Fab Feb 2009: things that go bump and "mummy, mummy, MUMMY!!!" in the middle of the night

[dinkystinky]

New halloween inspired thread (in honour of this time of year) to talk about our little jekyll & hydes [hgrin]

Is anyone going to be taking their little ones trick or treating this year? We'll be at MIL's for Halloween and she's already told me she has both Danny and DS1 costumes -so it appears that decision has been made for us

littlesez The telly is a great tool to keep children entertained and used right can also be very educational.
For example, Jacob first made the 't' sound from watching a program on cbeebies, that program taught him the word 'tap'
No one can keep their kids happy 24/7 on their own. Don't feel guilty about letting her watch telly, bet she loves it!
Luke isn't overly fussed if it's on or not. Jacob is slightly addicted if we are at home, but he is still a very happy sociable boy and prefers to be outside than in, so I don't think having the tv on even all the time has affected him that bad.
Think I'm gonna take the boys swimming today.
I have an Ann Summers party to go to tonight and then I am spending all day tomorrow in bed and dp can manage with the kids

Thanks girls!SM very jealous of you swimming, have fun xxx

I just have a weird guilt thing about having TV on I don't know why? When rob is in he has it all th time and she kinda spaces out. If you try and talk to her she looks round your head! [rolls eyes] just like her dad. It just bugs me.

I will have to get over myself though won't I? I mean yesterday we had exhausting paints,crayons,writing on mummies important work stuff, every jigsaw in the house(which is about a squillion) every book (squillion) "housework" don't ask! and that was by 9am fuck it, TV went on.

Thing is I know I am bing silly because there are some really good programms on like the sign language one with mr tumble. Izzy LOVES that because she likes sing and sign. and waybalu with the yoga( don't laugh but we hav a yoga mat each and do yoga together) we have always watched intg too

sorry i am rambling on now off to work now, i will probably be back for a moan later what everyone upto this weekend?

sorry typos

Yeah, there are some fab programs, and you can always sit with her and the 2 of you can then talk about the programs you watch.
Or, do you have a printer? You could plonk her infront of cbeebies for a bit and then have some colouring-in pictures ready of the characters she'd have seen and she can then colour/stick or whatever, so you include tv into activity time iyswim. Then you can talk to her about colours and about the program again and start to encourage her to use her memory.
Or you could use the tv for pairing/matching games. You print out some pics of characters in film/program she will watch (for example, I'll use Toy Story), so you'll have pictures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mr Potato Head, Andy, Mum etc etc, stick them to chopsticks/wooden spoons and everytime a character comes on the screen, you have to find the character infront of you and hold it up. Great game, and after film, you use all your characters to make up your own story.
Just a few ideas there to relieve the guilt.

SM your so lovely thanks xxx

wow, SM you are full of brilliant ideas, will have to try out that suggestion

think I've been overdoing it here (theme parks etc) felt really rubbish last night, stomach cramps and felt sick and have been up most of the night. Am wondering if its down to the junk food that we've been eating . Trying to find healthy food at a theme park in Florida is like trying to find a sausage roll in Saudi!
We were supposed to be going to a waterpark this morning then to Seaworld this afternoon for their halloween trick and treating but might skip the water park.

Hope everyone is ok. Happy halloween

Hi all - in Brighton at MILs so hopping on the other net quickly to say happy halloween one and all, have a good one. Littlesez - dont feel worried about the tv being on - you need to rest that foot. Play tents with Izzy, try baking, or potato printing newspaper (never too early to get them into that) if you want some new ideas. Or open a (safe) kitchen cupboard and let Izzy explore. Sometimes leaving them to their own devices is also a good thing.

MoS - sorry you're feeling rubbish. I bet its system overload with all that US processed food. Fingers crossed you feel better soon. Hope you have a great time at Seaworld.

We were in Cambridge yesterday seeing some of DH's old school friends -Danny was the same height as a nearly 3 year old there! Knew he was tall but didnt think he was that tall for his age! DS1 and DH's mate's 4 year old daughter played so beautifully together - was v sweet to see. And there was a tiny 3 week old baby there - made me feel v broody indeed. Danny not too chuffed with seeing me cuddle a tiny baby though...

Hey all!

Apologies for my absence, I don't know how you all find the time to chat so much!

We've had very good news recently - the third set of tests cam back with great results - not perfect by any means, but we're basically on yearly check ups (instead of 4 monthly) and 2-5% chance of needing an op (instead of 60-75% chance). Massive relief, as you can imagine, so all these grey hairs were for nothing!

The nutrionist has said he is happy with her progress - 50th centile for height and 25th for weight, just as before. He has suggested that we try milk again in the New Year, but said not to try fresh tomatoes until she is ok with milk. We also have to steer clear of grapes and raisins for a while.

