dec 2008- Who will stonk it in & be crown queen of the thread?

[HRHvagolaJahooli]

He we are ladies though I may need to change my name as royal title may be stripped.

I've been enjoying the blogs, Spot, I read them the other day. I wanted to comment but I didn't know what to say and "I am enjoying reading these" seemed lame (and in the case of the PND one, slightly inappropriate)! However, I will think of something eventually. As for T, ooooooooh, 'tis a trying age. I really have heard "I don't want to" more times than is HUMANE today. On the other hand, she gave me a super back massage the other day I had some new body cream and she loves messing about with things like that, and she rubbed it into my back for about ten mins with quite surprising skill. Ha! Perhaps I should put an ad in the shop window: toddler massage. She does tell me she loves me several times a day (in between all her tantrums) and she says it with such sincerity I feel guilty about remonstrating with her so much. Anyway, I am glad your DP is back tomorrow. Tonight, for the millionth time, I pondered how very very hard it must be for single parents, in a multitude of ways.

As for the job, well......errrrrrr.....it's vaguely legal.

Off to Cornwall at the weekend to see DP's best schoolfriend's widow. I always dread it. I don't particularly like this part of Cornwall and, to be completely selfish, I find it emotionally draining because she always wants me to be bereavement counsellor and I don't know her amazingly well and I am not always up to it. That probably sounds very callous but I feel I can be honest on here. Of course, I would do anything I can to assist but it just takes a bit of a toll. Also, DP is still very upset about his friend (it was two and a half years ago but of course, that's not long, and not that a bereavement doesn't hurt forever) so he gets really down as well, and it's just rather hard.

I have read the above paragraph and it makes me sound like a self-obsessed cow. But the thing is, I manage my own grief about DH pretty well I reckon, and some things just get it all swilling around me.

Anyway, I didn't mean to get into all this! And the exciting thing is that when we come back on Monday morning we are all going to London for a couple of days as DP has an appointment there on Tues. I love it when we are all there and it hardly ever happens.

Reading in bed for me, I think. Pooh, I've only just had supper!

LadyT -messing about on the internet in bed - comes to the same thing. Its exhausting - come home, wrestle the DCs to bed (takes till 9 most nights, we're rubbish at it) supper and bed. Oh well, I shouldn't complain too much - we did escape last week and go to an actual real live concert, to see Pulp. In sad old fart style, realised we'd seen them 10 years ago when they last played at the Brixton academy. Lived up to expectations though, which is saying something.

On the stammer thing, DS rather mysteriously started to stammer a lot a few months ago and then just as mysteriously it suddenly went away, almost entirely. I think that's reasonably common at this sort of age. He still stammers very occasionally if he is either very tired or overexcited. I'd be pretty low key about it, and see what happens for a few months. I wouldn't worry about what others make of it at pre-school - I think at this age kids take it all in their stride, its more the adults.

Spot - hope DS is better soon. Can sympathise with hospital as a second home, its all a bit crap. Though DS was explaining to me just yesterday that the library had a small playroom, but the one at the hospital was much better . I too have been enjoying the blogs!

Beans and Trace - those house options look great - if you have the stomach for it, I'd go for the project, but that is a bit of an if.

Aaaah, glad you've had a night out, Invis. Sounds great. Good old Pulp. And pleased to hear your DS got over his stammer, it sounds like my hunch about ignoring it is probably right.

I want to go to that 'Glamour of the Gods' exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery - it's lots of Hollywood shots. I might do that next week.

Spot, I hadn't actually REALISED that T had broken his collar bone again as I wasn't reading properly at Mum's. Oh crumbs! I wasn't being glib when I said I couldn't think of anything worth saying on the blogs (esp. the PND one). I just wish I could BUY you some sleep. A few weeks of proper rest and I feel that things would feel different - or much diluted, anyway.

Right, really MUST go off to bed. DP's still out. He was in Bolton today then had to zoom back to do a talk this evening in chambers, with talky drinks afterwards.

Hi ladies Just a quickie from me to say that DD2 arrived early last Tuesday morning weighing in at 6lb 4oz (half a pound heavier than DD1!) and is called A n y a. All happened even quicker than last time and I ended up being transferred to hospital by ambulance but all went okay and everyone is fine. DD1 LOVES her little sister but is being a stubborn screeching madam at bedtimes - I guess that's her way of "dealing" with change but goodness me it's hard to be patient with it!

