TELLAVISION

We are on holiday this week and so far we have been to Slimbridge http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/slimbridge.html and Keynes Park http://www.cotswoldcountrypark.com/. Tomorrow its Beale Park. http://www.bealepark.co.uk/. 

 

At Slimbridge we enjoyed feeding the birds and playing in the kids park.  At Keynes Park we loved the beach.  The weather was very hot on both days.  Here are some pictures.  When we get time we'll add more updates. 

It's been too many weeks since the last update from anyone in the Neal family.  So I thought I'd try and recall a few events.  Before I do... we are off to LegoLand tomorrow.  I don't know who's more excited Ella or me.  I think Ella has the edge especially as she has a new yellow wetsuit for the duplo water park.  After reading Dear Zoo and putting her to bed this evening she asked if we were going to LegoLand next week, I explained we were going tomorrow (Saturday).  She asked if she could go on the airplanes (helicopters - they are superb http://www.uglw.co.uk/legoland-windsor/i.php?page=8), the water park, in the (duplo) house, the boat ride, the fire engines, and the train.  Her memory of the rides is far better than mine, I think she listed a couple more too.  I said she could go on them all provided it wasnt too busy.  I'm not sure she understood that we might have to queue - as on previous trips we've been on week days and it's been quiet .  So Ella then began listing all of the rides again and deciding what order she wanted to go on the rides.  She then asked- "Who will look after our bags?".  I had to think- "Mummy. Sweet dreams".

 

So a recap of the past weeks...

 

At the beginning of March Phoebe took a dive off the chair and landed head first in the wooden toy box.  This resulted in a trip to the hospital.  Phoebe handled the whole thing in her own unqiue style.  She complained for every one of the 240 minutes she was in the hospital.  She wasn't too upset, she was just angry  and wouldn't let the doctors examine her.  When they gave a her a teddy (You might think that's a nice touch I think if the NHS has spare cash they need to address the parking issues at the hospital, it took me 20 minutes to get parked and get to A&E) she threw it as far as she could.  When we all got back home Ella (who had been with her Grandparents) could see Karen was still a little upset and said "Don't worry Mummy. I'll look after you"  Karen, said thanks and asked Ella for a cuddle to which Ella added "Not now Mummy, I am busy.  I am dancing.  Talk to me later"

It all turned out fine, in fact Phoebe's bloody nose wasn't a significant problem and the next day she wasn't even too badly scratched or bruised.  Unfortunately, Phoebe continues to be as bold and strong as ever and has managed to take a fair few more bumps and knocks since.  Her walking is pretty impressive, she can basically run around.  She loves climbing the stairs.  Before anyone calls social services we don't let her do that on her own.  Oh no, we make sure Ella helps her!

 

We have been out to some nice places including the Trout Farm at Bibury http://www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk/.  We all had great fun.  Although Phoebe did fall down and sit in duck poo!  We all enjoyed feeding the trout - it doesnt sound too impressive I have to admit.  But it was a cracking day out, followed by a lovely lunch at The Swann.

 

Karen has finished the garden, with lots of thanks to her Dad who was meticulous when it came to preparing the soil for the plants.  The weather has been pretty good and Phoebe and Ella have already got lots of pleasure from the garden.  In the week Karen got just about every toy out for them, the slide, Ella played Tennis, Phoebe pretended (teased her mum) to eat stones, the kids even had lunch in a paddling pool of balls.

Julian

PS At the time of writing this blog has received 2,911 visits, Amazon eat your heart out! 

 

In the early hours of Easter Monday (13th  April) Edith Mae Fitton was born, weighing 7lbs 8. Mother and baby have been doing fine.  The four of us visited them on Saturday, a picture is below.  Edith is tiny and beautiful.  I particulary like the picture, but as Nick pointed out Emma appears to have a beard, a starring role awaits her should HBO make a third series of Carnivale!

 

Click on these pics to enlarge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday 22nd October baby Imogen Steward was born, weighing in at 7Ib 12 she is doing well.  Congratulations to big sister Francesca, Mark and Helen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have added some pics of my little(not that little!) sister and one of me.  

