May 2008 bubbas: Walking, Talking (& climbing!) Little Monkeys

[monkeysmama]

Thought we deserved a new thread

Happy Halloween Ladies!

Welcome Bellared, good luck for wednesday when it comes.

HM & Niknak thanks for your swine flu comments, i think my friend is over worried because its her first pregnancy.

For us halloween was yesterday, the village that I am from has always (for some unknown reason) celebrated on the last friday of the month. So we had all the pumpkins out and all the kids were dressed up. My dd was a bit scared of the girl that I look after because she had sprayed her blonde hair black for her vampire costume, even without the face paint it totally transformed her!

I dont know if I have mentioned before hand but since I was 7months pregnant I have suffered from bad heartburn. I have tried various medications but none seem to cure it as promised. After many many visits to the doctor my health board has decided that I can have an endoscopy to try find a cause, apparently my healthboard dont like doing these on females under 27yrs, my doctor seems unable to explain this . Anyways my endoscopy is on tuesday, so I am a bit excited, hopefully we'l get some results.
Sho x

Ooh lovely, good luck with the Endoscopy, they're not too bad. DH had several last year and it just felt a bit odd. I've suffered from HB since I was a teen but after I gave birth it disappeared almost! Have you tried Omeprazole? That's quite good.

I've had several lots round trick or treating and the last lot were just scallies in Scream masks, they should ban them bloody masks.

Good Luck too!

Hi guys,

Just checking in quickly!!

I went out last night!!!! Without DH or the kids or DSDs or even Ddog!!! Actually all on my own!! AND I stayed in a hotel!!! Actually, I was a complete wuss - went to bed at 11:30 (I think the party finished at 3am!!) and was home by 8:30 (Baiyu - was in your neck of the woods - out in CHeltenham for a hen do) but it was lovely to catch up with my friend (the hen!)

She's getting married later this month and we are leaving the kids with the nanny, so it was a good trial run (for me, not the kids!!) I miss them like crazy!!

ANyway, now it's November, it must be OK to start talking about Christmas!!! I am hoping to get everyone presents for day trips out with the kids, as none of us need any more material gifts...

For my mum, I'm going to get tickets to a panto near their home. SHe will love that (probably more than the kids!)

For my sister, I am hoping to get tickets to see he Peppa pig show in Dublin (so weekend away for us, show for the kids!)

But, can't think what to do for my dad or DH.

I was thinking - maybe - the railway museum with my Dad (it's in York, so not far from their place) and I think Haribo isn't so young for that any more.

But what about DH? I did think NYC just after NYE, and I have some information on some places outside of the city we could take the kids, but not sure it's a bit far for Imogen? Any ideas? When I say my DH has everything he needs (IN fact, he has two of most things!!) I really mean it, I simply cannot buy him anything that he wants / needs which is anywhere near inside my budget, so looking for cool days out / experiences... Lapland / Iceland perhaps?

Well, best get on.. DH has taken Haribo and the DSDs to ToysRus (More for something to do as the weather is shocking here) and they should be back any minute!

HM x

Blimey, can't believe how fast the thread is moving!

A very warm welcome to Bellared.

Got loads to catch up on with you all but don't want to do a long post that is impossible to read!!

Christmas MIL and SILs agreed to it then MIL was over last night and said 'I don't think SIL1 is actually very happy with arrangement' (thought it sounded to good to be true!). She then got really funny about Christmas and looked at me and said "well, when DH was 14 he said to me 'Mum, I don't care who I marry, I will always come home for Christmas'. And then she just glared at me expectantly. I can't believe she just expects us to go to her every year. I have parents too!! I feel very upset by her attitude. They all need to get over themselves and not live in each others pockets so much. It's unhealthy. I just love it when it's me, DH and the girls. We have such a great time the four of us and sometimes I just want us to run away and never have to deal with them again . Sorry. Hormonal .

jobs Well done NN on the new job. I have started doing 2 hours a week at the private hospital I mentioned a while ago. It's good, I like it although taking a bit of getting used to after nearly 14 years in the same dept NHS!!! Just got to wait and see what happens with pay. They are currently offering me 25% less for my 21 hours a week. I am thinking of upping to 25 hours a week (3 full days) so I would work more hours for less money but in a nicer/less stressful place. Very hard weighing it up. 8 days less AL a year, 25% less money, more hours...am I mad??!!!

teeth DD2 also loves 'cleaning' her teeth and would do it all day if I let her!!

MM I am thinking about you a lot with your Dad and remembering you all in my prayers. (((hugs))).

HM well done on the assignment. I agree with you, Good Lord if you can get one done the others have NO excuse....you go girl!!

