Ethan and I go it alone!

So, Ethan and I (and Bruno) have just finished our first couple of days on our own following Matts start at work yesterday.

Yesterday (Monday) was the start of the new morning routine. Dropping Matt at the station followed by a run with the new buggy and Bruno before breakfast. I don't think we're going to be winning any races but we're finding our feet the three of us, although it would be a log easier if Bruno didn't keep needing time outs to do his business or get distracted by other dogs.

We also tried our first trial baby group at 'My Gym'. Baby gym is quite big out here, not gym as in workout but as in gymnastics. Clearly Ethan is quite young, our class was called 'Wobblers' and involved some soft play type equipment, swings and slides but also lots of climbing. Despite being the youngest and one not walking in the class he had a great time.

After trying out another supermarket, Ethan and I went for a walk around a local nature reserve where we saw a deer. Some pictures attached, you may be able to spot the deer!

Today saw another trial class. This one run by a company called 'Music for Aardvarks'. It saw a man called Evan on the guitar and Colleen on the drums, lots of instruments for the babies/toddlers and lots of dancing and clapping (luckily Ethan has finally mastered clapping!). Another fun class again which Ethan loved which is going to make choosing difficult. However I was brave and traded numbers with a couple of Mums to arrange play dates so hopefully the network will start to grow.

One thing that has become very clear is children's classes here are not cheap. What you would pay c£6/£7 in the UK costs you closer to £20 here. But there is lots of variety.

This afternoon I decided to walk to the local 'cafe' type destination, which is in actual fact a chocolate shop where they make chocolate on site (shame!). Ordered a hot chocolate and cookie only to realise I'd left my wallet at home so once I'd finished I had to walk back home and then return to pay. At least that helped burn off the chocolate!

I've just asked Matt how his two days have been... He said fine. He has his own office which he says is weird. I have been quite impressed he's walked home from the station (20-25m) the past two nights instead of getting a taxi!

The next few days sees more trial classes, going to get our social security numbers tomorrow and our first swimming class on Friday.

And finally, for the family amongst you, a picture of Ethan climbing under the kitchen table today. One thing is for sure, I need the stair gates to arrive ASAP given we have no doors downstairs!

Matt's found heaven

This is a post for the car obsessed amongst our friends and family!

Yesterday we went up to Greenwich, CT to test drive a Lexus (didn't like on appearance didn't even bother trying). Anyway, the road where the dealership was unlike anything seen before. Within a 200m stretch of road they had Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Porsche, McLaren and AMG dealerships. And if that wasn't enough Matt's chin hit the pavement when a Pagani Zonda drove past on a test drive courtesy of a new Pagani dealership that had opened.

For some of you this stretch of road may become a tourist attraction when you come to visit!

And we're here!

What a crazy few days. We landed Monday evening and spent the night in an airport hotel. 

On Tuesday we drove up to the house and received our sea freight. Then we sorted out boring admin like insurances, utilities, cable, telephone and Internet. Pretty impressive that we spoke on Tuesday and an engineer arrived on Wednesday to install. Or that the same company can supply your gas, electricity, cable, telephone and Internet! After this with a very tired Ethan in tow (it's been a theme to date) we went to Target for some general household goods. In the evening Matt went to Best Buy to look for electrical appliances.

Wednesday saw installations mentioned above and delivery of air freight (Ethan did get to go to the park with Daddy). Then we went and brought living room furniture and back to Best Buy to get the TV. also started day 1 of the search for Ethan furniture. The evening saw Internet shopping with possibly my biggest amazon order ever!

Thursday we spent all day shopping (yep poor Ethan). We went back to Target for more household stuff (hardest thing to buy was toddler toothpaste, everything was sweet flavoured including a bubblegum flavour.... seriously???) Then Matts card got declined (fraud team were suspicious by spending levels!) so we went to HSBC. Whilst there he asked to change his PIN numbers thinking this was easy. Cue a 30m phonecall by the branch manager the end result being they changed his debit card but not his credit card. I think when I get my cards I'll stick with what I'm given! Then we had our first trip to the Westchester Mall which was LOVELY. Got some clothes for Ethan and some new saucepans and also continued day 2 of search for his furniture.

When we got home I went and did our first food shop (we've eaten out so far). Matt not being one to sit round the house when he has responsibilities for Ethan decided to give his new bike cart a go. Pictures are attached, you can see a very tired Ethan did not particularly enjoy it and spent the whole time trying to take off his helmet! I spent about 90m and $300 in the supermarket. It took a while to work out what products (quorn located thank goodness!), they have a very expensive British section where I brought a proper tin of baked beans for about $2.50! I also brought the American equivalent although not sure yet why I had to buy the vegetarian version (what is in the normal ones!) The only thing yet to be located is a fruit cordial equivalent to Robinsons squash. Matt is sure they have Ribena out here but am yet to locate.

So now it's Friday morning. After a couple of wakings Ethan has slept till 830 so hopefully that's him caught up a little. A slightly quieter day planned, setting up my bank accounts and Matt off to JFK to pick up Bruno. I'm also hoping by the end of the day we may have ordered furniture for Ethan and may even have a home cooked meal! Oh and hopefully unpack!

And we're off!

Last night in UK

What a lovely week, I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend it before we leave.

We had three lovely nights in Somerset with the Newnes' and then two nights in a gorgeous hotel in Devon for Dads 60th. Ethan has been totally spoilt with all the attention from grandparents and aunts/uncles over the past five days. All goodbyes have been said and some tears shed. But now it's onwards and upwards as we gear up for the flight tomorrow.

We're staying at Heathrow tonight, Ethan is currently asleep as we drink wine and eat room service. And tomorrow night we're staying at JFK. Then Tuesday morning we go to the house where hopefully we'll be met by shippers and Amazon deliveries!

Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed for no excess baggage charges! Oh and it would also be helpful if the US would reopen so we can get social security numbers!

Bx

One week to go... One night left at home!

This time next week we'll be landing in JFK! Eeeek! Today has been a crazy day, last minute packing and house sorting (while Ethan takes things out again) as tonight is our last night at home. Off to Somerset tomorrow to see the Newnes family then weekend away for Dad's 60th... So hopefully a fun filled last week in the UK.

Bx

'Woof woof woof'... An interview with Bruno

Everyone's been asking quite a few questions about Bruno and NY, so in an exclusive interview Bruno tells his side of the story:

Q: So you're going to NY then?

Bruno: Yes! I can't believe anyone would think I'd get left behind!

Q: How will you travel?

Bruno: I'm flying in a crate in the hold on a BA flight. I don't fly until Friday 18th though to allow some time to get the house ready for me

Q: Do you need to go in quarantine?

Bruno: No luckily not. I've had a rabies injection along with kennel cough and this is all that's required on top of my standard vaccinations

Q: how are you feeling about the trip?

Bruno: I'm a bit nervous. I love my house in Luddesdown and my nice countryside walks, not to mention escaping from the garden. But it will be an exciting adventure and I'm looking forward to clocking up my first air miles 

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

Bruno: Mummy has promised me morning runs which I'm going to hold her too (it will do her good and balance all those cakes she eats). Plus I've heard I may get to go on some exciting walks with a dog walker and other dogs, some which may be on a beach so I'd better buy some trunks!

Q: Any messages for some of your family and friends who you may not see for a while?

Bruno: Yes... Don't worry about me, I'll have lots of fun. And I'll look after Ethan, I have a feeling we're going to cause some mischief together in NY!

Watch out for more updates from Bruno in the future.