Leo 2 1/2!

Last night was a night from hell. Leo woke up crying, by the time he was settled, Oscar started. I went in to him, fed him, winded him, put him down, still crying. Left him for a bit, still didn't settle. Go back in, calm him down, Leo would wake up again. The cycle would then start again and this went on until about 4:10am starting around 9 o'clock which is when Oscar first woke up. I haven't felt too tired today but now that I am sat down I am really feeling it and know that I won't be able to stay up long tonight.

Oscar had a really late nap today as that's just the way things worked out, so when I put him down at 7, he wasn't having any of it. I brought him downstairs and he had a play while I ate my food. I put him back down about 20 minutes ago and he is still crying. Wonder how long it will be until Leo wakes up! I have no idea what is wrong with him. Might go and give him some Calpol.

Done it.

So, what have we been up to then? Oscar's 7th tooth has arrived and I didn't even notice it happening! Number 8 should follow shortly and then it will be the big ones! Hopefully he will have a gap in time between getting the next ones as the poor little thing has been ill on and off now since mid October. He has had a high temperature and slightly snotty nose for a few days, and I do think the next tooth is close to coming so none of that is nice for him. Maybe that's why he is crying so much. I don't know. It's hard to not be annoyed, especially when I'm tired.

I'm thinking of going back to netball. I can't commit to anything serious but would like to go along and train, build up some fitness, lose some baby weight and maybe join a team later on when I feel ready, and when there is a space. Competition can be tough to get into a team. But I do think I would really enjoy it. I've found out about a local club that plays on a Thursday evening at 7:30pm which would suit quite well, except for eating a huge meal at Mum's just before! I won't think about going until after Christmas anyway.

Speaking of which, I've really started to get ready for Christmas. I've got everything in from the garage and the tree will be going up next weekend, hopefully. I've bought lots of gifts, with a few more to get, and then the wrapping can begin. I'm not looking forward to that part, or the writing of the Christmas cards.

I forgot to mention something on my last entry. On Tuesday 22nd our friend Pete and his wife Annette, welcomed a baby girl into their family. Eleanor Rose was 7lbs 15oz born at 7:12am. Nope not jealous! Not one little bit, honest. I did enjoy browsing the girly clothes though.

The landlord has been round recently to look at and fix a few things, one of them being the tap in the kitchen sink. It was so stiff and I was constantly hurting myself on it, but thankfully with a new part it is so smooth and I can't believe how excited and happy I am about it. Sad or what!?

Friday night I went to Sally's house to meet up with Mummy friends for Chinese food and some lager. Sarah picked me up which was very kind as it was my turn to drive but she said she didn't want to drink and I certainly did. I had a lovely time and can't wait for our Christmas outing although a little nervous about sorting out an outfit as we agreed to get dressed up. Will have to seriously diet or buy something new that fits. I'll give it a week or so, then I'll decide.

Leo was 2 1/2 on the weekend so I tried to get a couple of picture of him. It is so tricky though as he is constantly moving, pulling faces or trying to not have his picture taken. Quite frustrating.

He is doing so well. Loves numbers and puzzles, likes watching TV, playing games on his camera, going on the Wii, running, making a mess, throwing things, climbing and jumping, banging and screaming. The last 2 are probably his worst traits.

He still struggles at night to sleep soundly and wakes every night at least once crying about something or other. It has been a scary robot until recently but now just calls me or Daddy, depending on who went in last, or like the other night wanted to see Steve the gym class teacher! Strange. He just dreams a lot I think.

Another thing that I have recently noticed is that Leo is probably going to be left handed.  He draws left handed, plays on the Wii, throws balls and just generally prefers it. He does eat right handed still.

Rob got a few jobs done on the weekend, Sunday morning started early for Oscar and I and then later on we went to Ethan's 6th birthday party! I remember Simon and Tilly sending us videos of him as a baby while we were away travelling. Can't believe it was that long ago and we now have a 4 year old of our own! Crazy.

The party was short and sweet and the boys had tons of fun. The first set of pictures is Rob's attempt at capturing the boys in action.

Today has been quite a lazy day really. Did a few odd chores, cutting and sticking with Leo and then rushed up to the big shops just before picking Ellis up from school. Leo loves the big shops, especially now they have the Christmas decorations up. He runs everywhere and the plan was to tire him out for tonight.

The reason for the dash to the big shops, was to pick up some DVDs of some converted Hi8 tapes. I watched them this evening and I cringed at most of it, cried at some and laughed through the rest. It was brilliant to watch and I want to share it with everyone that was in the videos. My Grandad was there, my whole family dancing at my Dad's surprise 50th, my best friend's daughter playing at our house, videos of our old houses, honeymoon, where we got engaged, Rob on holiday, my first baby Misty the cat, and some other bits. I really want to get all my Mum and Dad's stuff on DVD but they have hundreds and it wasn't cheap. For 2hours and 3 minutes of footage cost me £50! I'm sure I could have got it done cheaper but wasn't happy sending my videos off somewhere, I was happier taking them to the shop for them to send off. Doesn't make sense I know. So glad I had it done though. Going to bed with some happy memories. Hopefully my sweet dreams won't be disturbed too much tonight.

Bad Start

Today started out with one of those mornings where I stumble out of bed, ricochet off a few walls and wonder how on Earth I will get through the day. After getting in very late, going to bed even later, getting up twice with Leo, once to pee, and feeding Oscar twice too, I was soon called early from my lack of slumber by Ellis saying he had a belly ache.