And, I have had two de-briefs (one with the consultant obstetrician and one with the consultant midwife) and they were very apologetic about how things happened when M was born, and have given me reassurances that it won't necesarily go tits up next time. The CO is the normalising childbirth bod, and so was very understanding and has said she wants to be my consultant should there be a next time. The CM was lovely also, and very pro kangaroo care etc, so again, was positive about keeping things natural and said my chances of sucessfully breastfeeding were very high.

I feel so much more positive - work is going well, M is a total joy and although J and I aren't spending much time together (just 3 days a month) we're having so much fun with each other, it's like when we were dating!

We had a lovely little Halloween today - J took M trick or treating (to friends' houses) and then picked me up from work and we went to my sisters for pumpkin strata and mulled cider - yum! M was the most adorable cat, she really is the cutest thing in the world!

Hope you are all well, will go and find the last thread to catch up on the latest news!

MrsY Great news! I am so pleased

I'm up bright and early (well not bright coz it's dark ) to get ready for work.
Didn't have the best night last night and have just got up to find Jacob asleep on the sofa

Thank god for some good news MrsY - must be such a relief after all the worrying you guys have gone through. And I'm pleased the debriefs were so positive and helpful too - hopefully its put alot of ghosts to rest. Your life sounds very busy but happy!

Good luck for your first day back today SilveryMoon and hope you manage to make it through the day after a bad night. Bad night here too as Danny has croup and quite distressed about it. Danny and DS1 loved trick or treating last night - MIL bought Danny a little pumpkin outfit and he looked totally adorable. DS1 was a little vampire and thoroughly loved dressing up.

Have day off work today so will be toddling back to london abit later this morning and resolutely refusing to look at my blackberry.

morning all (actually, its your afternoon isn't it?)
Dinky sorry about the croup, H and DD have both had it quite bad recently and its quite scary isn't it. Hope your journey back to the smoke goes ok and you get a better night tonight.

MrsY fabulous news about M, so very pleased for you.

SM poor you, we had a bad night too. DD still not on USA time and keeps getting up around 4.30am and H was very wriggly last night.

Nice relaxing day today. Had a lovely time yesterday but pretty worn out so will rest a bit and take some time to finish typing up new inventorys for house. The ones I typed up last visit and left in each room have vanished along with lots of the contents. I can't believe what people pinch. We expect the odd towel but this time all the pool towels I bought last visit have gone together with lots of bath towels, at least 4 pillows, all the board games from the games room, all the place matts from the kitchen table, fruit bowl and wooden bowls and a few saucepans and a couple of ornaments. Ok, I guess some things will get broken/damaged along the way but seiously!
Oh, and a bloody 4 foot high floral arrangement is missing

don't have time for a full post but just wanted to say Congrats to Mrsy on the great news

Great news MrsY

so happy for you mrsy and I know where you have been hiding

Hey all, sorry for absenteeism lately, never seem to have time to write a full message so i read but don't post.

littlesez, i'm so sorry to hear about your broken foot I can imagine you must be going mad as you're such an active person.

Not much to report here, kids are back at achool and ds1 is getting homework now too... it was so sweet seeing the two of them at the table with their books out and quietly working away (sad cow that i am i took pictures )

The playschool party last friday went well, we had a great turnout and no disasters. Bit of a night mare for me as i sprained my foot last week so was hobbling a bit but at least it's over and done with now. Straight run up to Christmas now [eek] I have the older two's Santa presents ordered and they're due to be delivered today so at least that's the biggest expense over and done with, we don't have the money for much this year but luckily they're young and don't expect much... god help us if we'd three teenagers and were this broke, my friend is a single mother with a part time job and her boys' lis include: a 32" tv, an xbox 360 slimline, a quad bike, a bike, an ipod..... and she's daft enough to actually buy them one of those things each apiece! The only thing she's vetoed it the quad bike fgs I told her boys wouldn't get far in my house

I just got my first assignment back and got 85% so i'm a happy bunny today... i can get cracking on the next one now with confidance.

Congrats on the assignment results Summerrain! Am amazed at you being able to study (let alone do so well) with 3 small kids clamouring for your attention.

MoS - am shocked at those items people have stolen. Would never dream of taking anything from a hotel or rental property I stayed at- how in gods name did they manage to half inch all those items (particularly the floral bouquet). Hope the kids get onto US time soon. you feeling better now?

Danny's croup is viral according to GP (got all of 2 hours sleep last night between Danny and me, poor lamb) so all we can do is wait it out. ho hum.

hello all,
SR well done on your assignment, that is a fab result. I brought my coursework (counselling) on holiday but not managed to get any done yet. Maybe after Saturday when DS1 and DD1 go back to the UK and we have another week with 3 and 4 we might get some peace and quiet and I'll get some work done.

dinky poor you and Danny. I know how awful croup is as both DD2 and H have had it. Hope he feels better soon. Assume you've tried the steamy room trick? Have you got a nebuliser or can you not buy them in the UK? We found that really helpful when H had it last.

