Another busy day and another birthday boy called Jake, this time Tom's cousin in Aylesbury. So after a morning of running Tom around Telford Town Park to wear him out, and an early lunch, we headed off down the M40 yet again. Another easy ride down, meaning we had an hour or so before the party which was held at a local gym - when I say gym I mean a proper gymnastic gym - had bouncy floors, trampoline (took me back to childhood and I did a sneaky quick routine - wish I had my sports bra with me though!), a foam pit, a huge swing - in short it was a fab place for both children and adults.

Everyone seemed to have a good time, then it was dinner for the kids, return to Simon and Clare's for a run around and change into pyjamas before heading back around 6pm. Surprisingly it took Tom a good 45 mins to get to sleep in the car, but he was fully asleep by the time we got home. Matt took a very floppy boy upstairs to bed whilst I was dispatched for fish and chips (we were both starving - we are used to 5pm dinners now as we eat with Tom most nights (means he eats better), so we were both ravenous by 9pm)

Anyway here are a couple of videos we took which tell the story of the party better than my words:

More lovely days

We have had a couple of really good days. Friday saw us in Cosford with Sammie, Jen and Sophie. They had a wonderful time, first in the Cold War hanger and then in the 'fun with flight' area, where Tom took control of his favourite machine - collecting the parcel putting it on the lift ready to be loaded onto the plane and then letting others press the buttons to move the plane and drop the parcel. As long as they gave the parcel to Tom to put back on the lift then everyone was happy. He stayed there for absolutely ages so didn't get too upset when we eventually left. We then had a picnic outside as it was such a nice day. Sophie and Tom had a wonderful time running up and down a grass verge. Sophie kept going to kiss Tom, which he wasn't too happy about! Then they found a mini crater which they sat in and played in. They got incredibly dirty! Anyway, it was lovely to watch them have so much fun together. Tom fell asleep on the way home and I had trouble waking him up from his nap. We had a quiet afternoon, we popped into Asda to pick up a curry - for the first time in months, I had to take Tom in the pram as he absoultey refused to walk - I guess he really was tired from the morning.

Saturday morning saw us back at the scout hut in Priorslee for another 2nd birthday (Jake from Messy Mondays) - this time there was a bouncy castle, which Tom quickly clambered on. He hasn't seen one before, but knew exactly what to do. He had lots of fun. We were all asked to bring toys with us, which meant there was plenty to do, although he had trouble sharing his bus with anyone else. He had the usual party food lunch - sausages, crisps, biscuits, chocolates and jelly!

Came home, had an early nap, customer came round to pick up my latest cake and then we all walked to Asda to pick up something for dinner. Tom then played outside with Hannah and Becca whilst I made dinner (homemade pasta with belly pork - yummy!)

A tired boy finally went to bed around 6.45, I could hear him snoring within minutes!!!!

Another lovely weekend

Another lovely weekend - we seem to be having a good run of them at the moment. We went up to Manchester - well Salford actually to see Adam, Karen and Leia. Stopped by in Shrewsbury first to pick up Matt (was out on a pub crawl Friday night - naughty man - even involved a kebab and not going to bed until 3 - does he think he is 21?!) Had lunch in a pub and then drove up. Got there just before 3. It took Leia and Tom about 15 minutes to get over their shyness and then they played together really nicely, running around everywhere. Leia took to pushing Tom round the garden in her car, which he loved, they were out there for a good hour.

We left the men to it, whilst Karen and I went to a Zumba class. I've been meaning to have a go for a while (new aerobics / latin dance fitness class) so she gave me the perfect opportunity. I quickly put on some of Adam's baggy clothes and trainers (luckily he has small feet) and away we went. Was good fun, but I discovered I am less fit than I thought - really do need to do something about it.

Came back to tapas made for us by Adam and then had a lovely night drinking really good wine and chatting. Tom was a little unsettled in his cot, had to go into him twice. We spent the night debating the best plan of action with him. The last couple of times we have tried sleep in the same room as us he has cried, but this time he was crying because he was on his own in a strange room. In the end we decided for me to sleep in the same room with him on my own, so I could put him in bed with me if necessary, and Matt got the sofa downstairs. It worked well (Tom didn't cry), but he was unsettled and coughing a lot meaning that I didn't sleep very well, and Matt had trouble on getting to sleep on the sofa (he kept sticking to it as it is a leather one!) So not a successful night, but as I said Tom was well behaved.

Had a bit of a lie in in the morning, eventually getting up at 8am. Tom then ran around in his pyjamas with Leia - not sure what they were playing, but they were cuddling in bed together at one stage and then they were both cuddled together in the cot at another stage, then I caught Tom removing Leia's duvet, putting it in the hallway and dive bombing it! Anyway there was a lot of hilarity. They certainly became good buddies.

Late morning saw us walking over to The Museum of Science and Industry where the kids had a good hour playing in the interactive area, before heading off to Cafe Rouge for lunch. By this time Tom was exhausted so we carried him back and then headed back to Telford. He slept the whole way back, bless him.

