March 2013 - by the time we finish this one we'll be shopping for elf outfits. Eek!

[ecofreckle]

Here we go again then ladies. Plenty more shiny new space to fill up with ramblings :-) Link to last thread

[StormyBrid]

Ooo, a shiny new thread! Thanks, eco.

Good weekend so far. Sister here, no major hangovers, and I won the lie in coin toss Friday and Saturday night. Fartypants is loving having another adoring fan around. New words today: Duggle (my brother) and my name. Not mummy, but my actual name. Which is not easily syllable-wise, and also when has she even heard it? People don't refer to me by name much.

[Plonkysaurus]

Good work eco. Just place marking for later.

[SomethingBeginningWith]

Thanks eco also placemarking

[WottaMess]

Promise will catch up soon. Got out of Surrey in the end!

[Plonkysaurus]

Right, I've got a bit of catching up to do, haven't I? I've got two tabs open -this thread and the old one. Bear with me, it could get messy...

Worse on being evil infidels...well I try openly to stick to the 'takes all sorts' mentality whilst silently wishing she'd stop pushing her agenda on me. On occasion I've found it really hard to bite my tongue, and as a result MIL knows that I am not anti-abortion, tory-voting, or particularly fond of the patriarchy. It's a really tricky path to walk, but she's spent far too long assuming that silence = lack of opinion. If I really can't stand what she's saying (because she can be quite fire and brimstone at times), and I'm seething too much to detach, I just quietly say I disagree. I'm not nudging her to make different opinions about people in general, but I am actively trying to get her to see that I am very different to her. I use the hide function on Facebook a lot.

But it turns out that FIL thinks UKIP are an acceptable face of modern conservativism. Ahem.

But on to happier things....Meeting up. Yes, let's. Summer 2015. I think given we range from the south coast to OOP NARTH that Eco's current stomping ground is a good vague area.

Glad you got a sit down, cuppa and chance to stick your snozz in a book. What are you reading?

Stormy speaking of books, I'm loving Wyrd Sisters. I strive to be like Nanny Ogg. Thank you for the suggestion.

eco Your organic meat plus Lidl combo sounds perfect. I really need to get my shit together and do the same, but it's so much easier to shop online. God, I'm so spoiled, must force myself into a new pattern and eat happier food. We have the same thing at the playground. Wants to go on the big spinny thing that usually has teenagers hanging off it getting off their tits on dizziness and cider. And goodness me, it sounds like you've met some very well meaning mums who might just have their 'chance to impress' faces on. All those toys! I imagine DS would love a garden centre, but it's hardly the season to go traipsing round. What your doing sounds perfick. And normal!

Betty did the shift end? And...I'll have the chicken please (tastes of human).

Yummy our days sound like yours. We're very unstructured and have never done any groups save for the very occasional soft play. DS has a xylophone and has just started playing with hitting the living day light out of it.

So my weekend has been emotional. No surprises there. Yesterday was busy busy and save for a few tears shed in my sister's front room, I was fine. Active = good. Today however... bad night's sleep. Back to bed around 9am and got woken by DH at 10.45 so I could get ready to go out for lunch. Have been forgetting to eat then finding myself suddenly starving. Lots and lots of tears today. I'll be fine one moment then two words just pop into mind "baby Arlo". Baby. He was a baby. And that's the saddest part. It's always sad when someone dies but there are no memories. No cuddles, no firsts, and no lasts. Two knots in a cord and he fell to sleep. The waves crash over us all and we just have to ride them I suppose.

My sister and BIL are doing very well. They've had visitors every day and the love people have shown is incredible. Those of you who are on FB will likely have seen that BIL is running a half-marathon soon in order to raise money for a charity at the hospital. Without this charity they would not have received such attentive care and been treated with such delicacy and dignity. And guess what? They've raised £1200! In one weekend! They have a just giving page here, please take a look

So that's their aim. Make memories. We cleared out the nursery on Saturday and some things have gone to the foodbank and other stuff has been held back for a scrapbook. It's the funeral late next week and lots of people are coming. When they feel ready they're going to scatter his ashes in the last place they know he was alive. I'm so proud of DSis and BIL for taking positive actions and confronting this tough time head on.

