life with nelly: week thirtyone and 32 christening, the house,

The week started off at Mei's christening in Kent, Rob stayed home as he had stuff to do for the house so Nelly and I went to her first ever christening- a lovely day and she sort of behaved in the church as I read her Maisy books in the back pew! We were there with another family who were in China in January and Nelly loved playing with them and did not get too boisterous .

Also a back to school week - well classes and sanity! first week in September and all the usual groups and classes started up again. Nelly and her friends moved up a class at Gymbabes - which meant a more structured and physically demanding class. They have to move around all of the elements in sequence so it was funny to watch all the new ones just heading off as usual to their favourite bits of equipment!

Nelly went to the house with Rob and had a Daddy day as I had a meeting in Luton - when i got back I was at a bit of a loss as what to do as I am not used to being on my own for three hours! I managed to go shopping and get our good friend and neighbour lisa a 40th present, make a chocolate pavolva to take round to neighbours for dinner and do loads of emails and phone calls for work! It was lovely to see her when she got back from the house!

Week 32 - and we headed up to the house for the day - !!! Yikes are we really moving in about 5 weeks! progress has been made but it is the sort of progress that is really not too visible! Mr project manager has it all under control! Discovered a pretty village nearby with a lovely deli and some nice pubs , cafes etc ...looks like civilisation does exist up there!

Nelly has an amazing love hate relationship with her friend Fraser ( two doors away in ST J Road ) - they were reunited on MOnday at playgroup after he had been away for a week in Yorkshire - big hugs and kisses reunion, to be followed by N bashing him around the head! Poor Fraser although two months older than Nelly resorted to putting his arms up in front of his head in a defensive manner every time he saw her coming close!

Wednesday afternoon brave Hati - Fraser's Mum invited Nelly and I around for the afternoon and tea! Brave girl, brave Fraser! I thought we were seriously in the category of being one of those Mum's whose little one would never be invited as SHE is the one that hits, pushes and scratches! but they were adorable to one another chasing each other around the garden, playing football, then sat down nicely at the table in the garden to eat pasta! Hati and I were so relieved we cracked open a bottle of wine to celebrate!

Nelly enjoying the swings at the NEW house....!

The kitchen - the builders are living in the house!

One part that is looking good - gone the orange pine wood doors, window sills, skirtings, dirty carpet, black wrought iron door furniture, black curtain poles and light fittings... ..welcome new wooden floor, subtle grey doors and white woodwork and walls...!