have my first tooth sticking through. Now, dad has had great trouble trying to get a photo as unlike mum i can't keep my gob open!
So a whole new world is about to open up - chilli, curry, marmite on toast.
I can't wait!!!
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In training!!

2006-10-09T19:32:00.000Z

Whilst we were up in the old homeland, dad thought it was time i was introduced to a fine old tradition - a pint of heavy!
Now this is the slightly weaker 70 shilling. I would like to say that dad was starting me off lightly, but the the truth is mum went and bought it and she didn't notice they had 80 shilling. Never mind!

Ok so it's got a good look to it, nice temperature and pulled not too badly. But the truth is in the tasting.
Excellent. Not as earthy as Guinness, but certainly better than that girly Kronenberg that Unce Wint drinks. I give it 8/10.

Err sorry did i say i was finished with that.
Typical. Try something new and then they whip it away.
However for those of you slightly concerened with these shocking turn of events, the number for childline will be published at the bottom of the page.
Now, give me that back!!
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Run for Home or Meet Me on the Corner!!

2006-10-04T20:02:00.000Z

This is just a little bit of a clue to where we are today.
For those of you who are not ageing hippies http://www.lindisfarne.de/we are on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne http://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/. That's what it says on the sign anyway. Another glorious day but we don't have long here. The tide will be starting to come back in in about 40 minutes and as nice as it is i wouldn't want to be stuck here!
Anyway there is a castle which looks pretty much like most castles, and there is a ruined abbey. I feel the rest of my holiday life being mapped out before me - ruined castles and abbey's! Actually it was really nice if a little bit dissapointing. I was expecting more Holy and less holiday! However the views were amazing along the coast.
Right best get back to that car dad. I'm not staying here till the tide goes out again!
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Can i have one dad!!

2006-10-01T19:55:00.000Z

This is Eyemouth, a not particularly inspiring fishing port. However it does have something pretty amazing!
See the guy in the boat holding out the fish well that is because just behind him there are some seals. Real proper big ones too.
There were about five of them in the harbour swimming amongst the boats. To be honest i think this is a regualr thing, but there are loads around here. They even say that in summer you can see them outside our cottage lying on the rocks.
Two lads were fishing off the pier and this huge lazy one came right up ans starting just bathing in front of us. He stayed there for about half an hour.
Curiously this was about the same amount of time it took frodo to realise that there was a great big seal in the water in front of him!
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It gets every where you know!

2006-09-30T20:08:00.000Z

I'm talking about sand. It just gets everywhere and it itches especially in your nappy.

Well here i am on the beach for the first time. This is Bamburgh, which has an amazing beech and a pretty big castle.

The weather is pretty amazing for the end of spetember, but don't worry. Neither mum or i are going to go topless!

However it is quite a long way out to the sea for a paddle at the moment so i need a helping hand.

Speaking of sand getting everywhere will you look at the state of that. Frodo has been having a reall laugh chasing up and down the beach with dad.

However we can't stay here all the day. We need to move on because i want to show Auntie Lynn something.

This is Bamburgh Castle http://www.bamburghcastle.com/, which is pretty amazing. Now Auntie Lynn, dad say's that this is what is called HISTORY. The castle is very old and was around when your country wasn't even discovered.

Right we are all off again. There is no hanging around on one of our holidays. See you later.

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My 1st Holiday

2006-09-29T19:43:00.000Z

And boy do i need it. What a year it has been!
To be fair, it has been quite a year for mum and dad too so they really need this break.
So we got all packed and ready to go. Check out the new chair by the way. Dad thought i could do with a better car seat so he went out and blew a wad on this baby. Actually he is quite jealous because it is the best seat in the car now. I don't think he minds too much though as this will last me from now until i am 12. So i think it was about money. Typical!

And after a very comfortable car journey this is where we ended up. This is the village of Burnmouth, 6 miles north of Berwick and 3 miles over the border into Scotland.
And what you see is pretty much it. Lots of peace and tranquility for a week, although we do have the mutt with us.

That's our cottage over there. You can just make out the car. And yes the sea really is that close, especially at high tide.
So hopefully i will be able to bring you some holiday pics really soon.