[Plonkysaurus]

Apologies, I appear to have written a book.

[worserevived]

Oh Plonky it's just so unfair isn't it ((hugs))

I've think I've pretty much covered my days' news on the old thread because I'm fick like and didn't notice the new one . Currently reading a a random book I found in the library which must be one of DH's as I certainly didn't buy it. Men Behaving Badly, Simon Nye. It would appear to be the one the TV show was based on but you could have fooled me. More than a little poetic licence taken with the characters.

There are names and stuff on the donation page, just wondered if it might be better on FB?

[ecofreckle]

Stormy what do people refer to you as then?! Glad fun sibling times were had.

Plonky that sounds like deep sadness. Of course it does. Sounds like you and the family have brilliant plans to remember Arlo though. Considering how recent this all happened they/you seem to have forged ahead. Amazing the things that can be achieved in the grasps of grief. Well done you, and them.

And I'm always up for a meet up. Especially one that might be around here. I can advise on locations near a1 or m1 that will be toddle friendly and that serve good cake

Something how's it going?? Thinking of you. I imagine there will be fewer opportunities to look at your phone (Stormy have I used fewer correctly?). I really hope you enjoyed your day. You look and round like the sort of person small people will love.

We started our day with some gentle cooking and spice rearranging (the latter was Ecotod) and then went on a geocache mission. Raining now so looks like we grabbed the best part of the day. The dog show yesterday was great. We saw the 'most looks like it's owner' category and it was hilarious.

I sorted the clothes yesterday. It's exciting to have all the next batch of new stuff (second hand stuff actually) but it does get me every time. I put away the too small stuff and my little heart aches a little bit! Ridiculous! I guess if we were sure on trying for another it might feel different but in our case it might be the last time. I think my hormones must be a bit dodgy

[worserevived]

Eco I sorted clothes yesterday too! All the unisex stuff has been resurrected and sorted into sizes. Everything else was split into good enough to give away, and textile recycling, and left in bags for DH to go through before I get rid of it. He's a sentimental old sod, and wants to pick out some mementoes to look back at when he is old. I must lack a gene somewhere because it wouldn't occur to me to do that.

I'm after inspiration today - any favourite toddle main meals in your house that I could steal? I'm stuck in a rut, or to be more accurate an endless round of fish pie, shepherds pie, spaghetti bolognaise, chicken casserole, and egg dishes. I've even resorted to buying some Little Dish toddler ready meals for variety don't buy the pork and beans unless you want your small person to reek of garlic for 3 days

Someone is awake! Time to go.

[ecofreckle]

Lentil bolognese, poached white fish on cheesey mash, slow cooked lamb stew, minced beef and onions over chopped boiled potatoes, toad in the hole, pasta bakes, lamb burgers by evil karmel. there's a few ideas. My toddle is now awake too so best dash but tell me if you fancy any and I'll post recipes.

[Plonkysaurus]

We've been a clothes-sorting too! The new fave around here is, wait for it... Turkey, sweet potato and spinach curry with homemade korma paste, mango purée and lots of coconut cream. Although he's currently eating stones, or trying to.

[worserevived]

Thanks guys, really helpful! Eco I'd love the lamb burger one, I've never made those, and the evil Karmel for all her plastic perfection has a way with flavours that seems to appeal to people under two foot tall. The others I've made before, just not recently, so should be ok with.

Plonky you'll never guess but I've actually been googling korma recipes, because apparently the toddle ate two bowls of the stuff one lunch time at nursery.... couldn't get enough of it. Curry I can make, but korma is one neither of us like so I have no clue how to do the spices. Would you mind enlightening me, I'd be very grateful.