Got home around 4pm, Tom played out whilst I made him some dinner. He had a big crash on his bus, bless him. He seemed really concerned about his hands which were fine, then we noticed a really big bump on his head (cartoon style) - he seemed completely unaware of it (this proves what I have always thought, there isn't much going on in there!!!!!) He had a little cry but it didn't last long. He had dinner, then bath and bed. Haven't heard from him yet - must be shattered as he is really down on sleep - don't think it will be long before we head up as well - we are all pretty tired, but in a good way. Thanks Adam, Karen and Leia x

A Lovely Weekend

We have had a lovely weekend, helped in the fact that the sun shone all this afternoon. It wasn't all good though. We had a grizzly morning on Saturday - hysterics on the stairs before breakfast and then we decided to take him to the barber's for his first ever haircut. There was a little boy, a little younger than Tom in the queue before him. He behaved impeccably, sat on the booster seat and sat still whilst the barber cut his hair. Next up was Tom. As soon as we got near the chair he turned red in the face and started to cry. There was no way he was going to do it so I sat on the chair and held him. He cried and cried, moving his head as he went. Poor Mick (Matt's barber) had a real job not to poke him let alone cut his hair in some sort of style. We had to resort to giving him a dummy (snacks, toys, books didn't do anything). It sort of calmed him down, but he never really settled. I ended up with snot and tears and hair all over me! Mick, to his credit, stayed calm and did a good job, I really don't know how he did it! So anyway, we now have a very smart boy. He looks so different.

He cheered up in the car, and after a trolley ride in Tesco he was back to his usual self. We spent lunchtime in Wellington - I had a long list of ribbon I needed to get for various cakes and there is a really good stall in Wellington market - huge variety and very cheap. We went to our favourite pub first, found out they've stopped making our favourite meal - bucket of chicken wings, so had a combo platter instead which included chicken goujons. We haven't been able to get Tom to eat chicken yet - but he kept pointing to our plate, so we let him choose and he choose the chicken and he ate it. We were astounded - it wasn't processed chicken either - proper chicken breast in a thin batter. I will try that at home.

We then toddled around Wellington - Tom on his reigns as he has now got so confident with his walking and within himself that he is quite happy to walk off away from us which means trips out can be a bit scary with him going in any direction. He did really well, we managed to go to all the places we wanted to go to and he didn't sit down in protest or throw a tantrum = a successful trip.

We came home, he had a nap, I did some fruit cake experimenting in the kitchen (I have a dairy free, wheat free cake on order so made a small one to see how it turned out). The afternoon was spent playing trains in the lounge as it was raining. He really enjoyed himself as you can see in the video below.

Sunday we decided to go to the Sealife Centre in Birmingham. Been meaning to go for ages. Well Tom woke up in a very good mood, which was enhanced in the car, he kept clapping everytime we pulled away from a red light! We got to the centre just as it opened, so it wasn't full. He had a fantastic time. He was back on the reins again so we had some control over him. Lots of the tanks had viewing at his level, so he was able to get a really good look at the fish and coral etc. He seemed to like the silver coloured fish the best (wasn't really interested in the the brightly coloured ones)?! Some bits we missed because he was so excited and full of pent up energy that he just had to run through them, but it was a good visit. We took him to the 4d theatre for a short film, but I had to take him out as he didn't like being sprayed with water (maybe the memories from yesterday's hair cut were too raw!). He was a little uncertain walking through the tunnel with sharks etc, but did manage it in the end. Oh, and we got a new word - 'turtle' which was good.

Once out he had a play in the soft play area there (more interested in a Bob the Builder ride than the soft play) and then to a pub for lunch (well we actually had breakfast but who's counting) and home. Tom had a nap and then as it was such a beautiful day (blue sky and sunshine) we

spent the rest of the day outside running up and down the cul-de-sac outside. The Gouge girls joined us for a while. Was really nice - Tom ran his heart out and the girls played really nicely with him, almost forgot to make dinner and had to rush in to get it made.

So a really nice weekend filled with good memories.

Oh and as you can see from the pics, Tom will now only eat bananas in their skins, far more interesting than slices or chunks!

Disappointment

Well today I was going to report back on Tom's birthday party. It was the NCT birthday party - everyone was there and we had a playbus turn up and use of Andy's St John's Ambulance Hall. It would have been a really good day - it's not often that we all get together.

We had a good morning - Tom was in good form, very busy, ate a good lunch and had a good nap. However, when we got to the party he was in full grizzle. He went all floppy and had to be held by me - as soon as I gave him to Matt he screamed. Not a great beginning, but we put it down to him being difficult. We took him to the playbus, once again he grizzled and I had to almost force him on (unlike him as he likes soft play areas) he sort of did OK once on, but kept crying intermittently for no reason. After a while he pointed to the exit so we took the hint and took off and back into the hall.

Once there, we thought maybe he needed a sugar rush to perk him up, but he refused sugary biscuits, and crisps and fruit! Something was up. We then felt his forehead, it was hot. Lucky we were with a St John's Ambulance person - he had an ear thermometer in his car, we took his temperature, it was 38.8, so we stripped him to his vest and then he nuzzled into me. He almost fell asleep on me. It was clear he wasn't going to enjoy the party, so we decided to cut our losses and return home. So he didn't get his present, I didn't get to see my cake cut, and we didn't really get to see anyone else as we were so busy all the time trying to stop him grizzling.

Oh hum, here's a picture of the cake anyway. Mike and Michelle dropped everything off on their way home, so he now has a present and some cards to open in the morning. Didn't get any cake back though - so guess it was popular.

He did get better once home, spent some time playing with his train set and even managed an OK dinner. We put him to bed early with some medicine, so fingers crossed he has a good night and is better in the morning. Really disappointed because the party and the playbus were both my idea.

