June09: First birthdays coming up, we're on the move!

[June2009]

Happy Mother's day Juners ;)

Hello all,

I feel that I should write a huge post because this is my first after getting back, but I am so busy I will never get around to it, so I'll just get back into things gently!

Firstly, mrsmcjnr - I do relate a little to what you say about your dh. Mine has what I wish I could call 'moments of insanity', but that's not really it, is it. My dh's release valve tends to be 'unfriendly' but on the whole it just washes over me these days - a bit like Fawlty Towers. I think my dp is a bit OCD, but there are many very successful and very well liked people who are OCD. He loves and adores me, would buy me the world, cannot live without me, but in some way struggles to live in his own body and lashes out - nothing scary but definitely pushes the boundaries at times. From my childhood, I remember 'incidences' when neighbours rang my dad when tempers were running high and someone needed to intervene. I worry that by saying any kind of bullying physically or verbally 'this is totally unacceptable', people are beginning to hide these things more and more (just a hunch). Because we are intelligent beings, and for every action there is a reaction. Mrs McJnr - I guess only you can really know if it is a cry for help or if it is desperately worrying. I guess the first thing is to get him to talk about it, or even acknowledge that his behaviour is different. Does he seem concerned ever? Is he completely defensive? Does he just give you the cold shoulder if you raise the subject. What would he say to you if you said 'you seem so different these days'. Or does he just blame everything on 'spain' or 'the children' or 'stress of work'?

Ah, F is waking after his nap, so I haven't written much.

People have been asking me what to give F for his birthday and so I put this list together at the weekend of ideas, if anyone is interested.

Sorting toys - particularly shape sorting toys
www.amazon.co.uk/Melissa-Doug-Shape-Sorting-Cube/dp/B00005RF5G/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_34
http ://www.amazon.co.uk/Melissa-and-Doug-Geometric-Stacker/dp/B0006IRTU0/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_33
www. amazon.co.uk/Melissa-Doug-Shape-Sorting-Clock/dp/B0007D0UQY/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_44
www.amazon.co .uk/Marbel-Ltd-1192-Discovery-Blocks/dp/B0002HYFLG/ref=pdrhfshvl_50
www.amazon.co.uk/DKL-4 01002-Wonderworld-Shape-Sequence/dp/B000H5V7EG/ref=sr1144?ie=UTF8&s=kids&qid=1273992545&sr=1-144
www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-bus/
www.elc.co.uk/toy/noahs-ark-wooden-shape-sorter/
http: //www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-shape-sorter-new/
www.elc.co.uk/toy/electronic-activity-cube/
ht tp://www.amazon.co.uk/DKL-401004-Wonderworld-Shape-Stacking/dp/B000H5V7F0/ref=sr_1_122?ie=UTF8&s=kid s&qid=1273992522&sr=1-122

Water Toys
www.amazon.co.uk/Plan-Toys-Water-Blocks-6/dp/B0000663QL/ref=pd_sim_k_h_b_cs_3

Very Cool - A Must
www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderworld-Wooden-Rainbow-Sound-Blocks/dp/B00005BHUU/ref=pd_bxgy_k_h_ bcsimg_b

Click Clack - Rolling Balls
www.amazon.co.uk/John-Crane-Ltd-T89620-TOLO/dp/B0002OH0YS/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=kids&q id=1273992598&sr=1-17
www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-click-clack-track-1/

Wooden Toddle Truck
www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-toddle-truck-new/

Hammering Things
www.elc.co.uk/toy/rainbow-run/
www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderworld-Wooden-Work-Bench -Box/dp/B000Q2SXY2/ref=sr116?ie=UTF8&s=kids&qid=1273992348&sr=1-16
www.amazon.co.uk/Wonder world-40-3088-Pounding-Ball/dp/B001B83ZC0/ref=sr126?ie=UTF8&s=kids&qid=1273992401&sr=1-26

Alpha bet Blocks
www.elc.co.uk/toy/alphabet-blocks/

Wooden Trailer
www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-trike-trailer-new/

Pop Up's
www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Pop-up-farm-animals/dp/B00314LFYM/ref=sr_11_1/275-1039751 -0882010?_encoding=UTF8&mcb=core
www.amazon.co.uk/Fun-Time-Pop-Up-Farm-Friends/dp/B000T7N15U /ref=sr1fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1273993360&sr=8-3-fkmr0
www.amazon.co.uk/Tolo-T89205-Pop-Up-Te ddies/dp/B00005UFCE/ref=pdrhfshvl_29

Drum
www.amazon.co.uk/Halilit-Wave-Drum-Musical-In strument/dp/B00000IUJI/ref=pdsimkhbcs18

just a quickie as I noticed a lot of venetians list is elc, if you join the elc big birthday club from the link on their home page, you get 20% off any purchase, instore and online. Welcome back venetian, hope you had a great time

omg vene I was just going to post to ask for present ideas, BRILL!
(welcome back by the way, no time to post, I have to check out your list of stuff :D:D THANKS!)

