Monkeys in the Forest

Yesterday, we went to 'Monkey Forest' which is near Stoke-on-Trent. It was very cool (and also very freezing!).

Still, the temperatures didn't bother the primates who, we were told by one of the many yellow-clad workers (who roam about making sure monkeys don't gouge punters' eyes out) have come from similar or cooler climates.

There were 140 macaques in total (we didn't count them) and they wander freely around a large area of woodland. They had just been fed before we arrived so most of them were busy tucking into various fruits and things whilst we spectated.

Maisie wanted to give them a cuddle but we advised her against it. Squirrels, pigeons and crows (and strangely, a partridge) seem to co-exist there quite happily.

There was a nice cafe (serving Staffordshire's famous oatcakes amongst other things) and an adventure playground. All pretty good really and only about £6 to get in.

Maisie loved it although on the way to the car when asked about it she admitted that she didn't like it but would happily go there again.

Later that night Maisie did one of her trademark thumping down onto the floor as she rolled too far in her sleep and exited the bed.

Louse

Maisie has started interacting more with Lois and they now share occasional moments where they just laugh joyfully at each other and is lovely to witness. I think it's also slightly relieving to now feel we share the entertainment responsibilities. Not sure what they are laughing at but it certainly tickles them. Sadly, Maisie also has been referring to her little sister by her name but her pronunciation is slightly off - she calls her "Louse" :)

Some new Maisie-isms

Well, here are some of Maisie's latest verbal offerings which we've found quite amusing...

1. "Dinama" (Banana)
2. "Efenants" (Elephants, last seen at Chester Zoo)
3. "Codmonster" (Lobster - we are mystified as to where this came from but believe it's origins could lie in "Crab Monster" maybe?)
4. "Porrits" (Porridge)
5. And finally, "Mum's best at singing" (I feel this rather bold statement should really be backed up with some hard evidence) and "Dad's best at lego" (not negotiable)

Lois Emily Miller

This post is being written retrospectively but concerns the coming into this world of baby number two, now known as "Lois Emily Miller", or "Lo-lo", or occasionally just "Lo".

Lois was about 11 days late and was born at home in our rented house in Westhoughton, Bolton. Lisa's Mum was there also for her arrival and the midwives made it (just in time!) for the occasion also.

Lois was 9lbs 11oz and was supposed to come out in a birthing pool, at least that was the plan and the dry run had gone very smoothly a fortnight before. Maisie also enjoyed getting in a large warm inflatable bath in the living room.

Lois came out fast, so fast in fact that her head was crowning as the midwives (with a frustrating degree of leisure) arrived. They were parking up and chatting to eachother as they slowly removed their bags and equipment from the boot whilst I hovered on the doorstep, biting my lip, glancing through to the living room where Lisa was poised and Lois threatening to flop out. I wanted to shout out across the front garden "Oi! Hurry up! There's a baby coming out" but didn't want to regret it later or be accused being melodramatic. They ambled in and upon realising the situation quickly put on some gloves (offered Lisa gas and air, which she refused) and practically caught Lois as she appeared. Maisie came downstairs later to meet her new sister. She took one look at her then was promptly distracted by the toy duck sitting next to the television. And that was that :)