May the games begin!

As you can see from the photo, Jack has begun to reach out for anything and everything within his sight!

At the moment, he's reaching for the keyboard so I'll keep it short but know all is well and all will be well!

Nineteen weeks

This week Jack really seems to have changed ... he's constantly searching to touch things, to change positions, and to laugh.

Here he is on a quilt recently made by my dear friend Chris - he's hanging out with his friend Cat the Chenille!

My return to work has gone really well - as Jack really seems to adore spending time with his Nanny and her family and as I'm enjoying being back at work.

And now I just treasure my days at home with Jack all the more!!!

Four and a half months!

At the weekend 'the Scots' - Sam, Fraser, Shona, and Mackie - descended on Mutzig to catch up with all things good and to watch the rugby (Don't ask for details: by losing the match by over 23 points Scotland handed the whole Six Nations tournement to France on plate!). We all had a great time, though, and it was fantastic to see everyone again!

Getting Older by the Day!

Here's Jack in the sweater his Great Aunt Genevieve knitted for him!

We all had a lovely weekend as the sun was shining and we had nothing to do but enjoy our own company. So, I had a chance to go swimming and walking, Ben had a chance to paint the shutters and (even better) to go cycling, and Jack? Well, he had the chance to hang out with us! And, we were a captive audience as he gargled out loads of little stories and blew bubbles galore :-)

almost four months old!

We spent the weekend through in Germany -celebrating tata Juliette's birthday, playing with Jack's cousins Charlotte and Antoine, and enjoying some warm sunshine on Sunday!

Now the weekends over, I'm preparing to go back to work tomorrow... but -- as Jack has already visited his 'nourrice/nanny' twice without any problems and as I really do enjoy my work -- I'm just trusting that things will be fine.

smiles n all that,
Robyn

hello there!

Fifteen weeks

This is a fairly important week for us, as I return to work next week. Jack's already met his nanny, a lovely lady who lives in the next village; he's also now used to drinking from a bottle. We're also trying to enforce regular naps during the day - because, for all he's excellent about sleeping at night, he fights (which darkened eyes) the urge to have a quick sleep during the day! Last night, though, he slept between 9pm and 7.30am so really we don't have much room to complain... particularly as he's such a giggly delight to be around and as we can enjoy watching him develop from week to week (this weekend saw him pulling forward into the sitting position where he rests quite comfortably if supported.. and if he's not supported he tips forward onto his rather large tummy which is always comic :-)

hugs n all,

Robynx

Fourteen weeks old!

Here I am talking to my Dad about the world and all things great :-)

thirteen weeks

Now I'm 'more than 3 months old,' I like to

°try to turn over when I'm on my tummy

°touch things hanging from the mobile

°express myself loudly and clearly when I'm not happy

°laugh out loud when I see Dad coming home from work

°and generally acquire as much love and attention during the day is as possible.

And at night? I like to sleep between 11pm and 8am but - strangely enough -Mum and Dad would like me to sleep even longer than that (one night -when I slept from 10pm until 9am they seemed super happy so I might try that again!!)

twelve weeks old!

Hello again!

Here's Jack in a sweater a friend knitted and in mid-flow of gobblydygook conversation :-)

Yesterday was his first 'day out' as we went up to 'le Donon,' a local hill and viewpoint. I was a bit of a sissy of going for a long walk (as it was a bit going cold and blowy). So instead we went for a nice hot chocolate and a slice of good old-fashioned apple pie! A real adventure!!! Jack was really relaxed and chatted throughout...... much to the delight of Mum and Dad alike :-)

Wintry Weather...

that's thankfully already feeling milder! (we had -13° one night last week!).

Eleven Weeks Old

I'm eleven weeks old now and just beginning to hold things and to explore what I can do with my hands. Okay, for the moment, it isn't much but I am beginning to touch and explore and also to realise I can suck my thumb....

10 weeks old

Here I am on my Big Brown Bear suit.. that only a few weeks ago seemed FAR TOO BIG for any reasonable baby. But now it fits.. and for good reason as the doctor measured him on Friday and discovered he's now 59cm and 5.5kgs. In real terms, that means he's grown a centimetre for every week he's been alive and in the same time he's gained 2.5kgs. There's nothing unusual about such growth (I think it's what babies are meant to do.... ) but all the same it feels incredible!

The adventure continues.....

Nine Weeks Old

A funny thing!

I went to the dentists last week and mentioned I had a funny feeling that Jack has grown his first two teeth.. and he has! Okay, so they are only wee bumps of teeth but they are there.. on the bottom right of his mouth. He's actually had them for about a month now but to begin with I thought they were ulcers because, surely, they couldn't be teeth!

