Top Flumps

The Salute

2012-01-08T22:59:00.000Z

Oscar walked with the walker for the first time and I missed it! I didn't manage to get it on video either but Ellis was the first one to see him do it, then Rob saw too. I'm gutted I missed it but I'm sure I'll see it loads over the next few weeks. Not the same as seeing the first time though.

After lunch we went out to the outdoor ice skating rink which was actually closing the following day so we timed it pretty well ;o) The boys took it in turns going on the ice with Daddy pushing them around on the seal. At the end though Ellis had a go on his own and seemed to enjoy it.

This is all the pictures and videos I got on the day. I must explain Leo's new pose. Recently he was sat on the toilet and he pointed to his bubble bath that he got for Christmas and said, "it goes like this" and did this pose.

This is what the bottle looks like. One of the cutest things he has ever done!

Back to the pictures and videos.

Waiting to go on.

Daddy doing "the" pose.

Waiting his turn.

1st go on his own, didn't last long.

Loving it!

Doing "the" pose.

2nd time, he loved it!

Blurry smile but I think you can see his happiness.

My big boy.

Oscar and I were rather cold and bored though, so about 5 minutes before the end I got them to come off. I'm glad I did as the queue to take skates back etc was huge!

We went in doors to the big shops so that we could have a McDonalds. The boys really wanted a milkshake but Daddy forgot to get them! Ah well, we went back later after looking around a few shops and a toilet break, and grabbed them one each.

Back at home we got warm and snuggle and read The Iron Man to Ellis in bed. He fell asleep with his head resting on my chest. It was so cute!

We made a bit of mistake with the Iron Man thing. We started reading the story to him and he said he was really enjoying it, even pointing out things when I didn't even think he was listening. For example there is a line that says the iron man could be seen in the blue evening sky and Ellis asked what he was doing up in the sky!

Since reading it though he has started having nightmares and no longer goes to the toilet on his own, is afraid of the dark and carries his toy rabbit around with him. We are hoping in time that it will pass.

Sunday we went to the pantomime. It didn't start until 5pm so we dropped Leo and Oscar off with Sophie before going into town. I was pretty sure that thing would run like clock work. Oscar had had a good nap so shouldn't be too crabby, he had plenty of food and Leo just loves it with Sophie so thought he would be okay. I was wrong.

I'll go back to that. So we parked up, Ellis put his new ruck sack on, filled with goodies and we walked to the theatre. We found our seats, we were in Row 2, right on the outside aisle so thought we would have a good chance of getting Ellis picked to go on the stage but unfortunately 2 boys in the front row got picked instead. Maybe next year.

We ate sweets, shook our glow sticks, booed, hissed, clapped and had a lovely time. Ellis has been watching the Cbeebies panto over and over and over again so he was all clued up as to what to do at the right moment. I can't wait until we are all going as a family. I have such fond memories of doing it as a kid with my parents.

During the show Sophie had messaged me to say that Oscar wouldn't eat the food I had given her so did I have any suggestions. I said to give him his puff crisps things, a banana and his fruit and to basically try and fill him up that way. Anyway, he remained hungry and moody so she gave him is evening milk bottle which he finished and was still unhappy, so she decided to take them back home a little bit earlier than planned. Then back at our house she couldn't find the bottles or milk. I hadn't planned on him needing any extra milk etc so it was all put away. Sophie was messaging me asking for help as she had a screaming baby on her hands and I was trying to message her back, in the second row where you can make eye contact with the actors, trying not to be seen so that I didn't get heckled. She eventually got it all sorted but from what I can tell it was very chaotic and pretty stressful. I felt really bad for her but I had planned it all so well too. Bit annoyed too as she will never want to look after them again! ;o)

We got back around 8 o'clock and put Ellis to bed, chatted to Sophie a little bit before she went home to eat dinner with her hubby.

A fun filled weekend.

New Preschool

2012-01-06T22:22:00.000Z

Friday 6th January and Leo started at a new preschool. It is actually the preschool that Ellis went to when he was 2 1/2, so around the same age, and same time of year actually. Leo has been at another preschool though since September so I assumed he would be okay with it all.

I tried to take pictures of him in his new uniform but he wasn't having any of it.

In the end I just did a video.

We walked round to the school and Leo pretty much jogged the whole way. When Ellis went, I took him in the buggy and he very rarely walked as he was just too slow.

I tried to get him to use the loo first but he wouldn't and so we waited in the queue to sign him in. I had to go in though to sign some forms and he tried to run off and play but they start the day with them all sat on the carpet, which he isn't used to. Thankfully Maggie goes to the same preschool so I sat him by her and made a sharp exit. I waited outside to check all was okay, and it was.

Oscar and I spent our day having fun together. I totally forgot how lush it was to just spend time with my youngest baby. We had a really lovely time and I got lots done around the house too.

We went to Sophie's house for lunch which was lovely and calm and then drove to pick Leo up.

I didn't really talk to the teachers too much, but did find out that he had wet himself 3 times and spent most of his time outside on the scooters. I wasn't pleased about the wetting himself as he doesn't do that at the other preschool. The difference being that he has to ask to use the loo and then they have to unlock a door and take him to a toilet outside the main hall. I will tell them to keep prompting him next time.

Other than that, he seemed to have a good time.

Uncle Dave took Ellis to his swimming lesson so that made life easier for me and the younger two.

Christmas & New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-05T23:33:00.000Z

Here I sit on the 5th day of the new year, slightly sleepy, with a numb arm from resting it on the desk too long, thinking about my blog. Again I find myself getting further and further behind and it saddens me. I'm doing my best but there is just so much to be done on a daily basis and there just aren't enough hours in the day. As it happens I've recently been staying up til 1am and more as I'm finding I'm unable to get to sleep.

Sleep. It isn't a friend of mine at the moment. I don't get much of it but I don't feel too bad actually. Since Oscar has been feeling better he has started to sleep through again but Leo still wakes 2, sometimes 3 or more times a night. Could be a bad dream, cold from kicking the covers off, or needs another wee. I think even Ellis is struggling a bit as we have started to read The Iron Man and it has been scaring him but he says he loves the story and can't wait for me to read it.

New year, new layout. Well not really, just pictures and videos with central alignment. If I don't like it I'll switch it back.

