Stuff

Really wanted to blog tonight but I had to do some stuff for Ellis' preschool and I watched One born every minute so I just didn't have time.

Out at my active birthing class tomorrow night so doubt I'll get it done then either grrrr!

Be back as soon as can.

Beach Boys

Weekly blogging seems to be the way to go for now. I'm busy on other nights watching TV stuff, ironing, going to active birthing classes and meeting up with friends. Sunday night is a bit of a nothing as I usually can't be bothered to do anything else. You should see the living room right now! It's filled with clothes drying, clothes for ironing and clothes waiting to be taken upstairs. I constantly feel like I'm living in a laundrette but I suppose that is just the way it has to be. I'm very lucky to have lots of space so it doesn't hinder the kids play area.

This week has been a good week. Ellis has been on top form and behaving really well and had good reports from school all week. He has started to dress himself more recently and he does his own socks and shoes. I'm sure he could have done it ages ago but I would rather do it so that we can get out the door in under 30 minutes! He asked me to take some pictures of him doing it, so here they are.

Leo is doing really well too. He has just suddenly started talking. He really tries to mimic any word that you say to him and he has a fascination with numbers. He can count to 10 with a little bit of help. He loves his number puzzle that Santa gave him and he constantly points out numbers to you like when you go into a petrol station or on some packaging etc. It's very cute.

On Tuesday my friend Sandra came down to see us with her daughter Ciera. The last time I saw them Ciera was a week old and she is now 10 months old. She is so cute and diddy. She got on really well with the boys but she was no where near as rowdy. Ellis and Leo struggled with the fact that Mummy was trying to have a chat with her friend and wasn't giving them their usual attention. This meant that they played up a bit to get some attention. It's strange isn't it how kids do something naughty to be shouted at so that they get some attention.

We all had lunch together and the little ones were very good. Ellis kept getting down from the table and messing around and then Leo and Ellis started shouting which upset Ciera a little bit as she isn't used to it. Little buggers.

They stayed for a nice long time and I'm really glad they did. It was great to see them and hopefully we will see them again soon.

On Thursday I put Leo down for a nap and then spent some quality time with Ellis. We did some reading and writing and played the shopping game and then we did some painting. We had a paint your own plant pot which Naomi and Iestyn bought for us ages ago so we decided to give that a go.

It worked really well and Ellis was really good and hardly made any mess. Makes me want to do it more often and Leo really should be doing it too. Messy times ahead!

Ellis swimming lesson went really well. His confidence is building every week and he is getting better about having water in his face. He still doesn't like it but doesn't get anywhere near as upset as he used to. I think the swimming on a Saturday as a family is helping.

Ellis slept for about 10 minutes on the way to Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house but he couldn't get comfortable so he woke up and thankfully he wasn't cranky. He wasn't as good as the week before but he was still good.

Friday night I picked up Sarah and went to Sally's house for pizza and a chat. It worked out really well as Sarah bought the pizza and we cooked it there. There was one hell of a spread of pizza, garlic bread and coleslaw all for £2.25 each! Bargain. I took my birthing ball to sit on which I think most thought was a bit strange. It is comfy though.

We didn't leave until 11pm and after dropping off Sarah and chatting to Rob for a bit I wasn't in bed until late. Luckily Rob was doing the early shift on Saturday.

I slept in until nearly 11:30am! I must have needed the sleep as I never sleep that long. Thankfully Rob didn't mind.

We had lunch and then went out for our weekly family swim. I love doing it. Yes it is a bit of a hassle getting changed in and out but I just try to ignore that bit and enjoy the rest of it. We arrived a bit later than the previous 2 weeks so we were told that the baby pool was full and that we would have to go in the big pool. Apart from it being colder I didn't see it as a problem and we had made the effort to get there so decided to go for it.

As I was stood by the side of the baby pool I could see that it wasn't packed so asked the life guard on duty if it was okay for us to get in and she said yes that it was fine. Hurrah! So we all got in the baby pool which did actually get quite busy at some points but we just kept our big pool wrist bands out of sight and kept a low profile.

