Oh for a decent night's sleep!!
This hot weather is not helping one bit!
The other night, Joel hadn't been able to last the afternoon and fell asleep till almost 5pm. The result was one hyper active baby who was up until 10pm! Steve was working away in Oxford for a couple of days and stayed over, so the responsibility fell solely on my shoulders, and I was tired. He's been getting up at 5.30 every morning, and is full of beans. So to have him toddling round the room like a baby whirlwind was exhausting! The only thing that kept me going was the thought that he'd have to lie in the next morning, but nope, he was up again at 5.00am!
He woke last night at 1am as it was a very humid night and he just wanted a cuddle. We call it the sleepy dance, and I hold him in my arms, and he rests his head on my shoulder, and we sway and hum until he's dozy enough to go down again.
Needless to say, I'm rather tired myself today.
Although the sunshine is nice, there doesn't seem to be any pleasing us Brits!!
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Sunday 27 May 2012
Fun Time Sunshine
We have finally used Joel's birthday money to buy him some outdoor toys. He is now the proud owner of a paddling pool that we've put his playballs in, and a sand and water table. He's not so bothered about the sand yet, but he loves the water!
Balls are always a favourite and sitting amongst tons of them seems to be lots of fun! Especially when we sit in there with him!!
And to show he's not always a happy, smiley chap...... Look at this for a grumbly face!! I'd made some chocolate brownies and brought them in for us and Joel wanted one straight away! And because I wasn't quite fast enough for his liking he began his yelling!!
And to show he's not always a happy, smiley chap...... Look at this for a grumbly face!! I'd made some chocolate brownies and brought them in for us and Joel wanted one straight away! And because I wasn't quite fast enough for his liking he began his yelling!!
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| Joel saw Mummy's homemade chocolate brownies! |
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| Hmm, that's better! |
Sent from my BlackBerry smartphone from Virgin Media
Saturday 26 May 2012
A Sunny Saturday Afternoon
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| I'm out of my buggy! |
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| With all this freedom?! |
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| My friend Izzy |
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| Lets have a drink |
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| Eat a rice cracker |
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| Quick hug bye... |
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| And wave, |
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| And daisy time! |
Friday 25 May 2012
Sitting On A Sunny Afternoon
Today was hard at work. I physically ached all day long. I still feel sad and a bit
But I had my little Joel to cheer me up at the end of the day.
I collected him early from nursery and he was a happy little chappy! I was told that he'd eaten all his lunch and tea today, he's been sleeping from 11-2 and missing lunch time, but as he's eating on his own later, he seems to be less distracted.
We then nipped to Argos and got a paddling pool which I promptly blew up for him and filled with his play balls. We then spent an hour or so in the garden once I'd mowed the lawn playing with the balls which he loved, then he found the peg basket which provided more entertainment.
After a fun bath time (which was over when he decided to stand up and try to climb out) he got very tired very quickly and after some milk went happily to bed in just his vest as it's a very hot night again.
He really is so very clever. He takes his shoes and tries to get them on his feet. He uses the brush and tries to brush his hair and thinks it's so funny when he tries to brush my hair. He loves brushing his teeth with me. We both stand over the sink and grin at each other whilst cleaning our toothy pegs.
He's still not quite walking. He doesn't have the confidence to step out on his own yet, but he loves toddling around with his walker and pushing his ride on toy thing. He gets round the furniture very fast and loves exploring. His one aim in life at home is to get to new places, be it the dining room, up the stairs or the bathroom. The stairs are too steep and he can't quite manage them, but he loves trying as long as one of us are there behind him.
Playing is all he really has time for at the moment. Cuddles are for the morning and sometimes at night time but when he's ready for bed he lets us know! In fact, for someone who doesn't speak, you always know what he means, what he wants and what he's trying to say! Mummummummumum is for when he's upset, wants me, wants me to do something (like when I'm hurridly making him a sandwich because he's hungry!!).
He likes to try and take my glasses from my face and I tell him 'no' and if he does it again, I say 'no' again more firmly, and he normally goes for a third try, so I put on the floor and then he'll cry until I pick him and we make friends again. (Not that we were ever not friends of course, it's hard to try to teach him the right thing when I'm giggling inside at him!). He does try to be good though. He is just very playful and curious. He'd developing quite a character.
He loves his blankie, and it's his comfort, but he's noticed that a lot of other babies have dummies and he got scratched at nursery for trying to take one from another baby, so I gave him one the other day and he thought it was brilliant. He didn't suck it, but he held it, looked at it, and chewed on it before dropping it over the side of his buggy so I've bought him another just so he doesn't feel left out!
There's so much he's learning every day and he's so much fun to be around. I just hope my working part time dreams come true some time soon. I know I'm so very lucky to have him in my life.
But I had my little Joel to cheer me up at the end of the day.
I collected him early from nursery and he was a happy little chappy! I was told that he'd eaten all his lunch and tea today, he's been sleeping from 11-2 and missing lunch time, but as he's eating on his own later, he seems to be less distracted.
We then nipped to Argos and got a paddling pool which I promptly blew up for him and filled with his play balls. We then spent an hour or so in the garden once I'd mowed the lawn playing with the balls which he loved, then he found the peg basket which provided more entertainment.
After a fun bath time (which was over when he decided to stand up and try to climb out) he got very tired very quickly and after some milk went happily to bed in just his vest as it's a very hot night again.
He really is so very clever. He takes his shoes and tries to get them on his feet. He uses the brush and tries to brush his hair and thinks it's so funny when he tries to brush my hair. He loves brushing his teeth with me. We both stand over the sink and grin at each other whilst cleaning our toothy pegs.