Anyway, Christmas was fun. Christmas Eve we spent at home in the end. We were supposed to go to Lucy and Craig's for lunch but they had other plans which they had forgotten about. Rob made paper chains with Ellis and then he cooked cookies with the boys and I helped them to decorate them. They were then put on the Christmas plate by the fire ready for Santa. Here are all the pictures and videos from the day.

I forgot to mention that late afternoon we all went out for a walk so that we could try and tire them out. We went to the park and ran around the fields playing tag, in the mud with our wellies on. It was actually great fun and something we should more often.

Christmas morning, 1am, and Rob and I are still up getting things ready for the boys. I tried so hard to be in bed by 11:30pm at the latest but after a shower, sorting stockings, finishing touches and taking pictures it was late. I say sorting stockings as usually the stocking just shows up at the end of the bed filled up, but this year Ellis wanted to put his empty stocking at the end of the bed, which I now think is a great idea. Oscar had too much for his small stocking that it had to be piled on the floor! Next year he will have a Santa Sack with his name on like the other 2.

The tiring the boys out worked great. Oscar woke for an early feed so he went back to bed and I knew he would sleep a little longer and I heard Ellis stir at 7:40am and came in to see me saying that Santa had been. He was so excited! I went in to their room to get Leo and we all stared at the filled stockings at the end of their beds. Ellis tried to lift his but said it was too heavy ;o) I carried Leo and the stockings into our room and Rob sat up. Oscar woke at the same time so I brought him in too and we did the stockings on the bed.

Leo wasn't too bothered about the stocking and Oscar even less so, so it was slow going and Rob and I wanted a cuppa, so before he rushed off we took our traditional Christmas morning in bed picture. I feel we will need a bigger bed come next year though. (No I'm not pregnant!)

Rob went downstairs to put the lights on, make tea and put the camera on ready. Unfortunately the boys reactions were videoed on the camcorder and I haven't put it on my PC yet. One of many things that remains on my things to do list. Lets just say it was magical for us. Ellis didn't spot the footprints and went straight to the tree to find presents. It was so cute! Leo didn't like it to start with but was soon stamping up and down making Leo prints.

Rob cleared up and the boys just dug in and started unwrapping and pretty much not paying much attention to what they got.

Rob cooked our Christmas lunch again this year and I sorted out the rubbish, put toys away, set the table and tried to get everyone dressed, which almost didn't happen.

The food was delicious but we had to coax the kids into eating some. They just aren't used to having roast dinners, which is sad as when Ellis was little we would often go out for a carvery and he used to love it. Leo has always been quite difficult to eat out with so we stopped going.

We finished up and I started to take some plates out and I was going to get the dessert when I noticed another gift under the plate. What was this? I shouted out to Rob as I thought I knew what it could be as I had been after an iPad for quite a while and there wasn't one under the tree, so I assumed that this must be it. What a lovely surprise. It was a white iPad with a white leather smart case and I love it. Unfortunately I didn't have any time to go on it as Ellis was nagging me for the toffee and pecan roulade that I was supposed to be bringing.

I put it on the table and went back out to get a knife to cut off some slices for everyone. When I got back, Ellis had tried to hack himself a piece off with his spoon. So funny, and he almost succeeded.

We really didn't have long after we had finished to clear up and get things sorted out for our visitors. My Mum, Dad, Sister and her family, Rob's brother, and Rob's Mum and Dad were all due over in an hour. We both just got on with it and we were doing the final bits of clearing up as everyone arrived, pretty much at the same time.

There was lots of chaos, laughing, dancing, chatting, cheering, playing on the Xbox, opening presents, playing with toys and just generally having fun.

Time went on and everyone was staying a bit longer than they first planned, and then my brother Craig phoned up to find out what time Mum would be going home as he was going to her house for the evening and was a bit bored at home so wanted to go now. I told Mum to invite him up to ours, which she did and an hour later he arrived too.

Luckily I had bought quite a bit of food so I put out a spread for everyone to nibble at and they did, and I had no wastage which is really rare. They all agreed to just stay at ours, rather than go back to Mum and Dad's house which I thought was a great idea as everyone seemed to be having a great time.

I put Leo and Oscar to bed not long after their usual time and Ellis stayed up until quite late.

Rob's parents and brother stayed for a while longer but then they left too and Craig, Karen and Charley stayed behind to play some more on the Xbox. I'm so glad they did as I got to have a couple of beers and a bit of chill out time at the end of a very hectic day. I think I can safely say we had a lot of giggles playing the dancing game until nearly 1am!

We went to bed exhausted but happy that it all went so well.

The following morning the boys slept in a little which was brilliant and then it was all go again! We didn't arrive too early at Nanny and Grandad George's house as they wanted a bit of a lie in, which was fine with us too.

The boys had loads of fun opening yet more presents. Ellis was particularly happy with the face painting set and Leo loved his microwave. Oscar was a good boy too. He ate his lunch and even had a sleep in his blue chair which worked out great.

I received a new camera for Christmas which will take better quality videos and pictures and I got to have a little play on it for the first time. Here are the pictures and videos from our visit.

Leo was getting tired so we left so that he could have a sleep, which he did because we drove around until he dropped off. We arrived at my Mum and Dad's then to do it all again!

We did presents and got tons of lovely stuff. I loved my Britney t-shirt, calendar, perfume, bottle of Baileys, NIKE jacket and loads more. Fabulous!

Here are the videos and pictures from that visit.

We were all loaded up ready to go home. We had taken the kids out of some warm beds, woke them up and put them in a cold car, only for the car to stop working! The alternator was broken so we weren't going anywhere! My brother and his family were staying at my Mum and Dad's so there was no room at the Inn and my Dad ended up taking us home in their new car which was nice anyway. Phew, what a day! We unloaded and Rob went to bed but I stayed up to try and sort things out a little bit as it was total chaos. Very late night for me.

I was up at 9am the following morning and got on with sorting the place out. It looked like a bomb had gone off in a toy shop! We spent the whole day in pyjamas just chilling at home, playing on the new Xbox. I do have some videos of Ellis and I playing the dancing game but it isn't a pretty sight so will keep that one private I think.

The next few days really were just spent at home, playing with toys, sorting things out and having fun. I don't think we even got dressed.