Leo loves swimming! The only thing is, is that I think the water gets into his ears and causes him problems. I used to get it when I was younger too. The only reason I think this is because he woke up screaming this morning. Not just crying a bit but screaming really loudly and then he had a bit chunk of ear wax in his ear. I think maybe he gets ear ache from trapped water. I might just be making that up of course.

We had told Ellis that we were going in the adult pool and I think he was a bit excited about it so when we got in the baby pool he kept asking about it. Rob took him over for a swim and I didn't see them for ages. They had a lovely time and Ellis could stand in the shallow end which is good to know.

After swimming we sat in the cafe for a bit. I had a slab of tiffin cake and the boys had some snacks.

Rob then ran home and I took a nice steady drive. I had dinner on by the time Rob got back and we sat and ate, watched a bit of telly, washed the boys and put them to bed.

Today I knew that my Mum and Sister were going to a local beach with their pony and horse for a walk and ride. I had the early shift and by 8:30am Ellis was acting out because he was just bored. He asked if his friends could come over so I knew he wanted to do something. I couldn't decide what to do but in the end I thought I would go crazy sat in and the kids would love to see the beach.

I packed spare clothes and shoes for everyone, a packed lunch, some toys, drinks and tons of coats and hats as I knew it would be freezing. It took me ages to get ready and then I was faffing about with maps etc so we didn't get on the road until a long time after I knew Mum had left.

It didn't matter though as we made good time and arrived at the beach early. We waited and waited. I tried calling Mum but it kept diverting back to Dad at home. So I sent her a text and eventually found out that she was parked up on a different part of the beach!

We made our way back down the beach and found her. I wrapped the kids up and we went for a little walk. Ellis and Leo loved it. They had a great time splashing in puddles, sitting on Polly (the pony), leading Polly, finding sticks and running around. It was very cold though and it was hard to get warm. We all certainly missed the horse lorry today which had recently been sold.

I tried feeding the kids but they weren't that interested and it wasn't too long before everyone was packing up to head home.

I put my 2 blocks of ice in their car seats and the fans on full and we were soon all toasty.

We made good time getting home and we just chilled out watching telly for the afternoon. Leo had another nap and I woke him up at just gone 4pm with a temperature. Boo.

I bathed the boys and put them to bed and Rob read Ellis' long story for him. Ellis didn't go to sleep until just gone 9pm as he was wide awake chatting and singing!

I've done this blog and ate my lovely Chinese dinner that my loving husband bought for me. It was yummy but I am now the size of a house, unable to breathe or move. Really could do with some crushed ice to crunch on but we haven't got any.

Baby is really pushing out tonight. Maybe he is trying to turn around! I have a midwife appointment on Wednesday so will find out then what position he is in. It's getting so close now! I've started to get ready which makes me feel better but I will feel a lot happier when it is all done.

I'm off to veg in bed now.

Ironing Piles

Again on Saturday we went for our family swimming session. This week was very different from the week before. We had to wait to buy tickets, the floor in the changing room was dirty, the pool was packed, and then we were called to get out less than hour after getting in. I wasn't impressed but the boys didn't notice. Leo had loads of fun again and Ellis did lots of splashing which is actually good for him.

We all got out at the same time and unfortunately because everyone else had been asked to get out, all the family changing rooms were gone and so I took Leo and Rob took Ellis. Ellis wanted to dress himself so got upset when he wasn't allowed so he cried the whole time, Leo threw all the clothes on the wet floor, then proceeded to fall over on the wet floor once I had dressed him and then just climbed about and tried to open the doors at every opportunity. It wasn't easy and I got rather hot but not stressed as I didn't see the point.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing and Ellis actually dressed up as a doctor and took care of Mummy who was sleepy on the sofa.

Today I had a long lie in and then proceeded to get stuff done. I feel good with what I acheived today but also shattered and achy. It needed to be done though.

After lunch Ellis and I made a huge castle/tower thing out of his blocks in the play room. We had loads of fun and Daddy came out too to check it out, and to add a chimney which didn't last very long.

