Feeding frenzy

Another fantastic night. In fact, forgot to mention that yesterday was another milestone in the life of Tom. He completed a full week of sleeps without me having to get out of bed once to settle him. Fantastic - well done Tom. Fingers crossed he continues this way.

It was nursery again this morning, so I dropped him off and then came home to do some sugar work and some computer work before having lunch and then picking him up. He had a good day today. He fell asleep at 10.00 and slept for 40 mins which was much better than before. He was absolutely covered in food when I went to pick him up. It was spaghetti bolognaise for lunch. I think he had more on his face than went in his mouth. Even when he was cleaned up he was still revolting! I could have licked his face and had a good meal. Anyway he was rested enough to cope with a little trip to the shops - I was looking for a tool box to keep all my cake tools in which Matt might want to get me. I found one and was then told to disappear. I wonder what I am getting for my birthday?

Anyway, Tom went for his nap on his return and I continued working (very exciting stuff, working out how much 2 grams of mixed spice, and 1 hour's electricity for the oven costs etc). Once up, I took Tom down to baby clinic for a weigh in, both Matt and I have commented that we think Tom has put on weight. He has! He is now 21lb 14oz - the biggest leap he's had in ages. He is still having squirty poos - have spoken to the nurse and the HV about it, but they are both at a loss and as he is clearly thriving at the moment, have said not to worry.

Came home, had a play on the bus outside and then dinner. Today he decided to feed himself, you can see the results. Although it doesn't look like it, he did manage to get most of it in his mouth. Dinner times are going to get messier and messier. He ate like a monster for dinner as well - a whole bowl full of tomato pasta, a fromage frais, a handful of blueberries, a whole bread stick and a biscuit. He would have kept going, but I thought it would be ridiculous to give him anymore.

We then had a happy, splashy bath before bottle and bed.

Oh, something else, he is also really chatty at the moment. He is constantly talking to us. Baa, baaa, gaga, waa waa etc etc. Sometimes he even hits on real words, he has managed hello, yes, flower and daddy, but all seem to be random and he hasn't repeated them. I figure he must be playing with speech patterns, slowly working it all out.

Out of sync

Nik's out at her cake course, so I'm your narrator for tonight.

Tom went to nursery this morning, but unlike last week, managed to sleep for 90 minutes before lunch, which ruined his routine for the rest of the day. He didn't each much lunch (which the nursery gave us as a sort of take-away), and obviously wasn't ready for an early afternoon nap, which was unfortunate, as Nik had cake class homework to do. Luckily, I'm having a quiet week, so Tom & I toddled off into the garden and had a good play with almost all his toys out there. The new sandpit is still very popular (as you can see from all the sand smeared across his chops), and we also had a good play on his see-saw, slide and swing and on my bike, which I picked up from Sticky Jim's in Shifnal with a new rear tyre this morning.

Nik then took Tom off to see Kamila and Stella for a bit, while I got a few things from Asda. Tom's body clock still hadn't recovered by 5.00, so dinner consisted of malt loaf, a banana and a fromage frais. Slightly odd, but he refused his Mediterranean tomato pasta. Probably too tired. Nik's going to ask the nursery not to let him sleep so long tomorrow morning.

One good bit of news though: our box that we sea-freighted back from Kobe last month arrived today, so we are now well-stocked with Japanese nosh. I can't wait to get stuck into it. The box also contained some hiragana and katakana wall charts that I bought in Tokyo, which are now up in the bathroom so that I can teach Tom (and his mother) some basic Japanese when he/they are ready. Anyone else wishing to have lessons needs to be in our bathroom at 6.00pm every night.

I now have my own sand pit

Another good night (only a wake up at 10, when we were going to bed, so no hassle). The morning wasn't great though, he had done a MASSIVE poo. It was up under his armpits, absolutely revolting. The squirty poo hasn't come to an end, he's had it now for about 6 weeks, I guess it must just be a phase.

This morning, Tom and I went to Argos after a tip off from Granma (Devon) that they had some cut price sand pits. They certainly did so we bought one and some sand, Tom had such fun with the one in Devon, plus he stood for long periods of time without realising it.

We then went to Boots and used the voucher Tom received from Grannie and Grandpa (London) last Easter in their half price sale. Got some really nice clothes for him for when he is 2 (we have loads for 12-18 months and he's not big enough for those yet)

Came home, had lunch, put Tom down for his nap. At 1.30 we headed off to Bridgnorth for Gymbabes. There were only 4 of us this week so lots of special attention. Tom decided that this week he would crawl along the plank which is suspended about a meter off the the floor. I haven't seen him concentrate so hard in ages. The first time he did it, he was very slow and very deliberate. Next time he sped up, and by the end he was racing across it (not great, because he lost his focus, meaning I had to catch him as he veered off to one side)

Came home just in time for Tom to try out the sand pit. We think it was a success, he stayed standing for ages. He thought the sand was lovely and tasty, kept taking huge handfuls of it. Not sure how long he will continue to do that and I thought I was teaching him good taste!

He then went through the usual routine. Another day of a happy chappy, he really is on good form today.

I will stay awake if I'm not in my cot!

