Lesley, Jon & Isaac

Couch To 5K: Week 2, Run 2

2007-10-28T09:26:00.000Z

Hmm, so I was pretty slack last week, piking out of doing my run on Thursday, then again on Friday, and again on Saturday. Finally got my arse into gear on Sunday morning, and went out for this run. Decided to run round and round and round the park. My knee is still playing up a bit (and that is another story!), and I don't want to bugger it up too much running on the pavement. Ha! As if I'm that much of an athelete... yet!

So, not a bad run. Pushed me a bit more than last week, so I guess that's good. Still losing weight.

Today's weight: 83.3kg

Couch To 5K: Week 2, Run 1

2007-10-23T08:48:00.000+01:00

So, onto Week 2 -- yay!

This week we have a 5 minute warm up, as before, followed by 6 sets of 90 seconds running followed by 2 minutes recovery. Still not particularly sporty, as such, but for me, surprisingly hard work!

Good thing is that I am still loosing weight...

Weight today: 84.3gk

Couch To 5K: Week 1, Run 3

2007-10-20T07:47:00.000+01:00

Running a bit late to log this one. Final run of the week for week 1 of my Couch To 5K plan. Ran this one a bit later in the evening, so was almost dark by the time I got back home. Not really much else to say about this one.

Weight today: forgot.

Couch To 5K: Week 1, Run 2

2007-10-18T10:58:00.000+01:00

Second run of my new training schedule. Bit harder than last time; don't know if that is because my legs were a bit stiff beforehand, or if it was because it was blinking freezing out tonight... Who knows. Maybe it's just because I'm unfit.

A nice soak inthe spa pool afterwards. That was nice! :)

Weight today: 86.3 kg. A small decrease...

Couch To 5K: Week 1, Run 1

2007-10-16T08:51:00.000+01:00

Today I decided to start a new training program: Couch to 5K. I got a bunch of podcasts from here and though, "well, I've got nothing to lose... except maybe a bit of weight."

Was a fairly easy start, but I think that was the point of it. 5 minute warm up, then 8 sets of 60 second runs followed by 90 seconds recovery. And then a 5 minute warm down. No, not too strenuous.

For those who are pathologically interested, follow my movements here!

Weight today: 86.5kg

Ol' Blue Eyes

2007-04-10T11:03:00.000+01:00

Friends of ours have, to a greater or lesser extent, been very good at keeping their blogs up to date (or other side projects they have on the go...). I, on the other hand, am perennially slack at doing so. Sigh...

Isaac, on the other hand, has been a veritable fount of excitingness. Apart from looking incredibly cute, handsome and gorgeous, he's been busy easting Easter eggs, feeding our chickens, playing with his train set and Lego, going to preschool, growing up very quickly, talking ten to the dozen and keeping Lesley and I delightfully entertained!

Hope you are well out there.

Playing with my trainset...

2006-12-25T09:16:00.000Z

When Isaac was in the UK, just over a year ago, his Grandma and Grandpa bought him a wooden train set. That trainset, over the past year or so, has become one of his favourite toys. Especially since he watched the film "The Polar Express," which is all about trains. Early morning, you will often find Isaac quietly putting his train track together and pushing Thomas around the track. Accompanied, of course, by the obligatory "chooo chooo" noises!

PS. Click here for more photos...

Playing in the garden

2006-12-22T09:23:00.000Z

Well, it's supposed to be summer here, even though it's Christchurch's coldest summer on record since 1975... So, as it's supposed to be summer, I played with Isaac in the garden a couple of days agao. He loves playing with the hose. And, as much as I try and disuade him, he lovesto turn the hose on his daddy!

He gives a shrill squeal of delight whenever he gets sprayed by the cold water, and every now and then he'll go around looking for rainbows as the spray glints in the sunshine.

He's just great fun to play with!

PS. Click here for more photos...

While the mouse is away... the cats will play.

2006-12-18T03:53:00.000Z

So, last weekend, while Isaac was playing at home for the weekend with Lesley's friend, Jane-Marie, we took the opportunity to take of by ourselves. We headed up to Hanmer Springs, about an hour and a half out of Christchurch, for a wee camping weekend. And, being the festive kind of people we are, we got a little decked up special, like.

Santa visits town, and Isaac goes along

2006-12-12T22:07:00.000Z

Last week, while Lesley was out at the mall with Isaac, they came across Santa Claus, who was visiting all the boys and girls in Christchurch to see what they wanted for Christmas. Isaac very solemnly sat on his knee and made sure he knew that he had been a good little boy.

Only seven sleeps to go now...

Slacker....

2006-11-07T09:10:00.000Z

So, I've been pretty slack in keeping this blog up to date. Well, I just haven't written anything for such a long time... I'm surprised you are even reading this now ;) Hey, thanks for reading this!