For now i had better go to bed as it is late and i have had a long day.
What do you mean get out? This isn't my bed!
Typical!!
Och aye the noo!
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Roll Over David Bailey!!!

2006-09-26T12:17:00.000Z

Hi everyone.
Now there is nothing particularly special about this photograph of me.
Here i am, lying on Aunty Ellen's floor, minding my own business and looking cute.
However there is something special about it. It was taken by Lindsay and i think she has done a fantastic job of it.
So good that i decided i wanted to put it on my blog and show everyone.
So thank you Lindsay and make way David Bailey!!!
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Learning to drink!!

2006-09-16T18:56:00.000Z

Obviously in this family it is essential that i learn to drink properly. Whether it's dad on the bitter, mum on the g&t, or even Uncle Ian on the Schmirnoff, we all like a good tipple.
Dad say's he's getting bored of this bottle lark and it's about time i learnt to drink on my own. So here goes.
Here's dad passing me my Guinness (don't panic Grandad T it's only grape juice).
One of the first things to do is make sure your pint is the right way up. This has long been a problem for seasoned drinkers like Uncle Stu.
Right, now this photograph shows that i have mastered the end of the evening style of drinking as perfected by Uncle Dave Winty.
And this is the 'swing it round the room technique' that many have experienced with Uncle Sneag.
However we finally get it cracked. Bit of a doddle, and when you spill it all down your t-shirt someone else will change it for you! Unlike Uncle Kimbo!!!
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Big Fat Baby!!

2006-09-14T18:43:00.000Z

Well not fat, but I am gaining weight at a shocking rate.
For those of you interested in stats, i am now 17lbs 14 and a half oz. This has taken me way over the average 50th centile. For those of you not in the know (Grandad T) this means that in reality although i am nearly 10 months, and should have been nearly 7 months, i am in between these two in terms of weight and size.
They say most prem babies catch up by two years, but they think that i am doing so well it will be a lot sooner than that. I am also doing things that a 1 year old should be doing which is good as well. It means that i am obviously learning and growing properly, and i am taking things in.
The next real thing is to start and pick up the sign language that mum and dad will teach me so i can communicate with them. Uncle Ian says that babies can styart to pick these things up very early. It won't mean i will be quiet though!!
So things are going really well. There are no obvious problems and as i come up to a year old i can honestly say i think i have been very lucky.
Thank you to all of you who have supported and helped me. I'm sure that part of the reason i have done so well is that i am surrounded by lots of good friends and family. Love you all,
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says

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

2006-09-08T20:29:00.000Z

... you obviously have never seen me in the bath.
Now some of you will have already experienced the joy that is bath time. Other have just seen the carnage that remains when i finally come out. Until now we have resisted putting photos of me in the bath "necked" as it were!
However as i am finding it a doddle to sit on my bum i thought i would share these with you. Now, in the interests of preserving my modesty, i have put a towel there to cover my bits!
This chair is really great. I can sit up and play with the bubbles, there is no danger of dad plunging my head under the water as is his want - not funny dad.
What I can't show you is the wonderful scenes of when i lie down in the bath. Dad says the camera cost far too much money and i suppose he does have a point.
I do make a lot of mess, but it is just so much fun splashing and covering everyone in water. Even Grandad A has had a go!
Right cold now. Want out!!
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Weebles wobble...

2006-09-02T08:14:00.000Z

...but they don't fall down!
Well i haven't quite managed this crawling thing yet (i think i'll give walking a go first and really shock everyone) but we are going to give the 'baby left, baby right' game a go!
Yes it's time when i started to learn to sit on my bum. So with a few cushions strategically placed lets give it a go.
One of the most important things is to have something to focus on whilst you are doing it. Now the SKY remote control is perfect.
Ok i'm leaning a bit to the right but i'm sure that mum will catch me should i go over. After all its not like she's ever dropped someone off a slide or thrown them in the River Trent!
And now i'm leaning to the left and nearly going........!

Well practice makes perfect and i should have this off to perfection in a few minutes.
And look, i have the batteries out of the remote!!
Now if you just give me that camera dad i will see what i can do to that!!
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Balls to you!

