Alexander Jansson

Discovered this lovely artist on Facebook today via my suggested likes...stunning pictures

Out of sorts

After a fairly normal Monday morning and an afternoon nap, George woke up and vomited - all over himself and the bed. Turned out he had a temperature of 39+ and was burning with fever. 

I can't tell you how frightening this can be, even now, having dealt with similar many times over in the two years and three months I've experienced of parenthood; 

Thank God for ibuprofen, I mean really, Calpol (paracetamol) is pretty great, but there is nothing like the former to take down a fever. Darling boy steadily perked up and cooled down, the sickness apparently having been caused by the fever itself as he wanted to eat and drink and kept both down fine. So as to keep an eye on him he's shared the big bed with me the last couple of nights and Daddy has been exiled to the attic. Handy in this instance that George now has the full sized single. It's been rather sweet to have George with me, he's certainly slept well and comfortably, but as you can see from the photographs, this has sometimes been to my detriment...waking up with feet in my ribs or face as he turns to sleep horizontally across the bed a speciality! 

George and Grandad B

Brymoor Ice Cream

George woke up as Jon and I arrived back at the car from the abbey, he'd stayed safely tucked up with his Grandparents for a nice nap and now he was ready for ice cream, so off we drove to brymoor. George had a vanilla cone, Jon black cherry, Mum B had rum and raisin, Dad B rhubarb crumble and I had ginger. Incredible stuff. Nicest ice cream I think i've ever had. 

After the cornets we went to look at the cows who produce the milk. George loved them "hello cows! hello cows!". They were incredibly friendly (clearly used to visitors) and enjoyed lots of head rubs and strokes.

Jervaulx Abbey

Shortly before we arrived at Jervaulx George fell fast asleep, and we were going to turn around and go back, but Mum+Dad B suggested they would stay in the car with him while we went for a walk to the Abbey. Off we went across the field to see the ruin and what a beautiful place it was, covered in snowdrops heralding spring.

Despicable Me 2

Very much a favourite of the house at the moment...

Cats in sunlight

Wednesday afternoon enjoying some sunshine between the squalls...

All good

George had his two year assessment with the health visitor today and was tested on his ability to match colours, to build using wooden blocks and to do a jigsaw with three pieces. All of which he happily ploughed through with flying colours. The lady also weighed (15.11kg) and measured (92cm) him and referred him upstairs for his first dental appointment. 

While we were Chez health centre I had an ENT appointment which went something like this....tonsils out? No thank you. Ok then, bye...and Jon had his follow up chest x-ray to check his Christmas bronchitis had cleared up completely = it has (phew).

Sourdough

First loaf using the new starter (now named Alfred - thank you Laura) turned out incredibly well. I used an overnight prove and in lieu of  proper banneton used a wicker basket lined with a clean, well floured tea towel. It baked well courtesy of Jon, using a steam bath (tray of boiling water in the base of the oven) and I was overjoyed to cut in and find such a great crumb structure and lovely crust. It tasted rich and flavourful in that way only proper bread can do. It made the most delicious toast, thickly spread with butter of course, and I can't wait to make some more. 

Visiting Shaz

She made the biggest cake in the world. FACT.

It tasted bloody lovely.

George stole my drink

We burned some logs and made the living room cosy

I wish I could convey rather better how beautiful the house is, but it is.