The Girls

Lucy and Ashlee made it this morning which was great. We sat around chatting for ages and Ellis even woke from his nap a bit early to see them too. They left at lunchtime.

Ellis fed himself really well today. I chopped up a lasagne and he polished it off. Next was the yogurt.





Contrary to the mess he did actually manage to get quite a bit in his mouth.

We then had lots of play time before we went around to Sharon and Sophie's house for Mummy afternoon.

Ellis enjoyed spending time with "his girls" and at one point had Anna pinned in the corner! It was quite funny.





Dollop had a huge kicking session while we were there and I was able to see it as well as feel it. Both Sharon and Sally were able to have a feel too. It's well cool and I love how excited they are about it.

The evening was routine and Ellis was in bed just before 7 for a change. I cleared the house up, had a shower and did some blogging.

Going to get Ellis weighed tomorrow as he is 18 months old soon.

Let It Snow!

What a lovely day! It snowed quite a lot and Ellis and I really enjoyed watching it from the window.

The first bit of snow fell while he was in bed so I captured it on video.





Later on it was snowing quite heavily and we spent some time by the back door.



We braved the cold weather in the afternoon and went down to the shops to get some fruit. I was going to walk but was worried about falling over. In my current state, I didn't think that would be wise.

We still managed to use Ellis' new buggy for the first time. It was quite fiddly so I am glad that I am starting to use it now. It will be good to get used to it before I have to get 2 kiddies in and out of it. Ellis was happy in the new buggy and was rather cosy in the sleeping bag.



For dinner Ellis had a plate of different bits of food. I love doing that for him as he gets a selection and it looks quite interesting on the plate. He ate the lot! He has been off his food recently so it was really good to see. He even ate his sandwiches with no fuss, I couldn't believe it.

On the plate was cheese, ham sandwiches, cheese puffs, carrot sticks, raisins, blackberries and raspberries.



Rob was stuck getting home due to the snow so he didn't get to see Ellis and I didn't get to go to yoga, which was probably a good thing anyway, the yoga part that is.

Lucy is supposed to be coming over for a visit in the morning but due to the weather it might not happen, understandably.

I'm planning on walking to Mummy afternoon tomorrow which is at Sharon and Sophie's house. Should be fun!

Bobbing Along

Yesterday we got to see part of the gang again for Music with Mummy. Nanny came with us which was nice and after we went for our usual tea, cake and chat. The kids were all very well behaved and Ellis seemed to really enjoy the group this week. He wanted to participate and hardly sucked his thumb.



Iestyn

Anna

Tried to have a nice lazy day today but it didn't quite work out that way. Rob woke me up quite early and then I couldn't go back to sleep. Ellis woke at just before 7 so it was quite an early start.

The morning was spent just messing around as always. Reading books, drawing, playing with cars, remote controls, oh and a new trick of climbing and jumping on the sofa.



After a busy morning, Ellis gave me a sign that he wanted to go to bed.



I put him up for his nap and then climbed back into bed, hoping to get 2 hours rest. I had about 30 minutes and we were up again. I couldn't believe it!

Ellis thinks the camera is now called cheese. Everytime he sees it, he points, says cheese then does a big smile or clanks his teeth together. So cute.



After lunch we spent quite a long time getting ready to go swimming. Nanny and Chloe showed up nice and early and we all left for the pool.

We love it at the new place. It is so warm and Ellis is able to reach the bottom so he can walk around quite happily on his own rather than holding on to me. This week though, he had on some new arm bands for age 2 years plus, and they actually held him up! He walked slowly into the deep end and before I realised it, his feet were up and he was just floating around rather happily. I was so pleased, and in the coming weeks he should really improve. This will help me loads for when Dollop is here. He even, at one point pushed off from the steps to grab a toy in the water, and just floated towards it. It brought a tear to my eye.

We stayed in for a nice long time and Chloe had loads of fun getting in and out of the very small pool with lots of watering cans, floats and rubber animals. I tend to stay in until my fingers look like dried prunes.