Well that's cheered me up, because I think it would be fair to say that if I have to face one more bowl of fish pie this week I may very well scream

Another reason to smile, her smallest-ship was asleep before 9pm tonight, and although we have yet to reattain the grand pinnacle that is self settling we are half way there. She'll go to sleep in her cot holding my hand. It's an improvement on cuddling her to sleep, which is not so great, given her habit of biting the neck of the one that feeds her. Vicious aren't they, these angelic dcs of ours (or maybe just mine).

Night all, sweet dreams, and long 8 hour dreams with no interruptions at that. Hopefully.

[BettyOff]

Bloody hell I'm an idiot, I keep looking at the old thread and wondering where everyone has gone and have only just realised you're all over here! Somebody please pass the dunce cap.

My shift did indeed end but not well, I've torn a muscle in my shoulder trying to get a very stuck baby out at section and had to call someone in to finish everything for me as I couldn't operate. Not ideal. Definitely not ideal when Miss Madam currently refuses to walk and will only be carried by me, it's been a long and sore day.

A meet up sounds fantastic and I shall be there!

I'll skip the toddler food suggestions, it's too depressing thinking of Madam's very short list of acceptable foodstuffs.

Plonky the offer of hugs is still on, they're flying down to you now. It's very shitty and so unfair but amazing to see how fantastically you're coping as a family. There's no way your DSis would be doing as well without the support you're all giving her.

I'm shattered so am off for an early night. Fingers crossed it's a night of toddle-sleep. Night all.

[yummychocolate]

You know when I said ds is not fussy with food and will eat anything (apart from eggs) well that is not the case anymore. Ds only likes bread, rice and pasta. A total carb junkie. Nursery is a different matter though. He will eat anything at nursery.

worse How about aubergine and courgette, potato roasted with tomato sauce. I add meatballs too. Cous cous salad. jacket potato. Lasagne. Stuffed vine leaves. Pastabake.

It seems to be my turn again to feel blah. I feel so sick sometimes. Stupid stupid coil and bloody hormones.

betty get well soon.

[Shatteredmamma1]

Hi all thanks for the new thread eco
The only other activities we do are swimming and going to the zoo (we live so close). If you found a good teacher it's definitely not too late to start swimming. Better now than at school I think.

Food suggestions sound good. Please could I have the lentil bolognese recipe? worse we also eat lots of fish pie, shepherds pie, chicken and leek pie etc etc...the only other suggestions I have are sweet potato and lentil stew (you've mentioned this before as not v filling! Nice though) chicken or beef stew and chicken curry. Risotto also sometimes goes down well. Also for finger foods he likes corn on the cob, sugar snap peas and hummus with anything.

Plonk

I have got a loong day at work today. Boo.

Eid Mubarak for Friday yummy hope you feel better.

[Shatteredmamma1]

Forgot to say we also did clothes sorting, the 18-24m stuff is cute although plonk is right you have to hunt for decent boys stuff. eco do you think ecotod will be your only then?

[Plonkysaurus]

Shattered whatever you do, don't be lured in by h&m's online range. Sure it's bigger that the instore range, but I've actually been waiting two weeks for ds's winter clothes. The buggers! It's apparently out for delivery today so you can bet your bottom dollar it'll come during tr nursery run.

Yummy poo! Hormones are poo, I have decided. Chocolate?

Betty yowch. I dread to think how the poor bestucked woman is fairing! These babies, they are silly.

Worse my list of curry was not too comprehensive, was it?! We still do lots of smorgasboardy type things, and frequently resort to those Little meal things and toast. But things he will eat if the stars are aligned and the wind is in the west are fish fingers with mushy peas, sausage and mash, moussaka, stewy type things and most things with sweet potato.

