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We have had a very busy time since we last wrote but things are a lot quieter now and after having changed the clocks last weekend and having our first snow this week it really feels like winter is on it's way :o(  We have been busy this weekend transplanting shrubs, planting bulbs and putting the garden to bed for the winter.

Michael has had his first week back at work after his month's part time paternity leave (which went very quickly!).  We spent ten days of it in England which was lovely.  Apart from a night at Stacey and Andy's we spent the time in Lymington where various friends visited.  The Hancock family also got together and we celebrated Laila's second birthday.  It was lovely to spend time with everybody and Jessica took it all in her stride although by the time we flew back she was pretty tired!  We'll be back in England again for Christmas.

We also spent a night in Kehl so Jessica has now visited both of our home towns.  This trip also included a meal in Strasbourg, a visit to Michael's stepmother, Marta, and our friends Michelle and Christoph and family. Thomas, Sabine and family were here for Catherine's birthday so after a big brunch we all went to the zoo for the day. It was a perfect autumn day and we had a really good time.

So now Michael is back at work and Catherine and Jessica are busy with two German baby groups and an English playgroup.  Jessica is very sociable and likes being with people.  She now weighs nearly seven kilos and until today has been exclusively breastfed. Today we gave her baby rice which she ate very enthusiastically, it was very funny seeing her sat at the head of the table in her high chair! After a bit of a growth spurt during which she wanted to eat every two and a half hours (day and night!) she is now sleeping much better although she has only managed to sleep a six hour stretch twice.  She can now roll over onto her tummy (but hasn't yet mastered the art of rolling back!) and likes to sit propped up on the sofa.  She has almost outgrown the pram and now sleeps in the big cot although she has yet to move into her own room.

The calendar before Christmas is now filling up with various meals out with friends and the Christmas markets will be starting at the end of the month if you fancy a weekend here.  We'd love to see you.

We hope that you are all happy and healthy and look forward to seeing you soon!