Potty Accident

Here are a few videos that I forgot to post yesterday.

Ellis likes to help me out sometimes so checks to see if Leo needs a nappy change.

Today was a good day. I was shattered as usual and wondered how I would get through the day but we did.

The morning was busy as Ellis decided to have more potty time which means endless trips to the toilet etc but also today we had our first accidents. First he did a huge poo on the floor and freaked out about it but I managed to calm him down and clean up all the mess. It was on the floor in 2 places, down his legs and all over the potty. Then after a photo session in his brand new pants, with George on the front, he did a wee on the kitchen floor.

I'm not potty training Ellis, just letting him take the lead. If he wants to use the potty then that is good and I will encourage him but I'm not actively making him use it, as in taking his nappy off and telling him he has to use it. I'm not in any rush as I found out today that it is a lot of extra work.

I finally managed to get a nappy on Ellis and it was still tipping down with rain. I love watching the rain so I opened the back door and watched it for a while. Next thing I knew, Ellis is stomping around on the grass saying "march, march!" Very cute and I did video it.

I got him in, wrapped him up warm in a blanket and we sat for an hour reading books all snuggled. It was really nice and by the time we had finished he was very chilled out and ready for his nap.

Nicky, Harry, Sarah, Oliver and Amelie came over after lunch for a visit. It was really nice and we had a good old chin wag before everyone left, including us as we were due up Mum's for dinner.

Dinner was delicious! It was lamb chops with tons of vegetables. Ellis did really well with his dinner but I think the ice-cream gave him an ice-cream headache as he suddenly let out a huge cry, with tears.

I did a bit of Mum's puzzle which I really enjoyed doing and Leo slept in his chair by my feet. Ellis went out to the horse lorry with Grandad and just generally played around.

He did use the potty once and Nanny, Grandad and I all cheered him for being such a good boy.

3 nappy changes later, filled up bellies, packed up car and we were off home again. It's such a quick visit but I love it. Ellis gets really good attention from both Nanny and Grandad and I get to relax a little bit which is so good for me. Thanks Marmie and Dadio xxx

I got home late so didn't bother bathing the boys. Ellis didn't go to sleep until 8:45pm and Leo was still feeding at 8:15pm. I spent the rest of my evening cleaning up and preparing a packing list as we are off to Christchurch tomorrow. Rob has to work so he has asked us to go with him so that he can see us in the mornings and evening.

There is so much to pack and I have no idea where to start. This is my list:

CHANGING
Nappies - 6 per day for Ellis, 8 per day for Leo
Wipes - one pack
Nappy sacks
Cotton wool and buds
Changing Mat - the one from Leo's room
Changing bag/box

FEEDING
Muslin cloths x 2
Breast pads x 3 pairs
Ellis bibs - fabric and catcher
Ellis cup x 2
Snacks - biscuits, crackers, crisps
Bowl & Plate
Cutlery - not nice ones
Booster seat
Weetabix
Raisins
Milk
Bread
Butter
Fruit pots
Bananas
Cereal
Orange Juice

BATHTIME
Towels - soft one for Leo
Hairdryer
Wash stuff for kids
Toothbrush and paste
Pj's for both
Story book
Bath mat

CLOTHES
Clothes for Ellis - Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, swimming trunks, socks, shoes, sandals
Clothes for Leo - vests, grows, an outfit, socks, jacket
Blanket for Leo - with car seat
Waterproofs
Jacket/Jumper
Sun hat for both

SLEEPING
Travel cot - sheet for base, sleeping bag or blankets, Rabbit, pillow
Monitor
Moses or crib - fitted sheet, sheet, blanket

OTHER
Leo's chair
Potty
Toys
Books
My book
Rein
Sling
Buggy
Cranium
Camera - charged
Spare memory card
First aid kit - Calpol, plasters, Savlon, paracetamol
Sun cream

FOR ME & ROB
Shower gel, scrub
Shaver
Omega
Hairbrush
Toothbrush and Paste
Comfy clothes for me
Jeans for me and t-shirt
Clothes for Rob - him to sort
Socks
Pads for me
Pants
Boxers
Bra
Waterproof
Jacket

I'm quite worried about how it's all going to go but I'm sure it will be fine and I'm hoping it will be good practice as I plan to book a 4 day break in September/October time so I need to see what I'm letting myself in for.

Wasn't going to do the blog tonight but ended up doing a big entry, that actually didn't take me too long. Be back on Monday I expect as Sunday I will be too busy unpacking!

