Joel and Alice

So everyone wants to know how Joel is reacting to Alice and I have to say so far its going well. He really loves her.  He is always kissing and cuddling her. This morning he was playing with his cars and he gave her one of his favorites. It was really sweet.  My favorite thing he does when she cries he responds by either repeating "stop, stop, stop" or he goes up to her and says "its ok baby Alice, Joel's here, no worries".  And if either of these work (and some times they do!) he gets all pleased with him self and runs around shouting "I helped her!"

Life in the Horrocks' house is good!

good boy!

Phil and Joel's conversation this morning...

Phil: Joel are you going to be a good boy today?

Joel: Yeah!

Phil: What are you going to do?

Joe: Not hit mummy!

Mum of two!!

So far being a mother of two is going alright. Phil is back to work and I am enjoying our time together. Joel is a bit of a monkey. England shuts down for August. All the groups that we go to in the normal school term have stopped so we have spent a lot of time at home. This is probably a good thing as well cause we have had a constant stream of deliveries. Lots of great packages from America! and lots of kind visits from the neighbors.

And now, they are both sleeping and I am enjoying a cup of tea!

It's a GIRL!!

I can't believe it but she's arrived! I know there are some of you who enjoy the whole messy story so if you're not interested stop reading!!

I was technically "due" on Saturday and i have to say i felt a bit funny, but i thought maybe i just over did it that day. However i woke up at 2 Sunday morning and things were starting. I woke Phil up about 5, sadly he heard me moaning in pain and I was in well established labour. Joel woke up soon and we decided to take him next door to and make our way to the hospital. Phil was a bit unsure if we should head off so early but I assured him it was time!

As many of you know our neighbor Lucy is a midwife and she happened to be going on shift that morning so she got up early and jumped in the car with us. At this point I was feeling really dizzy and asking for an epidural.  She called ahead to try and line one up for me!

We arrived at the hospital about 7.15 Lucy took us to a room and got us settled. It worked out that she could even be my midwife. She examined me and I was already fully dilated! So no epidural I was ready to get her out. The little girl made an appearance by 8.45.  She weighed 9 pounds 10 ounces.  It was all so fast. I really couldn't believe it.  Because everything went smoothly we were home by lunch.  I spent the rest of the day in shock. I really couldn't believe it all happened so fast and I was home with my little girl.

yes, I'm having a baby!!

So I thought it was just me being a bit funny, but I was out with my friend Lucy the other day and she confirmed it. (We were more than just out, she took me out to get a pedicure!!)  Anyway, and I get the strangest looks.  There are pregnant people everywhere but for some reason people can't help but stare OR they like jump out of the way as if I am some how going to burst all over them.  Sorry I have to leave the house just like everyone else! 

I am officially due so the baby should be here any day now.  Trust me I will happily let you all know when it arrives!!

Rice Krispies

Joel just spilt a little bowl of dry Rice Krispies on the floor and as you know he hates mess so I got down (this is a big effort these days!) and was helping him put them back in the bowl.  

Here is our conversation..

Me: Joel are you helping mummy?

Joel: No just sitting watching.

Me: Joel, please help mummy.

Joel: There are some under the sofa.

He is a man already! 

My English 4th of July!!I

I think I had the best 4th of July ever! AND I wasn't even in America. Maybe that was why it was so special. We had a street party and I can't tell you how great it was to get to know our new neighbors. 

You know when you have those "great ideas" but never really get around to doing them. Well I am so happy to say that my next door neighbor Lucy and I talked about throwing a street party and actually managed to do it! 

Everything was just perfect! Even the weather! It took me back to my childhood. It was so great to see kids riding their bikes up and down the street and men BBQ'n!

I later asked Joel if he was an American and he said "No, I'm a little boy!" He is so wise. I realized that on the 4th I felt like I was just me, not an American in England.  =)