It's nearly Christmas

Unfortunately I have not been very well the past few weeks, I kept getting stomach bugs and the ladies at school sent me home early. However, this has meant I have had more time with mummy, daddy and granny because they have had to rearrange their work/lives etc to look after me.

This morning I decided to wake up at 4.30, my daddy was very pleased to see me, he said that he did not want a lie in and was glad he got to spend more time with me.

The big news is that I can walk, I am a little shaky but am pretty good given that I have only been doing it for a day.

I met Father Christmas but as you can see from my face I didn't really like him and he did not give me any chocolates.

Dressed up for Thanksgiving

Mrs Russell sent me some smart clothes, which is great because I am tired of mummy and daddy dressing me rather informally every day. I hope someone sends me a lounge suit or perhaps a sports jacket for Christmas.

HA, HA, HA - look at me in my box

Happy Birthday Alfie

A year ago I arrived on the scene and although today has not been quite as dramatic I have had a nice day opening presents, eating cake and pushing my truck along the street.

Mummy went to a party and stayed out late last night and she felt a little worse for wear this morning, she is not as young as she used to be.

Tomorrow we are having Thanksgiving a little early and I am looking forward to some Turkey for the first time.

This week saw the arrival of my new cousin "Ella Hayes". She was born on Tuesday this week and arrived without a hitch. I have put a photo of her on here, even though it is really my blog and she already has more hair than me which is a bit embarassing.

some new pics

we are all doing well, Alfie is slowly adjusting to the the time change when the clocks went back last week. we have had a few early starts though.

He is now sleeping and saving energy for Man Utd v Arsenal this afternoon.

All going very well at my work doing a mixture of Criminal, Employment and Personal Injury Law. Getting on very well (I think) with other members of Chambers and generally enjoying it.

A Few Days in North Wales

Mommy and I ventured to North Wales by ourselves this week and left poor Daddy here in Bristol. Daddy was devastated not to be with me but seemed awfully well rested when we got back yesterday. He had also eaten one whole bag of candy that mommy had bought for Halloween...not a very good idea!
While at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we visited with my Great Aunt Lucy and her two children, Alice and Maddie. We also saw my Uncle Tom, Aunt Emma, and cousins Edie and Henry. Maddie was constantly ready to play with me or sing me some crazy song. Everyone says that Edie likes me too, but I'm not too happy with the way that she shows it. She likes to wrap her arms around my neck and pull me tight. It freaks me out, but otherwise she's alright. I didn't notice Henry too much. I was most interested in him when he was crying but then he usually got taken away to some far away part of the house where no one else was.
It was a great few days. The best parts were riding in the trailer behind Grandpa's tractor, going to the Chester Zoo,and playing with Grandma. At least it's not too long until Christmas when we will see everyone again.

It's Been a Long Time

We apologise for keeping all of you waiting for so long for new pictures. It's all been a bit crazy at our house. Three days a week, we actually all head off at the same time to our different 'jobs'. Alfie seems to enjoy his the most but who wouldn't like rolling around in paint in just a diaper; playing on the slide; flirting with themself in a 3-D mirror and having friendly ladies feed you food all day?
At home Alfie loves listening to stories and demands about 15 a day. Here's a picture of him with the only book he likes to 'read' to himself...'Tails' a present from his Godmother, Suki.
Bert and I are doing alright eventhough are days are not nearly as exciting as Alfie's.

Shake it

Alfie loves to have a bit of a jive and this is one of his favourite tunes at the moment.

He has just had his 10 month check up and seems to be doing fine. Weighs a little over 20 pounds now (rising to the 37th percentile (I think) for his age. He is in the 75th percentile for height).

He has yet to walk but is getting very close to standing on his own. his favourite trick at the moment is to give you something to put in your mouth, then to take it back again once you have it, then to immediately thrust it back in your face.

He is unfortunately unwell at the moment and I think it is because we have just started going to the baby groups again. He has had a cold all week and now has got conjunctivitus. Better to get it now rather than next week when he starts nursery, hopefully he will have it all out of his system by then.

Away for the weekend

It has been ten years since I went to university and a few old friends met up on Saturday at Fiona and David's house, before heading out for a few drinks. A bit of a shock to the system to get woken up with a wooly head 4 hours after going to bed by Alfie who wanted to make the most of his Sunday.

After to staying at Fiona and David's house we headed off to meet Alfie's Great Aunts Lucy and Lulu and Great Uncles Tim and Bertie. Alfie was well looked after by his cousin Maddy. Alfie the dog did not think Alfie the boy was much fun to play with.

Finally we headed over to see Alfie's new cousin Henry in Abingdon. When his mummy was not looking Alfie pinched Henry's face to show him who was boss.

Bristol for the afternoon

Daddy and I went to Bristol city centre last week and I ate my lunch in front of the cathedral, Daddy bought some things for himself but nothing for me, he is selfish like that.

Picking Blackberries

We have had a very warm and sunny September and have been out picking blackberries down by the estuary a few times. Alfie is happy to do this as long as he is given a blackberry at regular intervals.

more pics and videos

few more recent shots

These boots were made for walkn'

These photos simply don't do justice to Alfie's passion for walking or his pleasure in moving around on his own. We got home and had a terrible time because Alfie constantly wanted to practise walking but there isn't much space for turning a stroller around indoors. He got angry because we had to keep picking him up and fixing it all so he could head back the way he had come. Luckily, the toy library had a smaller walker toy which he is up and off on every chance he gets.