Beyond the Looking Glass

Yesterday, I took the train to London to attend a photo shoot that is to accompany a forthcoming feature in SHE magazine. I am being featured along with @Baby_Genie, @mummytips and Emily from MyWardrobe.com in an article about the impact online social networking has on women's lives today.

I responded to a request for women who deem themselves spending 'too long' online each day. This immediately struck a chord with me so I whizzed off an email and forgot all about it. To my surprise, I received a call from the journalist a few days later asking for an interview - eek!

The interview left me feeling a little like I was about to invite the women of the UK into my front room every night. By detailing how I spend my evenings networking with friends online, tweeting and reading blogs whilst at the same time eating my dinner, I felt I was divulging a dirty secret of some kind. It took some reflection before I acknowledged that the time I spend online is not only something I enjoy but an investment in my future. More than that, my family's future. I conduct my business online and as such, time needs to be spent building relationships with suppliers, customers and perhaps most importantly, supporters of my vision.

So with the interview in the bag, I arrived at Liverpool Street to be met by my car (no tubing for me today!) which whisked me through the endless streets filled with Pret and Starbucks to Studio 33 behind Carnaby Street. Entering reception via the giant revolving door, it was immediately apparent this was poles apart from my 'real' job of a primary school teacher. Couriers were arriving armed with bags strewn with designers I'd only ever read about and the receptionist was multi-tasking like nobodies business.

Once I arrived on the set, I was introduced to the makeup artist, stylist, photographer and other such titles. I was sifting through rails and rails of beautiful clothes and a pile was thrust into my arms to try on.

I had warned the stylist that trousers/jeans and I are not the best of friends. Imagine my delight when I slipped into an incredible pair of Ted Baker white skinny jeans that instantly fit me? Not only did they fit but they felt amazing and made my legs seem extremely long which is always a good thing in my book. A beautiful silk kimono style blouse by Jaegar later and I was all set for hair and makeup.

Catherine (@Baby_Genie) and I in hair and makeup


Sian (@mummytips) and Catherine having the finishing touches carried out

Now, this is where I should explain... I have big issues with my hair, always have and always will. It's curly you see, and well, it needs a LOT of taming. I was not overly happy with the end result they presented to me in the mirror but since the other three girls were done in the time it had taken to get me to this point, I figured I'd best go with it lest I be forever tweeted as a diva ;)

I felt like I was standing forever up there on the set but I felt great in my outfit and enjoyed every second of the limelight shhh! Being directed

The standing shot

The seated shot

I had great fun yesterday and particularly enjoyed meeting the other girls. You should check them all out on twitter as they're all up to incredible things. If you're keen to see how much of a nerd they make me out to be and what the edited shots look like the feature will be in the July issue of SHE magazine - eeeeek!

Venetian Whirl

We have just returned from what we had expected to be a 'break' in the beautiful city of Venice. Now, as we all know Venice is famed for its canals and so getting around with a baby/toddler in tow was never a match made in heaven right? Oh, so wrong!

It would seem that the baby is Pariah in Italy and we were simply her entourage; the facilitators in escorting her on a tour of the city and greetings with fans.

Upon our arrival, the red carpet was rolled out and as soon as Ellen was spotted we were ushered to the front of the queues to get through the airport and on with her royal visit. Of course, since she is of such importance, it was only right that she was transported via a wheeled chariot. Thus came our first stumbling block. As stated before, Venice has canals. Lots of canals. Over the canals are bridges. The bridges have steps. LOTS of steps. Wheeled chariot was promptly ditched in favour of organic fabric carrying device and peace was once more restored among the dignity's escorts.

Being carried over the Rialto Bridge

Ellen glided happily above the crowds waving at her onlookers, smiling as people took her photo (yes, really) and giving smug looks to other small beings whose entourages persisted with their attempts to wheel their precious cargo in their chariots. Our girl was high on celebrity status and revelling in it. It seemed that being carried was much more acceptable to her as well as us as it gave her direct access to the male member of her entourages sunglasses which she removed from his face at her will and placed upon her own. She found that with a simple wave of her hand she was off in her preferred direction and when travelling via vaporetto, she had a most acceptable vantage point. On the occasions when she had travelled in the wheeled chariot on the vaporetto, her fans were unable to spot her as she was beneath their eye level and this was entirely unsatisfactory.

