Newbie Hatch

Little 'helpers'

2012-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Lyn regularly has company in the kitchen when preparing meals...

All the toys in the world... from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Tooth number two, sleep issues and so on....

2012-01-27T12:26:00.001-08:00

Tooth number two has put in an appearance for Will this week, alongside a nasty bug that saw him crashed on Lyn's lap for three days, barely moving and with a high temperature (quite cute to have such a snuggly boy really).

Typical(!) we had just got tough on the sleep front (6 wakings per night and in bed with Lyn by midnight every night had taken its toll and Lyn had become a perma-grump..in her own words) and had made some progress but now it is all knocked back again grrr! We shall try again next week...

We had a lovely day at the Maudes' farm last Sunday though before it all kicked off and even enjoyed a spot of 3D action on their TV - Transformers to be precise. Oh what a happy Sam!

Photo shoot

2012-01-27T12:23:00.003-08:00

Andrew did a photo shoot from some dear friends in the village so to practice the lighting set up he used our boys as guinea pigs...with some gorgeous results.

Christmas all over again..

2012-01-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

Grandad Stuart came to visit, bearing wonderful gifts for all and we enjoyed some lovely time together.

Life

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

in Newcastle was where we spent a great Sunday

While Sam was busy interacting with all the science-y things and ice skating...

Will was mostly playing with metal nuts and enjoying his reflection in the mirror!

Mirror mirror from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Showing Off! from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

My first shoes (Will) & my feet have grown at last! (Sam)

2012-01-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

It was the start of things to come today - a double whammy at the shoe shop!

Poor Sam had had his feet checked so many times in recent months, only to be told to eat more food and his feet would grow. Finally today on the 2nd Jan 2012, he is a size 8.

Will took the shoe fitting experience in his stride - in fact he poked his hand in the lady's mouth and took great interest in her glasses and hair!

Quiet New Year's Eve this year as Will and Lyn were ill in bed with fevers. Hey ho, that'll teach us to organise something with friends! Good job they have children and understand the need to cancel two hours before!!

I have a brother called Sam

2011-12-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

Will knows Sam's name now and is really starting to interact with him - giggling at things he does and beaming at him, hugging him when he gets a chance....pushing him away when he's had enough too!

Daddy's birthday

2011-12-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

Sam kindly offered to open Andrew's presents for him!

A nice Italian in York for lunch

'Balloon' - one of the words Will knows

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T07:21:00.001-08:00

It's arrived!

2011-12-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

We feared we may have to invest in dentures for our number two son but hooray, the first tooth finally put in an appearance today at the ripe old age of 8.5 months.

Will also had his first outing in the back pack today which went down well. Cracking ice by the river was enjoyed by all.

Mobile Will

2011-12-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Will has been the biggest grump the past few weeks, so frustrated not to be moving but finally he's cracked it. He's crawling well this week and suddenly is more confident with his walker so can get around on his own.

Having vowed never to buy any more plastic, we weakened when we realised that Will was at his happiest when stood up on his own all day. It has done the trick and he's our beaming again!

His other trick this week is pointing. He particularly likes lights and will point and grunt until you say the word of what he is looking at. He points if you ask him where certain things are that he knows the words for too. Scary how quickly he is developing really.

Nativity take two

2011-12-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sam's been back at the music classes he used to do when he was a baby, only now he goes in on his own. Each half term we get to see a performance of all that they have learnt, so it was Nativity take two this week. Sam chose to be a shepherd - not quite sure why...

He loved it and gave a great performance, despite this most serious of faces!

Visiting the rellies!

2011-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

We're staying at home for Christmas so we visited Lyn's family to wish them a Happy Christmas, which the boys enjoyed immensely.

Cuddles with cousin Fern

Getting to know Keeley a little better...

Sam the 'star'

2011-12-08T12:41:00.001-08:00

It was Sam's first Nativity today (pre school) which took place in the Primary School hall. Sam was a star - looks a bit like an angel but no he was definitely a star. What a superstar he was too - full of smiles and good as gold.

While Sam was on stage, we spent our time like this...

We have one VERY frustrated Will who gets mad with us if we don't spend the whole day holding his hands allowing him to walk. Needless to say, we bought a baby walker on Ebay last night to give our backs (and ears!!) a break!

Santa train year two

2011-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Snow prevented Andrew's Mum and Ken joining us last year but this year not only did they come but we were joined by a number of friends and their children too (one only six weeks old!).

Sam lost his tongue this time though and let his older friend do all the talking!

He did however manage to tell Santa about the Transformer he would like (which he since has told people he has 'ordered' from Father Christmas) !!

Getting in the Christmas mood..

2011-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Bath time buddies

2011-11-29T11:45:00.002-08:00

Music Maestro

2011-11-29T11:45:00.001-08:00

Time flies...

2011-11-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

...When you get one lurgy after another and days are a blur due to sleepless nights...
The lack of postings of late is due to life being pretty hectic as we veer from one day to another in a fog of sleep deprivation. Oh, it's like having a new born again :-)

So we've had a fun bonfire night with friends, done Lyn's birthday and...not a lot else really.

Will is desperate to walk holding your hands the whole time, can get around the room on his own by rolling about and is clapping his hands a lot. Our easy little man has become more challenging, though he's still a good boy really.....er...most of the time.

Sam has become Transformer-mad and has donated his monkey picture to Will from his door and replaced it by 'Bumblebee' the Autobot. He spends most of the time with a screwdriver in his hand, pretending it's a shooter - aargh!! His little friend at the new childminder's is who we have to thank for that one.

Sunday fun

2011-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

The only upside of the clocks changing and gaining an hour is that you can get heaps done before church!

Picking brambles up the lane and whizzing back down again!

Look at me!

Half term help

2011-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

On the train to York

A flying visit by Aunty Helen and Cousin Holly (Will goes mad for their photo on our mantlepiece so he was very taken with the real deal!!)

The tastings continue

2011-10-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sam continues to love trying sea food. He came home the other day and asked Lyn if you can eat octopus. She of course replied yes and said they would be similar to the squid he had already eaten but offered to get some for him. To which Sam replied 'No thank you, I'd like to try sea horses next'.