Lesley and I got married back in March--just had our six month anniversary--and in July we bought our first house:

Nice, innit? It's got a fairly big garden out the back:

... and tucked away behind that gate and fence you can see there is... our outside spa pool!! Niiiice. Just what you need at the end of a day in the office... :)

I'm going to try to post a little bit more regularly here, so do come back again in a wee while...

Mr. And Mrs. Pawley - Husband And Wife

2006-04-14T11:40:00.000+01:00

So, on Saturday, 11 March 2006, Lesley and I, along with friends and family headed to St. Paul's Church, Kaikoura, where Lesley and I got married!

We had a wonderful, wonderful day--lots of sun, lots of great guests, and a good time had by all. Lesley looked absolutely gorgeous, her dress was stunning.

We've been fortunate enough to have people give us copies of their photos. Have a look at some of them here:
Click on this link to open a slideshow of them.

Painting a picture

2005-10-27T13:25:00.000+01:00

Hello, hello! Here's a wee picture of Isaac, while he was being creative, and painting a picture with his Uncle Ben and Aunty Deborah. He did manage to get some of the paint onto the paper, but not much more than he got on his face!

We got engaged!

2005-08-09T21:38:00.000+01:00

Back in June, Lesley and I went to a black tie dinner at Queens' College, along with our friends Ben and Erin. Before the meal, I took Lesley to the old side of College, saying I just wanted a few minutes... the got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Lesley's response was, "Are you sure, Jon, are you sure?!" And it was only later that she gave me her answer. Which was, "Yes."

Paris in the Spring

2005-06-09T12:08:00.000+01:00

So, after a very long hiatus, I've finally got a few minutes to write something.

After my 30th birthday, Lesley and I set off for a weekend away in Paris. My mum and my sister came up to Ely to babysit Isaac for the weekend; our first weekend on our own for, ooh, a good nine months! Susie drove us the the airport straight after work, and we arrive in Paris late on the Friday evening. Went out for a few drinks in and around St. Germain de Pres, where we were staying.

On the Saturday we wandered up to the Sacre Coeur, ate waffles and cream and limon crepes, wandered around the Place du Tertre, did all the regular touristy thing. In the evening we had the highlight of the weekend--a night out at the Moulin Rouge! All glizty and glamourous.

On the Sunday we, again, just wandered around, went to Notre Dame, walked along the Seine, and generally had a great time. Lesley, of course, looked wonderful.

Wow, all seems ages ago now! I think we need another holiday!

The end of an era

2005-04-20T10:16:00.000+01:00

Today is my last day of being a "Twenty-something." Tomorrow I begin a whole new adventure. As a thirty-year-old. :/

Jon's desk

2005-03-30T09:44:00.000+01:00

So, I'm a software engineer, right? A *software* engineer, not a *hardware* engineer. Meaning I don't *do* hardware stuff, like taking my computer apart and rewiring it with dodgy FM transmitter cards. And, what is that scope and screwdriver doing on my desk? Hmm... something's not right here...

Isaac's character is shining through

2005-03-22T14:40:00.000Z

Each evening Isaac gets his dinner. We usually give him his food, then get him changed, ready for bed, then give him his milk before he goes to bed. This is the part of the day that I get to see him most. He seems to be full of beans at this time, and full of character. I think you can see that he is fun loving and happy. We think he's wonderful!

Now this looks cool!

2005-03-17T11:13:00.000Z

A bloke in the office had one of these babies delivered: a balance board! It looks like great fun!

You stand on the "deck," which is in turn placed on the "rock," and basically try not to fall off. Harder than it sounds? Oh yes! But it's fun. And, it's a snowboarding-training-aid! So, while I'm here in flat old Ely, with not even a hint of a mountain on the horizon, and therefore no snowboarding to be had, I could still practice my kick-ass 'boarding skills!

I want one!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2005-03-17T09:33:00.000Z

Isaac enjoys his first Guinness*.

(* He doesn't really, it's just a joke.)

Isaac and Lesley

2005-03-16T09:17:00.000Z

I don't often get a chance to take photos of Lesley--I think she's a bit shy of the camera. However, put Isaac in her arms and suddenly she's all, "Oh, oh, take a photo, Jon!"

Well, maybe it's something like that!

Some cool things, some crap things, and some "gnnnn!!" things...

2005-03-15T15:20:00.000Z

So, after my last post, my friend Kate said that I should be an advert for Ikea. Hmm, not sure that that is likely to happen. Yes, Ikea has some good stuff that is dirt cheap, and therefore you can make your house feel like home quickly and cheaply, but flipping heck, Ikea is a pain too!

The best thing about Ikea are these: their warehouse carts. With these, in the expanse of the Ikea warehouse, you can get up a pretty good speed, then jump on the back on them and take it easy while zooming along to the aisle to pick up your lovingly chosen bath mat.

But the worst thing about Ikea is the fact that sometimes thier stuff is just crap. When you find the pre-drilled holes don't match up so you have to go and borrow a power drill from a friend before you can put your chair together, or a light fitting is broken so your cool new lamp has to be returned. Bah! I'm not looking forward to my impending trip to Ikea Edmonton's Returns Department.