2006-08-30T08:22:00.000Z

Well actually it was balls all over the place.
This is me yesterday in my ring. Dad bought me some little balls to go in it. You know, like the ones in the kids play areas.

Anyway we filled it up and plonked me in. And its great. You just grab a handfull and throw them around the room.
Dad will always go and pick them up and it's really fun to watch frodo go hyper because he wants to play with them!
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Delaney had a donkey...

2006-08-27T20:43:00.000Z

...and now so do I.
This is Eric everyone and he was a present from Auntie Annie (Welsh) and Uncle Graham (Gooner - was he not happy saturday night!)
Eric comes from the donkey sanctuary down near their caravan in Devon and he is a Christmas/Birthday present. Now i know i'm not supposed to have presents early but a) they live a long way away b) my birthday and christams are within 25 days of each other so not good on the present front and c) i don't care he's my donkey and i love him!
Another part of my present is that i actually sponsor the real eric now who my donkey is based on.
Dad is particularly happy as he belives this now gets him out of riding lessons when i became a precocious spoilt teenager - yeah right dad! Froso is not so happy as he has seen the way i grab Eric's ears!
So thank you to you both for the lovely present. i will have to get mum and dad to take me down now to meet him.
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Wales!!!!

2006-08-27T19:11:00.000Z

Or at least close enough. Actually we did go one day i think!
Anyway this weekend we went to Ross-on-Wye to the home of Auntie Annie (Welsh) and Uncle Graham (Gooner). This was one of the first places i went whe i cam out of hospital so it was great to go back there.
Now this is me telling Uncle Graham why it's a bad idea to take dad tot he rugby. He went to watch Gloucester play Llanellirshsphwiili (or something that reqwuires a lot of phlegm) with Uncle Graham, Dan and Nathan whist i went swimming with mum, Auntie Anne and Fi.
Now last time we were down i don't think i put any pictures on of their dogs. So here we go.
This little one is Masie. She is a Westie i believe, gets into lots of trouble but is as cute as a button.
Now this one is a little bit bigger. This is Riggs (cool name hey?). He is an Italian hunting dog called a Spinoni. And if you don't believe he is a big dog check out the next photograph!!

He makes Frodo look tiny. Now he a bit nervous of people and new things but it wasn't long before we hit it off!
Frodo will be getting jealous. Anyway thank you to Graham and Annie for a lovely weekend. Anne has forgiven me for putting that cake eating photo on the web, ut i'm not sure dad has!
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I love to go a wandering!!

2006-08-20T20:53:00.000Z

And who wouldn't with this new beauty!
This my new mode a transport and its called Dad Power! I just sit up here in the back and dad does all the work. Of course we needed to try it out and so we went for a walk today.
We decided to walk to Hardwick Hall and back (or more acurately the pub at Hardwick - shocker!). Its about a seven mile round trip, anmd there are some muddy fields so the pushchair was not an option. And its SEVEN MILES!!!
So off we went. This is me and dad, and Uncle Dave and Auntie Mad. And of course Trudi and Frodo.
Now the big bear you will probably recognise. That's Uncle Stuart looking as fetching as ever. And the strange lady next to him who looks like an American is.........an American!
This is Lynn, Uncle Stuart's partner from the States. Totally bonkers! Apparently they don't have animals in the States so we had to stop and look at cows and sheep and Llamas. Yes there were Llamas, i'm not kidding.
However it was still very tiring. Come on i've just walked SEVEN MILES! So it is also a good place to get your head down and have a nap. Thanks dad. now giddy up donkey!!
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Where's the steering wheel?

2006-08-19T09:04:00.000Z

As most of you know i have been travelling about in the car in my pram's car seat.
Very comfortable, very practical. However there comes a time when a girl likes to feel like she is control of the road. And travelling backwards looking at a seat cover is not the way.
So, enter the big car seat. To be honest i am just starting to get a little too long for the other one. But this is great. You can look about. You can play with your toys. Still good for napping most of the ways. And i can actually see what dad is mouthing to all the other motorists now!
It's a good job i can't hear him - my ears would be burning!
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Not funny, not funny!

