Cheerio Mates!

Just touched down from London town. We had an incredibly busy and productive weekend which has left us absolutely knackered! The weather in London, as one would expect, was a bit dodgy but that didn't stop us from meeting with 6 estate agents, viewing 14 properties and exploring a respectable portion of London on foot. We even managed to meet up with a friend and a colleague of Rob's.

Recap of the property search: There were moments when Rob and I each passed out on the tube while heading from one property to the next, and moments the host of HGTV's House Hunters International played in my head, "this flat offers the outdoor space the couple dream of but the nursery resembles Harry Potter's bedroom cupboard". In the end there was one flat that seemed to be the best fit for our growing family. It is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (technically it's in West Kensington bordering Hammersmith which is why it's only slightly over our already stretched budget, but I prefer The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea). The flat boasts 3 bedrooms (that's 1 for me and Rob, 1 for Baby Batt. and 1 for you!), plus 2 full baths and a lovely communal garden where I picture many picnics with Baby Batt. But for me the most special aspect are the 2 blocks adjacent to the building named Edith Road and FitzGeorge Avenue. Edith and George are my grandparents' names. They passed away years ago but I take this as a sign that no matter where I go they will be near to me. 

Since we saw this flat on our first day in London, we decided it would be hasty to make an offer right away. We did let the estate agent know that we were interested in the property. Fast forward 2 days as we are waiting to board our flight back to the states, we get a call from the estate agent that an offer had been made on the flat - our flat - and we'd have to act immediately if we wanted it. UGH! It was too late to sign anything before the flight but we expressed our intent to make an offer once we arrived in NYC. As the saying goes," if it's meant to be, it's meant to be".

We didn't hit up any tourist spots on this trip but here are a few touristy pics I snapped - the kind I wouldn't dare take once I'm a local!

                                                    A telephone booth! Rob was next to me 

                                                     rolling his eyes when I took this.

Mind the Gap.

View of the city from Primrose Hill, a posh part of town.

A standard neighborhood pub. I can't wait to 

enjoy a good pint in a few months time!

tourist tchotchkes

The Communal Gardens at our potential new home!

Thanks for checking in! Check back soon to see if we got the flat. And tomorrow is my big anatomy scan where we get to spend time with the baby and find out if Baby Batt. will be wearing bows or bow ties! Exciting! 

With Love from Brooklyn, 

Lia Capri

We'll Fit Right In

Neither Rob nor I have set foot in London in close to a decade and apart from the standard stereotypes (bad weather, affinity for tea and fascinators) our knowledge of British culture is limited. Nevertheless, always the consummate optimist, I feel we've got the goods to make a go of it in our new town.

Rob already has the edge by being European and dressing like one. Plus he has already mapped out all 50+ soccer stadiums in London with plans to see a game at each one.

For my part, I've got a head start on British television pop culture. Rob and I have not had TV for a few years, I get my fix of mindless entertainment from watching Hulu and Netflix streaming. After watching all episodes available of Glee, Arrested Development and the Biggest Loser, I discovered my love of British sitcoms. So far i have watched the complete series of Coupling, Fawlty Towers, Hotel Babylon, Keeping up Appearances, Spaced, the IT Crowd, Monday Monday, Downton Abbey and The Book Group. I am hoping my ability to quote Hyacinth Bucket (it's pronounced Bouquet) will win me some favor with my new neighbors.

I also purchased a fab trench coat which I imagine to be a staple in any stylish Londoner's wardrobe. AND I never turn down an opportunity to wear a fascinator.

 So there you have it. The Brooklyn/New York accents may still give us away, but I'm ok with that.

Tomorrow we leave for a whirlwind weekend in London to find somewhere to live or at least a neighborhood to live in. Hopefully upon our return we will have some developments to report.

                                                The Royal wedding inspired this look worn

                                     to my friend Jen's November 2011 nuptials!

Brooklyn Baby Britain

Welcome querida family and friends to Brooklyn Baby Britain! I may soon be across the pond but luckily in this virtual time there are many ways to stay very much a part of each others lives. 


A brief introduction for out-of-touch FBFO (friends by Facebook only) or anyone who mistakenly finds this blog while searching for more relevant sites on Brooklyn, babies or Britain. I'm Lia Capri; 29 years old; pregnant with my 1st child with my handsome husband Roberto; I'm a soon-to-be unemployed public interest lawyer; And, I am moving from my home in Brooklyn to London, England, home of my BFFBSDKIY (best friend forever but she doesn't know it yet) the Duchess of Cambridge. 


Brooklyn Baby Britain (BBB) is a an open letter to loved ones to share personal experiences of pregnancy and parenting, embarking on my 30s (wha?!), travels and adventures, and learning to live the Londoner lifestyle. I may be far away but now less out of touch!


So please check in with me when you're making the rounds on the gossip blogs or checking Facebook, and keep me in the loop of your personal highlights reel. It will certainly help make this transition lighter. (by highlights reel I do not mean this:  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Highlight%20reel )

                                                    Rob and me on our honeymoon in Cambodia last November,          
                                                    fresh-faced, tan, solidly 20-something and childless. 


                                                Introducing Baby Battistuzzi 

With love from Brooklyn,


Lia Capri


Huge thanks to my fantastic friend Vania of SimplyBloom Photography for designing BBB's header!