Korma Paste

2 cloves garlic
Thumb sized piece root ginger (I use frozen)
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp tomato purée
Heaped tsp chopped chilli (I use frozen)
3 tbsp dessicated coconut
2 tbsp ground almonds
Small bunch coriander (I use frozen)

For the curry:
350g turkey breast
2 tbsp korma paste
1 mango
1/2 carton coconut cream
1 big sweet potato, diced
100 g spinach
1 tbsp turmeric

Dice turkey & dust in turmeric. Shallow fry for a few minutes then remove from the pan. Add more oil if needed, and fry the korma paste. While this is cooking quickly blitz the mango flesh and coconut cream, then pour into the pan with the paste. Add the turkey back in, and the sweet potato. Cover for 10-15 minutes, and add the spinach in to wilt immediately before serving.

This yields enough for two meals for an adult.

[ecofreckle]

Morning. It's my childminder day today so I'm starting work now so will be brief.

Something!!! Tell us how you got on :-)

Worse I attach the burger recipe. I always make it with lamb and make 16 mini burgers for a multitude of reasons 1) they look toddle tastic 2) if I steal one I've stolen half what I would have if I'd made 8 and 3) I freezer them in between greaseproof (already cooked) so that if Ecotod seems to have a run of pulse/bean food I can just defrost one and sprinkle it in her veggie dinner for extra protein. They are delicious and actually we all eat them.

Shattered I also attach lentil bolognese recipe. You'll see how dog eared it is; we eat it every couple of weeks probably. It's a staple. Hence the Swedish chef marks on the recipe. Makes enough for all three of us and with an adult portion or couple of toddle portions for freezer.

I am currently feeling like one is all I could cope with but that may be a symptom of not feeling myself. But I think 'myself' might feel the same way too. I can't get my head around the logistics of two. But I love the idea of a sibling for Ecotod and I like the idea of a son (but that's a bad thing to say, just being honest). Who knows. But I had my smear last week and I now know that the threads from my coil are poking through my backward facing cervix so no chance of that hopefully!

Plonky that recipe is stolen. Thank you :-) I'll plan it in for next week.

Best dash I suppose. I have teacher training to plan I'd rather be running in the woods

[Plonkysaurus]

Eco both recipes are now being entered into my little black book. We seriously need to cut down our meat consumption but dh is of the 'I didn't get to the top of the food chain to eat bird food' mindset. Obviously he's not at the top of the brain chain or the particularly eco chain either.

And nothing wrong with wanting a boy. I love the idea of two boys but I have a not secret preference for a girl. Before ds I just wanted two girls. Now? I just want two kids. Dh still wants three, ha!

[whataloadofoldshit]

Can I be 18 months late for this thread....?

[ecofreckle]

With that name it sounds like you'll fit right in Welcome! Tell us about your monster eighteen month old.

[yummychocolate]

plonky i read that as bra chain. Haha. Dh eats too much meat too. A meal without meat is not a meal to him.

Thanks shattered. I am hoping dm will make yummy naughty food for eid.

I am working from home today and the peace and quiet is amazing. My tea and cake break is over best get back to work. I am feeling a bit better now. That cake must've helped.

Welcome to the thread what.

[ecofreckle]

Just an update from me. I'm going away for night this Sunday (work related) so Ecotod will be with dh. And I've booked the conference. Compromised with reducing it to three nights away and only two missed bedtime feeds. Thanks for your points of view a few weeks ago. It's been a hard decision.

Rainbow if you're there I'm in process of joining that Facebook group and hope for some advice there about supply. thanks for signposting

[worserevived]

Thank you so much everyone for the menu ideas and recipes. I have no excuses now, and to be honest am a feeling a bit more enthused about all things culinary. Once upon a time I was a really keen cook. Now not so much. I blame that in part on being married to someone who can never predict in advance what time they will be home, or even if they will be home, and whether they will want a meal anyway. You can only throw so many dinners away before you stop bothering to cook.

Eco good decision on the course, I think it'll do you the world of good. That sounds like something my mother would say ! Enjoy yourself

Oh damn, not said half what I was going to, but madam has woken.

[Plonkysaurus]

Whataloadofoldshit, welcome to the coven.

Eco excellent decision, well made.

Worse how goes it today?

Arrrrgh at work feeling broody. Must restrain self. Something about work makes me want to go on maternity leave....