On a happy note, it was Dad's birthday today, we did a Skype call. Tom was a little too busy to talk much but Dad did at least get to see him.

A day at the zoo

Thursday was the first really nice day since Tom's birthday, when we'd planned to take him to Dudley Zoo, so we thought better late than never, and set off with packed lunches. Being half-term, it was quite full for a weekday, but Tom was genuinely interested in some of the animals, but not as much as in the road train thing that transports kids around, which caused standstill, pointing, waving and even cheering whenever it was in sight. Some animals did hold his attention, such as the giraffe, which he seemed particularly in awe of, but others seemed to be of little interest, such as a trio of beautiful lynxes (see photo), from which he ran away at great speed. Incidentally, I now have to run, rather than walk briskly, to catch him when he legs it, which seems to be happening more and more frequently as he gets further into the terrible twos. We had a nice lunch by the lemur enclosure, had a quick peek at three very lazy (comatose) lions and headed into the big grassy area inside Dudley Castle, around which the zoo sprawls. We had the foresight to take his football, and he spent a wonderful 15 minutes throwing and kicking it all over the place, until another slightly older boy took a fancy to it and hoofed it into a fenced off area. After much apologising by the lad's mother, normal service was resumed. We went back to have another look at the previously immobile tiger (Makari, Jude's adopted tiger from WHF funnily enough), but he hadn't moved a whisker, and neither had the snow leopard next door, so it wasn't a great day on the big cat front, but on the plus side Tom walked/ran some serious distance and was asleep almost before we left the car park.

Today (Saturday), we undertook a mini tour of Shropshire, calling first for half an hour or so in Shrewsbury to pick up Japanese food supplies at Setonaikai and change a certain young man's underwear in M& S's loos, then on to Oswestry for lunch with Auntie Jude at Gillham's deli, makers of the best sausage rolls I've ever had. It was very nice nosh indeed - the sausage rolls were outstanding again, as were the onion rings, most of which were snaffled by a greedy boy (although he did manage to find room for a piece of millionaires shortbread). Following another change of undercrackers in the boot of the car in full view of the world in Oswestry's central car park, he nodded off fairly quickly upon departure, so we came back to Telford the slow, scenic route via Ellesmere, Wem & Shawbury rather than flogging down the A5 as usual. Thereafter, more nap, a play outside, tea and a Skype call with Granny & Grandpa before bath, bottle & bed.

Miserable Weekend

The weather this weekend was terrible - typical British winter: grey, cold, damp, rainy and foggy. Nothing good about it at all.

We tried to make the most of it. Friday I met up with Sammie, Jen and Sophie to try out a walk for the BEST weekend walks that Sammie is setting up. It was freezing cold, but dry so we headed out. Jen had a stick, so Tom found one for himself. Took quite a while for him to work out how to hold and use it, but he got there in the end, even though for a little while it looked like he was trying to play quidditch! When he had it right, he looked like a mini Gandalph.

We had both packed picnics, so we found an area in nearby Blists Hill to sit out. As I said it was freezing, so it wasn't a complete success. Tom was ok, but the two girls were too cold to enjoy it so we had to call it a day and go home.

Saturday was a revolting day, so we went into town to do some emergency shopping (my jeans fell apart during the week) and then Matt took us out for a celebratory lunch (he's reached another milestone in his business) at a new restaurant in Newport (disappointing, food ok, but service very poor).

Sunday we went to Attingham Park for a walk. Tom did ok, his stamina is definitely getting better. We then popped into Sam's cafe for a snack on the way home.

That's about it, nothing exciting I'm afraid. Let's hope the weather is better next weekend.

Yet more birthday celebrations

Another good day yesterday. We thought it wasn't going to be great as Tom was in full grizzle mode when we arrived in Aylesbury and he didn't really cheer up until we went to the soft play area - when he turned into the Tom we all know and love (completely mad!)

So we travelled for 2 hours down the M40 to Simon and Clare's new house in Aylesbury (they moved in on the Friday) where we met up with Mum and Dad and Pat and Bob, so almost all family in the same place at the same time. Neither Jake nor Tom were particularly well behaved to start with. Amber was lovely and behaved impeccably the whole time we were there.

We had a massive present opening session - many thanks to everyone for their lovely presents - Tom is very spoilt. Then off to a soft play area. As predicted it was very busy and very loud - nothing like a rainy Sunday afternoon to fill up a playbarn. However, having said that Tom and Jake had a good time. Tom had soooo much fun that he got a sweaty head! He also ate all of his cod goujons and chips (being very careful to make sure that no peas entered his mouth - he's off them at the moment). He was on good form, didn't mind being knocked over by the older kids and showing no fear at any obstacle in his way.

At 2pm we called it a day and returned to Simon and Clare's for cake before leaving to go home. After cake Tom and Jake decided to play 'run around the house'. They both went mad for a good half hour chasing each other, whilst giggling. It was a joy to watch, although all of us felt tired just watching them. As predicted, we had tears when we told Tom that he needed to go home - he was tired and sad to leave. In fact he was so tired that he slept pretty much all the way home - the longest he has slept in the car for a very long time.

Anyway a good time was had by all and it was good to see him and Jake having so much fun together. We didn't take any photos, but everyone else had their cameras out, so will wait for the photos to make their way over to us. First batch are in from Bob, he took a great close up of Tom doing a silly smile whilst eating his fish goujons - I love it, don't you?