Matt and I had a rubbish sleep last night. Nothing to do with Tom, we both woke up and couldn't get back to sleep again. I hate it when that happens!

Anyway, today we had planned to go to Liverpool. Betty (Matt's Godmother who lives on the Isle of Man) isn't well and is in one of the hospitals in Liverpool, we thought it only right to go and see her as she looked after us so well when we went over there for TT week.

We left in time for Tom to nap in the car, drove up to Hooton, on The Wirral and got the train into Liverpool. Had an early lunch at La Tasca (yummy tapas at half price) before finding some wine to take to her (not sure if it is allowed, but it is what she asked for - Betty and Geoff do enjoy their tipples). She didn't know we were coming so we were greeted with huge smiles. Tom was on good form, he was FULL of energy today, like a coiled spring. He wouldn't sit still, but was very good at looning around. In the end we had to let him crawl on the floor (if you can't let a baby crawl on a hospital floor, where can you) He immediately was in to everything and giving all the ladies on the ward a good show. We took Reginald with us, he got a good mauling but it was a good move and great entertainment.

Betty may be ill, but she was in good spirits and chatting away. She has always been the one to look on the bright side of things. Geoff was also there, and also in good spirits, considering he is living in a hospital flat so he can be with Betty.

Anyway after an hour, Tom was beginning to look sleepy and beginning to shout, so we said our goodbyes, and walked down to Liverpool city centre, hoping that Tom would fall asleep in the rucksack. Oh, no! Tom may have been tired, but there was no way he was going to sleep. His eyes stayed alert and his head kept spinning, looking at everything.

In the end we gave up getting him to sleep and walked to Etsu (our favourite Japanese restaurant) for an early dinner. As we were there early, there were no other customers, meaning it didn't matter if Tom shouted. He did pretty well. He ate a whole bowl of rice, but refused anything else Japanese, opting for banana, fromage frais and raisins instead.

We got the train back to Hooton, he wasn't as wriggly as he was on the way out, but still wouldn't keep still. It took a good 10 minutes for him to fall asleep in the car and he stayed that way until we entered Bradley Road (In the end he was awake for 8 straight hours, smashing his previous record of 5.5 hours). We were a little unsure what to do when we arrived home. Keep him up for another hour, then bed, or try to put him to bed straight away. We opted for the later and it seems to have worked, just dressed him in his pyjamas and gave him his milk. Haven't heard from him yet, and it's been about an hour.

Today's pics: 1st one - Tom with a plate load of sushi, 2nd one - Tom grabbing the wasabi and me intervening just in time!

We can do big birds too

Another good night. In fact we haven't heard a squeak from Tom since Tuesday night which means we are all getting really good sleeps which is fantastic.

This morning we were back at HLC for Waterbabies. We were a little apprehensive as it has been 4 weeks since Tom's last lesson (Iceland and Hereford meaning we have missed two), and when I took him swimming with Rachel and Olly it didn't go too well. However, he had a fantastic lesson, he was smiles for most of it, only having a slight grizzle when the wobble board came out.

We had a little play with Abi and then came home as Matt has a translators conference in Brum this afternoon. Tom and I played outside with the Gouges and then had lunch. Not a great lunch for Tom, but then he has been eating well recently, so the odd wobble isn't going to worry me too much. He then played really nicely on his own for an hour before going for his nap.

Once up, we headed into Telford Town Centre. I wanted to look at The Range to see if I could find a suitable tool box for all my cake equipment (currently scattered all around the house and I believe I will get more in May) - we drew a blank, not the season for tool boxes apparently. We then headed into Telford Town Park, I was going to give Tom a go on the swings, but the park was crowded. There was an event on, meaning it was heaving. I didn't even bother going to the swings. Instead, we came across a collection of birds of prey - from exactly the same place Matt went to yesterday. So I took a photo! We then put a blanket out and enjoyed some snacks in the sun.

Didn't get back till late, but not a problem. Matt arrived home just as I was giving Tom his dinner, then we did the usual routine. Tom was a delight today, really happy, full of energy - a pleasure to be with.

Big birds

Today was my falconry day (my 40th birthday present from the Branches). After an enjoyable, but surprisingly chilly, 50 mile bike ride up to Sandiway, my fellow falconers and I were taken to the aviary to meet some of the centre's 80 birds of prey, which ranged from tiny kestrels to a huge sea eagle (8 foot wingspan). We then went down to a large field and were each given a very thick leather glove on which the birds were invited to land. Some of the larger birds can exert a pressure of 20,000 lbs/sq. inch with their talons, so gloves are pretty much essential. We were a fairly small group, meaning that everyone had at least 2 goes with each of the 5 birds that were used, namely, Buzz (buzzard), Obi (eagle owl), Ralph (harris hawk), Hal (kestrel) and Savannah (bateleur eagle). I was particularly taken with Obi, who had amazing eyes and stayed on my arm for ages, and Savannah, who didn't stay long on my arm, but almost snapped it off at the shoulder as she took off. It was a terrific experience, though, and being so close to the birds allows you to see just how graceful and majestic they are.