2006-08-18T18:45:00.000Z

It burns us my precious. Nasty little hobbitses for putting it on us.
Actually it was Uncle Stuart Orton and Auntie Sue who put it on us, way back in July.
Now i think it was the day we went ot Uncle Sneag's house warming!!!
Thanks for the photo though!!
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We're all going to the Zoo!!

2006-08-15T07:37:00.000Z

Hiya.
Last month i was a very lucky little girl ecause Auntie Ellen and the girls took me to the zoo.
This gave dad a little bit of a breather(actually i think he did loads of cleaning).
Of course we had to get the girls out of bed first, which as you know is normally quite difficult.
Sorry girls. Actually this was the chimps after what looked like a specatacular party.
However we have at last found scientific evidence off the missing link!!
Then we went to see the monkeys, or homo kirstyicus to give them their proper name. You can tell these are the monkeys as they have tails. See - on the ball here!!!

It was a very hot dad and was hard work. So despite all the warning signs we decided to stop and have a snack!

Now obviously it would take to long to show all the animals we saw so here is a selection of my favourites.
Some kind of big furry cuddly thing which looks a bit like uncle Sneag!
Lindsay's favourite of course!

Elephants. They are huge!!! Especially when you are a tiny little thing like me.
And lastly the most terrifying beasts of the lot!!

I just want to say a huge elephant sized thank you to Natasha, Kirsty and Lindsay. And especially to Autie Ellen. Thank you for a lovely day and i love you all loads.
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Quiet Please!!!

2006-07-31T06:50:00.000Z

Right you have to be very quiet because i am in a place for something very special today.
You see those two up there with the bloke in the Jedi robes. Well that's not Luke and Yoda. It is in fact Autie Estelle and Uncle Ray. And we are here in their church for their baby's christening. And if you look closely you can just see baby Samuel in his arms.
Now of course i was very good in church. No crying, no shouting, one minor little burp but i think i got away with it when nobody was listening!
However in the end i got a bit bored and so the best thing to do was just drop off.
Now this is me at the buffet afterwards being held by another Jo. This is Jo from mum's work and if you look closely just in the background you can see mad Laura (thats what dad calls her anyway). She also works with mum.
So welcome to the world Samuel Joseph Padraig (hope that was the right way round). Its tough out there, especially with your dad (pompey fan - Laura's husband Dave knows what i mean!). Right, where is all the cake Laura?
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Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy...

2006-07-30T06:32:00.000Z

...fun, fun, fun, fun, fun.
Hi everyone. Well this week Uncle Steve turned 40 (no sniggering from you people who are not far off it and you know who i'm talking about).
We went to his house in Wolverhampton as Auntie Jo had arranged a huge party for him. And in the garden she has a huge trampoline. I think actually she is one of those nosy neighbours who lust bounces up and down to spy on other people.
Any way road up, i thought it would be a good idea if i gave it a go. After all, what's good for Tigger is good for me.
And here we go. This is me gingerly getting on it. Need a bit of a helping hand from dad there.
No problems so far. A bit of a doddle this. Can't see what Natatsha finds so difficult!

Ooops, hang on. We have a bit of a wobble situation.
Dont let go dad!! Oh no baby right, baby right.
Not good, not good. Over on my back and not sure how to get up.
Oh its all too tiring for me. Think i'll just have a bit of a nap now to recover some energy.
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The F-Word

2006-07-27T07:39:00.000Z

WARNING - THE FOLLOWING REPORT MAY CONTAIN OFFENSIVE BEEPS. AS I AM UNDER A CERTAIN AGE I AM NO ALLOWED TO SWEAR LIKE THE GOD WHO IS GORDON RAMSAY.
Hi everyone.
Well it has been another scorcher today and it's late in the evening and dad still hasn't done any dinner for him and mum.

So, being the helpful little thing that i am i thought i would lend a hand.
Mum and dad are having Thai Fishcake Salad with Hot Spicy Prawns (Ok for some. I had a big bowl of carrots followed by chopped banana).
Now i have the very important job of preparing the dressing so i thought i would take you through the stages of a classic Marie Rose Sauce.
Now the first thing you need is a BEEP big spoon. The BEEP bigger the BEEP better.
Then you need ingredients.