He's still not quite walking. He doesn't have the confidence to step out on his own yet, but he loves toddling around with his walker and pushing his ride on toy thing. He gets round the furniture very fast and loves exploring. His one aim in life at home is to get to new places, be it the dining room, up the stairs or the bathroom. The stairs are too steep and he can't quite manage them, but he loves trying as long as one of us are there behind him.
Playing is all he really has time for at the moment. Cuddles are for the morning and sometimes at night time but when he's ready for bed he lets us know! In fact, for someone who doesn't speak, you always know what he means, what he wants and what he's trying to say! Mummummummumum is for when he's upset, wants me, wants me to do something (like when I'm hurridly making him a sandwich because he's hungry!!).
He likes to try and take my glasses from my face and I tell him 'no' and if he does it again, I say 'no' again more firmly, and he normally goes for a third try, so I put on the floor and then he'll cry until I pick him and we make friends again. (Not that we were ever not friends of course, it's hard to try to teach him the right thing when I'm giggling inside at him!). He does try to be good though. He is just very playful and curious. He'd developing quite a character.
He loves his blankie, and it's his comfort, but he's noticed that a lot of other babies have dummies and he got scratched at nursery for trying to take one from another baby, so I gave him one the other day and he thought it was brilliant. He didn't suck it, but he held it, looked at it, and chewed on it before dropping it over the side of his buggy so I've bought him another just so he doesn't feel left out!
There's so much he's learning every day and he's so much fun to be around. I just hope my working part time dreams come true some time soon. I know I'm so very lucky to have him in my life.
Thursday 24 May 2012
Ouch...
Today has been what I would possibly call the most sucky day of the year for me.
To begin with, I'll start with yesterday.
My period was a day late, so I took a test. It was positive. I was thrilled to think that Joel would be a big brother next year! I looked up dates online and it estimated that baby could be due around the 27th January adn that I was 5 weeks pregnant. I was too excited, and told my sisters and parents. Steve wanted to tell his parents in person so we didn't ring them as we're seeing them next in June, plus it still felt very early to tell too many folk.
Wednesday was a happy day.
Then Thursday came along. I had my job interview. I decided against mentioning the test, as it was very early days and I didn't know what was going to happen. I thought that if I got the job, I'd mention it at that point, but there was no point in spoiling my chances before then.
Anyway, it was the fastest interview I've ever known. Looking back, it felt a bit as though they were just going through the ropes. They weren't intested in looking through my portfolio of certificates and other things. The three panel members asked me three questions each and showed me the door. I was still hopeful but they rang rather quickly to say it had gone to someone with more 'reception experience'. Oh yes, and I was 'an outstanding applicant'.
I cried as I felt I'd let Joel down, not being able to work part time really sucks. I thought that I'd be able to go on maternity leave in a few months and spend lots of quality time with Joel that way instead.
Then later that afternoon I went to the loo, and there was blood. I tried not to worry as I know a little can be normal, and part of the implantation process, but I went to bed with crampy pains, and in the night that was the end of that hope too.
I shall call this experience Eggbert I, and see whether Eggbert II comes along soon. I hope so. I shan't let this put me off trying again!
I don't really know if I'm meant to do anything or nature is sorting me out. When it happened to my sister, she saw a Dr who tested to make sure things had cleared, but I'd not even gone to tell a Dr about the positive test yet, that was meant to be today. Needless to say I've not bothered.
I'm very achy, and feel very sad. No new baby, and no new job. 24th May 2012 was not kind to me.
To begin with, I'll start with yesterday.
My period was a day late, so I took a test. It was positive. I was thrilled to think that Joel would be a big brother next year! I looked up dates online and it estimated that baby could be due around the 27th January adn that I was 5 weeks pregnant. I was too excited, and told my sisters and parents. Steve wanted to tell his parents in person so we didn't ring them as we're seeing them next in June, plus it still felt very early to tell too many folk.
Wednesday was a happy day.
Then Thursday came along. I had my job interview. I decided against mentioning the test, as it was very early days and I didn't know what was going to happen. I thought that if I got the job, I'd mention it at that point, but there was no point in spoiling my chances before then.
Anyway, it was the fastest interview I've ever known. Looking back, it felt a bit as though they were just going through the ropes. They weren't intested in looking through my portfolio of certificates and other things. The three panel members asked me three questions each and showed me the door. I was still hopeful but they rang rather quickly to say it had gone to someone with more 'reception experience'. Oh yes, and I was 'an outstanding applicant'.
I cried as I felt I'd let Joel down, not being able to work part time really sucks. I thought that I'd be able to go on maternity leave in a few months and spend lots of quality time with Joel that way instead.
Then later that afternoon I went to the loo, and there was blood. I tried not to worry as I know a little can be normal, and part of the implantation process, but I went to bed with crampy pains, and in the night that was the end of that hope too.
I shall call this experience Eggbert I, and see whether Eggbert II comes along soon. I hope so. I shan't let this put me off trying again!
I don't really know if I'm meant to do anything or nature is sorting me out. When it happened to my sister, she saw a Dr who tested to make sure things had cleared, but I'd not even gone to tell a Dr about the positive test yet, that was meant to be today. Needless to say I've not bothered.
I'm very achy, and feel very sad. No new baby, and no new job. 24th May 2012 was not kind to me.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Breaking News....
Anyone who knows me should know I'm not an exercise sort of girl. I don't do gyms. I've never dieted. I just try to be sensible with what I eat and walk a lot. And to be fair, that did sort of work for me for many years. It's just that since I've had Joel, even though I walk a lot (3-4 miles a day) I think I eat a lot too.
