Poppy

Here are some more pictures of the latest (and final) Thomas. She's very much like Joseph - except with more (and darker) hair...oh yes - and she hasn't got a willy. Other than that, she could be his twin!

Took Grace to meet her later this afternoon - she was a little bit shy but soon perked up once Poppy woke up. She's (so far) been a model baby - feeds well and sleeps. Not like the previous 2 then! Joseph yet to meet his sister which will come as a bit of a shock to him! We're all knackered - I've had 6 hrs of sleep in the last 48 hrs - watching the election results (which I'm aware I won't get any sympathy for) and last night.

Watching a woman give birth always reminds me how wonderful it is to be a man.....

that was quick!

So much for a good night's sleep....woken up just after 1am by Catrin telling me that she was in labour - but told to stay in bed. Phoned Esther (an absolute star) who came round at 3.15am to baby-sit while we tootled off to the hospital.

Arrived at 3.30 - and Cat had a baby girl (Poppy) at 05:35 - weighing in at 7lb 6oz. Unfortunately there was no time for an epidural - they took too long and the baby was in a hurry to get here! Rather shocked us with her dark hair (plus the fact she's actually got some!)- but we are both (as you'd expect) very happy

dog's dinner

I stayed up until 4.30am watching the election "results" this evening/morning. Exciting as it was, it was a bit of a dog's dinner in terms of organisation. Electronic voting failures, spoiled ballots papers and naughty chaps with golf clubs bashing up ballot boxes (it wisnae me)....and that's just for starters.....ended up with the SNP "winning" by one seat (SNP 47, Labour 46, Con 17 & LD 16, Green 2 + Margo 1). Socialists and other independents all wiped out. Should make for a much more interesting parliament - possibly even with debates where you have to win an argument - heaven forbid!

Took Grace swimming kin the afternoon - and then retired for an early night as I was completely knackered!

X marks the spot

I cast my vote this morning (or rather 4 votes). Done my civic duty. I did wonder why people are waiting with rosettes outside polling stations. Never in al the times I've voted has anyone asked me how I intend to vote - or tried to persuade me to vote for them. Seems rather pointless being there. They did wonder why I was taking pictures - so I informed them that it was for my blog and that I was not the press. They were then happy to have their photo taken. I have no idea whether they are candidates or not.

apeshit

Both Catrin and I went completely apeshit this morning. Grace managed to get hold of Cat's nail varnish (having been explicitly told several times that she was not allowed to go near it) and left it opened on the coffer in the sitting room. The inevitable happened...Joseph got hold of it and waved it around our brand new carpet and also puit some in his mouth. The carpet (about 4 weeks old) is ruined. Oh well, it only cost a grand.....Needless to say that there were some very strong words - and Grace ended up in tears. She's grounded until she's 21.

flying over handlebars is not to be recommended

I came off my bike on the way home tonight. It hurt. Nobody else was involved so I can't even blame anyone - I think I hit a curb and went flying. I knew I was in trouble when I saw my bike about 3 feet on my left as I hurtled through the air. Landed with a thump on the concrete and have a few cuts and bruises - and am beginning to feel very sore.

My faith in humanity was not restored when 2 people who witnessed the incident (about 10 feet away) walked nonchalantly by. "Thanks for asking how I am" was my response....with a splattering of expletives. It was only fellow cyclists who, upon seeing my plight, came up to me and asked me if I was ok. Must be a brothers-in-arms thing - or else they'd also gone for the same superman lessons.

Watched Man Utd crash out of European Cup at Bruntsfield Hotel with Andy - but before that I headed out to Meadows to take some pics of ensuing election.

massage

Moved back to my new/old office today. But until this election is over and we have some msps, there is bugger all to do. There's only so much paper shuffling one can do.....bored out of my skull.

I had a massage at Zen this evening. This is the first time I've ever had one (at least one that's not been done by Cat) - and I was a little apprehensive. Catrin had booked it for me - as I have been complaining of sore neck and back for the last 5-6 weeks. I half expected a half naked (and hopefully very attractive) woman to strip me of my clothes, then jump on my back pouring oils on it and giving me a tender massage...but quickly realised this is hardly something your wife would organise for you.

I have to admit that within minutes of starting the massage I was in heaven (no it really was just a massage!). It was fanbloodytastic! I now understand why Catrin loves going there.....I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep. Had I lots of cash, I'd do that every week.

Watched Liverpool beat Chelsea in Champions league semi - has some feelings of sadness for the Chelsea players until I remembered that most of them are on at least £50K a week and can probably afford a massage every 5 seconds to get over the defeat.