Sorry for the absence of an entry last week, things have just been so hectic, I just didn't get round to it, and then it was CHRISTMAS, and everything else took even more of a back seat.

What a Christmas, hope yours was every bit as good. Whatever the reason for this celebration, I really do like the present bit, and was I a lucky girl or what.... more presents than I'd ever seen, from Father Christmas, (who I've been told brought them, but I'm a little suspicious as he seemed to bring something for everyone so he'd be unbelievably busy, but whatever...).  First there was the fun of staying at Nanna & Grandad's house in a big girls bed, then some mad people swimming in the sea, in the rain, how silly (and cold I expect), then cousin Sophie came to see me & the present opening began, and didn't stop until yesterday when Grandma & Grandad Grumps, along with Uncle Ben came to visit.

I've got so many lovely new things I really don't know where to start playing. I'll have to tell you all about them in the weeks to come.

In the meantime, as everyone seems to eat & drink excessively, it gave me a few spare hours to sneak in some work on my laptop under the quilt, whilst at Nanna's on some more photo's - hope you like them. more photo's - hope you like them. more photo's - hope you like them.

Sorry, I can't stop, I'm neglecting my toys & must get back to them. I hope you were all good boys & girls & Father Christmas brought you what ever it was you wanted. 

The mystery of Father Christmas gets more curious by the day. After my first sighting over a week ago I've since seen him on a number of further occasions looking a bit different each time.

Now I'm not sure if this is due to the pressures of what must be a demanding job, with all that travel, or whether its not the same person, and there are more than one!

Just for a minute I did think about pulling off his beard & asking him, but it just did not seem the polite thing to do. I've spoken to Stephen about this (during a break in play at his house the other day, but he wasn't sure either).

Whoever he, and however many there are (if more than one) I can't complain as every time I've seen him I've got a present, so I'll 'go with the flow', as long as the presents keep flowing I'll believe anything!!

I'm putting the finishing touches to the 1st set of real Alfie pictures that have the Edie seal of approval, so I must dash off to the dark room, while Mum & Dad are watching TV. Here are a couple of early releases .     

Having recovered from my swan trauma of last week, I was pleased to have a normal and orderly week, to aid my mental rehabilitation.... Until Friday that was (with my 'Very Hungry Caterpillar', that has to be read to me every night at bedtime) I'm learning about the days of the week, when I was surprised by another trip to the massive indoor playground with Jo & Annalise.

I don't know if it was something either Annalise or I had said/ done but Jo was far less adventurous than before, and took loads of persuading to get into the fun... but did eventually. I shouldn't mock as there he & Annalise are going to the toilet & not wearing nappies, when I'm still walking around with a baby nappy on my bum!.. everyone has their strengths, mine's just not in my bladder!!!!!

This was just like the time before, expect this funny man, or woman, it was hard to tell, was sitting in a little shed thing, all dressed up in a red & white suit with a big beard (which made me think it was likely a man.... as Grandad Grumps used to have one, which just strangely disappeared one time I saw him, and has never returned). Anyway, I know this to be Father Christmas, as we've been learning about him at nursery.... he's a nice chap that brings you things if you've been good (which leaves me slightly unsure whether I'm getting anything, or how broad the definition of 'good' is).

So we stared at Father Christmas for some time, but were interrupted by this large brown bear!. Now as even I know that large brown bears do not walk about indoors, especially with bright yellow jumpers on, I assume it was someone dressed up, but as he was friendly it really didn't matter either way. I do hope these trips are a regular thing as they are really good fun, until you get buried in the ball pool by some older thugs who should really know better, just wait til I'm older. Off to recuperate & find out more about this Father Christmas figure.  

After the full-on fun of last week I normally have a quiet time to relax & recharge, but even that seems to have disappeared, or my recovery powers are weaker.

Another trip to see Nanna, Grandad & Robert, leading to more superb fun & games (and two very painful facial injuries - not caused by Robert I must stress). Anyway having suffered these woundings, I thought my luck would change, and I'd be unscathed for a period  - not a bit of it, the worst was yet to come!

