Busy, busy!

On Friday, Rob managed to make it home in time to come to Twinkling Stars with us. We all had a great time and there was a brilliant circuit set up for the kids to use. They had to walk across lots of beams and do big jumps at the end. They are actually in the Little Stars class now. They grow up so fast.

We were going to go and get Ellis' feet measured afterwards but Rob didn't fancy sitting in any more traffic so we just went home.

Saturday was brilliant. I had a day off really. It was fab and I felt really relaxed about it all which was the main thing. It wasn't even planned.

Rob was supposed to be going out in the morning and then taking Ellis out in the afternoon for an hour to pick up a card for Mothers Day. He didn't end up going out in the morning in the end and went back to bed instead. So I asked him if he would mind if I went out. He said he was okay with it so off I went.

First stop was to the field that Mum and Dad own. They were doing some work on the trees and I went to help out. I'm obviously not too much help but it was just nice to be outside and not worrying about Ellis getting into trouble.

Kate arrived and Tyler gave us a hand sorting out the trees. He was very hot after so he stuck his head in a horse trough for a drink.



We all then piled down to the local pub for some drinks and food. The food was really good and we sat in the sun in the garden.

The pub is located opposite an old riding school I used to go to when I was about 7. It is closed now but the horse I used to take care of every weekend, Bluey, is in retirement in the field. I crossed the road to take a picture.



We stayed for quite a long time and then I went up Mum and Dad's house for a cup of tea and some biscuits.

I ended up chatting to Mum for ages! We sat in the conservatory until it was too cold and then I went home. It was just after 8pm.

It was so nice to just get home and chill out. I had a really good day but I couldn't wait to see Ellis in the morning.

The morning was Mothers Day. Rob was really tired so I got up early with Ellis and did the first stint. I knew Rob had bought some things to make me breakfast in bed, so when I was hungry, I asked him to swap over.

He had planned to melt some chocolate and to drizzle it over some pancakes. Unfortunately he burnt the chocolate. I think he just threw a load of it in a pan and didn't even break it up. He usually reads up online first but didn't this time. At least the thought was there. The breakfast was lush anyway. I had pancakes, 2 croissants with Nutella, cup of tea and a glass of orange juice.

Once I had finished, Ellis came up with a card and present. The card was amazing and he had picked it and made it himself.



My present was a puzzle of a picture of elephants. Ellis gave me a slight clue by saying, "elephant, hide!" I think he was saying the elephants were hiding under the wrapping paper that he also picked. He's a cutie.

We were all back in bed by 9:30am and we didn't get up until 12:15pm. What a lovely lazy Sunday.

We then had some lunch before getting Ellis' feet measured. He was so good, sat on Daddy's lap, he didn't make a sound. He has only gone up 1/2 a size so we are going to leave it another month before going back.

We took some flowers down to Rob's Mum and Ellis had fun looking at the fish in the pond. He loved it and was still talking about it as we went to see Leighton, Jaidan, Sabes and Jasper.

Uncle Dave happened to be there too so we I was able to just sit down and chat to Jaidan while Ellis ran havoc.

We arrived home really late and Ellis didn't have his dinner until 6:45pm, the latest ever! It doesn't matter too much now as he no longer has any milk before bed.

He had a quick bath and was soon sound asleep.

Monday was quite busy. We had Sing and Sign in the morning which was great as always, followed by Ellis and I having a long nap.

Nanny Rennolds came over in the afternoon and we went to my midwife appointment together and then into Sainsbury's to do quite a big food shop. It was good to have Nanny there to help.

After putting the food away, having dinner, bathing and putting Ellis to bed, I went out to my antenatal yoga class with Charlotte. Phew, tired just typing it.

This morning was quite boring but by lunch time we had a visitor. Sharon had dropped Sophie off for a few hours so that she could go and get her hair cut. The kids were really good together and played quite nicely. There was a few tugs of war over certain toys but overall it was a happy play time.





Sharon came back with a lovely bunch of daffodils as a gift for me babysitting, and we sat chatting, drinking and eating until about 4pm when they had to go home.