Ellen donning the male hired helps shades to
amuse the passersby in St Mark's Square.

On reflection, I feel I can confidently say as one part of the hired help we did a great job of accompanying the one year old (her birthday was on Tuesday) on her city break. For future visits, I would probably insist on the chariot being brought as it allowed a place for Ellen to sleep in the evening once her public appearances had worn her out. This allowed us as her assistants to eat, drink chianti and unwind. I would strongly advise anyone due to accompany a similar trip to invest in their own fabric carrying device as without it I have a funny feeling that our time in Venice would have been confined to very carefully chosen, non bridge based areas.

In the Spirit of Voting...

I classify as what they're referring to as a 'floating voter'.

I'm frantically googling tonight to try and find something, just one little frag of something that tells me which box to X tomorrow. So far... nothing.

As a primary educator, first time mum and businesswoman, I'm looking for quite a lot from our leaders. Is this wrong? I don't think so. Why shouldn't I have high expectations of the leaders of our country? Why shouldn't I be expecting support where I need it and the ability to have choices ahead of me rather than enforced decisions made on my behalf? I want my daughter to grow up in a world where women make informed decisions and live fulfilling, yet balanced lives.

So if any of you out there in the ether know something I don't, please enlighten me. I sat my way through leaders debate after leaders debate and swung from being firmly in one camp to be being in the middle of somewhere that looks like nowhere.

I think this calls for a spreadsheet...

A much easier decision (but still no simple choice!) needing your vote is the fantastic face of SnugBaby contest. It might be too late to enter but it's not too late to vote for your favourite to go through to the final judging panel. Check out the gallery and click the heart of the pair you'd like to see as the new face of SnugBaby.

http://www.snugbaby.co.uk/newface/gallery/

SnugBaby is a UK made and BSEN tested Mei Tai sling. It comes in a
range of fantastic colourways and fabrics with the added bonus of being double sided (to keep the men in your life happy ;) ). The straps are very comfortable and provide even weight distribution when carrying in the wide variety of positions it offers. The unique thing that SnugBaby offers over other Mei tai's is the seat base that can be narrowed to fit the size of your baby. With limited editions and a brand new organic style just out (which also happens to be the UK's first BSEN tested organic fabric Mei Tai), you'll find yourself spoilt for choice.

Drop by Petit Poppet's SnugBaby page to browse our styles or contact us to arrange a trial.

I imagine that both voting for the Face of SnugBaby or choosing your favourite design are easier tasks than the voting options for tomorrow leave us with.

Blethering on

As you probably have the gist by now if you're an avid Petit Poppet blog reader, I have a lot to say about slings. It seemed only sensible therefore that I find my own space on t'Interweb to blether on to my hearts desire. This week I have been mostly loving the new forum created by PP at www.slingtalk.co.uk

I am often contacted by customers who ask if I sell second hand slings. They want to be able to pass on their well loved, faithful slings and help fund new lovelies. I also get asked many similar questions so it seemed sensible to combine the two elements and create a forum where people can sell, review, ask for advice and generally chat about all things sling.

I'm a sucker for a good forum and this just gives me license to indulge my addictions in their entirety :)

Come join us, we're nice.

Boba Love

I actually can't believe that I have fallen so hard. I am entirely, absolutely and without reserve, head over heels for the new Boba 2G toddler carrier.

Just released this week and with limited UK suppliers, Petit Poppet have almost entirely sold out of the first order of the Boba 2G. When presented with the selling points, it is easy to be sceptical about yet another soft structured carrier but the proof is in the pudding so to speak.

