Just another West London Weekend

Maddie, Simes and I had another fab weekend catching up with friends and exploring West London. Maddie and I walked into Oxford Circus on Friday to meet some of my lovely work friends. We had a gorgeous lunch in the cafe above the Mamas and Papas store. They certainly are very smart marketers because they spread toys all over the cafe so that the little tackers can explore and Maddie promptly fell in love with a gorgeous rocking bear (see photo). Luckily I was able to distract her long enough to get out of there before I had to fork out!

We went for an explore through the Portabello markets with Simon and Nattie on Saturday and then had a smashing day with Becs and Luca (Simon's God Son) from Sydney and their friend Stuart on Sunday. Maddie seemed very taken with Luca because she chirped and chatted all afternoon! He is such an amazing little boy and Becs is a brilliant mumma. It was a real treat to see them.

We are still tossing up whether or not to go to The Big Chill next weekend. A 3 day festival, in a tent, in wet weather is not really sounding very appealing.

Lots of love xxx

Taking a stand and catching up with the Boys!

Little Maddie has decided that it's time to take a stand! She is discovering the wonderful independence that comes with holding on to tables, couches, cots and what ever else she can get her hands on to stand up. She is also looking suspiciously like she would like to crawl. While it is amazingly exciting to see her attempting to wriggle her little body across the floor, Simon and I are hoping that it will take her quite a while to master the art! A baby on the move means 24 x 7 supervision.... no more popping her on the floor to enjoy her toys and trusting that she will be in the same spot when you return!

Maddie had a lovely weekend catching up with some of her favourite boys... she had a lovely pub lunch with her little buddy Lucas on Friday (Bronwyn and Nick's adorable little boy who is 4 1/2 months old and absolutely heavenly!), and a trip to Spitalfield's Markets in East London with Simon Dunstan, Barney and Howie. Barney and Howie are desperate for Maddie to be intelligent, so they buy her a book every time they see her. This weeks book is called 'Your Different and That's Super' by Carson Kressley from the American version of 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'. It is so sweet! Granny Roo (Rozzi Roo) also sent her a wonderful book called 'Where is the Green Sheep?' which is proving to be a bedtime favourite.

We are off to the premiere of The Simpsons Movie on Wednesday night and planning a weekend away to The Big Chill Festival in a few weeks. Lots to look forward to.

Lots of love to all xxx

A Gorgeous Wedding and Maddie's First Swim!

We had the most wonderful holiday in Jersey. Maddie saw the sea for the first time and she also had her first swim which she absolutely adored! As soon as her feet touched the water she started paddling like a little puppy and giggled and splashed the afternoon away.

Cherie and Brendan's wedding was such a special day and Maddie had a ball getting to know her beautiful God Mother and Brendan's lovely family. She particularly fell for Brendan's little nieces, Jessica and Meagan. Maddie was like a new toy for them and every time they came near her she was beside herself with excitement (as you can see from the smile on her little face in the picture of her and the girls). Cherie looked absolutely breath taking and it was obvious how amazingly strong their love is for each other. It was wonderful to see her so happy.

Maddie was beautifully behaved throughout the entire holiday, including the flights. Even though we completely messed with her routine, she managed to keep her cool and charm everyone she met. We are so incredibly lucky to have such a chilled out little lady.

Lots of love xx

First Kisses and Planning a Holiday!

Little Maddie learnt one of lifes most important skills this week... she learnt to kiss! There is nothing more beautiful than feeling her plant a big wet smacker on your cheek. I don't think I have ever felt so filled with love in my entire life!

We caught up with our lovely friends Rick and Vic and their beautiful little man Stanley, who is about six weeks younger than Maddie. It was the first time she had met Stanley and she took quite a shine to him and his dad. Stanley was lucky enough to benefit from Maddie's new found kissing skills.

We are heading off on our first official family holiday on Wednesday. We are flying to Jersey for a very special wedding. My beautiful friend Cherie (Maddie's God Mother) and her handsome chap, Brendan, are tying the knot.

Maddies first flight, a lovely wedding, catching up with amazing friends and visiting the sea side... very exciting! Will post some photos when we return.

Lots of love xx

Fags are banned... we're off to the pub!

Another busy week of working and catching up with friends! Maddie and I hooked up with our lovely friend Victoria and her handsome new fiance, David (a "spunk" from Coffs Harbour) on Saturday. The new smoking ban finally kicked in today (no smoking in pubs or restaurants), so naturally we decided to celebrate with a lovely Sunday pub lunch in Marylebone with our "London Family" - Simon, Nattie, Howie and Barney. When you are on the other side of the world from your real family, friends become more important than ever. We thank our lucky stars every day that we have this motley crew in our lives (and I don't mean the 80's glam rock band!). From the second we get together the laughter starts (mostly laughing at Barney!). They drown little Maddie in love and cuddles when they see her. She is usually exhausted after spending an afternoon with them! Don't know what we'd do without them.

I can't believe that I am turning 35 on Tuesday.... I am officially in my mid thirties! I suppose I could get in a state about getting older, but frankly I cant remember ever being so happy. I am so grateful for everything I have in my life. As they say... it's just a number.

Lots of love xxx