Oh, and here's me, Tom and Matt with the Thomas the Tank Engine Cake I made for Tom. Not as good as other cakes I have made, it was very very difficult and I spent quite a bit of time on other cakes this week, but I have learnt from my mistakes and think I could make a better one next time.

Birthday Girl

Had a really good day today. Had a lie in = Tom didn't get us up until 8am which was lovely. Had breakfast, then Matt noticed Hiromi was on line, so we did a skype. Was good, I think Tom recognised her as he gave her a huge smile and then spent the next thirty minutes showing off, running around, getting her things to show etc etc. He expended so much energy that by the time we said goodbye to her, he was shattered, so he went to bed for an hour. Perfect timing, meant we could do some household chores and he would be well rested for his first party.

Midday saw us in the Scout Hut in Priorslee (never knew it existed - it was great) for Abi's 2nd birthday party. (Abi was born on the same day as Tom, I met her and her mum in the maternity ward and we've stayed in touch ever since) It was perfect, a big hall with toys for the children to run around in. Then lunch of the usual party foods and then the birthday cake. It was a lovely atmostphere, the children all had a good time, hardly any tears, the two hours just flew past, Tom was obviously having a good time, cause he cried as we left.

Came home, Tom had another lie down, then we spent the afternoon doing pictures and trains. Then a good bath and bed.

It looks like Tom was the only child at the party - he wasn't there were a good 20 of them, just they weren't near Tom when we were taking photos. Oh, and yes I made the cake - was really pleased with it. I just need a request for a Macca Pacca now!

Birthday Boy

Wow, Matt and I are exhausted, sitting on the sofa almost comatose. Tom, lucky thing is fast asleep in bed. Today Tom turned 2. How did that happen? His first year dragged (something to do with a severe lack of sleep), but his second year has just flown past, and somehow he has turned from a baby into a boy, not sure when that happened, but it can't be denied he is certainly a boy now.

So, this morning Tom turned our bedroom into a state throwing paper and cardboard everywhere as he unwrapped his presents. Mostly from other people not from us as we decided not to wrap his main present (a balance bike). He was a very lucky boy and very spoilt from his Guardian Father who emigrated to Australia at the end of last year - he got a Koala, a Kangaroo and a book from him, unnecessary but very much appreciated - thank you very much Martin:0).

After breakfast he entered the lounge and found his new bike and helmet. He was very happy and immediately tried to get on the bike. Unfortunately, his legs are just too short, so he'll have to grow into it. The fact it is on two wheels also threw him, so it crashed to the floor on a number of occasions.

As it was raining, our plan to go to the zoo was scuppered, so we decided to go to Cosford instead. After a slightly unsure start, he warmed up and really enjoyed himself, running around the planes. He ran his little heart out. We finished up at the play area where he took a liking to a number of pieces of equipment - including a joystick controlling a plane in an air tunnel (see pic), where he gave passengers a particularly bumpy ride, but his absolute favourite was a plane that you could load up with a parcel and set flying, then press a button to unload the parcel which then dropped onto the floor - he LOVED it - he enjoyed loading it up and watching it fly. We would have been there all day if he could. In the end we had to drag him away and he had a tantrum, he cried and turned red and no amount of appeasement would calm him down.

We left because we were hungry and the food at the museum is pretty bad. We found a pub in Codsall which is in the old station, full of railway memorabilia and on the platform so Tom had a great time waving to the trains. It had a lovely atmosphere, is a 'local'(lots of people meeting for a drink) and had good food. Defiantly a good place to take both Grandads in the future.

Tom crashed out in the car on the way home, so he had his nap and then we all went to the Pirate Playpit to catch up with Rachel, Olly and Mae. Tom showed his Dad around whilst I looked after Olly. We all had a lovely time, Tom, once again cried when we left - think he had a lovely time and he was tired.

Came home, had dinner, then the Gouges came round so yet more pressies and cards to be opened. In the end he didn't go up for his bath until 6.30 - mega late for him.

Definitely a good day. I wonder what the next year will bring...

Ajax supporter

A good weekend. Friday night I babysat for Mae. She was being a little naughty when I arrived, refusing to go to bed for Rachel and Phil. In the end I sent them off and went in to deal with Mae on my own. To my complete and utter surprise, after a little stroking on her head, she lay down under her duvet, hugged her favourite toy and fell asleep to me reading her a story. I have always been very scared of Mae waking up when I have been babysitting, wondering if I would be able to get another baby to sleep, especially Mae, as apparently she gets really upset if Rachel isn't around to comfort her, so I was really chuffed as were Rachel and Phil, when I let them know she was asleep. It also meant that I could do my sugarcraft homework which was good (Honeysuckle and Dog Roses).

Saturday was the West Midlands Translators Walk - around Cleobury Mortimer. Had a great and very cheap lunch in the local cafe and then met with the group and did a 7 mile w alk. Tom managed the first 10 minutes and then we (well I) had to carry him the rest of the way. For some reason he didn't seem to like being carried by Dad, which meant I now have stiff legs! He behaved well, except for one moment where he cried, but a rest, a kitkat and some hot berry punch sorted him out.

