7 months

Here's some photos from my 7 month photoshoot with Baby Annabel - that boring doll who never does anything! 

 Cute - aren't I?

Plain Misery!

Granddad John says planes are pure misery, and it has to be said, he isn't far wrong.  All that getting up and down, in and out... and all to get somewhere that looks remarkably similar to where you started out.  No wonder I am miserable!

Here I am on the way to my Nanna and Granddad's in Birmingham.  I do like seeing them, but I don't like getting there!  I thought I would include it to prove I'm not a perpetually happy baby.

This is in fact my 11th plane journey.  Previous trips include Rome, Italy (Septermber 2011), Tallinn, Estonia (October 2011), Birmingham (December 2010) and Nice, France, via Heathrow (December/January 2012).  I don't like to even think about my carbon footprint - but then again I am only 6kg!

They Cut off their Tales: Tiny Tales of Blizty Boy

Another guest post from the pen of my mummy.


It was a close run thing - should we or shouldn't we - but we ended up back at Tiny Tales today - the Scottish Storytelling Centre's session for under 2s.  It is the sort of thing that gets wry looks from those who don't follow the same "Alpha Baby Programme" as us (tongue firmly in cheek here, of course).  We like to get out.  We want to do stuff together.  Yes, of course, you can tell a 7 month old baby a story.  (If you don't talk to them now, they certainly won't listen to you later, etcetera, etcetera).  


So last month we did Tiny Tales  with Baby Kate and her Mummy.  And it was OK - really it was.  You didn't feel you'd wasted your £6 or 40 minutes of your life.  The storyteller taught me some songs I didn't know.  She held it together for the allotted time with a legion of crawling, drooling babies.  She was fine.  But I have to be honest and say it didn't really light my fire.  So we dithered about today, but we went anyway.  And boy was that a good call - cos, would you believe it, the storyteller today - well, she was good, really good!

The she in question is Maria Cairnie.  I googled her when I got home, and apparently she is a storytelling children's writer with a passion for telling stories to younger audiences.  She certainly is.  Brightly dressed for her Valentine's Day love heart theme, she oozed charisma. She didn't forget the tunes or the words, rather her performance seemed to flow effortlessly.  I found myself quite enjoying it.  She looked like she was having a great time herself, as she bopped her way through her stories of Blizty Boy - her dog, who naturally happens to be the love of her life.  Animated, that's the word?  Some professional dance training perhaps?  

Sometimes during less slick children's "performances", in order to pass the time I run a silent book, inwardly gambling whether the slot will finsih, before it finishes the performer - but she seemed to have no trouble holding the bustle of babies' attention, or the terrible twos - and when she finally signposted to us that she was starting her final segment, I was cheerfully surprised the session had passed so happily.  Mummy-veterans will know this is no mean feat.  Madeleine was captivated, except for the time when she howled.  I was delighted - she was obviously pushed a little bit beyond her comfort zone - if she could speak, she would no doubt have said: "That strange lady is kind of freaking me out Mummy - even though I think I sort of love her too".  And I could have replied: "Yes, darling - that's ART - amazing isn't it?"

The downside is she's from the "other side". Maria Cairnie that is, not Madeleine.  Glasgow-based, I'm afraid - though have-Blitzy-dog will travel.  I think she would be a real plus for a party or event - what was very pleasing was her ability to play to such a wide age range.  I'm fairly convinced that older children, way over 2, would have found this enthralling, and would enjoy getting up to do the dancing- something which Maria was clearly adept at encouraging.    Would be nice to see her at the Parents Like Us festival perhaps - some lovely story telling would fit well there.

Anyway, before I close, do allow me to climb on my soapbox.  Over the last 5 years, I have to say, we have been out and about a fair bit, and over that period I have been subjected to some really horrendous storytelling.  5 years ago, libraries were knee deep in community arts money, where events would be run by workers specifically recruited for their ability to engage young children.  Cuts.  Cuts. Cuts.  They cut off their tales.  Sorry Terrible Pun.  Couldn't resist.  Yet that's the reality -  they've sacked all the community workers and left our storytelling heritage in the hands of the librarians.  Terrible, terrible move.  People who began life wanting to sort books aren't always the most engaging perfomers for rooms full of tiny tots.   How blissful to meet someone more suited.

Tiny Tales takes place on the first Tuesday morning of every month at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and costs £6 per child.  You can find Blitzy Dog on facebook 

North West

Mother India

Last weekend we headed north-west again.  It is most certainly not my first time.  At only a few weeks old, as the train pulled into Queen Street, it is reported that I was quite beside myself - my wails would only be quitened when Mummy reassured me she had purchased a return ticket.  Now, at the grand age of 7 months, it holds no such fear, and I am absolutely the intrepid explorer. I therefore found much to amuse me and lighten the soul on the dark side of the country.

First stop was Mother India for a spot of lunch.  It's not my first curry, but it is my first Glasgow Curry, which is almost the same thing.  The tapas approach to informal friendly dining was perfect for me.  I wasn't totally over-whelmed by the pakora, but the lamb in spinach and spices was a definite must.  The friendly service even stretched to not minding me smearing my dinner over the floor.  I will be back.

Impressed?

