Ada - Day 9: Heel Stick (Ouch)

Ada had an appointment to visit with her midwife today. This would involve a heel stick, for a blood test needed at her present age. There was some foreboding on the part of the adults involved.

In the waiting room, Ada was her usual relaxed self.

The visit included a checkup for Mom.

Ouch! Yowl!

Mimi helped with recovery.

All better now, back to normal.

On the way home, we stopped at the Cadbury Garden Center. Leaving, we viewed Cadbury Hill in the background.

In the evening, Ada was exposed to some technology.

Ada - Day 8: First Weekiversary

Today Ada is one whole week old. She celebrated by sleeping, feeding, and trying to stay awake sometimes.

She has made big strides in her development this past week. Early on, she learned how to feed, how to move her hands and feet, how to cry loudly when uncovered for a diaper change. Next, she learned how to make everything wet during a diaper change, how to get her thumb in her mouth sometimes and how to sleep in her bassinet. Toward the end of the week, she learned to roll her head from side to side, how to look at interesting things, and how to make sweet little noises with her mouth. Simply amazing!

Resting, after playing on her rainbow mat.

Very proud Papa.

Ada - Day 7: Shopping

On this day, the seventh of her life, Ada went shopping in downtown Bristol. She rode in her spiffy transport system.

Mimi helped her make some selections at the baby goods store.

She rode home in another part of her transport system. She waved to her Daddy outside the window.

Finally home, after a long day, she took (another) nap with Pa.

Ada - Day 6: Fish and Chips

Today, we all took a trip to the Grand Pier in Weston Super-Mare, where we met Mark's Mum, Dad and Sister (Kate, Carl & Sarah). We ate delicious fish and chips from Papa's, one of the best in the country (thanks, Kate!) We also drank hot chocolate, played air hockey, and fed Ada (well, one of us did that!)

But, the only photos today were at home.

We all took turns holding Ada.

Isn't she beautiful?

Ada likes her Whoozit from Aunt Jenny & Uncle Jeff. She follows it with her eyes.

Ada - Day 5: Looking Around

She's awake! She has eyes!

Ada - Day 4: First Walk

Sleeping... again.

Photo op.

Assembling the Bjorne baby carrier.

Instruction: "Hold the baby securely."

Practice.

Now the real thing. Teamwork.

Ta-Da! Success.

Loving Daddy.

Ada's first walk, guarded by two of MI5's finest.

Happy family.

Nursing in public.

Ada - Day 3: Meeting Auntie Sarah

Happy Mom. Tough Mom.

Proud Daddy and Auntie Sarah.

Ready to go for a checkup.

Ada - Day 2: Meeting Grammies

 Grammy Vallentine and Daddy.

 Two proud Grammies.

Julie - At A Very Early Age

Brownie Scouts (?)

Visiting J&M - Next: Wales

to be continued...

Visiting J&M - Motorcycles

Mark and Pa did a little motorcycle riding. First, we took turns on Mark's spiffy Triumph Sprint. Wonderful bike!

Then we rented a BMW 650GS and rode around to Cheddar.

For lunch, we met up with everyone at a country pub. And admired the bikes.

Visiting J&M - Cadbury Hill

One afternoon we all took a walk up Cadbury Hill, about a half mile from J&M's home.

The hill has the buried remains of a stone-age fort near the top. The only possible artifact we saw was a litte bit of stone wall.

It was kind of muddy in places.

Walking down was a bit slippery.

England is really beautiful.

Visiting J&M - Birthday

Jessica's birthday was the day after we arrived. Mark's Mum came by to see Jessica and have a cup of tea.

Mark arranged Jessica's favorite - a cookie cake.

One of her favorite gifts was a cookbook. Surprise!

The best gift was a painting Mark did for Jessica. Jessica was embarrased by her tears. She's about to have a baby.

The painting reprises a small scuplture of a couple hugging they have near their dining table. Very loving.