Sunday, Jude came round so Tom could take her to his club - ie the golf club. He was in a good mood so was very entertaining. We spent most of the rest of the day outside, it is really windy at the moment, but not cold. Tom doesn't seem to mind the wind, so he was outside playing on his slides for a while.

Oh - and the football kit - my Dutch friend Chananja gave it to Tom for his 1st birthday, we did a skype call with her on Saturday evening and she was asking after it, so I promised I would put him in it for her, it's still a little on the big side, but he does look cute in it doesn't he?

M....ooooooooo

Today Tom amazed me and in response to what does a cow say, said 'M...oooooooooo' - a beautiful 'oo' if you ask me. I was taken completely by surprise. I was with Rachel M at the time, so have a witness. Maybe this really is the beginning of Tom talking. Will try to get some on video for you over the weekend.

He also actually played with Olly today when we were at The Pirate Playpit - our Thursday afternoon haunt with Olly and Mae and Rachel M. Rather than being with each other, but ignoring each other which tends to be what usually happens, they were interacting with each other and trying to make each other laugh. Was lovely to see, made us late coming home as we didn't want to break the spell.

Came home and Tom demolished a plate of fish, homemade pasta, sweet potato and parsnips. He really is eating very well at the moment. (Mummy and Daddy ate up as well)

So a good day, until bathtime, when he decided there wasn't enough water in the bath and added some more of his own. I was in the bath with him at the time - LOVELY!

Like Mother Like Son

As promised here's the video of Tom's first exploits in the kitchen, still can't believe he didn't try to eat it all as he went along.

Today, was a milestone day. He actually tried to speak today - yahoooooo! First of all when emptying the tin cupboard he repeated to me 'all gone' once it was empty. Then when our second set of viewers left the house, he stood at the doors in the kitchen and said 'bye' and then he repeated me saying 'that's not right' later on in the evening. I wonder if something is beginning to click with him? He certainly is very well at the moment - eating huge amounts (although still not that keen on meat) and as a result full of energy. It will certainly make life much more interesting if he could speak - it would be so good to get a window into his head, so we can begin to understand what he is thinking.

Downhill in a hurry

So, here we are in under a week since the last post - a record! Not much has happened, but we thought you would like to see this video of Tom's new stair manoeuvre. I think he has spent too much time in soft play areas and has picked this up from there, but it certainly is a quick way of going downstairs.



I spent most of this week making a Toy Story Cake, was very busy, but that is what the client requested. Think I have room for improvement with modelling, but I think you can recognise each character.

Yesterday we decided to go to Shrewsbury for a leisurely visit. Didn't quite go to plan, we got a phone call just as we arrived saying we had a viewing at 2pm, so we had to run round, had an early lunch and got back just in time for Tom to go to sleep and for us to clear up the house before they arrived.

Afternoon was spent on a retail park, I have been looking for 2 years for a pair of boots and failed miserably. A friend told me to go to Asda Living where they were selling some off at half price - got there, but as is usual, all the normal sizes had gone, so there was nothing left for me. The hunt continues.

Sunday we were going to go swimming but Martin called from Australia which was lovely - had a good long skype chat with him - everyone was looking well and suntanned - humpfh! By the time we had finished, it was too late, so we decided to go for a walk. We were going to walk along the Severn from Buildwas away from Ironbridge for a change, but we couldn't find anywhere to park. We ended up in Much Wenlock so went for a walk around the Olympic Trail and ended up playing in the park with Tom (he was in grizzly mood this morning and the park cheered him up)

We found ourselves a tea room for lunch but once settled in were told there was no lunch until 12.30, so we flounced out and went somewhere else - we were very glad. We ended up in 'The Old Smoothie' which specialises in smoothies, but also served fantastic sandwiches and the best sausage roll either of us has ever experienced, pork sausage with lumps of chicken and stuffing wrapped up in homemade pastry - fantastic. Found out that the place that makes them is in Oswestry. We have already contacted Jude to arrange a meet up there!

Came home, Tom had a nap, then I decided to initiate him in the kitchen, so we made chocolate rice krispy cakes together. We took a video, which will be put up as soon as Matt edits it. Very strange, I thought he would want to eat it all, but for some reason he didn't want the chocolate anywhere near his mouth - a result, he was more interested in putting the krispies in the muffin cases - an operation he was partially successful at. He did eat one for pudding, so I guess chocolate is good solid but bad liquid.

Oh, the second photo - my latest project from college - a pot of snowdrops - all made from sugar.

Painting is fun

Another week has gone by very fast and I am as usual playing catch up.

Nothing much exciting happened last week (not that I can remember anyway) Tom carried on trialling toddlers at nursery - he seemed to be happy and comfortable so I guess that's a good thing.

One thing I have changed with our routine is to try to have dinner at 5pm so we eat with Tom. This worked well, and we discovered a new 'favourite' food of Tom's - River Cobbler. Couldn't believe it - I gave him a small piece expecting him to view it suspiciously and toss aside as he does with any protein, BUT he ate it and demanded more. He ate loads and loads of it - so much so that Matt sped up his intake to make sure Tom wouldn't eat all of his. So, I think River Cobbler is going to become a regular menu item - until he gets bored of it anyway.

Thursday saw us in Jungleland in the morning and Pirate Playpit with Mae and Olly in the afternoon. He had a grizzly day which was unfortunate, but it was good to catch up with everyone.