Rob thankfully took both of the boys to do the food shopping and I was able to get all the ironing done, clear up the toys and make a start on the kitchen. I've started to clean all the bedding, newborn and 0-3 clothes so ironing is stacking up fast. I took a picture of what future ironing piles might look like.

They all got back from the shops and I sorted dinner while Rob put the food shopping away.

It wasn't long until bath and bed routine and then I spent the evening blogging. I'm all blogged out now. Just need to do a pregnancy update

Pantomime

Not a lot really going on around here at the moment. We are just trying to get back to the usual routine after the Christmas break and my head has now adjusted to getting ready for baby to arrive.

I've been wanting to do a lot of nesting but physically it is taking its toll and I just need to be a bit careful not to over do it. I also need to start making lists of things I need to get sorted before baba arrives as I'm really forgetful and I also have so much other stuff to remember.

Tuesday 4th January we had Mummy afternoon here and everyone came which was really nice as we hadn't seen each other for a while. We managed to have little chats while sorting out scraps over toys and stopping the little ones from eating stuff they shouldn't. It is quite manic with 4 adults and 8 children under the age of 3 1/2.

The 5th was Ellis' first day back at school and he was a bit reserved queueing up to go in. Normally he is running around, throwing his things and getting quite excited but he just stood next to me in the queue waiting to get in.

On the 6th, Ellis started up his swimming lessons again. Being the first session of the term there were a lot of new kids and also another teacher in the pool as they had increased the class size to 10! Some of the new ones were screaming and kicking and it was quite upsetting for the ones that are usually ok. Two of the girls from Ellis' original class got really upset and wouldn't get in. It was really sad to watch as they were all doing so well last term in their little group. I just hope this one settles down.

Next stop was the doctors for my flu jab and Ellis' booster jabs for school. I had booked them for the same time so that Ellis could watch me get mine done and then have his. The nurse ended up standing in his line of sight so he didn't see anything. His turn, he sat on my lap and I had to hold him down. The first one went in and he was a bit shocked and his bottom lip came out a bit but he was very brave, didn't cry or make any fuss, just turned around and had the other one done. He was brilliant and I was so proud of him. He received a sticker but wasn't that bothered and gave it to Leo.

Friday Ellis was at school again and Leo and I just relaxed at home. Ellis came out with a biscuit he had made which looked like a traffic light. It was really good and tasted good too.

Saturday 8th I decided that we should start going swimming as a family, at least until Baby Ben arrives as I think the exercise would be good for me and it's brilliant for Leo as he loves it!

We were allowed straight in the pool and it wasn't too busy which was nice. Leo was a little uncertain to start with but I had put the bigger arm bands on him and he was soon floating around on his own. He really likes jumping in too which is brilliant fun. Ellis is still quite reserved, even though he has been having swimming lessons. I think it is just good for him to have a play at the pool but we did try and get him to show us what he has been learning. He didn't want to do that for long though. He is certainly getting better at being splashed. He still hates it but doesn't cry or get upset by it now which is great. Leo on the other hand is an underwater baby and just keeps jumping off the steps and trying to drown himself.

Sunday 9th January was the day we went to the pantomime with Ellis. We decided to only take Ellis as my lap is diminishing, it would be a late-ish night and I just thought it would be easier and more enjoyable without Leo. I felt so guilty though on the day as I thought we should really be going as a family. I didn't dwell on it too long.

Grandad Rennolds came over to look after Leo which was great, thanks Dad. Leo wasn't bothered that we were leaving one little bit. His arms were tight around Grandad's neck as we left the house.

We parked up and walked the short distance to the theatre with Ellis chatting away as usual. It was actually quite nice just being the 3 of us again. We arrived a little early so we all went to the toilet first before finding our seats in the second row, half way along. They were in an excellent spot. I was quite surprised that the theatre wasn't full though. In the audience were Nasty Nick and Dot Cotton from Eastenders. Everyone was crowding around them, taking pictures, asking for autographs, it was really quite strange.

Ellis is copying Daddy.

There was a family sat in front of us and they all had these flourescent swords, bands, wands etc and the lady kindly let Ellis have a ring which was blue. He loved it and kept hold of it for the whole show.