We'd had a nice trip to some little place called Beccels, or something, (I don't tend to pay attention to detail, unless its about me), and having become bored of more shops I was relieved to see the river & some ducks.

So there I was throwing little crumbs of my uneaten dinner to the ever growing hoard of waterfowl when this great white serpent reared it long neck up at me and in taking the bread out of my hand, almost ate my hand as well!!!!!!!

After the shock of this attack I was not at all happy and wailed for a while, to be sure the beast was scared away. fortunately upon checking my hand, all fingers were still present & working.

Having checked with my handy book of animals, I learn that this beast was a swan, which in the picture looks quite pretty & tame (how two faced can you be). Anyway, I have since learned that attacks of this nature are not unknown, so friends beware!!!     

 I've done so much running & climbing recently that I don't know if my legs will ever be able to hold me up again.

After the usual weekly routine, with its mild excerptions, I found myself transported to the biggest indoor playground ever! Even better, Annalise & Jo were there to with their baby brothers. I'd been to the Fun Factory before, but never had the confidence to join in with the big boys & girls, but this time there was no stopping me. Straight to the very top & headfirst down this great twisty slide...... quickly followed by Annalise. But where's Jo?... still down the bottom with his Daddy!!!! It took many demonstration laps before he nervously ventured up, and even then he didn't fancy the slide. It took a gentle, well timed nudge from my Dad, to send Jo down the slide for the 1st time, and afterwards there was no stopping him..... better late than never. I have to confess some envy towards Annalise & Jo on their toilet skills, going for hours without a nappy in sight. I am however starting to catch up and its wee, wee's all the way on the potty now, for which I'm earning a number of pretty stars.

Then, with my little legs still burning from this intense workout, cousin Robert was visiting Nanna with his Mum & Dad, and another day of 100 mph fun resulted, with a long overdue trip to the beach, with the stone throwing rekindling memories of our camping holiday, which we spend a quiet moment reminiscing about. So after that highly enjoyable, if exhausting week, I'm off to bed!        

So you can imagine my delight when finally it stops & at a time that Daddy is also here. Even better, we're all going out.... me, Mummy, Alfie & Daddy. More great fun in the woods followed with loads of leaves, sticks & hills, with a final treat, a visit to see people only  bit older than me skiing.

Every time I see them I just want to run onto the hill and have a go, with or without the funny long skis on my feet. I really must start making less subtle hints at getting a go myself. I overhead that Uncle Ben & Catherine are going soon, making me even more jealous (I do they have more snow this time, as I sneaked a look at their last pictures & the slope I saw the other day looked more white than where they where!).

A double dose of walking fun the next day, this time by the river, where after I'd turned my nose up at some bread that Mummy had brought along, Daddy gave it to he Ducks, who were no where near as fussy!!!!

Grandma & Grumps popped in for a flying visit & whilst Nanna went to watch that funny game called football, me, Dad & Grumps went to the park & had a great time on the swings & slide.

Finally a world exclusive, the 1st picture of my baby brother Alfie - thanks for Uncle Ben for the request (another regular reader of my site).          

Not that I'm complaining as my life seems to be largely unaffected with Mother & Toddler, Baby Gym & Nursery all filling their usual places in my busy week. If anything I'm seeing my chums even more than usual as each has a baby brother or sister of their own, and I think our Mums want to swap stories to see how their particular 'little angel' is behaving versus the others. Its nothing but Toddler Testing by the back door, already being performance assessed and evaluated, and I'm not even 3!, what is this big world all about.

Had a superb time swimming with Daddy, but surprisingly no Mummy, not even as a watcher, for some reason I wanted to stay in much longer than usual (probably because it was a bit warmer and I wasn't turning blue), and was happy to practice my swimming, rather than just have endless trips down the slide. I hope this is the start of regular swimming (either with Mum or Dad), and hopefully soon with everyone, including little Alfie.

The only downer at the moment is I'm still not quite able to sleep through Alfie's night time cries, but am getting back to sleep much more quickly. So forgive me as I'm rather tired & must rest.      

A quick ride on the bike & fun outside with Stephen was rounded off by a flying visit from Grandma & Grumps, who was pleased to see me moving freely once again, after crippling me some weeks ago.