Friday we were without car during the day so we hung around Donnington doing nothing that much interesting. Rachel came round to babysit in the evening. We were going to go to the cinema to see The King's Speech, but Matt wasn't well - so we went for curry instead.

Saturday Tom and I went shopping, I finally bought myself a cooling rack for my cakes (you would think I had one wouldn't you!). We left Matt at home as he had realised that he had forgotten to do a translation that was due Sunday evening - oops. We met up with him for lunch (which we had down our 'club' - The Golf Club - our local). I spent Saturday evening round Rachel's babysitting for her and doing my sugarcraft homework - Daffodils, Pussy Willow and Periwinkle.

Sunday we went up to Chirk to see Jude. Had a great time, Tom LOVED her cooking and ate and ate and ate. He also had a nap there with no problem and a good toddle around the canal - he even managed to throw some bread to the ducks (rather than eating it, which is what he has done on previous occasions)

Another new trick is that Tom now washes his face in the bath with a sponge - is so cute to wash, although, I think he does it so he can have a drink of bath water - naughty boy.

Oh, we had our first painting session at home today - I took a little video, not the best quality I'm afraid, but you get the idea.

AND, finally after a lot of talk, we finally put the house on the market today:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-17946171.html

The Weather in Devon is rubbish!

My word, have I got behind with this blog, there just don't seem to enough hours in the day at the moment to get everything done. Oh hum.

Anyway, Tom and I disappeared off to Devon on Wednesday - we didn't see Mum and Dad over Christmas and thought they would like a visit, also, Matt was away for the weekend, so I could do with the company.

I picked up Tom from nursery, from the Toddler room again as he was trialling with them. He apparently was quite happy there, but didn't eat much of his savoury dinner, but was happy to woof down his pudding.

The plan was for him to sleep for a good chunk of the journey down and then stop for a break and a run around before heading further south. He decided he knew best and slept for only 20 minutes! He did keep himself amused though until we got to Exeter, so can't really complain. We got out for a run around there and then back in the car. Tom wasn't too happy to be back in his car seat, but I discovered that if I sang to him he was ok, so I spent an hour, yes AN HOUR singing nursery rhymes to him, oh joy, at least he was the only one to hear me! Anyway we made good time.

Almost forgot, Tom discovered that he could open the car door on the way down. We were on the motorway when suddenly all the interior car lights came on and I could hear wind noise, took me a while to realise that his car door was open. Had to stop on the hard shoulder, put the child lock on and close the door - it had never occurred to me that he would be capable of doing that!

Tom had a good play and sat with us for dinner (although he didn't eat much - due to over indulgence with snacks in the car I think) and then went to bed without a bath. I followed him shortly afterwards. I took all our alarms off to see if we could lie in. We could! I woke up with a start at 8.30 and found Tom in his cot, awake and happy playing with his toys - what a love. In fact we lay in most days, it was luxury, definitely going to turn the alarms off at the weekends now, as even if he didn't get up till late, he still went to bed at the usual time and only woke up in the middle of the night once in the time we were away.

Thursday dawned grey, rainy and miserable so Mum and Dad suggested we went down to the old Military base (not sure what it is called) where there is a nice coffee shop with baby toys. It was a lovely place, such a shame the weather was so bad as there were lots of boats to see nearby, but it was driving rain so we hurried back to the car. Will go back to explore another time.

Friday was another drab, rainy, windy day so we headed off to Endsleigh Garden Centre - huge massive place for Tom to have a run around - somehow managed to buy a whole load of cakey things.

Saturday - guess what it was grey, rainy and windy, so we headed off to The Range for another retail experience (yup, I got some more cakey stuff) and then to Mountbatten for a pub lunch - where Tom ate his lunch and half mine (I got a sausage sandwich, thinking he might want some, not realising he would want most of it!)

Sunday - oh yes, another grey miserable day. I had developed a cold in the time I was down and Mum and Dad were beginning to look like they were beginning to suffer, so I took Tom off to a soft play area in Plymouth to give them a break. He had a good time, there was an area with Little Tykes cars which the kids can move around with their feet (Flintstone style). Tom loved them, but just sitting in them, not moving them, typical!

We came home on Monday, Tom slept for 20 minutes again, hated being in Cribbs Causeway for a break and then I had to sing to him for 30 minutes on the second leg. He was absolutely shattered when we got back, he couldn't eat and cried, so we put him straight to bed.

Tuesday and Wednesday he carried on trialling the toddler room at nursery, he goes there full time next week.

I like walking - oh and can I have some 'chee'

We have had a good weekend, quite the reverse from last weekend. We think that something has definitely clicked with him and he is a happier boy for it.

First of all, he has suddenly decided that walking is OK. We took him out walking on Saturday and Sunday. Haughmond Hill on Saturday (his second visit - he went there for the first time when he was a week old!). There were loads and loads of dogs for him to watch (most of which were spaniels of one form or another). This meant that he got distracted a lot, but he did manage to walk quite a long way before we put him in the rucksack and helped him to the viewpoint.

Today we went down to Ironbridge to do a favourite walk - along the old railway line. We couldn't believe it, we parked at Maws Craft Centre, and he walked along the road up and down the icy road (stopping to stomp in every puddle and watch every car / jogger / cyclist) and then quite a long way along the old track before asking to be put in the rucksack. He then got out again to walk over the Ironbridge (bridges are good). We decided to try out the new coffee shop in Ironbridge (Darby's), wasn't very good: overpriced and slow service, Ironbridge really is bereft of good coffee shops / tea rooms. After quite a poor lunch he then walked a significant way back. Matt looked up how far he walked today and reckons it was getting on for 2 miles which is fantastic, he has only got little legs after all.

