The great outdoors

The weather has been unpredictable lately, sometimes blazing August heat and sometimes heavy showers requiring the use of our excellent ladybird umbrella. But it hasn't stopped us from getting outside, even if it's just to the garden.

Ian took this picture from the window of our flat.

Audrey is fascinated by everything around her. Early on she would have been lulled to sleep by the sound of the wind in the grass and the trees, but now there's everything to see and touch and grab, and the whole world is so very interesting.

Being her mother is wonderful. It's like a little part of me split off and grew wings, and I get to watch it grow and smile and be, apart from me but always a part of me. This tiny person that wears my face.

So we spend long, lazy afternoons looking up at tree branches against the bright blue sky.

We get grass in our hair and sun in our eyes.

Babies love trees.

A little further from home is a park full of daisies.

How lucky we are to have such a beautiful life here together.

How lucky we are.

Perfect

Some lovely things have been happening lately in the world of Audrey that I want to record. For instance, her first time watching Star Trek with us today! We watched an episode of Next Gen (Klingon-centric, lots of Worf) and she sat on the sofa with her eyes all wide staring at the screen. I think she likes Captain Picard best. We don't watch a lot of tv, but Ian and I do like to sit and watch an episode of Star Trek together and it was wonderful that she could join in. Little geek in training!

She's becoming ever more aware of what's going on around her, and with that awareness comes the first touch of insecurity - she's slightly more clingy with me and Ian, slightly more shy of new people. Still a very confident baby, happy to hug and say hi to everyone, but lately wanting her parents especially to be close by. At night she sleeps (in the big cot now!) right by my bed, close enough to reach a hand through the bars and touch me if she needs to. The other night I felt her warm little hand rest gently on my chest, making sure I was still there while she slept. So sweet.

She also reached out to be held for the first time. To Ian, of course! She loves him so much, her eyes light up when she sees him and she smiles and smiles. She's also started laughing, especially when you tickle her or pull a funny face/make a funny noise. She's been splashing in the bath, and we've been having lots of fun at bath time with Sherduck Holmes and Ickle Baby Bath Bots from Lush.

All in all, this is a wonderful, beautiful stage. Audrey is great fun to spend time with, and I find I miss her even when she's sleeping. She's perfect.

Braid Hills

Nana Pat came to visit this weekend. Audrey had such a lovely time, lots of smiles and cuddles and babbling noises.

Nana Pat took us all out for a meal at the hotel where Ian and I were married, and it was lovely. The receptionist recognised us and came over and fussed over Audrey, it felt really special and nice to be there with little Audrey Bea.

Look at her. Part of the family.

Tummy Time, Toys and Friends - My Favourite Things at Four Months

Nearly four months old!

Audrey rolled over on purpose for the first time on Friday morning before Ian went to work. I was so happy that both of us got to see it! We didn't manage to get any photos, but we'll be watching out for it in future. She's rolled over a few times by accident but this was the first time we saw it happen with intent.

She's starting to enjoy tummy time now, whereas before she would cry after a few moments. She's so strong!

Being mobile is so much fun. Here are some pics I took just after she rolled over.

Apart from tummy time, Audrey's favourite activity lately is playing with toys! Nana and Grandad Plummer gave Audrey a teddy bear called Charles and he is just the right size for cuddles.

She's also been playing lots with Lamby, a gift from Aunty Kate. She's had Lamby since she was born, and would fist her hands in his soft fur as soon as she could. Now she grabs hold of him and takes him with her when we go out on adventures. We have to be careful not to leave him on the bus!

Audrey also loves hearing people's voices on the phone. Especially dear friends who are far away. Here she is talking to Cori.

Bath times are also fun, especially with Sherduck Holmes!

She's getting so big. At her last weigh in a few days ago she was 15lb 5oz! Growing so fast it makes me ache to think of it. Big enough to wear this little jumper that I knitted the weekend Ian and I announced our engagement, before we even thought of Audrey Bea. I found the pattern in a shop in St. Annes and thought it was too darling not to make, so I knit it without a specific baby in mind and then forgot all about it until Audrey came along.

Another of Audrey's favourite things is friends! Especially Oliver.

I love the way they interact, staring at and reaching for each other.

Oh Audrey Bea.

So inquisitive now, staring at everything and working out the world around you.

I think I love you more every day.