Alfie continues to receive lots of Mummy's attention, but I'm not sure who's the demanding one as they just seem permanently locked together with Alfie making strange sucking & if I'm honest, what I can only describe as pig like grunts (he's only tiny bless him, and I'm sure he'll grow out of it).

I've been somewhat distracted by Dad's presence so have not yet sneaked the camera out, but a quick peep at Alfie's papers show he weighed 6lb 4oz at birth (which explains the pig noises as I was only 5lb 2oz) so he's a fat boy!

The only downside is his crying..... on & on & on, for no particular reason that I can fathom, and at all times of the day & night. If he wakes me up at 5:00am once more I'll have to pull rank and as big sister have words with him!!!!.... Under estimate the power & domination potential of a 2 year old at your peril.            

Then a couple of very weird days, a trip to a big funny place where Mummy & my baby brother were. He is tiny, and a bit wrinkly, so I only gave him a couple of quick cuddles. Next day a visit to where Daddy works (seeing a particularly nice lady who gave me a nice lolly). Then on my return from nursery, both Mummy & Alfie were at home. Alfie makes lots & lots of noise. It makes me seem very quiet indeed.

I've spent loads of time with Daddy, as Mummy has been very busy & very tired with Alfie. I don't really mind as Daddy works too much & I don't normally see enough of him.

I'm trying to help wherever possible (what a good little 2 year old I am), and like getting Alfie's nappies & helping with the odd cuddle. I've also quickly become skilled in washing up the dirty plates & things (or at least playing with the bubbles in the bowl).

My world has certainly been turned upside down, but at the moment its more exciting than anything, let hope it continues. Pictures & Vital Stats to follow shortly (when I can sneak out the camera & tape measure).

Oh I forgot, in all the excitement, you'll be pleased to know my leg is all but better now & can stand almost all my previous antics, just the odd real high jump causes a bit of a twinge.           

Things still seem to be in limbo, just waiting for my baby.... (oops nearly gave away whether its a brother or sister). Mummy is now so huge she really can't do much, and I don't have the heart to mess her about too much.... it just wouldn't be fair!

I did however get to the park, and managed to give my ankle a nasty twist at the top of the slide... silly Eddie.

I had a nice time outside with Steven, Nicola & Catherine, racing round & round. Some people seemed to be getting a bit animated by something as they gathered outside the house next door.... some adult thing of little importance I'm sure.

Nice unexpected visits from both Nanna & Grandma, when I hope I didn't let my angelic facade down too much, as sometimes I just can't help causing mischief, especially when tired.

I am however having a little trouble sleeping, maybe I'm troubled by the effect on my world by the imminent arrival of another baby, or just having the freedom of my bedroom to roam is too much of a temptation.... I'll have a word with my child therapist.

So next time I write my house may well have been invaded by another........           

It really is annoying not to be able to do the things you take for granted, and people's sympathy soon wears off. I was treated well at nursery with some 1-to-1 attention from the lovely people there.

I managed to hack into the hospital records and download a copy of that strange picture of the inside of my leg I mentioned last week..... weird to think we are made of things like that inside.. I've highlighted where I think the fracture part is, based upon the bruise that I can see on the outside.

Things got better as the week went on, and finished on a high with a slap up Curry & Lager supper with Megan.

Feeling a bit floated the following day it was nice to burn off the food, and rid a bit of wind in the swimming pool, or bubbling spa as it was when I'd finished.

Hopefully further recovery this week, just in time to be in tip top condition for the arrival of my new baby friend, that cannot be too far away now as Mummy cannot even bend down now.       

It all happened whilst playing football with Grandad Grumps, who crashed into me as he wasn't looking at where I was. The next thing I knew was the most indescribable pain in my leg, and me being unable to walk.