And, while I'm at it, talking of things that really hack me off, is it possible that there is any company in this country that actually has good customer service? O2 have shown their complete lack of Customer Service but messing my account up in three different ways. Any now, after a three week wait and one missed appointment, BT tell us that we can't have a phone line installed just now, because there isn't enough equipment in the exchange. Would have been nice for them to tell us this three weeks ago... and before Lesley had sat at home all morning waiting for the poxy engineer to turn up. Gnnnn!

Isaac's still grand though!

Isaac in the bath!

2005-03-11T17:09:00.000Z

Isaac in the bath!
Originally uploaded by Pip & Jenny.

My dad, once again, has taken a gorgeous photo of Isaac. He is smiling with the cutest of smiles, he is looking happy and relaxed! What a lovely boy he is!

I found a cool thing this week, which is geeky and techie... but I think it is cool. Using my new mobile phone I can get access to the Flickr website (where all these photos are stored) and see the photos on my phone (at http://www.flickr.com/mob). AND, what's more, I can then download the photos and use them on my phone as "wallpapers." So I've now got this lovely photo of Isaac on my phone! Great, huh?

We're off down to Ikea tomorrow, to pick up some bits and pieces to make our home feel even more homey. You know, stuff like bedside lamps, bath mats, bookcases. Lesley is well into her "homemaker" mode! Ikea is both good and bad, in my opinion. You can furnish a house pretty cheaply, but it is such a drag trawling round the huge warehouse! I'd best head off now and steel myself for the trip. Catch y'all soon!

Isaac plays with Aunty Susie

2005-03-08T12:54:00.000Z

Aunty Susie came to visit while we were staying with Grandma and Grandpa in Eastbourne, and Isaac had heaps of fun playing with her. He thinks she is his best aunty in the world (as well as Aunty Susan and Aunty Deborah)!

Our new house!

2005-03-01T14:22:00.000Z

Well, we've now been in our new house for over a week, and it's great to have our own place!

We have a spare room with a double sofa bed, and are looking forward to having people come and visit. It turns out that Ely is pretty handily located. Direct trains to London, Birmingham and Liverpool, and only about an hour from the M25. Do drop us a line and book your weekend to come and visit, it'll be great to see you!

So we've settled in now and are fairly relaxed, but last weekend was pretty hectic--that's an understatement! The plan was for me to pick up a long wheel based van after work on the Friday, drive down to Eastbourne after work, pack up the van on Saturday morning, then head back up to Ely on Saturday afternoon. We were also going to pop into Ikea to pick up the stuff we needed for the new house. You know, bed, chairs, tables, crockery and cutlery, just that kind of stuff. Hoped to be installed in our new house on Saturday evening, and then spend Sunday just pottering about.

Hmm. Things did not go to plan! On the drive from Cambridge to Eastbourne it took me over an hour to get over the Dartford Crossing on the M25. Then I took a wrong turn and headed to Hastings rather than Eastbourne. Arrived in Eastbourne at about 10pm I think.

In the morning the packing of the van took a bit longer than I had hoped, even with my Dad's very enthusiastic help. I do owe Dad one for that--thanks Dad! Planned to be off at 10am, but we were running about an hour late. Then we had some very unexpected family news, and had to rush to hospital to visit a seriously ill relative. I'm very glad that Lesley and I were around in Eastbourne at that time so that we could go and make that visit, and give what support we could to our extended family. All our thoughts are with that family at this time.

We did finally head off from Eastbourne, a little emotionally fragile, and somewhat daunted by what we needed to accomplish before we could hit the sack that night. Driving in convoy--me in the LWB van, Lesley and Isaac in our Â£300 Ford Fiesta--we headed up to Ikea. Now, I've never been to Ikea before. Not once. If you've not been, well, I can truely tell you that it is a *huge* place! You can get everything there. Everything. You can, if you really have to, completely furnish an empty house with one visit to Ikea. A long visit mind, but one to Ikea. What was planned to take two hours ended up taking us over four hours, but finally we shimmied out of the store at 9.30pm, filled up the remaining space in the van with our new bed, mattress, cabinets, sofa-bed, chairs, stuff and the kitchen sink, and finally headed up the M11. We abandoned the idea of moving in to our house that day, and plumped for a night in a Travel Lodge.

Thankfully, on Sunday we twisted my friend Ben's arm into helping us unpack the van and set up at least some of our furniture. Many thanks to you Ben. And I think we were ready for me to head off to work again on Monday morning.

Isaac playing and crawling

2005-02-25T09:21:00.000Z

IMG_2634
Originally uploaded by Pip & Jenny.

Here's a photo from my Dad, taken a week or so ago, of Isaac crawling around their lounge room and playing with his cousin Katherine's toys. Since being able to push himself up onto his hands and feet, Isaac has been charging around all over the place. His favourite spots are:

- the fireplace,
- the plug Mummy uses to plug in her hairdrier,
- middle of the kitchen floor,
- and just there underneath the bed, can't quite reach it, oh, I'm going to cry!

