h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

And I hope you enjoyed yours. I've still got three weeks to wait!

Yes thanks. I had a really nice time. I think it's the first holiday I've had in England where the weather has been fab - it didn't rain once. We took the kiddies to the beach, farm, park and entertained them while my mum looked after Niall for a day and we went for a lazy pub lunch, walk on the beach and saw Star Wars - it's pretty good. Where are you going for yours?

We're off to Stuarts parents for a week, in Surrey. It doesn't sound like much but a week of on tap babysitters sounds good to me! Stu's sister is getting married on the 7th August and we'll be staying there for a week after that. We're intending on going to see Star Wars then.

Stu's parents have a much larger garden than us so there'll be lots of room for Callum to run about in, assuming we can overcome his fear of grass. Granddad is looking forward to taking the little chap out on a walk with him through the common. I have no doubt that he'll start teaching him how to climb trees!

Oh and Callum is walking now with loads of confidence. Not that I'm beaming with pride or anything!

I'd never knock babysitters on tap! My mum is threatening to look after Niall for a week in September so we can have a week off in the sun. I know I'll miss him horribly, but I think it will do us both good. I tend to expend most of my patience on Niall, so Tim sometimes gets short shift!

Beam with pride? I stand there with a completely silly look on my face every time Nially sings the ABC song! I'm enchanted!

He's also managed his first word - cat. Not mum, not dad, but cat. I guess that's us told then. And while you've been away he's also learnt to open doors and get himself downstairs. I'm just waiting for the thud in the morning as he gets himself out of his cot!!

You're lucky. Niall's first word was "No" - hmmmmm. Then a few months later when he bashed his truck he said "jesus christ" with real feeling! Fortunately, I managed to nip that one in the bud! He can now open the front door so we've had a chain put on it. We replaced our front door with a solid wooden one after he run up and smashed throught the glass - fortunately, we had a curtain pulled across so he didn't have a scratch on him! On Sunday evening, we were about to eat our tea in the garden, I put a tray of things on the table (including a bottle of wine and glasses) and he accidentally tipped the table over with his foot. Ahh, the joys of parenthood. It's the perks that keep me going...

Not much joy for me at the mo. Poor Callum has got chickenpox! He's got progressively more ill as each day passes. Stu's looking after him today and I've come to work for a break

On Friday when we went to pick him up from the nursery, we had a lovely experience though. As we were leaving we said to say bye to everyone and he did! Bit of a shock that one.

We've also had to chain our external doors. He hasn't managed the front one yet but he's tall enough for the back door.

Oh no - poor Callum (haven't been on line that much lately, I've actually had to do some work!) How is he now? Have you and Stu had chicken pox? Nially had measles at christmas, but I gave him a remedy and it cleared up within a few days. It's so bloody hot in London - the tube is a nightmare - lots of sweaty armpits. I think if I worked for "Sure" or "Right Guard" I'd be targetting these people! We painted the kitchen at the weekend and that was hell on earth. I HATE DIY. I have no patience for it at all....

Callum is on the mend. Actually he wasn't too bad but he developed an ear infection which caused a fever which lasted for nearly three whole days. Still, he's up to his usual mischeif again now.

Stu has and I'm not sure if I've had them.

We're off on the holiday at the end of this week and I can't wait.

I have also had to do some work but it's impossible to concentrate in this office. The uni have obviously never heard of air conditioning and the building I work in is of typical '60s greenhouse construction. Still, the office plants seem to be enjoying it!

You're off to a wedding aren't you? Have you got your frock? I went to a wedding last week, it was a bit strange! My indian friend was marrying a scotsman so there was sari's and kilts everywhere! Pashminas are very in, I got mine made up for £20 (including fabric) at a sari shop.

Glad to hear that Callum is on the mend! I bet you're looking forward to those in-laws doing a bit of babysitting!

The in-laws have no idea about the chaos about to strike in their house! Tee Hee. I can already see Callum eating all granny's plants, making friends with the horses in the field next to the house and getting into all those places he's not supposed to. Should be fun to watch

Yeah we're off to Stu's sisters wedding. I have a frock but if this weather keeps up I think I'll wear my shorts and t-shirt! For the ceremony, we've bought Callum his first shirt and tie! I'm sure he's going to look well cute.

Anyway, we're off tomorrow so this is probably the last time I'll talk to you until I get back. Bye.

Have a great time - take a piccie of Callum and mail it to me! I'll have to mail you one of Niall. Talk to you when you get back.

you can find a piccie of Callum when he was 7 months at our web page which I recently set up.

http://www.geocites.com/EnchantedForest/Pond/5234/index.html

I'm off now. Bye

Just a quick hello form me now I'm back.