Have you ever come across Google Alerts?  Well let me tell you, It’s the most amazing service from Google that allows you to track topics, people or even The Baby Chef.  I’ve been using the service since we released Easy Weaning, our first DVD and every day I get a message directly from Google informing me of any new post on the web relating to The Baby Chef.  Wow, I hear you cry, that’s amazing!!  Well yes it is, and more to the point it’s free to use J 

Now the sometimes bit, and this is not such a bad thing.  Within my “alerts” I’m always bunched up with a well know American Chef by the name of Padma Lakshmi, who is the host of a very well known TV programme called Iron Chef USA....., quite dramatic I know.  Well, it turns out that Padma has recently has a little baby girl, and just about every day the press write about Padma and her new arrival.  By doing this Google picks up the key words I’m looking for, and delivers lots of interesting articles about Padma and her baby. 

The key words (if you’re interested) are “Baby” and “Chef”, this is not to be confused with The Baby Chef....  Confused, well don’t be, I’m a man and Padma is most certainly a woman.  Just remember to put the word “The” in front of The Baby Chef and all will work out fine.

The time has come for me to get stressed, well almost.  Our new baby should arrive any day now, so I thought I should sneak in a quick blog while I’ve the chance...  So, first things first, VERY excited by the imminent arrival of above said buba (Boy or Girl)!!  Rachel’s been off for the past two weeks and we’ve both enjoyed the sun with Luca also taking a week off work (I mean nursery) to come and play in Cornwall.  How good is the sun by the way, loving being outside cooking on the BBQ, fresh corn on the cob, newly created marinades for the chicken, beef of lamb, lots of Jersey Royals with mint and olive oil, fresh Tomato and mozzarella salads and so much more (Sorry, just lost it there for a second, The Baby Chef is back in the room!!).

So, how will this change our lives?  Not sure at the moment, but working from home will relieve some of the pressure from Rachel, and in the long run will be good for the new baby.  I tweeted out the other day (If you get the chance, follow me on twitter @MattTheBabyChef) about a leaflet I picked up from the midwife.  It was all about Dads, and the rights we have at work when a new baby arrives.  In a way I’m lucky, as I work from home, but for the millions who don’t this is precious time to bond and help with the new arrival.  Some interesting quotes came from it, stuff like:  You can take two weeks paid leave when your child is born, as long as you give your employer 15 week’s notice.  95% of flexible working requests from working parents are agreed and you have the right to take up to 13 weeks “Unpaid Leave” until your child is five years old!  Wow, I didn’t know that...  See www.direct.gov.uk/dadsatwork for more information.

As for Luca, I think he knows something’s coming, but I’m not convinced he’s sure what it is?  As for the impact on a boy of 3, who’s had our total attention, we’ll just have to see.  We’ve got him a few presents from the baby, and he’ll have to adjust to the new routine either way.   Luckily, Luca’s always been accepting of change, and takes to new things well, be it riding his scooter (from his much loved tractor) or moving up into the next room at nursery.  Time will tell...

So, The Baby Chef.  What’s next for us.  Well, the next few months will be very exciting for the business.  We’ve appointed a new PR company to take control of the Media and Hard press.  We’ve had lots of positive conversations with TV producers, so very exciting.  Some big brands have said they like what we’re doing and so we could see some very good opportunities come from this, I’ll keep you posted.

Rachel, well she’s got the hard part, so I’m off to look after her and pick up the little boy.  Wish us luck, and I’ll Blog again soon

Matt J