Another fantastic development is that it looks like he is finally beginning to talk. We were in the new cafe in Haughmond Hill, I gave Tom a babybel, he pointed at it and said 'chee', Matt and I looked at each other, couldn't quite believe what we were hearing, so asked him to repeat it and he did 'chee', 'chee', 'chee' - fantastic, who would have thought one of his first words would be cheese - I'm very proud! As he was in an amiable mood, we pointed out some of the animals on the mural and he did try to say them 'ba' for bat, 'dee' for deer. So, so happy.

Today, he saw lots of dogs again and pointed at them and said something very close to doggie. He is also pointing to lots of things asking us what the word for them are, especially at meal times. He has also started to growl whenever he sees an animal??!!

Needless to say today, we had to wake him up after 2 hours of napping and he was very happy to go back to bed.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that Matt and I managed a night out on Saturday. Rachel came round to babysit (I babysat for her on Friday) and we went off to Lilleshall for a game of squash (both of us were out of shape and played badly - definitely need more practise) and then we went for a meal at The Fox. Didn't get back until 10.30!

I love my cousins

So where were we? So much has happened.

First of all, I would like to report that Tom's eating has improved considerably over the last week or so. In fact, I can't seem to get enough into him. He is having fully balanced meals as well. He has graduated to proper adult sausages (will eat a whole one in one sitting), and fish fingers, both of which he will eat with potatoes, carrots (current favourite vegetable) and broccoli. He has had 3rds of lunch both days at nursery (as well as 2nds for breakfast) and continues to eat and eat and eat, today he even managed to eat a child's meal at Jungleland (he needed a little help with his sandwich, but he ate most of it himself). As a result he has boundless energy and is a very happy boy. Friends who know him well have commented on how changed he is (might also have something to do with the haircut I gave him earlier this week). He really is a delight, and wants to walk and run everywhere - he even managed to run to and from Asda the other day - first time I've ever got him to do that - normally I have to carry him half / all the way.

Right then where were we? The day after we got back from Chester we had a 'normal day'. Matt worked and I spent the day with Tom after handing over my latest cake (a Portsmouth FC cake and cupcakes). We were supposed to go over to the Gouge's to see the New Year in, but Matt fell asleep on the sofa, so I left the boys at home and went over on my own.

Saturday saw us in Haddenham at last to see Simon, Clare, Jake and Amber. The traffic was amazing, for whole stretches of the journey we didn't see another car, needless to say we got there in good time. We both had good cuddles with Amber who was quite happy to fall asleep on both of us - she is 4 weeks old, but still quite scrunched up and very small with a very floppy head.

Jake was a little wary of Tom to start with (who can blame him - Tom settled in straight away playing with all of Jake's toys). After a good roast lunch (Tom ate a huge lunch - couldn't get enough in him), we took them for a walk and they played with each other really well. Jake ran for miles as he had to keep going back to Tom to 'get him' as he was lagging behind. Unfortunately it rained on us so we went back to the house, after all we had lots more Christmas presents to unwrap (correction - Tom had lots more presents to unwrap!).
This did take quite a while, Tom had a stocking full of gifts as well as a huge Fire Engine which Tom loves and many other bits and pieces too numerous to mention. Before we knew it, it was 4pm and time to say goodbye and make our way home. It was a good day, thanks Simon and Clare.

Sunday we decided to do the last of the Ironbridge Walks from the Greenwood Centre, was a really good walk, but Tom didn't think so and refused to walk and then grizzled for a lot it. (Although he did stop for a while after we took his Welly Boots off). Will do it again when it is warmer as it included an arboretum, a meadow and a stream, all of which Tom will enjoy when in the right mood. Once finished we headed off to a pub for lunch and then back home so Tom could nap and we could carry on fixing bits of the house.

On Monday we decided to walk up the Wrekin (our local mountain). This was a mistake! Tom hated it and grizzled all the way up. For the last 15 minutes he was full on crying. Not sure why, he was wrapped up warm and in his rucksack carrier. It took a good 20 minutes to calm him down at the top and then I had to carry him in my arms back down. I figure it was just too cold for him. Once we had returned to the car we went to Telford Town Centre to do a spot of shopping and have lunch. He cheered up no end and really enjoyed himself as well as eating up for lunch.

Tuesday we were back to the usual routine, so Tom went to nursery whilst I caught up with cakey admin and then took an order for a cake needed on Saturday, so stopped the admin and started getting creative.

Today we were back at Jungleland for Breastfeeding Group (lots turned up today). Tom had his first ever child's meal in between running up and down the building. He had a nap and then we went to another soft play area to meet up with Olly, Mae and the two Rachel's, where once again he ran his little heart out. Came home, he ate well, had a bath and went to bed. He must sleep well tonight. I'm exhausted and he ran further than me!

Cakes, cakes, cakes

Hi there, will do a post on this weekend - we finally got to meet our new niece yesterday and had Christmas mark II, but in the meantime, here are a selection of cakes I've made recently. The Iggle Piggle one was made for one of Tom's little friends. Wow! It was difficult and fiddly to do, but when Jane (Daisy's mum) saw it, she gulped - a good gulp, even offered to pay me more for it. So, I guess that was a success.