The word 'endangered' is now in Sam's vocab!!!

Instead, he opted for sardines (his Grandad Ken's favourite). Here he is chatting to them, telling them they're about to lose their heads and be eaten!

Loving Will

2011-10-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

Will is much adored by his big brother but...a bit too much at times. We are constantly having to say 'Sam, be gentle', 'Sam you can't hug him like that, 'Sam...." It feels so mean but poor Will would be flat as a pancake by now if not :-)

While big brother is away...

2011-10-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Will takes the opportunity to bash the dinosaurs around while Sam is at pre school.

Passing it on...

2011-10-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

It seems that sickness bugs are very contagious - fairly sure we inadvertently gave our horrid bug to five people yikes! Mary (Lyn's Aunty) and Barrie who came to visit were among the count :-(

Cousins, canals, picnics and more...

2011-09-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

A visit to Lyn's family at the weekend included a trip to see the newly opened Droitwich canal, which the small and big people enjoyed!

An unexpected picnic in the park with Great Grandma

Sam was so chuffed to get a ride in Uncle Ian's convertible

Cuddles with Great Grandma and Grandad David

Sam's comment to cousin Poppy when he saw her in her ballet gear...'you do look pretty'

Another picnic of the weekend - in Nanny Din's garden

Plastic...aargh!

2011-09-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

It feels as if we are slowly but surely being squeezed out of our own home by the amount of plastic toys appearing. Still, it keeps them amused....

Will is changing by the day - loving his food (will happily demolish the best part of a banana in a sitting), trying desperately to crawl and getting very hard to get to sleep in the day unless walked or fed as life is just too exciting to sleep!!

A village affair

2011-09-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

Hurworth had its very first Country Fair yesterday and Sam thought it was the bees knees.

Two 'firsts' for Sam

A decade!

2011-09-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

As my friend Kim put it so well 'happy children equal happy parents' so our wedding anniversary (10 years!) this year was all about what Sam might enjoy most. A trip by train to the Jorvik Viking museum in York was the order of the day and we all had a ball! The sun shone on us which meant lunch and cake outside was possible. Just perfect!

Ar Darlington train station. For some reason Sam suddenly asked last week if we could go on a fast train so this fitted the bill perfectly. Didn't like to tell him that a Trans-pennine isn't that fast!

York city walls (to keep the baddies out according to Sam)

Our very own Gladiator - took a while to get him to take these off so we could leave!

Picture taken by Sam

Will's Dedication - celebration!

2011-09-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Will's Dedication at our church with family and close friends - a brilliant day. A lovely time with many of the people who joined us for our wedding ten years ago this week, so a double celebration in many ways.

The main man!

Will was on top form all day, napping on Lyn during the service after he had been shown round the congregation by our minister Selby and then happy as larry whilst being passed round everyone in the church hall afterwards.

Cuddles with good friend Paul, who kindly let Will eat a cheese sandwich on his lap (weaning is more relaxed second time around!!!!)

The fabulous Mums - without whom the feeding of nearly forty people would not have been possible

Hot dogs and cake went down well with the smaller folk!

Cousin Ava (who Sam scared to death with his dinosaur roars!)

Cousin Holly

Sam is somewhat Viking obsessed at the moment thanks to the film 'How to Train Your Dragon' - amazing how happy you can make a three year old with some clever paper folding! Lego is coming in handy for making axes, swords, shields etc....

Food and pre school

2011-09-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

While Sam got stuck into some squid (at his request - don't ask us!), tentacles and all(!), Will smeared broccoli about the place and even ate some too!

Sam had a really successful start at his new childminder's and pre school last week. He is getting more reluctant to let us take pictures so couldn't quite capture him in his uniform here but he is very proud of the 'Little Acorns' on his top.

Pre school next step

2011-08-31T12:28:00.001-07:00

Sam's final day at his childminder Julie's who he has been with since he was one, was not quite the emotional event Lyn feared as Sam was distracted with Lego bought by his friend Eve and Lyn was...well busy with Will really. The lovely thing is we know we will see lots of Julie so it's not too traumatic. We have promised to stay in touch with Eve as she and Sam have become so close (they fight like cat and dog but love each other to bits).

The outdoor life - kind of...

2011-08-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Bank Holiday weekend was spent playing in a tent in the garden (the wind and cold put pay to sleeping in it) and playing in Andrew's Aunty and Uncle's caravan. Perfect!

You can almost tell what Will's thinking - 'what on earth IS that?!!'

Summer holidays

2011-08-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

At long last, it was summer holiday time. Thanks to very kind friends who let us use their 'bolthole' in Farndale in the North Yorkshire Moors, we have had a superb week away with family.

Highlights:
Some fab days on the beach at Scarborough and Runswick Bay
Sam becoming a Lego fan - much to Andrew's delight (he was soon on Ebay bidding for more!)
Gorgeous purple heather everywhere we looked
Sam impersonating his snoring grandparents

Our holiday home - a converted Methodist chapel (much loved by spiders)

Will enjoying the rather large bath in the rather large bathroom (which Sam loved playing 'islands' in and running around naked in!!)

Sam's shrimp caught at Runswick Bay and much loved, before he was eaten (by Sam). Don't tell animal welfare but Lyn did catch Sam shaking the bottle the shrimp was in. It was probably a relief to be eaten...

Rockpooling - Andrew reliving his childhood holidays

Returning from shrimp catching

The river side walk from our holiday home - to a cafe which was closed, to a pub which was closed. It's very remote there - needless to say, Andrew had to run the 1.5 miles back to get the car to collect a tired, hungry Sam

Will update: Will has been launching himself forwards for the last couple of weeks and has now achieved rolling from his front on to his back - much to his delight! Teeth are definitely giving him some stick as his two fingers rarely leave his mouth. He is looking longingly at every morsel that touches our lips - roll on weaning!

Watching the dragon boats (perfect as dragons are Sam's latest obsession along with dinosaurs) in Scarborough

You'd think Sam had never been outside before - he ran around like a lunatic

A perfect end to the holiday was arriving home and having Andrew's Aunty and Uncle on a caravan site nearby.

