Some might say that after Argyle’s defeat to Arsenal (the subject of our last post), we were somewhat traumatised.  However, the real reason for our lack of contributions has been our ever growing daughter – oh, and the hassles of trying to get our extension started!

Sienna is growing fast and it is now approaching 6 months since she came into the world.  Time seems to just fly by now, with not nearly enough hours in the day to get everything done.  Abi and Sienna have settled into a routine that sees them doing activities almost every day while I’m at work, and at the weekends we try and make sure we do things as a family as much as possible.

It’s amazing how quickly our little girl is growing and developing a personality, although neither of us is sure from where she gets the tendancy to wake up regularly in the middle of the night!  She’s moved on to sampling the delights of ‘normal food’ now as well – the carrot puree seems to have been well received on the whole, but sometimes the look on her face at dinner time might suggest a certain degree of distain.

There seems no end to her ability to make us both laugh, though in the clip below, you can see that she is pretty ‘handy’ at the old giggles herself!  Make sure you watch out for especially loud laughter when we starting ‘bopping’ Mum over the head with the paper……..

The journey to London was rather eventful, with frequent stops required to de-ice the car, as the -6°C temperatures defeated even BMW’s technical advances!  We had been invited for lunch at Steve & Clare’s in Barnet, from where we could catch a train direct to Finsbury Park, just a short walk from the Emirates stadium.  After a bite to eat, and a play for Sienna with Chloe, we headed off to get the train.  Unusually (well, in my experience anyway), the train was both on time and cheaper than we had been advised when we checked online!

Accompanied by plenty of Arsenal fans, the train deposited us at Finsbury Park, and we enjoyed the 20 minute walk to the Emirates, passing the site of the old Highbury stadium on the way, which is now being converted to luxury flats!  On arriving at Ashburton Grove, to give it the correct name, the stadium certainly impressed.  At a cost of more than £360 million, it is a fine home for one of the country’s top teams.  As the pictures (click an image to enter the slideshow) and short video here show, the view from our seats was great, if a little far from the action, and the atmosphere generated by the 9,000 Argyle fans who had made the trip must have been superb for the players.

The game itself was somehwat of an anti-climax, with Argyle being outplayed for long periods, but always resolute in their defense.  Goalkeeper Romain Larrieu was outstanding in the first 45 minutes, making a number of fine saves and as the second half started, there was a real belief among the travelling ‘Green Army’ that a draw might just be possible.  However, Arsene Wenger’s half-time teamtalk obviously worked wonders, with Arsenal coming out all guns blazing, scoring two goals inside the first 5 minutes after the break, effectively ending the game as a contest.  Argyle fought back with a goal from captain Carl Duguid, but it was not to be, as Arsenal broke forward late in the game as Argyle chased an equaliser and Van Persie struck at the second attempt to put the result beyond doubt. 

All in all, it was a super day out, if rather long, and Sienna enjoyed her first taste of being an Argyle away supporter.  The return trip home was somewhat eventful, as we were put on the wrong train back to Barnet, but we eventually got back to the car and arrived back in Tavistock at 10.30pm. 

Best thing about the day:    Probably the help from the Arsenal fans en-route back to Barnet after the game…..

Worst thing about the day:  The completely inadequate toilet facilities at the Emirates……… (from a male perspective anyway!)

Sienna did manage to be awake for the presentation of her Christmas gift from Grandma & Grandpa – a photo of which just HAD to be included  - and, although she did get a little over excited at the end of the evening, seemed to enjoy the day. I only hope we haven’t confused her by having early Christmases with Nan & Grandad, and Jane & Gilles, so she thinks there are going to be three every year!

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one weekend, Sunday was the day of a Christmas tradition in the Harding family - John& Kate’s annual Drinks Party! Sienna was a little angel throughout, despite the large number of people and accompanying noise levels, she happily went round in the baby carrier on Pete’s front, facing out and smiling at all the guests, while Dad offered nibbles and wine (having a baby to look after is no excuse not to make yourself useful!)  There’s even a “Sienna’s-eye-view” video (below), expertly taken by a proud Dad!

For now though, we are looking forward to our daughter’s first Christmas, and are grateful that she won’t be counting down in sleeps ’til Santa for a year or so…

It was a cold and slightly damp day, but in her new red waterproof all in one suit, Sienna looked the part as we headed through Central Park to the ‘Theatre of Greens’.  Heads turned, people looking on inquisitively as the Harding Family descended on the turnstiles of the Lyndhurst Stand.  Safely asleep in the carrier on the front of Dad (see picture), we took our seats ready to watch Argyle hopefully dismantle ‘The Hoops’.

Sadly, the game itself didn’t live up to expectations.  Having dominated but failing to win their previous home game on the Tuesday night against Birmingham, the crowd had been hoping for a first win in 4 games, but QPR had other ideas.  Despite Argyle playing some super football at times, the Green Army simply couldn’t break them down and it was QPR who took the lead after half an hour after some comical defending by Argyle.

The Greens didn’t give up however, and as the game moved into the second half, they went in search of an equaliser.  Numerous good chances were wasted, before, with 15 minutes left, substitute Steve Maclean finished a good move with a well taken goal.  Persistent pressure in the last 10 minutes, including a clear penalty which mysteriously wasn’t given, failed to bring a winner and the Pilgrims ultimately had to settle for a point.  With their recent form a worry, a lack of goals and their league position slipping rapidly, a win is now becoming vital.

Sienna’s view of the game will probably be somewhat different to her father’s however, as she slept through all but 5 minutes!  Still, there are years ahead when we’re sure she’ll see Argyle in the Premier League, not to mention the Home Park redevelopment finally finished………..