Mitchell your Dubai photos looked amazing!!!

DD1 starts nursery school tomorrow. Bless her. She is 3.5 yrs now and soooo cute and funny. This week she said 2 great things: DH cut hie head at work and when he told her she said "but who gave you a cuddle?".
She then also asked DH last week...."Daddy, what happens when you fall in love?"

My heart just melts!

meet up I would be interested in meeting up at HM's house if possible. I know a lot of you will think I'm a complete wuss but there is no way I would do London on my own with 2 small kids, driving or train. I led a sheltered upbringing in Wiltshire and only went on the tube at the age of 20 for the first time so it still freaks me out a bit. I just couldn't put myself through it. I know you 'Londoners' will think that is silly but I can't help it .
It would also depend on when it was as DD1 at school now every afternoon....quite inconvenient!!!

Had a Halloween party yesterday for the cousins. My house looked like a bomb had hit it. Took them trick or treating. DD2 kept legging it off up the road like Anneka Rice on Treasure Hunt!!

Is anyone watching LIFE on BBC1?? I saw it for the first time last week...those elephants so cute...and the whales....amazing! I'm not normally one for documentaries...but I loved it.

Right, I'll be off, sorry to bore you all senseless!!!

LP xx

Hi girls

Thanks for your lovely words LM- I really do appreciate you all being so kind.

Christmas! I usually dislike Christmas, or the build up anyway. All the family wrangling drives me up the wall & makes me want to run away from it all too LM. TBH my family are ok it's DP's that drives me doolally! We're spending it at home alone and are planning a holiday the week after NYE.

Interesting work dilemma LM. If it doesn't have to be a (purely) financial decision I'd choose the job you really want. I've often regretted not taking a job I was offerred eight years ago which was less pay & security though more rewarding in other ways. We had a work discussion last week and a good look at our finances & I'm not going back to work for a few years. As I left work dp's job's gone from strength & for the first time in my life money's not a problem. I'm going to apply to start my pgce in Sept next year & do it over 2 years. I'll probably be the one making essay excuses! Do any of you know Myers Briggs? I'm an INFP & people with my personality work in intense spurts & hate deadlines! How I managed to get a first in my degree I'll never know.

Halloween was a disaster! We went to a party at lunchtime which was ok though dd was a bit off. Then we got out of the cab outside our house & her dad was at the door with 15 or so kids all dressed up. One boy was wearing a skeleton costume & mask and she was literally petrified. It was awful. We got in & she was screaming & shaking. I'd made loads of witch posters for our party & we had to take them all down. When our mates and their dss came over in costume she couldn't calm down she was so scared. We counted 37 seeprate trick or treaters so you can imagine it was a long night. This morning she kept saying "fuori non non" (outside no no) and grabbing us as soon as she saw anything remotely Halloween like. It really was horrible-worst we've had to deal with so far really, our darling girl scared witless in her own home!

Dp has taken dd swimming then they're stopping to get me to go out for dinner. Off up north with dd tomorrow for a few days with my mum & nanny .

When there was lots of name changing did Macaco change her name or has she gone? Is Fuzzypeach gone too?

Ciao for now

MM

I was thinking about macaco today also, and theduchessofnorks who was having number 4

Macaco comes and goes... I think she is very busy and doesn't catch up too often!! (we are thinking of you if you are lurking, Macaco!!)

Fuzzy is still very much about, but I think more on Facebook ATM

On the job front, LM, I would take the job which will make you happier. I think that would be the less stressful environment.

For me, I'm taking a big pay cut (not to mention probably lots MORE stress! ) to be a teacher when you compare that with what I could earn as a NPD Manager, but at the end of the day, I know that I want a job that will fit around my kids. I'm not doing this for any altruistic reasons... Quite selfishly, they pay me to train, the holidays fit with the kids, I know the subject matter backwards and if I get a job in the independent school I want to work in, then I'll get a good discount for the kids (Not to be sniffed at as we'll have 4 kids there in 2012!!) So, my gut feeling is put the actual number of hours aside and the Actual pay and look at the overall package of whether it works for you....... and I don't think you are mad at all not wanting to take the tube with two kids.. rely on black cabs in London.. I only like to park in one of two places - the car park behind the portland hospital for NORTH london and Cadogan Gardens for SOUTH London... Now, THAT's sad

DH has had to go back to work early this week, so it's just me and the kids (and dog! ) tonight. Going to get my feet up and watch Simon Cowell squirm when John and Edward make it through to the next round of X Factor. I just love those two... I don't get the whole thing about 'they can't sing' - neither could the Spice Girls and I'm pretty sure Atomic Kitten mimed their way through several 'hits'. I might even vote for the evil twins one of these weeks!!