On the house front we have completed on the Hertfordshire property and accepted an offer on this place so fingers crossed all should be sorted within the next couple of months. Still can't really get my head round not living in London anymore but at least it's not far.....
lady I have also been eyeing up the Hollywood photos exhibition so if you fancy some company let me know.
beans/trace I think if you are happy to do the work then go for the project - that way you get to make it exactly as you want!
Sympathies to the non-sleepers. Not so bad here as it is early days still but I expect to join your ranks shortly! Must go, can hear DD1 stirring....

Oh congratulations, Pingu, what lovely news! Glad it is all going well so far. Super name, too.

Am absolutely whacked and have read the last bit but can't remember much. Spot, you are a hero for doing the lot for 10 days alone. Being a single parent must be hell indeed. Invis, I love Pulp and remember them first time round too. I was talking to some students yesterday about the Smiths and realised that most of them weren't born when I was really into them! They didn't really know who I meant. I am pleased though that I am still short sighted and have to hold things right by my face to read them, rather that stretching my arms out as my sight gets longer. It's only a matter of time.

Did someone mention a night out? I can't do Fri 23, but could do another Friday or indeed most other nights, although I am a bit rubbish if there's work the next day. I fell asleep last night at 10 and woke up at 3. At least it's not the testcard any more. I have indeed turned into my mum. Oh dear.

Have a good day everyone. We are playing dodge the builder again. He wears a belt with all his kit on it and Matthew is very excited. "Bob! Bob!" he cries. Very sweet.

Taking B to GP this morning -last night he was awake every hour and I didn't get any sleep at all. Well, I exaggerate, maybe a couple of hours. Can it be teeth for 10 days i a row? He is getting a lot at the same time, but still.
I must have had some sleep as I had a sexy dream about said GP, so am v keen to get early appointment

Congrats Pingu!

First day at big school today. We had tears before we left but much excitement on arrival. Phew. Effie how did it go for you?

Just a quickie as been so busy. Hi Deids, Had Mums friend here for 3 days, then more family friends for another 4 days after she left, now just Mum here but her friend back (just overnight) at end of month (when they fly home) plus my Aunt is over and will catch up with them for a day at eom. ds started nursery this week, and likes it after initial faceplant!
Yes Arti - Mums been very helpful so all good there thank God. I'm Back to work next month (argh) I have skimmed through, super cheap for that house Beans - and good money maker too! Spot sorry bout poor T - again? And B - heavens. I know there was loads more. Will try and read back again later tonight. Hi Jam (waves) Am up for a night out whenever!! Hi to everyone else and Congrats Pingu!!!! Hope to catch up better later......

Aha, twas an ear infection and have antibios. Good that it can be helped, nut buggery he has to have antibios on top of all his other meds. I couldn't quite look the GP in the eye after my dream last night, he was looking quite fit and tanned as well, must have come back from holiday recently.

Hi Rubes, that sounds knackering all that social butterflying. V glad DS likes nursery though. How much time is he doing there?

Happy new school vibes to all the starters, must be a real milestone for you all. FB pix all around, please!

On the subject of nurseries - wwyd? The new house we'll (hopefully) be moving to is about a 20 min drive from Brighton. T currently goes to one on the 'right' side of the A23 (ie as you come into Brighton). The village we're moving to has a preschool (mornings only) and a nursery I looked round and wasn't greatly impressed with (neither was Ofsted).

The nursery T goes to has a nice babyroom and they already know B a little from being there every time T is dropped off and know all about his hospital history.

I was initially planning to try and get T into the preschool as it would be good to make some friends in the village (and it's just down the road from new house) but I'd then have to find a childminder for B as there is no nursery that takes babies nearby and I want to get back to work in Jan. Oh, and the pre-school is termtime only.

DP thinks I'm a bit bonkers considering keeping T at his current nursery but if I went there I could drive in, work in a cafe/library etc, until pick up time, so no need for several trips. But then less contact with local kids.

Sorry, that was a bit long. Am leaning in favour of taking them both to current nursery but want T to be able to make friends too and not sure if I'm being too selfish as it's mainly about me being able to work easily.

I love Toffee Crisps

CONGRATS TO PINGU! And gorgeous name! And another person with two daughters - hurray!

Spot - I think I'd probably go for the nearby preschool option, if I'm honest, as am always keen to get local friends for myself the children. BUT if T is very happy where he is, then it might be best not to disrupt him while he's there. Hmmm. V hard.

Off to see potential new house at 4. Woohoo!

Congratulations, Pingu! Love the name.

Woo hoo, congrats Pingu. Beautiful name.

Jam, effie...anyone else with new school starters, how did your big boys get on? DD was super excited about her new class (despite my reservations at the end of last term). She had a wonderful today, phew!