 

 

Congratulations to Robbie and Charlie who now have a baby sister.  Daisy was born on 23rd July.  All the best to the proud parents too.

 

 

Ella: "Where we going Daddy?"

Dad: "Monkey World."

 

30 seconds later

E: "Where we going Daddy?"

D: "Monkey World."

 

After at least 3 more repeats.

 

E: "I'll see Lions."

D: "No darling.  Just Monkeys."

E: "I'll see Giraffes."

D: No Ella. Just Monkeys.

E: See Lions.

D: No Ella. Just Monkeys. Only Monkeys but there will be lots of them.

E: Giraffes.

D: No Ella. Only Monkeys.  The clue's in name, Monkey World*, as in a World of Monkeys.  Just Monkeys.

*in case Uncle Nick is reading this, I must add this is technically incorrect.  It is actually a 'World of Apes.'  Take it up with 'Monkey World(sic)' Nick)

M:  "Did you enjoy Monkey World?"

E:  " Yes.  I don't see Lions.  I don't see Giraffes.  I don't see Elephants."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It snowed last night.  As soon as I had eaten my Cinnamon Grahams (which was very very fast) Daddy took me outside to see the snow.  It was FANTASTIC, I told Daddy "I love snows".  So before it was even 8am we had built a snowman.

 

 

The pictures show me with the first snow man we built.  Then, we took his head off and gave him a different head and a face!  (The other pic is a view across to Wroughton).  After the pictures we gave the snowman a tummy - just like Grandads!

 

Ella

 

 

I was weighed on Friday and I seem to be gaining weight at the correct rate, I am now 8Ilb 11.  Ella has been very loving; she has always been very gentle, she loves to kiss and cuddle me, and she helps Mummy change my nappies.

 

I think Ella let the cat out of the bag yesterday...  When Mummy asked her if she wanted a Jaffa cake after her tea she said. "Yes please.  Just like at Nanny and Grandad's."  So Mummy asked her again and Ella said "Yes please.  Just like at Nanny and Grandad's."  Daddy sent a text to Nanny explaining they had been rumbled and Nanny admitted that mini-jaffas were part of Ella's routine when she visits them! 

 

On Thursday Ella was playing and wanted to play pretend "sleeps".  So Grandad had to lie on the floor.  Ella said "get the baby out Grandad".  Pretending they didn't know what Ella meant Mummy asked "what baby Ella?".  Ella pointed at Grandad's tummy and shouted "that one"!   Nanny and Mummy found it hilarious,  Grandad didn't find it quite so funny - perhaps he has eaten too many Jaffa cakes!

Jaffa Cake Trivia: The Urban legend unravelled:

There have been claims that the orange centres in Jaffa Cakes are made from apricot.  This urban legend may have originated in 2002 in The Daily Telegraph.  The myth gained status when it was published as fact in QI:The Book of General Ignorance. The book's claim was repeated in a 2006 article in The People.  In reality Jaffa Cakes contain no apricot, or tangerine, and are made with orange juice, according to the list of ingredients on packs of Jaffa Cakes.   Phoebe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phoebe's story:  Yesterday was my ‘birth day’.  I arrived in the world at 15:06 on Tuesday 26^th February 2008.  Weighing in at 7Ibs 8.

 

It’s was all rather a blur.  By about 22:30 I was at home with my family.  Although I didn’t meet my big sister until this morning because she was sleeping.

 

At breakfast time this morning we exchanged presents.  I gave Ella a fish backpack.  She was very pleased.  Ella gave me a soft toy, it’s a pretty little duck.  I am sure you will see it in some pictures soon.  And finally the three of us gave Mummy an eternity ring.

 

Ella’s story:  Yesterday was a very strange day.  I woke up early and when Mummy brought me downstairs, not only was I surprised to see Daddy sat in the family room, but Nanny and Grandad were there too.

 

I spent the day with Nanny and Grandad, we saw Rosemarie's puppy, we posted letters and we played games.