He's continuing to sleep through the night (last night he slept from midnight until 8am) and so life is just so much easier :-)

He's obviously also continuing to grow but we'll have to wait until this Friday's doctors visit to know just how much...

2 months old

Now I'm two months old I've decided (with my mum and dad) that I'm going to sleep at night.. and so for the last week I've been sleeping between 1am and 6am, 7am, or even (once) 10am. Now, okay, one night I only slept between 1am and 4am but mum didn't seem very happy so I'm going to try and avoid doing that again!!!

Me and my Mum!

8 weeks old

Yep, I'm getting older by the minute.. though, call me 'Scarface 2' and remind Mum and Dad to cut my nails the next time you speak to them!!

Seven Weeks Old and Smiling About it :-)

What? I'm already seven weeks old? No problem, mate! I've already got my parents under control! Afterall, all I need to do is smile and they melt and do whatever I want them to do for me (hug me, feed me, hug me, change me, hug me.. and, for goodness sake, leave me alone for ten minutes so I can sleep a little ;-)

and more smiles!

Smiles

Merry Christmas

I think Jack likes Christmas because... he's started smiling proper smiles (that is, he smiles not only when he's about to fart or burp!).

And, he has good reason to smile because in the seven weeks since he was born we have received over 50 greeting cards and too many presents to count. Indeed, Christmas was made much better by the fact we saved a good number of his parcels for Christmas day and so we had a real family Christmas with presents from everyone (thanks Aunt Jen, Gerry and Jackie, Shona and Iain, Sam and Fraser, Jillian, Josef and Aina, Mum and Dad, Nina and really to everyone who has sent presents and cards over the last few months). Living in Alsace is wonderful but it does mean that we are away from so many people we care about.. and that our living room has been continuously decorated with your presence has meant a great deal to me, Ben, and Jack!!

So, I hope you all had a lovely, lovely Christmas Day (and that Santa was good to you ;-)
much love,
Robyn

Now I'm Six Weeks Old!!

In the last week I've become a bit more 'independant'
. Now that doesn't mean I'm out driving Dad"s car and having wild parties but it does mean I can hang out and 'talk' to myself for an hour or so. I'm also working on my smile and on lifting up my head so I can charm the girls... even more!!!

Visitng Germany

Last weekend Jack visited Germany for the first time.. and so got to spend time with Aunt Juliette and cousins Antoine (5) and Charlotte (3). He was really relaxed throughout the weekend (though he rather rudely threw up on Aunt Juliette!) and even enjoyed a walk out to this, their garden plot situated outside of the town.

Five Weeks Old!!

Jack has really changed for us in the last couple of weeks as he now looks at the world and smiles when he likes what he sees!!

He's also developing a daily pattern -- in the mornings he's 'independant' insofar as he's happy to lie on his mat and chill out by himself; in the afternoons he likes to eat and sleep and to be carried around or to go out for a walk(or rather his mum likes to do this while the weather is still good); then, in the evening, he feeds more often and really looks to interact with us (I have to say between 6-9 he's at his most adorable as he's completely relaxed and chats and smiles away to us); finally, as the night approaches he quietens down but needs more reassuring and more hugs before morning comes and the cycle begins again!!

Just now he's in the baby carrier attached to me (like a kangaroo pocket) and we're listening to Eddie Reader. He's completly relaxed looking around him and swinging backwards and forwards as I type. His hands are out to each sie and every now and then he gurgles as if in confirmation that,yes, the world is an okay place to be :-)

And, it really is for him.. because our visit to the doctor on Friday confirmed that he's growing nicely. Indeed, he's grown 4.5 centimetres and gained a kilo since he was born. I can hardly believe it - though he no longer fits some of his smaller pyjamas - and both Ben and I are ridiculously proud of him (yep, all 53.5cm and all 4 kilos).

But iit's all perfectly normal for him and so watch this space ashe continues to grown into a right wee.... Jack!!

Now I'm three weeks old!

.. and I'm super proud of being just so old!!

going for a walk!

grandma and granddad come to visit!

We obviously passed an excellent time gooing and cooing over Jack and generally catching up!

Today I'm two weeks old!

Hello there,

Jack's enjoying his afternoon nap and so I thought I'd write a wee message to say all is going well so far (phew). He's sleeping, eating, and pooing as he should.. and his parents are still in seventh heaven (though beginning to look in need of sleep..).