Visiting the babies

2011-08-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

We've had a weekend in Sheffield visiting all the babies that have been born of late who we hadn't yet met.

First stop was to Lyn's bridesmaid Emma's where we met 7 week old Joseph.

Next was a meet up with lovely friends Kay & Dave with 7 month old Josh. We spent a fab day in the Botanical Gardens where the weather was very kind.

A rare family picture

A night in a hotel much to Sam's delight (very chuffed to all be in one room together on the 8th floor) and then a meet up with Matilda, who was due the same day as Will but beat him to it!

Jam packed summer

2011-08-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Having thought we had a quiet summer ahead, suddenly it seems to be flying by, filled with lovely visitors and days out.

A beautiful picture which depicts brilliantly the fun Will is...

Day one of Anja & Jens' stay with us - a sunny day in Durham. Anja enjoyed the boat trip - honest!
Sam was about to head home in the car for a sleep when he spotted the boats and asked to go on one. He enjoyed racing Lyn along the river, as she pushed Will.

Cuddles with Jens

Keeping cool in the paddling pool on a hot (yes in England) day

Our utterly gorgeous boys - ok so we're biased

Socialite

2011-07-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

As well as getting dragged along to whatever Sam is doing, Will has his own little social life going on, on the two days that Sam is at the Childminder's. Lyn organises the NCT's Bumps & Babies group and here is the little man getting to know Matty a little better at that group.

Chatterbox from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

End of an era...

2011-07-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Sam had his last ever session at Playgroup this week and parents were invited for a certificate presentation session where the children received their reports. Lyn saw a very different side to Sam as the children performed songs at the front and Sam was quite the extrovert (we thought he was shy!). We are so very proud of his report and will try and put a copy on here. The group has done him enormous good and we have seen him counting, balancing and generally coming out with all sorts over recent months.

He also bid farewell to the older boys and girls at the Childminder's today who he has spent the last 2.5 years with as he won't see them again either. Quite sad really.

Will's progress

2011-07-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

Will has found his feet, likes to stand up, can almost sit up on his own (though still needs lots of practice) and is watching us eating with keen interest. It could be a long two month wait for the lad.

Forgive the Christmas bib - he's good at getting through a few bibs a day and we ran out of sensible ones...

We do like to be beside the seaside...

2011-07-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

A lovely day out at Hartlepool... Playing round the rock pools finding crabs and shrimps and then a visit to the historic quay.

Great British weather

2011-07-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

From hot hot sunshine to pouring rain and thunderstorms..!

Andrew and Sam went to the annual village strawberry fayre on Friday evening and got utterly soaked. Sam wasn't bothered in the slightest and for some reason, despite us telling him not to, proceeded to tip the inch of water in each of his wellies out onto the hall floor. We couldn't tell him off as we were laughing so much!

At the Hancock museum in Newcastle for a dose of dinosaur skeletons

Sam got his very own skeleton - he was sooo happy and it kept him amused while we 'did' Ikea in the afternoon

Gorgeous Will - getting ever cuter

Where did the baby go...?

2011-07-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Will now joins us at the table for meals - his meal consisting of chewing on plastic for now...

Will is growing so fast (too fast) and it's hard to believe he's now three months old. He giggles at peekaboo, loves people and is reaching for things and putting them in his mouth. We're having to watch the little dinosaurs on the floor as he can almost roll over and get them now.

Hot hot hot

2011-07-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

There's only one place to be when temperatures soar and reach 29 degrees celsius...

The Connors kindly brought along their violin for Sam to try as he has been talking about wanting to learn it for some time now.

The heat just about finished Will off..

Sam seems better in the company of girls, given his gentle nature...here with Inga and Britt after demolishing ice cream cones.

Eating Mussels - or is it muscles..?

2011-06-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

Eating 'muscles' from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Eating mussels from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Dinosaur mad!!!!

2011-06-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sam's dinosaur obsession is 'worsening' by the day. He does a music class once a week and they were learning about elephants a couple of weeks ago. All Sam could contribute to the class was what dinosaurs do and afterwards he said 'but Mummy I only like dinosaurs, not elephants'. If we go to a friend's house and they don't have dinosaurs then he doesn't want to stay long - it's getting embarrassing.

He also seems to have a knack to sniff anything dinosaur related out - today's example being a dinosaur magazine in Morrisons. Soft touch Lyn bought it for him!

He would happily watch his dinosaur DVDs several times a day (documentary style things!) if we let him.

The dinosaur cave Nanny Din built for him

Making a real dinosaur cave with Daddy - note the look of disgust on Sam's face that Daddy is getting his hands mucky (Sam is his Mummy's son!!)

The picture Sam made whilst in hospital a couple of weeks ago

What Lucy drew for Sam to wish him Get Well Soon - she clearly understands her friend well!

Carnival day

2011-06-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Darlington carnival was the highlight of today and we had such a good time, which spilled over into bedtime and a fun photo shoot...

Sam took this

Yesterday was the first day that Lyn found officially hard. Will is finding it harder to get himself off to sleep in the day and things were just a bit tough for a few hours. Today was just the total opposite and such a happy happy day!

Being a two headed dragon (of course)

Our beautiful 'little' Will (almost out of the 3-6 month clothes!)

Father's Day

2011-06-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sam and Will made a hand and foot print mug for Daddy this year.

We were fortunate to have Lyn's Mum and Andrew's Dad with us for the occasion too.

Center Parcs 2011

2011-06-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

One of those days..!

2011-06-08T02:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was definitely 'one of those days' !

So Sam wakes up and can't use his legs - we suspect it's linked to the virus he had at the weekend so we take him to the doctor. As we walk into the surgery, a pair of Sam's pants fall on the floor - still no idea where they came from!! Thankfully Andrew was with us so he quickly retrieved them!

Doctor sends us into hospital - Sam has a nose bleed on the way.

We get seen fairly quickly but attempts to get blood out of Sam do not go well and it takes a registrar and 5 attempts. Horrid!

Four hours later we get the results, Sam's legs start to work again and we can go home...what a day!