What i have here is Heinz Salad Cream, full fat not that BEEP BEEP light stuff mum eats. A good dollop of this in a bowl is what is needed. Next we take some Tomato Ketchup. As you can see i am using Heinz. Thats because it is the best. Don't get me started on BEEP other Ketchup's. Never BEEP been Tomato Ketchup. There's only one BEEP daddy in the ketchup world and its not BEEP Daddys!!!

Put these together in a bowl and give it a really good stir with your spoon. Now don't worry about any BEEP mess. That is what dad's are there for. To clean up after us and everything.
And there you have it. A lovely Marie Rose dressing. Just drizzle this all over your salad and in no time you will have forgotten that what you are actually eating is BEEP BEEP rabbit food!!!

I hope you enjoyed this very special edition of the F-Word.
Join us tomorrow when we will be seeing if Eyore can survive in an oven at 220 celsius!
Bye,
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It looks like a potty...

2006-07-17T08:01:00.000Z

... but its not!
Its a fantastic new device i have called a bumbi, or bumbo or something like that.
Basically its my own personal armchair, and it helps me to sit up and strengthen my back.

It also means that i can sit down and enjoy a good book without anyone holding it for me.

So if you will excuse me i need to get back to the exploits on Buttercup Farm. It's only 8 pages but it's a cracking read. And dad knows it off by heart now.
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I've done it!

2006-07-16T20:08:00.000Z

As regular readers of this column will know I have, for several weeks now, been getting very close to rolling over. This would be very good as it is the pre-cursor to me being up and off and crawling about (watch out dog!). Up to now it has taken my dad giving me a push with his foot. However, last night....
..I did it.
And there was nobody there to see it, apart from the previously mentioned mutt.

This photograph was taken moments after through the kitchen window (the mutt had got bored at this point and gone).
As you can see from this photograph (which dad says he had no idea about and thank you very much mum!) everyone was dead impressed.
NOT!!
There is no pleasing some people.
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Mad for it again!!

2006-07-08T10:55:00.000Z

Check out the gear!

How good do i look. I've got the cool hat, the worn looking jacket. The only thing missing is a pair of combats.
Anyway this me and my posse getting ready for an awesome weekend away. Actually we are just going to Graham and Viv Fountain's for the weekend but hey, it's an all nighter!
Party on animals!
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If at first you don't succeed....

2006-07-05T15:17:00.000Z

...try a cute face for Grandma.

No? Oh dear. Dad has been threatening me (anyone want to report him to Childline please feel free) and he says its about time i got off my bum. Literally.
So we had better give it a go!
Ok, a quick shove from dad and we are on our belly.
Now, push up with the arms.
Ok this is trickier than i thought. The problem is that my belly sticks out further than my arms do, and if get one stuck under me i look like a turtle with his legs withdrawn.
Ok, scratch that idea for now. Lets just concentrate on my book. Now what do i need? There is definately something missing. It's a scary book. I don't know what's going to happen to Dillon Donkey.
Grandad - hold my hand if you please!
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Putting on the Ritz....

2006-07-01T15:04:00.000Z

Well not quite!!

Actually it's Morrisons cafe just across the road from us. This is my dad's favourite place for breakfast. He says it's a bargain and you can't argue with the 200 builders off the site next door!!

Might as well make the best of it. I'll have the eggs benedict to start with and then a little yoghurt.
No? Ok then, if i do this really cute face then just maybe dad might give us some of his bacon and sausage cobs.
Go on dad. Give us a bite.
Unfortunately the cute face no longer works on dad. This is what comes of spending two months at home, just me and him.
Ah well.
We have our own delights. Bluberry porridge. Smells just like the muffins from Millies!!
This is ZRA saying BFN (anyone who remembers Jimmy Young will know what i'm on about).
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Remember this?

2006-06-26T15:35:00.000Z

This is the photograph that was taken of me on Christmas Day.
At that time the dog was nearly as big as me. I only weighed 2lbs 15oz.

Well here is another photograph of me with that little dog.