Ellis and I decided to make Anna a get well soon card/picture. I quickly got all the stuff together and I let Ellis go to town. He had great fun using the pens that I don't normally let him have.



We jumped in the car and dropped them off before coming straight home for dinner, bath and bed.

I have spent the whole evening blogging. I updated my pregnancy diary and finally got up-to-date with Top Flumps. Hope it is okay, and now I am off to bed.

Anna Get Well Soon

Blog entry coming soon but I just wanted to do a post for Anna who isn't very well. We hope that she gets better soon and we are thinking of her and her family.

Love you guys and hope to see you soon. xxx

Great Auntie Ethel

I went to a funeral today and Naomi and Iestyn came over to take care of Ellis. Thank you so much guys, you did a great job and I will certainly recommend your services to everyone. ;o)

Rest in peace Great Auntie Ethel, you will be greatly missed.

http://topflumps.blogspot.com/2007/10/visiting-great-great-aunt-ethel.html

Mini Muffins

We went to Sing and Sign first thing on Monday morning. Ellis always has a good time and was very well behaved this week too.

I managed to get home without him falling asleep in the car, so as soon as we got through the front door, I put him up to bed. He was very tired and didn't wake up for ages.

We had a very late lunch and then took a walk down to the park as the weather was very nice.

As we arrived in the park, we met up with Sally, Nick and Anna, who were also out enjoying the sun.

The kids had a great time on the swings, slide and see-saw.



Next stop was Sainsbury's. We had a little potter about, picked up a magazine and some bananas and then we went into the cafe for some tea and cake.

Ellis scoffed these little muffin things and I had a Cinnamon swirl, which wasn't very nice.



We went into a couple of other shops before going home.

It was soon time for dinner and then bed. Rob made it home just in time to say goodnight.

I then went off to my antenatal yoga class which was really good as Marie, who had her baby a bit early, came in to show her off and to tell us how it all went. She looked great and her baby was sooooo cute.

Today was yet another nice day and it was made even better by the fact that Ellis didn't wake up until just gone 8am!

I was trying to video Dollop moving again but Ellis wasn't having any of it, so we ended up just messing around instead.



I tried to put him down for a late nap but he didn't want to sleep so 30 minutes later he was up and playing again.

After lunch we went over to Sharon and Sophie's house for Mummy afternoon. We spent most of our time in the garden, playing with sand, the slide, toys and garden ornaments. It was all good fun but the Mummies soon realised that we weren't actually chatting about anything, we were just following the kids around making sure they were staying out of trouble.

We had some lush cakes and a few mugs of tea before we briefly went inside.

Just before we went in, Ellis hit his mouth on the rocking police bike. There was a bit of blood and he managed to smear it into my jacket, his eye and his jacket. I cleared it up as best I could and then let him get on with playing. His lip swelled a little and he looked like he was out of the film, The Grinch. Very cute. I didn't get a picture though.

Back at home, Ellis was falling asleep. I tried to give him some food but he wasn't interested and so we just cleared up the living room and went up for an early bath.

He was so tired that he was nearly falling asleep in the bath. That has never happened before and it was so sweet to watch.

I gave him a quick wash and then got him out and into his pyjamas. He didn't want any milk and just asked to go to bed.

Ellis was in bed by 6:30pm and I was showered and downstairs by 6:45pm which was brilliant.

I spent the evening blogging and watching rubbish on telly.

Nice Weather

The sun was out, and so were Ellis and I.



I'd put some washing on the line so we had a bit of shade to sit in and I let Ellis play with some water and cups etc. He was drenched through but really enjoyed himself. I can't wait until the grass is dry and we can play with his tent, tunnel, paddling pool and toys.



I was feeling rather drained by late afternoon as Ellis didn't have a morning nap. This meant that I couldn't go back to bed.

After a quick trip to Tesco, Rob took Ellis out in the trailer behind the bike. They didn't go for long but had a really good time.



I spent my time sorting the washing out and watching Criminal Minds.

