Sunday 31 December 2017

NYE 2017

Ready for our big night. 😂 Happy new year to you all from us. I hope 2018 brings you more moments of enlightenment and contentment, surrounds you with love and brings more laughter to your hearts. Its been a pretty dark year - here's to the return of light. With love from me. ❤️

Sunday 24 December 2017

Xmas excitement

* After much thoughtful silence while we're lying in bed waiting for the boy to sleep. *
Four year old son: Mama, what if Santa comes through the front door?
Me: well he has a special key and he'll lock it afterwards.
Son: no, I mean, he might not find his snacks. Can you write a note for the front door please?
Me: ok. I'll do that.
* Silence while I half doze. Open my eyes to find him staring at my face. *
Son: this is my excited face, mama!
Me: [smile and a kiss] I know sweetheart.
* More thoughtful silence. *
Son: mama, I don't think Santa has a sleigh.
Me: ok, what does he have?
Son: he has a motorbike. That man with the Santa hat on the motorbike was actually Santa...and the reindeer magic makes it fly.
* More silence. *
Son: but the motorbike is electric otherwise it would be too noisy.
Me: ah yes maybe, time to sleep now...!
* Silence. *
Son: mama? Does Santa ho ho ho in every house?
Me: only if he really likes the snack, and then he says "ho, ho, ho, lovely mince pies!"
Son: but he must say it quietly. [Whispers ho ho ho]
Me: shall we put on your birdsong music to help you sleep?
Son: yes, that's a good idea. I'm too excited. That will help me sleep!
* Asleep within about two minutes. *

Friday 15 December 2017

The kindness of a child

The biggest, this morning, asked how well I slept and when I said terribly (due to daughter's itching hands and my cold), gave me a head massage and sang to me to help me feel better. I had to gather up my melted heart!

He's been worried, of late, about living alone as an adult. We had a long chat yesterday about how he never has to live alone if he doesn't want to. He can live in house share or a commune or cohousing. I have never lived alone (at 40) and never desired to. I think this comforted him.

The littlest, meanwhile, has been busy learning. Learning everything. She recognises four and six, and can count to ten. She's learning colours and sentences. We were blowing bubbles in the garden yesterday and as they floated out of her reach, she shouted "Get back!"

Development of children is the most fascinating thing ever to me. It is a wholly absorbing process, where I try to miss nothing that needs resolving or amending. Good foundations allow a strong structure.

Thursday 14 December 2017

The art of rules

Eldest trying to reach youngest the rules of a race. She's totally not getting it and I hear him shout "Oh, you little rascal!"

Occasionally there is success and I hear a double "Yay!"

Patience of a preschooler and randomness of a toddler. The beats of my heart. 😍

Saturday 9 December 2017

Xmas tree shopping

Today is the day we bought the tree. Beautiful frosty day, gorgeous for a walk or bike ride. We took the kids' bikes so we could have a longer trip of it. Littlest cried the whole time, even on her bike, while we chose the tree, because she was cold (wouldn't wear her gloves) and tired, biggest was sad because we didn't want a seven foot spindly tree that looked like an oversized twig, then spent the rest of the time using his willow wand to turn people into stinky whatevers. In theory a wonderful fun activity, in reality, the boy enjoyed himself mostly, the girl once she got back into the car and maybe five minutes of cycling. I enjoyed the sunshine and the frost. At least we got a tree that doesn't harm the environment. 😍

Thursday 7 December 2017

Carb daughter

The kale eater ate quarter of an apple today AND 12 olives AND chocolate covered apricots. Mama is winning! 🤗

Spice of life

Opened biscuits in the spice cupboard means our rich tea taste of curry - garam masala and ground coriander mostly. Kind of interesting! Have put new ones in a glass jar. 😂

Tuesday 5 December 2017

Cycle lovers

We get lots of comments, from adults and older kids mostly, about how speedy the four year old boy is on his red bike. I feel so proud of him and his efforts and I delight in his joy of cycling and racing along, especially his love of off-roading.

Now the 21 month old girlie is getting fast too - I have to trot to keep up. Yesterday she escaped out the school gates in the time it took to put the boy's bike lights on. Thankfully I got her in time. Today I tied her bike up with a bungy rope until the boy and I were ready to leave. Foiled her completely.  Relief for mama!

She's doing well. Experimenting with different terrains, dirt, leaves, stones. She's also trying out hills and curbs. Head over handlebars at a particularly large curb, so she then spent about 15 minutes practicing getting off her bike to lift it up and down large curbs. She's loving the freedom and the speed.

Two joys of my heart, watching them do stuff they love.