This was taken last week and it just shows how much i have grown in the last 6 months. I now weigh a whopping 14lbs and half an ounce. For those of you working in old money that makes me 1 stone. Woohoo! At this rate it will not be long until i catch Lindsay up!!!

Lots of love
Zoe
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An apology...

2006-06-19T15:02:00.000Z

......to Auntie Annie.
I realise it was very cruel and nasty of me to put that photograph of you having 12 desserts on my blog site. I apologise unreservedly and i must point out this has nothing at all to do with the prospect of no christmas presents. I have included here a photograph of me also tucking into many layers of cream, fruit and chocolate as punishment so people can have a giggle at me too. Dad has also told me off which i took a lot of notice of!!!
Anyway Babs i am very,very,very sorry!!!

Kissy, kissy
Zoe
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I'm a big girl now.....

2006-06-19T14:38:00.000Z

.......and big girls get to sit up when they have their dinner!!!

Ok so i am still a bit tiny. But dad went to town and bought me a nifty insert and hey presto - I can fit in my high chair.

As these following photographs will show, it certainly makes meal times more of a laugh.

The other new trick i have started doing is blowing bubbles. Mum thinks it was something to do with dad but i discovered it all by myself. It is particularly effective when you have a mouth full of porridge or yogurt.

Dad and i have mostly been watching the world cup this past week. Fortunately there are no photographs of me in the england strip that Uncle Kimbo bought me. Dad was so distressed by the prospect that he had to take mum away for a weekend. Now this meant that i had to have somewhere to stay.

So whilst they were having a rest in Keswick, i went and stayed the night with Auntie Ellen. As you can see they really look like they were missing me!!

Top hotel i must say. Unlike at home, you get breakfast and then you get to go back to bed with somone to snuggle up to.

However this does mean that now nobody is safe. Mum and dad can leave me overnight anywhere now so all you potentials watch out!!

Lots of love,
Zoe
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So this horse walks into a bar...

2006-06-09T20:49:00.000Z

and the barman says 'why the long face?'

No i know it's not funny but it leads me very nicely into this selection.

Here i am sat on grandad T's knee at the pub, and i'm having a pretty good time. Ok, so i am not getting any of the food that is on the table. But i can probably nick a bit of grandad's ice cream. And grandad and grandma Ambler are here, and so is Bill & Betty. And everyone is paying me so much attention.

So as the barman, you may ask why the look of pure horror on my face. Well the reason is that from where i am sitting, I can see what you can't!

So quickly under the table with the camera and.......

Now Grandad. You know what Uncle Ian told you about wearing shorts in public. They are to be restricted solely to the golf course and southern Spain!!!!!

Z
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But it's not hard to fall...

2006-06-07T20:03:00.000Z

when you float like a canonball!!

Well that is what happens when you weigh 13lbs 4 and 1/2oz. How big am i? I am also 60cm long which for you in old money is 2ft.

Anyway - floating. As you can see i am all ready for going out and i look pretty natty in my hat. And the reason for the big smile on my face?

Well that is because we are going here.

This is Water Meadows, Mansfield's ultra clean and respectable swimming baths.

And today i went for my first swim. Mum was off so she came with me and dad (i think dad's experiences at Mansfield Baby Clinic have left him feeling the need for a chaperone).

Now unfortunately i cannot show you any pictures of me in the pool. However here are a couple of me in my snazzy bathing suite.

Anyone who has seen me in the bath can imagine what happened. I was arms and legs all over the place. Dad kept a good firm hold of me so i didn't go too mad. It was great fun though and now that mum has been with me i am going to make dad take me every week.

And yes i did get my face dunked, and no it wasn't fun, but no i didn't cry!
And it wasn't even dad.

SHAME ON YOU MUM!!!!

Lots of love
Zoe
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The morning after....

2006-06-04T09:54:00.000Z

....the night before.

Well what a fantastic time i had at my party.
I want to say a big thank you to Grandma, and Great Aunt Joan, and Aunty Ellen for all the help they gave to dad and especially mum. She did a fantastic job.

I hope that everybody who came had a good time. It was lovely to see you all and i really appreciate you all coming, particularly those of you like Bill & Betty, Ann & Graham, Jo & Steve, Steve & Sue, and of course Uncle Ian.