Three of us were staying for the full day, so after lunch in the restaurant (I wondered if if we'd be given golden eagle, chips and beans or something), we were taken out into the nearby woods to do some actual hunting with Diva and Finch, a pair of harris hawks. They didn't actually catch any quarry, but I reckon they were still full from yesterday, when Diva caught a duck. Still, it was great to see birds of prey operating in their natural environment. I carried Finch for a good while, and it was obvious that he had incredible eyesight. He was constantly on the lookout for things to chase and tried to launch himself from my arm once or twice. It took quite some effort to hold him back, and he didn't look best pleased.

So, a terrific day out and one I'd recommend to anyone. Thanks Branches! I had a good ride back and Nik & I then got stuck into a curry after Tom had had his bath and bottle. No murmurs from him yet.

Mog returns

A day that started badly and finished much better. Jodie didn't come home all night, meaning that I didn't get much sleep. I spent much of the morning visiting neighbours, putting up lost cat posters on lampposts and visiting/telephoning vets in the area.

Eventually, our local vet called around 11.00am to say that they had Jodie. Huge relief. Turns out she'd wandered down to Bradley Road and had been found by a lady and her 2 sons on their way back from school yesterday. They were apparently quite taken with her, took her home several streets away and were all ready to keep her. They even gave her a new name, Merlin! Until they realised she was a girl. In fact, they only took her to the vet because they were concerned she was rather thin. So I suppose we were lucky to get her back.

Nik here now, yes I went to see the lady and she was very dotty. She immediately adopted Tom and started to feed him. I left with a bag full of toys for him. All very strange.

Anyway, that is the news of the day. I do have a photo for the day, but am charging my camera for Matt at the moment (he's off to do his big bird day tomorrow) so will put up tomorrow. I'm just back from a nigh out - Rose from number 53 is a member of the local operatic society, so I have just been to see this year's performance - The Forbidden Planet. Shakespeare mixed with 60's music. Was fun and high energy, I needed to know more Shakespeare to get all the jokes but it was good and a pleasant evening.

Where is Jodie?

So, we had a fantastic night last night. I checked in on Tom at around 10pm to find him snoring away. We didn't hear a peep from him the whole night.

I dropped Tom off at nursery at 8am. He settled down immediately - sat at his table demanding breakfast, didn't look back for me or anything, even though there were lots of children around him crying.

I spent the day doing some research for class (need to have a theme ready for next week) and then sorting out my flyer. I am quite happy with the end result, but think it needs some cup cakes on it as they are so popular at the moment, so I'm going to wait for my birthday to see what comes my way and then purchase any other bits and start baking some cup cakes, ready for photographing. (Matt's going to hate me baking cakes which he will have to eat!). Then I can get the flyer printed and out there.

My new phone also arrived this morning - very very different to my old one, so might take a little getting used to.

Had lunch and then went to nursery to pick up Tom. He wasn't quite as tired as yesterday, but still a little drowsy. I went in to get him, he didn't notice me come in the door (too busy playing with the garage toys). I then called out to him - hope too busy. I must have called out about 5 times before he finally looked round at me! I guess he didn't miss me!

Anyway, he had a good time. He managed a 5 minute sleep in a buggy outside, but that was it. He did eat his breakfast this time, and his toast and fruit and all his lunch. In fact he managed to use a spoon to feed himself 4 spoonfuls of food - so I guess he is learning from the other children. I wonder if he will do it at home as well?

Came home, put Tom straight to bed. He had another 2 hours, then we went for a play on the bus outside where the rest of the street joined us. Then before we knew it, it was dinner, bath and bed.

We have a new worry tonight, Jodie seems to have gone AWOL, which is very unlike her. We haven't seen her since lunch time. We thought she would come in when it is cold and dark, but she hasn't made it yet and it is coming up for 9.30. Matt is out looking for her.

Sorry, we forgot to take a photo today.

First day at nursery - very tiring (but I refused to sleep!)

So today was a big day in the life of Tom. It was his first morning at nursery. It went pretty smoothly, didn't look back when I took him there, quite happy to be left and play with his new chums.

I took advantage of my 'time off'. Did some filing (huge amounts of bank statements etc that have been collecting dust for a couple of months), upgraded my phone, registered with the inland revenue and then started doing some cake research. The standard of cake websites and cakes out there varies enormously - if I do a half decent cake website it will beat most of the competition. I found a couple of London based companies that do amazing work that I can only dream of. One of them had Heston Blumenthal in recently so he could learn how to put cakes together. If he goes to them, then they must be the best. Anyway, great for inspiration, although a little daunting.

Broke off at 12 for lunch, then went to collect Tom at 1pm. Found a dirty and very tired chap waiting for me. He was absolutely exhausted! He had refused to sleep in the morning (guess what, he was too nosey and wanted to see what was going on rather than sleep). He didn't eat much for breakfast (same excuse), but had toast for a snack and then ate up all his lunch. I had to sign an accident report form as well. One of the ladies had noticed a lump on his head, they were all confused because he hadn't cried at all. He was playing with blocks at the time, so I explained that he takes after me in that he comes up with lumps and bumps all the time and not to worry about it, he probably hit himself with a block and he came up with a lump. They will be very busy filling in the forms if they have to do that each time he has a bump. It had gone by the time I had got there.