I tried Oscar in the big car seat and he does fit but he also still fits the smaller seat so I might as well get the use out of it, seeing as I've only bought it recently.

On Thursday 29th Dec, my brother Mark and his family came over for a visit, to open more presents and to eat more food! We all had a lovely time and the cousins played nicely together. Ellis did some face painting. He put a pink blob on Megan's cheek and tried to make himself into a gorilla. We of course had a go on the new Xbox too. Here the photos and videos from the visit.

In the evening the boys were so much fun and usually I would tell them to calm down and get into bed but it was just nice to see them laughing and making me laugh so much too.

On the Friday I forgot we were having a new wardrobe delivered so that was a nice surprise. I spent quite a while sorting it all out and moving clothes around. Rob took Leo and Ellis to the local soft play which was great for them as they were getting very bored being stuck in.

Another surprise was an invite out with Sophie and a couple of her friends for some food and a few drinks which then ended up with some clubbing and 1am home time. I had good fun, wore my new top, and was driving so didn't wake up feeling bad the next day.

New years Eve we didn't do anything and after the boys were in bed I took down all the Christmas decorations. As the clocks struck 12, Rob was in bed and I was hoovering up tinsel. Nice.

New years day was just as boring.

The following day was a Tuesday and Ellis had an in service day so I had to take all 3 boys with me to Leo's gym class. I took my iPad with me and Ellis sat out playing while Leo had so much fun running around and doing roly polys. I zoomed home to put the boys in bed but after putting them there, I checked my phone only to see an invite from Charlotte to come over, doh! It was too late to get them up so Ellis and I had some lovely one on one time doing reading, writing, spelling and drawing.

I entertained the boys during the afternoon at home and we had a lovely time. I didn't worry about washing and stuff and just gave them my attention.

After the boys were in bed I got organised for going back to school as it had been a while since I had done it.

Rob worked from home the next day which was brilliant as I got to leave the young uns at home to take Ellis to school, then came back and finished getting Leo and Oscar dressed.

I dropped Leo at preschool and then felt very strange as I didn't even have Oscar with me. He was at home sleeping because his naps are all over the place from the Christmas break.

I had a lovely day with Oscar. I gave him so much attention and I had forgotten how much fun it was with my baby as he pretty much gets ignored when the other 2 are around. Rob helped me to try and film him walking with a walker but he wasn't having any of it. He does take a few steps around the sofa so I know it won't be long before he is zooming about the place.

We went to Jolly Babies together then I put him back in bed and went to pick Leo up. Rob was still home.

Everyone was shattered after their first day back, me included, so I put them in bed nice and early.

Thursday was just back to normal. Rob was still working from home which helped loads with the school run but our cleaner Nicki doesn't start back until next week. :o( We went up my Mum and Dad's for dinner where Dad and I both spilt drinks over with the handle of a pan, quite funny but you had to be there really.

I started this entry on the 5th and it has taken me 4 days to do! Hope you like the new sized pictures and layout. If not, let me know. I'm not sure what I think yet, it isn't too big a change, which suits me.

Show Time

2011-12-23T21:58:00.000Z

Wow, been a while since I've done an entry but Christmas and illness has taken over this house. Leo has been ill for about 20 days now and only today has he started to perk up a little bit. He has been sleeping in with us for the last few nights and he does sleep better and has even slept in until gone 8am on some mornings.

We were told he had a virus, high temp, bad cough etc and after seeking medical advice we were told to see an out of hours doctor, which Rob did, and then they gave us some antibiotics for him. They perked him up for a couple of days but that was it, then he was bad again. He really has tried to act well but has spent most of his time flopped on the sofa in front of the television. (As you can see from pictures in the previous entry).

He has had a serious lack of appetite and has hardly eaten for a couple of weeks. He generally looks quite grey/pale and is looking a bit skinny but I did weigh him and he hasn't lost much, if anything. Maybe muscle wastage or something from not doing much, I'm not sure.

Lots of things have been going on as its a seasonal end of term. The boys art wall has been very full this term and I can't wait to see what they do next year. Leo really is starting to enjoy making different pictures and we often sit and talk about them all. My favourite has to be a painting of Santa that Ellis did recently.

The photos came back from school and Leo's preschool and I scanned them on so I could post them here. I don't think I would ever be 100% happy with them. I would love one day to see a professional and get tons taken and to then take my time picking some. I know it would cost a lot but worth it I think.

I've been trying to do as much Christmas shopping as I can but with Leo being ill, it has been hard to fit it all in. Thankfully his preschool has allowed him to go in so I've managed to go with just Oscar to do a few things. I kept forgetting I had his Jolly Babies class in the afternoon though so ended up rushing around everywhere.

We saw the Coca Cola lorry from the Christmas advert on one of our shopping trips and I was allowed to take pictures.

Ellis' school has done a lot of Christmassy things, one of them being the Christmas Fair which is organised by the committee to raise money for extra stuff. I decided now would be a good time to use the boys costumes.

We had a lovely time. My Mum came with me to give me a hand, thank goodness she did as it was heaving and you couldn't use a buggy! We managed to lose Leo for a few seconds in the main hall and he was found crying by a teacher. Bless him, he just wanders off.

The highlight of the afternoon was visiting Santa. Leo and Ellis loved it but I did regret not taking them to the usual Santa was see at a local garden centre. I will definitely try and get there next year.

On the day of the fair (9th December), I caught my littlest monkey doing this...

I'm not sure how long he has been doing that but that is the first time that I caught him red handed. So cute, but it means more trouble ahead.

Putting the video together of Oscar standing up, I found some other videos which I'm not sure if I've posted yet or not. So here they are.

Ellis refusing his nap.

Oscar plays quite happily in his cot for a long time, just like Ellis used to. It's great as we don't have to get up at 6:30am every day.

The only video footage I have of Leo.

To soothe himself to sleep, Oscar rocks his head to and fro and I think it started from having a rocking crib as a baby.

Oscar turned 9 months old on the 10th December and I totally forgot to do his pictures, how annoyed am I! I got one of him and a nice one of the 3 of them together.

Oscar at 9 months.

Leo at 9 months.

Ellis at 9 months.

The boys.

I also did a video diary entry for the 9 month entry to make it a bit easier. I just don't have the time these days!