 

Today was also strange.  Mummy and Daddy came up to my room when I woke up.  Daddy had one of my dolly’s with him.  At least that’s what I thought, until I heard a noise.   Mummy and Daddy explained it was my baby sister, Phoebe.  She is very tiny.  I think it's going to be lots of fun being a big sister.  Not only did I get a new baby sister I also got a superb new fish backpack.  A win/win.   

 

Dad's story:  Karen’s contractions started at 2am on Tuesday.  My parents were called at 3am and were with us by half past the hour.  (Just like Ella’s Mrs Bunn book)  By about 5am the contractions had eased off and Karen managed to snatch an hour’s sleep.  I began to think this could have been a second false alarm, so played a quick texas hold’em tournament on Final Tilt, finishing 4^th out of 90, not a bad result!

 

By noon the contractions were back and regular.  We made a couple of calls to the hospital, they were busy and advised us to wait at home.  To help move things along Karen and I went for a walk.  [Note to Claire Lloyd if you’re reading this blog, that is not a euphemism we did go for a walk!]

 

When we made it to the hospital the car park was jammed and we couldn’t find a space.  However, a parking attendant kindly helped us to an emergency drop off area.  At this point I didn't quite realise how much we needed that emergency space as we were only minutes away from our own emergency drop off.

 

Karen’s contractions were getting very strong.  When we finally made it to the lifts in the hospital reception, one was out of order and the other two lifts seemed to take an age to move down each floor.  There was also a massive queue waiting for the lifts.  (you couldn’t make this up – actually I could – but I am not!)  This gave me plenty of time to kindly ask “You guys don’t mind if we jump the queue do you?”  The group let us take the first lift that arrived– the sick, wounded and hospital visitors stepping aside.  Which was greatly appreciated.

 

When we got to the reception area for the delivery ward there was some fumbling about which room we should go to – was it room 5? Was it room 3!  Karen didn’t care, nor did I, one of the midwives realised they needed to get a move on.  Room 3 it was!!

 

As they got Karen to her bed the midwives barely had time to get her trousers off.  Joking that they were quite happy to leave her boots on.

 

Then what an incredible job Karen did. Bish Bash Bosh.  Very little shouting, a few (okay several) whiffs of gas and air and we had a beautiful, bright pink, screaming baby on her Mummy’s tummy.  Special thanks also to the midwives, Angie and Jade.  

 

By 10.20pm I was able to say "Fire up the Saab!" and take Phoebe and her Mum home.

 

The birth in numbers:

   

30 photographs lost due to my Fuji compact camera breaking and formatting the XD card*.

18 about the number of people who allowed us to jump the queue for the lifts at the hospital. (thanks again)

11 minutes between being admitted to the hospital delivery ward (14:55) and Phoebe arriving (15:06). 

7 pounds (and 8 ounzes) Phoebe’s weight.

4 Neal's in our family.

1 wonderful new baby daughter.  Top Fact!: The name Phoebe, is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "bright, radiant"

 

 

*Owing to this minor catastrophe, and a rapid birth to hometime turnaround there are a distinct lack of photos.  Rest assured this issue will be addressed in the coming days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend was busy.  Busy by Mummy's standards anyway because we broke her "I'm heavily pregnant and we can only do one thing at the weekend" rule.  Please don't ask what consititutes a 'thing' as neither Daddy or me understand this rule. 

 

On Saturday we went shopping (is that one thing?).  While Mummy shopped we queued in the M&S coffee shop.  Now, I do like the M&S coffee shop and so does Daddy - sitting next to all those pensioners makes him feel young again.  But those guys really need to take a close look at their operations.  They are so slow.  They just managed to serve us before Easter!

 

In the afternoon we went to Bonkers and met with Baby Megan, Oliver, Auntie Wendy and Uncle Matt.  Megan was very well behaved (as always) and Oliver and I played very nicely together.  Afterwards, the Cherry family came back to our house and Oliver and I had tea together.  Uncle Matt got his new camera out - see pic.  Naturally, Dad didn't need much encouragement to get his camera out - also see pic!