Soon we were racing through the night, arriving at a place full of other sick people, so I felt a bit better being with fellow sufferers. Thankfully they quickly gave me some of my favourite medicine, which took the edge off the agony. I then had my picture taken, but no ordinary picture, one of the inside of my leg... how weird is that. You don't even know its happening, except they get hold of the bit that hurts & hold in in strange positions that hurt even more. Anyway after sneaking a look at the doctors (those nice people that make you better) notes, I have a 'Green Stick Fracture' of my left ankle. I don't know what that means but all I know is that I can't walk properly, and running & jumping are out of the question.

This have proven very embarrassing at nursery, as my friends play on as normal I'm left hobbling about indoors, and calling constantly on Mummy's help, when she's hardly in a fit state to give it, being even more ready to explode at any minute. 

This really has brought me crashing back to earth, quite literally, as I thought I was the centre of attention, but if people can run into you... you're obviously not....         

She really needs to devote more time to her virtual image, as she's going to have a hard time convincing her cyber toddler friends that it is really her, when/if she meets them.

I have to say that I feel my toy collection is hugely inadequate compared to Megan's haul of things, so much so that she's got her own house in the garden to keep those items that won't fit indoors.... wow!

I learn from the baby network that 2 of my friends have new playmates, with Victoria having a sister & Luke a brother. With Mummy looking like she'll pop any minute, and hardly able to bend down, my new friend can't be far away now.

I've just recovered from an evening of bubble blowing with Nanna & Grandad, where I think Daddy just lost out in the biggest bubble contest to a monster effort from Grandad, which I leapt across the room to pop..... great fun all round. 

A bit hit & miss (literally) on the potty front, but I have been suffering with this cold that I picked up when Annie sneezed over me at nursery last week..... thanks.       

It seems more & more the case that the real fun is now harder to find with mummy now impossibly fat, and unwilling, if not unable to chase me around. I have to be honest & say that I have used this to my advantage, with a definite deterioration in my behaviour in recent weeks, although I'm safe in the knowledge (learned via my baby network) that all my chums are doing likewise.... toddler power!!!

Anyway so to real news, and my final acceptance that making your pants and trousers soaking wet on a regular basis is no longer fun. I've therefore bowed to mum's persuasions and started to wee in my potty. Well I figured if its good enough for the girl in my book, it must be good enough for me. I'm not perfect yet, and had a rather embarrassing moment recently when Annalise came round for tea, and we were having such a laugh at the table, I forgot  where I was and had to spend the rest of the time in my chair in my soaked party outfit, until someone noticed.....

So I'll keep trying and who knows one day I might be rid of these nappy things all together.

The other highlight was a trip to see Grandma & Grumps, and in particular a trip to a place with lots of trees, and leaves everywhere, all over the floor..... lovely to kick through in my wellies. This was a relief, after I was nearly blown off the nearby beach by hurricane force winds... the 1st time I was glad to get off the sand, as most of it was blowing in my eyes!!!!          

Until next time.... maximum minxing my toddler chums.    

Strangeness at home, It seems each time I go away to Nanna & Grandads, and stay overnight, I return to find bits of my house a different colour than when I left!

On the 1st occasion I just put it down to the hallucinogenic effects of large quantities of high-juice squash, but with it happening twice in 3 weeks, I sense something else is going on here. Not that I dislike the changes, things are lighter & more fresh (yes, can't you tell I've also seen this Larense Loooelin Bowin bloke on TV).

If it is Daddy doing these things, as I suspect it might as he's never around at Nanna's when I am, then poor chap.... I don't know how you would change the colour of the walls, but it doesn't seem much fun to me.

Well I shouldn't grumble as I was treated to beach visits & a marathon swings & slide session, before an unexpected treat.... Nanna came home with me & stayed in my house, which meant an extra late night & a trip to see Nanna go home on the train. That reminds me, I really must make some subtle hints about another train trip, as its been ages.       

So the friends up North, Jason & Louise, who came to see me a few months ago, and are really nice, but they speak very strangely indeed! They don't 'speek proper like what we do... boy'.

We got out and about and saw this huge tree, that supposedly was the home of some chap called Robin Hood.... I'd certainly not put up with what must be an awfully drafty place, with very little privacy. Despite this he seemed to be a decent bloke who robbed from the rich & gave to the poor. Now I've no idea what this means, but as we went to see stuff about him it is hopefully a good thing.