Bless him, through the tears and cries of pain whilst the blood is being taken, he says 'but Mummy I only like dinosaurs' as the Play Specialist tries to give him a Spiderman or Batman sticker. So she goes off and makes him this certificate and gives him a pack of plasticine to bring home. Hopefully he won't hate hospitals too much.

His white blood cell count is down so he needs another blood test next week - not sure Mummy can face that again!

Brothers

2011-06-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

NB Our number two son doesn't have a huge bottom - it's the real nappy!

Beautiful day out

2011-06-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Crook Hall and Gardens (Durham City) provided today's entertainment and with it being half term, there was plenty for the kids (large and small!). Fairytales was the theme and Sam was a little reticent but high fived the big bad wolf eventually!!

Clues on a treasure hunt and Little Red Riding Hood rewarded him with Haribo

We are truly British!

Will was his usual chilled out self. We barely know we have him, he's just THE easiest baby and has slept through for the last three nights.

Weddings, birthdays, BBQs...

2011-05-31T00:46:00.000-07:00

A lovely few days over the Bank Holiday weekend....

Whilst Andrew went off on Friday to Andy and Michelle's wedding in the Lakes...

Sam, Will and Lyn 'did' soft play with friends and then spent the afternoon celebrating friend Beth's 4th birthday with a gorgeous party in a park.

BBQ with Joy, Paul and Beth Saturday night - Sam thoroughly loving the attention!!

Visit from uni friends, Ian, Christina, Natalie and Alexandra (4 weeks old). Spot the huge Hatch baby!!!

Finally, a family photo!

It was clearly all quite tiring for Sam as he was in bed and asleep at 5.30pm last night and slept a solid 13 hours - unheard of!

Grandad's birthday weekend

2011-05-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have Andrew's Mum and Ken with us for the weekend and were able to celebrate Ken's birthday with him.

First stop was 'Big Sheep & Little Cow' farm as Sam got into his head last week that he wanted to hold a mouse (having seen the hole in his car seat that a mouse once chewed). Lyn knew the perfect place and we had a great day out - stroking hedgehogs, chinchillas, tortoises, holding mice, guinea pigs, feeding pigs, lambs (x 4!!) and a calf.

The novelty of baby toys!

Thank you for your kindness

2011-05-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who sent us cards and gifts for Will (and a lot for Sam too!)

We really really appreciated it and it is with a heavy heart that Lyn takes them down (Andrew keeps nagging!) two months on.

Sea creatures

2011-05-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

Sam has had a fascination with sea creatures for some time and this weekend he got to eat one!

Funny how he didn't want me to cut up Sebastien the aubergine (Mr Bloom's Nursery to blame on Cbeebies!) but he was fine with eating a prawn!

Lucy, Sam...and Will

2011-05-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lucy's relationship with Sam has definitely changed. Will is now very much the apple of her eye..

Will's weigh in

2011-05-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Will had a paediatric appointment this morning to check a lump on his arm (all fine) but it meant we got an official weigh in. At 6 weeks he is 13lb 4oz.

Never thought we'd see this!

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Andrew gardening - yes it really is true!

Sam insisted on giving every plant a name - thanks Cbeebies, you have a lot to answer for!

Cuddles galore in Droitwich!

2011-05-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Being three is very important!

2011-05-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Turning three seems to have been pivotal in Sam's life and becoming a big brother all the more so.

Here he is having his hair chopped with 'magic Tracy'

Easy baby

2011-05-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Will continues to be a delight. Never was there an easier baby - how much is to do with being number two we wonder..?

He's starting to show signs of smiles and coo at us, which is gorgeous. He was on great form for the visits to both Lyn and Andrew's work last week, not muttering a sound.

Sam had seen chopsticks on the 'Tweenies' recently and wanted to use some with some Asian food so we had a lunch stop in Durham with Daddy at Zen to allow Sam to try out his skills. Needless to say it lasted 30 seconds before Sam resorted to fingers!

Cousin Ava time

2011-05-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mark, Aine and Ava dropped by for a brief stay - much to Sam's delight!

Between the new trampoline addition to our garden and a visit to a soft play place, they were throroughly worn out bless them - the children too!

THE wedding

2011-05-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

It would be remiss of us not to document how we spent the day of the royal wedding. It was a bit of a non event in the Hatch household to be fair. We hadn't been all that interested in the lead up to the big day but had gladly accepted an invitation to a BBQ at a friend's. Sickness struck however (them and Lyn) so it was a quiet time at home in the end. The actual ceremony and celebrations however were surprisingly gripping and made us proud to be British.

Sam was less impressed (sat reluctantly watching the proceedings in his underpants!!) asking every 30 seconds if he could watch Ice age 3 instead!!

Will was suitably chilled out for the occasion!

Lots of Grandads

2011-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Sam asked us yesterday if he had lots of Grandads - seeing all three in a short space of time has obviously struck home and he has realised how fortunate he is. We've had a lovely few days with Lyn's Dad and Pat (special Grandad time).

At Thorp Perrow arboretum and falconry

Sam roared his way around as a velociraptor for the day so this was quite appropriate!

Will outgrows his baby bath and moves onto the 'big' bath - watched by Sam who is itching to get in with him

Easter Weekend

2011-04-26T00:38:00.001-07:00

We bid farewell to Nanny Din, on Saturday, who has been an immense help the past week and has restored our garden to its former 'glory'.

Grandad David and Pat came to spend a few days with us/get dragged along to various children-orientated places and events!!

Tricky things these eggs!

Easter egg hunt in the garden (trying to find them before they melted)

Sam's regular pose these days - 'hugging' his little brother

Easter trail at Raby Castle - a lovely day out!

Will-update

2011-04-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Will continues to thrive and at the last weigh in at 2.5 weeks old he was a grand total of 11lb 7oz! He is a big milk fan as you can tell.
Thankfully nights continue to be good with just one or two feeds - really hoping that continues for a good while!!

During the day, he is also a very laid back, easy going little chap and often sleeps for long periods of time allowing us time with Sam and his friends. Anyone for croquet..?!

BIG adventure!