We stopped in the cafe for a cuppa and the kids had a snack too.



It was then back to Nanny's house for tea. We arrived after a long diversion to the petrol station and Chloe and Ellis had loads of fun playing.





We had a really nice dinner and then after clearing up, it was time to say goodbye and go home for bath time.

Quite a hectic day in the end but very enjoyable. Hopefully tomorrow I will get the 2 hours rest in the morning and then we have Twinkling Stars in the afternoon. Might see if we can fit something else in too.

Anna!

So sorry for the lack of posts but life is rather mundane at the moment so haven't had anything new to post about, until today.

Ellis spends his time in the morning, reading and playing. His favourite position for reading is on the sofa with me usually.







He then has a nap around 10am for about 2 hours and then we have lunch. Afternoons are rather busy these days due to Ellis changing his napping routine so we pretty much do something every day.

Ellis' hair is getting rather long again and I have no idea what to do with it! I like it short but then it sticks up and when it's long it just looks messy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Today we did drawing for the first time. We got the paper, pencils and crayons out, sat up to the table and did drawing for over half an hour. I think I was having more fun than Ellis and he seemed to just love green and brown.



Anna and Sally came over this afternoon and it was great. The kids really love each other, Ellis is a bit too full on sometimes but they get on really well. I think Anna is really good at tolerating him and he just finds her fascinating. He follows her around the room and tries hard to copy her. At one point though I told Ellis to jump and then Anna started and then everyone was jumping including Sally and I! It was really good fun and it was sad when they had to go home. Ellis waved from the door as they walked up the road and once they were gone, he spent the next 20 minutes just pointing at the door saying "Anna".

Ellis was really tired so I gave him a bit of dinner and put him in the bath early.

Another busy day again tomorrow.

Will try and do more blogging, just need to remember to get my camera out more often.

Devil to Angel

Went shopping this week to get some stuff for Dollop. It was a reasonably successful trip and I managed to get a few things.

We went into Ikea for some storage boxes and we decided to stop for something to eat and drink. The best idea ever. Ellis had a little play while I ate cake and drank hot chocolate.



Wednesday morning, Ellis woke from his nap with the best hair style I have ever seen! I made him wait in his cot while I ran to get the camera. You can also see that he slept with his hand on his face, such a cutie.













I tried to wet it down flat but it didn't work.

In the afternoon, Ellis was a nightmare to say the least. I was having problems with my pelvis so I wasn't that capable of running after him so at Music with Mummy he kept getting away from me. Thankfully I had support from Sally and Naomi who did the running for me. Thanks guys.

I then had a rough time in Sainsbury's, as yet again I bought too much stuff to actually get home! Ellis was playing up in the buggy and as I tried to put his jacket on, the buggy fell over. I was in pain, holding a wriggling crying toddler and I swear I had just heard the jar of pickle smash. I think I could have just cried there and then, but a nice man came to help and held the buggy up while I sorted it all out.

The walk home was even worse! The buggy was so heavy, it was cold, raining and windy and I couldn't put my coat on as the buggy would fall over again. I was stressed out to say the least. Ellis was still moaning and my pelvis was struggling with the slight hill climb. What a mess to get in.

Ellis then spent the next few hours screaming at me. I didn't really know what to do as I needed to get his dinner ready etc but I just couldn't take the noise! I was thinking about putting my i-pod on at one stage. What on earth is he going to be like when Dollop is here?

Rob arrived home to a messy living room, and a very stressed out mother, but the kitchen was clean. I took off for line dancing as I really needed to unwind a bit.

I was dreading Thursday but as it happens, it turned out to be one of the best days ever! Ellis was just so well behaved all day, it was like a very different boy.

We both had a nap in the morning and then after lunch we went swimming. We took our time and just really enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to going next week now.



The good behaviour continued when we got home and I was able to potter about for a bit before sitting with him and reading and playing games.

Ellis can now open the living room door and although it took him less than 10 seconds to get up the stairs to his rabbit in the cot, he hasn't actually tried to get out all that much.