The show started and Ellis just stared wide eyed for ages. It was quite long and by the time the interlude had arrived Ellis was asking if it was finished yet.

The second half was quite long too as they showed a 3D movie which Ellis really enjoyed and then wouldn't take his glasses off, and they said all their thank you's and good bye's to everyone as it was the very last show.

It was really good and I really enjoyed it apart from the part when Barbara Windsor decided to flash the audience her bum! It was also very strange to see this tiny old lady trying to do twirls etc around the stage in a fairy outfit and was constantly messing up her lines. Maybe she had been having a drink or two back stage to celebrate.

We got home 4 1/2 hours after we had left. Dad stayed for a cuppa and then he went home. We then struggled to get an over tired Ellis into bed. Actually we struggled to just get him into his pyjamas! We finally managed it but he didn't go to sleep until gone 9pm.

Monday 10th, Leo and I popped to see Sophie, Maggie and Ted for a quick chat before going home for lunch and then picking Ellis up.

In the evening I watched One Born Every Minute which is a show about babies being born in a local hospital. I love it!

The next day I had wanted to take the boys swimming in the afternoon but decided that they had only just gone on Saturday and Ellis would soon be going to his lesson so instead I used the time to go shopping for some things off the baby list.

Ellis fell asleep in the car and when I tried to wake him up he wasn't happy about it so he ended up going in the buggy with Leo which actually worked out really well as I didn't have to have eyes in the back of my head and I could just whiz round and get what I needed.

I bought a mattress for the crib, some rompers, pyjamas for Leo, nappies, maternity pads, a new changing mat, some arnica, wipes, and a few other bits. Nothing that exciting really.

In the evening I had to go to a committee meeting for Ellis' pre-school. It didn't go on too long but by the time I had finished chatting to Helen who gave me a lift, it was gone 11pm! That should be the last meeting as I will now be going to Active Birthing classes on a Tuesday.

Thursday's swimming lesson was a little bit better. The kids that were struggling were taken away to play on the steps with one teacher and the other took the lesson. The 2 girls that didn't get in the week before didn't get in again because they didn't like the new teacher. It's unsettled them and I don't know how they can get around it. One of the girls just runs off while the other one is so upset she pukes in the pool!

Ellis had a good lesson though and came out exhausted. In the cafe after he really played up and when I got home he was still being really, really naughty and I couldn't stop him so put him back in the car and went up Nanny & Grandad Rennolds' house. Needless to say he was zonked and slept for ages and ages. I let him sleep as I didn't want a repeat of how he was being before the nap, even if it meant I would have trouble getting him to bed later on.

Leo played and I had a cuppa, did the crossword and chilled out. Then I eventually woke Ellis up, but very slowly and he stayed quiet on the sofa while Kamron and Chloe played on the Wii. He was so good for the rest of the evening. He ate all his dinner, was polite, played nicely was good fun at bath time and just generally a pleasure to have around. It was easy and not hard work like it normally is. Mum and Dad both noticed the difference in him as usually when I go up there late afternoon, he is so tired that he just plays up all the time and it can be quite stressful.

We left feeling quite happy and the boys both went to bed with no trouble. I was really surprised about Ellis but he must have just been really tired.

Friday Ellis went to school and Leo and I attended his first Sing & Sign class of the term. It will be his last term and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make his last ever lesson as I will be having/just had a baby. We will see, it might work out fine. It was a very hectic lesson though as Leo was just so excited to be back and he kept running off, climbing on chairs, trying to switch off the music player etc and it was tiring. I tried to pin him down which was sort of successful but it was also very hot and I couldn't wait to get out.

I zoomed home, put Leo to bed, spent an hour on the computer then had an hour snooze myself.

Friday evening we all just chilled out after a busy week. Excuse the fuzzy hair but when it rains and I have to go out in it, this is the result!

Planning on going swimming again tomorrow but no plans for Sunday. I wonder what the weekend will hold.

Interlude

Just going to post some videos and pictures I have that were taken before the year ended but I haven't written about.

Boys messing around - love these pictures.

Ellis completed new puzzle all by himself.

