Quiet Times

All is quiet both in this blog and in our lives generally. Many of our activities have stopped because of the summer holidays (don't people realise that babies need entertaining too?) I would love to be able to report that Jessicat is doing lots of exciting new things, but instead, we are going through a period of consolidating existing skills. Still, we did manage to attend our first Rhymetime for about a month today, and Jess still enjoys singing and rhymes as much as ever.

Some of our books this week include:

Amazing Animals - Dr Seuss. I can see Dr Seuss books becoming even more popular now children are taught to read using phonics.
All Fall Down - Helen Oxenbury.
Play With Spot -Eric Hill.
That's Not My Tractor. Fiona Watts. We are slowly getting through the whole series, which Jessicat loves.
Playtime with Woof - Caroline Jayne Church. A new discovery, this, and another touchy-feely book, this time with a simple rhyme. Another series that Jessicat and I will want to complete.
Hippety-hop, Hippety-hay -collection of rhymes for children under 3, edited by Opal Dunn and Sally Anne Lambert. I have been looking for a collection of rhymes that I can share with Jessicat, as I can't wait to share my love of poetry with her. We both love nursery rhymes, but hopefully this book will enable us to expand our repetoire of poetry for very young children.

In the library this morning, Jess was rolling on the floor chewing bits of jigsaw as I was browsing, when I overheard a mother saying to her (approximately) 12 year old son:
"Only choose one book mind. And nothing too thick otherwise it will take us too long to get through." And we wonder why some kids today struggle with the basics so much.

I am reading John Tusa's "Art Matters" at the moment. Plenty of food for thought here, especially at the moment, as in Bristol the Old Vic is temporarily closed, Wildwalk and Imax have gone and even populist theatres like the Hippodrome struggle to sell out. Music wise, I'm looking for some new stuff to get into. I've been advised to try the Decemberists and Bellowhead, so my order has gone in, and I will report back soon.

Some summer reading.

Our new books for this week are:

My Presents - Rod Campbell. Similar format to Dear Zoo and one that Jessicat already seems to appreciate.

Come Here, Cleo! - Caroline Mockford. Our first encounter with Cleo, from the Barefoot Books stable. I like her, and will look out more books from this series.

One Gorgeous Baby - Martine Oborne. A counting book, with a sweet message. Have only read this to Jess once so far, so a bit early to gauge her reaction yet.

Boo Barney - Alex Ayliffe. The final page features Boo giving his teddy a goodnight kiss, and I can make Jessicat smile by giving her a resounding "mwah" on her cheek at this point!


My own reading - I have just started Engleby by Sebastian Faulks. It's much funnier than I expected it to be - but I have a feeling it is going to get nasty. Just why is he ashamed to think about his little sister? I'm only a couple of chapters in, and I'm already hooked. After a nice drink at Bocabar yesterday (what a civilised place, and I recommend the patatas bravas), Dave and I watched The Night of the Demon on DVD. I love the elegance and formality of these 1950s film, but I was a bit distracted by the rather obviously fake wild cat. Great to watch another film; in fact, a pretty nice day all round.

First words???? (Mummy hops on spot impatiently....)

Jessicat is still waving at people, and is showing signs of perfecting this skill by attempting it with her other hand or when sat down. But, more excitingly, I think we may have our first word! This morning, when Dave was leaving for work and saying "bye bye Jess", she replied "ba ba", and did it again later when I prompted her. Now, I know this could just be coincidence, but I'm hoping it's the start of many a conversation between us. Will keep the blog updated on this.

But to balance this with some not so good news, Jessicat is becoming increasingly fussy about taking her milk. I'm concerned that maybe I'm filling her up too much with solids, so will discuss this with the health visitor. It's good that she enjoys solids though, and courtesy of Heinz's Global Tots range, has even tried her first curry today.

Continuing this theme of firsts, today Jessicat completed her first ever Bookstart Crawl challenge, and has been awarded a certificate, and a free book, Pooky Penguin (author unknown). The certificate takes pride of place in her Stay and Play scrapbook, and I am looking forward to us sharing a new book together.

Jessicat's first holiday

Last week, we went to North Wales with Jessicat's Granny and Grandad for her first ever holiday. In spite of rain and Jessicat's teething (upper two front teeth are now making an appearance), we had a lovely time. She was excited by the donkeys and Llandudno beach, and was thoroughly spoilt by her grandparents, acquiring some new outfits and a lovely knitted dolly whom we have christened Beatrice (carrying on with the theme of toys' names being inspired by Shakespearean characters - who said kids are dumbed down these days?!?!)

We have come home to more dubious weather (oh I love it and what an improvement on last summer), and some cracking reads.

Sparkly Day - Helen Stephens. Have now read and enjoyed this whole series together.
Everyone Hide From Wibbly Pig - Mick Inkpen. Jess really enjoys this book, but I have to protect the delicate flaps from marauding little hands.
Cow Moos - Stephen Barker. Jessicat loves trying to do the actions herself. Unfortunately, all the books we have read so far in this series have come from the library and been in poor condition, often heavily sellotaped or torn, which does reduce enjoyment somewhat.
Colours - author unknown, from the Bright Baby series.
That's Not My Dragon - Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells. This is our favourite book yet from this wonderful series. We are going to order all of them from the library! Even more excitingly, Jessicat is now showing signs of being able to point to the little mouse hidden on each page when asked. Her comprehension seems to be really coming on each month.

Where's the summer weather gone?

I have to confess that I am probably one of the only people in England currently enjoying this damp - and for July - cool weather. My hayfever is much improved and it's bliss being able to sleep comfortably at night time. Long may it continue....

This week's selection includes:

Wee Willie Winkie and Other Nursery Rhymes - Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells. Good, pocket size collection of rhymes, with a few less popular ones included. This would be ideal for carrying around in my bag to whip out during the checkout queue.

Mummy and Me - from the Baby Einstein series

Spot Visits His Grandparents - Eric Hill. I like the sheer unfussiness of the print in Eric Hill's books; Jessicat's eye can focus on the words without any distraction of colours and illustrations.

Little Duckling - Nicola Smee. A short and sweet little tale, and one that tempts me to look out the other books in this series.

What else to report? Well, Jessicat has already seen off her first Prime Minister, as Gordon Brown was anointed this week. When in her baby walker, she is discovering how to open drawers and get into places; Dave and I need to baby proof the house quite soon, I think.

I am re-reading Donna Tartt's The Secret History. I'd forgotten how amazing this book was, as it's 14 years since I last read it! It manages to be an erudite, elegantly written and rather chilling page turner. I want more books like this!