Rubes Glad DS is settling in pre-school. Which reminds me isit tomorrow that ladyt's DD1 starts? Hope it goes wellfor her which I'm certain it will.

spot That is quite a tough one. I would say go for the local one if starting afresh, but as T is settled at his current one that is a massive plus point for keeping him there. So overall I'd say stick where you are. Can you not put him in a couple of sessions at the local one and just pay when he attends term time?

beans hope the house viewing goes well.

Ladies I can't keep up! everyday I get to read a little then don't get a chance to post and before I know it I'm way behind again.

I'm very jealous about children settling into nursery nicely. DS2 turns into demon child on nursery mornings and spends the rest of the week telling anyone who will listen that I "leave him behind". the anger continues at pick up & today he refused to get on the bike to go home so I had to carry him and push the bike halfway home until I managed to wrestle him.into the seat.

we have a meeting with an education department person on Thursday, it seems despite DS1's school being very supportive of our extended trip home in December /January the council aren't and will most likely fine us around ? 750. Utter Bastard.

Argh gotta go wee in bed ishoos.

Oh before I go Spot I would stay put for now you can always go to a playgroup or pub or something. And I'm in London from the 13th-16th October.

And yay Pingu, Woop Woop. Right wee go.

Right I'm back surprise early night wee from DS2 sorted.

TV I am amazed by your domesticity, cordial!!!! You mentioned something about your & DHs business a while back does he install security as part of his package? My DH is a pen tester, well these days he looks after the little geeks who do the testing but he is a security consultant. He worked with a couple of different companies in the UK but now works for a big global company that wanted to start up a security testing team in NL & the Nordics, hence him doing a little testing and a lot if geek babysitting as he sets up the teams.

DB you asked about the cats. It's not the fluffy one, she is sweet, but our other cat just is not good with kids, she scratches DS2 and is constantly stressed while the boys are around. So in her interests we are looking for someone to adopt her. We have a lovely sounding couple coming to meet her on Thursday. Fingers crossed, she is a sweet cat and I do quite like her, but she is not happy with us.

Yay for pingu Conratulations! Beautiful pretty name :) Can't believe you managed to catch up on here with a newborn on your hands! Hats off to you for your MN dedication!
vag I was wondering where you were - you've been quiet. Are you ok? Why would the council fine you? Is that normal?
Superspot well done on surviving a massive stint sans DP. You are amazing! It's hard enough having 2 well kiddies on your own, but one with a broken collar bone and one with an ear infection!!!! You are a complete wonderwoman and very much need to start wearing a cape and your pants on the outside of your trousers
Our estate agent rang on Saturday - he said the viewing had been positive - lady loved the house and the view and the price, but ideally wanted to be a bit further down the road (where there are no houses for sale ). Anyway, he hadn't had official feedback from her - that was just what came up during the viewing, so we were hoping to have the official feedback this week...nothing yet...so I'm trying not to get my hopes up. Come on someone buy my house!!!!
I'm mega sleepy today so think I'll take myself to bed now
night night all xxx

ooh a few bits I forgot...
ladyT Is it the 17th that you're in York? If so I am free and would love to meet you and catch up with ZJ again
arti I'm afraid the whole sick bay thing is not really anything to do with school nurses now! Sounds mad, but we actually don't do any 'first aid' stuff. Each school has its own first aid person who deals with the poorlies. In fact I was in a school last year, teaching a lesson, when one of the boys had a strange faint/seizure thing, so I automatically went into nurse mode and, along with a teacher, looked after him. When I got back to the office my manager told me off because I'm not insured to give first aid - only the official first aider! Madness! I'd do the same again though [rebellious] !

Hello loves

Yay for new baby Pingu! She sounds beautiful already. Would be lovely if you could join me for Glamour of the Gods, I am on a tight schedule so have to go on Tuesday morn - is that any good for you? Will FB you.

DB, am so glad your DD did well today. Awww. Yes, DD1 is off tomorrow I am strangely nervous as she has never done anything like this before. We've popped over there twice but I was there.

Rubes, am so pleased to hear DS liked nursery. Which days is he doing? O is Wednesdays and I think Tuesdays but DP thinks Thursdays and we have lost the bit of paper

Vag, I am cross on your behalf re: school and the fine. Have more to say on this and indeed more to say to others but DP has just called me for supper!

That is quite embarassing that I scoff my supper in a little over ten mins but it was only veggie sausages and runner beans. Might treat myself to one glass of wine.

ANYWAY, Vag, I am such a believer in travel being educational. Even just being in another country is a great experience for small kids. I hate this business about it being tricky taking kids out of school during term time and I fully expect to fall foul of it. Does it really hurt if the kids miss a bit of school? (If anyone disagrees with me I would genuinely be interested in the counter arguments).