HM xx

Ohh.. meet ups: Honestly, more than happy to have you all here... I have 5 spare rooms, all of which can accomodate an adult and a couple of kids... But, more than happy to go to London (Or somewhere else??)... Does anyone have a date in mind? I just need to see when we'll be in Germany and when DSDs are going to be here.

HM PLEASE Don't vote for the twins......!!!!

LP - I won't - SImon Cowell is rich enough!! He doesn't need any of my money!!!

I do hope they win though. I'd love to see that happen!

I think it shows, beyond anything else, that it's not about talent, but about getting the right breaks.

Even their name - it's had zero consideration. They are just two 18YOs who never expected to get through the first round. Fair play to them getting up on stage each week. I couldn't do it (and I can sing about as well as they can!! )

I have just finished by first course assignment due on tuesday so pleased that I have finished it. Shouldn't have left it till the last minute though.
Weather has been horrible here aswell- wind and rain.

LP Hope you can resolve the christmas dilema.

Harimo Noooooo you can't be serious. Even saying that they are entertaining.

MM Poor DD, you never know how they will react to things, hope she is ok now. How will she be with bonfire night? Can be very noisy for there little ears.

Hope you all had a good weekend.
Have also been thinking of people who haven't posted for awhile like Babylove. If anyone is reading not posting please just say hi so we know that you are all ok.

Oh and that restaurant was the real deal, I am so pleased.

WTF was Cheryl wearing last night?

Hi Lucy!

DS is now saying no but it comes out noi. Bless him.

I had 4 lots of trick or treaters round last night and they were all really FAB apart from the scallies in their tracksuits and scream masks. Come on kids make the effort!

X

Mitchell - Glad you were pleased with the eatery... what is The Spur? What sort of food do they sell?

Bellared - Just looked at your photos! I can see how you got your name!! . I spent a lot of time around Warrington and Manchester. I don't think you are too far from there.

Spur is a steak and burger restaurant like TGI's but 100x better. A kid and family restaurant. There are only 4 in the UK and amazed that the only one in Scotland is in my town.

Evenin' Hi Harimo, It's a bit on the cinnamon side at the mo as I have to use 2 lots of dye to get it that colour!

Good luck with the job.

Yeah, I'm in Leigh and often can be seen loitering hanging around the parks and High St with DS. He sat in a 4" deep puddle this aft and started splashing in it with his hands. We had to run home and get him out of his wet clothes, it was his nap time by then anyway so thankfully he warmed up quick.

Where were you living up here? I'm from Urmston originally but moved here when I met DH.

We've been having a good time at ILs so far, apart from the 6am wakes. I get to use the internet for ages uninterrupted!

We're currently trying to book a ski holiday with the ILs. FIL likes to drive to France, but I refuse, last time I did it I was 15wks preg with DS1, got 3 hrs sleep in the car.

So it's where to go and with which company. I've put a thread on travel, but no replies yet...

Looks like today is going to be a sunnier one, enjoy

Happy November Ladies!

Bellared Omeprazole was my very first medication, Iv had 3 different since then. None of which are working their magic very well iykwim

lm your ds's comments are too cute!

We think dd has either Impetigo or a really bad case of Cold Sores. Unfortunatly the two look very similar so she's on anti-b's for the next week just in case. Poor wee soul is feeling very sorry for herself.

As for Christmas, Woo Hoo!! Im a big kid when it comes to Christmas. Love it. Last Christmas my dsis and I decided that starting this year we would start having christmas day at home with our wee families and then all desend on mum&dads on boxing day. Mum is happy about this but does tend to forget at times

Right going to try persuade dd that its fun to eat - wish me luck!

Sho x

Bellared Just had a nose at your profile too . I noticed you were on a thread about hemangioma's??? I think that's what my DD2 has, is it a stawberry birthmark? She has quite a big one on her head (check out my photos).

Hi Ladies,

I return, albeit briefly. I have been lurking when I can, but Haribo guessed correctly that I have been so so so busy, trying to set up my own business. Hasn't been going great so I've been freelancing for my previous employers and may end up back with them full time next year. Ho Hum, we'll see.
DS is running all over and recently climbed on the dining table and stole a square of chocolate, little monkey!
He doesn't say much, babbles a lot but the only words are No (a lot and in response to ANY question!), baaa for ball and Darden for garden. He can do "ten" (here you are in Spanish) and "tarta" (cake in Spanish) although he understands an AWFUL lot in both languages.
I've been keeping up a bit with the thread but can't manage personalised messages, so will just say a big hello to all the lovely FMLs and new recruits. Will keep lurking and will try to post from time to time

xxx
macaco.