When Ellis was at preschool he had a key worker who moved to a new preschool to work and Leo has since started there and has the same key worker. She has been working towards some qualifications and we had helped her out with the simplest of things, like pictures that Ellis had drawn. Her family threw her a surprise party to reward her for all her hard work and we were invited. We arrived nice and early and waited until she arrived. We had a really nice time and the boys had tons of fun. Oscar didn't like the party poppers, wouldn't take his milk, so wouldn't sleep, so we had to leave quite early which was a shame.

An order from eBay arrived for Leo. I bought him a wet suit so that when we go swimming, he won't get too cold. He tried it on and looked like a surf dude! He didn't like it to start with.

Oscar tried on something new too. He wore pyjamas for the first time and looked very cute.

Ellis had a Christmas School Play on 12th December and both Rob and I were able to attend, thanks to Sophie for looking after our babies at home. We couldn't arrive too early so missed out on any good seats so pretty much we didn't see anything for the whole show and Ellis didn't even know we were there until the end!

We managed to get a few pictures at the end. Ellis was a camel.

At home, Oscar was showing off his new trick.

Oscar is growing up so quickly. I often forget to pick up the camera to record his growth but here are some pictures and videos of him.

Christmas time means Christmas dos and Rob has been on a few, staying away for all of them too. My Christmas do with my Mummy friends was at a local pub for a meal. Sarah very kindly picked everyone up as she didn't want to drink. Thank you x.

Naomi got the seat in the boot.

There were a few things that didn't go quite right, one of them being that the didn't make my starter, the duck main meal was titchy, they wouldn't give us our free bottle of wine as we didn't print the online voucher, they over charged us, would have put us on a rectangle table even though we had booked a round one and then tried to serve a deep filled apple pie with no actual apple in it!

It was great seeing everyone though as we don't often get together any more. I had bought them all a fancy bath cake and Charlotte bought us all some earrings which was really sweet.

At the end of the meal I text Sophie to see if she was going into town and if by any chance she would mind picking me up on her way through. She did and so I went. I was a little nervous to start with as I haven't been out in town for a very, very long time. Luckily there were a lot of company dos going on so I didn't feel old or over dressed.

I had a wicked time. We had a few drinks in 2 different bars then went to a club and danced to the early hours before getting chips and a taxi home. I got back at 3:40am! (Not sure this video works).

I was really tired the following day but Rob did the early shift and I had to get up to be with my poorly babies.

The day went on and we showed Ellis a video message from Santa that we had created. He loved it! He smiled, waved, watched it 10 times, told Santa that he loved him. It was very sweet. I think you can see it here. (Not sure links will still work).

We did one for Leo too, here, but didn't show it to him in the end.

All of the dancing practice that Ellis has done over the last few months, was finally used in his show. We dressed him in his outfit which I thought looked pretty cool.

Leo also dressed up, putting a cat mask on and crawling around. He looked so cute!

The show was okay. Ellis did really well but overall it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. I was very proud of my boy, especially as he was stood next to a boy who kept hitting him and at one point pushed a little girl off to the side of the stage. Not a nice moment and Rob did have words with the boys Mum. Ended on a bit of sour note really but if Ellis had been doing that to someone else I would have taken him off!

The dressing up continued the next day when we had a visit from Lucy and Ashlee. It was the first day of school holidays so it was nice to have some visitors.

Oscar's eyes got really bad so I went to see the out of hours doctor to get some drops for him. They worked really quickly, thankfully.

Ellis is totally shattered and playing up a lot at the moment. I'm not really sure what the matter is and I have given it lots of thought but maybe I should just relax about it all and just realise that there will be tons of these phases to work through.

Looking after sick children is very hard. It's extra demanding and draining. They don't sleep well and need lots of care and attention. It was really starting to take its toll on me and I was totally shattered and behind with everything! My Mum came over to help me out which was great, but a shame she couldn't stay for a couple of days ;o)

Oscar chipped his tooth! All three of my boys now have chipped teeth! Ellis did his on the sink, Leo fell over in the bath and Oscar did his by grinding his teeth together! Really not nice.

The last few days before Christmas Eve were spent chilling as Leo and Oscar were both ill. We played games and messed around and that's about it. I spent my evening wrapping presents, writing cards, and trying hard to get organised in between tending to the boys every half hour or so. Tough going but I got through it.

Rob was away for 2 nights too so I was on my own trying to do everything. It's been hard this year. I'm not sure if that's because I have 3 babies or because I was unorganised, or because the boys have been ill. Maybe a mixture of it all. I didn't realise how much time Ellis' extra activities and school stuff was going to take up. Need to plan more and work harder I think. I will just have to give up a few more things. Spend less time looking at rubbish on the WWW for one. Cease blogging???

Bah humbug!

2011-12-06T09:12:00.002Z

Didn't have too bad a night last night. Oscar woke at 10:30pm and I tried to settle him but it didn't work. I sent Rob up and he seemed to manage it for the first time. We waited and didn't hear anything more from him until Rob's alarm went off at 6:10am! Leo woke once for a wee at 00:40. I know it's this time because I got back into bed and checked what time it was. I felt like I had been asleep for ages and I didn't believe that that was the time. I even woke Rob up to check that it was indeed only 12:40am! Get in!

The day started so well, but it didn't end so good. We had a chilled out day at home, picked Ellis up and then went straight to Nanny and Grandad Rennolds house for dinner. Leo wouldn't eat, Oscar and Ellis ate loads, as did I, we had fun then loaded them into the car, a bit later than normal as we were watching some videos I had had converted. (More on that later).

Dadio

Cousin Kamron

Me!

Leo nodded off, shortly after saying he was hungry. This could mean that he was indeed hungry or that he was about to be sick. Anyway, he woke up suddenly and started groaning and I just knew what it was. I asked him if he was going to be sick and he said yes. Eeek! There was no where to stop and I wouldn't of had time anyway. 3 large vomits later, 1 of which reached me and my stirring wheel, I finally made it to a garage forecourt. I got him out of his seat and stood him on his blanket, stripped him, wet wiped him down and got him dressed in his spare clothes as quickly as I could. He was freezing and shaking so hard. He tried to tell me he was freezing but he was shaking too hard to speak! I wrapped him up, sat him on the tailgate of the car and tried as best as I could to clean up his car seat. It was a mess. His seat was reclined when he vomited so it landed on him, then ran down the sides and all over the car seat, lush!