 

On Sunday we went food shopping at Tesco. (is that another 'thing'. I lost count in the queue at M&S).  We then had a lovely lunch with Nanny and Grandad (Dandad) at the Brewers Arms in Wanborough.  It was to celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary.  We had lots of fun.  Grandad bought me a lovely duck for the prospect hospice charity (but I dont know where it is???)

 

We've got Mummy an eternity ring.  It's not a surprise, Mummy knows she is getting a ring - although she doesn't know which design we have chosen.  It was a shock for Daddy though when he had to pay for it!  Daddy showed me the ring on Friday.  I got a bit confused and said "Thank you Daddy, Thank you".  He had to explain that it was for Mummy from us both.  I wanted to get it out of the box but he wouldn't let me.

 

On Friday I went shopping with Mummy and bought a Ducky (aka Dutty) for my baby sister.  I saw a lovely Fish backpack in Next and I hope my baby sister might buy that for me.  Not that I give to receive!

 

No news on my baby sister yet.  Mummy still thinks it will be soon and that the stork will deliver her before her due date on 9 March.  Just as long as the stork doesn't drop into M&S for a cappuccino and slice of carrot cake I am sure Mummy will be right - as the Neal family motto states "Mummy knows best".

 

This coming weekend there are plans to break the "rule" again.  We have a 60th birthday lunch planned for Grandad on Saturday and a 40th birthday meal for Uncle Phil on Sunday.

 

 

Ella

x

It's been a long time since my last update and there are number of reasons for that.  One reason is that Orange have been up to their usual tricks meaning we have been without broadband for several weeks.

 

 

- Mum has straight teeth.  Previously they were like a 16th century graveyard.  Now thanks to 18 months of suffering with braces she has perfectly aligned gnashers.

- We have a leaky roof!  Our house is less than a year old and there's water damage to our guest room.  Bloor homes hang your head in shame.

- I have been ill again, and again. 

 

On Sunday I saw Sara, Karl and baby Holly.  Holly (see ) was a happy little baby.  I wanted to hold her.  Holly gave me a Dumbo (I call it Nelly).  I love it.  I slept with Nelly last night and I will sleep with Nelly again tonight.

 

On Saturday we went to see Auntie Sheila and Gordy in Bath.  I played with their cat Millie.  We played with a stick and ball.  I was very gentle.  We then went for lunch at Browns, where I couldn't stop chuckling.

 

A couple of weeks ago Archie (see ) came to visit me, it was very exciting and we enjoyed playing together.  Jim was very entertaining, then he left Archies changing bag.  I kept saying "Jim's left the bag" - several hundred times, driving Mummy and Daddy crazy (ha ha ha)

 

The week before it was Mum and Dad's birthdays.  I made Dad a cookie for his birthday and put a candle in it.  Mum let me blow the candle out.  For Mum's birthday I made her a special picture in the style of urban artist "Banksy".  Needless to say the look on Mummys face couldn't hide her disappointment. (She did like the stripped top I bought her though)  Dad took a days holiday on the Monday in between their birthdays and they covered the kitchen floor in paper and let me paint with my feet - superb! (see )

 

I have been to feed the ducks at Coate Water several times and played at the park at Coate Water.  I like that alot.  Mum and Dad have promised to take me on the minature train too.

 

 

BABY UPDATE
I am delighted to announce that Chevaunne gave birth to a baby girl...Evelyn Susan Jeffery was born on Monday 14 January, at 4pm, weighing 8lb 4oz.  Congratulations to the Jeffery family.

 

My baby sister could come anytime now.  Her nursery is complete - decorated, furnished and full of lots of my baby toys.  Mum and Dad have decided on names, but they wont tell me in case I let it slip!

 

 

 

 

 

And finally it's good to see Ashes to Ashes is back on the box.  Fire up the Quattro!

 Ella

x

Christmas has been and gone, some might say it was a flash in the pan...

 

First I was struck with the Norovirus, then Mummy was ill just before Christmas and on Christmas day, then Dad finally got the bug on Boxing Day.   From the BBC website: "Doctors estimate more than 100,000 people a week are catching norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Norovirus - also known as winter vomiting disease - is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the UK. Illness can occur at any age because immunity to it is not long-lasting."  I have added the Norovirus image to this blog entry as I liked all the colours and patterns.

