Festive? Sure!

But for us Christmas this year was about productivity. For perennial to-do list authors that word is Mecca! I am a man, ergo I hate shopping. Erin takes after her mom, ergo she hates shopping. A recipe for being under-prepared for both child birth and home ownership. However, these guys don't!

And it's not just food!

Beds

Sofas

Strollers, they do it all! 

Notice the subtle differences from mums face of enthusiasm above
to Erins face of sarcastic contempt

She is 8 months pregnant, I'll allow her that much. I'm never that amped either to be fair.

Especially not queueing for an hour to NOT get a sofa!

 Regardless, we need somewhere to sleep, somewhere to sit, and most of all:

because they wouldn't have let us
take the baby home without it!

With the help of mum and dad we got it done. We bought 2 sofas (somewhere to sit), 2 beds (somewhere to sleep), and a baby car seat. For our bed we just copied my sister exactly. Av has the most gorgeous bed. I think she secretly hates when we visit because she has to give it up! Thanks Av! And sorry. We were also recently given a baby change unit. With a lick of paint and a change mat from Amazon it is looking ready for some crappy action!

Does it suit me?

Well you're all here for this girl. Look at how dedicated she is in writing her blogs for you. Probably the last blog she will write with that view :(

 Or maybe you're here for this one? It's already the star of the Madden house :)

Short but sweet from me. I've my first meeting about my thesis tomorrow. Modelling composite component strength for varying wing cover boundary conditions if you're interested, which you're not. I'm afraid I can't make it sound any more interesting than that.

Adios!

Niall

Oh by the way, I booked our flights to California! Get your diaries out. Save the dates. Keep us a seat by the BBQ on the 4th :) Reserve me some Pascucci. You know what? I'm going to be bold and say I think this trip is finally the trip that I will conquer Gibraltar. You heard it. I might even beat Heather (the ultimate goal). I don't care if she is 3 weeks out of the labour ward - a win is a win.

See you soon SB!

There is a funny story about our flights too. But I'll let Erin tell you. She's unnerved by the fact I had to book them over the phone with a man with no English and who couldn't accept credit cards. Also, its Ethiopian Airlines... sounds fine to me! 

:/