I called Mum and Dad just to let them know what had happened, which was probably a cry for help really, but I managed to sort it out, get home, and put all the boys to bed before Mum and Dad did indeed turn up at my front door. We all then went to work, cleaning, clearing, stripping, sorting out washing and disinfecting as much as we could. Thank you so much for you help xxx

No more sick was to be had and the last few days have been very tiring, draining and hard. Leo has suffered and is now on antibiotics after a trip to see the out of hours doctor on the weekend. His temperature hit 40.7 last night so I went out to pick up his drugs for him. He has been a lot better today and hopefully even better in the morning. He doesn't like taking the antibiotics but we have to finish the course. Poor love.

At night he has been getting cold and very sweaty so we have had him in with us. He doesn't fidget too much actually and has been sleeping but I on the other hand, haven't. I keep waking to check his breathing and temperature and to try and get him drinking some fluids. I'm hoping tonight he will stay in his own bed.

Illness has really hit our household since mid October really. It's taking its toll. Leo has been sick on 3 different occasions, Oscar is having coughs and colds and Ellis who is never ill seems to have a constant runny nose and tickly cough. I checked his temperature today and it was up slightly. Fingers crossed it clears everyone by Christmas Day but it hasn't for the last few years.

Looking at the beep machine.

I think Ellis is more ill because of being at school. He has already had one day off because he had a sick bug, which Leo and I then had. He asked tonight to not go tomorrow as he isn't feeling well. I really do need a break though. It's been rather demanding.

Speaking of Ellis, the other day he grabbed my very large pad of sticky notes and used them to make various pieces of "art". Here are pictures of what he made.

Farmer sat in his tractor.

He wrote a book.

Front cover. "Ellis read a hard book"

Map, obviously.

I like Daddy

Oscar has been ace at night for the last 3 nights now, which has been quite handy as I've been up with Leo. He slept through the first 2 nights then went to 4:50am on the 3rd night. And would you believe it but he has finally taken a bottle. The first 3 bottles had breast milk in which I managed to express because he had slept through, and then the next 2 bottles have been formula. He only takes about 5/6fl oz though which isn't that much. Fingers crossed he goes through again tonight. PLEASE!

Oscar is increasing his mobility by the hour it would seem. Today he managed to climb out of the play room. It's basically quite a large step up from the conservatory into the living room and up until now I could leave him safe in there while I took Leo to the toilet etc. But today we were upstairs and Leo said "what's that noise Mummy?". It totally freaked me out as I didn't know for a second, but there he was sat at the bottom of the stairs grinning up at us. Cutie pie.

I spent some time today with Oscar just chilling out, watching him crawl, climb and pull himself up. Now I'm in trouble!

I've 99% finished my Christmas shopping! Hurrah! I have one bit to get for my Dad and that's it. I then have to wrap it all! Tons of it. Plus the Christmas cards are going to take me hours. Wish I could just have a few elves to do it for me.

Ellis stocking gifts.

The boys stuff.

Oscar stocking stuff.

Leo stocking gifts.

Oscar under the tree gifts.

Leo under the tree gifts.

Ellis under the tree gifts.

The boys were very excited to open their advent calendars this year, although I've been saving Leo's chocolates as he isn't interested in food at the moment. Ellis keeps asking to open the next one!

Letter to Santa.

We put the tree up at the weekend. I used to love doing it. We would put music on, sing, dance, mess around, get excited and enjoy the moment. Now we moan and fuss about the music, I get mad at the tree for scratching me when I'm opening the branches, Rob gets arsey with me when we put the lights on and I never think they look good enough so he walks off and leaves me to it, the kids get bored and it just generally takes hours and isn't fun. Bah humbug!

That afternoon I decided we all needed to go out, so we wrapped up warm and went for a lovely walk where we ended up in the park. It was pitch black and I've made the pictures as bright as I could. We let the boys have a quick go in the park before going home.

I went out Friday night to a ladies night thing. Kate picked me up and I eventually decided what to wear and we got there on time. They had loads of stalls selling different things, someone doing henna tattoos, someone did waxing, someone else sold sweets and reserves, someone else sold trinkets etc etc. There was wine too, which I fully enjoyed and had a right laugh with my sister. Thanks for coming with me x

Recently I found some Hi8 tapes from our old camcorder and I sent them off to be converted to DVD. I've spent a bit of time watching them and they are great! It's been brilliant looking back at our honeymoon (cringe!), houses we used to live in, my Dad's 50th birthday party (embarrassing!) and the day we got engaged. We seemed so young and fresh back then, compared to the stresses and strains we have today. Not that we aren't happy, but just have a lot more responsibility then back then. More grown up I suppose. I would try and put them on here but I'm having trouble working it all out, and Rob is too bogged down with work to help me right now.

Here are some other pictures and videos from the last few days.

I've slowly been selling my baby things. I'm really sad about it but then if we were to have another baba I could get it all again. I wouldn't need as much anyway and second hand stuff is easy to come by. Plus most of the things I'm selling are well loved as they have been used by 3 babies now so could of done with replacing anyway. :o)

Think pink would suit Rob!?

It's taken me a while to write this entry and there was so much more I wanted to write about but I think that will do.

Leo 2 1/2!

2011-11-28T19:52:00.015Z

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

2011-11-22T21:38:00.000Z

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

2011-11-21T21:11:00.000Z

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!

2011-11-19T23:06:00.000Z

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!

Children In Need

2011-11-18T23:05:00.000Z

It's been pretty busy around here and I can't see it getting any better until after Christmas. There is just so much stuff to fit in in the next few weeks. I just can't switch my head off and I'm struggling to go to sleep at night. The kids are being a nightmare during the night too so that doesn't help. I was up a lot last night with Oscar for some reason.

Wednesday was a chaotic day and I did too much really. I went in to get the older boys, early, only to find Leo in Ellis' bed! Leo is still in a cot so was wondering how on Earth he got out. Ellis explained what he had done to lift him out. Oh dear! That could have ended quite badly. I warned him not to do it again, and he hasn't since.