I know what you mean dinky about people pinching stuff, I wouldn't dream of nicking stuff but you wouldn't believe what people steal. Really bugs me having to keep going out and buying new stuff. Thieving bastards. I was up one morning at 3am typing up inventorys to put in each room which will hopefully be a deterant. (sp?)

Good news, DS1 has had an offer! His first so far Not really sure what the offer is as he got an email from UCAS saying there was an offer and I think he should get an email (from Southampton) saying what it is but their 'normal' offer for his course is AAA. Hopefully we will know more soon and find out whether he has been luckyi enough to get the all important interview for his first choice of Oxford. watch this space ...

Where is everybody???? Congrats on DS1's offer MoS - fingers crossed for his other choices.

Hi.
I'm far too tired in the evenings to post, plus I have nothing exciting to share.

I have been told that my interview for the job at the school will be in a couple of weeks.
I have really found my confidence now and feel I am doing well. Amazing what a member of staff who is more rubbish than yourself can do for your self-esteem!

mos Goodluck to Ds1 on an offer at oxford

sr well done on that fab assignment marking

MrsY - brilliant news about M's test results. You must be so relieved.

Dinky - sorry to hear about the croup - DS had it at about the same age - it frightened the life out of me the first time I heard his croup cough. Hope Danny recovers quickly and you can catch up on some sleep.

Littlesez - poor you! Take it easy on that foot.

MOS - fingers crossed for Oxford for your DS!

SM - great that you have found something you love - hopefully it'll turn into a permanent position.

SR - I haven't even thought about Christmas yet alone started buying presents - it'll all be a last minute rush. DS has low expectations, he has asked Santa for some marbles - bless him [grin}. Well done on your assignment!

All quiet here - too quiet in fact, both DH and I have no work at the moment.....a bit scary! DH has been running his own company for 10 years so is used to the feast / famine of consultancy work but it is the first time that I haven't had a 'proper' job so usually there is money coming in from somewhere.....I have applied for quite a few projects so hopefully one of them will lead to something soon, otherwise I'll be sending the kids out to sing for their suppers....

We are off to a friends house for dinner this evening - their house is next to the field where the local council has its firework display, so we'll get a great view without having to leave her conservatory! DS is very excited about it, though I'm not sure he remembers what fireworks are.

hello all, just checking in before we go out for the day (only 8.30am here) DC1 and 2s last full day here, they fly back to the UK tomorrow night (thank god DH says!) The last few days have been more than a little stressful

dinky how is the croup now? Hope all cleared up. H's nasty cough is back again and he coughed so much he was sick a few times the night before last which was not very nice, particularly as I was holding him at the time. I was however very pleased we'd had our carpet replaced with tiling

Enjoy the fireworks everyone

Hi all!

Things seem to be progressing in an upwards trend - my manager said he had heard some really good things about me, and we're busy getting ready for Christmas so I feel like I'm learning lots at the moment .

Glad to hear you're still enjoying work so much SM any chance of it being permenent, or at least long term?

Sorry to hear about Danny's croup, Dinky, hope that you're able to get some rest - think that always makes things seem better.

Hope things get sorted job wise soon, Calico, have a lovely time at your friends. We're trying to find a local fireworks display to take M too, but they all seem to be tomorrow night...

Great news about the offer MOS, hope you hear good news from Oxford. I can't believe it was nearly ten years ago that I was in his position... Can't believe people took so much stuff (is this a house swap you did?)

Well done on your assingment results, SR, and huge at your friend's kids' pressie list. M is getting a couple of tops and some toy nappies/wipes for Christmas! Maybe I am mean for not buying her a unicorn!

Hope you all have lovely weekends. x

Morning ladies. Croup still bad - humidifier seems to help abit though. Poor Danny v clingy and totally off his food too poor love. Still seems to be able to produce humongous poos on virtually no food though

Calico - hope the work front picks up for you guys soon. Have a lovely time at your friends. We're taking DS1 and Danny to DS1's friend's house tomorrow evening to watch fireworks in their garden - not sure how they'll react to it.

MrsY yeah, the job is going well. I am currently on long term there and have an interview for a permanent position in a few weeks, but have been told it's pretty much in the bag.

dinky Hope Danny's feeling a bit better. I thought Luke was coming down with croup again, but it's only through the night atm.

dinky - croup does indeed sound crap - poor boy. Stan has been riddled with cold this week (as have I) and has only been to nursery for a couple of days.
Mrs Y so cool about the job - big fan of M&S as you know so think you're on to a winner with that one. Have been checking out the Xmas hampers as presents for in-laws - they look absolutely lovely.
MoS Good luck with the Oxford entrance - is it done on A-levels or do they do the exam still? I did the exam a million years ago - once you'd passed it took a lot of pressure off you. What does your ds want to do?

re: Xmas. I bought a Stan a bundle of In the Night Garden toys of ebay - job lot including postage for about £16. He will love them. I bought him a box of little books as well and might get a couple of other cheapo things as well. He will be happy. Angus might want a little bit more...