This afternoon, armed with an exhausted nearly 1 year old (next week eeek!), I pulled out the Boba I had been eyeing up and put Ellen in a front carry. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was it a great fit for both of us, but that it was really comfortable and supportive. Cleverly, the webbing at the shoulders is adjustable each side meaning that you simply pull in the direction that is easiest when in either a back or front carry. This is the first SSC I have seen that has adopted this simple but genius idea.

The finish is superb, it has piping around the bottom which gives it a great quality feel and the hood tucks away as a head/neck support when not in use with two little elastic loops. The organic fabric is lovely and soft and the shoulder straps are well padded. It barely registers on the shoulders in a front carry.


One of my agents was keen to get her hands on a Boba as soon as they touched our shores and here is what she had to say about it:

"Synopsis - It's bloody brilliant!

The Boba is a fabulous, well made, well thought out toddler carrier. Every detail has been thought about and I really can't fault it! Even the instruction booklet is brilliant, really easy, clear instructions to follow!

The waist is a padded, one piece waist although it has stitching to allow it to curve comfortably around the waist. The straps are super padded and cleverly curved which means they don't impede arm movement at all or press on the wrong place on your shoulders. The really brilliant thing is that the shoulder straps are doubly adjustable, where the webbing meets the carrier and where the webbing meets the strap padding, This means you don't have to pull it in awkward directions to tighten it either in a front or back carry which I find difficult in the Beco and Connecta. At the end of each strap is an elastic loop which allows you to roll the excess webbing up out of the way which looks a bit neater.

The detachable hood is fab and rolls up when not in use to form a neck support, it is fixed in place with little elastic loops which disappear when not in use.

The chest belt is fully adjustable and slides easily up and down the shoulder straps.

The body of the carrier has seat darts which means it's shaped rather than flat and helps the child sit lower in the carrier and makes for a more comfortable ride. The foot straps work really well, and kept my three year old's feet in the right place and meant her legs were fully supported and not dangling at all. I have the Willow design which has a gorgeous circular pattern all over the green panel which was a nice surprise as that doesn't show up in the photo at all."

So, in summary? We at PP HQ are in Boba Love!

Buy yours at Petit Poppet and 5% of your purchase price is donated to SANDS.

A Word From Jo...

I had a very productive and exciting telephone call with Jo Cameron today.

Jo first burst onto our screens in The Apprentice in 2006. Since then, she has gone on to become a hugely successful businesswoman and runs the wonderful Women on their Way (www.womenontheirway.co.uk) which supports and encourages women to fulfil their potential. Jo is a patron of SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society UK). Sadly, she lost her first daughter Emmeline after she was born prematurely at 24 weeks. Since then, Jo has made it her mission to raise as much money and awareness for babyloss and the charities associated.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to Jo on the telephone today. As I explained the journey that led me to Petit Poppet (www.petitpoppet.co.uk) she was thrilled to hear how the tiny idea of loaning one sling out for SANDS donations had turned into a full scale business/fundraising project in such a short amount of time. It was great telling her the story and hearing her ideas about how she can support me with it in the future.

So thank you Jo, you were a pleasure to talk to and it was lovely to share the excitement I have for what I'm doing with someone who understands what it means to me.

You can read what Jo had to say about Petit Poppet and her thoughts on babywearing at www.petitpoppet.co.uk/awordfromjo

I love reading your comments, so please tell me what your thoughts are too!

Cheeky Chops in Polka Dots

Cheeky Chops in Polka Dots
Originally uploaded by Pina Colada PAD

Not my proudest pic but all the same I adore the expression on my girls face here as she was enjoying foraging in the grass for ladybirds!

I wanted a shot of her in her gorgeous little clip from Poppy Sparkles. I ordered these a few weeks ago and they arrived so fast in gorgeous packaing and I was so pleased with them.

Best of all? They stay in her hair! I need them in every colour and style!

You can see the range of goodies and pretties for yourself at www.poppysparkles.co.uk I bet you can't leave empty handed.

