dec 2008- the one where they all turn 2...probably.

[VagolaJahooli]

Sorry bit boring I know but I didn't want to make any reference to spot as I don't want to jinx her and have her baby come early, then it would be my fault. Also didn't want the mad rush at the end of the thread. This way we've had plenty of time.

sybs sorry you've had a tough day Well done you on the run - I'd have backed out if I'd been feeling sick. Are things resolved with dh now? Hope you get a chance to clear the air before bed.
I forgot to mention that the surveyor came round to look at our leaky snowy roof, and basically it's not covered by insurance because it was a bit of a shoddy job up there (thanks previous owners!), so not worth a claim just for the internal stuff, as they'd only pay out about the same as our excess anyway and we'd lose the no claims. So basically we have to find £2000 for a new roof now. Nice.
And dh's Grandma (she's 95) fell on Friday and now has a broken hip She's in Leeds hospital but it looks like she'll be there for Christmas now. She's a tough old boot though - been fighting leukaemia for years - so i'm sure she'll get through this.

oh, sybs - you poor thing, vomming as FC. but well done on doing it.

and trace - sorry your friend was being craptastic - we all get too involved in ourselves at times, but she still should have asked about you and noticed how you were feeling. glad your dh has got the chocolate out. so sorry to hear about your grandma, too. i was about to say i can't imagine spending christmas in hospital, but of course i did it 2 years ago. very different circumstances, though.

the christening was, in spite of everything, just lovely. my aunt and uncle seemed to ooze disapproval all through it, but quite frankly sod them. i was surprisingly moved by the whole thing. i am not much of a believer, so i know the whole christening thing is a bit hypocritical for us (hence waiting until madam was nearly 2 to decide whether to even do it, and also the main reason behind having a very small service). but what i do believe in is the power of the church community - my mum helped out there, had her memorial service there, we got married there etc etc. basically i couldn't stop crying through it - thinking about my mum, thinking about how wonderful madam is and how proud of her i am. she also looked absolutely gorgeous. i found a lovely dress in m&s for her and she looked lovely. will post on fb sometime.

madam does, though, favour dad's ladyfriend over mil, which is a tad tricky. especially as we are all together over christmas.

spot - thanks for that comment about BE and ds2 having a right old squirm in teh bath - told dh and he gave a right old chuckle. oh, bounds green is in N11, but that also covers new southgate across the north circular, which is miles away from anywhere, so keep a map open when you get postcodes. try n11, n13 (technically palmers green, but some really close roads) and N22 (wood green - a tad scuzzy, but some nice parts). that is, if you are still thinking of it.

Glad your day went well, WG.

Just a superquickie as I am very tired. Oh gosh, Rubes, do hope you are feeling better.

Trace - sorry your friend is being so selfish and self absorbed. More fool her. And remember that everyone on her is interested and cares very much about what you are up to. That is bad news about the roof...Much sympathy. I know you have been worrying about money. Could you borrow it, darling, or put it on the mortgage? Is the work urgent?

Sybs, I very much hope you have worked things out with DH. Worried 'bout you. That sounds very stressful and horrid. Well done about the run. Are you ok? Hugs to you.

Trace, a gig in a pub, you dark horse. I know what you mean about your friend. I have a couple of friends like that, and i kind of wonder if I was like that when I only had DS1, I hope not. Thanks for DS2's birthday wishes Trace, I had a little giggle when you referred to as vagboy.

WG your aunt & uncle should be ashamed. I loved what you said about the church community and giving you a connection with your mum, really lovely. Made me a little teary. I've missed a lot of BE this time. I again subtly dropped hints to dh that I would like the last 3 series downloads and subtly pointed him to the website but again he got me something else, last year it was the league of gentleman, good but not BE, and this year it was flight of the concord, again good but clearly not BE.

Well done Sybs, and you did a Paula radcliffe, so hardcore.

Happy Birhtday Jordi! You are too cute. Haven't checked the list for a while, there may be little ones I have missed. Hope not as they are all so precious. And we must find a way to ensure Mom's DS and Kiwi's DD don't drop off the list every year because someone posts the old one. Did you get a better night's sleep, DB?

Happy birthday to Jordi! Loved the pic of him staring out the monster crab.

Trace: that us rubbish re the roof. I don't quite understand why it isn't covered by your insurance - worth getting a 2nd opinion?

Sybs: very well done on the race. Would you like me to come over and give your DH a swift kick? You have had such a lot to deal with lately yet you are so kind and understanding.

Rubes: are you feeling better? Your extended birthday celebrations sound great. I bet DS1 had a fab time.

WG: so pleased the day went well. I think there is a lot yo be said about the community aspect of church celebrations. We were married in the church I went to as a child, and the back rows were full of the old biddies who had watched me grow up.