Bigcar, thanks for that! I've joined it

Venetian, welcome home

Bunny, those sound like great pressies! I'm still trying to make up my mind as to what to get M I think Choccie's E and Skillbo's J also share the same day

Question, do you know an online place to get all the birthday stuff? I got a "partypieces" catalogue and it's quite good but maybe there's more out there?

Just a teency bit worried that someone might think I am saying violence is ok. It absolutely is not what I am saying. My dp is not a violent person. But like so many things, it is not black or white but all about the shades of grey. It's just people come in all shapes and sizes and react differently, respond differently, deal with pressures differently etc, and understanding the person and managing them best is kind of what happens in relationships, so we kind of have to deal with it. And at the extreme end of the range of 'choices' is to walk out, but if we have a loving, thoughtful, funny, caring partner, walking out isn't really what you want - it's trying to find out why they are doing this.

Oh - that's it - I am going to shut up and say something light and entertaining when I come back.

28th May bigcar E
14th June gauchita M
1st July strawberrysam L

just reread my last post, it wasn't very clear, sorry. The elc discount is for los birthday and I think you get a christmas one too, it's not all year round, sorry

28th May bigcar E
14th June gauchita M
18th June June C
1st July strawberrysam L

28th May bigcar E
14th June gauchita M
14th June bunnymother D
18th June June C
1st July strawberrysam L

Um.... hello there! Sorry to have been away for so long. No excuse really, just life getting in the way. Thanks to those who've been chasing me up via Facebook.

Just been trying to catch up for the last hour and I've only read the last month. Thanks to those who did a quick update, Glee style!

E is crawling like mad, climbing and pulling herself up, but no cruising yet. DS didn't walk til 14 months so I'm not expecting anything for a while on that score.

She has 6 teeth now, four on top and two on the bottom. She's a real character, very strong-willed (can't think where she gets that from ) and less easy going than DS. But she's generally a happy little thing and full of beans.

DH is much better now after the loss of FIL. I'm now running the Race for Life for him. I'm someone who has NEVER run before so it's a big thing! I can now run 5 km the whole way, which is great. I'm hoping to do a 10km in October with SIL so I think I'm getting into this running thing....

Other than that all is good. We managed to get DS into a half decent pre-school (we had a nightmare!) - that's if David Cameron doesn't get rid of free nursery education for 3 year olds.....

Hope all is well with you guys. Congrats on the pregnancy, the walking babies, and the TTC! I'll right a less me me me post next time xx

P.S.

28th May bigcar E
3rd June Ineedmorechocolatenow E
14th June gauchita M
14th June bunnymother D
18th June June C
1st July strawberrysam L

Aaaagh! Just realised I wrote the wrong 'right/write'.....

I lost you guys again, but here I am!

Found a nursery that is affordable and willing to take him only two mornings a week and I love it! So relaxed and lovely staff and lots of room for playing. And he can attend through Primary! Guaranteed a nursery place if he starts in their day care!!!

I am hoping he can start 5th July and that his surgery and recovery will be done by then.

Thanks for the ELC info bigcar. I hate their store here in Belfast (like Mothercare, children's store with narrow can't get the pram through aisles ) but might do online stuff.

strawberrysam I was in the same boat (except that I was depressed before I had A!). So I am not going back, I am consulting instead. Can you do something like that? I will be working about 1/4 time to start with and am hoping to get another client in a few months.

28th May bigcar E
3rd June Ineedmorechocolatenow E
11th June Tee2072 A
14th June gauchita M
14th June bunnymother D
18th June June C
1st July strawberrysam L

Hello all

Went for a one hour walk last night - an hour cycle ride this morning with F in the baby seat, and did an hours gardening this afternoon - and feeling fantastic.

28th May bigcar E
3rd June Ineedmorechocolatenow E
11th June Tee2072 A
14th June gauchita M
14th June bunnymother D
15th June venetian F
18th June June C
1st July strawberrysam L

Up until a year ago I desperately wanted to be a SAHM and now I suddenly find myself looking forward to going back to a part time job. So many good nurseries around here. Just got to find the right job.

Does anyone pine to change career or set up a new business?

venetianred that's pretty much what I am doing; changing career and setting up my own business. Finally using my graphics art degree!

I worked in marketing, and then moved into specialising in marketing research. I liked the strategy side of marketing but found it a bit of a 'dog eat dog' environment (lots of back stabbing) because it attracted a lot of career driven people who wanted a sexy career. Marketing research I found really interesting, but involved lots of time with just me and the computer screen - not very sociable.

I keep thinking of things like teaching, but as I've always worked in business type environments - I have no idea if it would be stimulating or drive me nuts. I wish you could 'test drive' a few careers!!!

Well done tee. I started setting up a business five years ago....but then I fell pregnant. I still have a year of folders and notes. It was for a card business. How is it all going for you? Are you going to freelance?

Also, one of the local shops is vacant and it is a great, well patronised road of shops so my mind starts ticking over. Big leap though isn't it?