Thursday 30 November 2017

Outdoor children

Outdoor kids, wild child, nature babies, sky lovers, whatever you want to call us, we're all happier outside. ☃️❄️☔🌈☀️⛈️🌤️🌦️

Wednesday 29 November 2017

Elf issues

And my brother's response to the previous post (too funny not to share):

"I don't think that elves are native to UK, I think they're Scandinavian. You should write to your MP to ensure that Theresa May includes Elf work visas in her brexit negotiations, or they might not be able to do this when your daughter is old enough!"

😂

Elves going shopping

I love my son's nursery. They're doing a Secret Santa for kids to get their parents pressies and at the end of the letter (asking how many Secret Santa pressies your kid will be collecting (one or two) and which genders), they say that all responses need to be submitted by Thursday as the elves are doing all their shopping at the weekend! Love it!

Monday 20 November 2017

We love vitamins

Daughter, now 21 months, has eaten kale twice and apple once in the last seven days. Yay, she finally eats vitamins! 🤗

Thursday 16 November 2017

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Day seven, mark five and final

Day seven, mark five. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

I don't always follow rules. 😊 This is the final one.

Day seven, mark four

Day seven, mark four. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

I don't always follow rules. 😊

Day seven, mark three

Day seven, mark three. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

I don't always follow rules. 😊

Day seven, mark two

Day seven, mark two. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

I don't always follow rules. 😊

Day seven

Day seven. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

I don't always follow rules. 😊

Tuesday 14 November 2017

Day six

Day six. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

Sunday 12 November 2017

Day four

Day four. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

Trip to London

There's something really wierd and liberating about not having to wear a seatbelt on a train. I'd forgotten how wonderful trains are. I 💗 it!!

Saturday 11 November 2017

Day three

Day three of black and white photo challenge. No explanation, no people.

Friday 10 November 2017

Day two, mark two

I was requested by another person, so shared this one too.

Day two, mark two. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

Day two

Day two. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

Day one

I quite like this idea. It's a black and white photo challenge doing the rounds. I like it because it makes me think about what's important to me or what my daily life is composed of, as opposed to about my life with respect to other people.

Day one. Seven black and white photos of your life. No humans, no explanations.

Wednesday 8 November 2017

A tired four year old

As I arrived at nursery, I really needed a wee. Half an hour later I said to the kids, as we left, that I really needed a wee. Girlie on her balance bike, boy too tired to move, half an hour later and this. And then the boy needed a wee when we got home and took AGES. I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know I made it in time. 😂

Monday 6 November 2017

Dinnertime with preschoolers

Son is usually amazing at eating everything, though sometimes minus the carbs. Or at least trying everything. Daughter can usually be guaranteed to eat a plate of carbs.

Dinner was this. Four year old is ill so ate two spoons of yoghurt and a slice of banana. Daughter had a major screaming fit because she found a mm size bit of tomato sauce on her plain pasta. She ate two pieces of plain pasta before throwing the rest on the floor along with her cutlery.

There is a lot of dinner left. It was a deeply unsatisfying dinner experience. 😂

Hurrah for Gin dinnertime article

Wednesday 1 November 2017

The value of friendship

Other than being a shouty mama at teatime (due to girlie wanting to eat rice in downward dog position on the table and boy very upset and angry at any fish fingers that had broken through being held in his overtired clumsy lovely little hands), I've been pretty calm and peaceful for most of the day. Even managed most of my chores and a cycle ride there and back for nursery run. And kids were asleep by 6.15 and 6.20. I've been far from perfect, but I've done well. Got no-one to appraise me here for this unpaid job with no manager, so I'm appraising myself. Good job well done, mama-me! 😂😂 And thank goodness for tea and chauffeur friends.

Friday 27 October 2017

Bird obsession day

Son in car today: how do birds fly? How do you eat a whole bird? How do their faces stay alive? How do they eat? How do they breathe? How do they pick things up? Some wierd bird obsession today.

Wednesday 25 October 2017

It's all lies!

Just watched daughter throw my phone on the floor.
Me: did you just throw my phone on the floor?
Daughter: no.
Me: yes you did, that's such a porkie pie!
Daughter: [giggles with big grin on her face]

😂

Role playing

Son's voice from toilet: daddy!
Me: it's mama.
Son: pretend you're daddy!
Me: ok. (Deep voice) Do you need help?
Son: no! You say "cool your jets!" because you're busy.
Me: ok, cool your jets! And wash your hands.
Son: no! You have to force me to wash my hands, because otherwise I won't!
😂

Monday 23 October 2017

Preschooler time measurement

Son: are we nearly there?
Me: 36 minutes.
[Four minutes later]
Son: are we nearly there?
Me: 32 minutes.
Son: that's longer than *muffled word*
Me: no, it was 36 before - that's four minutes shorter.
Son: oh mama, I didn't say longer than before, I said that's longer than a Porsche.
Me: oh...yes...yes it is...