Afterwards we nipped across the road to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.  Considering it's a local City museum rather than a national collection it's nae bad.  Daddy likes the Dali, even though it doesn't move or light up or anything.  This is my definite favourite.  I picked it out the last time we visited, and it still delights.  This old fat geezer is apparently a famous singer.  He has a smashing halo.  Others may prefer the dog made out of wellies, but for me, it is Elvis every time!



Then we were out of the city and heading north to Loch Lomond to spend the night at the Inverbeg Inn.  The fish and chips aren't bad, but the main attraction has to be the views over the loch and across to Ben Lomond.

 Hauntingly beautiful, particularly if you head north along the A82 to Crianlarich (or so I'm led to believe, as I slept through the entire drive).  Of note for this walk was my total success at growing into my new (and most fashionable) grey snow suit.  (Thank you Gran). I look quite the biscuit, and despite the name apparently you do not need snow to wear it.  We also discovered Loch Lomond  boasts an excellent cycle path along its shore.  We didn't see any bikers, but found it most helpful for walking with the buggy.

The following day we took the high road home.  Up over the top via Crianlarich and Killin, before stopping in Callander for a lazy Sunday lunch.  Very happy to highly recommend Deli Ecosse for its family friendly relaxed dining.  It was my first Scotch Broth, but Mummy assures me it was quite excellent - tasty, fresh and bursting with veggies.  Big box of toys, roaring wood burner to keep you cosy, plenty of newspapers to keep Daddy happy (y'know how Daddy's get so restless otherwise).  And lots of tasty homemade cake - who could ask for more?

A little tour round the shops in Callendar - we bought a nice piggy wooden fridge magnet.  Mummy and Daddy have been married for 5 years - and apparently that it all you get.  Only another 45 years till gold (sigh).  Before finally stopping at Mhor Bread for a half-way decent Rhubarb pie.  And home long before bed.

A pretty good weekend all in all.

Miss Madeleine's Most Excellent Gifts

A week of chilling winds and cold February drizzle is enough to keep me inside, all cosy with Mummy and Ginger Cat, getting acquainted with my things.  It is quite amazing how quickly a little person like me can acquire stuff.  Only seven short months ago, I had virtually nothing, and now my things seem to fill most of the house.  So today, I thought I would share with you some of my most excellent gifts.

Uncle James made Rabbit and I a blanket!

First off, may I invite you to admire this excellent pink blanket, woven by Uncle James.  Yes, Uncle James actually wove this for me on his loom!  That's right - he actually has a loom in his sitting room.  I was amazed too.  It is doubly amazing as it is practically the first thing that Uncle James made, and demonstrates he is both extraordinarily clever and has remarkably good taste.  He also chose this fabulous pink colour, (Auntie Junia may have helped) which co-ordinates with lots of my outfits and with Rabbit (who was a Christmas present from Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Peter). 

River Cottage Baby!

My second treasured possession for your perusal is the River Cottage Baby and Toddler Cookbook.  Nana Betty bought this for me when I was born, even though I wasn't really very interested in eating then.  Nana Betty has great foresight, you see!  So, since I hit six months, this gift has really come into its own.  Mummy has lots of cookbooks - I do mean lots - there are so many, that she uses them to prop up the monitor on the desktop.  (That's a very old-fashioned computing device that will be obsolete before I'm old enough to read this).   However, this book is special as it is the only book which has recipes especially for me!  Mummy likes the way each recipe comes with adaptations for little babies (like me), older babies and small children.  Apparently it means she doesn't have to think too much.  These are some Apple and Oat Muffins that Mummy made the other day - however by the far the best hit has been the breakfast pancakes.  They were delicious.  When I'm a bit older, I'll get them with a wee drop of maple syrup too, but for now, they were yummy with fresh strawberries.

Talking of my talented Nana Betty, do cast your eyes over my most excellent Fair Isles cardi.  Nana Betty knitted this for me, even though she has been poorly lately.  In fact, she has produced so many lovely cardigans and jumpers for me since I was born, I think the Inland Revenue might soon become suspicious that she is going into full swing industrial production without the relevant licenses.  She doesn't even have a loom, like Uncle James.  Maybe Granddad will buy her one?  It suits me though, doesn't it?  I think it probably means I am very, very loved, and extremely fashionable, which is rather a wonderful combination.

Talented Gran Katia can paint!

Finally, I just have to share this.  Gran Katia has painted me.  All I had to do was pose for a quick snap in my pretty red outfit, and that was sufficient inspiration for her to produce this rather flattering portrait of me.  Mummy and Daddy have been debating whether my eyes are really that blue, and whether my lips are really that red - a bit of Max Factor going on there, we suspect.  Over all I think I have one hell of a talented Gran.  I'm really looking forward to seeing her and Granddad in the summer when I can get down and messy on the beach for real.

I have some really lovely things.  How kind everyone is.  Lots of hugs and cuddles to everyone who has so generously given me such nice presents.   Mummy however has reminded me, I'm not to get too materialistic - it is never a flattering quality in a small child.  So I'm going to finish up with a little video of me getting one of the best presents of all - the gift of fun and giggles.  We are playing peek-a-boo.  Fabulous game - you should all try it!   Giggles and smiles - one of the few things that the more you give away, the more you have.

Lots of love,
Madeleine  X x