Trace, yes, it's that weekend Would be super to see you. I was thinking 4/5pm on the Saturday...what do you think, ZJ? If that's a rubbish time I will come up with something else. Hope that lady buys your house.

Beans, HOW WAS THE HOUSE VIEW? You are keeping us in suspenders.

As is Arti, I am waiting to hear about your plans for 3 as I workshop it in my own mind frequently (like I said the other day, I know it's a bad idea for us).

Ah yes - Spot. Hope the ABs work their magic on B soon. As to your dilemma, from what you say I would (personally) keep T in the one he's already in. If you think you could work well in a cafe, that is. However, that is why I have no local friends and Beans has a ton Why not keep him in and then if it's a fag driving him over there, think again?

I'm sure there were other things but I need to chat to DP, he is making throatcutting signs

Lady DS1's school principle agrees with you and also believes that spending a Christmas with his grandparents is a big plus. Esp as there is very little school work done in the weeks before Christmas. Even the 6 days that we are away after school returns they have said won't be a problem as he's a smart kid and will easily catch up. However, the council allows 10 days outside of school over and above normal holidays for special circumstances and it shouldn't fall before or after holidays. Basically they can fine us for the 10 days over and above the ordinary allowance at a rate of ?75 a day. We have a meeting with the council lady on Thursday, but she has already informed school that she will not allow it. The principle is really annoyed as she put a lot of work into supporting the leave and feels they shouldn't have asked for the supporting statements if they were'nt willing to bend. She feels a little bad as she encouraged us. We have booked anyway already and we need all the time we are there to have any chance of seeing friends & family, and will also look at some schools and DH will have a chat to some work agent dudes as well as going to this wedding. Oh well its annoying but I'm sure when we are laying on a beach in Thailand we'll have forgotten about it. We are not getting takeaways for a year to make up for the cost. At times like this we have to be grateful that we have that option, rather than having to send one of the boys out to sweep chimneys (not much call for that round here so we'd be stuffed). I think my desire to be a lot leaner by the trip will be helped along by the no takeaways rule.

Pingu huge congratulations, such a lovely name. Sounds scary, being ambulanced to hospital, but I trust you got there in time (just)?

Such grown up children, starting school! I loved everyone?s FB pictures today. I hope it?s been a success for all? And all the best for Miss O at pre school tomorrow

Welcome back Sybs, I love M getting excited about your builder!

How sad that S spolit your anniversary evening, Jump. I do hope that ?this too shall pass?. No suggestions, but whenever I?m trying to discipline E and say ?no story/tv/play date/pudding/whatever unless you do as I ask? she also comes straight back ?don?t want it? ? such a little madam, drives me insane. Not at all helpful to you, but maybe it?s normal behaviour

Trace it was lovely to hear all about your job and your obvious passion for it. I enjoy mine, but I don?t love it, and having had a blooming awful job, I so love to hear when people are really fulfilled. DH is also like you, and although the chemical/science side of his is way beyond my small brain, I?ll still quite happily listen to him talk for hours as he?s so enthusiastic and animated it?s catching. My fingers are crossed for your viewer

LadyT I?ve got the whole weekend blocked out in my diary, if DH gets caught up in some work there may be a chance I?ll have to bring DD, but hopefully not. Really looking forward to seeing you ? hurrah that Trace can come too, and I think Jolly mentioned possibly jumping on a train?

Deids at your DS? bladder control, mine ain?t so great these days

Arti thanks for the spatine tip, I?ve made a note. For now my iron is apparently right at the bottom of normal, so the MW suggested I take a multivit and watch my diet. But it?s supposed to drop another 2 points down the iron scale (whatever it may be) during pregnancy, so I need to try to prevent that. DH didn?t apologise, but TBH I think I was being a little hormonal getting stroppy about it. However I didn?t let him get away scot free ? I told him that because of the low iron, I need plenty of rest (and he duly cleaned all of downstairs this weekend, despite a hangover) and also because I think my back might be playing up, the MW recommends at least one massage. If he?d been there, he?d know what the MW really said, but tough titties to him ? I win! I can?t believe you teased us with talk of no. 3 and then ran! Come back and tell us more, NOW

Beans I also agree that the house looks amazing. My fingers are crossed for you getting it and it all being a breeze

I read a review of a Pulp gig (maybe at the Leeds festival, I can?t remember where) last week and it started ?veteran rocker Jarvis Cocker?. I know he has a year or two on me, but that made me feel so old as Pulp were a soundtrack to my late teens

Spot you are amazing to have dealt with the poorly boys on your own. I am pleased you snatched a ?pleasant? stretch of sleep last night . If I were you, I?d keep both boys where they are now ? much easier than trawling to one nursery and then another, especially if you can then find somewhere nice to work. How many days will you be working? Could you make sure you still go to a local toddler group or something one day a week, to get to know those in your new place. I?m pretty sure I?ll be mixing and matching childcare next year, despite being on mat leave for most of the year. I want to keep DD at her current nursery one day a week, because I?ll need the place saving for when I do go back to work and for school holiday childcare in particular. I?m hoping I can mix and match the 15 hours free childcare so I can use the rest of her hours to go to pre school in the village school for 2 or 3 short sessions a week, so she gets to make friends.