He really is a joy to be around, as he's normally very quiet and calm. The first ten days in particular were very peaceful as he was asleep most of the time. Now, he is beginning to spend more time awake.. looking around him, enjoying cuddles, wondering when he can eat again. And, this time awake is a lovely time to 'meet him' and to watch him as he encounters the world for the first time.

He can't yet appreciate the number of gifts and cards that are filling our letter box.. but I can and so I would like to say a hugs THANK YOU to all those who have sent their well wishes (and more). Knowing that so many people are thinking of us and are eager to meet 'the wee man' really is a comfort during this time of change. So, cheers!

This week is another big week for Jack, as his Scottish grandparents are coming to stay this Thursday. Mum's already made sure that we have whisky so Dad and Ben can 'wet Jack's head' and while they're busy with that business I'm sure mum and I will find our own ways to celebrate!!

Watch this space for news and more photos...
much love,
Robyn

Day 12: don't I have a cute hand!

Ten days old: just look at me!!

Day Six: am I really related to all these people?

And on the fifth day, Jack returned home!

My parents are proud because I'm now two days old!

Jack and his Dad

Jack's first day in the world!

What can I say?

Jack Cnockaert was born on Monday 6th November at 9.33am and we're completely chuffed!!

He measured 49cm and weighed 3kg and the birth was without complications.

I spent last week in hospital recovering, being spoilt, and generally smiling (a lot).

He came home on Friday afternoon and ever since we've all been getting to know one another and the new pace of our lives.

It's a delight!

I'll post photos as we go along.. but, meanwhile, know all is well and we're all as happy as can possibly be!!!

hugs,
Robyn

Mutzig

This is a photo of Mutzig taken during today's afternoon walk. Our apartment is just below the church in the centre of the picture. Mutzig is around 20 minutes drive from Strasbourg and lies, surrounded by vineyards, in one of the many valleys that lead into the Vosges hills.

Two weeks to go...

I always said that when the days grew colder and the leaves started changing colour then the 'birthday' of Jack would soon arrive. And now the days have grown colder and the leaves have started changing colour... and it's true that the final countdown has begun. Ben and I have had our last visit with the doctor, we've signed up with the hospital, and we've got all the 'stuff' we should need for the first wee while... In fact, after my final session with the 'wise woman' this Wednesday, we've nothing left to do but wait for the big day to arrive.

Award Winner!!!

Marion Agus An Banphrionsa (Marion And The Princess)Director: Melanie Clark Pullen Jury Statement Short film in Irish is a striving genre and Gael Linn is proud to recognise achievement through its award Gradam Gael Linn. This year’s recipient is Melanie Clark Pullen for the film Marion agus an Banprionsa.Gael Linn CEO Antoine O’ Coileain on behalf of the judging panel said“This is a delightful film which beautifully recaptures a little girl’s dream encounter with Princess Grace during an Irish visit. The film seamlessly weaves actuality, flashback and present day to great effect. Its two child actresses, Erin and Doireann Learmont are truly outstanding. A joy to behold was the judges summation.”

Now, let me explain!

About 3 years ago, Melanie and I were sitting in a café overlooking the Med. talking about the projects we wanted to realise. As she sipped on her hot chocolate, Melanie began to tell of an idea she'd been nurturing.. as someone who was Irish and who had studied the Irish language at university and as someone who was at the time living only a few miles from Monaco, she was interested in researching the time Princess Grace (Kelly) visited Dublin. Why? Because she wanted to write a short story or create a short film about the event, using research she could gather from the Princess Grace library in Monaco. More than that, though, she wanted to use a newspaper clip she'd found about how Grace visited a children's hospital ward. In that way, she could fashion the story around how Marion, a young Irish girl, might have experienced the wonder of meeting a 'real, live Princess.'

Well, you know how life is.. a few months later Melanie and her husband Simon left Antibes to return to Dublin (and Ben and I moved to Alsace). Once 'home' Melanie started to put her plan into action, and applied for a film grant from the Irish Language film board. Then, having won the grant, she summoned together a film crew and shot the film both in Ireland and in Monaco. Sound simple so far? Well, it wasn't - as she really had to invest herself and her everyday life in the details of generating people's interest and maintaining the professionalism of everyone's involvement.

But, life works its miracles because last week Melanie showed her film at the Cork Film Festival and won the award for best short film in the Irish Language.

Can you imagine ?

So, if you have a project hiding under your dream pillow why not pull it out, give it a shake, and see what you can do with it?

Afterall, Marion dreamed of meeting a Princess and she managed it!!!

cushion for hire!

Only days after leaving my job for maternity leave, I've found a new calling in life as a ... cushion.

Charlotte, at least, found me very comfortable and quite practical.