He's also started climbing up anything he can. You pick him up, he'll climb up you. You put him in bed, he'll climb up the frame. Put him in the bath, he'll climb up, hanging onto the window sill.

Isaac is just full of life!

Isaac enjoying his Marmite!

2005-02-18T15:34:00.000Z

Isaac enjoying his Marmite!

Isaac's been getting into his "solid" food since Christmas. To be honest, his first "solid" was hardly that--it was pratically mush rather than solid. But, now he's able to cope with bananas (if they are mushed), Lesley's tasty lasagne mince, and, his favourite, Marmite on cracker!

It does get a bit messy though.

Jon's new job!

2005-02-16T17:45:00.000Z

I've got a new job!

Woohoo! I actually found out I had a new job a couple of weeks ago, I've only just got round to writing about it. I started a couple of days ago, so it's all very new still. It's very exciting! I'm working for a company that make MP3 players. You know, MP3 players. Like the iPod, that's right. Only, they don't make iPods. They make Rio music players.

I'm working as a contract software engineer, on a six month contract. That means I'm not really a full member of staff, and that they pay me a ridiculous hourly rate, but the people here seem really firendly, and really easy going. So, looks like I'll be having a good time while I'm here!

Day trip to Brighton

2005-02-15T21:12:00.000Z

So, a week or so ago, I can't exactly remember how long ago it was, we all headed off to Brighton for a day out. I had been travelling around the place going for job interviews, but Lesley had been stuck at home. So, a day out was in order. I hadn't been to Brighton for, oh, I don't know, five years or so. Still have fond memories of dashing from Eastbourne to Brighton in the back of Brett's van to go to some gig at Sussex Uni... then dashing back home at the end of the night. I remember seeing this odd, obscure band (obviously before they became famous) called "Radiohead." Had a catchy tune if I recall...

Anyway, our day trip to Brighton. Isaac's first time out on a train. Let's face it though, after the plane journey from NZ an train is a bit of a non-event. Isaac wasn't too interested in watching things out the window. But he was being very cute! (Isaac's had this habit of dribbling for a wee while now, but he's also begun to stick his tounge the whole time too!)

We walked along the beach for a while. It was amazingly calm, and the light looked glorious on the flat sea. We saw the remaining pier at Brighton--the West Pier burned down, what, in the last year or two?--and the Old Chain Pier has long gone. The beach front has been done up since I was last there, with little galleries and cafes tucked away under the old arches.

Of course, we did a bit of shopping. Erm, "window shopping!" Wandered down the Laines, saw the Brighton Pavailion--where, incidentally, someone was playing an alto-sax out in the grounds. Very cool to wander around listening to live jazz! Brighton does feel like a suburb of London, only right on the beach!

When we had walked ourselves out, we caught the train back to Eastbourne, and played with Isaac again!

Losing weight

2005-02-10T21:34:00.000Z

Hmm. So, Lesley reckons I could do with losing a few pounds. Not too sure how to take that. But, since she too is going to give this one a go, we've both signed up with (oh, the shame of it!) Weight Watchers.

Now, I don't consider myself to be overweight or porky, or even fat, but I do agree that I'm not as svelt as I was when I left the UK five years ago. And over the past year Lesley has been looking after me rather well I guess. And, upon my arrival back in the UK there have been one or two people who have said that I am looking "well cared for." Well, I guess they couldn't come out and say, "my, you look fat, Jon!"

Anyway, been doing this "Weight Watchers" thing. And, to Lesley's slight annoyance, I've been doing rather well so far. Lost 11.5 lbs over the past four weeks. Yep, that is almost a stone! And yes, I am a bit smug!

I've been travelling

2005-01-28T20:51:00.000Z

So, back in Eastbourne. I'm quite surprised how much I am enjoying being here. It's not all bad! I've been taking Isaac for walks while Lesley is at work, earning the money to support us. (This is only a temporary thing, until I find some work myself.) Walking along the seafront is one of my favourite walks at the moment. So much of my past is closely linked, naturally, with memories of Eastbourne.

Now, you may think that I've been having the easy life; I haven't! Parents will, I'm sure, be the first to tell you that looking after a baby is hard work. I'd have to concur. Also, at the same time, I've been looking for work for myself, which often feels like a full time job in itself. Job hunting seems to be going well. There are heaps of jobs being advertised by various IT recruitment agencies, and each day I filter through the most promising ones, phoning up the guys, finding out what it's all about, seeing if I'm a likely candidate. Most of the time it leads nowhere, but every now and then I get a bite. I've had a few interviews so far, mainly in the south of England. I'll let you know how I go.

But what I did want to talk about a little here, was the fact that, because I've been off on interviews, I've had the chance to see a few more places I remember from old...