It was a huge pleasure to spend the day with him today and I only hope tomorrow is the same.

17 Months Old

As promised, here are the pictures taken just after Ellis turned 17 months old. He is really growing up and turning into a lovely cheeky chappy.





















His new skill at the moment is climbing. He can now get up on the sofa on his own and the pouffe which is in front of the telly. I love to see him exploring but I think Rob finds it a bit nerve-wracking.

After Music with Mummy on Wednesday we went to Costa Coffee for tea and cakes. It is a really nice place and I can't wait to go there again. The atmosphere is nice, it's warm and they do huge mugs of tea and great muffins.

Ellis and his chums, Anna and Iestyn, seemed to like it too.



We went through a car wash for the first time yesterday and Ellis didn't seem to mind it, even though it was very, very loud.



After the car wash we popped in to see Wayne, Nic and Ella which was really nice as we haven't seen them for ages. It is amazing how quickly Ella is growing up into a little girl. Her hair is nearly long enough for a clip now!



Ellis had fun meeting Jasper, Wayne and Nic's dog, and I enjoyed watching Rob run around the living room, trying to stop Ellis from touching anything.



Pregnancy second time around has been a lot harder. Having to look after a toddler and cope with the physical aspects of growing another human has been tough. I could do with the next few months off, living in a spa. Obviously at times, this has got me down a bit so Rob came up with the idea of a family day out somewhere.

We wanted to buy a new Christmas tree in the winter sales so we started off going to Cadbury Garden Centre to have a look around. Of course we looked at all the animals first and I think the parrots were Ellis' favourite, the rabbits were mine and the ferret was Rob's.

We didn't find a tree but I found a lovely wreath for the front door which was priced at £52.46. We knew there would be a discount applied but we didn't realise it would end up only costing us £15.70! I was so very happy about that, and I love it!



We had lunch in the cafe which wasn't an easy task, trying to carry trays, push a buggy and carry a wreath. We managed it though and we all tucked in to our grub.



After food, Ellis had a lovely time playing in the small park. He went on the slide about 100 times and loved it every time. We should have got some video but Rob was day dreaming and I was helping Ellis up the stairs. I just didn't think of it, which is silly.

We then went to Brean beach. It was very wet and windy so I didn't really see the point in getting out for 10 seconds, only to get back in getting the car filthy. So instead we let Ellis sit in the front and we drove up the beach to look at some kite boarding. I think Ellis really enjoyed it and I can't wait to take him again when the weather is warmer.



We need to try and go swimming at some point this week as we haven't been for 2 weeks. I will have to see if I fit into my swimming costume first though as bump is starting to get rather large all of a sudden.

21 weeks

Mummy afternoon is at Charlotte and Faith's tomorrow which will be nice as we haven't seen them in a while.

New Year

It has been a while since I last did a proper blog entry. I have been thinking about how to continue it. I enjoy doing the blog but I am finding it harder and harder to keep up with writing about each and every day. When Dollop arrives in May/June it is going to be even harder. I think I will just write about things that have happened over a period of time rather than document every day. I'm still not sure.

I also thought I might just write it from my point of view sometimes and not just from Ellis. Please leave comments to let me know what you think I should/could do.

Anyway, New Years Eve was very quiet. Ellis was in bed at his normal time and then Rob and I played Trivial Pursuit, watched telly, kissed at midnight, then went to bed. Gone are the days of stumbling around town in the freezing cold.

Ellis has been receiving yet more teeth recently and this has caused him to wake up in the night and to have red cheeks and lots and lots of dribble. He has also worked out how to smile for the camera, saying "cheese" at the same time. Very cute.



He has also tried a bit of photography on his own. The first attempt was with my help but then he did one on his own. I'm so proud of him, I hope he enjoys it as much as me one day.





Most children seem to be fascinated by gadgets that they aren't really allowed to have for a few more years yet, and Ellis is no different. I allowed him a bit of playtime with Rob's phone which he loves but does end up dialling 999, even though the keypad is locked!