Chain of Daisies

Have been cruising the Folksy shop for my lovely contact Caroline at Chain of Daisies for quite some time and just been entirely unable to choose one thing to start my collection. Finally last week I decided on a bracelet but spotted some groegously coloured purple iris bead on a different item. I emailed Caroline who promptly offered to make one for me and post pictures to which I agreed. Lo and behold, less than 3 hous later, here was my bracelet!


I love it so much and when the package arrived I was so excited to see it in real life. If anything it was even prettier than it looked in the pics! I have been wearing it all week and had so many lovely compliments on it.

You can get yourself into my predicament of not knowing how to choose by visting her Folksy shop here - Chain of Daisies

Be warned though, it'll take you hours to choose!

£1002.40

That's the amount raised for SANDS at this moment in time and I'm flippidy doo dah excited about it!

A big thank you needs to go to all Petit Poppet customers who have loaned or bought slings, people who have donated to the site and suppliers who have supported in all manner of ways to make this possible. THANK YOU.

So, you're all here because you want to know who won the prize draw so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. The winner of the fantastic array of prizes is:

Nicky McCue!

Congratulations Nicky! You have won all these generously donated prizes:

*A fabulous Snoozeshade - The UK's first (and only!) buggy blackout blind!

*A babysigning book from www.babysigningmummy.com

*A set of handmade hairclips from Poppy Sparkles - http://folksy.com/shops/PoppySparkles

*A studio photoshoot and a 20"x16" box framed photograph from Jo Belfield Photography in Cheshire - www.jobelfield.blogspot.com

*A personalised Nursing bracelet & necklace set from Booby & the Bead

*A Sleepytot baby comforter from www.babyduckshop.co.uk

What a fantastic haul!

So... watch this space for the next prize draw when we'll be celebrating another big landmark moment at www.petitpoppet.co.uk

Hitting the Big Time

I can barely sit still I'm so excited and at the same time feeling all emotional. Petit Poppet has raised very nearly £1000 for SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society UK) in just the 7 months it has been up and running which I never dreamt would be the case so quickly. Not only is the amount of money staggering (to me) but the fact that so many people now know about SANDS who never did before.

To celebrate this amazing milestone, lots of fantastic business mum's are donating prizes which will be given away to one lucky customer once the SANDS total hits the 4 digit big time!

Between now and the limit being passed, every customer who either tries or buys a sling will be entered into the draw. The draw will take place by random selection once the barrier has been broken and the winner announced here.

Prizes so far include:

*A fabulous Snoozeshade - The UK's first (and only!) buggy blackout blind!

*A babysigning book from www.babysigningmummy.com

*A set of handmade hairclips from Poppy Sparkles - http://folksy.com/shops/PoppySparkles

*A studio photoshoot and a 20"x16" box framed photograph from Jo Belfield Photography in Cheshire - www.jobelfield.blogspot.com

*A personalised Nursing bracelet & necklace set from Booby & the Bead

*A Sleepytot baby comforter from www.babyduckshop.co.uk

Thank you to all the lovely ladies for being so generous with their donations!

There are more donations to be made following todays transactions so this prize draw isn't going to hang around for long! For your chance to be entered, head to www.petitpoppet.co.uk and arrange to try the sling of your choice or buy today!

I'll leave you with a photo to brighten up my post. Went to the garden centre today and found this furry flower. feels like we have a new pet :)

Cypress Crush

It's not often that I lust after my own products but the new Yamo Cypress has me drooling.



The print is beautiful, my husband approves and the Yamo is a fantastically comfortable carrier - what's not to like? My biggest debate that I'm having with myself is when exactly I would need to use a Yamo given my current obsession with the Beco. I'm sure there's a slot and if not, I'll find one.

Moving on to the next product crush and it's the spring/summer Shoo Shoo range in it's entirety ( can be viewed at - http://www.petitpoppet.co.uk/#/shoo-shoos/4536917479) but am only allowed one pair at the moment and it's a toss up between...



or:



Thoughts?

