Colds and cuddles

After our great trip to New York and getting over the jet lag, Zafra came down with a stinker of a cold! Not fun. At one point, she was leaking out of her eyes, nose and mouth simultaneously! Such a sad sight on such a lovely baby. For the most part, the last week and a half has been filled with cuddles, feeding, more cuddles and lovely naps together. But there have been some lovely things to do at home. Storytime is always a nice, quiet break.

Introducing Zafra to one of mummy's favourites - Goodnight Moon

We're also getting into music more and more. Sometimes we listen to new things on the ipod. Peter, Paul & Mary is going down particularly well with Zafra at the moment. She seems to like the American folk music harmonies, they put her right to sleep in the car! It's a huge development, because Zafra has been very unsure about the car up until now, sometimes not happy about it at all. But we went to our monthly Attachment Parenting group in Eastleigh, which is about a 30 minute drive, and she slept happily all the way there!

Bundled up and fast aleep in the car

It's not just out and about where we're exploring new music. At home, Zafra and mummy have been playing on the instruments. Zafra seems to particularly like the piano at the moment. Sometimes she sits on mummy's lap and helps play along, and sometimes she likes to sit in the carrier on mummy's back and listen to her play.

Zafra listens to mummy practice piano

Another fun activity at home has been watching Zafra and Parker suss each other out. When we got home from the USA, Zafra got a handful of Parker's very shaggy fur, which he understandably was none too pleased with. Off to the groomers we went and now that he's shaved like a puppy, it is safe for him to let Zafra come near.

Parker generously lets Zafra share his pillow

Comparing hands

Just content to share space

And just when everyone gets a bit grumpy, it's time for a nice, soothing bath (don't worry, the photo is PG)

It wasn't all staying in, though.There have been some days of brightness and easy breathing, though, so we've still been able to get out and about a bit. We had a great time going to some groups (the AP group, Happy Hands (BSL singing and signing), Wriggle and Rhyme), out to dinner with friends and Shabbat morning services. Zafra and mummy also went back to the Oceanarium, where we haven't been in ages. Zafra seems to have moved on from the red bellied piranhas, now she spent the most time watching the Mediterranean tank, with silver sea bream and sea bass

Watching the fish

Getting distracted by the camera!

Now that she's bigger and stronger, Zafra can have her arms out of the wrap which gives her a wider field of view. This has let her enjoy the different areas of the Oceanarium, such as the Great Barrier Reef

Watching the fish from above ...

... and below

It was fun to see how she's changing how she watches the fish. She's a bit all over the place with them now. It's really cute - she can't get enough!

In all, been having a good time despite the sniffles! Until next time, here's some more snaps ...

One more from grandma's house: naptime on the floor

Neil thinks this babygro makes her look like a wizard

A budding supporter of the Bournemouth Cherries!