I was looking at photographs of when I had Joel, and comparing them with recent pictures. I realised that I'd not really put on a lot of excess weight with pregnancy and once my bump had reduced I looked almost normal (save the saggy tummy of course!!) but over the winter, somewhere, somehow, the weight had crept back on and possibly more besides.
I know I haven't been eating that sensibly. Portion control has gone a bit skewiff with being extra hungry all the time. Lack of time to cook proper food and think about menus has gone. Many evenings I resorted to eggy bread, which is fried, but tasty. Many other evenings if I were too tired to cook, or hadn't been shopping Steve would go for a take away.
Before you know it, weight is there and parts are chubbier.
But I don't want to just let myself go and slide into chunky oblivion. I want to get myself fit and back to my wedding day weight which is about right for me. I wasn't thin, I've never been (nor ever will be) skinny. But I want to see photos and think that I don't look fat on them, where I don't have extra 'face' and double chins, and where I feel good about myself.
So, with that all said I went jogging last night. I had planned to go last week and bought a sports bra (this should demonstrate how serious I am as they're not cheap for the larger busted), trainers and jogging trousers. I didn't even own any sporty clothes before last week!!
But sickness and diarreah caught me and I was bed and toilet ridden for 36 hours. Then on Thursday (my next planned day of fitness) it was my birthday and who wants to start a fitness regime on their birthday?!
So this week it was and I dutifully changed into my gear when I got home from work, ate a little meal to keep me going, sorted Joel out with dinner, and got him ready for bed, then left Steve in and took Izzy with me.
And I certainly didn't break any records. Nor did I run the whole way. It was more of a minutes jog, then a walk. Then a jog, then a walk. I went up hills as fast as I could and it was fun running with Izzy. She seemed to enjoy it. I was out for 40 minutes and was a crimson as a beetroot and sweaty to boot, so let myself in through the back door and headed straight for the shower without letting Steve see me.
I feel ok today so the next jogging night is planned to be Thursday.
And I've not weighed myself at all yet, but may pop to the pharmacy at the Uni tomorrow for a proper weigh to see where I've got to, and where I've got to get to to be happy with my figure again.
I was looking at photographs of when I had Joel, and comparing them with recent pictures. I realised that I'd not really put on a lot of excess weight with pregnancy and once my bump had reduced I looked almost normal (save the saggy tummy of course!!) but over the winter, somewhere, somehow, the weight had crept back on and possibly more besides.
I know I haven't been eating that sensibly. Portion control has gone a bit skewiff with being extra hungry all the time. Lack of time to cook proper food and think about menus has gone. Many evenings I resorted to eggy bread, which is fried, but tasty. Many other evenings if I were too tired to cook, or hadn't been shopping Steve would go for a take away.
Before you know it, weight is there and parts are chubbier.
But I don't want to just let myself go and slide into chunky oblivion. I want to get myself fit and back to my wedding day weight which is about right for me. I wasn't thin, I've never been (nor ever will be) skinny. But I want to see photos and think that I don't look fat on them, where I don't have extra 'face' and double chins, and where I feel good about myself.
So, with that all said I went jogging last night. I had planned to go last week and bought a sports bra (this should demonstrate how serious I am as they're not cheap for the larger busted), trainers and jogging trousers. I didn't even own any sporty clothes before last week!!
But sickness and diarreah caught me and I was bed and toilet ridden for 36 hours. Then on Thursday (my next planned day of fitness) it was my birthday and who wants to start a fitness regime on their birthday?!
So this week it was and I dutifully changed into my gear when I got home from work, ate a little meal to keep me going, sorted Joel out with dinner, and got him ready for bed, then left Steve in and took Izzy with me.
And I certainly didn't break any records. Nor did I run the whole way. It was more of a minutes jog, then a walk. Then a jog, then a walk. I went up hills as fast as I could and it was fun running with Izzy. She seemed to enjoy it. I was out for 40 minutes and was a crimson as a beetroot and sweaty to boot, so let myself in through the back door and headed straight for the shower without letting Steve see me.
I feel ok today so the next jogging night is planned to be Thursday.
And I've not weighed myself at all yet, but may pop to the pharmacy at the Uni tomorrow for a proper weigh to see where I've got to, and where I've got to get to to be happy with my figure again.
Monday 21 May 2012
Sticky Eyes
So this morning I was woken at 5am with Joel crying as his eyes were glued together. Yuck. I was prepared and had water and cotton wool handy, so we had a bit of a bathe which he objected to and was settle with a little milk and he went back to sleep.
I woke at 7.15 and Joel was still zonked which is always handy. I was up and dressed, made my lunch and got his warm milk and some bathing water ready before I went to get him up.
He seemed partially awake. The conjuctivitis had glued his eyes together again. It was horrible. He looked like a panda but the eye patches were gunk. I guessed that he'd stayed sleeping as it was dark and he'd been ok with that! I began cleansing his eyes, and he cried a little but then just got used to it. He sucked his thumb and drank his milk whilst I managed to get the worst of it off and then he opened his eyes. Still ewwww. They were red and so puffy poor little chap.
But he was in an excellent mood with it regardless, laughing and chattering. Wanting cuddles and playtime.
He's off to the doctors at 11am with my Mum. It seems to be a serious thing and he looks awful! I should be taking him, but work is in the way.
Fingers crossed for my job interview on Thursday!! Then I can take to the doctors whenever he needs of an afternoon.
In the meantime, I hope it clears up soon. And that Steve and I don't catch it.