Ellis!

Sorry guys, but this is a picture of Ellis. Only 2 people out of 9 got it right!



A new photo is up and ready for you to vote on. Good luck!

Mid Week Roast

Even though Ellis' groups aren't running, we seem to have lots of things still to do.

Tuesday morning started off with Leo weeing on my clean bed! I stripped him and the bed and put some washing on.

Then Ellis decided to potty train himself again so I spent the next part of the morning cheering, emptying the potty and then doing it all over again.

Mummy afternoon was at Charlotte and Faith's house. Faith was in bed until half an hour before we left so I didn't manage to get a picture of her but I did of everyone else.















A nice time was had by all and we were home just after 5pm.

Leo chilled out while I made dinner and it was soon time for bath and bed. This also now involves more cheering and potty emptying as Ellis uses his potty either before or after his bath. It's really good and he loves doing it.









This morning was a very early start. Ellis woke up at 4:50am! I managed to ignore him for a bit but Leo woke up too so I had to get up. I felt sick and had a headache from the lack of sleep and I knew I wouldn't be able to get a nap in during the day so wasn't too happy to start with.

Ellis did the usual potty training thing which seems to have become a bit of a routine. He does lots of little wees and then asks for a nappy on to do a poo. He will not let me put pants on or pull ups so I don't know what the next step is. I'm just going to let him lead me I think.



Ellis was feeling left out with me taking close up pictures of Leo so he asked me to take a picture of his foot. He was very impressed.



The phone rang and I knew it would be my Mum so I gave the phone to Ellis. He promptly turned around and walked off to sit on the sofa with it. He then proceeded to have a lovely conversation and wouldn't give the phone back to me. He said goodbye, I love you, see you soon and when I finally got the phone, she had gone! It was so funny and he loved it.

Just before Ellis went up for his nap, he was being really nice to Leo so I thought I would capture the moment. They look so sweet together and I couldn't decide which picture I liked best so I have posted all of them.







Vivien came to see us in the morning. We had a lovely long chat while Ellis and Leo were sleeping. They both woke up at a similar time and Vivien spent time with them reading and playing.



At lunch time Ellis suddenly said he needed a wee wee. I got him out of his booster seat, took off his nappy and he did a wee in his potty. We were both so pleased that we jumped up and down. This is then followed by him helping me to carry the potty to the loo, tipping it in, waving bye bye, pulling the flush and washing our hands.

At 2:30pm the health visitor came over to assess Ellis. She immediately said he speech was brilliant and was quite surprised that he stayed in the living room chatting with her while I changed Leo's nappy in the kitchen.

She ran through lots of questions with me and was very pleased with everything. We talked a lot about schools etc and I mentioned how he trips up sometimes and then limps and is unable to bear weight on one of his legs, so he is being referred to a physiotherapist. I also mentioned the fact that a couple of people had said that they thought he looked a bit pigeon toed. She didn't agree but said that their feet will be monitored up until they are 8 so any problems will be picked up.

She was here for 2 hours and it was still tipping with rain so I decided to stay in. We played, danced, sang, messed around and just generally had fun.

Then for some reason I got it in my head that I was going to cook a roast dinner! I have no idea why, but I did it. I was sweating by the time I had finished and Leo was not particularly happy with being left for so long. The poor little thing likes to have lots of feeds from about 5pm onwards as he gets himself ready for going to bed. It is a tricky time and I could have done with not making a meal. We all survived though.



Bath time was frantic as I was running behind schedule. Uncle Dave was here so he helped out a bit but to be honest I have such a good routine now that I am actually quite quick at doing it all on my own. It's bloody hard work though and such a mad rush but I get it done.

Rob arrived home just after I had finished reading to Ellis but he read to him again and had a quick chat before putting him in bed.

Rob then showered, ate his dinner, got his clothes ready for tomorrow and did some car stuff with Uncle Dave.

I fed Leo a few times and tried to settle him. I was downstairs by about 8:15pm and did blogging until now. Phew! I'm shattered so off to bed.

50%

A reasonably quiet day today. I had a horrible nights sleep and was disturbed quite a lot so got up this morning feeling very tired. This always means that Ellis will act out a bit more than normal, which is exactly what I don't need.

Ellis took ages to go down for his nap and Leo napped late too. Once they were both asleep I had a quick shower and changed the bedding on mine and Leo's bed.

Mum came over just as Ellis was finishing his soup and helped out getting his yogurt ready and then cleaning him up.