The photographer had been in this morning as well and apparently he was grinning and playing up to him so they might just have to be purchased. He was falling asleep in my arms as I was chatting with the nursery workers so I took him home. Had to shout at him in the car to try to keep him awake for the 5 minute journey back (no luck). Got him out of the car and upstairs to his cot with him hardly opening his eyes. Wonder if he will sleep for longer than usual this afternoon?

Anyway a successful first day and no tears which was great.

So, he did sleep for longer than usual. After two hours I got him up as I was worried he would not wake up again today. Took him a while to come too, but he turned into the usual happy Tom after about 10 minutes. We went on a quick trip to Asda (I needed a pad of paper for my cake course which starts again tonight) then I let him free on his bus at the front of the house, however, I guess he was still a little tired as he whinged, so we came in and played in the lounge instead. He then had the biggest dinner - Japanese rice with Japanese topping, blueberries, banana, malt loaf and a rice cake with cream cheese - which he smeared over his face as illustrated above.

Then up the stairs, bath, bottle and bed. I went to my cake course and Matt stayed at home. He said he hasn't heard a peep from Tom yet...

PS - as you can see I have found out how to change the appearance of the blog (thanks Adam). I thought the background I chose yesterday was too autumnal. I looked for a summery one, but couldn't find one. Matt liked this one (surprise surprise) so thought I would use it until I get bored (or cross eyed)

Back to the old routine

Not a bad night, Tom woke up once at 2am, but he settled back immediately (he was sitting up?) and that was it.

First thing this morning we were in Asda purchasing a stair gate to stop him going upstairs unattended. He had an early lunch and afternoon nap as today was Gymbabes. Got to Bridgnorth on time, however, it turns out that the people who run it are caught up in the volcano chaos. They are still in Italy unable to get back, so Gymbabes was off. We decided to go to Cinnamon instead as it has a little playroom, but that was closed as well. We ended up in Costa, but Olly wasn't playing ball so Rachel Z had to shoot off pretty soon. A bit of a shame really, I was looking forward to it.

Had a quick look around Bridgnorth before returning home. Tom then had a zoom outside on his bus and then we had a play inside.

His eating remains good, but he is still getting squirty poos. However, other people say their babies are the same, so maybe it's just what happens at this age.

He had a reasonably good day (bit grizzly on the whole - think he is missing all his friends and grandparents). Had a good bath, bottle and bed.

Today's photo - Tom in his new sun hat with chin strap - this summer's head wear.

A beautiful weekend

So we have returned home. Had the most brilliant weekend ever - fantastic company, beautiful location and the sort of weather you dream about (especially as we were in the UK and it's April!)

Tom and I said bye bye to Granma and Pop Pop then drove up to Tregate (near Monmouth) on Friday afternoon (with a confusing stop in Weston-Super-Mare to stretch legs and buy huge amounts of food to be squeezed into the already full car). Arrived dead on 5pm to find the Milburns had already arrived. It was a beautiful day - deep blue sky. The Francis' had done a fantastic job in finding a lovely converted barn for us all, with gorgeous views and a big garden. Everyone immediately settled in and before too long the beer was flowing and the bbq fired. It was Debbie's birthday today so we celebrated. I had taken advantage of the occasion and had made a cake.

We had the same problem with Tom as last night. We went through the usual bed time routine, but he started to cry as soon as we put him in his cot. No amount of settling would work. I gave up in the end and brought him down, hoping that a poo would be imminent and sort him out. It took until 8.30 but the poo finally came, so I scooped him up, changed him, put him in his cot and we didn't hear from him again. Once again it must have been tummy ache.

On Saturday we decided to explore Rhaglan Castle and a mighty fine castle it was too - especially as it had dawned another beautiful day. We did lots of clambering and exploring - there were dungeons (good) a moat (couldn't find the crocodiles) a tower to climb etc etc. Had a lovely picnic lunch in the grounds (Lou and Tim even went off for a walk together leaving me with Laura and Jacob - that has never happened before!)

After lunch we returned to the barn and had a lazy afternoon enjoying the sun. Matt and I even found time to play badminton (we were very very bad). We then had a big pot of chilli before retiring inside and spending the evening on the wii (I'm a very good chicken). Tom went down first time which was ace (especially as he hadn't done a poo).

Sunday, once again was a fantastic day. The Milburns headed off early - they all start school again tomorrow. We and the Francis' went for a short walk along the river, then lunch before returning home. Tom decided that today he was going to climb upstairs. The barn had two flights of stairs and he did this 14 times! He was unstoppable and kept Matt busy whilst the rest of us cleared and cleaned the barn. Needless to say, Tom was asleep within 5 minutes of setting off and didn't wake until we entered Telford. On arrival at home he was straight up our stairs (he has never done that before) so I guess we need another stair gate!

Anyway, we had a wonderful weekend, couldn't have asked for better. Can't wait to do it all again next year.

PS - Adam, how did you manage to escape my camera - naughty!

Live Wire

Tom was up twice last night - midnight and 5am so not great, but I've also known a lot worse so won't complain.