I woke at 7.15 and Joel was still zonked which is always handy. I was up and dressed, made my lunch and got his warm milk and some bathing water ready before I went to get him up.
He seemed partially awake. The conjuctivitis had glued his eyes together again. It was horrible. He looked like a panda but the eye patches were gunk. I guessed that he'd stayed sleeping as it was dark and he'd been ok with that! I began cleansing his eyes, and he cried a little but then just got used to it. He sucked his thumb and drank his milk whilst I managed to get the worst of it off and then he opened his eyes. Still ewwww. They were red and so puffy poor little chap.
But he was in an excellent mood with it regardless, laughing and chattering. Wanting cuddles and playtime.
He's off to the doctors at 11am with my Mum. It seems to be a serious thing and he looks awful! I should be taking him, but work is in the way.
Fingers crossed for my job interview on Thursday!! Then I can take to the doctors whenever he needs of an afternoon.
In the meantime, I hope it clears up soon. And that Steve and I don't catch it.
Au Revoir Baby
So we left Joel for 24 hours and headed off for a weekend, just the two of us!
We had quite a busy Saturday prior to departure.
I had a lie in until 10am (which is very good for me!), and then went into town with Joel and bought a couple of new tops as I didn't really have anything nice to wear for the weekend. (Nothing like an impulse buy!)
We bought some soup and crusty bread for lunch and Joel practised using his spoon. I'm not sure he enjoyed the soup (creamy tomato) but he liked the soggy bread and the fact he could dip his spoon in and put it in his mouth himself. He's getting quite good at self feeding. I have bought him some baby cutlery but he's not quite ready to use that yet. Although he does like having his little baby knife and fork to wave around!
Then we went along to his friend's birthday party. Joel hadn't managed to nap at regular times so fell asleep in the car on the way, but woke up once we got there. He was sleepy but got excited when he saw Freddie's presents and all three chums (Joel, Evan and Freddie) stood around banging a big box containing a Little People farm!
After a quick snack of cream cheese on bread (which he loves and he had as a snack before going to town as well) he was flagging so we said goodbye and I dropped him straight at my parents so he could have a nap there without being further disturbed. I then popped home, collected the bags and his stuff and dropped it back at theirs. We then headed off after a kiss goodbye and we were away!
It was the first time in over a year we were going away with one small bag of clothes and not the whole lot of paraphanalia that Joel requires!
We got to the hotel and Steve hadn't got his trunks so couldn't go swimming but we found we didn't really have time anyway! We settled in, got changed for dinner and headed out to Warwick to find 'The Aubergine' which was a Turkish restuarant I'd found with good recommendations.
And it was lovely! We had a cold meze to start with Turkish bread, lots of dippy things, houmous, courgette salad, carrot salad, pickles, olives and tzatiki which was delicious. Then Steve ordered a mixed grill which had about 6 different types of meat, and I opted for lamb fillet which came rolled in herbs and spices. It was delicious. All served with tabbouleh, yoghurt and salad.
We were too full for pudding, but the bill came with Turkish delight which really complemented the conclusion of the meal. We were really impressed with the place too. It was a very small, intimate little restaurant, painted aubergine purple, with Turkish lanterns adorning the ceiling. We had a little table for two in the corner by a window and pretty tea light holders on the table.
It was run by a couple and she took the orders and sat folk and brought food, and he sat by the indoor barbeque cooking the meat to perfection! It was a lovely meal and it was nice to be the two of us.
After we were done, we zipped over to Coventry to find a cinema and watch American Reunion. It was funny, and felt like a proper date!
Then for the Sunday, we had a huge Hilton breakfast, and departed for Stratford. I used my birthday money to buy a new waterproof jacket and we visited the butterfly farm before heading home to our baby who we found to have leaking gunky eyes! Where he picked that up I don't know!!
We had quite a busy Saturday prior to departure.
I had a lie in until 10am (which is very good for me!), and then went into town with Joel and bought a couple of new tops as I didn't really have anything nice to wear for the weekend. (Nothing like an impulse buy!)
We bought some soup and crusty bread for lunch and Joel practised using his spoon. I'm not sure he enjoyed the soup (creamy tomato) but he liked the soggy bread and the fact he could dip his spoon in and put it in his mouth himself. He's getting quite good at self feeding. I have bought him some baby cutlery but he's not quite ready to use that yet. Although he does like having his little baby knife and fork to wave around!
Then we went along to his friend's birthday party. Joel hadn't managed to nap at regular times so fell asleep in the car on the way, but woke up once we got there. He was sleepy but got excited when he saw Freddie's presents and all three chums (Joel, Evan and Freddie) stood around banging a big box containing a Little People farm!
After a quick snack of cream cheese on bread (which he loves and he had as a snack before going to town as well) he was flagging so we said goodbye and I dropped him straight at my parents so he could have a nap there without being further disturbed. I then popped home, collected the bags and his stuff and dropped it back at theirs. We then headed off after a kiss goodbye and we were away!
It was the first time in over a year we were going away with one small bag of clothes and not the whole lot of paraphanalia that Joel requires!
We got to the hotel and Steve hadn't got his trunks so couldn't go swimming but we found we didn't really have time anyway! We settled in, got changed for dinner and headed out to Warwick to find 'The Aubergine' which was a Turkish restuarant I'd found with good recommendations.
And it was lovely! We had a cold meze to start with Turkish bread, lots of dippy things, houmous, courgette salad, carrot salad, pickles, olives and tzatiki which was delicious. Then Steve ordered a mixed grill which had about 6 different types of meat, and I opted for lamb fillet which came rolled in herbs and spices. It was delicious. All served with tabbouleh, yoghurt and salad.
