DINNER

While Bess was busy slurping noodles (hey, in some cultures that's a compliment!), The General had a snooze.

THE G-MAN'S BIG DAY

... aka the cuttin' (NB: Not for the faint of heart...)

The whole family congregated. Thanks for coming, everyone!












Mom and Dad during the act. Yikes. Ouch. Hope it is over soon. (Good news is that the procedure takes 3 minutes max).

Fin needs a drink. Grandpa Ted chats up the mohel. And by the way, Mohel Howard is a true artist! Well done, and what a cool guy! Anyone need a referral?













The happy couple with a pooped General- glad that's over. G-man took it like a champ! And I must say, 2 weeks later, the results look great.

FAVORITE PASTIMES

I-Shream!











Gardening with Grandpa Ike. Look at my green thumb!
















Dinner (eatin' 'olis) at my big girl table dans le buff.
















Stone cold chillin' in the buggy...

G AT THREE (WEEKS)

The General turned 3 weeks last night, but you've only seen week one - sorry about that - we've had our hands full! So, here is a quick recap...

Sleeping on Mummy - like Garfield, I love the warmth of a nap in the sunlight.

Sleeping again. Do I detect a trend? M&D's bed is sure cozy.

My first near-naked baby time...

My big sister teaching me how to swim!

I want to get into the act.

SOME CLOSE-UPS

Bess holds her brother for the first time. Check out the sheer concentration in her face. Better not drop The General!

Lookin' up (at her new balloon - thanks new friend and neighbour Claire!)

The little man awake. Rare sighting.

The little man asleep. Frequent occurrence.

THE GENERAL A CASA

Sammy was feeling great by Friday afternoon (must have been the NY Marathon training a few years back?) and was eager to jet from the Lindo Wing. Guess she couldn't handle the thought of the Goulash dinner selection that was hours away.

So, we took The General back home to the Close. Here are some pictures from Saturday, his first full day at the house.

Here's the little man with Sam and Grandma Helen. ... And did I already mention that I am a proud pappa?

After refitting the 'boo for bassinet mode, Bess wanted to get in the act and cruise General style.

THE GENERAL

Team Jacobson welcomed The General on Friday morning, 27 April at 12.40am. He tipped the scales at 3.15 kilos.

Here he is, a few minutes old.

Here is the proud pappa.

Here is the happy family getting ready to head home.

I LOVE DADDY

What's better than breakfast with Daddy and a last cuddle before Daddy takes the Big Red Bus to work?? Maybe running around in the garden in my PJ's first thing?? Heaven.

DENTMAN TO THE RESCUE

Now that Finbar is getting serious about the family wheels, the next step after the Valeteers was to call in the Dentman. You see, some nice person in the Sainsbury parking lot decided to give the Rocket a kiss a few weeks ago.

Problem was, it was a bit too aggressive and it left the Rocket with quite a dent. So, we called in D-man after reading a good rec in Daily Candy. Check out his ride below.

Bess watches closely to see if D-man is treating the Rocket well. Good news is that the Rocket is now Back In Biz. You'd never know there was a dent or scratch! Cheers to the Dentman!

BESS' FAVORITE ZOO FRIENDS

We took Bess to the London Zoo for the first time a few weeks ago - here were her favorite pals!

RECORD HEAT AND A GOOD FRIEND

And Pink Converse Rule!!!!!

SURFIN'

Anyone know if Dora has a website??? Bess is addicted to wi-fi, and baby Jack.

JACK AND SPIRIT

Bess is digging Jack and showing school spirit!

SAVED BY THE THREE VALETEERS!

Let us introduce you to our new BFF. The gents at the Three Valeteers. This is a mobile car washing service. They are totally self-contained and specialize in house calls. Water, wax, cleaning fluids, vacuums, etc. - it's all in the van! Even Bess wanted to check it out.

Anyhow, here is the work in process.

And here is the final product. Look at that shine! The Guzzy would be proud, rest her soul.

TOT SEDER

BEHOLD THE BELOVED PEACOCK

Many have asked, "What's all this about the peacock?" This afternoon one of the two large male peacocks we visit at least once daily in Holland Park came looking for Bess. I guess he missed her - it had been two days without a visit. We opened the door and there, on the wall of a neighbors house, was a peacock. Here's the proof!

ON THE VERGE OF A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Today was a stunner of a day in good 'ol London Town and to celebrate, we spent the majority of it in Holland Park. Bess demonstrated some surprisingly good football skills to the great relief of her mum. Sammy didn't manage to snap any foto's but we'll get it on tape soon. After some romping with pals, we all ended up at Haagan Dazs for some cooling treats. Bess was supposed to share with mum but that didn't quite happen.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO TEAM J ! !

Today marks our second anniversary as expats. We're celebrating with a pint of Ben & Jerry's tonight. (Ok, so one of us is VERY pregnant!!) (The other of us did have a hankering earlier for the smell of hot dogs on the BBQ-hmmm...how to remedy?!!!)

This morning we went to the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. Bess was most interested in the monkeys of course! Check out Bess on the swings.

This afternoon we were back in Holland Park to visit the beloved Peacocks. One of the big guys walked up to the fence where we were standing and jumped over right to our side. It was very exciting. Check out Bess on the slide.

OH! And in other exciting news and in honor of two years living here, Sammy passed her UK Driving test and is now the proud owner of a proper driving license. Amen.