This morning I took advantage of the Crapstone babysitting service again, so Mum and Dad took Tom down to Saltram for a walk whilst I had the morning to catch up with various things. He was returned at lunch time, without trousers or socks! Yes, he had pooed himself - it had gone every

where, luckily I had given Mum and Dad a clean change of clothes, so they put him in a new vest, but as they were about to come home, decided not to worry too much about his bottom half!

He had his lunch - huge portions again, and then a play. He was a real live wire today - full of energy gadding about everywhere, climbing over all of us and being comical with it.

I put him down for his nap at 2pm and was expecting a fight, but I didn't hear a peep from him. When he woke up it was just about warm enough in the garden to play, so the sandpit and blankets came out again. He did really well with the sandpit today, he stood up at it playing for a good 30 minutes. At one stage he let go and stayed standing for a good 5 seconds before he realised that he wasn't holding on and got his jelly legs back, collapsing to the floor.

Pop Pop spent the afternoon making repairs to the train track and then got the train to run up and down. Tom was fascinated by it and watched intently. The train isn't ready for him to sit on yet, but I think he can't wait for a go.

Tom had another good dinner, then bath, bottle and bed. Unfortunately today he wouldn't go to sleep. He kept crying and crying. I tried settling him many times, I put Reginald in the cot with him, gave him dental gel and nurofen, but nothing would work. In the end I brought him down to sit in his high chair whilst we had our dinner. He was happy as Larry in the chair - all sweetness and light, however, he did strain, and when I took him back upstairs to bed I checked his nappy and found a big poo. So, I changed him and tried to put him down again. He cried initially and then stopped. I'm now 5 doors away writing this, so not sure how he's doing. I guess you will get a full report if it is bad later.

Oh, we are leaving Devon tomorrow and going to Herefordshire for the weekend. We have rented a barn conversion with Debbie and Lou and families (there are now 10 of us when we meet up). Matt is joining us on his bike. Not sure if there is wifi, if not then you won't be hearing from us until Sunday. Let's hope the weather is good.

Video below is of Tom playing in his sandpit, I have a feeling we will have to buy him one now.

Sailor Tom

Another eventful day. We all had a good sleep last night. Tom woke up at midnight (somehow he has got himself into the routine of doing that recently) but that was it.


After his morning nap we drove down to see Nan. She was in good form, she definitely recognised me and enjoyed having Tom. She said he was gorgeous which was lovely. Unfortunately Tom wasn't on his best behaviour and wouldn't take her finger, but on the whole I think she enjoyed it.


Once our visit was over we headed off to the pedestrian ferry to Mt Edgcumbe in Cornwall - Tom's first trip on a boat. We had a good time. First stop was the Orangerie which served up a very good lunch at very reasonable prices (Tom ate a mammoth lunch - not sure he would have stopped before he exploded if allowed too), then we went for a walk. Mum and Dad made sure I walked off my Welsh Rarebit as I was carrying Tom in his rucksack and we climbed a couple of hills. Anyway, it was a lovely place, definitely somewhere I want to take Tom when he is older as it has a lovely mix of nature, sea, beaches, formal gardens, picnic spots, follies etc etc and it is free.

We got the ferry back and then returned to Crapstone. Normally Tom would have fallen asleep at this point, but he was distracted with me being in the back with him, so I put him straight in his cot when we got home.

He woke up an hour and a half later, which is normal for him, but he was grizzly. He continued to be grizzly until he had his dinner (fish fingers, sweet potato, carrots and parsnips, followed by plums - oh and I tried him on hummus which was sort of ok). 15 mins after his dinner he was fine again, so I let him stay up a little later than usual before bath, bottle and bed. Haven't heard from him yet...

A good day was had by all.

I like sand pits

Today dawned beautiful again. I took advantage of the Crapstone baby sitting service and went off to Tavistock on my own (feels very strange - kept looking behind me to find an empty car seat). The main purpose of the trip was to go to the cake shop there to be inspired. Fat chance! They are selling the business and all I got was a sob story about inefficient suppliers. They only had Christmas stuff in stock so I left empty handed.

Came home to an empty house - Tom had been taken out by his grandparents so I enjoyed a good half hour on my own reading the paper. Little things have become big pleasures.

Tom came home just in time for lunch and a play. He was in a very good mood. He had a big lunch and then played in the lounge for a good hour before going to bed.

We then had a big lunch (Dad had his Neighbourhood Watch meeting this evening meaning lunch and dinner got reversed) and then set up the garden for the afternoon - the sun was out again and it was warm so we took full advantage.

Mum and Dad have a sand pit - so that came out. Took Tom a little while to notice it when he came out, but he did spend quite a bit of time playing with it. He was standing for quite a while. He had the usual dilemma though - he wanted to move around it, but that meant standing on the grass - I think he ended up with one foot on a blanket and one foot on the grass - funny boy!

Time went quickly and before we knew it, it was 5 o'clock and dinner time. Tom had sausage and mash left over from our lunch (first time for sausages - went down very well). Then a play before bath, bottle and bed. He went to sleep immediately this time (he looked very tired) and stayed asleep during Dad's meeting which was fab. He only woke once - at midnight, just needed settling and that was it.