Hi boonn, that's a big pile of donkey bums with piles! You cant be left with heartburn! I hope you get it sorted. I had my gallbladder removed in June and between that and giving birth the HB went. Have you any other symptoms?

Lucky, I can't view your profile . The Dr said at first it was a strawberry naevus which the birthmark you mentioned. DS's has a lump underneath it which is warm and squashy and just looks like a big bruised bump. It'll grow out of him in the next few years.

Macaco, DS is just the same, I've had to hide the chairs in the dining room as he just climbs on the table to pinch things.

X

Hi all!!

Macaco - Hello!! I just knew you would check in sooner or later. Sorry to hear the business is a bit tough. Being self employed is tougher than it looked, isn't it?

Bellared: Culcheth was my old stomping ground. Been a while since I've been there though.

Well, have had a very nice evening smoozing at the Stella McCartney Gap Launch. Haribo had a wonderful time!!! Poor old mimi didn''t really take it all in, but they both got goodie bags

HM How on earth do you get involved with these things????!!!!!

Bellared Think I might need to make my profile public again...will do in a minute. DD2's is rather big (size of half a golf ball?) and is very warm/hot and very squishy. I think it's starting to get smaller.

Just dropped DD1 off for her first day at nursery school [emotional mummy]. She was fine. Bit awkward at the gate as one of Mum's from church has breast cancer and her DD goes to same school. Every night when we say prayers we say 'and please Jesus help (name) get better as she is poorly' and DD1 saw her and was saying to her 'are you still poorly (name)?'. Said person was fine and I explained that we had been praying for her (it's a Catholic school so this is not deemed as weird at all...!).

LP xxx

Hi guys!!

I am SOOO chuffed!! Haribo just spoke to me!!!!!

I was taking the dog for walk and had both the kids wrapped up warm as it's cold / wet here today...

I had only walked about 1/2 mile when Haribo took his hat off, so (mad as I am, I chat away to him!!) I asked him if he was warm enough and he replied 'Yes, I am' [proud mummy emoticon]

Oh, I know lots of the kids are talking now, but Haribo hasn't really said that much, and hollering at the top of his voice is his preferred method of getting what he wants. I know he understands much of what I say to him, but, honestly, I could have cried when he answered me, in his cute little voice!!

Sometimes being a mummy is really great!

(Flick - You will be pleased to know that Stella McCartney has followed your lead and there is LOADS of merino and sheepskin stuff in her range!!)

HM x

Evening all!
bellared I have a bug in my stomach called helicobacter. The hospital doctor told me today that it usual takes 3 or 4 courses of anti-b's to tackle it. My doctor said only 1 course should do it.
Wow endoscopy's are uncomfrotable!

HM congrats on conversation DD is still babbling mostly , although today she has touching heaters and cups not always empty or cold and sayin 'hot'

Sho x

Hi Shonno, I got tested for that about a year ago but it turned out to be gallstones, I've never experienced pain (apart from childbirth)like it. Curry from the Chinese used to set it off. Weird. Hopefully you'll be free of your little fiend as soon as the anti-b's.

Hi HM, that's soo cute! We're still not talking yet just lots of babbling and hiya! I chat to DS too when we're out and about and I get some right strange looks off people. Bovvered?

Hi Lucky, I still can't view it . Hopefully DS will be starting Nursery on Monday if 2moro's interview goes well. It's literally across the road so if they'll let me I can go and see him at lunch time. He's my little stalker.

Hi Harimo, Culcheth is a rather lovely place. We somtimes drive through there and over the Warburton Bridge when we go and see my Nana.

Goodie bags are great!

Ok, FMLs - I have a question for you!

Do any of your LOs go through the day and not need a nap? Haribo has, for quite a while now, been pretty flexible about sleeping (He'll happily fall asleep in the car but stay awake if we are out in London or modelling etc)

But, in the last week or so, he's really started fighting sleep when I put him down for his nap (12:30, after lunch)

He has, a few days, just refused to sleep. On those days, I bring his dinner and bath forward, so he's ready for bed at 6:30 (and he's asleep within minutes on these days) (he usually goes to bed at 7:20)

So, not really sure what to do? It would seem He would be happier not sleeping in the day, but going to bed earlier at night, but I really need appreciate a couple of hours off in the middle of the day just to catch up on housework, washing, cooking and coursework (and all the things I can't do when Haribo is helping - even unloading the dishwasher is difficult as he's trying to climb in it!!!)

I've put him up for a nap today, but he's alternating between wailing and singing to himself. But, he is FAR from asleep!!

Would appreciate any comments / advice on this one!!
HM x