The Long Man of Wilmington
Battersea Power Station
The new Emirates Arsenal stadium (Thought Darren would appreciate that one!)
Ally Pally

I've really enjoyed travelling around again, seeing old places again.

Bugger! Missed by 19,000kms...

2005-01-21T22:26:00.000Z

So here I am, back in the UK, looking forward to catching up with some old friends. You know, I'm in that real reminiscent mood, wanting to chew the fat over a good English pint...

Then I find out that an old college friend, Stig, is now living in Wellington. New Zealand. Bugger. So, no chance of hearing Stig's opinion on the best brews around--Old Speckled Hen was an old favourite, if I recall--for six months.

Looking forward to seeing you in July, Stig!

Some more seasonal photos!

2005-01-20T20:26:00.000Z

So, time I let you see some more photos of us from the past few weeks.

On Christmas Day we all got up very early and headed into my Mum and Dad's room, as is traditional in my family, to open our stockings. Isaac didn't really know what to do with his stocking, but once he found the bright orange and green shaker he was well and truely engrossed!

Wilma, Lesley and Isaac really enjoyed having all three generations around--granny, mum and baby boy.

Granny Wilma had given Isaac the cutest little outfit for Christmas, and so we just had to dress Isaac up in it for the day. I felt very proud as we all went to the traditional Christmas Morning service with Isaac dressed as a Christmas Pudding:

On Boxing Day we headed up to my Aunty Carol and Uncle Mike's house for a big family get together. And when I say big, yep, it was pretty big. I think there were about 35 of us there... only counting the adults! It's very, very rare that we ever all get together.

There was Alex and Grandma:

There was Wendy and Isaac:

And there was Aunty Gill and Lesley:

I'm sure there were people there other than the Murray's, I guess the others just plied me with drinks so I wouldn't take their photo!

We had a great time--well, I did. I think Lesley and Wilma may have been a bit overwhelmed at meeting such a large family (Aunty Carol, Uncle Mike, Katy and Bob, Gavin, Justin, Aunty Gill and Uncle John, Stella and Gary--with five, count them, five children in tow!, Wendy and John, Alex and Rachel, Aunty Chris and Uncle Andrew, Tom and Ellie, Grandma and Bert, Aunty Frankie, my Mum and Dad, Susie, Lesley, Isaac and me!)

Ben and Erin have a baby!! Welcome to Joseph!

2005-01-10T21:55:00.000Z

Just spoken to Ben, a friend of mine from university. He and his wife have just had a baby boy, the rather cute looking Joseph David Coppin. Many, many congratulations to Ben and Erin, and I'm looking forward to meeting Joseph just as soon as I can!

Added a "site feed" to our website

2005-01-09T16:26:00.000Z

OK, for those who are into their blog-techie-geek stuff, here's one for you. I've added a site feed to our website. This means that, if you use a RSS or Atom syndication reader (such as Mozilla Thunderbird) you can use that to see whenever we add something to our website.

Even better, though is the option to subscribe to an email notification service. This allows you to add your email address to our system and then, when we add something to our website, an email will be sent to you telling you that we've added something.

There's no excuse now for missing out on what Lesley, Isaac or I are up to. Great, eh?

So, have a look at the left-hand side there, and scroll down until you get to the "Site Feed" section. If you're all up to speed with RSS/Atom stuff, click on the Atom Feed link, or else enter your email address in the box. (Your email address wont be used for anything, I promise, except sending you a notification of when this site is updated.)

So, there you go. Catch you soon!

Christmas!

2004-12-26T03:20:00.000Z

It's great to be at home for Christmas! I've got all my family around me, everyone is laid back and happy, and it is a lovely day outside too!

Isaac got into the Christmas spirit a little bit early when he was back in New Zealand. Lesley took him round to her "ante-natal girls' group Christmas for the kids" party, where Isaac picked out his favourite hat and charmed all the girls!

In the UK, at his Grandma and Grandpa's house, Isaac decided to show off his musical talent, which he obviously inherited from is gorgeous mum, and started playing his favourite Christmas song, "Jingle Bells!"

And then, when he had exhausted the piano, Isaac had a cuddle and a giggle with his Aunty Susie.

A Merry Christmas to you all, wherever you are in the world. We hope you had a lovely day!

We made it home!

2004-12-24T09:59:00.000Z

Yes, after one 10 hour flight, a night in Singapore, then a 14 hour flight to London, we made it back to the UK. Isaac was such a good boy on the flight, happy and cheerful, and such a flirt with all the stewardesses! I'm still so impressed that he is such a well behaved boy!

It's funny how, after being away from a place for so long a time, everything still seems so familiar. It's good to be back somewhere where I have a history with people, where people know me. I think Lesley might be a little bit overwhelmed once all the rellies and friends start piling round! Still, she's got her mum here for moral support, and we're all having fun getting to know each other better.

Rightio, we're soon off out for a pub lunch. A pub lunch! Man, it's good to be home!