New years day we ventured down to the park again. I think we were crazy as it was very, very cold. Ellis seemed to have a good time though.



Back at home, to warm up, Ellis and I played on our horses. He is such good fun to play with, and it is nice to not be laughed at for being my usual silly self.



I recently had a physiotherapy appointment and my sister came with me which was great. Some of the advice I was given, was not to do any vaccuming or food shopping on my own. This was the best news! Rob was very good about it and after I had polished and tidied the house, he started his new job, without complaints.



Ellis is still doing really well with his eating and feeding himself. He is also dropping less food on the floor although likes to empty his water cup on the tray and splash everything in sight. He has good fun but I'm the one who has to clear it up.

He isn't that keen on jelly. I think it might be the texture.



Rob has now gone back to work and we are starting to get back to normal. Well trying to anyway. Ellis seems to be amending his napping pattern. He now only sleeps once a day for about 2 hours. The best time I have found is in the morning as by lunch he is shattered and sometimes falls asleep in his highchair. I think I may move swimming morning to Thursday afternoon, to accommodate the new routine. Sing and Sign will have to remain on the Monday morning.

Rob has been really good during the Christmas break. He has really helped out without having to be asked and has done plenty of early mornings and bath times. It has been great to have a bit of a break too.

We had the 20 week scan of Dollop on Monday and we found out we are having another boy. This will be great for Ellis and at least we have all the stuff ready. I wonder what Ellis will be like as a big brother?

My Mum recently bought Ellis a baby. He loves it and constantly asks where it is. He gives it cuddles, kisses and takes its hat off, and he lets me hold it which is good news. I think I need to get him a buggy now too.

Sorry if the new style is a bit rubbish. Let me know what you think. Any feedback will be appreciated.

Ellis is now 17 months old and I keep forgetting to do the face pictures. I will try and do some this afternoon, and will post them soon.

Christmas Videos

More blogging coming soon, but in the meantime, only if your interested, here are a few long videos taken over Christmas. Mummy got fed up of trying to edit them down to a sensible size so you will just have to skip through them a bit when you get bored.

Christmas morning, opening my stocking.



Opening presents from under the tree.



Nanny and Grandad George's house.



Opening presents at Nanny and Grandad George's house.





Trying out my bike.



Christmas lunch.



Opening presents at Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house.



Grandad,Uncle Craig, Nanny and Daddy all playing on the Wii.

Christmas!

What an amazing time we had! I can't believe how quickly it has gone.

Christmas Eve was spent just getting things ready but we managed to pop out to a local restaurant for some lunch.

It was the first time that it was just the "4" of us out for a meal on our own. We had a lovely time and I ate my food really well.

Once I was in bed, Mummy and Daddy sorted out the living room and took a couple of pictures.





Mummy had set her alarm for 7am as I had been waking up a bit later than that recently and we needed to be up quite early so that we could fit everything in.

Mummy didn't actually need her alarm as I woke up a couple of minutes before 7. Mummy and Daddy came in to get me and pointed out my stocking by my bed. I was so excited, I sat up and clapped.



Mummy and I sat on the bed waiting for Daddy to come back upstairs with the cups of tea. I had to wait for ages before I could finally get in my stocking.





We then went downstairs and opened presents from under the tree. We did get some video of it but Mummy isn't able to post it because it isn't working properly.

I received loads of lovely gifts, too many to mention. Thank you to everyone for my amazing presents.

Daddy and I then went back to bed for a quick nap but I didn't sleep, Daddy did. Mummy spent her time getting everything packed up and cleared away.

We went to Nanny and Grandad George's house for our lunch.

When we got there, we were greeted by loads more presents, and I had another stocking.





It wasn't long before we were ripping open loads of presents. I really loved my cars and Mummy and Daddy were very happy with their gifts too. Thank you Nanny, Grandad and Uncle Dave.



We all sat up to the table, apart from Grandad and ate loads of lush food. I really enjoyed the trifle and squirty cream.



After lunch, everyone was feeling a bit sleepy. I had a nice cuddle with Uncle Dave.