 

So, that's enough about nasty bugs, here are a few snippets of what I've been doing.  On the Sunday before Christmas Dawn and Sonia popped in to say hello.  Dawn was blowing bubbles - she seemed to enjoy it alot.  I liked it too, but probably not as much as Dawn.

 

On Christmas day we visited Nanny and Grandad and we spent most of the day with them and Auntie Sheila and Uncle Gordon.  I got lots and lots of presents.  On Boxing day Nanny, Grandad and Auntie Kelly came over to our house.  And guess what - I got lots more presents.

On the 27th,  Nit, Emma, Phil and Ingrid came over.  We played and when I had gone to bed, everyone (well nearly everyone) had fun with the quizzes.  The 28th was the first day that we were all fit and well.  So we went to Cheltenham - but the shops were rubbish and the weather was miserable.  I kept shouting (and laughing loudly) "put your hood up Mummy"

 

Nanny, Grandad, Auntie Sheshe looked after me on 29th so that Mum and Dad could go shopping in Reading.  Grandad made my wooden farm.  Which is wonderful.  But I don't like all the animals. The Goat for example: "rubbish. put away now"

 

On the 30th we visited Archie at his lovely new home in Purton.  I had fun playing with Archie's toys, he was very good at sharing.  I enjoyed chasing him around the house.  I ate lots of crisps.  In fact since I've been over my tummy bug I've been eating lots and lots.

 

On the New Years Eve we made cakes.  Cornflake cakes to be exact.  Not just any old recipe though... the James Martin recipe. http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/513149 In the afternoon Baby Megan ("very tiny. hold her"), Oliver, Wendy and Matt joined us.  I got very excited playing with Oliver.  At bedtime there was a mysterous incident with my nappy in the bathroom,  but I dont want to talk about it!

 

I dont want to mention that incident because over Christmas I started having "showers" for the first time.  I had a total of three in fact.  The first one I had was eventful.  I was excited.  I had a lot of fun, Dad was in the shower too and as he didnt have his glasses on he couldn't really see what I was up to.  He didnt spot that I squat down in the corner.  Mum did....  She cleaned up too!

 

Happy New Year everyone.

 

 

Ella

Just a quick update... apart from having my hair cut today (2nd time ever) Mum and Dad went for a 28 week baby scan.

 

Everything was fine.  When they got back from the hospital they showed me a picture of my sister.  I thought that I'd share it with my family and friends so I have attached it below.  In case you aren't familiar with these scans here are a few pointers:

 

Ella

Many of you will have read in the financial press that this site has been an acquisition target and caught in the midst of battle between Google and Facebook.  I am pleased to announce, however, that another party entered the bidding and can confirm that the site (and all associated trademarks) have been acquired by the Neal Family and will shortly be amalgamated into the Neal Family group.  Regular readers will know that independence is central to the Tellavision's ethos, the new owners have provided assurances that they will continue to uphold the high standards of journalistic integrity. (Besides the deal involved large sums of money being added to my Child Trust Fund)

 

Whilst the new shareholders are keen to enhance the site, they recognise the significant brand value Tellavision™ has established since its launch in November 2005, with that in mind, the Tellavision site will continue to operate from this URL address (http://tellavision.spaces.live.com).

 

You will begin to notice some subtle changes to the brand, for example, the Tellavision strap line “the official blog for Ella Neal” has changed with immediate effect to: “the official blog for the Neal family”.

 

Additionally, from a visual perspective in the coming weeks myself and the new owners will be giving the site a much needed visual overhaul.

 

Also, it is planned that new brands will be introduced to the site and content entries from the entire Neal family will be encouraged, thus increasing the width of our subject coverage. 

 

Specifically, I’m delighted to share some of our plans with our readers and inform you that it is the new operating company’s intention to introduce a new brand and a new writer in March 2008.  Keep tuned to the site for more updates!

 

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of my readers for your loyalty to the site and hope that you continue to enjoy reading it as it moves into a new year with greater ambitions than ever before.