Off on holidays again - Devon this time

Not much happened today as it was a travelling day. Tom and I headed down to Devon (thought we should take the chance before we start paying for nursery)

Must say he was an absolute diamond in the car. Slept for an hour between Telford and Michael Wood Services (where we stopped as I was desparate for the loo - they had a 'tot seat' in their baby change loos which was really handy. Meant that Tom was strapped in whilst I went to the loo, he thought it was really funny looking down on me!

He moaned a bit between the services and Cribbs Causeway - but it wasn't far. We then had a good walk around the shopping mall and lunch in one of the cafes. Tom ate all his up - but suffered from swivel head which made it quite difficult.

He slept from Bristol to Ivybridge and then sat contently in the car playing with my empty coke bottle until we got to Crapstone. I couldn't have asked for any better.

It was an absolutely glorious day, so we played in the garden. Mum and Dad put down two blankets meaning Tom could move around (we have discovered lately that he hates grass - he won't go near it and will cry if you sit him on it - very handy for pub gardens, means he doesn't crawl off to play with broken glass etc) He had a lovely time with his Granma and Pop Pop who both got down to play with him.

Unfortunately he is back to doing squirty poos - he did one that went up his back whilst we were in the garden, so he ended up naked for a little while, and trouserless for the rest of the day. Photos are of him eating some snacks - we put them in a cup and he did quite well holding the cup and taking them out (only tipped them on himself about 5 times which I think is quite good)

He had a good dinner, bath and bottle, but he didn't like going to bed. He cried for quite a bit which is really unusal for him. Luckily I have brought Reginald the croccodile with me and that seemed to calm him down. He whimpered for a little while but was asleep within 20 minutes (a long time for him, but still not too bad - I wonder what the problem was?)

We forgot to take a photo again!

Today we met up with Helen, Al and Finn (who I nicknamed 'The Ginger Army') last time we met up (Both Helen and Al have red hair, so Finn didn't have a chance). We decided to meet up half way this time - which means Sutton Coldfield. I found a pub with a soft play area attached so suggested that.

Finn has grown again - but looked more or less how I expected. He is a happy chappy, once he got over his shyness he was lovely, sharing his snacks with us, playing nicely with Tom, waving to order etc. He also ate all his food (more than can be said of Tom. I made him 3 sandwiches today - one egg mayo, one tuna mayo and one soft cheese - he rejected them all, lucky I had a fall back just incase he was difficult!)

Anyway, we had a lovely time and Tom kept going until almost 3pm when he started to shout. He was asleep within 5 mins of being in the car. All the Singers were happy and content. Helen bumped into Jamie recently (friend from Uni) - a real blast from the past and completely threw her.

I got into trouble with mum last time because we forgot to take a photo. I made sure I had my camera with us this time and even told Helen that I mustn't forget. Guess what - I forgot! I guess we will have to meet up again soon.

Anyway, Helen is starting up a luxury home furnishings business - starting with cushions. She has a website: http://www.gingerhall.co.uk/, it isn't quite ready yet, but I don't think it will be long. Good luck to her, she has given me added inspiration for my cake business and more ideas - ie using twitter as a sales tool.

I'm off to Devon tomorrow so will blog from there. Matt is staying behind. Don't worry, I've given him plenty of jobs to do whilst we are away, so he won't get bored.

Summer has arrived

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday, I forgot as my computer was downstairs. Anyway - quick resume: went swimming with Rachel and Olly in the morning, but Tom didn't enjoy himself, he grizzled quite a bit, meaning we were only in the pool for about 20 mins. Came home, had lunch and then were at nursery for 2pm. Tom settled in fine again, but around 4pm started to cry. I tried everything I could but couldn't really calm him down. I put it down to him being over tired and took him home. I put him in his cot, but he continued to cry. He then did 3 massive poos in 30 minutes. After that he was fine, so I guess it was stomach ache.

Today dawned clear and beautiful so we made the most of it. Whilst Tom was napping I did a quick circuit of the garden pulling up the worst of the weeds, whilst Matt washed his bike and got the mower ready.

Once Tom was up he joined us in the garden, and then did another couple of runs on his bus out front (this time with Hannah and Becca helping!) We then popped out to The Lamb in Edgmond to meet up with Kamila, Sam and Stella - this being about 6th time lucky. We had a lovely lunch, both babies were very well behaved and played nicely with each other. The food at the pub was really good and very cheap and we had the garden more or less all to ourselves making it a lovely afternoon.

At 2, both babies showed signs of needing a sleep so we headed off on our separate ways. Tom went down with not a murmur and we continued working in the garden, it really was a gorgeous day - best one of the year to date.

Tom had another play once he woke up, then dinner, play, bath, bottle and bed. Oh, and I am pleased to announce that he did 3 solid poos today - yahhoooooo! (Typical as I spoke to our Dr's surgery yesterday for advice and I had to go down with a stool sample for them to test just in case there is something wrong with him - lovely job!)

Tom hits the road

Today was Tom's first day at nursery. Well not quite a day, it was a 2 hour trial (10am to 12 noon). It was a big day, of course he was completely unaware of it, but for me it was a big day.