She was also quite taken by the idea that there was a baby in my tummy.. though she did keep checking that it 'was still there.' The reason for her inquietude? Quite logically, she was concerned the baby would get cold if it was born just now as it's all naked and the temperature has recently dropped to autumnal levels!

I'm with her, and so the 'wee one' has strict instructions to stay 'where it's warm' for at least another month :-)

So, if you know of anyone who needs a 'cushion' in the next month or so, you know where I can be found!!!

smiles,

Robyn

Five weeks (or so) to go..

We had our latest meeting with the doctor today and it was relaxed and easy going as ever as we followed our typical conversation.

doctor: How are you doing this month?
me: fine, thanks
doctor: okay, we'll do the usual tests and then schedule our next appointment
me: okay
ben: okay!

:-) What can you say? With only a few weeks left everything seems to be trundling along quite merrily!

I finished work yesterday - and so am officially on maternity leave (as I really enjoyed my work it feels a bit odd to have finished, but I'm sure I'll get used to it...).

Tomorrow, Ben and I are heading through to see Juliette (his sister) in Germany - and I'll stay on until Wednesday while he'll come back tomorrow evening. So, expect tales from deutschland on Thursday!

much love,
Robyn

and finally!

.. and a rather 'bumpy' photo of me in our bedroom (though, be warned, this photo is already a few weeks old!)

et voila! a rather quick and easy guided tour of our new apartment.

Of course, there are things we'd like to change - but then, hey, isn't that the joy of actually owning your own place? As you can make it 'your own' rather than just muttering about the landlord's lousy taste in home furnishings!!!

love n hugs,
Robynx

and the kitchen...

.. and the kitchen (though some of it is hidden behind the lens.. including the big window with looks out onto a lovely leafy tree).

baby's room

.. and if you think the baby's room looks 'a bit messy' - you should see it today as Ben's just stripped all the wallpaper off the walls!!! Hopefully, I'll be able to post another photo in a few weeks that looks a bit more like a real room (you know, with furniture and stuff :-)

not the most exciting photo but..

and the hall....

the living room part II

... and the second shot of our living room - and an inkling of just how green the hallway is for the moment!

Apartment Pictures

Hello,

This is just the first of a few photo blogs showing off our apartment (but not its paintwork!).

Rather obviously, this is the living room.. which has 3 windows that look out onto the stone entrance to Mutzig (see flood/July 14th photos).

So far, it seems pretty ideal as it's cool in summer and - with the fireplace - should be nice and cosy in winter.

(there's also plenty of room for a certain wee boy to spread his toys around!).

smiles,
Robyn

he's a growing boy!

Hello,

Ben's busy sanding the shutters in the living room, so I've retreated to my computer :-)

I promise I'll post pictures of the apartment soon but, meanwhile, just know that its exactly what we were looking for and that Ben's doing a great job of the redecorating (we now have a breakfast bar in the kitchen, shelves in the bathroom, and the shutters are being re-painted and the windows are being re-varnished). We've also plans for the baby's room and a little time to turn them into reality.

A little time.. yep, that's what it feels like!

In fact, we visited Dr Machu today for our 30/40 week checkup - and all's well. The wee boy is approximately 31cms and should grow at least another 15cms before 'he's done.' (which, I guess, means my tummy is going to have to grow some more!!). We did have another scan - which gave a great picture of his back (spine curving like a giant millipede; heart beating happily; and, legs thrashing). However, camera-shy, he kept his face hidden and so we don't have any new photos to show. What's most important, though, is that everything is going amazingly well as I move through the third trimester. My next appointment with Dr Machu is at the end of September and I have my second meeting with the mid-wife (sage femme) later this week and then every week for 7 weeks.

So, yup, things just keep trundling along...

Hoping alls well with y'all,
Robynxxx

wise woman

Hello,

Today was a big day on the 'baby calendar' as I visited with my mid-wife for the first time. Now, the first thing to know is that in France she is called a 'sage femme' which basically means 'wise woman'. And, the thought of visiting a 'wise woman' just put me in a good mood before the meeting even began :-)

We talked for about an hour and she seems really accessibble and down-to-earth. She told me about the three different hospitals or 'maternities' that Ben and I can choose for and the type fo questions to ask when we do visit. She talked me through the types of contractions I might feel from now on in and has shown me how to do basic breathing exercises - which Ben now loves because the baby reacts strongly enough when I 'breath' you can see his movements from the outside. And the movements feel really cool...they make me laugh...and if I lie on my side or in a position he doesn't like, I soon know about it - oy, you up there.. move over! is the message that comes through load and clear via a well placed prod or an inside shuffle. And the funny thing is.. I always thought it would be kinda 'Alien' freaky but its not.. or at least its not yet.

