Tuesday, December 26, 2006

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

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!!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

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!!

Friday, December 01, 2006

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!

Monday, November 20, 2006

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!!

Sunday, November 12, 2006


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

Sunday, October 22, 2006

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.