New Year's Eve

We spent New Year's Eve at Yiayia's house. It was rather overshadowed by Sophie who wouldn't settle at all and cried sporadically throughout the night.

This was taken earlier in the day. What a cutie!

My Birthday

My 47th birthday and we headed back to London for Sophie and Matthew's second communion, the first having followed their baptism. Afterwards the three families of Nico and Gyorgyi, Helen and John and, of course, ours, retired to the pub for some grub and a little birthday cake.


Helen with her sons, Jack and Pani


Cousin Leni


Gyorgyi and Sophie


Back at home, sharing a toy. (How long will that last?)


Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

Boxing Day

Another day down south, joined by Nico, Gyorgyi, Sophie and Leni.

The jumperoo in front of the fire. Perfect!


Practicing sitting up all on my own. Pooh's there in case I fall...


Dozing with Pooh.


Cousin Sophie


What are you smiling about Pooh?


Two 47 year-old men. Two 7 month old bubbas.


I feel so safe with you looking out for me...


The sofa of dreams.

Merry Christmas

At Grandma and Grandad's house...

Two days later

In snowy High Wycombe, Helen and Nico came round for the post-Baptism washing of Sophie and Matthew. And to have a wee drink too.

The Baby Babers Baptised

Big day today and one of the busiest of our lives.

Quick refreshment in the pub beforehand. Sophie with her Godmother Helen and Matthew keenly interested in Godfather Nico's lunch.


The ceremony took place at the cathedral of St Sophia, where we were married. Here we are, feeling like spare parts without babies to hold.


The ceremony is underway...




And Matthew was first for a dunking...


"Getmeoutahere!!!!!!"


Short back and sides please...


And now it's Sophie's turn. She actually appears to be smiling here!


But not here...


Helen comforting Sophie whilst Matthew is assaulted by a gang of women...


Waiting patiently for the babies to get dressed in their new clothes.


Three times round the altar.


Nearly finished...


Both Baby Babers now fast asleep.


The reception was held at the College where we both work. Here are the fantastic cakes made for us by Mary, who used to work with Chris.


"What are you looking at?!"


Matthew and Matthew with Sophie and Belinda.

It's Party Time!

We brought the bubbas along to our staff Christmas party.

Here's Matthew helping me with a little work before getting into the party mood.


Mama making up...


Well, we were both supposed to be Puss in Boots, but we left the limelight to Father and Mother Christmas.


Sophie with Uncle Steve.


The favourite party game was pass the parcel, Sophie being the parcel...


Jolly good mince pies...


Tickle, tickle...


Sophie getting a little lost in Gerald's dreamy eyes...


Matthew, a dwarf and somebody in fur.


Sleeping off the port.