Then followed another curry extravaganza, with bread & rice aplenty, I was a gain feeling very bloated afterwards. These food stocks were well needed as the next day we (I) walked for miles around this inland sea, and spent ages throwing these huge rocks in, which made a fantastic splashing noise.   

All too soon we were home again, but my bed was a welcome sight, I was exhausted. So back to the routine, with some further success with the potty, but still far from a regular, predicable event... still keeping them on their toes!   

You'll be glad to know I'm now back to my slim line self, and once again a prime catch for all the boys at nursery. Talking of the nursery, I've left the baby room behind me and moved onward & upward to where the bigger people play. This is even more fun than before, but still with my friends, who have come along too.

I also think the days in my caged bed are numbered. The other day a man delivered a big box that he referred to as a bed. We'll I'm assuming its mine, if it is for the one as yet unborn then I will not be at all happy I can tell you. This makes possible all sorts of possibilities, like midnight wanderings, with trips to any other rooms I like..... including an early morning wake up call for Mum & Dad!!! I'll keep you posted friends on whether these bed things are indeed a good thing, or whether life in a cage is best.

I'm not quite so tired now as my technical work is complete, and the results of this very page proof that the all new Edie PC beast is alive & well.

Some further success with the potty, but still like to keep them on their toes with an unexpected offering of one sort or another.   

Fortunately my sanity was restored with a much needed curry night out, with my old friend Megan, who I later learned had never been out for a touch of the Indian before (shame on her Mum & Dad for depriving her of such nourishment!). Anyway we both ate heartily, and drank much the same, especially after some of the more spicy offerings.

Apologies for my following lack of minxing interest.... I was just soooo tired. I'd been swimming in the morning, and had to keep on the move constantly as it was very cold and I didn't want to become trapped in the floating pack ice!. 

Mum is getting so fat now its unbelievable, that baby in her tummy must be huge by now and ready to pop out any minute. It looks like her belly would make a fantastic place to bounce on, but I've not dared try it out.... probably wisely.

My technical work on my PC are progressing well, and so far as I know have gone undetected. The service has not been as disrupted as I thought, although burning the midnight oil is making me a bit of a grumpy old goat at times if I'm honest. Anyway its satisfying to learn new skills, even at such a tender age.... your never too young to learn.

p.s.... Pants still wet!   

Anyway, so to the tales.... and where to begin. It has to be the hours of stone throwing into this lovely river that was so clear you could see the bottom. Apologies to whoever looks after the path as between Robert & myself we created quite a crater, and practically a new river crossing, with all our stones.

Well, if I thought this river was impressive, nothing could have prepared me for the next day, with mobile stone throwing becoming the next baby Olympic sport. From the comfort our our Dad's backpacks, Robert & I were fed a constant supply of stones to be hurled into the waterfalls that crashed over the rocks all around us.

I thought this was pretty exciting stuff, and probably is as far as baby things go, but things definitely get bigger and better when you get older... you get to throw yourself in the river instead of the stones..... I looks like great fun!

This left my arms tired but the legs full of running, and so came the finale with our own bouncy castle right outside our tent... we had such a great time bouncing about......until Robert decided to practice his rugby tackle on me, and without warning he had slammed me into the ground with his great weight on top of me! All the air was knocked from my lungs & I was sure he'd broken my ribs.....I've got a long memory Robert, and I'm already reading up on Martial Arts! Fortunately I was alright after some top fuss from Mum & Nanna (I nearly forgot to tell you, amid all the excitement, Nanna & Grandad were also there... there tent had everything, making Mum & Dad's look decidedly empty by comparison.

Sadly just as I was getting into the swing of this outdoor life lark, it was time to come home. no change on the pant front.... still wet & confused......help.

I'm pleased its not so hot, and I've just about restored my sleep reserves, and feel once again on top of my game.

Lucky really as I needed all my stamina in the pool the other day, when me & Dad must have done the big slide over a hundred times.... in a continuous loop. Run down the slope into the pool.... swim across the pool...... wait to be hauled out..... run up the steps to the slide.... wait impatiently in the queue...... be ready for the green light, and AWAY.....splash at the bottom, and the loop begins again.