I started my Christmas shopping this week doing lots of it online but I also need to get to the shops. I went on Monday with Leo and Oscar then I went again after dropping Leo off at preschool. I went to Ikea first and Oscar sat in the trolley as I zoomed about all over the place. It was really quiet and I managed to have a good look around and pick up a few things.

I gave Oscar a milk feed in the cafe, did some more Ikea shopping, paid and then got in the car to drive to some other shops to do yet more shopping! I changed his nappy in Mothercare first then snuggled him up in the buggy so he could have a snooze.

I really wasn't watching the time too much as I didn't think I had anything on and only had to pick Leo up at 2:30pm. I was wrong. I got home and then realised that I couldn't sit and have a cuppa, I had to ram some food into Oscar and myself then get back out to his Jolly Babies class!

I rushed like a mad women but we made it. He had a fab time and seems to really enjoy it, compared with Leo who just wasn't bothered. Oscar took part in a crawling race which was really cute and he also waved for the first time! So sweet.

On my trip to Ikea, I bought some storage boxes that I was going to use for toys but ended up sorting out the cupboard under the stairs. I love getting organised.

Oscar is also now crawling properly and was doing it loads at my Mum's on Thursday. I tried so hard to get it on video, but literally every time I pressed the record button, his tummy would hit the deck and he would start commando crawling again. Not impressed. He doesn't do it so much at home because we have wooden floors and it is too slippery.

I caught this on video though, of Ellis making Oscar laugh. I love capturing these moments. Will be great to look back on one day.

It was Children In Need this Friday so it was dress down day at school. Ellis wore a Pudsey Bear pyjama top and some little ears that looked so cute! On seeing everyone else's costumes though I think I will try and make more of an effort next year.

We managed to meet Pudsey eventually. The boys were not sure to start with, but we caught up with him a little while later and they gave him a high 5 instead of a cuddle.

We had to rush off after for Ellis' swimming lesson. He had had a hot dinner at school for the first time so I was able to take a packed lunch for him and Leo which I knew would make things so much easier, and it did.

As I drove home after the lesson I felt a lot less stressed than I had before and that the whole experience was so much better. Leo sat in the buggy watching and eating his dinner, I fed Oscar his fruit first, and Ellis swam. Then we sat in the cafe after and Ellis ate his food and I fed Oscar some hot food which I was able to heat up in the cafe as they have a microwave for you to use. Leo was moaning a little but nothing like how it used to be.

So I have finally worked it out, only for it all to change again as his lessons are moving to a Wednesday instead now! That happens a lot. You think you have just sorted something out and got a good routine going, only for it be totally ruined and changed again. It is an ongoing thing and life is always changing, a lot, around here. It's quite hard to keep up with it all at times and my diary is just filled with things to remember and have lists about lists!

Oscar trying on the Pudsey ears at bath time.

This week Ellis came home from school with 2 reading books that actually have words in them! So far he has had books with just pictures for us to try and work out what we think might be happening. He didn't get on with that very well and is very happy to be reading words. He is doing so well with it all and I'm enjoying doing it all with him.

Many Firsts!

2011-11-15T21:46:00.000Z

One of the 2 parties on the weekend was cancelled so I had a bit more time to sort things out after I had my lie in. Rob went back to bed for an hour too.

I have no idea!

An interview with the boys at breakfast.

Oscar was in bed napping when it was time for the party so Rob took Ellis to the party instead. I got a phone call at the time the party should have started with Rob saying that the party had finished! I checked the invite for the time but then realised that I had sent him to the wrong place! He wasn't impressed for obvious reasons. They finally made it to the right place but missed most of it. Bit sad but it was an easy mistake to make.

I gave Oscar an early lunch as he had had a late nap and then decided he didn't want a milk feed.

I took the other 2 to Sainsbury's and Oscar sat in the trolley with Leo for the first time. It worked out quite well but Leo did get fed up with him come the end.

Oscar started clapping. I guessed he was clapping anyway, and then when we cheered he started clapping again. He was also clapping on demand too. It is so cute and I'm sure he is doing it sooner than the other 2 did. I love it! I managed to get it on video at bath time.

Rob was out all day Sunday being a tour guide for a work colleague who was over from the States. I thought about going with him but then decided against it.

It took me a while but I finally got all 3 out for a trip to the park, which they loved and Oscar got to have his first go in a swing on his own. He wasn't that fazed by it.

Sophie was at the park with her 2, too, so she sent me a picture of Ted having a fun time.

I had a lovely day on Monday. I went to the big shops first thing and started my Christmas shopping and then Lucy came over and we had a really good natter. She also helped me to clear up a really bad, up the back poo, nappy. I ended up bathing Oscar to clean him properly and I let him play for a while so that he could move around, splash and play with toys without them being snatched away from him. He loved it!

I took Leo to Sainsbury's after dropping Ellis off at his dancing lesson and we were zooming around shopping, when he fell over and slid across the floor. He firstly said ow!, but then realised that the sliding was actually quite fun. From that point on, he ran as fast as he could, then hit the floor and slid along on his belly. It was hilarious to start with but after 10 times I thought that was enough.

I know this is a bit random but I got Ellis to wear a baby hat that he wore when he was little so that I could post a comparison picture. So here it is.

Nearly 6 months old.

4 years 3 months old.

Ellis came home from school with yet more words to learn. He has words now that can't be sounded out so he just has to learn them. He has see, play, like, said, all, come and my. He is doing so well.

He had his first school trip today to Westonbirt Arboretum. I was so excited for him. He was snuggled up in thick clothes and had a lunch for him. When we got to the school I noticed everyone had backpacks! Ellis didn't! I ran home to see if I could find one but I just don't have any really suitable. I ended up giving him my bag from travelling, which actually worked out okay.

He had too much drink in the bag though and it was majorly heavy for him. So much so that when he entered the class room he said in a strained voice "Mrs Kirby I'm so heavy today!". Cute.

I really wanted to watch him get on the bus but I had to go to Leo's gym class so I gave the camera to a friend who took some pictures and a little video. Unfortunately he sat on the inside, upstairs on the bus so she couldn't see him. He later scolded me for not being there to see him off. I felt really bad but it was Leo's class, that was already paid for.