As a thank you for appreciating my predicament, blog visitors can buy their Shoo Shoos with free P&P when quoting 'SS10B' (discount by PayPal refund. Alternatively, orders can be placed via email info@petitpoppet.co.uk )

Coins for SANDS

Coins for SANDS
Originally uploaded by Pina Colada PAD

Today, I explained how my website works to my pupils www.petitpoppet.co.uk and talked to them about SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society UK).

Naturally and perhaps fortunately, they had not heard of the charity and were extremely sensitive when I described the kinds of circumstances when SANDS support is called upon. They were touched and agreed it was a great charity for Petit Poppet to support and we had a long debate about the fact that many worthy charities just don't have the awareness campaigns following them that they deserve.

Following their morning break, one of my girls approached me and handed me these coins. They are the change from her snack money and she asked me to donate it on her behalf.

There are good people growing up in the world and I'm glad to be working with them.

if you would like to donate to SANDS too please visit www.justgiving.com/slingsforsands or to simply learn more about this invaluable charity and how it supports those it benefits visit: www.uk-sands.org/

Decisions, decisions

Life is just ram packed full of decisions right now it would appear. I honestly have no room left in my head for any further choices. I've spent nearly two weeks trying to put stock orders together for Ju Ju Be Changing Bags and Huggalugs baby leg warmers. There are just too many lovely styles/designs to choose from. In taking such a long time to decide, I am doing myself out of business so have set today as my deadline for making those choices. I'm sure that I'll be placing additional orders before too long so no idea why this all feels so important.

Thankfully, Easter is nearly upon us and two weeks of release from my 'real' job looms. The freedom these weeks are promising me is almost unbearable. I am going to have up to 6 full days to myself which will be the first time since Ellen was born. Don't get me wrong, I adore every second I spend with her but my house is a mess, my to do list is longer than a long thing and I am going to really enjoy sitting and having a coffee in the morning and drinking the entire cup while it's hot.

Yesterday we spent the day with our lovely friends who for one reason or another we haven't seen since before Christmas. You'd never believe we live less than a mile away from each other... Still, we went for a delightful pub lunch by the river. We spent ages deciding what to have to eat from the extensive menu (more decisions) and then when we ordered and asked for them to bring a highchair, were politely informed they don't 'do' highchairs. I was agog. No highchairs? Surely this must be a mistake right? Wrong. We asked at the bar and were again told nope, no highchairs. I never knew such a scenario was possible. I was full of plans to take along my own gigantic highchair next time to teach them a lesson but since the food was rather uninspiring at least we won't have to worry about the logistics of doing so.

We went elsewhere for dessert and finished off the afternoon with a trip to the swings. Ellen had her first go on the seesaw which she'd never done before and adored it. Especially the bit where daddy bumped mummy really hard and made her fly into the air with her prized camera in her hands. Tut tut.



Happy babywearing :)

Beautiful day

I feel magnificent today. There's nothing that can beat the sunshine and spring blooms for soothing the soul.

We set off for a walk from home with Ellen in the Beco on Rob's back and Poppy (dog) in tow.



It was a glorious walk where me met lots of pony friends, crocuses (would the plural of crocuses be croci?), daffodils and general gorgeousness. Stopped halfway for a bitter shandy and returned home for doughtnuts, tea and wine in the conservatory. Life is good :)



Taken lots of photos today as my girl is changing before my eyes.

We experiemented with putting Ellen into the Beco before putting it on today and I can't believe how much easier it made things. Ellen liked it as it acted as a swing for a moment inbetween being sat on sofa and put on her dad's back. We're both now more convinced than ever that the Beco is the way forward and all other slings are taking a back seat in our house for the forseeable future!



You can try a Beco out or buy one from the site at www.petitpoppet.co.uk/beco

Pics to follow once I've mastered Photoshop Elements!

And breathe....

I'm feeling really rather ranty at The Daily Mail this afternoon. Where better to vent my frustration than here?