We were too full for pudding, but the bill came with Turkish delight which really complemented the conclusion of the meal. We were really impressed with the place too. It was a very small, intimate little restaurant, painted aubergine purple, with Turkish lanterns adorning the ceiling. We had a little table for two in the corner by a window and pretty tea light holders on the table.
It was run by a couple and she took the orders and sat folk and brought food, and he sat by the indoor barbeque cooking the meat to perfection! It was a lovely meal and it was nice to be the two of us.
After we were done, we zipped over to Coventry to find a cinema and watch American Reunion. It was funny, and felt like a proper date!
Then for the Sunday, we had a huge Hilton breakfast, and departed for Stratford. I used my birthday money to buy a new waterproof jacket and we visited the butterfly farm before heading home to our baby who we found to have leaking gunky eyes! Where he picked that up I don't know!!
Thursday 17 May 2012
It's My Birthday!
Hmm, ok, I seem to have almost missed a week of blogging!
On Monday I went to work as normal and felt a bit funny just before going to invigilate an exam at work (these things we sometimes have to do!! At least I get to take my Kindle!!)
After lunch I began to feel decidedly worse so excused myself for the day and came home to bed feeling queasy and nauseous. Sure enough, a couple of hours later I was horribly sick and then spent the next six hours rushing to the toilet with an upset tummy as well.
Joel and Steve have been fine so why I was struck down I don't know. My parents have both caught it too and been sick and poorly worse than I was! I think it must be a bug rather than something I ate.
I stayed off on Tuesday, having not slept well, being achey and not sure my tummy was right again. I didn't eat all day, till about 4pm when I ate a piece of toast. That being ok, I then realised I was starving and cautiously ate some pasta which stayed in. I was very dehydrated and then drank lots of water, had a thumping headache and went to bed with some painkillers.
Wednesday I woke up feeling normal and fine so went back to work! I collected Joel from nursery at the end of the day and had to sign an accident form as he had scratches all across his face from another baby. Apparently he'd tried to take a dummy off the baby (it had a giant winnie the pooh head) and this kid had retaliated with a swipe that left Joel all marked poor thing. They told me he wasn't phased and he was quite ok about it all.
Today he seemed to have another scratch so whether that's from him or another baby they couldn't tell me. They assumed it to be the same one, but it was far more red and looked more blood like than yesterday. I'd hate to think it was happening more than once. I shall enquire tomorrow.
Anyway, yes siree! Today is my birthday! I had a lovely morning. Steve bought me flowers (and nice ones! not dyed carnations!) and a camera, and a bottle of Prosecco! Then Joel got me Downton Abbey on DVD. I even had nice cards! Steve had done well. I got money to buy a new waterproof coat with, vouchers, make up, chocolates, lots of lovely cards and I also got a new phone as I extended my contact with virgin and it all came on the same day! So I'm rather chuffed with it all! And we nipped to a local pub for tea rather than me having to cook! We had an Indian buffet and Joel ate a naan bread and most of my rice and we shared an ice cream for pudding.
Steve even managed to be awake enough this morning to sit up and watch me open my presents with Joel's help which was nice as last year he ignored me, tried to keep sleeping and we had a big argument which left me having a horrid birthday. Joel wasn't 4 weeks old, and I needed to go to the breast feeding support group and was sleep deprived and struggling and Steve wasn't helpful at all and hadn't got me a birthday present saying I could go shopping afterwards with him but it was a strained day as I didn't know what I wanted and buying it myself isn't the same as something wrapped and bought in advance. So I just got a watch that broke soon after which seemed to typify that birthday.
And tomorrow I'm going to a friends wedding evening do with the girls from work, so Steve is on Joel watch and I can have a drink and dance, on Saturday we're going to Freddie's birthday party before dropping Joel at my parents for the weekend and heading to Warwick for the weekend with a meal out and a night at a hotel and a day in Stratford on Sunday. I'm so very excited and can't wait although I'll miss Joel to bits. I know he'll be fine with Grandma and Grandad.
This year beats last year hands down. :)
On Monday I went to work as normal and felt a bit funny just before going to invigilate an exam at work (these things we sometimes have to do!! At least I get to take my Kindle!!)
After lunch I began to feel decidedly worse so excused myself for the day and came home to bed feeling queasy and nauseous. Sure enough, a couple of hours later I was horribly sick and then spent the next six hours rushing to the toilet with an upset tummy as well.
Joel and Steve have been fine so why I was struck down I don't know. My parents have both caught it too and been sick and poorly worse than I was! I think it must be a bug rather than something I ate.
I stayed off on Tuesday, having not slept well, being achey and not sure my tummy was right again. I didn't eat all day, till about 4pm when I ate a piece of toast. That being ok, I then realised I was starving and cautiously ate some pasta which stayed in. I was very dehydrated and then drank lots of water, had a thumping headache and went to bed with some painkillers.
Wednesday I woke up feeling normal and fine so went back to work! I collected Joel from nursery at the end of the day and had to sign an accident form as he had scratches all across his face from another baby. Apparently he'd tried to take a dummy off the baby (it had a giant winnie the pooh head) and this kid had retaliated with a swipe that left Joel all marked poor thing. They told me he wasn't phased and he was quite ok about it all.
Today he seemed to have another scratch so whether that's from him or another baby they couldn't tell me. They assumed it to be the same one, but it was far more red and looked more blood like than yesterday. I'd hate to think it was happening more than once. I shall enquire tomorrow.