2011-04-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

For some time now, Andrew has wanted to climb Roseberry Topping (The Matterhorn of the North as it is known) with Sam and yesterday was the day finally. Sam was very excited about his boy's adventure with Daddy and he was rightfully proud of himself for climbing the full 350m on his own. He fell asleep on the sofa back home at 5pm exhausted!

'I love my brother'

2011-04-20T01:39:00.001-07:00

Sam continues to be nothing but positive about 'Baby Will' as he calls him so affectionately. If Will whimpers than Sam says 'it's ok Will we're just here' or 'you'll get your milk soon'.

Andrew took Sam off for a boy's afternoon at a camp shop and this is what they returned with - ready for beach days!

Potty training

2011-04-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

So Lyn was less than pleased when Andrew initiated potty training in the middle of having a new born but our super Sam has been a little star and a week on we have major progress - mainly thanks to numerous incentives (presents!!). The last of which was a DVD 'Dinosaur' which was for doing a number two on the toilet (sorry but as parents we have to record this as it was a 'big' moment (pardon the pun) for us).

Here is Sam surrounded by dinosaurs watching 'Dinosaur'

The perfect birthday!

2011-04-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

Day one

Lyn woke up early excited about Sam's big day, waiting for the rest of the house to rise, including the birthday boy!

Sam had had his eye on a toy (Bakugan) that one of the older boys at his childminder's had so this was his first present of the day - a real hit, despite being a small piece of plastic.

The present opening pace was decidedly less frantic than at Christmas and many were opened in the afternoon after our outing to Richmond.

The amazing cake that Nanno and Daddy sweated for many hours over (11.30pm finish!)

Aunty Helen and cousin Holly were with us all for the day, which was just brilliant. We had a gorgeous lunch at The Station, followed by a walk by the river.

Will behaved perfectly and slept for the entire visit, apart from a couple of short feeds.

Finishing off the trip with Archer's ice cream

Day two - party day!

Easter egg hunt in the garden

Party snacks

Aliens!

All partied out!

Sam had just the best couple of days and is so proud to be three!

Thank you so much again Mum and Ken for all your help!

So grown up

2011-04-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

People told us that Sam would seem grown up suddenly when a new 'little' baby was on the scene and it's really true. He seems to have matured as well as seeming physically so large in comparison. Here he is (very proud) in his new Buzz Lightyear pyjamas, which came in a magic box full of clothes from Cousin Flynn - thank you!

Sam keeps saying to Lyn 'Can you pick me up/run around with me/do this or that, now that you don't have a baby in your tummy?'

Bedtime..after busy days

2011-04-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Life has not stopped and we've been keeping ourselves busy - playgroup family fun day, NCT Easter Egg Hunt, shopping trips, potty training Sam (to add to our mountain of washing!), visiting the walk in clinic (Will catching conjunctivitis) ...

Will has been mainly feeding and as a result has not only gained the 100g he lost in the first week, he has now put on weight and is 10lb 8oz (10lb 2.5oz at birth). He's a little trooper at night now and is only up twice. He is utterly adorable and Sam continues to love stroking him and telling us how cute he is - not a hint of anything negative.

The BIGGEST thank you ever!

2011-04-07T23:48:00.001-07:00

We say goodbye to Nanno and Grandad today after their week with us.

Words can not express how grateful we are to them for all they have done and always do for us. They have tirelessly washed, ironed, cooked, washed up, entertained Sam from dawn til dusk and so much more this last week, making our first week with Will so enjoyable and relaxed as a result. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Officially Will

2011-04-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

Andrew registered Will's birth officially on Wednesday while Lyn and gang went to the NCT toddler group for the morning.

We had a lovely lunch en famille to celebrate - all in glorious sunshine!

Sam is clearly far too comfortable in restaurant and cafe environments!!

Admiring the smallness of his brother

Cafe time

Sam and his big obsession

The early days

2011-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

First bath - watched eagerly by big brother who said 'ahhh' mostly!

Sam opening the presents our incredibly kind friends have sent for him as well as Will - thank you!

It's exhausting being a big brother!

Boy time

Party time - Eve's 4th birthday which Sam, Lyn and Will attended.
(With little Eve who Sam is with at the childminder's each week)

Special cuddle from Julie (Sam's childminder)

Nanny Din's short and sweet but essential visit!

The perfect Mother's Day

2011-04-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

It really was the perfect Mother's Day in every way...

An easy night with Will leading it up to it (one feed in the early hours only) - though still little sleep due to Lyn's over active mind!!

A visit to church to see everyone and get lots of hugs

Unexpected visits from three lovely friends and colleagues.

A visit from Grandad Stuart and celebratory roast and bubbly (not sure Will appreciated the bubbly later on mind you!)

Sunshine on a gorgeous Spring day (washing dry on the line always makes Lyn happy and like she's 'achieved' something!)

Everything going so well (Will feeds like a dream) and so much easier and more relaxed than first time around.

Topped off by receiving a pot of flowers from Sam who had asked his Grandparents to help him buy 'something beautiful for my mummy' at the garden centre.

Baby Will

2011-04-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

William Thomas is our beautiful little boy's name. Phew - nice to be able to call him something. Sam still insists he is called Edward though for some reason - we've no idea where that came from (Thomas the Tank Engine most likely).

He is the easiest, most placid little man in the world so far. Shame Lyn can't sleep much due to her mind buzzing - hence writing the blog at 6.45am doh!

Big yawn! It's a hard life being a new baby!

Later in the day - Grandad time x 2 !!!

Celebratory roast dinner

The full story

2011-04-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

For those who would like the full account:

Lyn had been having fake contractions for the last couple of weeks and we had put in two or three false alarm calls to Andrew's Mum and Ken. They never actually set off to come fortunately.

A sweep was carried out at term plus seven days and then again at term plus ten days. Lyn also had acupuncture at term plus nine days.

Many people have said that the mind plays a large part in giving birth and being ready. Lyn thinks perhaps there is something to be said for this as Friday was the perfect day for the birth: 1) Andrew had gone to bed early (first time in months!) Thursday night and slept well while Lyn paced the floors until 1am with contractions that felt were more real but she still wasn't sure about. Lyn's friend Louise was off work and able to look after Sam and 3) it was day time and a more civilised time to call Andrew's Mum and Ken. Everything was conducive to going for it!