The headline to the article I'm referring to reads 'Yummy Mummy Slings 'may kill' babies". I probably need say nothing more...

But I will...

As usual, this article is hugely imbalanced and jumping on the scare tactic bandwagon. The deaths of infants they refer to all resulted from suffocation due to ill-fitting or badly designed slings. Within the article there is a picture of Nicole Kidman wearing a horrendously poorly fitting bag/pouch sling. Now, had Nicole been advised in how to fit a sling or indeed how to choose one that is suited to her and her baby, the picture would be a great deal more pleasing.

As with all parenting choices, safety has to be considered. We all spend vast amounts of time searching for safety reports on car seats and exploring the latest research around SIDS (AKA cot death). However, we still use car seats and cots for our babies. The same applies when choosing a sling.

A great place for more info on sling safety is:


http://babyslingsafety.blogspot.com/

Make full use of our Petit Poppet agents and ask for a demo or consultation so that you can try out before you buy and ensure you have the ideal, SAFE fit for you and your baby.

That's all from me on my soapbox for now... but I will leave you with the following press release on behalf of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers & Retailers:

UK Sling Companies Put Baby Safety First
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, all linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.

The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.

Advice for Parents
If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward, of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers advises you to contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings. She says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recommendations by the US Safety Commission”. If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” When using a baby sling, the advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is to follow these basic principles:

Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.


Tight

In view at all times

Close enough to kiss

Keep chin off the chest

Supported back



To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:

· Slingmeet

· TheBabywearer.com

· Facebook page for Babywearing Safety

· Mothering.com

· LaLecheLeague

Benefits of Baby Wearing
In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members


As an aside I'm all about twiiter this week. I never knew the magnitude of it! I have the grand total of 79 followers right now and am enjoying living my life in real time 'sleb' update status. I have found I am able to imagine myself of similar status and that one day I will be inundated with 3000 replies for every tweet I put out there into the ether. If you want to be among my throng come follow me @petweetpoppet (see what I did there?!).

Exciting news!

Well, it's all go now the agents are coming in thick and fast! One of our fab new girls has provided us with an exciting opportunity to hold a stall at the ABM conference on 19th June in London. This is a brilliant opportunity for Petit Poppet to spread far and wide as the event will be attended by health professionals and prospective customers alike! Lots of planning....

Lots to add and update on the site, not enough hours in the day!

I'm getting my head around Twitter this week. I have 29 followers so far which is a little paltry. If you'd like to follow me the username is petweetpoppet (see what I did there?!).

Mega Week

What a mammoth week for Petit Poppet (www.petitpoppet.co.uk)! Has certainly been keeping me on my toes. We've raised just shy of £700 for SANDS and this week has seen us sign up our first PP Agents!

The agents are going to be demoing slings face to face and earning commission for their hard work. Not to mention raising funds and awareness for SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society).

If you would like to know more drop an email to info@petitpoppet.co.uk :)

Dear blog...

I feel bad.

Sorry blog, it's not that I don't like you, I really do... it's just that I've been so busy. no excuse I know and I want you to know that I'm sorry.

I have to admit though, I'm finding this a bit of a one way relationship? I write to you, you don't write back. I'm going to assume this isn't a reflection on how you feel about me.

So, to fill you in, 2010 has been a busy year so far. Petit Poppet has been getting busier and busier whcih is just superb. We've raised nearly £700 for SANDS so far and have not paid for any advertising so it's all through word of mouth which is just brill.

Ellen is crawling and trying to walk, she's doing great at nursery but picking up bug after bug.

I'm back at work 3 days a week which is taking some adjusting to. I keep forgetting I won't be in on Monday. Of course, as everyone said, I'm not hating it as much as I thought I would. Between you and me, some days I even like it.

Photography is taking over all my 'spare' time. I'll admit I'm obsessed. I'm doing a 365 project (picture every day for a year) on flickr and have expanded on that to attempt a 365 of the robot Wall-E! I am mad I know.



That's about all for now, I promise to keep you more in the loop though.