Saying goodbye, and the journey home

2004-12-21T19:11:00.000Z

So, last week we were in New Zealand. We left last Tuesday, having said goodbye to Rob and Hannah, Matt and Kate, Janey and Kerry, and our other friends--sorry if I've not named you personally, but you know who you are anyway. Lesley's sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Mike, gave us a lift to the airport and said a sad goodbye. I don't think any of us like goodbyes, so it was a thankfully short goodbye with Susan and Mike's four children all bouncing around us. We'll see you all next year!

Lesley got me scared by saying she thought we were on an Air New Zealand plane, even though we had booked with Singapore Airlines. Argh! I was banking having access to those great new in-flight "entertainment systems" that the Singapore Airlines planes have. They have about 17 million films you can choose from (OK, only 60. Still, that is a lot...), and, get this, you can start and stop the films whenever you like. It's great! So, if your five month old baby wakes up and needs his nappy changing, you can just pause the film you're watching, sort him out, and get back to what you were watching without missing a thing! Air New Zealand, though, only have the old fashioned TV hanging from the ceiling, with on old 80s film being played in an endless loop. (Ach, maybe not, but that's what I feared...) Thank goodness, then, that in fact we got a Singapore Airlines plane rather than an Air New Zealand one. My viewing pleasure was not going to be disrupted!

We were very surprised as to how well Isaac coped with the flight. While Lesley was breaking my fingers, erm, "holding my hand," during take-off, Isaac slept like a, well, baby. Not a peep out of him. He slept. He woke up and giggled at the stewardesses, he played with his toys, he drank his bottles, he slept and giggled some more. He was great! Not a hassle. Now, flying with him again in a year's time, when he's wanting to go crawling everywhere, that will be a nightmare! But, for this flight, Isaac was the best behaved baby, and a real flirt!

We had a night stop-over in Singapore, really only about 10 hours. Enough to get to the hotel, get our heads down, and get back to the airport for our next flight. It took a painfully long time to get to the hotel on the Tuesday evening [reminder to self--stay at the hotel in the airport next time], but the drive back in the morning was good. Singapore really is an amazing place.

So, we arrived at Heathrow Airport, got a lift home to my parents' place with my Dad, and promptly fell asleep in the car. Anyone would have think we'd not slept a wink on the plane!

It was lovely to arrive back home. Back to familiar places, back to familiar people. I imagine Lesley found it more unsettling, as it was all new to her, but she took it all very well. Lovely to see my Mum and Dad again. Lovely to see Ben and Debs, and to meet my niece, Katherine, just lovely to be back home again.

Funny, but after five years of living in New Zealand, home was surprisingly familiar.

Pilar goes a bit mad!

2004-12-20T10:07:00.000Z

IMG_1686
Originally uploaded by Jon Pawley.

Before we left New Zealand, Lesley had a "girls' night out" with a bunch of her friends. Pilar, a good, good friend of hers is not too pleased Lesley is leaving...

One week to go...

2004-12-14T00:39:00.000Z

We're down to our last week here in NZ before heading off to the UK. Last weekend we moved out of our house, and are now staying with some friends of ours, Rob and Hannah. Moving out was a very stressful experience, not one I want to go through again in a hurry. We had a deadline to be out of the house, and of course there was a lot more to do than we actually thought there would be. We ended up shoving stuff out on the back deck just so that we would be out, and then shifted that stuff into our storage container we'd hired. We're now left with a couple of suitcases and a travel cot for Isaac for the next year!

I'm down to my last week at work. Lesley busy saying goodbye to friends around town here. Isaac, meanwhile, is doing really well! He's just started eating his firsts solids--baby rice and pear is his favourite--and is very smiley and happy! He's grown so much over the past four months, and he is so much more interactive. And he's giggling!!

Turning over!

2004-12-03T04:23:00.000Z

IMG_1663
Originally uploaded by Jon Pawley.

Yesterday Isaac learned how to turn himself over. Plop him down on his back, and a couple of minutes later he'll be on his tummy!

Packing up

2004-11-29T00:50:00.000Z

I'm knackered!

This past few days we've been packing up our house, to put things into storage. Lesley's organised some long term storage for us, and we now just need to get everything we're not taking to the UK with us packed up. It's hard work!

Looking forward to having a break.

Christmas in the UK!

2004-11-25T08:29:00.000Z

Hello! Well, here's the good news... we're heading to the UK for Christmas! Lesley's mum, and all of Jon's family are in the UK, and we're going to have a Christmas in the UK. We're leaving New Zealand on 21 December, having a stop over in Singapore, then getting into the UK on 22 December. My mum and dad are going to have a really full house, what with mum and dad, my brother Ben, his wife Debs and their daughter Katherine, my sister Susie, Lesley's mum Wilma and Lesley, me and Isaac staying over. But, it'll be a real wintery Christmas. When the evenings get dark at 4pm. Where you have to dress up warm when going out... none of this Antipodean barbecue-at-the-beach stuff!