Ellis was very tired for the rest of the afternoon, and he let us know this by acting out. He would throw things, hit us and just generally be a pain.

Rob went out to get pizza for our tea and I fed Ellis. Shortly after I took him up for a bath and put him to bed.

I spent the evening blogging and I don't really know what Rob does on his laptop.

It all starts again tomorrow. Sing and Sign in the morning and then I'm not sure what in the afternoon. It all depends on when Ellis decides to have his sleep.

Sandra and Scruffs

Friday afternoon, Twinkling Stars was cancelled for some reason so we met Sally, Anna, Naomi and Iestyn at the big shops where there was a soft play area.

The kids had to have belts put around their waists to identify them and Ellis wasn't that impressed about it. He reversed right out of the gate and nearly up my leg! Bless him. I had to put the belt on and the lady locked it.

We all had so much fun and I can't wait to go again. Ellis took some time to warm up to it but he was soon off and playing.

The adults didn't miss out either.



Ellis has never liked ball pools, but I managed to get him in with no tears, and he stayed in for a while too. I think he may need to get out more and try some new things to build up his confidence. I think maybe his life is a little too routine sometimes.



Today, Sandra came to visit us. She had a long way to come but arrived a lot earlier than I thought she would. So much so in fact, that I wasn't even dressed!

We had a drink and long chat and when I got dressed, I woke Ellis up.

Sandra had brought along a new little friend for Ellis. He loves it and Sandra named him Scruffs.



We went out to an Italian restaurant for lunch and as Sandra pointed out, it is very much a case of eat and run! Ellis quickly gets bored, and although he is very well behaved, it does get to a point where I run out of ideas on how to entertain him.

Of course we had to stop off in the park on the way home, and Ellis was unusually active. He just ran up and down, up and down. I made him go on the slide a couple of times and the swing once but really he was only interested in running around. I didn't mind as he seemed to be very hyper.

Time was getting on, so I put Ellis back on his bike and we went home.



Shortly after arriving back, Ellis asked to go to bed. So we put him up for a nap. He didn't actually go to sleep but just laid quietly playing with his toys.

Sandra left about 3:30pm and I went to get Ellis shortly after as he was still awake. Rob on the other hand was asleep.

Ellis and I did colouring and then I made dinner for about 5:30pm. We had salmon fish fingers, sweetcorn and chips. I realised that I don't feed Ellis enough vegetables so I need to change that.
Rob did bathtime and I had a shower.

The evening was spent with Rob and I on our separate computers doing our own thing.

The only thing I want to do tomorrow is to take some photo albums back to Tesco. How exciting!

Red Nose Day

Ellis has his red nose, we hope you have yours.







Not really done much the last few days. Ellis has been ill over the last week with a sickness bug that just wouldn't go but he seems much better now and his appetite is back.

We went swimming yesterday with Nanny and we had the pool to ourselves for ages. It was really nice and relaxing and Ellis was brilliant. He did loads of swimming, kicking his legs, floating around and jumped in from the side, all on his own. I was so proud of him and it is really nice that he is getting so confident in the water.

We have a friend coming to see us tomorrow, which will be great as we haven't seen her in years! Can't wait to catch up.

19 Months Old

Ellis was 19 months old today and Grandad Rennolds turned 56. We phoned Grandad in the morning to wish him a happy birthday and that we would see him later.

It was very cold first thing and the heating took a while to kick in so I put my warm socks on Ellis. They came up to the tops of his legs. He didn't like it very much but kindly stood still for a picture.







I tried to put Ellis down for a nap in the morning and wanted to go back to bed myself, but it wasn't to be and we went back downstairs.

We played, and played and played all morning. We had a small lunch and then I tried again with the nap time. He went down at 1:30pm and woke up 2 hours later. I on the other hand, sorted the dishwasher, washing etc.

We then zoomed to the shops and up to Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house so that Grandad could open his card and present. We bought him 14 hankies, which was Mum's idea, and he seemed rather pleased with them.



We played around for a bit and Mum helped to distract Ellis so that I could get his monthly face pictures.