Rob with 2 laptops and 2 mobiles - his idea of heaven.

As if butter wouldn't melt!

Chilling.

My little performers.

Grubs up and down and all around!

There, just one mammoth entry to do to get up-to-date and I'll be happy.

New Years Eve 2010

The following day was Sunday and not officially Boxing Day. Not sure why now but Boxing Day was on the Monday. I didn't believe it until I checked in my diary.

I was totally exhausted from the day before. Physically and mentally I was just done and really struggled all day.

We were running late as always and we didn't get to Nanny & Grandad Georges' house until about 11 ish.

It was really silly of me to ask them to bring all the presents up the day before as the boys struggled a bit to find things to do.

Rob and Uncle Dave went out for a bit to buy a new TV for Grandad so they watched that for a little bit before lunch.

Lunch.

We stayed a little while longer but then Leo was getting very tired so we had to leave so he could sleep in the car.

Our next stop was Nanny & Grandad Rennolds' house, where Auntie Katie and Uncle Craig would be with their families.

Both the boys had a little sleep but it was soon time for more present opening.

Then we had some more food.

Then it was just play time until bed.

The boys went to sleep okay. Leo was fine in a travel cot and Ellis and Chloe eventually went to bed at 8:30pm. They were so cute snuggled together. Ellis was taking up 3/4 of the bed and Chloe was hanging off the edge. It looked like Rob and I! Really funny.

The adults, well most of them got to be play a few games while Kate sat with Kamron who wasn't quite ready for a sleep. Then when he dropped off, we all sat and played Cranium. It is my favourite game ever and it works really well with lots of people. It was boys V girls and they won unfortunately as they were very lucky with the dice. I should have taken some videos and stuff but like I said, I wasn't really with it and very tired and just didn't really think of it.

Around midnight we had to put the boys in the car. It was freezing out so Rob warmed the car up a bit and we loaded up the boot and then I put the boys in. Leo was sound asleep but by the time I got him to the car he was wide awake and didn't go back to sleep until he was back in his bed.

Ellis woke up straight away but did fall asleep on our way home. We put him on the loo and then in bed and he was fine. It was just a shame to have moved them as they were all warm and cosy in their beds. Maybe next year, if we do the same that is, we could just stay at Mum and Dad's although there will be an extra one by then! Still haven't got my head around that one yet.

The following day I was done. I mean I couldn't even get out of bed and thanks to hubby I didn't. All day I stayed upstairs. I hardly had anything to eat or drink and pretty much slept the whole time. I thought on a few occasions I should use this time to read or go on my computer but I just ended up going back to sleep.

I really missed seeing my boys that day but the following morning I was up doing the early shift. I probably could have done with another day of taking it easy really.

I was 29 weeks pregnant the day before so we took my bump picture a little bit late but it doesn't really matter.

We really didn't do much over the following few days. Rob messed around with the car a lot with his brother and I spent the time trying to sort out the toys etc. I still wasn't feeling well so I just took things very slowly, not that I had any choice anyway.

Thursday 30th we went to my Mum and Dad's for the evening and we played cards until late again. The boys were fast asleep and this time we stayed over which made it a lot easier and nicer. I lost the cards really badly and I was sulking. I was grumpy anyway from feeling so rotten for so long but it was made worse by the fact that my husband thought it would be funny to keep a card on purpose that he knew I really needed. I couldn't have won or even come close but at least I could have played a bit. It was rather mean of him and he spent a while trying to get me to laugh about it but it wasn't going to happen. Needless to say we eventually made up.

New Years Eve I was in bed by 10:30pm as I just really needed to sleep. Luckily Rob's brother was here so they stayed up watching comedy programmes until just after midnight. The local fireworks woke me up for a bit but Leo and Ellis didn't even stir.

I can't for the life of me think what we did for the few days before Rob went back to work. I think we went out but can't really remember. I didn't take any photos or videos but I do know I have some on my camera to put on the PC which I will just post some time as I'm not really sure when they were taken. As you can tell I'm not really fully with it at this moment in time.

Will do another entry soon with an update on baby and stuff.