As I expected he was quite happy to go off and explore and charm other people, didn't look back at me once! I got to do lots of paperwork and then hung around in reception watching him via their CCTV. He seemed to have a lovely time. Spent sometime outside and then explored the playroom, getting out lots of toys and then leaving them in a trail on the floor. He had such a nice time that the staff asked if he could stop for lunch, so he did. As I expected he ate very nicely - peer pressure is a wonderful thing.

I finally got him back at 1 o'clock - thank god - I was starving! Went home, I got my lunch and put Tom down for his afternoon nap.

Once he was up again we decided to go and play outside as it was such a lovely sunny day. We got his car out and put him on the tarmac outside. He loved it. I put him in some trainers as it was tarmac, he didn't really like them but once he got used to them he was zooming around, the tarmac is slightly downhill so he went quite fast.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the back garden, me pruning (or rather hacking) our shrubs and Tom watching me. Managed a good half hour before he started getting restless which was good.

Once we came inside it was only half an hour before dinner - the day really had gone quickly.

He is off to nursery again tomorrow afternoon. We are popping down to Crapstone next week and then he will start in nursery properly once we are back. He really is growing up...

Holidays end

A good night last night - yahoo. Tom slept right through. Matt, on the other hand, didn't and he slept downstairs as he was tired and has a big work week to get through. Turns out that an Italian company he did some work for in January are finding lots of excuses not to pay him and it was keeping him awake - which I can understand. He spent the morning doing some research about them during which another Japanese translator got in touch - she has an Italian lawyer friend who has offered to help him out foc as long as it doesn't go to court. So, that's as near to a resolution as is possible at this stage. Lets hope it helps him sleep tonight.

I wasn't really looking forward to today, it's always horrible to go back to looking after Tom on my own after a holiday - whether it be a foreign holiday or bank holiday, especially as Tom and Matt are bonding so well. It is really nice to see them together at the moment, they obviously enjoy each other's company. I really think that Tom has blossomed over the past month spending so much time with Dad, he is certainly a happy chappy when he is with his Dad. It's nice for him to have someone other than me to play with as well - I think I probably get quite stale with him, doing the same thing all the time. I often pick up tips from Matt on new ways of doing things just by watching him interacting with Tom.

Anyway, I had arranged to meet up with Rachel and Olly today after our aborted attempt yesterday. She hadn't gone out or done anything over Easter either so was a little stir crazy. As Olly is walking and wanting to walk all the time we decided Jungleland would be the best place to go. Spent a good 2.5 hours there during which I think Rachel and I managed about 10 minutes of proper conversation (it really is getting more and more impossible to have adult conversations now - thankfully she has arranged our next night out sans enfants, the week after next, hopefully then we can catch up properly)

Got back at 2.30, Tom went for a nap whilst I scooted around. The post man had been, Tom had written me a post card wishing me well from Cosford. How sweet. When he was up we popped to Asda to get some bits before getting home in time for his dinner.

Then it was play, bath, bottle and bed.

He is still having squirty poos - we had the full range today. What is up with his digestion?

Little walk, big effort

Another bad night. I think we woke him up when we went to bed, not a problem, he just needed settling. He then woke up again at 2.30 and was in full scream mode. No amount of settling seemed to work. Eventually we sorted him out - he was thirsty and wanted some water. All this will be so much easier once he can talk. Took us a good while to get back to sleep though.

He woke up in a good mood and had a good breakfast before going for his morning nap. We then decided to go out. We were supposed to meet up with Rachel, Errol and Olly today for lunch and a walk, but Errol had come down with a stomach bug overnight so it got called off - not having much luck this Easter are we?

We were going to do a walk round Wilderhope Manor, near Longville, so we went on our own. The book said that it was an easy walk, all I can say was that both of us were huffing and puffing and glad to finish it and get to the pub. Tom couldn't see what we were making a fuss about!

We had a leisurely lunch at the pub, Tom ate loads and charmed 2 old ladies (of course). He fell asleep in the back of the car and then went down in his cot when we got home. Matt and I collapsed on the sofas and watched 'The Colditz Story' - it was all we were capable of.

He had a good afternoon, playing with us both, we definitely had a lot more giggles than grizzles. Tom had another good dinner, before bath, bed and bottle.

Good news - Tom did 3 poos today which was fab, unfortunately they were all squirty. I think I will give the Dr a call tomorrow for advice. He is eating well at the moment and is very happy and full of energy so not much can be wrong.

Oh, weighed myself today - i am 6 pounds lighter than this time last week - something to do with being ill I think. Wonder if it will stay off next week.

I like Easter eggs

Not a great night. Tom kept waking every hour. I thought maybe he was hungry, but he wouldn't entertain the thought of feeding from me. Each time, I settled him, he would go back to sleep, but then be awake again an hour later. In the end at 2am we gave him some nurofen. We didn't hear from him again, so I guess it was what he needed. I'm really unsure as to what was wrong, he didn't have a temperature or red cheeks? His poo still isn't right, which is why I am still breastfeeding him - don't want to give him cows milk again until his system is fully recovered.

We had an ok morning, he was a little grizzly, but cheered up after a massive breakfast. He had a good long morning nap, waking up just as Auntie Jude arrived. She came laden with Easter gifts - including Tom's first ever Easter Egg (today's picture is him eating part of it - he loved it, took no time at all going down!) After his initial shyness, he played quite nicely - especially when Reg (the crocodile) came down.