Lyn had contractions (bearable) throughout the night on Thursday and these became stronger once she and Sam were at friend Louise's house Friday morning. Little did Lyn know that Louise was timing the contractions and beginning to wonder whether Lyn realised that this was the real deal. Lyn kind of thought it was real but was reluctant to believe it after all the false alarms. She also didn't know how first stage of labour felt as Sam had been born via an induction in hospital.

Lyn texted her midwife to say the sweep may have done the trick and that she would try and give birth at a civilised time for her! A friend of Lyn's called her, who had given birth the previous week, and Lyn was keen to hear her experience and how early labour felt so that she could see if this was the real thing for her. The conversation was a real boost to Lyn's morale.

Lyn ended up hunched over a table and cushions at Louise's to get through the contractions, while Sam happily played upstairs with his girlfriend Lucy. Not a peep was heard from them.

Louise kept Lyn laughing and talking, which was just THE best distraction.
Louise - I will be eternally grateful to you for the role you played and for the wonderful friend that you are. (Lyn met Louise through the NCT ante natal classes she did when pregnant with Sam).

Louise advised Lyn not to drive (Lyn was considering taking the country road home with Sam at this point - to allow her to stop for contractions but it could also have meant asking her a farmer to help her give birth!!) so Lyn called Andrew at work to suggest he come home. Andrew wasn't aware at this stage of how far along the labour was but darted back and collected her. Lyn asked Sam if he was happy to stay for lunch with Lucy, which he readily agreed to so Lyn kissed him goodbye saying she was off to the doctors.

Andrew timed the contractions on the way home and we realised they were about two minutes apart and lasting 30 seconds ish. This seemed to indicate that labour was well on the way but was hard to believe.

Once home (around midday), Andrew hooked Lyn up to the TENS machine, which provided instant relief. Lyn called the midwife Bev, (who she saw with Sam as well and now knows pretty well to tell her the latest and agreed she would call back when things were closer to the time. After a quick nibble of toast, the contractions suddenly became so strong that Lyn legged it upstairs and went onto the bed. Pacing around was no longer possible. Lyn had been very restrained noise-wise with Sam's birth - scared of the midwife probably(!!) but this time, at home in her own environment and perhaps with the speed of the increase in contraction pain, she was more vocal! Andrew suggested calling the midwife but Lyn said 'no, this surely can't be it yet, it must get worse than this and I don't want the midwife to see me like this' (doh). Lyn then decided perhaps she should have someone with her after all.

Louise sent Andrew a text to say Sam was fine and not missing Mummy at all, which Andrew shared with Lyn to reassure her.
Apparently Sam was sat eating lunch and the following conversation took place:

Sam: Louise
Louise: Yes Sam (thinking oh no, he's going to say he wants his Mum)
Sam: I love you Louise
Louise: Oh Sam, that's really nice

Bless our boy!!!!

At 12.42, Andrew called Bev to say that Lyn could no longer potter and perhaps she needed a midwife now.
At 12.54 Andrew texted Bev to say Lyn needed to push.
At 12.58, Andrew called Bev to ask where she was en route.
13.08 Bev called Andrew to say that she was nearly with us - much curtain twitching was being done by Andrew at this point (he was appearing calm but inwardly panicking).

Lyn was worried about going too fast, so she crossed her legs and panted to try and prevent baby form coming out. Waters had broken and we knew there meconium in them (like Sam had had) but it was too late to go to hospital and we felt calm as it is common with overdue babies.

The midwives (Bev and Claire) arrived about ten minutes later and immediately set up the resuscitation unit in readiness. Lyn was offered gas and air (Entonox) but declined as there was little need by this point and she hadn't liked it last time anyway. They saw the meconium stained waters and agreed it was too late to transfer to hospital. Bev told Lyn to listen to her body and pushing would be fine. Lyn loves the pushing stage as the pain is more bearable and you know you are near the end and can actually control things. The babys heartbeat was sounding fine so everyone was happy.

At 13.42 our gorgeous little boy (weighing 10lb 2.5oz) was born. His head took a bit of getting out as he was so large but amazingly Lyn had no stitches. Our prayers were answered and we had a healthy little baby and our home birth just as we had wanted. The midwives were astounded as the baby was covered (literally) in chicken korma (the meconium) - they had never seen anything like it. Fortunately he had a good set of lungs so needed no help was a good colour from the word go. Lyn and baby had a lovely long period of skin to skin contact while the placenta was delivered. Baby fed well straight away and was then weighed. The midwives had guessed he was a good weight but even they were shocked by the reading on the scales! Lyn was pleased to have had a birth at a civilised hour and the midwives said how nice it was to the sun light streaming through the windows as most births they attend are at night.

Within the hour, the midwives had left us to it and we were able to enjoy some special time together with our new son.

We were on the phone to family and Louise (!!) within half an hour. Lyn's folks were in shock as they had been talking/texting Lyn only two hours before and couldn't quite believe they had a new Grandson that quickly. Thank you from Lyn to her parents who have been so incredibly supportive over the last few weeks, particularly the recent week and we know it has been hard for them to be far away knowing their daughter was in discomfort.

At 16.45 Sam returned (having been collected by Andrew's Mum and Ken - who had only made it as far as Barnard Castle, 30 mins from Darlington when baby was born) from Louise's and was introduced to his new little brother. Baby gave Sam Ice Age 3 DVD, which is all about dinosaurs, Sam's favourite things at the moment. Sam proudly showed us the fairy cakes he had made at Louise's and said 'Ah, he's cute' about his new brother. At bedtime he read him Noah's Ark and asked if baby could sleep in his bed, saying 'he loves me doesn't he?'

A perfect end to a perfect day. Thank you Lord for blessing us with such a beautiful, healthy family and keeping us safe.

A funny aside: Andrew popped back to Louise's in the evening to collect Lyn's car and asked if Louise and her husband Richard would like to see some video (Louise had said she would like to know what Sam's reaction to the baby was so Lyn had shot some footage and sent it round). Louise and Richard were a bit reticent in answering, thinking that it was a video of Lyn's labour - and they were just having their curry take away at the time!!

