First Walkers

Since Calleigh's birthday is coming up and she is inches away from taking her first steps on her own I have been in the market for some new shoes, her first pair of grown up first walkers.
First walkers are important to provide comfort and support for your baby when they are new to walking. A good fit is also important so I used the printable size guide on the Tiny Toes Baby Shoes website to find out Calleigh's shoe size.
It's nice that she now has a shoe size instead of just having to judge it on how many months she is. I always found that they were either too big or too small.

 

The key things I have been looking for are: Comfort, Style and Durability.

 

I have managed to narrow down my choice to 2 pairs of shoes.

 

Option 1

 

Clarks Ida Chic G Slip-on Shoe from Brantano

 

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This shoe is made from leather with a rubber sole, ideal and robust enough for first walkers. The Velcro fastening makes them easy to get on and off which is a definite plus when you've got a wiggler like Calleigh is.

It retails on the Brantano website for £24.00 which I think is a very reasonable price for the quality of the shoe.

 

Option 2

 

Girls White Flower Mary Jane from Tiny Toes Baby Shoes

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These shoes are made with the finest Italian leather and a fine soft leather interior for maximum comfort. Each shoe is handmade down to the smallest detail. They are developed specifically to provide support over that transition period from crawling to walking.
These retail on the Tiny Toes Baby Shoes website for £39.99. A little more expensive but they do sound much higher quality. Every inch of this shoe is designed with baby in mind.

 

Both shoes are very good and I may find myself buying both. Even as young as Calleigh, a girl can never have enough shoes!

Birthday Countdown

The countdown to Calleigh's birthday has begun with only two weeks left until the big day.



5 days old

 

I have been very busy shopping for presents and think I am just about done, although I must admit my purse is definitely feeling lighter now.

 

We have planned a little party for her the following Saturday which I am looking forward to. Not only because of the gorgeous cake I have ordered but to get together with family and friends again.

 

It's hard to believe that my tiny little princess is soon to be a big 1 year old. Where does the time go!

 

It seems like it was only yesterday when Paul picked us both up and brought us home.



I remember how she looked like a little frog because her feet were always in the air (she was breech). Now she likes her legs as straight as possible, annoying when your changing her nappy!

 

Tiny little toes

 

At least we have some things to look forward to before then.

This weekend the fair is on and Auntie Lana will be sitting in a cage to raise money for Children In Need.

Next weekend we are heading down to Ipswich to visit my Dad and take a gander at the Christmas Market at Bury St Edmund's.

 

Outfit of the Month: November

Outfit of the Month Is...
 

Mothercare Oatmeal Knitted Dress with Crochet Detail

Tights from Baker Baby at Debenhams




Cheese, Leek and Walnut Tarts

Here's a nice winter warmer recipe for you. It can be cooked as a starter or as part of a main meal.

I got this recipe from the Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook 2012. It actually calls for Roquefort cheese but I am not a lover of blue cheese so I substituted it for Mature Cheddar.

 

What you will need:

• 375g ready-rolled puff pastry
• 40g butter, plus extra for greasing
• 2 medium eggs
• 400g trimmed leeks, thinly sliced
• 2tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 100g extra mature cheese, sliced into six triangles
• 75g chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (gas mark 6). Unroll the pastry and cut in half length ways, then cut each half into 3 equal squares. Using the tip score a smaller square into each to make a frame.
2. Place the squares on a greased baking tray and brush over with one lightly beaten egg, then chill for 10 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes until well risen and golden.
3. Carefully lift the top layers of the inner squares with a fork.
4. Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the leeks. Cook for about 10 minutes or until soft. Beat the remaining egg and add to the leeks with the chives. Season to taste.
5. Put a slice of cheese on each tart (you can use whatever cheese you like) and top with walnuts.
6. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and heated through.

Perfect served with mini jackets.

 



Our Trip to Copenhagen: Day 3

On our third and final day in Copenhagen we had another early start as we had to leave for the airport at 3 and we still had a lot to fit in before then.

 

This time we headed straight for Amalienborg Palace. We arrived there just before 10 and just in time to see the changing of the guards. It was actually really good to watch, Calleigh woke up during and just had a look on her face that said "Why are these men wearing silly hats?"

 

Frederik VIII's Palace

Equestrian Statue of Frederik V



Marmorkirken



Palace Guards

 Afterwards we took a short walk to Rosenbourg Slot and the surrounding gardens at Kongens Have. It was beautiful, there was even a little  kids park and a duck pond. Unfortunately we didn't have time to wait until the Castle opened to walk round as there was still much to do before check out.

 

 

 

 

We then headed back to the harbour for a hot drink and some Danish Pastries I picked up from breakfast.

 

 

 

Our last stop before the airport was Ripley's Believe it or Not! and the Wonderful World of HC Andersen Museum.

Calleigh was happy looking at all the strange freakish things on display like a two headed cow and shrunken heads. And I enjoyed reading about the life of Hans Christian Andersen.

 







We went for lunch in Hard Rock Cafe and arrived at the airport with plenty of time to do some last minute gift shopping.

 

Huge Chicken Club Sandwich

 

When it came to boarding time we did notice that the plane was tiny and wondered briefly if it was even capable of getting us back home. Thankfully it did and after a very wiggly Calleigh on the flight home it was nice to touchdown back in England.

Home Sweet Home.