Anyway, yes siree! Today is my birthday! I had a lovely morning. Steve bought me flowers (and nice ones! not dyed carnations!) and a camera, and a bottle of Prosecco! Then Joel got me Downton Abbey on DVD. I even had nice cards! Steve had done well. I got money to buy a new waterproof coat with, vouchers, make up, chocolates, lots of lovely cards and I also got a new phone as I extended my contact with virgin and it all came on the same day! So I'm rather chuffed with it all! And we nipped to a local pub for tea rather than me having to cook! We had an Indian buffet and Joel ate a naan bread and most of my rice and we shared an ice cream for pudding.
Steve even managed to be awake enough this morning to sit up and watch me open my presents with Joel's help which was nice as last year he ignored me, tried to keep sleeping and we had a big argument which left me having a horrid birthday. Joel wasn't 4 weeks old, and I needed to go to the breast feeding support group and was sleep deprived and struggling and Steve wasn't helpful at all and hadn't got me a birthday present saying I could go shopping afterwards with him but it was a strained day as I didn't know what I wanted and buying it myself isn't the same as something wrapped and bought in advance. So I just got a watch that broke soon after which seemed to typify that birthday.
And tomorrow I'm going to a friends wedding evening do with the girls from work, so Steve is on Joel watch and I can have a drink and dance, on Saturday we're going to Freddie's birthday party before dropping Joel at my parents for the weekend and heading to Warwick for the weekend with a meal out and a night at a hotel and a day in Stratford on Sunday. I'm so very excited and can't wait although I'll miss Joel to bits. I know he'll be fine with Grandma and Grandad.
This year beats last year hands down. :)
Sunday 13 May 2012
Another Tooth!
We've got our fifth tooth! I'm starting to think we might get a full mouth before he's a teenager!!
We had another birthday party to go to today and at church Joel fell asleep about 11am and slept till 1.30pm! Totally missed lunch and I was hopeful he'd have a jolly time but his tooth on the right of his top two front teeth has just poked through and he was rather grizzly and clingy. Well, when he's not clingy, he's trying hard to escape and go exploring on his own! He's become an independent little chap overnight and doesn't want a steadying hand on his walker, or assistance to do things any more! I guess now he's one, he's becoming his own boss and knowing his own mind!
Where's my tiny baby gone?!
We had another birthday party to go to today and at church Joel fell asleep about 11am and slept till 1.30pm! Totally missed lunch and I was hopeful he'd have a jolly time but his tooth on the right of his top two front teeth has just poked through and he was rather grizzly and clingy. Well, when he's not clingy, he's trying hard to escape and go exploring on his own! He's become an independent little chap overnight and doesn't want a steadying hand on his walker, or assistance to do things any more! I guess now he's one, he's becoming his own boss and knowing his own mind!
Where's my tiny baby gone?!
Thursday 10 May 2012
Moments
This morning we were running late.
Joel needed a bath, I had slept in and couldn't be bothered to rush, I wanted a cup of tea, and Joel had just drunk his milk and I was trying to change his nappy and dress him and amidst all this, he pulled himself up to standing, put his arms around my neck and hugged me, resting his head on my shoulder.
I stopped everything, and hugged him back. It was certainly a moment. I could have ignored a need for tea, the loo, work and everything to just stand like that for longer.
It didn't last though. He went to sit down and knocked his head and cried and then he needed cuddles and comforts and it was time to get on with the day.
But that little moment will be preserved in my memory.
Joel needed a bath, I had slept in and couldn't be bothered to rush, I wanted a cup of tea, and Joel had just drunk his milk and I was trying to change his nappy and dress him and amidst all this, he pulled himself up to standing, put his arms around my neck and hugged me, resting his head on my shoulder.
I stopped everything, and hugged him back. It was certainly a moment. I could have ignored a need for tea, the loo, work and everything to just stand like that for longer.
It didn't last though. He went to sit down and knocked his head and cried and then he needed cuddles and comforts and it was time to get on with the day.
But that little moment will be preserved in my memory.
Wednesday 9 May 2012
MMR Repurcussions
I've just had a call from Joel's nursery to say that he's got a temperature and isn't terribly happy, just very quiet and sitting on knees. They've dosed him with calpol and is still warm so may need a sleep.
He was fine this morning. A happy chappy, who had a good breakfast with me at 7am and a good drink and some blueberries on the way to nursery.
I just feel like sobbing a little knowing he's not well and I can't go to him till the end of the day. Well, I could, but he's ok, not ill ill, just not happy and I'd rather he were not happy with me for cuddles.
*sigh*
He was fine this morning. A happy chappy, who had a good breakfast with me at 7am and a good drink and some blueberries on the way to nursery.
I just feel like sobbing a little knowing he's not well and I can't go to him till the end of the day. Well, I could, but he's ok, not ill ill, just not happy and I'd rather he were not happy with me for cuddles.
*sigh*
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Interview Hurrah!
Hey world! I got an interview for the part time position.
And I'm rather chuffed as it was advertised externally so would have had a lot of applicants; (edit: 120 to be precise!!)
One hurdle down, one to go!
I've got butterflies again!
And I'm rather chuffed as it was advertised externally so would have had a lot of applicants; (edit: 120 to be precise!!)
One hurdle down, one to go!
I've got butterflies again!
Monday 7 May 2012
Mystery Solved
So we're away on a Cranston weekend, all residing at a huge posh house down near Salisbury with a couple who are Steve's uncles friends who say 'yah' rather than 'yeah' and shop at Waitrose, (and they're very lovely, I'm not judging, just commenting).
They have a Welsh springer called Baggins who was shut out for most of the weekend due to some family members not liking dogs (poor thing, his own home!) and there are three generations of Cranstons there on this reunion. It's a big deal.