And here's the even better news: we're staying for a year!!

We've decided to spend some time in the UK, seeing what life is like "back there," seeing old friends and family, and yes, earning some English pounds sterling.

So, right now, we're packing up our house, putting our belongings into storage, and saying a temporary goodbye to friends here.

We'll catch you soon!

Isaac in a hat

2004-11-25T02:50:00.000Z

IMG_1568
Originally uploaded by Jon Pawley.

We took Isaac out to a cafe last week, and he enjoyed wearing his new hat!!

Daddy and Me

2004-11-23T03:55:00.000Z

IMG_1556
Originally uploaded by Isaac Pawley.

Here is a picture of me cuddling up with Daddy at the back of our house.

Well, what have we been up to?

2004-09-20T03:51:00.000+01:00

Hello again. Yes, it has been a long time since we updated this website, and seeing as Isaac's grandparents are all pestering me for some more photos of the lovely, the gorgeous Isaac, I've been press ganged into writing some more "stuff" now. Lesley--as always--has declined to write anything, saying instead that it is up to me. So, for the boring stories and dull prose, I apologise. Have a word with Lesley yourself and see if you can get her to write something...

So what have we been up to? Hmm...

Drying off after a shower

Popped round to see JT, Olivia and Mike for dinner, when Mike really got into the baby care thing. Just have a look:

Just a shame Isaac wasn't all that happy!!

Isaac's Aunty Susie came to visit for a few weeks, on one of her whistle stop tours of the Southern Hemisphere. It was really good to have her stay--when she was here and not jetting off around the country to go skiing or snowboarding or socialising...--because Lesley and I got to have out first Night Out since Isaac was born. Thanks Susie!

Spaceman Spiff cuddles Aunty Susie

We all headed down to Queenstown for a long weekend--our first family holiday! Rob and Hannah popped down too, and we met up with Mat and Jen (shame Mat's moved down to Queenstown... Lesley always says we need someone around who knows what he's doing when it comes to DIY, because heck knows I don't!). We stayed in my old flatmate Janey's family crib right on the edge of Lake Waktipu. Susie had the day--yes, one day--down there before she headed back to the UK, and we all went out for a walk.

Rob and I went snowboarding for a couple of days, and had what must have been some of the best boarding I've had for years! I reckon we got one run in that was over 7km of nearly untouched powder!! It was fantastic!

And of course, we had some time to ourselves, for some good quality family time, before heading back home. Phew, it was a long drive... but a great weekend away. Since then we've just been hanging out at home, pottering around, not really getting up to much. Had fun one weekend painting Isaac's feet to make footprint cards.

Just hanging around...

Going out for a coffee...

2004-08-13T06:17:00.000+01:00

Lesley gets Isaac ready to go for a walk along the beach, and then to meet Rob and Hannah for a coffee.

I have some very cool clothes, and lovely warn gloves and booties!

Mummy reads, I sleep

2004-08-12T03:35:00.000+01:00

Mummy tries to catch up on reading her book, but I just sprawl out and fall asleep.

Sleeping

2004-08-10T03:30:00.000+01:00

Mummy puts me in my purple bouncer when she want me to sleep because I like sleeping in it. It's nice and bouncy and comfy...

... and my blanket has a picture of a bear on it.

Cutest boy in the world!

2004-08-04T06:32:00.000+01:00

OK, OK, I know, I'm going on about this, but Isaac really is a cutey!

After my first show, I am so relaxed!

Aunty Susie comes to stay, and I have my first shower.

2004-08-04T06:29:00.000+01:00

Today, Mummy and Daddy took me for a walk on the beach. I think they wanted to try out this baby sling thing that has been hanging around in the bottom of my push chair. Well, I didn't know what it was did I? I had never been in it before. It's great! Mummy and Daddy fed me up till I was almost bursting, yet again, and could hardly keep my little eyes open, man I was full! Then they squirmed me into this sling thing and took me for a walk. Well, I tell you, I fell asleep straight away. It was so comfy. I even think I snored a bit I liked it so much.

When I woke up for another cry, I realised that I was somewhere new. Somewhere cold and windy, with these big things flying up in the sky. As soon as Mummy and Daddy get me inside this strange, but very friendly person that Mummy and Daddy said was Aunty Susie, coo-ed and ahh-ed over me. I know, I know, I am so cute!

I like Aunty Susie. She brings me presents! I got another pair of those cool snowboarding trousers that I know Daddy is wanting to get me to try out, just like the ones that Mummy's friend Ingrid gave me. And Aunty Susie gave me a lovely warm snuggly jumper. And she gave me a box of "rusks," but I dont really konw what they are because Mummy took them and ate them herself.

Then, at the end of today, after I had been sick--well, it wasn't really my fault, because Mummy keeps feeding me so much I can hardly keep up--Daddy gave me what he and Mummy call a "shower." Man, showers are great. All this lovely warm water comes falling out of the sky and it feels so nice! It gets on your hair and makes it all soft and fluffy, and it splashes on your face which is so nice! Oh, I wish I knew more words to use!

