A week and a bit later

We've been spending a fair amount of time on the castle lawn recently

It's basically on our doorstep (300 ish meters) from our front door.

Flo gets to run around like a loon and we get a bit of piece and quiet from the building works next door.  Hopefully things will quiet down on that front soon as they've finally taken down the scaffolding.  Now all they need to do is repair the our side path which has been fucked over and replace the fencing which is looking terrible since they torn down the existing panelling.

Well that was an interesting few days

The Clark family now has a new member.

May I introduce Arthur Robert Clark aka The Dude

After drinking a glass of wine or three / four on my regular Wednesday night sports night (Watching Liverpool lose to Arsenal 2-0 on the last day of the season back in 88/89, not my choice) I was about to go to bed when April tells me that she thinks her waters have broken.  Eek.  This was 2.5 weeks earlier than we were expecting. 

April called the midwife who said she'd better come in but there was probably nothing to worry about.  I was going to stay at at home to look after Flo and luckily our friend Laura said she would take April into the maternity ward.

Three hours later I get rudely woken up in my bedroom by my mate Jono, he and his wife Laura had been called by April as apparently I wasn't answering my phone.  20 missed calls.  Whoops!  I specifically turned my 'do not disturb' off but it can't have worked as I didn't hear it.

I quickly got dressed and headed to the hospital. 2 hours later, little Arthur arrived.  After staying over for one night they let us go the next day.

So far he's been brilliant, surprisingly chilled and we've even managed a little sleep.  We're back home now and have actually managed to get Flo down for a nap whilst April and Arthur sleep upstairs, hence me having 5 minutes spare to write this.

Flo's been good and she's looking forward to play with her little brother.

It hasn't been that cold but I do like a good fire

Too much it seems, I now need a new fire basket.

I should be okay for the time being

My Chapel Down wine and beer turned up at the weekend, 3 days after my fuggles delivery. 

Beautiful day

We're very lucky living so close to the castle. We thought we'd make the most of the spiffing weather and have a picnic on the castle lawn. 

Reunion?

Last night's mini reunion

It was good to say hello to everyone but after a few beers / glasses of wine it became quite difficult to manage. 

Flo's new toy

We bought this for Flo a couple of weeks ago.  It's a giant climbing frame that you can transform into different shapes and comes with a slide.  Flo loves it!  It is unfortunately on the large side though.

Walkies

I've been taking my friend's dog Bella for walks when I get a spare hour during the week.  It's been nice.  I've always wanted to get a dog but can't see us getting one any time soon as we'll have the new baby soon enough.

Once thing that could change our mind though is the fact that it's more than likely that we'll be working from home a lot more in future so being able to take the dog out for regular walks becomes a lot easier.  Plus they won't be left home alone all day. 

Yes, I got wet

Making rainbows with Flo

Trying to grow some grass

Flo eventually turned and I got very wet

Don't tell Florence

I've bought new versions of the same doggy and bunny for Flo just in case she loses them.  She's very attached and thought it would be a nightmare for us both if she ever did lose them.  The plan is to age them by putting them in the every new wash we do until they look vaguely similar. Hopefully she'll never need them, or worse find them.

A little shorter than usual

April giving me haircut no. 2 during the lockdown.  A little short and a little too high up the sides with the razor.  4 / 10 this week.  April's own review was "You look a little bit army".

Getting the car ready for the new arrival

Josie making herself comfortable 

Keeping local business open

I've subscribed to our local bar for beer delivery once a month

Oops.  I really should read the instructions first

I got soaked

I bit lively 

Ouch

Gardening injury

I removed a layer of skin on my palm on Saturday. I was using a trowel to remove some weeds in the lawn and was a little over zealous.

I also reseeded the lawn, hopefully it will take as there are a few baron patches that don't look great. 

May the 4th be with you

Star Wars day today so i'm going to watch the latest film tonight once Flo's gone to bed.

Blaster and lightsaber to hand.