Now i dont have a lot of photographs of the event at the moment as i am sure you will appreciate i was very busy. However i have checked with the official event photographer and he tells me he took a couple so i will post them when i get them.

However i did manage to get one of someone sneaking off to the living room so she could eat her five desserts!!!

See you all soon.

Love
Zoe
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Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon

2006-05-24T08:41:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

As the rain continues to pour down on this lovely summer day, I thought i would put a couple of photos on just to remind everyone what that big bright light in the sky looks like.

Hard to believe it was only a couple of weeks ago.

As you can see my trusty companion is alert and ready to leap to my defence should he be called on.

Dad was busy painting anything in the garden that was made of wood. He has had his instructions about the place looking nice for June and to be honest he would have got everything done had the weather not gone bad. Still its good for the lawn.

Well I can't sit around here gabbing all day. I have important things to do. Like eat and sleep and eat and sleep.

See you all soon

Love Zoe

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Mmmmmm....

2006-05-11T20:58:00.000Z

........Rusks!!!

Now i am on solids i though i would just stick a few photos on to show what all you expectant parents out there have to look forward to.

I am having at least a pint of milk a day now. But also i get breakfast, lunch and tea.

Breakfast consists of porridge or fruity cereal. At lunch time I normally have a rusk. And then in the evening for dinner i have some pea, carrot and potato mix thing that dad made, rounded off by banana in milk (yes dad does nearly barf every time but at least it show he loves me), apple crumble or chocolate pud.

And it is certainly helping me to grow. I put twelve ounces on in the last two weeks which has taken me up to just under 12 pounds.

Right off for some more nosh.

Speak soon.
Zoe
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More Wildlife

2006-05-10T08:54:00.000Z

Actually its just me and Lindsay and a couple of bears.

Happy Birthday Linz

Zoe
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Fun on the Farm

2006-05-09T07:52:00.000Z

Hi everyone.

Well we are still having problems with the computer but i have got dad to do a couple of things and we can add a few more photos.

Every month, a lot of us who were in the neo-natal unit get together. Sometimes we just sit around having coffee and talking about how cute we all are. Other times we get to go places.

Well this time we all went for day out on the farm. To be correct it was White Post Farm Park.
http://www.whitepostfarmcentre.co.uk/

Now these are not some of the animals that were on show. This is Yvonne, Nicola and Wendy who went with us. They are nurses and special workers who work on the ward

Sue also came but she totally refused to put her head through and have her photo taken. However dad saw something later and he kept joking to Sue about it.

There are loads of great things to do and see on the farm. The little chicks were really cute, and you can see them progress basically from the egg to being a few weeks old. Its a bit like the neo-natal unit with incubators and things.

We all had a bag of food to give to the animals. There were meerkats, guniea pigs, lambs, donkeys, pigs, goats, lots of reptiles which we never got to see because of Mr Scardy Cat, llamas (just for Uncle Sneag) and some ponies.

I of course found all of this very interesting.

Here is me being very interested in looking at the sheep.

And this is me looking even more interested in the Highland Coo!

Now here is a photo of a mother with her own little baby. The Joey is only a few weeks old and does not venture much out of the mothers pouch. However if you look really closely you might just see a bit of it.

Unfortunatley i don't have any photo's of dad going round on the kids go-carts, or of him looking very worried as we ate our lunch outside of the reptile house (he hates snakes).

What I would like to say is a big thank you to the nurses at the neo-natal for a fun day out. They are a fantastic group of people who work so hard.

So its goodbye from the farm park. I would just like to leave you with a picture of Wendy's new friend.

Now doesn't this goat belong in a very bad 70's cop show.

Love
Zoe
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Technical Difficulties

2006-05-08T10:53:00.000Z

Again.

However we have now got a brand new spanking computer so those problems should be long gone. Except that after the first day it crashed after dad had installed everything for me!!

Not to worry. The nice people at evesham sorted it for us. Now it is just a case of loading everything on again.

So i will just lie back here and relax whilst i let the servants do all the hard work.

Speak to you all really soon.

Love Zoe
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