Have a look at me, I was really enjoying this shower. I hope Mummy and Daddy give me lots more!

I have the cutest son!

2004-08-04T06:25:00.000+01:00

Just have a look at this picture. I mean, isn't he a real cutey? Click on it for a real good look... I swear, he is the cutest baby. Ever!

Now that Mum and Dad have got up...

2004-08-03T06:23:00.000+01:00

... I can get some sleep!

Apgar scores

2004-08-03T06:19:00.000+01:00

So, when a baby is born it gets measured on how alert they are, what colour they are, how responsive they are, how well they breath, and so on. The baby gets scored at birth, then after 5 mins, then again a wee while later. The score is called the Apgar score, and is out of ten.

Isaac's Apgar scores were 9, 10 and 10. How cool is that?

Cousin Isla came visiting

2004-08-03T06:05:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday Isaac got a visit from his Aunty Susan, Uncle Mike and his cousins Jonathan, Katherine, Amy and Isla. As I recall, Amy was her usual madame self, Jonathan and Katy threw grass around at each other, Sam the dog went barking mad tied to the back decking, and Isaac's cousing Isla gave him some big wet sloppy kisses!

Day Three

2004-07-28T04:57:00.000+01:00

Wednesday comes around, and I have to head back to work. Lesley is beginning to think about coming home, but I'm encouraging her to stay in hospital just a wee while longer. Oh, nothing malicious, just that in hospital there are midwives on hand to give help if needed, you get food all sorted for you, and at least it is warm!

Isaac sleeping in Sue's arms.

Sue popped round to see us in the evening, and brought some lovely little wooden toys. I'm sure Isaac will enjoy playing with them when he gets his arms and legs a bit more coordinated.

Dad is very proud!

Lesley's haemoglobin levels fell during the day, so in the evening the doctor charted three units of blood for her. There is a lot of paperwork to get filled in, and test to be done, and procedures to get checked, but finally, late at night the midwife started a blood transfusion. Lesley had both her arms strapped up to something--one arm connected to a blood pressure cuff, the other to the leur for the transfusion. It was going to make looking after Isaac pretty tricky. I don't think Lesley got a lot of sleep that night, poor lass.

Lesley will get no sleep tonight, but baby sleeps on...

Isaac is named. He is two days old, after all!

2004-07-27T04:12:00.000+01:00

Our baby was born at 8pm on Monday 26 July 2004. Lesley's labour had lasted for about twelve hours, and she had tried all the pain relief options available to her: pethedine, entonox, epidural... she had them all! And, frankly, who can blame her. Baby is a BIG baby--9lb 15-and-a-bit oz and 60cms when he was born. There were a few moments when things looked like they could get nasty, but our midwife, Karen had things under control. And, rather unexpectedly, Lesley's sister, Susan came to see how Lesley was doing, and stayed right through until the birth. Thanks so much Susan!

After a couple of hours recovering, we were taken up to the maternity ward, and allowed to settle in. I had to leave Lesley and my son there when I went home to get what sleep I could. No doubt Lesley's night was much less restful than even mine was.

Cute, but no name.

The next day, Tuesday, I of course go back to the hospital to see Lesley, make sure she is doing well, and to spend some time with my wee boy. Everyone expresses amazement at his size, and asks us leadingly what his name is. Now, Lesley and I did have a few, erm, discussions about names for our baby, even a few months back, but they didn't really get resolved into the actual chosen name. Hmm. We had a rough short list, but nothing concrete. If we had a boy, I wanted his middle name to be chosen after my Grandpa, so our boy's middle name was going to be Jack.

Boy's got a new toy, and Lesley seems happy.

He's got a thousand different expressions to try out...

... and in this one he's crying.

Then, when we've got some visitors, Lesley whispers to me, "Shall we call him Isaac? I like Isaac." And our boy gets his name: Isaac Jack Pawley.

Not too discerning about what get's put in his mouth, just as long as he can suck it.

Dad tries out new sleeping positions...

... and Isaac gets his first bath!

A baby is born

2004-07-26T04:06:00.000+01:00

Ok, hopefully I'll get round to adding in something interesting to read, but until then, I'm just going to put some photos up of the day that our baby boy was born.

Here he is! This is our new baby boy!

Lesley has a close look at him.

Our baby boy seems really alert right from the start. And he was so quiet!

His eyes opened almost straight away.

And Lesley loves him so much!

What is all this?

2004-07-26T03:10:00.000+01:00

Hello, and welcome to our website, all about Lesley, Jon & Isaac. Jon--who's the compter geek around here--wanted to have a nice geeky way of sharing photos with friends and family, and so sorted this out. Lesley probably wishes Jon didn't spend so much time in front of the computer, and Isaac's thoughts are known only to him at this stage.