Thursday 19 October 2017

'God', as viewed by a preschooler

Son: god lives underground.
Me: under the pavement?
Son: yes.
Me: who is god?
Son: his job is to stop people stepping on the cracks and lines.

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Keep looking up

We always look up, even if it means we end up standing in poop. To see the moon, the stars, the changing colours of leaves, the sunshine, the shifting shapes of clouds, the bright blue autumnal sky, faces of people watching from afar, catch an eye, smile and wave, make a connection, see the beautiful shapes of roofs, see the birds. We always look up.

Thursday 5 October 2017

Preschoolers are literal beings

The boy asked me where the Lego lighthouse we made was. "God knows," I replied. He stood on the windowsill yelling out the small window for God for about two minutes before I persuaded him down, explaining that I meant I didn't know. 😂

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Migraines

Migraine pre kids: lie in dark room until I feel better.

Migraine with preschoolers: lie on sofa with TV and tablet blaring, bright lights, a fake moustache, breastfeeding littlest who is trying to poke my eyes open, with constant "play with me!" requests from eldest...while panicking mildly about how to drive or cycle to nursery.

Thank goodness for a good nursery mummy friend who collected my son, so I didn't have to drive or cycle to nursery with my little ones this morning. There are angels all around.

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Birthdays and looking back to a year ago

Four years ago my firstborn made his appearance in this world. He is the funniest, kindest, most loving, thoughtful, generous, passionate, feisty, brave, strong and bright little boy I have met. He sees things most of us don't see. He notices stuff others don't notice. He asks questions many are afraid to ask. There may be some bias here, but I am honoured to be his guide and constant love in this world. Here's to our beautiful son, Solly. 😍😍😍

---

And a year ago: Our baby boy is three; no longer a baby, but a bright spark of a child who sees and thinks about everything. It's been wonderful to watch him grow - hard at times to bring up a wilful, determined, assertive child, with very strong opinions and feelings, but I'm so glad he came to us. He brings laughter and love to my heart every single day. Happy birthday little man, may this year bring you greater understanding of the ways things work, to lessen your frustrations and decrease your fears; and may I continue to improve as your guide in an often confusing world. Love you always. <3

---

And he has learned so much this year. He is calmer, more thoughtful, more confident, stops more, takes a breath, notices others more, gives a hug when one is needed, helps people when they need help. Always proud.

Monday 25 September 2017

Last day as a three year old

...and this is his choice of YouTube video. His father's son. 😂😍

Wednesday 23 August 2017

Logic of an (almost) four year old

S: why did you speed up then?
Me: to overtake the bus.
S: why?
Me: because it had stopped.
S: why?
Me: maybe to let someone off or on.
S: (pause) Why did you overtake it?
Me: because I couldn't go through it.
S: why not?
Me: because it's made of metal and metal doesn't go through metal.
S: why not?
Me: I'm pretty tired. (Mid migraine) Why don't you have a think and see if you know the answer.
S: (long pause) because they're not ghosts...?
Me: absolutely right. They're not ghosts. They're solid, not gas.

You can teach science anytime! 😍

Sunday 13 August 2017

Veli Losinj

Last day, Sunday, today. Morning playground; afternoon, last swim in the sea. Relief at kids being back home soon in their usual routine, and being a bit less crazy and a bit more sleepy. Sadness at leaving this beautiful place so soon after arriving...sadness at leaving my mama. Happiness and gratitude we have such a precious second home. We are so very lucky to have Croatia in our hearts.

Thursday 20 July 2017

Sunday 16 July 2017

Toddler's latest struggle

"Oh I can't wait, mama, I've got no patience!" [For the two minutes to get home]

I get that! 😍

Monday 19 June 2017

Wisdom from a three year old

Three year old son: "Power from the mind."

Me: "Yes, it does come from the mind. Where did you get that from?"

Son: "From the power brick that I found in the woods a long, long time ago."

Me: "Ok..."

Monday 1 May 2017

Into the Wild

Salt fish curry, plantain, onion pakoras, mango chutney, teas, cookies, coconut water, bubbles, bluebells, campfires, hanging hearts, dream catchers, trees, fields, green, picnic mats, camping food, chilli seeds, sunshine, bare feet, five rhythms dance, baby sling sleeping while dancing, baby sling feeding, shiatsu, shoulder rides, chickpea and spinach curry, chalk carving, trampolines, hay bale play, acoustic music, cosy tents, sofa and blankets, tea tent, cushions on the floor, appreciation, gratitude, all one, expanding boundaries, shifting comfort zones, freedom, laughter, friendship, love, simple pleasures.