I made it downstairs without dropping Oscar, which was quite a result as I felt drunk from lack of sleep. Ellis' belly ache turned out to be hunger and Oscar was moaning for food so they ate early, about 6:30pm. Leo, unbelievably, carried on sleeping for a while longer which was great.

Rob thankfully took Ellis to school this morning which allowed me a bit longer to get Leo and Oscar ready to go out. Oscar in fact went back to bed at 8am which is a new thing.

Leo was good at his gym class but I had to tell him off at the start. I had to be really firm with him as I just didn't have the energy or patience for it today. It worked, which was a relief.

Tried to make Leo's lunch fun.

Next stop was Naomi's house for a cuppa and bit of cake. It was there that I realised I was really hungry and I soon worked out why, I had forgotten to eat breakfast. I am on a diet at the moment but not a strict or stupid one!

Oscar and Leo were not easy at Naomi's. Leo wet himself and Oscar was miserable. I tried feeding him but he was biting and pulling off with his teeth clenched, so not the most pleasurable of experiences but it was nice to see Naomi and Charlotte. I'm seeing them again Friday for a Chinese takeaway. Can't wait!

Mum came over this afternoon. She arrived just before 2 and I had just put my head down for a nap. The door bell wasn't working so she knocked on the door and I flew up off the sofa. I have no idea if I was there for 10 seconds or 10 minutes!

Feeling groggy I sat with a cuppa watching Mum doing my ironing. That cheered me up no end.

The afternoon was great fun in the end. I think I felt happy because I didn't have to rush off anywhere or feed the boys somewhere akward or try to entertain them at Sainsbury's. We played skittles, football, sang, danced, ran around, and just generally made lots of noise.

Ellis had a new reading book from school which he just read by himself on the first attempt, which is amazing! He then used his humpty wall to make a sentence which said "yes I am going to get a big dog". I did a wow sticker for him to take to school tomorrow. So proud of him.

The evening was just as relaxed. No bath, the boys played games with Daddy, and Ellis had a late story time alone with Mummy. It was a great end to a day that didn't start so well.

Superman

Sunday was a very lazy day. I didn't even bother to get dressed and it was quite boring too.

Today I was supposed to go swimming but Naomi dropped out and I forgot to not put Leo down for a nap so we missed the big bath time session at the pool anyway.

We stayed in all day just playing skittles, messing around and signing for the endless deliveries! I think I may have bought a bit too much this year. I haven't actually put it all together yet so it may be okay and I'm just thinking it's worse than it is.

When it was time to go and pick Ellis up I couldn't find my keys. I then realised that were locked in my car! Rob wasn't home or near home so I didn't know what to do! I left the front door open and locked the porch door and then thankfully Gemma (Alfie's Mum) said that she would take Ellis to his dancing lesson. She then said she might as well just take him home for dinner too, which was great.

I then fed the boys and we relaxed at home waiting for Ellis to get back.

Ellis came home after having had a fantastic time. He ate all his dinner, except for one mouthful and had fun playing with Alfie. This is what he wore to dancing.

Thanks Gemma for looking after Ellis. It was great that he didn't have to miss out, and he had so much fun!

In the evening I went out for a meal with Helen, who I hadn't seen or heard from since I was about 20, so around 12 years ago. As soon as we sat down, we didn't stop talking for about 2 3/4 hours. We caught up on pretty much everything and had a nice time.

I left the restaurant at nearlly 11pm but I had to go to the shops to get a few things. I ended up doing a small food shop and didn't leave the store until gone 11:30pm. I was quite annoyed with myself actually as I had to obviously go home and put it away before I could go to bed. Needless to say it was a late night and I knew I would pay for it.

Kamron is 5!

For Kamron's birthday we met up with a few family members at an interactive science centre. We all had an amazing day. There was so much to see and do for all the kids, and adults, and we all said what a great day it was. It was very tiring but well worth it. I didn't manage to get any good pictures though which is a shame.

Grandad Rennolds couldn't make it, which was sad and strange at the same time. I kept looking for him and realised how much I actually do talk to him when we all meet up. I used to think he just hovered in the back ground but now I realise that he actually plays quite an active roll in watching the kids, pushing buggies, sorting tickets, sorting money and other stuff. I sent him text messages and pictures just to keep him in the loop a bit.

We all had fun but there were things that people liked more than most. One thing that Uncle Craig loved doing was trying to get the rope off the rings puzzle. He spent ages on it and I did some videos of his progress.

Ellis particularly liked the bubbles and a thing where you had to put a straw over a metal bar that was attached to an iPod playing music, bite the straw and put your fingers in your ears. You could then hear the music!

Leo loved the big fan and beach ball exhibit and Oscar...

For lunch we all sat in the picnic area which was great. We all managed to sit together, I think it helped that we were eating quite late, and they had good seating and high chairs.

Here are the other videos and pictures from the day.

We had a few hours of fun before we said our goodbyes.

They boys fell asleep before we even pulled out of the car park.

Ellis and I made some neurons from pipe cleaners and we got Daddy to take a picture of us with them.

Yesterday was a bit of a contrast to today. I spent hours cleaning and sorting out the washing before spending some time with the boys. Oscar napped for ages and I did attempt to give him a bottle this evening which didn't work. Will have to try again soon and maybe during the day.

I asked Sophie what she was up to and she sent me this.

I sent her this.

I did a lot of blogging and paper work this evening. Going to go and watch some TV before bed I think. The whole school run routine starts again tomorrow. At least that is something that won't change for a while, but it will soon be the holidays again! I really don't have long to get everything sorted out eeek!