Settling in

Phew - it's been a crazy 4 weeks but I think we can say we've settled into our new house and new city. There are still a few boxes stashed away in cupboards but for the most part everything is in its rightful place.

Of course I have to confessthat since writing those first two sentences another 4 weeks has slipped by in a blur of unpacking (ok, maybe I was a little generous when I said that 'most' things were in their rightful place), exploring and continuing our love affair with this glorious city. The weather hasn't been entirely cooperative, but it has put on some spectacular spring days - including an amazing golden day for Puddleduck's 2nd birthday - so we really can't complain on that front.

Our house, while small is surprisingly functional. I will refrain from regaling all with the stories (yes, I did mean to use the plural) of Mr Puddleduck falling down the stairs. it hasn't happened for a while so I'm just going to put it down to overexcitement about our new digs and leave it at that.

We've had our first visitors and are now planning an assault on Ikea for a suitable foldout couch to prevent repeating the Great Air Mattress Debacle of 2010. We've also realised that boxes and spare rooms really don't work terribly well when those spare rooms need to be used for guests. They don't give the space a jaunty, attic-y feel (theory Mr Puddleduck and I tossed about for a while as we tried to spin our way out of our disorganisation). They just make it hideously crowded and unpleasant.

Despite being fairly dedicated couch potatoes, we've walked to school and work pretty much every day since we moved and our walks home as a family are one of our favourite parts of the day. Puddleduck is excited to tell us about all the things she did at school and we're just generally delighted to be going home from work! I also don't think you've really lived until you've walked up Oxford St pushing a pram and singing the Alphabet song with a toddler very determined to be noticed. I dare you to try it one day. I think we're now known as "the Alphabet family".