Tuesday 11 April 2017

Literally not a pumpkin

Me: Goodnight, my little pumpkin. [Almost asleep]

Son: Why did you call me a pumpkin, mama? I'm not fat and orange.

Me: No, you're not. It's just a nice thing to say...

Son: But I don't have seeds in me. I have blood and bones. I'm not a pumpkin.

Me: No, you're not a pumpkin...Silly mama... [No-one almost asleep now]

Friday 24 March 2017

Chatterings of a 3.5 year old

"I know what I know, mama, remember? Don't tell me or ask me, remember? I'm talking to you, mama. Daddy, not you, I'm talking to mama!"

...as he is meant to be falling asleep in the car...

Saturday 18 March 2017

Release of the bee

The boy found an almost dead bee and was very distressed that he might die. After much caring, with water, flowers and finally sugar water, Mr Bee came back to life and was liberated the next day when the sun was up. The boy was very happy, to say the least, and extremely proud that we'd saved Mr Bee.

Monday 6 March 2017

Toddler comprehension of the men of the cloth


My son: Dada and dadi aren't muslins, mama, that's just silly!

Me: 'm' for mama at the end, not 'n' for naughty!

(Trying to explain difference between Catholic and Baptist churches and why the Baptist one isn't Baka's church, led on to an attempt at explaining religion...which switched to his other grandparents. We didn't attempt atheist and agnostic.)

Sunday 5 March 2017

Silver linings of rather stormy clouds

Stormy clouds have come and gone (hopefully).

Silver linings: I had snuggles with both kids before bed, I had an hour in the middle of the night to appreciate my beautiful daughter, I slept on leopard print, I have eaten some yummy and filling food in the last 24 hours, I love my mama, my husband makes me laugh and feel loved. I am lucky.

Friday 3 March 2017

New stuff

Me: do you want more milk or have you finished?

One year old (clear as a bell): finished. [Walks off, hands in the air, and investigates the toy box]

First word after mama, da (daddy), and ba (Baka). Some approximation of yes (deh) and no, but that one is less clear - she tends to utilise shouting random sounds if she's unhappy. She's also taken to putting her hand over her mouth when coughing, even in her sleep, and both hands over her eyes when crying. 😍

Thursday 23 February 2017

Jabs

So my beautiful brave boy didn't bat an eyelid at his jabs today. "My vaccinations didn't hurt, mama. Well, the second shot hurt a bit, but not much!" His sister, on the other hand, screamed the house down because a stranger (lovely nurse) was holding her (right next to me). Another day successfully juggled, negotiated and managed. Now to check whether 1772 has any significance - boy's falling asleep mutterings.

Saturday 18 February 2017

The end of my daughter's first birthday

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." Charles Dickens

Except it's February. A beautiful day, nonetheless. Kids now asleep and peace reigns again.

One year ago

One year ago exactly, I was still in labour. In a few hours, we would be moving to an emergency c-section. I still remember the moment she was pulled out and I saw her little face and I thought, "Oh, another one!" By her second day, she'd started to take on the more delicate pointy features that distinguish her from her brother.

I remember those first few days in hospital, the heat of the ward, my naked nappied baby lying on my chest 24/7, sleeping, feeding, the multiple migraines on the third day heralding the arrival of my milk, the yummy hospital meals, especially the apple cake and soya custard, ooh and the custard creams - a healthy snack for a new mother!

I remember my son's shyness, confusion and very mild fear as he visited us, climbing carefully onto the bed with us for a snuggle. The contrast, now, to his rough, loving play with her.

I love how they are together: both running around the sofa at top speed before bedtime, both strong, wilful, independent, tough, laughing, playing, pushing, hugging, grabbing, funny, fun loving, loving. "They're both rather active..." says my tired mama!

My little girl, a year old in just a few hours, such a little person, yet such a strong character - knows her mind, bright, perceptive, socially aware, shouty, desperate to be a verbal part of our world already, funny, very very loving, affectionate. Happy birthday my beautiful baby. I'm so glad you joined our little family. 😍 😘

Thursday 9 February 2017

The great sock pile

What a great day! I found a whole heap of never worn socks at the back of my drawer AND my daughter only woke twice. I feel 7 years younger, though I have a horrid feeling this may be the calm before the storm because yesterday I spied a second molar trying to push through (and armed myself for the night by dosing her with ibuprofen and paracetamol). Still. At least I have some non-holey socks. 😀