 

Ella

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been singing a lot too.  Plus I have a few interesting phrases, including;

• "YOU promised" said with a pointing finger. 
• recently I was doing "ribbits" Mum asked if I was a frog, and said "No I am pest"
• "BLUE one".  Mum and dad have been teaching me colours for few weeks.  I like to wind them up with a Lou and Andy style routine of always pretending the colour is blue (when it isnt!)
• something I like to say to mummy's balloon like tummy - "POP IT.  POP IT.  Get out, show me".
• and finally... I like words that rhyme.  Like "Skinny Minnie" and "Meal Neal"

 

Ella

 

It was my birthday last weekend and I was 2 years old.  I had a lovely time.  Everyone was very kind, I received lots of cards and presents from family and friends.

 

One of my presents was a replica Dyson vacuum cleaner.  It is the same purple cylinder design as the one Mummy uses.  So now whenever Mummy does the vacuuming I help too.  Daddy cleaned the second floor today and I helped him which we both enjoyed.

 

Another present was a Little Tikes Police Car.  (It took Daddy two hours the previous night to build it apparently) I love getting in and out of it and if someone is prepared to push me around in it even better... On my birthday I did struggle to share it though.  Shouting "leave it" to my friend Olivia was prehaps a little harsh on reflection.

 

I also got a wonderful Electric Organ.  Its bright pink, has its own matching stool and includes a microphone that I can use to sing along with.

 

I loved my cake and enjoyed blowing the candles out - three times. 

 

 

Like the Queen, I will have two birthday's.  My official birthday was on 4th, but I am having an unofficial birthday party on 25th November with my two year old friends at Kidz Aloud (which Dad always refers to as Girls Aloud). 

 

I have created a birthday photo album if you want to take a look. 

 

 

 

It's been a while since I have needed to include a Baby Update.  Everyone one of these updates is special, but this one is particulary special for family Neal - Mummy is pregnant.  The baby is due on 9th March (which is Grandad Edward's 60th birthday).  Mum and Dad know what sex the baby will be, but they didnt want me to say anything on this blog.

 

Ella

 

I've been back from holiday for a week.  We stayed in a place called Lee, which is close to Woolacombe in North Devon.

 

I had so much fun.  I was allowed to stay up late every night, but the best thing was going on the beach.  Mum and Dad didn't like the sand at all.  But they had to put up with it.

 

On our first day we went to Woolacombe, Mum was worried that I'd fall in one of the pools of water on the beach.  As she told Dad, I fell face first into a pool and soaked my clothes.  So they had to take me to the surf shop and buy me a wet suit (You can see pics of me in my suit in the photo album I have added opposite).  Luckily, Matt, Wendy, Oliver and Megan were just around the corner and Oliver let me borrow his T shirt and Jean treated mum and dad to cornish pasties.

 

The sea front at Lee had great rock pools.  I visited them most days.   When allowed I liked sticking my fingers in the snail shells!

 

We travelled about everyday.  Visiting lots of places; Braunton, Puttsborough Beach, Lee, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde, Arlington Court and Linton to name just a few.

 

Ella

x

 

Yesterday Matt, Wendy, Oliver and Megan came over.  We had lots and lots of fun.  I liked playing with Oliver and thought baby Megan was lovely.  I made sure I was very gentle when I touched her hand or kissed her though.  Mummy and Wendy spent hours telling each other how hopeless their husbands were... Matt and Daddy did the best they could to prove them both correct! (Including Dad smashing a beer bottle in the Kitchen and Uncle Matt putting too much formula powder in a bottle for Megan, that was after he woke Megan at 1am!)

 

During the week Mummy took me for my first ever haircut.  It was only a very quick trim.  Mummy was surprised I behaved so well.  I liked Becky the hairdresser (or Betty as I kept calling her).

 

Last weekend Mummy was tired so Daddy took me for my first proper bike ride in my new bike seat.   We went really fast down the hill and I screamed "weeeeeee".  It was so exciting.  Going down the hill meant that Daddy had to cycle back up a hill, he was sweating and out of breath in seconds... the ride only lasted 30 minutes and I was back at home!

 

Ella