I'm back in NZ.

Karen and Isabella are in the UK.

I miss them a little today - it's great being home and being our own house - but I'm knocking around the place a little bit. It's all good being able to go for a beer with a mate after work, and sleeping in on a weekend.

But cooking for one is just odd now.

And the house is so quiet.

Being a Dad is great, Isabella is just this wonderful bubbly, peaceful being of hope and possibility. She dribbles and giggles and talks away to herself in her cot.

When I come to see her in the morning, her eyes light up and her wee mouth creases into a gurgly celebratory laugh - as if seeing me is the best thing since forever.

Her wee arms flap and I know she's going to fly one day.

I miss picking her up each morning.