Leo was terrible in the class though. He just ran around, jumping on and off the apparatus at the wrong places and not really taking part properly. I had Oscar strapped to me so it was a bit difficult to control Leo as every time I managed to get hold of him, he just flopped to the floor and I was unable to do anything. Rachel the helper, tried to help, but it was impossible. I don't know why he was like that.

I met with some Mummy friends for lunch at a local pub and Leo's behavior didn't really change so it was quite hard work. I took him to the loo on 4 occasions, and Oscar did another up the back poo so I had to sort him out too. I didn't get to chat much, just tidy and clean up and tell Leo to behave. Hopefully we will meet on a Wednesday next time so that I just have Oscar who was actually as good as gold.

At home, Leo napped and I recovered.

I watched the bus pull up outside the school from my bedroom window and I tried to see Ellis but the sun was really strong. I did see him and a teacher pointed me out to him and we waved and gave the thumbs up. I later found out that he had fallen asleep on the bus on the way home, and Thomas who he was sat with, had done too. They took a picture of him and I so hope I can get a copy of it.

We were all rather happy at home in the evening. Oscar has found a new thing that he loves, Ellis was practicing his spelling, Leo was singing Apple Bottom Jeans and everyone was having fun. Happy days.

I've done some major Christmas shopping for the boys tonight and apart from a few other things, I'm done. I've gone way over the top though. Ah well, they are worth it.

Oscar 8 Months Old

2011-11-11T22:19:00.000Z

Oscar is 8 months old! When did that happen? He will be walking soon! He is on hyper speed with his crawling, commando style and I must get a video of it before he works out being on his hands and knees, which he can do for a few paces but then head dives towards the floor.

Weaning isn't going well at the moment as he is a bit off colour and isn't eating. He is having milk feeds but that's it for now. I won't rush him to go back to food and I'm sure we will be back on track soon.

He has 6 teeth, 2 at the bottom, 4 on top and I think he must have another on the way.

He is sleeping quite well in his new room and to be honest I'm not finding the night feeds too bad anyway. I have a comfy chair, I just feed, wind for a bit then put him back down. He has done just over 12 hours, once but that was a one off for now.

He is now in 4+ nappies and I don't think it will be long before he is in size 5. His clothes are 6-9 months but they are all rather tight/short so I will be moving him up to 9-12 months, probably tomorrow.

He chats a lot, says mum mum mum the most and blows raspberries. He also screams really loud and gets rather angry. It isn't pleasant but he makes up for it with tons of smiles and coos.

I'm still not sure what colour hair he will end up with. It is growing so slowly! I think strawberry blonde for now but I thought that about Leo too, and look how he turned out.

Here are the 8 month pictures of the boys.

Ellis.

Leo.

Oscar.

My boys.

We had a lovely time up Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' this week. The boys ate well, Ellis even trying pie for the first time, and he ate his peas without even complaining! Bath time is always good fun and they played games, read stories, played on the Wii, iPads, ran around and just generally had fun.

My sister was there, sat in the dark with goggles on as she had had her eyes lasered that day. This was the second time she had to have it done, and I felt so sorry for her as I know what a horrid experience it is. The end result is obviously worth it but not a nice thing to go through.

Today has been a good day. Rob ran Ellis over to school, which meant me and the younger boys didn't even have to get dressed, which is ace. Then I played and spent time with Leo which is always lush, and then we had friends over, including a brand new baby, Lucy. She was so cute and kept giving me huge smiles! Loved it but I didn't feel broody at all, which in a way is a good thing. Lucy is totally gorgeous, and a little girly, but I know that I'm over that newborn baby thing at the moment. I'm sure that will change.

As for me, I really need to diet. The milk feeds are reducing, as are my boobs! I feel so unhealthy too. I really need to get fit, which will help with the self esteem and energy levels. It's just finding the energy and enthusiasm to do it. I want to blog. If I was up-to-date with that then I think I could concentrate on other things.

Ellis is doing so well at school. He seems to really enjoy learning his phonics and writing etc. Today he came home with yet another set of words for his humpty wall. I think they want to keep him busy. His drawing is improving too. He drew a person with a big smile and wrote Daddy by it. So cute. He also brought home a little certificate today for having very good table manners. So proud of him. Can't believe I have to wait until March to see his learning diary and talk to the teachers again. I know I could ask them at any time but as long as there aren't any problems it's probably just best left for now.

It's getting late again. Gone 11pm and I'm still typing. I just love it though. Have 2 parties to attend tomorrow so I better get some sleep.

Baby Bump

2011-11-09T22:15:00.000Z

The rest of the weekend was boring! We didn't do anything. We literally spent hours in the living room. I wish we had gone out for a walk or something but it just didn't happen.

Monday morning and the rush for getting ready to do the school run recommences. Most mornings I'm quite organised but every morning is different, as Oscar wakes at different times. This morning he was in bed with me and stirred as I got out of bed. I tucked the duvet around and under him thinking that if he rolled, the duvet would get tight on him so he wouldn't slip out. Wrong! I took the older 2 downstairs, and was going back for Oscar when I heard the thud, followed very quickly but a screaming baby, my baby. I didn't cry for long and seemed okay but you can never really tell with babies. I hadn't seen how he had fell so I didn't know what bit might be hurt. I kept a close eye on him during the morning but he was soon moving around the living room.

In the 4 and a bit years that I have had babies, I've never dropped one or had them fall off the bed, so I was pretty upset about it all too. I couldn't believe that I was stupid enough to think that he would lie still until I got back upstairs. Very stupid of me and I was lucky that he seemed to be okay.

He was okay from the fall, but he is still coughing, chesty, snotty, bit warm at times and also a bit sicky today. When I went to get him this morning there was sick in his bed and then today he has been quite sicky and hasn't wanted any food. He had a big milk feed at around 11am but that's is it pretty much.

Last night (8/9th Nov) Oscar slept for 12 hours! That is the first time ever! Wouldn't it be great if that continued. Then all I would have to sort out is Leo waking up. Ellis is actually really good, although he is awake at 6, he still goes to bed and sleeps well.