I'm sure I was meant to be seeing my cousin Sophie, but this never materialised, instead I had the pleasure of Grandma & Grandad Grumps, and my Uncle Alan (who I'd not seen for ages), I hope I didn't leave him with too bad an impression!.

Anyway if it was out of neglect I didn't see Sophie then so be it, I had a good time anyway. If for some other more sinister reason, then keep it to yourselves... I don't want to know.

I'm off to do some further work on a new PC I'm building so advance apologies if bulletins are disrupted in the coming weeks, it just depends ho much time I can get to myself, without being disturbed.... I don't want my secret PC engineering skills to be revealed just yet.... a 2 year old I.T engineer would be too much for Mum & Dad to cope with.

I didn't realise how close I'd been to not coming back from Cornwall, as quite clearly from this CCTV footage from the Toddler Security cameras, I was nearly buried alive.

I've hand picked a further selection of holiday photo's for your enjoyment - hope you like them.

On a separate note I'm confused about my new underwear - Edie pants! Unlike my faithful nappies, they do not hold much Edie wee, and get very wet very quickly - poor design I think. Or is it that I'm missing the point, am I not supposed to wee in them. If not, where? this funny potty thing is often waved about but is not very comfortable..... I'm confused.

Having said that, I was able to stay cool amid all the excitement of time away in Nanna & Grandad's caravan, with my own private pool. This was a welcome chance for some more skinny dipping, with Gran, Grumps, Uncle Ben and Auntie Catherine paying an unexpected visit. Grumps was his usual funny self, but the poor chap seemed to have trouble with the deep-end of my pool - promptly falling over spectacularly in a heap, much to everyone's amusement!

Just as I thought I would melt into a blob, we arrived at the beach (and a new one at that - somewhere called South-wold, or something..... its hard to read the signs from my position in the back of the car, travelling at high speed.... I try!).

Anyway it was packed with other people, including several other young beach babes like myself. Again, none had quite the courage to match my own, and would timidly toe the water, rather than run at full speed in, which is my approach.

Alas all too soon it was time to go home, leaving me to swelter in my cot, being constantly reminded of my seaside adventures, by more sand between my toes! 

What an end to an otherwise ordinary week, a double header of seaside fun with a host of sandcastle destruction. I was also 'treated' to a visit to this strange place where people were swapping little round metal things (coins, whatever they are) for what I can only describe as rubbish, from the back of their cars, or little tables nearby. So one person would bring this rubbish and exchange it with someone else to take away with them.... called a car boot sale!..... very weird indeed.

Anyway after much excitement, and fun with Dad, Gran & Grumps, I finally realised that Mum was nowhere to be seen, and come to think of it I hadn't seen her since the day before. I felt a bit bad really, not having mentioned her once in all that time (especially after all she's done for me). Then I thought, well if you will obviously go off enjoying yourself without me I'll do my best to have a good time anyway.... and so I did.

Just to show I care, I've worked on another picture like last weeks with me & Megan. Given the unexpected treats of recent weeks, I just don't know what is around the corner.... life is full of surprises.... hurrah!

I was able to tackle the weeks challenges (swimming & the organised chaos under the guises of 'Mother & Toddler & Baby Gym) with even more vigour than usual.... I think I maybe went a bit over the top, even for me as I was told off by the lady that runs the Baby Gym session.....oops. Is it really my fault if the others are not so fleet of foot, and need a helping shove, head-first down the slide!

Then an unexpected treat, not only a 2nd visit of the week to a special place with real animals that you can touch, and rides that spin round & go up in the air.... but this time with my chum Megan.

We had a superb day.... touching the goats - not a soft as my cats I have to say. Riding on trains, plastic elephants & teacups. The highlight was the biggest & best adventure playground ever seen. It has slides & ropes and so many ways to go up & round Megan & I were happy for ages.

Such a good day was had that we had to mark the occasion with an official portrait. Clever thing this as all we had to do was look into a big version of my secret camera, and out came this picture, which looks like one of my drawings, although slightly less impressionist.

