The Wonders of Modern Technology

[The most recent photo of the Simkins family (circa September 2003)]

And there you have it! Us, live on the web (well almost live). It's remarkable to think that within a few hours of our baby being born (provided I get a grip) its photo will be available to all and sundry, all around the world. I guess, 10 years ago it would have taken maybe a couple of weeks; 50 years ago possibly a couple of years; and 100 year ago, maybe never!

Technology does have some advantages, I guess.
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I was particularly chuffed this weekend to procure (courtesy of Blockbusters' desire to dispose of their entire stock of videos to all and sundry) a copy of the first in the "Lord of the Rings" series. Still in its cling film, and for the princely sum of £1.00!!

That's not entirely accurate. It was actually £1.99 each, or 3 for £3.00. So we actually obtained "The Fellowship of the Ring", "Sooty's Elastic Tricks", and "Rainbow and Rod Jane & Freddy: Bumper Special" for the special price of £3.00. Thus, if you were to measure the value by the number of times the video will be watched - then we have got hold of mega-bargains. However, if you factor in the effect on our mental well-being, maybe not...
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Libby visited the hospital today to be 'monitored' and to meet the anaesthetist (look no spellcheck!)*. She is glad to discover that she has only a 1 in 12,000 chance of ending up with paraplegia. Very reassuring, I'm sure.

However, on a brighter note, as Libby points out, in the year's when she gives birth (which, in this millenium, is half of them) we are recovering at least all the tax we have paid in the form of medical help. Apparently a Caesarian 'costs' between £3K and £10K (or something). Almost worth suffering tax for!

Almost.
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Which reminds me, I must go and download the child benefit and tax credit forms. If I fill in all the details but name and gender, I should be able to get them in the post on Wednesday...

{By the way, I must return my brother's favour, and mention his blog - "Ben's Bilingual Baby Blog" - especially good when the French is translated into English. (Although from the tone of today's post, it may be rather like arriving at the bonfire on 6th November.)}
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*actually, the spellcheck doesn't recognise this spelling. But then again, it doesn't recognise spellcheck either!