That's all to say that things are going well. I also visited with the doctor, Doctor on Saturday and he is absolutely happy with my progress at the six, yes SIX, month mark. I'm now to go back in a month for my seven-month scan.

So, if I haven't bored you too much with all this stuff, please do watch this space for more news soon!!

much love n many hugs,
Robyn

Better than 14th July!

Yesterday, our 36* weather exploded into a huge thunderstorm - complete with hailstones. The result was quite spectacular... as the road just infront of our apartment flooded with water. Thankfully, the water didn't come much closer to our walls than 50 yards because it really was quite deep and ugly looking. Amazingly enough, the water did drain away quite quickly because after only 30 minutes the road was relatively dry again.

So, once again, our living room windows provided ringside seats...especially as this guy's car broke down only a few seconds later and he had to borrow our mobile to call his dad (which also provided excellent entertainment as he tried to explain exactly why he had driven through the water rather than waiting...).

hugs n smiles,

Robyn

Israel - Lebanon conflict

Hello,

I received this thought-provoking email from a friend today, and thought you might like to share in her message.

Alena, is someone for whom I have the utmost respect. She has traveled to and lived in destinations around the world. She wrote her email as one of her friends is living in Lebabon. Now, I simply cannot take sides in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. However, what I can say is that I often forget the faces we see on the news are real people, with lives like you and I.

So, here's Alena's email:

Dear Friends,

I have been extremely lucky in this life that in every country I've lived in I have known so many generous and enormously talented women. I am in awe ofall of you and I thank you for even tolerating me. Right now, a woman very like you - fun-loving, kind to an astonishing degree, very very smart, and a friend of mine - is in Beirut as the bombs drop continuously around her.

She is Lebanese, educated in Canada, a Christian (like 40% of her country) andno cruise ship is coming to rescue her from the danger, nor would she boardit if it were.The tragedy in the Lebanon is one that you should hear from her- a message I think she wants heard- so please let me share the email I received fromLaurice this morning:

"Alena, Thank you, I've been in Beirut since yesterday, I haven't slept asecond from all the bombardments. I'm a little tired but running on pure adrenaline. I'm scared for myself and scared for not being able to see myfamily and even more scared for the people here. We're holding ademonstration tomorrow for Israel to stop bombing us, I might be in that onebut I will for sure be in the demonstration that will happen either thisFriday or this Saturday promoting peace. Help is always needed, ALWAYS!! There is absolutely no way anything can getinto Lebanon, no food, no medical supplies, no nothing! And we're slowly running out and all prices have increased ridiculously with whatever is leftand no one can afford to buy anything since most people lost everythingthey've ever had. The situation is bad, it's horrible but we are hoping forthe best by demonstrating that we, as Lebanese Citizens, DO NOT WANT thiswar. Contrary to many others opinion, we don't want to fight, we want peaceand we want to eat, drink, breath and live just like anyone. You can send that message across to any officials who are interested in helping Lebanesecitizens and the best way and the only way to do so at the moment is to make our voices heard. [...]as for me leaving, they will have to drag me out of my own home before I take this decision. Just hope it wont get tothat, I'm not ready to leave. "

Laurice is a Project Coordinator for an NGO in Beirut that teaches youngpeople about entrepreneurship - the same people that will be rebuildingLebanon yet again when the bombs finish grinding this beautifulMediterranean country between the teeth of its two giant neighbours. You cansee the work they do at www.jalebanon.org.

I hope it will show that this country is - and should be allowed to be- more than just a war zone.Thank you, and As-salaamu Alaikum

(Peace be upon you.)-Alena

July 14th 2006

Last night, at ten o'clock sharp and to the explosion of three fired guns, the parade of the 14th July started right outside our window. So, we had ringside seats as the folks of Alsace - disguised as the rich, poor, and revolutionary of the 1700's - filed past with firey torches held aloft.

celebrating the new apartment

A couple of weeks ago, Ben's folks drove up from Nice to Alsace to visit and to help us settle in... and they helped us they did for soon both the washing machine and the stove top were installed and the old apartment was cleaned and ready to hand back!! Thankfully, we also had some time to relax and to enjoy each other's company.

Here we are celebrating both the new apartment our 2nd wedding anniversary... but definitely not the yellow paint in the living room (which will be changed asap!!).

After their visit with us, they drove through to see 'the Derimays' in Germany.. and we followed them at the weekend to enjoy time together and to watch some world cup football. Now, what was Zidane thinking....