Yesterday was spend recovering in the garden, splashing in my paddling pool & playing in my new sandpit (more sand on the grass than in the sandpit now..... oh dear its not like the beach where supplies are endless, I'll have to remember that.

Before the lethargy really set in I did manage a memorable trip to the swimming pool (not big bath anymore... se I'm learning fast). They have got this slide, just like in the various parks I've been to so often, but this time with water. Well with Daddy's help (a rare outing for this aquatic beast) I was able to shoot down the slide at high speed.... great until you hit the water at the end, and get it in your eyes, mouth & up your nose!!!!, not nice. Anyway having experienced this thrill ride the once, the next hour was spend swimming across from one side of the pool to the other to go on again..... when you have a goal to aim for, you can achieve anything... this I have already learned. Whether you achieve it by fair means of foul, well that depends... I leave that to you my chums.... I don't want to be blamed for anything.

Normality reigned the rest of the week, with the realisation of exhaustion being realised as I felt myself slipping into a coma on the back of Dad's bike, only a few minutes after we'd left the house, on the ways to some swings & slides, despite 2 lots of reviving Smartie sweets! If I can sleep in these circumstances, I must be close to a physical collapse.

Just in case, I'll get my head down now and see if I can store up some energy for tomorrow, and some top mischief. 

2 Years Old

Before I'd had a chance to finish getting sand out of every place imaginable, there was another surprise, a whole day out with Nanna & Grandad (You really must see these pictures), and a fantastic party with all my friends, celebrating the fact that I'm now two (2 something's anyway - I know my numbers but I'm not sure 2 of what I've done or reached... maybe one day all will be clear). Anyway I seem to remember having a similar party sometime before, and long may they continue as they are great fun. I have been over-run with new toys and games, many of them containing excellent crayons and pens to draw with. As long as I've got a good supply of paper I'm alright, but when an artist is at work and there are canvasses to paint, anything that is lying around could get coloured..... you have been warned.

Well what a place, and what a time I had, beach, after beach after beach on which to run, play and generally make a nuisance of myself. I was constantly being 'buzzed' by these 'kopter' things always flying about wherever I seemed to be - helicopters, I believe them to be, is someone, somewhere keeping an eye on me... am I really that naughty that Mum & Dad have hired in some airborne assistance?

I had my own bedroom in our little house near the sea, and went out walking or making sandcastles every day. We even went on bikes one day (how mummy managed with that alien in her tummy I'll never know).

It is a superb place for us little folk, with endless sand and sea to play in (although the latter is very cold, and I only dared put my toes in before running out again).

I know it must be a long way as it took us 2 days to get there. However, bizarrely only 1 coming back. I was however introduced to my newest cousin, Sophie. She looked so very small, I could never have been that tiny.... was I? Anyway, she couldn't even be bothered to wake up to say hello to me, and smile into my hidden camera, for another Edie exclusive picture, I'll have words when she's older.   

So I really must rest after another adventure. I haven't really ventured into the darkroom to get any of the shots from my secret camera developed yet, but I managed to do this one, before I was overcome with tiredness.... but there are lots more pictures which I'll share with you soon.    

As I've already learned, the only predictable thing is unpredictability..... hope you agree chums, as otherwise I'd feel paranoid that I was being picked on. So in true unpredictable fashion, just as normality returns, so something abnormal happens, in fact a near repeat of my discovery of the alien invasion the 1st time around. Is someone leaving little subtle clues for me to follow?... which might lead me where I wonder.

Anyway, enough of the conspiracy theory, babies my age are not meant to be so suspicious & cynical, but we are so hey, why try and hide it! Now, where was I.... oh yes, the alien invasion part II.

As you will see from this picture, left within easy reach only the other day, the alien is bigger than ever and while still nowhere to be seen, I'd have to be honest and say that Mum is looking at bit of a strange shape these days, especially around the middle. I'll have to pass her a copy of my baby workout video, Yoga & diet factsheet that have helped keep me in trim. If this fails I'll have no alternative than to believe that this alien is indeed inside mummy just waiting to get out..... and that really is a scary thought.  