I then left to go to my physio appointment and Mum took Ellis to Sainsbury's for a few bits. I asked Mum to get me 4 things, 4 pints of milk, some orange juice, biscuits and bananas. I ended up with biscuits, bananas, 6 pints of milk and orange juice from concentrate. 50% right aint bad I suppose. ;o)

Thanks Mum for having Ellis, I know you had fun together.



When I got home, I fed Leo and Mum and Ellis marched around the garden, watched aeroplanes and picked flowers.

Mum left for the second time as she had to come back because she left the wrong house key, and me and the boys chilled out for a bit before I did some dinner.

It wasn't long before I was bathing them and putting them to bed. Both were still awake at 8pm though. Leo went off first and then Ellis around 8:20pm.

I can't believe Leo has been around for 9 weeks tomorrow! Where have all those weeks gone? I miss being pregnant and feeling him kicking and moving around. One day I hope to feel that again but I don't think I will be that lucky.

Leo is 2 Months Old

Well would you believe it, the boys let us have a lie in on a Sunday and we all got up at 8am.

Rob managed to drag himself downstairs and tried to entertain Ellis while I sorted out breakfast.
We all sat around the table together and ate which was really nice.

Lucy popped over with my Harry Potter ticket for tonight! I'm so excited! Ellis and I had a quick chat with Shauna and Ashlee who were waiting patiently in the car.

Then Rob felt too tired to go on with the day so went back to bed. Ellis followed shortly after and so did Leo.

I tidied up, phoned Mum and sat on the computer for a bit.

After lunch I decided to take the kids up my Mum's house so that Rob would be free to do some jobs off his long list without being disturbed.

We had a really nice time. Ellis got to go out in the horse lorry with Grandad, he played trains as well as with a hundred other toys, I helped to finish off Mum's puzzle, Leo had tons of cuddles and we just generally had a laugh.







Leo was 2 months old today so I tried to take some nice pictures of him. It is very tricky as he is always moving around.









Rob and I quickly did the bath and bed routine so that I could get ready to go out to the cinema.

I arrived really early and bought some pop corn, a drink and a hot dog. It was so expensive but it was a treat.

The film was OK and I much prefer the books but I had a nice time and it was good to see Lucy and her sister Jaimie who came along too.

Physio tomorrow and Nanny is coming to watch Ellis for me. I hope I get some sleep tonight.

Wee Wee Mummy

Yesterday morning, Ellis decided to potty train himself. I tried to change his nappy but he refused to let me put a new one on and wanted to just run around half naked. I didn't mind as I wasn't going anywhere and I casually told him to use the potty if he needed to wee.

He went in the potty 4 times! I couldn't believe it. He was getting more and more excited every time. We would carry the potty to the toilet, pour it in, pull the flush, wave and say "goodbye wee wee".

I then managed to get him to wear a pull up for a bit. He was playing and then ran to the potty saying wee wee Mummy. I checked to see if he had done one in the nappy but he hadn't yet so I whipped them down and he did a wee in the potty again. I was so pleased with him.

When it was time for his nap he asked for a nappy to be put back on again. Very strange but all good fun and really filled up the morning.

While Ellis was napping Leo and I enjoyed some time together.



When Leo went to sleep I watched the rain and tidied up the kitchen.



Once Ellis had woken up, I gave him some lunch and then we watched a spider eating his/hers. (Sorry Mum)



Rob would be working late and we had arranged to meet the girls at the local soft play centre.

We arrived first and Ellis was really nervous. He wouldn't venture out at all. Once Charlotte and Faith arrived, he was off. Luckily Charlotte put him down the slide so he was soon really confident and running around. He even dived into the ball pool.

Charlotte had cuddles with Leo and I ran around with Ellis. It was a very strange feeling to be able to actually dive on the balls, climb up ladders etc as last time I was there I could barely move - I was about 38 weeks pregnant.

We left a little before the others as we were going food shopping.

I managed to get a good parking space and there was one appropriate trolley waiting for me.

Everything went smoothly. I managed to get nearly everything I needed and made it home in one sweaty piece.

I put the boys to bed as usual and sat watching rubbish on the computer before hitting the sack myself.

Leo woke for an early feed so I knew it would be a busy night. Then Rob came in at 1:15am so that woke me up. Then he eventually came to bed, coughing, sneezing and fidgeting, which disturbed me and Leo, which in turn means I have to feed Leo again. I eventually got a bit of sleep but was woken up early again by Ellis calling me to "find Thomas".