Hi everyone, sorry haven't been on/reading (again!).

WG - glad you enjoyed the christening (even if evil aunt and uncle didn't). These kind of events always seem to bring out the worst in my family too, so much sympathy.

Trace - sorry to hear about the roof disaster, hope you manage to get something sorted. Rubbish about your friend too. I hope your DH's Grandma makes a smooth recovery from her fall. Tell us more about this gig in the pub.

Sybil - well done on doing the race, good effort. Sorry to hear about rows though, I hope you make up soon.

Happy Birthday Jordi! And belated birthday wishes to those I've missed.

We had a small family party for Eddie yesterday (real birthday tomorrow) at my Mum's house (as ours is still far to revolting for public consumption). He had such a lovely time and was thrilled with his fire engine cake which I managed to finish with about 5 minutes to spare as usual. Unfortunately, he was rather devasted that I was going to set about it with a large knife but Nanna managed to distract him, thankfully.

Thanks for Jordi's birthday wishes. He woke up in a bit of a grump this morning and was only slightly improved by his presents. He did love them, and DS1 really rose to the occasion too, showing him how to use his toys without taking over. We went to the coffee morning and there were loads of his friends and he got more presents which he was quite happy about. I bought a cake for the occasion and got my first introduction to dutch cakes. Basically imagine your average sandwich style cake with cream and jam and icing but reverse the jam and the cake bit and use pure white chocolate for the icing. It was immense there was about 2 cm of cake and the rest was cream! A little too much eve for me.

Trace I agree with Effie if an insurance company insures your house for water damage and that happens surely it should just fix it. Do you know who did the work, can you see them about it. Maybe if your fixing the roof anyway you could look into the extensions you've been thinking of doing? Loft conversion, you could remortgage to get the money that way. Then no more stress about whether to move or extend.

Can I have some opinions re Xmas presents please? After fretting over what to get the boys, I had the bright idea of getting a wooden toy castle with some play figures, which I thought they could play with together and would last. Then I found a smaller toy castle which folds up into a carrying case which I'm sure DS2 would love... and DS1 may well prefer something more whizzy (was thinking Playmobil submarine a la Octonauts). Thing is, I'm fed up of buying toys which get broken or ignored after a day or two.

Sooooo, big castle to share (if we figure out where to put it) or smaller toy each? What would you do? What would Tommy Zoom do?

(yes, we have been watching too much cbeebies)

Hi All

I've taken to lurking somewhat of late, due to being quite busy with the girls. Have also just had a photographer round for the morning, taking piccies of them for DH's Christmas present. What he really wants is a bike seat, but actually, I thought proper photos would be the best present of all. She was really good and when I've got a couple of the pics, I'll post them on here! Or FB. Unfortunately, the DDs wouldn't really do a smiling photo together, Izz just got pissed off with Pru, which was a bit of a nightmare. Ho hum. But lots of other lovely smiley ones. And Pru yacked all over our bed, which was nice.

Sybs and Lady - I remember Playschool - even the theme music. And also RentaGhost. But one cartoon I really remember, which NOONE else seems to is - Baggy Pants and the Nitwits. Does ANYONE remember it? I grew up near Liverpool and I wonder if it was just a northern thing. We moved to Kent when I was 11, so no one I knew from then on had ever seen it. Oh and I loved Heidi as well.

Anyway, I talk shit, as always!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JORDI, VAG! Loving that this is birthday season - it's heavenly! DD1 is now fascinated by cards and presents and thinks they're all for her! It's quite sweet really.

Glad Matt won X-Factor - now hoping Kara wins Strictly! Woo! I always wanted Matt to win, but now find him a bit too keen for it, somehow. And Pamela is just too sincere for my liking. She's clearly v funny and nice, but get a bit peeved with her ridiculous "I mean it" face at the end of her slow dances and her "thank yous" to the judges make me feel a bit queasy. But she is fantastic. Enough. God, what am I dribbling on about?

OOh, one last thing - who else thinks that Robbie rejoining Take That is taking away what they've achieved from them? They were brilliant without him and now he's rejoined, it's a bit all about him. Although loved on Strictly last night that they did Back for Good and Robbie was back to being a backing singer. HURRAH! Waffling and wiffling. Soz!

A cat has done a poo on our mat outside the back door and I am very miffed about it. Dirty little beggar. I don't really like cats. Especially now.

WG - glad the christening was lovely - I'm in similarly non-religious state, but loved having DD1 christened and loved getting married in church. Helped by our fantastic vicar, who has now retired. Hoping he'll pop out of retirement to christen DD2.

I haven't checked out Justin's parts on CBeebs. Think would find it too distressing. I can imagine him having a rather small, but fat knob with enormous testicles, and not many pubes, somehow. I'm sure he's v nice etc, but yuck. Sorry.

