Thursday, December 28, 2006

Happy Christmas and a Groovy New Year

Hope your Christmas was as good as ours.

The Princess has had a ball and totally got into the whole spirit of things. I THINK we managed to do the whole Santa/Rudi thing and manage to teach her a little of the real reason for the season. We did lots of activities and reading on both subjects and the two didn't seem to get too blurred so I think a resounding success is to be claimed.

It has been the magical Christmas that we have dreamed of for 10+ years and was worth waiting for.

The Princess has been amazing, she ate everything in sight, slept amazingly (14 hours+ on Christmas night woohoo!!!) and behaved like the perfect princess. I couldn't have imagined that she would shout her thanks to Santa after every present opened and she asked to make thank you cards to send to everyone who sent her gifts (lots and lots of them). She really amazes me more every day.

Now we are heading towards the New Year - 2007 and what will that bring in the Princess' life? Well, we know that she will become a big sister, turn three and start pre-school but as to how she will change in the next 12 months - who knows, but I for one am very very excited about finding out and watching every minute it.

New Year Resolutions?

I don't think there is much point in me making these this year as I will be lucky just to get dressed each day and make it through the year with all my marbles, so I'll leave all the weight loss and self improvement stuff until 2008 and maybe then I will be able to think straight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL, HOPE IT ROCKS FOR YOU.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Wake Up and Smell The Coffee

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Hubby and I love coffee. We love the taste, the aroma and more than anything , if we are honest we love the ritual.

When Hubby retires, his dream is to open a cool coffee shop which battles valiantly against all those chain coffee shops out there. Some of the chains make pretty good coffee (Cafe Nero ranks up there as one of the best) but most of them lack character and a cool relaxed vibe. I know they try to but most fail.

We know all about how difficult it is to open a small business these days especially one which tries to compete against a huge corporation but we can dream.

Anyway, we found this little movie on youtube recently which perfectly demonstrates how some people have a passion for doing coffee and doing it well. Try clicking here, it's cool.

I'd like to see the 'baristas' in our local Starbucks do that!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

How I Love Thee

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If you haven't already discovered Montezuma's chocolate delights, go now and get some!!!

We bought their DOS Hot Chocolate earlier this year and it is amazing - Hot Chocolate with Chilli!!!! Sounds gross but tastes fab. Last weekend we bought TRES Hot Chocolate with nutmeg - nice!!! It's like drink liquid rice pudding - most comforting and yummy.

We have visited the Windsor shop and are lucky enough to live fairly close to the Chichester one and after a quick look around their website I see that there is now a shop in Winchester, so that will be next on the list.

Pregnancy cravings? Moi? Chocolate fiend? - Well maybe a little!!!!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Hospitals, Dentists and Post Offices

Hopefully will only have to visit two of the above missing out the Dentist bit!

Today I plan to post all of our Christmas cards so will be joning the queue at the Post Office. I do have stamps at home but it seems that this year with the new sizing system and the fact that we have several cards for overseas, there is no choice but to join the queue. Oh well, at least I may get a laugh in the process. Our Post Master is eccentric and every on every visit he seems to introduce you to a new personality of his - odd!

Today we also have to visit the hospital for our 20 week scan of baby. We are hoping to find out the baby's gender but you never know if baby will be playing hard to get. He/she has been really active this morning and I am hoping he/she will be just as gymnastic when we have a peek.

On the Dentist front, I have had a niggle around one of my teeth for a few days, it couldn't be described as pain but a niggle which couldn't be ignored. I know that dentistry is free whilst pregnant but I could really do without it right now. It seems to have gone away now but it did make me a little nervous as the thought of a Christmas break and me unable to take pain relief scares me. Anyway I will see how it goes over the next few days - fingers, toes and everything else crossed that I don't have to make that particular visit.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Talk Talk Talk

The Princess' language evolution is relentless. last night we were watching some video footage from a year ago, her language was restricted to simple one word object identification. Today it's a collection of thoughts, feelings, observations, consideration of consequences and mimicry.

It makes me proud and it completely blows my mind.

Being able to witness firsthand how a child develops is probably the most amazing thing I will ever do with my life. The fact that every single parent in the world has or is experiencing the same miracle doesn't diminish it for me at all.

I know have said it time and time again but she completes our lives and amazes us every day. We are going to have another baby in April and the thought of watching another person find their way in the world like the Princess is doing is really exciting - we are so lucky to be experiencing this and I try never to take a single moment for granted.

Speaking of the current pregnancy, something happened this week and I have grown enormous - really enormous. So much so that I was really scared of just how big I might actually get by the end. We looked back on the photos of my belly from the 2004 pregnancy though and it appears that I ballooned at 20 weeks then too, so this must be a big growth week - scared very scared.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Christmas is coming......

Starting to feel festive now. Probably helped by the fact that we couldn't find a parking space when shopping yesterday and we are knee deep in Christmas cards and tinsel.

Today we plan to get our Christmas tree, decorate it, go and see Santa (and his huskies!??) and generally immerse ourselves in sparkle and cheer.

I have always loved this time of year but it is especially special now that we have the Princess. Although there are less drunken Christmas parties (make that none) this is more than made up for my the magic seen through the Princess' eyes. It's just magical.