I was so tired today that I feel like I have floated through the day in a daze. I have been stuttering and slurring my words, saying the wrong things etc and just generally being rather floppy.

To my horror, I accidentally cut the top of Leo's thumb when cutting his nails, and I managed to hit Ellis in the mouth at one point.

Ellis also fell down bump today when he fell back in his chair from the kitchen table. He has been pushing himself back from the table for a while now and we always try to stop him and tell him he will hurt himself. Well, today he did it and I saw it all happen in slow motion. Apparently I shrieked at the point of impact but I couldn't get there in time to catch him. The scary thing was, he didn't cry, he just went very quiet. A bit shocked I think. He didn't go pale or complain of any pain and was talking and walking fine, he even ate all his dinner. I said to Rob, if he is sick we have to go straight to the hospital. Having kiddies is very scary sometimes.

Rob got up reasonably early which was nice. He missed breakfast but sat and read to Ellis which he loved.



In the afternoon we just went out to the shops to pick up a couple of things. We did go into Toys R Us for a bit and Ellis had fun running around and finding all the Thomas toys.

The boys were bathed and in bed by 7pm. I so hope Ellis sleeps past 5:30am tomorrow. I'm going to smother him if not!

Sick and Tired

Last night was a bad night. All 3 of the boys disturbed me on more than one occasion so I dragged myself out of bed at 6:15am.

Ellis was wide awake and refused to go in his sleeping bag last night which I do think helps him to sleep longer.

I felt rather sick as I tried to rest on the sofa with Ellis trying to coax me into waking up and playing with him. I did manage it eventually and he also had to pester me to make breakfast. I think that is a first.

Rob was home first thing this morning but he didn't get in until late so I let him have a lie in before asking him to come and see Ellis before he had to go down for his nap.

Rob was really tired too but made a big effort to read and play trains with Ellis. He also had cuddles with Leo which was really nice to see.

I still wasn't feeling that great when Ellis was asleep so I let my active birthing Mummies know that I wouldn't be meeting them today. Rob tried to convince me to go but I just couldn't face getting ready etc.

I did change my mind though and I felt much better for making the decision to go. I rushed around to get everything and everyone ready. I put Leo in an outfit which was really cute but huge!



We made it to Sarah's house and we weren't too late. I had fed Ellis before I left as he never seems to eat when we have lunch at other people's houses.

They older boys all played really well together and Ellis and Maggie had a nice chat and shared cars and trains. They were really cute!

At one point, the older ones were in the garden and it was just the babies getting all the attention which made a nice change.

I sat Leo on the sofa and had a small photo session while I was chatting about all sorts of stuff that will remain a secret forever.









I took this shot of Leo's foot and I love it. I'm thinking of getting it blown up and framed. What do you think?



While I had my camera out, I tried to get shots of everyone but Sarah was feeding Amelie, Sophie and Maggie had already left and the older boys were in the garden. So the only picture I got was of Sophie with baby Gus.



We left just before 4pm, full up on cake and biscuits, to go to my Mum's for dinner.

It didn't take too long to get there and Ellis started playing with the train track straight away.



Chloe, Kamron and Auntie Katie were there for a bit which was nice to see them.

I sat and gave Leo a long feed and then he was out for the count as we all sat to the table for our food.







Mum had prepared a small feast and it was delicious. Ellis was rather good too and Grandad kindly cut out loads of olive stones so that Ellis could have some. He loves them so much.

Grandad left at 6pm to go and look after Chloe and Kamron, so Ellis read books with Nanny before we left to go home for bath time.

Ellis had clean bedding on so I gave him a really good scrub, dried his hair and put on clean pyjamas. Well actually he was wearing a white t-shirt and grey shorts as all his pyjamas are dirty but they will do the job.

Ellis went straight to sleep and after giving Leo a 30 minute feed, I had a shower and came downstairs to do the blog. I was going to have an early night but here it is, 10pm, and I am still on the computer!

Will hopefully get a better nights sleep tonight as Rob is away. I do miss him loads but not at bed time. I'm sure there are 100's of people out there who would agree that we weren't meant to share a bed with someone.

Night, night.

8 weeks old already!

Leo was 8 weeks old yesterday and I took some pictures using the macro mode on the camera.





I thought it might be a nice idea to compare the boys pictures when they are the same age, so here are the pictures of Ellis at 8 weeks. Similar but different I think.