He had a really good sized lunch and then we put him down for an early nap so we could go out for the afternoon. As the weather wasn't as bad as fore casted, we decided to take advantage and go for a walk around Granville. It was still quite windy, but Tom was wrapped up warm and didn't complain. We somehow found ourselves at The Shropshire for a mid walk drink (and Matt couldn't resist their flapjacks which are really good). There was a 10 month old boy next door to us (Hugo). He and Tom made instant friends, and before too long a crawling area was set up so they could clamber around. They played together really nicely - no punching, eye gouging or hair pulling took place.

We dragged ourselves away to walk home. Then a short play before dinner (another really good meal), more play, bath, boobie and bed. No poo at all today - where has it all gone?

Road to recovery

I had a very good night's sleep and felt 100 times better when I woke up which was great. Matt on the other hand wasn't feeling great! What a pair! Luckily he wasn't sick, but spent a good part of the morning on the loo!

Anyway, we both managed to eat some breakfast and both felt better for it, so decided to take it easy today and headed out to Shrewsbury to get some fresh air and visit Setonikai for some Japanese ingredients so we can get going making ourselves some Japanese nosh.

We both felt better and better as the day went on, we even managed a sandwich each which we both enjoyed. Tom was a little grizzly today, not sure why, not too bad. As usual he charmed everyone in the pub and played peekaboo with anyone who would take part. He even managed to play it with a lady on the park and ride bus - hiding behind a handrail?!

We had a lazy afternoon, Matt washed the car, I did some cake research on the internet. Tom spent the afternoon playing and looning around. He had an OK dinner, then a good bath, but then a bad feeding session (he got spooked by Matt coming in to ask about dinner and wouldn't go back).

We had a lovely dinner - roast lamb which was gorgeous, very tender and tasty - complete with rosemary from the garden.

Sick Mum

What a terrible night. I think the curry didn't agree with me and I spent from 3.30am onwards in the en suite being ill. Not a good start to the holidays! I thought I would perk up with some food, but I couldn't even keep plain bread down so I retired to bed feeling very sorry for myself, and we cancelled our plans for the day.

As it is a horrible day, Matt decided to take Tom to Cosford to look at the airplanes. I will let him take over from here as all I did today was lie in bed feeling sorry for myself.

Yes, Tom & I drove down to the RAF Museum at Cosford in driving rain and hurried into the cold war exhibition to (a) keep warm and (b) teach him about the Berlin Airlift, Cuban Missile Crisis, Mutually Assured Destruction etc. He was in the rucksack, and so was quite happy to sit there while I wandered round showing him the exhibits. The ladies in the shop were very taken with him, and reacted in the usual way; by going all coy and playing peek-a-boo. As he did with the staff in the children's play area and then with pretty much everyone in the restaurant. He demolished a whole jar of veg korma, another of apple & peach crumble, a biscuit and a good chunk of my bread roll, then fell into a deep sleep as soon as we set off in the car. I think he was in anaconda mode. I'll wake him up if he's still asleep after 6 months.

I was planning to drop into Asda on the way back, but he was still fast asleep and I couldn't find a single parking space anywhere (got very annoyed with a 2-seater convertible parked in the parent and child spaces), so put down in his cot and went out on foot. Inside Asda was predictably ghastly. Do people really need to panic buy because the shops are going to shut for one day?

Finally, we've finally found something that Tom seems to be afraid of. We have an 18" long inflatable tiger in our bedroom, and Tom suddenly seems scared stiff of it. I'm surprised he hasn't noticed it before, but he bursts into tears whenever he sees it, even from the next room. Very strange. We also have a "fluffy" tiger in the bedroom, and he's quite happy to grab that and chew it.

Anyway, Nik headed off to bed at 8.30, so fingers crossed she sleeps well and is feeling better tomorrow.

A normal day

Another good night. Tom had a little 5 second grizzle at 5.30 which woke me, but other than that it was fab. Matt hasn't sloped off downstairs once since we got back - almost I record I think. It is nice to wake up to my husband rather than a cold bed.

Today is Jungleland, so after Tom's morning nap we headed off to Hadley. Not many people turned up again, but Sammie as usual was full of good ideas and drive to get more interest. Tom wasn't really interested in playing but spent most of the day charming other mums to give him food, I lost count of the number of chips he got!

Came home, Tom had some more food (good sign that he has a good appetite) and Matt and I had Duck Tom Yam Gai which I made from the duck carcass after yesterday's roast. Felt quite proud of myself that I had managed to make it (have got in a lot of Thai ingredients as Thai food is generally quite healthy). Tom went for his nap whilst I got stuck in a book I got out of the library (Chocolate cakes - given me loads of new ideas). Oh - for those of you who read this who usually give me birthday gifts, please, please ask Matt as he has a very long wish list of cake things I want which is getting longer by the day.

The afternoon was spent in a rainy Telford running some errands. Then home, dinner (not very good), bath, boobie and bed. Only had one tiny poo today, so thought I would keep him off the dairy for another day, at least until we get a proper poo.

Sorry, forgot to take a photo.