PS Effie - I reckon go for the bigger one - will have years of fun in it. And make sure it has little gadgets and things - like cannons that fire etc. I had a playmobil pirate ship when I was little. It actually sailed and had treasure and cannons and rigging and it was marvellous. My nieces and nephews play with it now.

To my horror, DD1 high fived me the other day and shouted "Teamwork"!!! I hadn't even realised that she watched that much of Grandpa in my Pocket!!!

Effie - I vote for the castle to share (good bonding and is there much scope for submarine play without water?). Did you get the smoking jacket, by the way?

No smoking jacket alas. Must rack brains for alternative. Thanks for the castle votes - I was leaning that way cos I'd like to play with it too!

beans you are hilarious. Can we all stop with talk of Justin's bits now though...making me a bit queasy

effie I'd say go for the big castle.

sybs Well done on the run, shame you were unwell though. How are you and DH now? I hope you have sorted it out.

trace I'd get back onto your insurance co re: the roof. If its damaged due to weather and not just general wear and tear then it shouldn't really matter how crap the roof was to begin with, and you should be covered. Have you had someone out to assess the roof? I'd at least expect that before they refuse to cough up.

Happy Birthday Jordi! And to the other's I've probably missed...not checked the list.

Took the DC's to see Father Christmas at a petting farm yesterday. It was amazing. They had done it up as a real Winter Wonderland...when DD was talking to FC the Reindeer stuck their heads through the window!

Was very pleased Matt won X Factor, mainly because I wanted Dannii to beat Cheryl!

DS is really quite poorly though. He's got a really bad tummy bug, resulting in him doubling up in pain and screaming followed by some of the foulest nappies I've ever seen. Consequently his bum is now red raw and blistered (pooed in teh night but I didn't find out till he woke this morning). He cries when he has to have his nappy changed. And then to top it all off he appears to be getting another cold.

Hello everyone,

Hbirthday to all those I've missed. Happy birthday to J today!

Beans I had a mouthful of food and actually spat it out laughing at your hideous description of Mr Tumble's genitals! A cat doing a poo on a doormat is very unusual, they like to bury it. Could a dog have done it?

effie I think joint castle would be good.

trace Thanks for asking after me and my kidneys! I did write a post late last week but it seems to have disappeared. Weird. Anyway, I've seen specialist and he has referred me onto a different kidney specialist who runs a joint kidney/ante-natal clinic. Hopefully they might know what is going on!

ladyT I can't spot wigs either! I once complemented an ex-boyfs family friend on his recent haircut and I was told afterwards that he has a series of three hairpeices which he wears to give the impression of growing hair . Even once I knew it was a wig I couldn't tell!

Sad news for my friends. Before they'd even had the chromosome tests a repeat scan showed the baby's heart hadn't formed properly . They have ended the pregnancy but are of course devestated.

Sybs so sorry to hear about the row, and that on top of a crap night?s sleep, a house full of sick kids and then doing a fun run. You are one hell of a woman to even contemplate a fun run after that, I think I would have bowed out, so hats off. How are things with everyone today?

Trace, your poor Grandma in law, I hope she makes a speedy recovery, and that she still gets some festive cheer in hospital. Would echo everyone else?s comments about getting a second opinion on the roof, that?s terrible.

That?s really good the christening was fun and moving after all the earlier shenanigans, WG. Re-your DD?s people preferences, can you occupy MIL with your toaster tray sufficiently that she doesn?t notice how your dad?s lady friend and DD are interacting? Or give her some other activity to keep her occupied ?and making daft comments-- ? How is your DH by the way ? did you have any joy finding a different counsellor?

Happy b?day Jordi (or babyvag as he Is now known)! Glad you?ve had some good capers with him, Vag, and that DS1 is being so patient. Am loving the sound of the OTT cake.

Talking of cake, hello Nolda, am v impressed with your culinary expertise, did you take a pic of the cake before it was cut? If so can you put it on your profile so I can ogle jealously?

Effie I would go for the sharing option, that castle sounds fab and would have much greater longevity.

Beans, about your imaginings of Justin?s genitalia. There was actually a thread a while back where someone confessed to having slept with him then got all remorseful and asked for her comments to be removed. I?m sure he?s very nice but Not My Type really.

DB, so sorry to hear about DS, it?s just the grimmest when they?re constantly poorly, and dreading nappy changes. Have you got plenty of metanium, or failing that some hydrocortisone if you think it?s infected?