So on the Saturday we discover whilst bathing Joel that he has head lice.
What great timing.
Yesterday morning I visited Salisbury to call into a pharmacy (Boots was open) and bought two bottles. One for me and Steve to use and one for Joel (suitable for over 6 months but under 2 years).
I just kept thinking that he'd got them from nursery. Turns out there's another answer.
Wendy had been watching Steve's youngest brother for any signs and when he scratched his head she borrowed my nit comb to have a delve on his head and triumphantly found one on closer inspection so he was dragged off for a proper comb and shampoo.
30 minutes later she came back down to say that he was likely the source. He was riddled. As he is 14 she said she hadn't considered checking him for ages and hadn't noticed how long he must have been scratching. She said she found thousands and his hair was moving. *shudder* She also asked me to not tell the other boys as he was very sensitive about it and didn't want teasing. How he could not have noticed I don't know. His head must have been irritated beyond belief.
It must have been at Joel's party two weekends ago. He had held him for a photo, involving close heads. Give it a week and the eggs laid at that point must have hatched last weekend. I'd noticed Joel rubbing his head about Wednesday of last week but just thought he was rubbing his eyes and head in a general tired motion. We did find a bug in his hair last Wednesday afternoon but it was just the one and we removed it and presumed it to be something else as we couldn't see properly that it was a louse. It seemed too big. That must have been the nasty big mama.
I feel horrible for not realising sooner. I feel horrible as my head is still itching today after everything and I'm going to have to use more lotion as I don't feel clean. And I feel awful for possibly introducing the lice at his nursery and having to tell them tomorrow that we've had to douse Joel's head in nit cream and comb. I can still see lots of eggs (nits) at the roots of his hair behind his ears which the comb missed as it's not fine enough which should be killed anyway by the lotion but I don't like them being there. I'm trying to go through his hair like a monkey but he won't take much of it as it's getting in the way of playing.
What a palava.
They have a Welsh springer called Baggins who was shut out for most of the weekend due to some family members not liking dogs (poor thing, his own home!) and there are three generations of Cranstons there on this reunion. It's a big deal.
So on the Saturday we discover whilst bathing Joel that he has head lice.
What great timing.
Yesterday morning I visited Salisbury to call into a pharmacy (Boots was open) and bought two bottles. One for me and Steve to use and one for Joel (suitable for over 6 months but under 2 years).
I just kept thinking that he'd got them from nursery. Turns out there's another answer.
Wendy had been watching Steve's youngest brother for any signs and when he scratched his head she borrowed my nit comb to have a delve on his head and triumphantly found one on closer inspection so he was dragged off for a proper comb and shampoo.
30 minutes later she came back down to say that he was likely the source. He was riddled. As he is 14 she said she hadn't considered checking him for ages and hadn't noticed how long he must have been scratching. She said she found thousands and his hair was moving. *shudder* She also asked me to not tell the other boys as he was very sensitive about it and didn't want teasing. How he could not have noticed I don't know. His head must have been irritated beyond belief.
It must have been at Joel's party two weekends ago. He had held him for a photo, involving close heads. Give it a week and the eggs laid at that point must have hatched last weekend. I'd noticed Joel rubbing his head about Wednesday of last week but just thought he was rubbing his eyes and head in a general tired motion. We did find a bug in his hair last Wednesday afternoon but it was just the one and we removed it and presumed it to be something else as we couldn't see properly that it was a louse. It seemed too big. That must have been the nasty big mama.
I feel horrible for not realising sooner. I feel horrible as my head is still itching today after everything and I'm going to have to use more lotion as I don't feel clean. And I feel awful for possibly introducing the lice at his nursery and having to tell them tomorrow that we've had to douse Joel's head in nit cream and comb. I can still see lots of eggs (nits) at the roots of his hair behind his ears which the comb missed as it's not fine enough which should be killed anyway by the lotion but I don't like them being there. I'm trying to go through his hair like a monkey but he won't take much of it as it's getting in the way of playing.
What a palava.
Saturday 5 May 2012
Houston, we got a situation
And it's not pretty.
Joel's been rubbing his head. I thought it was a cute tired sign. Turns out its head lice.
Rats.
I'm itchy too. I thought my shampoo was drying my scalp. Turns out it's head lice too.
Rats.
We're on a Cranston weekend with 24 Cranstons who may all need to use de-lousing shampoo.
Rats.
Sent from my BlackBerry smartphone from Virgin Media
Joel's been rubbing his head. I thought it was a cute tired sign. Turns out its head lice.
Rats.
I'm itchy too. I thought my shampoo was drying my scalp. Turns out it's head lice too.
Rats.
We're on a Cranston weekend with 24 Cranstons who may all need to use de-lousing shampoo.
Rats.
Sent from my BlackBerry smartphone from Virgin Media
Wednesday 2 May 2012
Firsts
With Joel being at nursery now we're getting a lot of firsts.
We've had his first parents evening! We were told he'd been settling in well, was confident, happy and a good little boy. My Mum took him along yesterday to the nursery for their professional photographs and said he was so happy to be there. She had to wait for about 15 minutes and he crawled off to play with his friends and get stuck into the sensory toys there and she said it was lovely to see him and know he's comfortable there.
He's also gone out for his first nursery trip today to the wildlife centre. He likes new experiences and they're taking the bus with 5 babies in buggies!!
I'm here having my first sick day since going back to work having caught Joel's cough and been up coughing all night. I'm tired and fed up of coughing. It's very annoying and tickly and I'm going back to bed in a moment.