Yes, venetian I am freelancing. My biggest client is actually my former company, where I was Personal Assistant for 5 years. They hired me to manage their website and do some graphics and video work for them. That contract starts 1st June.

If anyone is interested, my website is: Designed To A Tee

Well done and Good luck with your new business Tee

Vene could you temp to try out different environments? or does it not work like that, I only ever did temping years ago for weekend jobs (mainly catering).
Would you pick up where you left your previous card business or have you moved on from that?
Personally unless the rent was dirt cheap I wouldn't commit to a shop yet, it really depends on what kind of business you are going for.
I agree with what you said about managing relationships btw.

ineed Good to hear from you, I haven't caught on to Glee, is it any good?
Good running! I used to run 3 miles everyday first thing in the morning before pregnancy and it kept me fit! One year on and I really want to start running again but struggling to find the time, when do you do it? (and what do you do with the kids when you do it?)

bunny we ordered the wheely bug (ladybird) for C and it's coming today. .
We're not going to wait until her bday to give it to her (we're hopeless like that) so I'll let you know how she gets on with it.

right, gotto go and do some work now,
take care juners!

vene I should add that on the other hand dh would get the shop if he saw an opportunity there and that would motivate him to find an idea to do something with it.
depends what type of person you are I guess :D

Hi all!

June, those wheelie bugs look adorable, don't they?

Tee, such great news re. A's nursery! So happy for you I'll have a peek on your website now.

Venetian, what about photography? Is that more of a hobby and you'd like to do something different? It's great that you want to explore new territories, my DH has just changed fields and is really happy with his new job Do you think what June mentioned is a possibility? Temping in the various areas you're interested maybe?

Ineed, nice to hear from you Well done you on the running front! Glad you're enjoying it and that you're taking part in the race for your FIL, that's very sweet of you. Glad to hear your DH is doing a little better and that E is thriving!

Strawberry, what Tee mentioned sounds interesting, would that be a possibility? Could you work from home some days? or otherwise go back on a part-time basis at first so as to ease back into it? ((hug))

Snow, hope the trip's going well

Mrsmc, how are you? Hope your dad's getting better, thinking of you.

Hi to all Juners!

I'm better now, fortunately Nasty stomach bug has gone away. The flat's gone back to normal now that all unpacking and laundry has been done

I'll do some driving today, I feel it's been ages since I last drove! Hope I don't mess up too much

We haven't decided what to get M yet We're having her birthday on Sat 19th as her bday is on a Monday AND both England and Argentina play (World Cup) on the Saturday right before it and apparently that's a big thing Oh well...

Waves!

Hello all.

Just took the kids to Toddler Splash at our local pool with MIL and had a great time.

We've also bought DD one of those wheelie bug things, a ladybird one. She's also got the Fairy Happyland set from ELC as she loves little figurines and drives DS wild stealing all his. She's getting the toadstool and we've also got her the boot. She's also getting dolls and a pram, a walker and a plastic tea-set from ELC.

I can't believe that she'll be 1 two weeks today! We're doing a BBQ party on the Saturday afterwards. Going to bake fairy cakes and get a nice stand instead of baking a big cake.

Gauchita - I think I know which one you used to be! There are a couple of new names on here that I don't recognise, I'm guessing they're old friends with new names! Sorry to hear you've been ill, glad you are feeling better x

June - I only run three times a week, but do about 3 miles when I do. I tend to run straight after I've put the kids to bed and then tag team with DH who goes out as soon as I'm back. We then eat dinner together when he gets back. It's easier at the weekend when I can get out in the morning. I tend to have more enthusiasm in the morning!

Anyway, off to get some much needed housework done while DD is asleep and DS is vegging in front of Cbeebies doing educational activities....

Ineed, I'm naat Those are some great pressies E's getting!

ineed we just got the ladybird too ;) C not interested in it appart from whacking the antennas so far.

Sorry gotta vent about mil again as she turned up just as we were leaving to pick C up from nursery, she asked if we could go somewhere with her this pm but I told her I couldn't because my friend is coming over to visit.
then she turns up again, this time with her sister, just as I put c to bed. the bell woke her up so I ran to settle her again. (did not know who was at the door yet but was expecting a delivery today otherwise the bell is usually off) she then asked dh if she could come and see the baby in her room. (??) (dh said no and they left thankfully.)
How hard is it to f***g call beforehand .

ok, bath time, gotta go

;)

and apparently, dh just told me, she got the hump. she got the hump (?!?) because we wouldn't let her come up in the bedroom where the baby has just gone to sleep. wtf?
as dh said earlier (to me, not mil), our house is not a zoo and my baby is an actual person, a person who needs sleep. I wonder how mil would react if I went in her bedroom as she's just fallen asleep.
Nevermind that dh and I are also both home today frantically working around the baby's naps to do our end of year accounts, she wouldn't know because she never checks. .

Anyway, friends finally coming over for a drink so we can relax a bit now :D