Been all go here, DP had an emergency tooth extraction yesterday after 3 sleepless nights and I was terrified I?d go into labour and he?d be unable to do anything as he was in serious pain as well. I now have another cold and sinus infection, and T has a very bad cough and cold which is causing him to wake at godforsaken hours. We now have the pool but no time to set it up as DP is having a work nightmare on top of the tooth issue and so am hoping baby doesn?t come along until it?s up (or that?s £270 down the swannee!). I really feel it?ll come this week though, just hoping not on mine or T?s birthday!
In brighter news, my old London chums came to visit yesterday and we all went out for lunch and it was really great to catch up. Realised how much I missed them all, and how it would be great to see them more often (which obv I could if we moved back). So will check out those postcodes, WG!

Rubes, your day yesterday sounded awful, how are things today?

Sorry JB x=posted. Very to hear of your friends' news.

Beans I've now got the 'baggy pants and the nitwits' theme tune in my head. Baggy pants and the.... nitwits! I also nearly choked on our mid afternoon birthday movie popcorn. Your description of Justin's danglies was way too thought out.

Effie def the castle and I speak from experience. For their Sinta Klaas present (ie big Christmas present that we didn't want to have to cart over to the UK) we got them a playmobil castle (not the horrendously expensive one just the ridiculously expensive one) and they love it, its big enough that they can both play around it without getting in each others way and hardy enough to take DS2's stepping on and throwing it around. However, if anyone is looking for a good boy present that is fairly cheap we got the boys a playmobil fighter plane each. It was ?9.99 and we got it for their present from Santa for the ANZWC Christmas party the other week. It says for 6-10 year olds but its really simple to click together and practically bullet proof. I'm not sure what other LOs are like but most of the boys toys need to be waterproof too as they love taking their fav toys into th bath.

Deids poor DS' bot bot, its not fun, there is a terrible tummy bug going around here, so many kids have had it that we've all given up on quarantine them when they are sick because its getting around anyway so we may as well be able to catch up for coffee.

Oops cross posted, JB that is so sad, wow that is a lot to deal with so early on in a relationship. How are they?

Spot a bit OMG about that women sleeping with Mr Tumble. I just don't know if I could look at the face whilst doing the do. You'd half expect him to start signing, "I like sausages, do you like sausages too?"

BabyVag made me giggle again and the boys are wondering why I keep bursting into giggles.

feeling much better Spot, and those who asked. In fact I even managed a walk to the park in the afternoon and to wrap some presents! Must have been something I ate as it came out of both ends for a bit there too.
at your toaster tray suggestion for WG spot! Too funny!

Just back from toddlers Xmas party. DS ran a mile when Santa showed up, but is getting very good at sitting with the kids.

Mr Tumbles bit? Please no, I'm going to gag. Him and Pippins Mum need to get together and fly off in her plane and never come back to CBeebies again.
it's back to Sky Baby Channel for us until this talk of Mr Tumbles Tallywacker ceases

Sybs you are funny - vomming in a FC suit behind a tree - perfect! Thanks for the laughs, but how the heck do you do all this? Hows the relations with dh at present?

None of that is bollocks talk Beans. I'm pleased with Matt's win def. Not sure about Kara winning. She IS good granted, but didn't she win the other dancing one or something therefore she's got a leg up on the others? I think Pammy's brilliant.

Deids we went through that with ds - awful teething and awful nappies, and he also had a satsuma obsession at that time which hardly helped!

Happy B'day MasterVag!

Jolly that's not good but still, least they found out now.

Had more, but can't remember

Oh and I'm feeling terrible. DS fell down the stairs for the 3rd time last night he was ok, a little shaken but just is way too confident and it doesn't seem to make him be more careful either. Not sure whether to put the gate back on the bottom or not. I know I can't wrap him in cotton wool (I'm far from that) but it looked terrible. not sideways - proper head to toestunt man type stuff All I did was take dd down first then was going back to watch him and he slipped being silly and trying to go too fast cause I mentioned Iggle Piggle and milk after his bath

Jolly - I hope the kidney specialist can work out what's going on and put your mind at rest. about your friends.

Spot - Sorry to hear that you and your family are still all suffering. Hope you get the pool up. I'll stick a photo of the cake on my profile in a mo'.

Deirdre - Poor DS and his sore bott.

Rubes - Glad you're on the mend. Don't know what to suggest about the stairs. These little ones are a worry. Last week when I was drying DS after swimming I noticed his forehead was yellow all over. After the initial silly panic that he was jaundiced, I realised his forehead was just one big aging bruise. Will he learn to be more careful, nope.

Baggy Pants and the Nitwits - yes, I remember the theme tune but nothing else. Mr Tumbles Genitals - Beans, you are a scream!

JB That is such sad news about your friends. Its impossible to imagine what heartache they are going through.

rubes we don't have gates on our stairs either. DS is quite good on them but DD at the age of 4 is a bleeding nightmare. She is permenantly tripping up or down them. I guess it doesn't really matter what age they!

spot Yes we have metanium. I'm hoping a good layer of that tonight and hopefully he won't be poo in the night, should make some improvement. He's just so damned weary....