It wasn't long before Uncle Craig, Auntie Karen, Charley and Auntie Katie and her gang turned up and Grandad went to the Chinese for some food which we all scoffed down. It was delicious!

Of course the best bit was the birthday cake and we all sang and watched Grandad make a wish. I think I know what it might be.



The kids also took it in turns blowing out the candles. I think Ellis will have worked it out by the time we have his 2nd birthday party.



Mum loaded me up with cake and we rushed home for bath and bed routine. Ellis was in bed by 7:45pm but he was still chatting away an hour later.

He has been asking for Daddy a lot today so it will be nice for him to see him tomorrow afternoon. He hasn't seen him since Monday night and that wasn't a good night.

We don't have anything planned for the weekend but I just hope we spend some nice time together as a family.

Sicky, Sleepy

Monday afternoon we were bored so we popped up to see Nanny and Grandad Rennolds.

It wasn't until after we arrived that we found out that Nanny had an upset stomach.

10:30pm that night I heard Ellis on the monitor coughing, but I knew it was not a normal cough and that he was being sick. I went up to see him and the smell hit me as soon as I entered the room. Poor baby was up for hours after that. We changed the bed, cleaned him up and sat with him on our bed with lots of towels. He finally stopped being sick (nothing left to come up) and so we put him to bed, surrounded by towels at about 1am.

Rob had to be up really early so we tried to go straight to sleep. I'm sure he managed it but I was still listening to Ellis on the monitor. I heard him a few times coughing but left him.

When I went to get Ellis in the morning, he had been sick again but it was just a bit of bile.

Ellis was fine on Tuesday but we just stayed in all day.

Wednesday morning I tried to video Dollop moving. I did manage it with a little help from my friend, Ellis.



We took some pictures, just messing around after.













I spoke to Debs the Music With Mummy teacher and she said it would be okay to bring Ellis to the class. Nanny Rennolds arrived just after 2pm and read to Ellis for a bit.

We arrived just on time and had lots of fun, as always.

We went to Sainsbury's for a cuppa and some shopping before going home.

Nanny and I emptied the boot of the car, and when I went to get Ellis, he was asleep. I had put him down for a nap in the morning but he refused to sleep so he was shattered. He even stayed asleep as I moved him into the house. He did wake very briefly to wave goodbye to Nanny.



I led him on the sofa, and let him have 30 minutes before waking him up for some dinner.





He wasn't interested in any food, or milk so after a long bath, I put him in bed.

Torch

Saturday morning Rob went out so after I put Ellis down for his nap, I did the ironing and some housework.

After lunch we went for a walk to the library to take some books back, and then Sainsbury's for some essentials.

On the way home we stopped in Costa Coffee for a muffin and cup of tea and then went to the park for about 20 minutes. It was freezing but Ellis had a wicked time, running around and trying to steal a little girl's buggy.

Back at home we just messed around until it was time for dinner.

We all sat up to the table and had a curry together. It was really nice and the food tasted rather good.

I had a bath as I wasn't feeling quite right and then shortly after, Rob bathed Ellis.

Sunday morning I did the early shift again. Ellis was up just before 7 and was full of beans. He usually is on the weekend as I think he is excited to see Daddy.

We read tons of books first thing and then he asked to go back to bed at 10am. I managed to get him to wait until 10:30am.

As soon as Ellis woke up we went out to Pizza Hut for some food, followed by a hectic visit to Ikea and Asda Living.

At home, I gave Ellis a cardboard box to play with and it seemed to keep him occupied for quite a while.



I got the camera out obviously and we had a mess around with it before dinner time.





Ellis loves our torch that we have in the kitchen, so today we bought him a In The Night Garden torch and nightlight. He was amazed by it and couldn't stop saying WOW! We turned the lights off in the living room and let him have a little play. It was a bit silly really as we gave it to him just before bath time but he was really good about putting it in the toy box for tomorrow. I'll try and get a video of him with it.

Sing and Sign again tomorrow morning. Where on Earth do the weeks go!?