Things have been quite busy this week already. I took Leo and Oscar swimming on Monday with Naomi and Harry. I'm going to make it a weekly thing as Leo, who used to be a water baby, is now scared of the pool! Not impressed by that. He just hung off my back the whole time and Oscar was clinging on for dear life. I hope to improve their confidence by Christmas. Oscar still has this chesty cough though so was bit worried, as when we got out it was freezing! Leo was shaking quite vigorously and he even said "mummy I'm freezing!". I wrapped him up in 2 towels but it wasn't until after his nap, fully clothed, with 2 blankets, that his lips were no longer blue! He just gets so cold, so quickly and although you can warm him up on the outside, he is still so cold on the inside. I need to buy a wet suit for him to go swimming in so he can stay warmer. I will take a ring for Oscar next time too so that I can play with Leo more. I enjoyed it though and changing wasn't too hard either.

Ellis is dancing twice a week. It really is at a bad time too. Monday it's 5-5:45 and then Wednesday it's 4:30-5:30pm. That's a lot of a 4 year old, who is also full time at school and has a swimming lesson on a Friday! It's also a lot for the rest of us. Trying to fit in naps, feeding and doing a bit of shopping is hard work and can be quite stressful at times. Rob has picked Ellis up a couple of times now which has been a huge help as I can come home and feed Leo and Oscar, which is so much easier.

Leo had preschool today and although he had a shaky start in the car on the way there, he had a really good day. I think he wet himself though which is sad as he is doing so well, but it's bound to happen from time to time. He doesn't nap when he is there so is so tired when I pick him up. I managed to keep him awake this afternoon though and I put him in his bed while I got Ellis ready for bed, and before I could read him a story, he was sound asleep.

I'm ready for bed now too. Be back soon.

Fireworks!

2011-11-05T22:44:00.004Z

I'm liking this new way of doing the blog. I'm not stressing about it and I quite happily leave it a few days then come and just write about stuff I remember. If I have pictures and videos that I haven't written about, that doesn't matter, I'll just put them on anyway.

Ellis went back to school this week and I managed to grab his teacher after a couple of days to find out how he was doing. She said he was doing really well and is obviously trying very hard. She did say that he is quite bright and will need a lot of stimulation at school to stop him from becoming bored. Tell me something I don't know! So he came home this week with TWO new sets of words for his Humpty wall. I'm not sure if I've explained that before or not but basically it is a laminated piece of card with bits of Velcro on it for sticking different words on to make sentences. He has 3 sets of words now and can read all of them, including I, a, get, look, up, on, cat, dog, mum, dad, can, to, just to name a few. I'm really quite amazed.

Ellis wrote Mum, for the first time at school and he brought it home saying it says I love you Mummy. How cute is that!? I am so cuffed, and I'm going to keep it forever!

Leo is also doing amazing and is really enjoying joining in with learning. He can do the letter name and most phonic sounds for the letters that Ellis has learnt. Leo is getting better with colours and knows loads of shapes, even octagons. He loves numbers, doing puzzles and singing the alphabet song. Preschool certainly tires him out.

Oscar has started trying to crawl properly this week and I tried hard to get it on video but every time I turned it on, he stopped! We were at Mum's on Thursday as usual, and I think the fact that she has carpet, helps him to crawl properly. Leo started crawling properly at Nanny's.

Oscar went to his first ever group this week. I took him to Jolly Babies with Debs. He loved it, and I can't wait to take him next week. He needs to get used to it a bit as he doesn't normally just sit on my lap waiting his turn to roll a ball etc, so that will all come with time. I've also booked him in to start sing and sign, starting on 9th January. I hope he likes that too.

The only thing bad about doing the blog this way is that I may forget to mention some things, and I may also repeat myself a lot! Ah well, I probably also repeat myself a lot too.

I went over to Saskia's house on Wednesday evening for a take away meal. Viven was supposed to come too but she phoned to say something big had come up so wouldn't be making it. We later found out that she had got married! As good excuse as any I suppose ;o)

After Ellis' swimming lesson of Friday we walked to a near by firework display. It had been raining heavily most of the day and the field was just mud! We had taken the buggy as I knew that Leo walking that far was not a good idea, and plus carrying Oscar in the sling hurts after a while as he is quite a chunk.

We had a lovely time. Rob had some chips, the boys shared jelly beans with Aiden as Saskia, Rory and Keira were there too, and we watched some really good fireworks. Oscar didn't seem to mind them at all, but Leo was a little worried and even wet himself twice! He wasn't crying though or making too much fuss which was good.

Ellis had had a long day and after all the walking, was very very tired.

I had a terrible night last night. I was up 8 times! Leo woke, and Oscar wasn't happy so I was literally bouncing off the walls at one point. I've been feeling rather rough all day.

Ellis was asleep this morning when Leo woke up and I tried so hard to quickly grab him without disturbing Ellis but I didn't manage it unfortunately and poor Ellis wobbled out of his bed room, half asleep. He was to remain tired all day too, and quite moody.

Rob woke feeling ill again, which is actually the fourth weekend in a row now that he has been ill for one reason or another, and so at one point during the day took himself off to bed without even a word. He actually went into Ellis' bed as well for some reason. I thought he was doing work or something, but nope, he was having a nap.

Once up, he took the boys out for an hour, I did some chores and cooked dinner in time for when they got home.

Oscar ate really well tonight. He had a whole rusk with not much left over, some vegetables and 2 yogurts.

I forgot to mention that for the past 2 days, I've spent a serious amount of time in the kitchen, cooking! Get me! I've been making some meals for Oscar. I've actually quite enjoyed it but I have no idea how people cook proper meals for a big family of little ones. I don't know how to entertain 3 young children, and make sure they are safe, while trying to sort out food, cook it and dish it up! I am trying though and was very pleased with my results, as was Oscar who scoffed the beef and sweet potato dish.

Tonight Nanny and Grandad George, and Uncle Dave came over so that we could have a few fireworks on bonfire night. Uncle Dave did all the work in the garden and we just watched from the play room. Leo wasn't too sure again but he did watch.

Oscar was really ready for bed, so I bathed the boys and put Oscar down and then we watched some more fireworks from the window of the boys room, which worked quite well as we got to see the rockets going up.

The boys had story time with their grandparents and uncle and they went to bed. It didn't take them too long to go off.

I'm having a lie in tomorrow, and I can't wait.

Blogger has completely changed the way in which you add pictures and videos and you wouldn't believe how long it has taken me to do this entry! Hopefully I will get quicker at it, and soon as yet again I find I'm falling behind. Arse!