Pink's Got a Big One

After Lucy learned yesterday that Christmas Trees should be about 3 feet tall, we went to visit Uncle Stewby and Aunty Pink. Their tree was somewhat bigger being over six foot tall and about the same wide.

Lucy was suitably impressed by it's size.

She then proceeded to check out Aunty Pinks' collection of reindeer's and (fake) Santa's.

Christmas Tree

Last year we discovered that Lucy's feline brothers were incompatible with standard Christmas Trees. You can see the details by clicking here. So this year we thought we should go with a more modest effort in the hope that Barney and Boo would leave it alone this time.

Once the room lights were dimmed and the tree lights were turned on, Lucy was enchanted by her first Christmas tree.

Whilst Lucy loves the tree we are not convinced that the cats are ignoring it. And of course who other than Boo would be the culprit we would catch.

Emormous Feet

A bi-product of Lucy learning to sit up on her own is that her gargantuan feet are rather more obvious.

Reading Books

Being progressive parents we are obviously encouraging Lucy to read. Not least because of the influence of her Aunty Chris.

But perhaps sometimes reading has to wait while a book has a good sucking.

Lucy Sits for the First Time

Lucy has been sitting up for a few weeks now but she has always needed a little hand to prevent her keeling over. But today for the first time she is sitting perfectly happily unsupported. Daddy was a bit cautious at first which is why she is surrounded by a big ring of soft toys for in case she does lose her balance.

But silly old Daddy needn't have worried. As you can see here she is perfectly capable of sitting unsupported whilst eating Plopp Bear and shaking her maracas.

That's not to say she won't tumble over every now an again. But she can roll like the most seasoned stunt baby. And even if there is a problem she can always phone for help.

A Grand Day Out in Ripley

Lynne and Al arranged for a bunch of buddies to meet up for a pre Christmas lunch at The Talbot in Ripley. Daddy cannot praise the place (and specifically it's Sunday Lunch) enough but even though she was sitting at the head of the table, Lucy initially seemed a bit cool on the place.

Lightning Tom, Al and Lynne start off with a pint.

Mummy and Laura are both driving but we are taunting them with fine red wine.

Lucy is starting to warm to the place.

Especially when she gets a nice Huggle from Mummy.

Later on we adjourn to Frog Cottage, Al and Lynne's house.

Al lets Lucy have a go on one of his smaller guitars. I think it is pretty clear that she is going to be an awesome guitarist given the way she is fretting that F with her thumb. Just need to wait about 12 years until her fingers are long enough to finish the barre chord.

But in preparation Al serenades Lucy and at the same time gives her a first guitar lesson.

Get your strength up

Marcus cooked Mummy and Daddy a fine meal of Lasagne. But the Sprocket needs fuel as well so while Holly takes it easy on Marcus, Mummy gives Lucy a good feed.

As soon as Lucy is fueled up she is playing with all of Holly's toys. A favorite being this strange instrument. Daddy has spent twenty years trying to understand differenet types of technology but cannot make head nor take of this beast. However, Lucy seems to know just how it works. Or at least how to make it make the most amount of noise!

Grand Prix Chair

Lucy has pretty much grown out of her BumBoo seat now so she has switched to her high chair for feeding duties. Unfortunately the seat is quite slippy so she slides quite a long way down before the harness stops her. In fact it is kind of like she is sitting in a racing car.

Clearly emulating Lewis Hamilton is not a problem for the Sprockmeister.

Another successful feeding at the Zoo. And as luck would have it a small amount of the food even went down her throat rather than down her face and clothes!

All the pretty babies

As periodically happens, all the NCT ladies and babies amassed at a coffee house to catch up on hints, tips and gossip. Here is Harriet and the beautiful "Little" Lucy.

Here is Lisa and her handsome young man, Oscar.

Here is Charlotte and the charming Evie.

Finally Solene with her (not so) little French gentleman Jerome.

And here are the whole NCT crew together. If your are perceptive enough to notice that there is a missing pair, Sarah and Raffi are doing fine but they have been whisked off for a posh holiday by Daddy Gideon.

Irresponsible Parenting

How funny we find it as a parent to pose with our little ones doing something slightly inappropriate for the amusement of other adults.

The problem is we don't think that they will carry on.

But the consequences can be soooo harsh! Won't anyone think of the Children?

Thumb Sucker

We are so glad that Lucy found her thumb. It has saved us a fortune in Dummies.

Great Nanny, Grandad and Aunty Joy

Lucy and Mummy have gone to visit the relatives. Great Nanny looks on approvingly.

In a bizarre reversal of convention, Baby Lucy tickles Grandad Ray's chin

Aunty Joy, Grandad Ray and the Sprocket get bonding.

It doesn't take a genetics professor to determine that Lucy and Great Nanny have some DNA in common. You just need to look at the eyes.

The Sprocket will only fall asleep when she feels safe and comfortable.

Clearly Aunty Joy has the Magic.

Romping with Herbert's Bear

Sprocket loves playing with Herbert's bear - so called because the bear was purchased by Mummy when Lucy was still a bump and her bump name was Herbert.

Maybe it is time to play Herbert's Bear a tune on my fine 4 note organ?

Nah! If in doubt the best thing to do is have a wrestling match with your bear.

Cheeky

Blaaagh!

Glasses

Hmm. Mummy seems to be wearing a pair of those trendy graphic designer style glasses.

Maybe if I pretend I'm not interested I can catch Mummy by surprise. La la la.

Yeah! I got 'em. Should have gone to Sprock Savers.

Helpful Wrapping

Mummy is very prepared so she was wrapping up some presents ready for Christmas. Seeing all the shiny paper it is hardly surprising that Lucy decided to help out.

Initially it was just cute watching her playing with the paper. That is until we realised that she had actually opened another present with her other hand!

Bah! I guess Mummy is going to have to go back to the wrapping paper shop.

Little Red Dress

Obviously Lucy looks champion when she is wearing her Manchester United shirt, but when she wants to look a bit more feminine whilst still wearing red, she had this option.

Daddy still prefers the Man U top though.