Mud and a pushchair

Today was the first day of good weather since Ira was born, so I dusted off Kitty's old pushchair and armed with a carrot and hummus pitta and a banana we set off on our first real walk. Our favourite Southfield circuit (down the lane, around the farm, through the field, and up the hill home- anyone that as been to our house will know it, as its the short walk we take everyone on) was just about passable with the pushchair but I think I will stick to the carrier next time. If the weather stays fit, I may try and do it everyday - try and counteract all the chocolate I am eating at the moment!



The majority of the route was pretty tough going for pushchair wheels.

Pushchairs and stiles just aren't a good mix. I didn't even attempt this one!

Ira slept all the way and of course woke the minute we got home.

It was such a nice day even mitten was out and that hasn't happened since last September. She is 21 this year!

A half term full

Half term already.

A cold but fun day exploring Clitheroe Castle.

A treasure hunt in the castle museum.

A few days at Mama and Grandad Simpson's house. We had a pancake making competition. Kitty mixed the batter, Mummy made thin and crispy ones, grandad made a really thick one and mama had to make the best she could with the tiny bit of batter we left her. As grandad was the only one to try all three he was nominated judge - and awarded himself first place.

Ira got to meet Auntie Alison and Great Mama Kitty for the first time.

A get together at Grandma and Grandad Pih's house.
Kitty and Olive feeding the chickens in their pyjamas.

Babysitting

Kitty is getting to like Ira much more now that she is doing more than just cry, sleep and poop. I think she will be a good babysitter. Although it doesn't look like it in this video clip, Ira really likes Kitty too. She watches her every move and LOVES it when Kitty plays with her.

At 6 weeks Ira was weighed again today and came in at 12lb 9oz. A little way behind Kitty, who was 12lb at just 4 weeks, but still a bit of a porker!

The move

Rei moved in with Doris and Minstrel today. The sheep were pretty curious and came over to say hello straight away. Rei was nervous and tried to keep his distance but I think he will be ok once he gets to know them. He freaked out a bit when I started to leave, but by all accounts he calmed down once I was out of sight and by night time he was happy in his new shed. He isn't sleeping with the sheep just yet, but that is the plan once he settles in.

It's strange without him here and I am missing him a lot. I hadn't realised just how much I glance out of the window to check on him. I am also finding it hard to get out of the habit of saving every bit of fruit and veg scrap we generate. I think I will have to start a compost as it seems odd to just throw it in the bin.

I haven't been to see him yet as I want to give him time to settle, but we are getting regular updates on progress and hopefully I will be able to bob over and see him sometime this week.

Photos by Subo.

Glam!

Peaheads brother (aka Uncle Darren) has curated a huge new exhibition at Tate Liverpool called Glam. He has been working on it for ages, flying around the world doing deals on pieces to include and hanging out with lots of glamorous people. It opened on Friday and seems to be causing a bit of a fuss in the media already. We though Darren looked quite the part in his TV debut on the BBCs The Review Show (9.50 mins into show) last week. Well done Darren!

Unfortunately we missed his amazing Magritte exhibition year before last, but we will definitely make sure we don't miss this one.

The exhibition is on until 12th May and there is also a cool book to go with it.

pictured l-r: some arty bloke (?), a Magritte cloud head, Uncle Darren.

Happy Ira

Once again it seems we have been blessed with a happy little baby. Already she is smiling and laughing and generally showing delight in anything and everything. I know some people have babes that always seem unhappy and they do not get to enjoy this stage as they are always so tired and worn out from 24 hour crying. We are lucky. Very lucky.

There is plenty of shouting and crying too of course. Ira has a particularly grumpy time daily between 6pm and 10pm and when she is really on one, nothing can console her. But generally, if she is upset a jiggle, a bit of milk or a clean bum does the trick.

New home ?

Since we lost Bo, I have been looking for a new home for Rei that would offer him some company. No luck so far but today we visited a lovely lady who may be able to help. She doesn't have goats so it's not perfect, but she does have nine acres, a stable block, two really friendly sheep called Doris (!) and Minstrel and what seems like lots of love and time for animals. We had a good look around and showed her photos of Rei and she seems happy to give it a go. They would all live together so Rei would be able to play with the sheep and snuggle up with them at night.

The lady rescued the sheep from a farm. They were in a very poor state when she found them and after nursing them back to health, she couldn't give them up so paid the farmer so she could keep them. They are now the happiest looking sheep I have ever seen. She knows nothing about goats but I'm sure she would take good care of Rei. It's only about 10 miles away so I could visit and make sure he is ok.  It is really hard to think about giving him up, but I know I have to do something as he is so lonely without Bo and i just cant take on another animal. I am going to think it through this week before making a decision. I have had a chat with Rei about it.

Friday treat

Friday night family bowling enjoyed by all. £20 well spent.