Park, Park, Park & Park

C met his little sister today for the first time. He was very excited because she "brought" him a green digger. He's got the name down perfectly, and we agreed that it is his responsibility to protect her on the playground and screen her boyfriends.

Dorothy Wijnanda Park has finally arrived. A healthy, petite (6lb, 7 oz) baby was born at 1:18 pm today, 28th of June. Baby and mother are both recovering from the delivery at Kingston Hospital in fine form. The first Park female on this branch of the family in 5 generations gets her name from my grandmother (Dorothy M. Baetcke Park) and a relative on Bella's side (Isabella Dorothea Akers). And also inherits Bella's middle name. Any advice on coping with daughters is heartily welcomed by the father.

Bells took C, my parents and her Dad out to Clandon Park on a beautiful Thursday afternoon. C was quite excited to leave school early and play in th sun. And here he is with Grandma: And here is Bells- four days past her due date.

Move on, nothing exciting here yet.

Well, the due date of 22nd June came and went. And still there was no movement on the southern front. Just like last time. Bells is now 9 months, plus one day. And a lovely 107+ centimetres around.

All of us made it out to the Wimbledon Fair today. Dad and I split a big pork sandwich and a beer, while C enjoyed an Old West Carnival ride. After waiting for what seemed like hours, C got a chance to sit in a real, live firetruck.

My parents arrived on Monday to help manage the birth of numero duo. The due date is still the 22nd, but Braxton-Hicks keeps firing off.

C's godfather Andy is lovely chap. And his new wife Sophie is equally charming. C ends up being something less that lovely and charming though when they visit. Just like last time .

For those keeping up with international politics AND Park family travels, there will be an interesting conjunction in the next day or two. US President G.W. Bush will arrive in the UK for his European Farewell tour. He's bringing C's Grandparents along for the ride. The Parks are coming to say hello to the newest member of the London Park tribe- yet to be delivered, but getting close. After they've done their bit for domestic relations in the London Park Household, they will have to fly back in a slightly less fun carriage- economy class on American Airlines.

I’m sure when C graduates from university or scores the winning goal, it will be memorable, even a significant high point of fatherhood. But little firsts like today must rank up there. In the bustle of getting dressed and making tea this morning, I heard: “I want to wear boxers like Daddy today!” So he did.