Day two in the Hatch Household

2011-04-02T12:59:00.001-07:00

Our first visitors - Louise, Richard and Lucy

So pleased to share our new arrival with the Seniscals, given how big a role Louise played yesterday in looking after Sam and letting Lyn start her labour in her lounge!

Peace....

2011-04-01T21:54:00.001-07:00

And finally....now we are four!

2011-04-01T13:11:00.001-07:00

Well, after keeping everyone waiting for 11 days, our boy made a rather swift entry into the world this afternoon at 13.42, weighing 10lb 2.5oz. The midwives arrived just in the nick of time as Lyn was wanting to push but scared to, so was keeping her legs crossed!!

The TENS machine ruled once again and we didn't even try the gas and air this time - not that there was much time really!

Yet again, we are useless with names and knew that we would struggle if we had a boy. We'll sleep on it and try and come up with something tomorrow...

This is Lyn typing this so as you tell, all is extremely well. I got off very lightly with no stitches and feel just great. Relieved to have finally given birth - I really thought I might make the 12 month mark!!

Baby has fed well since birth (a lot in fact so will clearly have a good appetite given his size) and been a very contented little boy this afternoon so please let that continue and be an easier model than big brother Sam!! :-)

A HUGE thank you has to go to our amazing friend Louise Seniscal who had Sam all day for us and rubbed Lyn's back while she laboured at her house this morning. We couldn't have done it without her, that's for sure. Will put the blow by blow account on here tomorrow but for now, we're off to bed.

Nanno and Grandad are here to entertain Sam so we look forward to our new life as a family of four.

What Sam was up to while Lyn was busy having contractions in the next room this morning!

What Sam came home with - bless him

Latest

2011-03-31T12:06:00.001-07:00

Still no sign of baby. Lyn is booked into the day assessment unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday lunchtime with a view to delivering Tuesday by induction if there is no joy before then naturally.

Lyn had acupuncture last night to see if that might help...

The midwife's appointment today was pretty brutal and unpleasant to be honest but she has requested a repeat for tomorrow to try everything to get this baby out naturally. Slightly concerned that the longer overdue we go, the larger the baby gets and the harder the bones in the head get... ouch!!

Thanks for all the support and prayers folks - we really appreciate it.

Sam has been a super star today and so kind when Lyn was feeling rough - he complied completely with what he was asked to do and helped Lyn up off the chair as could see she was in pain. We are so fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful little boy.

Today's classic from Sam

2011-03-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Lyn is now 7 days overdue (much to the midwife's surprise who was convinced this baby would follow Sam's pattern of plus 5 days). A sweep was carried out today to try and get things going and a further one will be done on Thursday, after which Lyn will be booked into hospital for an induction at plus 14 days. We are really hoping not to get to that stage as we would dearly love the home birth we so wanted last time but did not manage.

Sam was with Lyn when the midwives came and proudly told Andrew, when he returned home from work, that he had shown his toys to the ladies who came to check Mummy's wee!! Fortunately he was distracted when the sweep was performed, otherwise goodness knows what his little mind might have come up with!!

Spring days with Lucy

2011-03-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sam very much enjoys female company - Rosie yesterday and Lucy today. It's amazing the social skills that they have already at this age (not even three!). Classic line today was "would you like to come to my house and share a milk shake with me?"

Like an old married couple

Spring has sprung - at last!

2011-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

The good thing about yesterday, apart from it being D day, is that it was officially the first day of Spring and guess what, the weather played ball. We're scrubbing off the garden toys and getting out there!

Mummy's little helper

D Day - been and gone

2011-03-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

I know we are keeping people waiting with baby number two and we apologise. It seems everyone else is more impatient than us as we're very chilled and happy to wait. There is even a sweep stake running in Andrew's office!!!

Lyn is feeling great and was playing football with Sam yesterday, which was the official due date.

Happy enjoying 'Sam-time' and trying to capture memories. This is our usual morning routine - Mummy and Sam on the sofa chilling out with milk and watching a spot of Cbeebies while Daddy snoozes.

Sam has never got out of bed on his own since he went into a big bed - until this week. So far, he has chosen reasonable times (i.e. after 6.30am) but lighter mornings cause concern...!!!

The lovely thing was that the first morning he did it, he came in and said to Lyn 'I do like your baby Mummy' and stroked her tummy. He is just the best!

Sam and Lucy having a puzzle race - looking very hot having raced around madly together for half an hour, until they crashed and cried! Lucy is excited about Sam's baby too and wants to help change the nappy.

Role Play

2011-03-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sam's into role play at the best of times so it made his day when Lyn remembered we'd got goggles and flippers in his wardrobe. The goggles went everywhere with us yesterday, including Sam wearing them into the public library!!!

Daddy was keen to get in the spirit of things when he got home from work too.

Final days..

2011-03-19T09:19:00.003-07:00

It's a funny feeling knowing that baby could arrive any day now and there's a certain element of cherishing the precious final days with just Sam. We've been keeping busy:

Cafe session with good friend Emily - frequenting cafes is one of Sam's favourite pastimes currently (he's costing us a fortune!)

Football with Beth

Paying a visit to the new lambs in the village

Playing at Anna and Oliver's house in the village

A day out at Saltburn (fish and chips included!)

Sampling the famous Suggitts ice cream at Great Ayton

Sam's telling us he loves us A LOT at the moment and loves weekends as he knows that means Daddy is around.

A real boy!

2011-03-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Sam has definitely changed over the last couple of months and become more of a 'boy'. He loves throwing himself on Andrew and the rugby viewing recently has meant he is into scoring tries and throwing himself on the floor! Jumping is also a firm favourite - but bless him, he knows he is only allowed to jump off the sofa in our house and no one elses.

A real boy! from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Following in Mummy's footsteps...?

2011-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Learning Spanish from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

Two little dicky birds..

2011-03-15T01:57:00.000-07:00

Will try and add more video on here (for the likes of Anja) over the next few days...

Two little dicky birds from Andrew Hatch on Vimeo.

