Not Tonight

Was going to do a post tonight but unfortunately after tidying up the house and putting the washing on, the boys didn't go down until 9pm and I'm just too tired for it now. Will do it tomorrow night hopefully.

Actually, Ellis is still awake as I just heard him do a very fake loud yawn!

Little Trip

Had a rather busy week last week but didn't take too many photos or videos for some reason.

Monday Ellis was at school so I used the opportunity to go and do a bit of Christmas shopping which was quite successful.

I picked him up and went to Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house to have his hair cut and then we stayed there for the afternoon and early evening.

Ellis was sat watching TV and I knew he was very tired but when I looked over I saw this.

I moved him to the sofa and he stayed asleep.

We are still having a few issues with his sleeping but it is improving slowly. I think he is just catching up with his lack of sleep recently. Shame I can't do the same.

Tuesday we didn't have a car as it was being serviced by Uncle Dave, so in the afternoon all the Mummy friends came over. It was a house full but luckily everyone got on really well and it wasn't too hectic.

In the evening Rob was home and I got him to grab the camera to take some pictures of me with my boys. I'm the one that always thinks to grab the camera to capture moments so I'm not in a lot of them.

Wednesday Ellis was back at school and Leo and I had a music class in the morning.

After lunch I did the food shopping before picking Ellis up from school and taking him to his music class.

Thursday was just very busy, in and out of the car, setting the buggy up and down etc.

Naomi and Iestyn came over first thing in the morning to watch the boys for me so that I could go and have a look around the school that we would like Ellis to go to. I was there an hour and a half. I didn't really know what to ask or what to look for but it looked really nice and all the kids were really happy. I did like the feel of the place and the playground is ace!

We had lunch then got in the car to go to Ellis' swimming lesson. I stopped in the post office first to send off a laptop for Huw.

The swimming lesson went really well until the instructor dunked him under. He cried and wanted to get out but there wasn't any tears, I think he was just more annoyed than anything.

We popped home to pick up my laptop as we were staying at Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' that night and my night out to a friends had been cancelled so I needed something to do.

Then we went to the local high street as I had to go into 2 different banks to get my ID checked so that I can sign cheques etc for the pre-school. That went a lot smoother than I thought it would. Back in the car we went to the post office depot to pick up a parcel that had been delivered when we were out.

On the way to Nanny and Grandad's house I stopped off at the shops to get Ellis some replacement shoes as the ones we had got on Monday weren't suitable. He messed around a lot but we managed to get some that he liked.

We arrived quite late at Nanny and Grandad's but that was fine.

Nanny has an idea that every year, around this time she wants a photo taken of her and Leo together. I took one of the 2 of them the year before which she really likes so just wants to carry it on as a tradition.

This is the picture from last year.

And these are some of the attempts for this years picture. You have to imagine the black background as I haven't worked out how to do that yet. Plus I'm not sure if any of them are suitable.

This is my favourite.

I think we need to take some more with the dark background in place as they both have such light hair that the flash makes it even brighter.

The boys went to bed quite well. Ellis was sat up chatting until about 8:30pm but at least he was in bed. Leo grizzled for about 5 minutes, if that, and then went off until 8:10am!

Ellis on the other hand, woke at 4:15am and wouldn't go back to sleep. I took him to the loo at 5:40am and then he fell asleep at about 6am until I got up with Leo at 8:10am. Thankfully Leo slept in for the first time ever, just when I needed it.

This did mean though that we were running late. I stuffed them with breakfast, loaded the car and zoomed off. I had to post a card and present into Jaimie's house as she had given birth to her baby boy, Jacob a few days earlier.

We had a quick chat and I stole this picture off a friends profile on Face.book, hence why it is so small.

I got to the pre-school just as they were shutting the doors which was actually good timing.

Leo and I then went to his sing and sign class. He is doing so well with his signs and he has really started to try saying words. He is getting better but has a long way to go before he is saying Cat and Dog clearly. He has also started to mimic sounds which will really help him to learn quicker.

I put Leo down for a very short nap as we met up with Auntie Katie, Nanny Rennolds and Kamron as it was his 4th birthday, for lunch at McD's.

We went back to pick up Ellis who had made bread at school. It was really good and he had a good report too so that was nice a way to finish off his week.

Once Rob was back from work, Ellis and I met up with Auntie Katie, Alex, Chloe, Kamron, Nanny and Grandad Rennolds and Nanny Mary (Chloe and Kamron's other Nanny) at the bowling centre.

Ellis was so excited and just kept running around asking for money so that he could go on everything. I would have let him too but I had no change! Poor little guy.

The bowling went really well. Ellis liked the bowling shoes thankfully and we had 2 lanes so that the kids didn't have to wait too long between goes which was a very good idea. Nanny Mary kept buying the kids chocolate sweets from the machine so they were very happy.

He is trying to curl his ball around, just like I do.

Birthday boy!

Jumping up and down with excitement.

They bowled in their coats and scarves!

Yummy sweets

This is the score sheet from our lane. It was Kamron, Ellis, Chloe, Me and Kate.

