Ali and Dave's DIY Adventure

After the initial shock and delight of Freya's arrival, we've managed to get our new family organised enough to dust off the overalls and get stuck back into our renovation project. We've turned our attention to the new kitchen and to keep focused we have even stuck to the wall a 26 point checklist of tasks leading to completion. Each task has a checkbox to tick as reward for completion - strangely satisfying to fill in as we edge closer to our fabulous new kitchen.

With the external building work complete the next step was to insulate the roof. In order to secure this space age foil in place, Dave had to measure, cut and screw approx 50 supporting batons to the roof getting through about 400 screws I am informed - all overhead and while balancing on top of a ladder (occasionally I am able to assist in holding the ladder and passing a few screws if Freya decides to sleep in the evening..).

Incidently we have discovered one plus point to combining parenthood with DIY is that Freya is mesmerised by the shiny silver roof insulation and unless she is seriously grumpy or hungry, taking her for a trip to the kitchen keeps her amused and quiet for about 3 min. Unfortunetly the shiny goodness is now covered up, as the plasterboarding is now complete, which proved to be somewhat of a jigsaw puzzle in cutting and assembling the boards to fit our uniquely shaped room. The end result looks great though and we can really see the room start to take shape.

The plastering is now underway, and after a fraught morning of concocting the perfect plaster 'mix' to cope with the swealtering hot temperature last Saturday, is going really well. Jean was on had as 'plasterer's mate' mixing and passing things as required. Meanwhile Roger continued the slog on the front drive and managed to clear all the rubble from the front of the house and break it up onto our driveway. Tomorrow the repointing work starts on the front of the house, which will really smarten the front of the building up. Our house is finally looking less and less like a building site!

For those reading just for baby updates.. we can happily report that Freya is doing great. She will be 5 weeks old tomorrow and last weighed in at 10lb 5.5oz. We are attempting to follow the controversial 'Gina Ford' routine, which is working out pretty well (even though it means I have to get up at 7am even on Sundays, and even if she's been awake at 3am and 5am). I am enjoying maternity leave very much and all the new challenges it brings (esp the continued trips for cream tea and lunch..). To avoid having to cope with car seats and folding prams, and to make the most of the sunshine, I have taken to walking everwhere and as a reward today I managed to do the zip up on my old jeans - which must mean it's time to go shopping!!



Freya has started smiling alot which makes all our hearts melt and can coo and is much more alert and interested in the world around her - this is a good thing except when Gina says she should be sleeping.. The picture above shows Freya in her favourite sleeping bag assuming what we have come to call the 'Yay - sleeping!' position. When she adopts this pose, you know she's out for the count!