While I was messing around with the camera, Ellis wanted to have some pictures taken too. I think I took the funniest picture of Ellis ever! I love it!



I also took another half silly one and a nice smile one.





Some more macro pictures of Leo. I was just trying to pass the time before I had to go and do bath time.











I would say the hardest part of my day by far is from 5-7pm. I have to do dinner, feed both kiddies, clear up the kitchen and I try to do the living room before going upstairs to bath both babies, dress them, read a story, do another feed, try to have a shower before doing a top up feed and settling Leo down. There is obviously more to it than that and depending on the mood of the boys, varies the level of pain for that time period.

Mum popped over to do our ironing which was great as there was loads. I have tried on a couple of occasions to get the ironing board out myself but I always seem to get distracted with something else. Maybe I should stop blogging and do more ironing. The house needs a bloody good clean too.

Anyway, Ellis was being a little horror, probably a knock on effect from so little sleep on Sunday, so I decided to make him walk to the doctors for our health visitor appointment. As it happens Leo wanted to have a feed at the last minute so I ended up putting him in the buggy and running down the road instead.

The appointment went well and Leo now weighs 11lb 13oz.

I then let Ellis walk very slowly up towards Sally's house as that was where Mummy afternoon was going to be. I phoned Sally to ask if it was okay for us to show up a little early and she said it was fine.

We had a lovely afternoon and the cakes were yummy. The kids had the usual tantrums over toys and Ellis is still shoving everyone, and I am not sure what to do about it. I'm hoping he will grow out of it, but I do try to get him to say sorry and if I can, stop it before he does it in the first place. He seems to have a slight problem with people being in his personal space, and that includes me. He isn't a very cuddly boy for sure.

We only got a little bit wet going home and Ellis ate his dinner so I rewarded him with an episode of Thomas.

Bath time was hard work as always and story time didn't go as planned but I soon had Ellis zipped up in his sleeping bag, which he wasn't happy about. He has not been in a bag for weeks now but I wanted to see if it would help him to sleep longer.

The sleeping bag worked a little bit and Ellis didn't wake up until 6:30am today so that helped me a lot.

Ellis sat and ate his breakfast and I captured a nice picture of Leo's eye.



I'm not sure what is up with Ellis at the moment but he is just a bit, off. He cries when I put him down for a nap but then sleeps for 2 and a bit hours, sometimes he scoffs his food and then other times he eats nothing, one day he is an Angel the next a Devil and so on. I think I have to put it down to lack of the right stimulation seeing as his groups have all finished for the summer. He tends to be like this around half term so I think it must be that, as well as his age and that it is just what toddlers do. I am finding it very hard to be patient with him though, especially when he is pushing and hitting others.

With all the above in mind, I gave him loads of extra attention today. I sat and played bricks, read books, did some singing, dancing, rough and tumble etc. and he loved it. He was really good all morning and even after his nap.

Once Ellis had finished his lunch we zoomed off out to NEXT to take back Rob's t-shirt we bought for his birthday which didn't fit. It cost £20 and I spent £21 in the sale! Doh! Didn't save us money today honey, sorry.

All the purchases were for Leo and none of it will fit him until the winter or his next birthday. I bought 6 t-shirts and a winter coat.







When we returned, Naomi and Iestyn had arrived as they were going to watch Ellis for me while I took Leo to the doctors for his 8 week check and first set of jabs.

I got myself ready and we left.

The jabs were horrible. Poor Leo was happily chewing on his hand when the first one went in. Then the second one really took him by surprise and he did that stop breathing kind of crying. I had forgotten how horrid it was, but we soon recovered and arrived home an hour after we left.

Naomi had said that Ellis had been good but he promptly pushed Iestyn as I arrived. Maybe it's me! So, I put him on the naughty step, he then said sorry, gave him a hug then proceeded to do it again 5 minutes later!

Thank you Naomi and Iestyn for taking care of Ellis for me. He tried to get me to play motorbikes in the garden but I had no idea what I was supposed to do!

They didn't stay long after that and I soon got around to giving Ellis his dinner.

Ellis was reasonably good at bath time and Leo was a bit sulky from his sore legs but by 7:45pm, I was downstairs on the computer, eating cake drinking tea.

Just for fun, I have done a poll question of guessing who is in the picture. I have a few lined up so please place your vote and I will change the picture in a week.

I am hoping for a better day tomorrow and it will be nice to have Rob around for a bit in the morning to share some of the work load.