hectic weeks are behind us!

We're back from our second holiday in Devon, and what a time we had. Without wishing to dwell on the negative, it was bloody hard work. Although great to have the whole family around, we're so used to our routine and way of doing things that having to live communally with limited space and with Edward back in our room proved very difficult. Late nights + early mornings, + toddler tantrums and night feedings do not a happy holiday make. The early days threw us so far off kilter that I was in hysterical tears begging to be allowed home. Our room was small, there was no storage for clothes, no bath for either of the children, and the glass doors let in light (and sounds) from the communal areas so it was hard to settle the children, and ourselves, to sleep. It was also hard to try to cook for 9 people whilst breastfeeding and maintaining the routines of both children, and getting out and about was nigh on impossible. On the plus side it was great to see Elizabeth with her aunts and uncles, loving the freedom and space, and quizzing them every which way about all things important to her. They both went in the pool, and Edward eventually settled but the first few days were horrendous.

Back we came to the serenity of our own home, determined to luxuriate in every minute of down-time that we were deprived of while we were away, and threw ourselves headlong into christening preparations. Friday - Sainsburys, check platters, check christening gown fits. Saturday - get glasses (hired from Sainsburys in Shrewsbury) and tidy house, paint bathroom ceiling, replace toilet seat. Bake cakes. We had a lovely day on Sunday. It didn't rain, lots of people came, Edward was amazing in church, fell asleep, didn't cry - looked deeply into the vicars eyes when posing for the picture afterwards. All went well. We cleared up relatively calmly afterwards, put the living room back to normal, then opened his presents and went to bed.

Our anniversay (4 years) yesterday saw us watching James Bond Quantum of Solice on DVD and quaffing a glass of wine while Elizabeth spent two hours banging around in her room. Edward has slept through for three nights out of the last four, so hopefully hes heading in the right direction!