Oh, and we had our first morning without a bottle.
Since he went from boob to bottle at eight months he's really enjoyed his bottle first thing in the morning. But now he's one it's time to wean him onto a morning cup. He's very happy to drink water from a cup, but he's really attached to his bottle for milk.
Trying cows milk in a bottle didn't work last week, so I ended up buying a tub of +1 milk and we're trying to get him to take that in the morning from a cup and he did a bit this morning although he whinged about it so we'll try it again tomorrow! I'm encouraged though.
We're still waiting for that first step. I think we may be getting close. He's been moving his feet before falling onto the sofa rather than just falling, but hasn't quite got the balance to step out on his own yet.
We've had his first parents evening! We were told he'd been settling in well, was confident, happy and a good little boy. My Mum took him along yesterday to the nursery for their professional photographs and said he was so happy to be there. She had to wait for about 15 minutes and he crawled off to play with his friends and get stuck into the sensory toys there and she said it was lovely to see him and know he's comfortable there.
He's also gone out for his first nursery trip today to the wildlife centre. He likes new experiences and they're taking the bus with 5 babies in buggies!!
I'm here having my first sick day since going back to work having caught Joel's cough and been up coughing all night. I'm tired and fed up of coughing. It's very annoying and tickly and I'm going back to bed in a moment.
Oh, and we had our first morning without a bottle.
Since he went from boob to bottle at eight months he's really enjoyed his bottle first thing in the morning. But now he's one it's time to wean him onto a morning cup. He's very happy to drink water from a cup, but he's really attached to his bottle for milk.
Trying cows milk in a bottle didn't work last week, so I ended up buying a tub of +1 milk and we're trying to get him to take that in the morning from a cup and he did a bit this morning although he whinged about it so we'll try it again tomorrow! I'm encouraged though.
We're still waiting for that first step. I think we may be getting close. He's been moving his feet before falling onto the sofa rather than just falling, but hasn't quite got the balance to step out on his own yet.
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Wet and Wild Weekend
And by that I mean the weather!
We went to Wales with our church and we had it all. Sunshine (albeit briefly), rain (lots of it) snow, hail, winds, mists and that was all in one day!! I was very glad we'd booked a caravan rather than the original plan of our tent for the weekend!
With all the stuff we had to pack (including Steve's guitar and my keyboard) we couldn't fit the travel cot in, so just took the mattress as Joel has been sleeping on a mat at nursery and I thought it would do for a couple of nights if I made him a little bed on the floor knowing he wouldn't roll off a higher up bed.
The caravan itself was lovely. Huge, with a toasty fire and three bedrooms. We were staying with our friends and their daughter, the same age as Joel and they're good friends. It was lovely to see them playing together.
The first night there Joel went to sleep happily on his 'nest'! I took a single duvet and folded it, then he had his cot mattress and blankets and he slept well till about 2am and began crawling about and headbutting the wall! This woke him up and so he came into bed with us and proceeded to cough into my face until morning!
The second night it was really cold and snowed and Joel came into bed with us to start with and we all slept a lot better.
A funny thing that happened was that Joel kept wanting to go to the fireplace and I'd said 'no' very firmly and from that point onwards everytime he went near the fire he'd burst into tears and look as though he were fighting himself and want to touch it but know that he wasn't meant to and the thought of it made him cry! If that's the start of knowing right from wrong I'm impressed that he stuck to what I said, even though it wasn't what he wanted! He's done it since being home as well!!
Since being home he's been very sleepy and napped for five hours yesterday! We've got another busy weekend coming up and after that the plan is to just have a couple of weekends to not do anything and just rest up at home.
I've been off today, and next week we have the bank holiday so I've yet to do a five day week but the job application went in and I'm hoping and praying that it will all go my way. Without getting overly excited of course!
We went to Wales with our church and we had it all. Sunshine (albeit briefly), rain (lots of it) snow, hail, winds, mists and that was all in one day!! I was very glad we'd booked a caravan rather than the original plan of our tent for the weekend!
With all the stuff we had to pack (including Steve's guitar and my keyboard) we couldn't fit the travel cot in, so just took the mattress as Joel has been sleeping on a mat at nursery and I thought it would do for a couple of nights if I made him a little bed on the floor knowing he wouldn't roll off a higher up bed.
The caravan itself was lovely. Huge, with a toasty fire and three bedrooms. We were staying with our friends and their daughter, the same age as Joel and they're good friends. It was lovely to see them playing together.
The first night there Joel went to sleep happily on his 'nest'! I took a single duvet and folded it, then he had his cot mattress and blankets and he slept well till about 2am and began crawling about and headbutting the wall! This woke him up and so he came into bed with us and proceeded to cough into my face until morning!
The second night it was really cold and snowed and Joel came into bed with us to start with and we all slept a lot better.
A funny thing that happened was that Joel kept wanting to go to the fireplace and I'd said 'no' very firmly and from that point onwards everytime he went near the fire he'd burst into tears and look as though he were fighting himself and want to touch it but know that he wasn't meant to and the thought of it made him cry! If that's the start of knowing right from wrong I'm impressed that he stuck to what I said, even though it wasn't what he wanted! He's done it since being home as well!!
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| I-Phone!!!! |
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| His worried 'I want to touch the fire' face |
Since being home he's been very sleepy and napped for five hours yesterday! We've got another busy weekend coming up and after that the plan is to just have a couple of weekends to not do anything and just rest up at home.
I've been off today, and next week we have the bank holiday so I've yet to do a five day week but the job application went in and I'm hoping and praying that it will all go my way. Without getting overly excited of course!
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