A little while after, the adults played a DVD game and had lots of fun messing around. The teams were girls V boys but I think it was a draw in the end. I was just interested in playing with the CD and DVD cases.

We had to leave at about 3:30pm, so everyone helped to load up the car and we were on our way.

I fell asleep in the car and when we arrived at Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house, Mummy tried to put me down in a travel cot to continue my nap. I stayed there for about 10 minutes before I was screaming to get out. I had hardly any sleep.

We were soon at it again, opening loads of presents and just generally causing chaos. I received yet more lovely gifts and so did Mummy and Daddy. Everyone was very happy with what they got.











I couldn't play with my new toys as Daddy had hidden them away in our room. That meant I had to play with all the other toys. It didn't matter. I still really enjoyed myself.



I then played on the real thing with my cousin Kamron.





In the evening, I wouldn't go to bed. I just didn't like it and I wasn't really sure what was going on, so Mummy and Daddy let me stay up. I ran around but also sat quietly watching the adults playing on the Wii. They all looked so funny but they had a laugh.

By 10:15pm, Mummy had had enough and put me to bed. I just cried it out for a few minutes and then I was gone.

Mummy and Daddy stayed up late playing and came to bed at gone mid-night.

In the morning, Mummy got up with me and went just chilled out downstairs until the others started to follow.

Charley, Chloe and Auntie Karen were the first ones to make it, then Grandad, then Nanny, Daddy and Uncle Craig.



Everyone was up and dressed by 10am and getting ready to go out for a nice walk. We didn't go so after everyone had left, we got ourselves ready and went home, via McDonald's.

I was asleep in the car and Mummy put me into bed when we got home. I didn't stay there for long.

Late afternoon, both sets of Nanny and Grandads' came over and Uncle Dave. There was food and games and everyone had fun catching up.

When I had my dinner, I was shattered. So tired in fact that I fell asleep in my highchair, which I have never done before, and I didn't even finish my favourite thing, an orange.







I didn't have a bath or milk and was put to bed at 5:30pm. I stayed there until nearly 8:30am the following morning.

The adults played Trivial Pursuit and Charades before going home at about 10:30pm.

Mummy and Daddy showered and went to bed.

The following morning I played with all my new toys.



We just relaxed at home until about 3:30pm when we went out to visit lots of our friends.

There was so many people there, I will list them:

Nanny and Grandad Rennolds
Auntie Katie, Alex, Chloe, Kamron
Auntie Lucy, Craig, Shauna, Ashlee
Jaimie, Richard, Ria
Sue, Jeff
Dave
Angela, James
Me, Mummy and Daddy

We had a lovely time but unfortunately couldn't stay for very long as I needed to get home to bed.

This is a picture of me with Grandad Rennolds, Ashlee and Ria. Ria's birth was due one week before mine but she ended up being 3 weeks early so there is actually a month between us.



Daddy did the early shift on Sunday and we spent most of the day playing in the living room.

After my nap, Daddy suggested we go out. So I put on my new coat, hopped onto my new bike and went to the park.



It was freezing!





We went into Sainsbury's to warm up for a bit and Mummy and Daddy bought some gloves. Unfortunately the cafe was shut so they were unable to get any hot tea.

We walked home quite quickly and it was really nice to get into a warm home.

We all had something to eat and then it was soon time for bed. I was allowed to use my bath crayons for the first time, which was lots of fun.

Monday morning, Daddy did the early shift again. Mummy was very pleased and really loved the extra rest.

Mummy was up just after 10am and then Daddy got a 20 minute snooze before he left to go and do something for Grandad Rennolds.



Mummy gave me my lunch and then put me to bed.

When Daddy got home, Mummy went out to meet up with Nanny and Grandad for a bit of lunch. She had a lovely time and really enjoyed her meal.

Daddy and I just messed around until she got home.

The rest of the afternoon was just playing and generally having fun until Mummy did bath and bed routine.



Daddy went out to play some pool with a friend and Mummy did this huge blog entry that you have just read.