That ?fine? sounds ridiculous, especially if the school support your trip Vaj. And how is DS2 once you leave him? Is he demon child at nursery, or is he fine with the staff and children? So difficult for you

Trudy I am super impressed with all your preserving. I did a batch of chutney for the first time a couple of years ago, and have done a few jars each year since ? but not on your scale. I do enjoy it, especially marmalade as chopping the peel is a lovely job, I find chopping really relaxing. My favourite task is making chicken stock ? so easy, and makes me feel thrifty yet domestic goddess like all at the same time. And then we have the yummiest meals for the rest of the week, with the proper stock in. Yum

Must make lunches for tomorrow and turn in ? I?ve had a busy day as we?ve been talking about getting the decorator to come and do our kitchen for a while now, and he popped in yesterday to see what needs doing and said he?ll start next week. So we have a dresser and 2 book shelves to empty and move out of the way, plus piles of stuff and toys that are also in the way. He?s also going to do the room that will become DD?s new room, which is currently our junk room and is full of things that we can?t find a better home for and loads of boxes of my stuff that my parents turfed out of their loft and got put there ? clearly I don?t need them or the boxes wouldn?t have been unopened for the best part of a decade, so they need sorting and chucking. It?s great he?s coming, but I would have liked more notice! You can help with a dilemma actually ? we?re doing DD?s room with a beach theme, seeing as she loves the seaside so much and have chosen this wallpaper for one wall, and have found some cute little crab and lobster ornaments, and fun postcards etc. I would be really easy to go all nautical and blue and white for the rest of the walls, curtains etc, but I want it to be a bit girly ? so wondered if really, really pale pink (almost white) paint on the other walls would work, and then we could put some bunting up and other frills and flounces. I don?t know if the pink will look awful though. Right, must stop thinking aloud and crack on with lunches. Night everyone

3? Lady are you talking another? wowo - you do make lurvely! No time here in DH's life for more than 2 amongst other things - and I'm not sure I would be able to find the time either with these two demanding littles! These two are going to get the world it seems so can't really afford 3 - although I am already on spoilt brat patrol Scalextrics is well out of hand, (not unlike DD's wardrobe -albeit mostly off eBay) but sad part is, it's DH that likes it just as much so what hope do I have when DH says he bought the "new police car for himself as he's earnt it"
Lady - DS had a settling session yesterday, with me there then today I left for 30 mins then an hour tomorrow, then he's solo if OK and doing half days just Tues (8am-1pm) until end of the year, then he goes Tues's & Wed's for a school length day for both on the freebie govt deal from Jan. He had a meltdown initially when Mum, DD and I didn't stay today, but when I returned he was happy as anything doing a painting and has been talking about it ever since - so we shall see. The other kids seem lovely too

sorry crossed with a load - Hi Deids! Will try and catch up again tomorrow.
Beans, dh is salivating over the diy and potential with that house - despite London not his thing anymore..... That said, I've had a mini meltdown over the business of the road we currently live on and have been rightmoving left and right - can anyone put my mind at ease who has toddlers and also a busy road out the front? I've always felt uneasy if I walk / buggy with the kids rather than drive around here, but since mums arrival and her fears (roads / footpaths so much wider in Aust) it has reminded me why I rarely walk locally and prefer to drive with them
Hi Vag - you can probably relate - urgh, I think I'm just being paranoid and stressing about nothing again - besides, all the other houses along side us have small kiddies.

sorry - awful spelling

That paper is really nice, ZJ. And feet up is a must, young lady!

Can't do a proper reply as working with DP on something (I am basically his assistant nowadays on top of everything else I do ) but Rubes, I am not really having a third. I would just quite like another baby but against this are about a dozen points with real and genuine weight as to why this would be a really bad idea DD1 was leafing through the John Lewis baby catalogue today (which I picked up for a FRIEND!) and she spotted a buggy like yours (maybe it was yours) and she said "That's [your DS's]!"

Right, must dash off.