The second cake was for a Portsmouth FC supporter turning 40. Once again a success as the lady who came to collect it, gave me a £7.50 tip and told me to put it in Tom's money box - how sweet - maybe I am under pricing these cakes still?!

The daisy cupcakes were for Daisy's birthday party (I think this time for the adults) and the Christmas ones went to nursery with Tom as a thank you. I 'borrowed' the idea of the Christmas trees made from buttercream from some I saw on the internet, works well don't you think?

A (mostly) lovely Christmas

We had a very pleasant Christmas Day, starting with a light breakfast (we didn't want to spoil our appetites), and then decamped to the lounge to open the mountain of presents waiting for us. As you can see, Tom was (and still is) very pleased with his desk and chair, and immediately set about creating masterpieces from the various drawing-based presents from Grannie and Grandpa. His early works have more than a hint of Jackson Pollock about them, albeit in wax crayon (that the artist tried to eat on a number of occasions). As we expected, Tom was also very impressed by the vast quantities of paper and cardboard floating around the lounge, but did his best to tidy it away. Bless him. In any case, the occasion wore him out, and we had to put him down for his first morning nap for ages: not a bad thing, as he wasn't hanging around the kitchen while Christmas lunch was prepared. We had roast rib of beef (rare), served with roast spuds, various veggies and Yorkshire puddings. The beef was as good as I've had - it just goes to show: you should always get your meat from a good butcher, not your local supermarket. Tom didn't really touch the beef, but wolfed down industrial quantities of veg and a good chunk of Yorkshire pud. Instead of Christmas pud, Mum & Dad had brought a fruit sponge with spiced fruit. We all enjoyed it, including the lad.

We didn't do a great deal after lunch - tried to make Tom a snowman in the back garden, but the low, low temperatures meant that the snow was too powdery, so we tried him again on his sledge - still tears and grumbling, so we brought his walker and his bus out, which seemed to be more acceptable.
Despite not stuffing ourselves at lunchtime, we didn't fancy a big tea, so we just grazed on a cold buffet, which seemed to do the trick. A few hours later, though, everything went badly wrong. Mum & Dad first came down with a stomach bug, then me and finally Nik. We all felt ghastly for pretty much all of Boxing Day, hardly eating anything and staying in bed for extended periods. Fortunately, Tom didn't come down with it and stayed healthy and cheerful all day. I think this helped us all, as it's hard to feel too bad with his smiling face in front of you. We were all in bed pretty early, keen to put a horrible day behind us.

Happily, we all awoke on the 27th feeling much better, albeit rather hungry. Mum & Dad decided to stay an extra day, having written off the day before. We left Nik behind at home and took His Nibs to Attingham Park for some fresh air. We had a third attempt at fun on the sledge, with great success. We towed him round one of the woodland walks, which he loved, giggling and laughing all way (see photo). We would have made it all the way back to the house on the sledge, but a highly excited 5 month old cocker spaniel puppy tried to give him a kiss, which caused total meltdown. I carried him to the café, where we each had a coffee and Tom had an early lunch, which he ate pretty well. We drove home, with Mum trying to keep Tom awake in the back of the car. I'm not sure what was going on, but it produced peals of laughter.

Mum & Dad set off back to London the following morning. I think they had a good time with Tom - he certainly enjoyed having them here and was on cracking form almost all the time - charming and very entertaining. Then, when Nik was doing cakey things in the kitchen, I took Tom for a trip to Asda. He refused point blank to walk there, but walked all the way back (apparently the first time ever). This did take an absurdly long time though - he had to admire himself in every Asda window and then stopped to do his version of Riverdance in every single puddle (at least 100). I reckon the whole trip took a good 30 minutes, but he so enjoyed it.
Following his afternoon nap, we decided to get some "fresh air" and headed out to The Clock Tower for a swift half. We enjoyed our drinks while Tom went up and down a short flight of steps about 50 times - very good practice.

Tom was back in nursery yesterday morning, during which time Nik caked and I translated, then we collected him at 1.00pm and headed straight up the road to Chester for our evening with the Cameron, Lisa & the girls. Tom now knows Maggie and Tamsin quite well, so we didn't get the usual couple of hours of shyness. M & T played so nicely with Tom, especially given that he's a fair bit younger than either of them. He managed to climb two long flights of stairs up to their room, where he had a wonderful time galloping round with them and playing with their (vast number of) toys. All 8 of us sat down for dinner together at about 6.00, whereupon we were delighted to see Tom wolf down a huge dinner of beef & bean chilli, rice, sour cream, nachos and Cameron's home-made bread and butter pudding. We thought he'd burst. In the end, he had quite a late night, and slept right through until morning with only 1 short wake-up. Result.
This morning we all headed out to a very well-stocked farm shop-cum-café, where we all had bacon/sausage sandwiches, and Tom then charged round the shop like a loony and then charged round outside, until he fell over and covered himself in mud.
We set off home around noon, stopping only at Waitrose in Newport for some cordial for Nik. I think I may be been got by a mobile speed camera on the Whitchurch by-pass, so I'll have my eye on the post for the next couple of weeks.
So, Boxing Day apart, we've all had a lovely festive period. And we still have a few celebrations to go, as we're off to Haddenham to exchange pressies and meet our new niece.