All you need is...stones

2011-03-14T01:42:00.001-07:00

How to make Sam happy - give him a river, some stones and grass to run around on. Top afternoon!

Thought the walk might have started labour off but false alarm (again!) Saw the midwife today and she is happy that the head is right down. Sweep planned for a week today (D day!)
Spent all afternoon gardening in order to try and start things off naturally...

Sam is getting more and more confident with his weekly swimming sessions with us and swam on his own with his woggle for the first time on Saturday.

We've now selected a new childminder for 2012 (in the village) for when Lyn returns to work - it's a strange feeling choosing someone who will look after your unborn baby!

Fun fun fun!

2011-03-11T10:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we met up with Uncle Marky, Aunty Aine and Cousin Ava in Harrogate for the day. Sam was so excited about seeing them and we had just the best day, despite the weather! Soft play left friction burns on the Dad's to prove they'd done their 'thang'!! Shame we didn't get a picture of Mark and Andrew together to play who's who - they get more and more alike!

We figured we'd be fine if Lyn went into labour, with a nurse and doctor on hand but no joy. Lyn had some twinges in the evening and we thought we might get the perfect end to the day with a new baby but no such luck. Think it was just 'Branston Pickles' as Andrew calls them (Braxton Hicks i.e. fake contractions).

Today, Sam had his weekly dose of Lucy. The sun shone so we got out (hurray!!) and ran after bubbles and kites and pretended the slide was a space rocket (as you do).

When it goes quiet upstairs, it's not always bad news...

Post pox

2011-03-06T11:55:00.001-08:00

Sam timed getting chicken pox very nicely: Lyn's first week off work on maternity leave, when Nanno and Grandad were here to help out. He got a good old dose in all the places you don't want them (hair, mouth, bottom, ears). It's a horrible thing but he was really brave and only rough for a couple of days. Quite a good age to get it really as he understood what was going on and didn't scratch the spots.

Spring is now finally in the air and today we've been over to Monk Park Farm near Thirsk.

Lyn looking decidedly pregnancy-faced (horrid!) Only allowing this picture to capture the moment and remind us that we don't want to go through another pregnancy!! The great thing is that Lyn can still bend over this time - not sure if it's the Pilates or running around after a toddler that's helped...?!

Feeding the lambs

Boy time

In his element

Admiring the greedy goats

Sam has become distinctly more clingy in the last couple of weeks - perhaps he knows that his world is about to change forever!! Lyn dropped him at playgroup on Thursday (rather than the childminder) and he didn't take well to it. She found him sat cuddling on one of the helper's laps when she went back to get him and he said "Mummy, I was so worried about you". Bless him.

Friday morning was open session at playgroup so Lyn took Sam along to touch a variety of animals and reptiles from Coast to Coast including: a skunk, giant African snails, lizards, a snake, a tortoise, a hissing cockroach... Not sure who enjoyed it more, Lyn or Sam!

Two weeks until the due date for Newbie mark two...

On the 'Toon'

2011-02-20T11:48:00.001-08:00

Grim weather has made getting out and about a little trickier but we were determined not to spend another day at home so headed up North to Newcastle - a grand day out!

Baltic art gallery (still perplexes Lyn!), lunch on the Quayside and a trip to the Hancock Museum (what a find!).

Sam playing the clown - he says he likes to make people laugh.

I'm all grown up

2011-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Sam looks so grown up here but he also thinks he's a big grown up boy now.

He spotted Lyn moving a white carrier bag into his wardrobe and asked what was in it. Lyn gave a non-committal response of 'just things'. Sam wasn't satisfied with this and followed her around saying "I'd really like to know what's in it'. Honestly can boys smell lego or what?!!! It was supposed to be put away for another year or so but Sam insisted he was a grown up boy and should play with it there and then. There followed an afternoon building things with his Dad (gave Lyn chance to do more 'nesting' though).

Ante natal gang

2011-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Weekends are getting quieter as we prepare the house (and garden this last weekend for some reason!) for baby's arrival.

Sunday was all about our ante natal buddies as we got together for a civilised Sunday stroll and lunch at one of our favourite haunts - The Station in Richmond.

Sadly Sam's girlfriend Lucy was ill and couldn't join us but here they were a couple of days before. We have to remind ourselves they're only 2, when Sam puts his arm around Lucy and asks if she'd like to go upstairs to his bedroom. Bouncing on the bed is what they have in mind!

Final Droitwich visit - for a while

2011-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

Given that our Christmas visit to D'wich was cut short by the snow, it was great to be back seeing all Lyn's family again. We had the added bonus of a reunion with close school friends of Lyn's too.

Mango picnic with cousin Poppy

School friends reunion - Freya, Katrine and Laura

Emma & Tom - who are also expecting a baby this year

The latest newly weds - Keeley & Nils

Sam & Freya - all grown up joining the adults for a pub lunch, most civilised.

Three bumps - Katrine revealed that she is expecting number two this year. Think we may be meeting in a hall next year, rather than a pub!!

Being Sam

2011-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sam's now on a twice weekely rendez-vous with Lucy, such is the strength of their relationship! They're hilarious to watch together - this week they were kissing and hugging so much that they fell on the floor!

Long hair - apparently!

Sam is into dragons, castles, knights jousting and dinosaurs currently. Such a boy!

Final Blackburn weekend - for a while anyway

2011-01-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

As D day approaches (10 weeks to go), we made our final visit to Blackburn for a little while. Caught up with sister-in-law Helen, Holly (Sam was very pleased to see his cousin!!) as well as Andrew's Aunty Graham and Uncle Chris, which was just lovely.

One of Sam's favourite occupations - playing with 'Gwandad'

The bump at 30 weeks (especially for Helen who wanted to see how big Lyn is this time around!) Lyn's still able to function but getting a little more tired and work is back ache-tastic! Still, only six weeks to go...

Sam's very sweet and gives the baby bump a kiss and hug each night followed by a raspberry - to make it laugh! He did say the other day, 'can it come out now Mummy?' He's clearly getting tired of the wait now.

Friday fun with the Michelin's - making a fruit cake, teamwork style!