Kamron just suddenly hit a wall and crashed. He was done in so they called it a night and went home. It was dinner time though so I took Ellis to Pizza Hut for some grub. It was just the 2 of us and I loved it.

I spent the rest of the evening packing for our little weekend away.

The following morning I packed up the car with all of our gear and we set off for a long car journey to visit our friends, Caroline, Andy, Angus and their dog Jock.

Andy is in the Navy so they move around a bit and we hadn't seen them since the day we moved house when they took care of Leo for us.

The car journey was fine. Leo went to sleep eventually and Ellis snoozed for 20 minutes or so and I just enjoyed listening to the Disney CD that I had put in. I love it!

We arrived right on schedule and after shoving all of our junk in their hallway we started to catch up.

We had a tour of their lovely new house, which I would love to have myself one day, and we drank lots of tea and watched the boys play about until lunch time.

It was rather bitter outside so we all wrapped up nice and warm for a short walk to a local pub. Rob didn't have a coat though so had to borrow one.

The pub was dog and child friendly and was really warm and inviting. The menu was impressive too.

We had to wait a little while for our food and the kids behaved very well considering. Leo did his usual tricks of throwing everything you ever give him, but that to him is a game.

After the pub we walked to the sea front to have a go on the beach. I love seeing the sea and wish I could do it more often, would be better in the warmer weather though.

Jock is a little nutter. He just runs and runs and runs, but wasn't too keen on swimming, which Andy found out when this happened.

We had lots of fun throwing stones and watching the waves. I didn't watch close enough though as Leo ended up with wet trouser bottoms and then fell over and got his bum wet too, which soaked through to his vest. Luckily the foot muff on the buggy is so warm that he would be quite happy in there with just a nappy on, which is what ended up happening really.

We had a little walk and Ellis wanted to hold onto the lead, but Jock is very strong so Daddy had to help too. That didn't stop Jock pulling both of them though. It was so funny to watch Ellis trying to keep up.

We walked into the town and took a look around some shops and bought some dessert and biscuits for our meal that evening.

We walked home at a rather quicker pace than before as it was rather cold. Rob even carried Ellis for part of the way back so that we could go faster.

The kettle was on as soon as we got in and it wasn't long before we were all toasty again.

For the kids dinner they got to make their own pizzas. They put their toppings of ham, chicken and more cheese on by themselves. It was quite amusing to watch as Leo ate most of his before it reached the pizza and Ellis just kept adding more and more cheese.

It was a success though.

The little boys had a bath together and Rob showered Ellis so they were all ready for bed at the same time.

It was then time to chill out before bed time.

It all then went a bit wrong. I think it was my fault as Caroline put Angus up a bit early and I thought that if I waited we would end up waking Angus up, so I thought it was a good idea to put them to bed at the same time. That way all the noise would happen at the same time. It didn't work out that way though. Poor Angus couldn't go to sleep as Leo grizzled and Ellis sang to him, which worked by the way, but then Ellis just wouldn't be quiet! Angus was asleep by 7:30pm but Ellis was still sitting up, chatting and singing. I don't know how Leo stayed asleep as they were right next to each other in the same room. Does make me realise that it might be okay to put them in the same room after Christmas.

Caroline had cooked a lovely pasta dish, with garlic bread and salad, and dessert was banoffee pie and vanilla custard. DELICIOUS!!!!

We sat chatting, with the men drinking for ages. It was a really nice relaxed evening but by 10:30pm I was done in so went to bed. Caroline followed and Rob and Andy were only 20 minutes or so behind.

I didn't sleep that well as every little noise I kept waking up to see if it was one of mine. I didn't want them to wake Angus and I didn't want them to wake each other either.

Rob was snoring as he had had quite a bit to drink and Jock had opened our door, which was good as I could then just sit up and see the boys bedroom door to see if it was open.

Angus woke at 5:45am but I thought it was Leo so stood by the door listening for ages before I realised that my 2 were still asleep.

Ellis and Leo woke up at one minute to 7am. I had brought Ellis' clock with me so I heard him saying, "Leo the sun is on the clock, that means it's morning and we can get up!"

The kids had breakfast and then Andy cooked sausage sandwiches for the adults.

We stayed for a little while but then packed up and left just after 10am.

Leo very quickly went to sleep but Ellis stayed awake and I drove the majority of the way home.

We made good time and we were home before 12pm. We all had lunch and then literally just chilled in front of the telly for the rest of the day.

My bump is getting huge and we always take my bump pictures in the evening when it is at it's largest. My pelvis has started to play up in the last few days and I'm doing my exercises like crazy. I'm trying to hold off wearing the support bandage until it gets a bit worse and I do have a physio appointment in a couple of weeks anyway.

Only 24 weeks!

The last couple of weeks I've started to see the movements from the outside but if I try and lie still during the day to watch it, Leo usually comes over and gives it a wack or Ellis tries to cover it up with a pillow or just generally jumps around making my belly wobble anyway.

Ellis doesn't have school tomorrow so we will probably just sit in all day. Which will actually be nice.