Having said that both Kirsty & Debbie are looking equally strange, so either they are also alien hosts, which leaves me fearful of humanities very future, or this is somehow a natural thing, or just an inevitable consequence of getting old....... every way you look at it a worrying prospect. 

I'm off for what I'm sure will be a disturbed nights sleep, dreaming of aliens....  

Dad and I then spent some quality time on the beach while Mum SLEPT in the car!. Dad dug this huge hole, which became a superb sand slide into which I flung myself. I must say I'm confused at this weather stuff. One minute I was boiling hot with all the leaping about, the next we were running under these funny huts as the rain came pouring down.... I learned long ago that this stuff is no where near as pleasant as a bath, and best avoided. I met my chums again for a spot of lunch, followed by a marathon running, ball kicking and play session, after which I just wanted to go to sleep, so I did!

Thinking I'd already survived the worst of the weather, I assumed I was dreaming the sound of even more pounding rain, but alas no, I awoke to the familiar sound of rain drumming on the roof. This did however provide the perfect excuse for an extended training session in the previously mentioned indoor track, which also served an educational purpose, as Annalise & I played count the stones on the wall. Although I am most impressed with my efforts and have since been boring anyone who'd listen with the numbers 1 to 9, even for an would-be genius such things are quickly tiresome, once  learned.

Fortunately I was saved and we were whisked off to something spectacular.... a steam train. What a smelly and noisy thing it was, but sitting there with all my chums being pulled along.... it was superb. Whilst I am somewhat of a veteran, having been on a miniature version only the other week, this was the real, full size thing! All too soon it was over but after messing Dad about by running off towards the sea for the 50th occasion, we got another ride on the train, and the chance to see & hear it right up close, which was a bit scary.

Things were normal for a few days then a surprise reunion with Victoria & Annalise at a big bath with waves (another first). There I was paddling happily about when the water started to get a bit choppy. I just thought some fat person had dived in (no prejudice intended, just stating the facts of physics!)m but no these ripples became waves and we had a great time being bobbed about.

This, together with a very entertaining visit to Gran & Grumps (he really is madder than I am.... throwing himself down on the grass... at his age he's bound to hurt himself), I'm in need of a bit of peace and quiet to recharge (bet you'd never think you'd hear me say that).    

Hot on the heels of my fun time with Jason & Louise, top outdoor fun with a collection of my bestest chums.... Annalise, Jo, Luke & Victoria.

We left in my car loaded up with all sort of weird stuff, so much of it that there was barely room for me in my throne like seat. We arrived at a big version of my garden where there were lots of these funny tent things on... just like I predicted some weeks ago. Anyway all my other chums were watching their Mums & Dads trying to put these things together. Well, I admit it was a bit windy, but really what a mess they were all making, including my Mum & Dad! Bits were blowing everywhere, Mum was sitting on bits to keep them down & Dad was definitely getting angry, although hiding it well I must admit.

Finally this great construction rose majestically from the ground, and hey presto my home for the next few days awaited. If I'm honest (as you know I always am) it wasn't half bad, lots of room to minx about in, and just enough gap at the bottom to wriggle out of and get away, whenever I needed to stretch my legs. Which was very often indeed... I've really toned up the legs over the past few days as I've clocked up a good few miles of off road running.

This seemed to catch Mum & Dad off guard at first, as with an initial lightning burst of speed, followed by a few stealthy moves between tents, I found myself far away from home, and a bit lost & disorientated. Fortunately, I was found shortly after by a very concerned looking Dad. Did I learn from my mistakes... no, not really it was just that everyone had their beady eye on me, so I was never able to get that far again, not that I minded too much, as it was a bit scary being lost. 

After this scare, they foolishly tried to wrap me in 20 layers of clothes and put me to bed..... mistake!!! I was far from sleep and spent the next 90 minutes (I timed it myself) making all the noises I could muster to ensure that they know how unhappy I was, even when Dad came in to see me.                

Finally, at some unearthly hour of the night I finally fell asleep, through sheer exhaustion, to a backdrop of an almost deafening roar of the wind trying to blow the tent down, and the pounding of the rain on the outside...... more next week.