Spa

Bit of a break as I seem to be running out of time quite quickly in the evenings and it's only going to get worse. I do miss doing my blogging more often but I just can't spare all the time it takes to do.

Nothing major to report really. Nugget is making himself known more and more each day. I can see my belly wobble from the outside now when he is moving around and the boys are both taking an interest. Ellis likes to place his hand on the lump and Leo blows raspberries on it, just like Ellis did when Leo was in there.

Friday night I went out with Vivien and Saskia to a very nice Mediterranean Restaurant where I actually tried new things, which is very unlike me. I had a lovely time but I ate so much I thought I was going to pop! My skin was stretched!

Yesterday Ellis and I went to the cinema with Auntie Lucy and Ashlee to watch something about a dancing mouse. Lucy thought it was a Christmassy film but it just ended up being a few episodes of the TV program. We had a good time though and arranged to go to the cinema again next Sunday, just the adults this time though.

The afternoon was quite boring and Ellis nearly fell asleep so I got Rob to help me wake them up a bit. We did some dancing and then the boys had rides up and down the living room on my office chair. They were holding hands and it was so cute.

Today was brilliant! I had the early shift which went really well and I had lots of fun playing with my babies until I had to go out to meet up with Mum at the spa.

Mum had bought me a voucher for my birthday back in May and it was due to run out at the end of November so we booked it up and met up. Mum got a little bit lost getting there but we were still on time.

When we entered and tried to check in we were told to sit down and she would come and see to us next. 2 seconds later we were hurried upstairs to our treatments, without receiving our gowns and flip flops. We did get our stuff before the actual treatments started but we didn't get changed until after.

Mum stayed upstairs and went for her back massage and I went back downstairs to a little room under the stairs.

I got changed and laid on the bed and asked to have my head raised as all the blood was rushing to my head and I felt uncomfortable. A few adjustments later and the lady started my facial. Shortly after I heard loads of thudding coming from above. Then there was loud music and an aerobics instructor barking out orders! This continued for the entire time I was getting my face done. It was really bad but luckily I was just so happy to be being pampered that I didn't care and just tried to see the funny side of it. The thudding carried on for a whole hour and I would have been shattered in that class!

Nugget wriggled and moved around the entire time I was laid down. It was so nice to just enjoy the movements without being jumped on by an 18 month old.

The facial was nice, not great and the lady kept telling me what she couldn't do to me because I am pregnant. She couldn't use oils, couldn't do my neck, hand, arm or scalp massage so she said she would do my nails instead. Great I thought but it turned out to be a 3 minute rushed job that just got screwed up when I had to suddenly then get dressed and out of the room.

I met up with Mum who had been waiting 20 minutes for me. She was supposed to have had an hour massage followed by 15 minutes scalp massage but that didn't happen. Luckily we just had a laugh about it instead which was great fun.

We then went down to the cafe in our robes for a cup of tea/coffee. It was so funny to be sitting in what was basically a cafe of a leisure centre but we didn't get any strange looks.

We continued to have a giggle and then went for a swim. The pool was freezing! My new costume fit fine and after a few lengths we got out and went straight into the jacuzzi. I didn't stay in there long as your not supposed to while pregnant. It wasn't too hot anyway.

We showered and dressed and met up in the cafe again for a quick drink and a read. We were starving after so very quickly decided to go to our favourite Italian restaurant.

It was really quiet and we took our time ordering, eating and paying. We had a really nice time just chatting and laughing away. I felt amazing. Just the freedom of not having to stuff my face or having to pick things up from the floor constantly or trying to get the boys to eat or behave was just the best. I missed them loads but not enough to rush home and thankfully Rob had sent me a text to say not to rush home which really put me at ease.

Both Mum and I waddled out of the restaurant 2 hours later and went to Sainsbury's for a few bits before going our separate ways.

Back at home I knew I wanted to get the boys out of the house for a bit but it was getting dark. I quickly decided to just go for a quick walk around the block and Rob helped me to get them dressed and ready.

It was really cold out but they were wrapped nice. Ellis and I talked for the entire time we were out. That boy can talk! We did stop in the park but there were a lot of teens in there just smoking and snogging so it was a very quick stop.

We took the long route back home to have our dinner. I didn't have anything as I ate a huge lunch.

Ellis went to bed tonight with his new clock which will tell him if it is night or morning and it also acts as a night light so hopefully fingers crossed it will work. The last 3 nights have been fine though and he has only been coming into us after Leo has been waking up at about 6:30am. Can't complain really. The only problem is Rob getting up at stupid o'clock tomorrow. He better not snooze his alarm 5 times and keep me awake for hours! It's all right for him as he just nods straight back off to sleep but I can't do that any more for some reason.

Had a really good day today. I am hoping to have a pregnancy massage in February which I will book soon so that I do actually go. I've also been thinking of having a 4d scan done of the baby. It looks really good and why not!?

Wordless Wednesday

Lynn Canyon

The makers of The Sims, my favourite all time computer game.

Ferry ride to Vancouver Island.