To change to subject slightly, this week I had my first online debate and dare I say got cyber stroppy! I regularly read and contribute to a forum which is for people who are/have experienced infertility in any of its forms. I am currently following boards which are full of people who are around the same stage of pregnancy as me following some kind of assisted conception. I couldn't beleive it when one person started a thread about festive drinking and how much she would be drinking over Christmas. Now, I normally say live and let live and if you want to give your baby a alcoholic drink, then that's your choice (it's a fact that alcohol that is consumed by you WILL be passed onto the baby you are carrying) but a debate started about units and I can't believe the ignorance out there.

Some people (admitted only a few) are using the ridiculous government guidlines of 2 units a week as the gospel and are drinking this amount regularly. What they fail to realise is that those units were based on a system devised 20 years ago and were worked on 8% alcohol in a 125ml glass - this measure and % is rarely available now - more likely 13% in a 175ml glass - this equates to 2.3 units in one glass - therefore two glasses on a night out equates to nearly 5 units.

When reading about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome it is hard to understand why anyone takes the risk. We aren't just talking about major disabilities but milder conditions such as behaviour problems and ADHD - I just can't take the risk and find it hard to understand those that find that a easy choice to make, especially those that have wanted a child and had to resort to assisted conception. I would do anything for my children and if means no champagne or mulled wine this Christmas then so be it - I know what I would prefer!!!!

Whinge over - back to the tinsel and mince pies........

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Tears In The Night

This morning at 4am the Princess started to cry. Properly cry. We were close to going to her rescue when the crying stopped and we heaved a stereo sigh of relief and turned back to our dreams.

On waking this morning the Princess' first words were "I was crying in the night". Upon questioning she said that she had seen a TV programme in which a baby was crying and it had made her sad in her dreams. Now, I have no idea what programme this was as we watched very little TV yesterday but she is going to have to get used to baby crys.

She is talking about babies a lot now, maybe because my belly is getting so much bigger and more obvious. She seems to be slowly coming round to the fact that it might be a boy, but it still doesn't thrill her as 'boys don't like pink'!!!!

Speaking of my belly, after my last preganancy it took me two years to get back into a reasonable size/shape as I believed the propaganda which tells you that breastfeeding takes you back to your original size - c**p!

I always said that if I was ever pregnant again, I would never let myself get as big and I would be one of those yummy mummies who stay their normal size with just a bump bolted onto the front - it's not happening. Some people obviously just get fat when preggo and I am one of them. I am not over eating and am much more active this time but the weight is piling on. I hate to think how I will look by the end.

Oh well, by the time I am 40 I might be skinny, sexy and getting some sleep!!!!

Monday, November 27, 2006

New Layout

I have lost some of my stuff in the move to this new layout and right now I can't be bothered to get my html head on and start putting links etc back on - so I hope there is nothing missing that you loved and relied on me to link to.

I like the template though so will leave it like this for a while.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

The Fog Is Clearing

Thank goodness.

The past few months have been awful, I have had loads to worry about and things have been pretty tough emotionally, but things are looking up...

We had a scan last week and baby is looking great, in fact it is a week ahead in size and the lovely consultant has offered us another scan in December for piece of mind.

The princess has been sick all week with raging temperatures and yesterday that finally lifted and we were able to leave the house. She also ate a meal (tiny though it was) for the first time since last Saturday.

The princess also went to see Santa in his gingerbread house yesterday and after her inital reluctance she loved seeing him and chatted away telling him that she would be leaving him a mince pie and some carrots for Rudolph.

Another big thing yesterday was the Princess moving to her new PINK big girls bedroom. She loves it and actually asked to go to bed last night. She slept brilliantly and didn't get up until 8am - what a girl.

So things are brighter, just a couple of things to sort out and life might run smoothly for a while.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Another Bad Night..

Therefore too much time to think about curious things.

The Princess has another cold (I may have mentioned this 10,000 times already). My glorious, happy, smiling little princess is a inconsolable, feverish, snotty ball of misery and I am not happy either.

I am annoyed for two reasons. One: She gets colds too often and where other kids seem to shake them off we have to cope with fevers and this is incredibly scary when you have a child who has had fits caused by fever and usually ends up in hospital. Two: Why does she get soooo ill when she was exclusively breastfed?

I have done loads of reading on the subject and there is no doubting that all evidence points to the fact that breast is best and apart from producing intelligent, kind, perfectly rounded human beings (or something like that) AND their immune systems should be fantastic.

So why can't the princess cope with even a cold without descending into full out illness? She picks up every bug going and suffers more than most other kids.

When bambino 2 arrives I fully intend to breastfeed, as I found the whole experience of feeding the princess not only gratifying personally (nothing like knowing that YOU are making this little person grow) but a totally grounding and beautiful experience - but am I going to do it to build up immunity? No! as it seems that this has absolutely no bearing on how the princess has ended up.

Anyway, enough of my moaning for one day. Lets hope we can get over this one soon and then I think I may lock her in the house away from all germs until May! (joke)

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Coughs and Sneezes.....

You know the rest!

Yup, The Princess has another fever brought on by a cold. She is currently visting the doctor with Daddy to see whats up.

Our major concern is that because her throat hurts so much, she just won't take any medicine therefore her temperature is shooting through the roof. We have been helpfully tod to hold her down and get it in (as if we hadn't thought of that!!) but this just results in vomit and a really upset girly.

Looks like another day on the sofa for us!

Aargggghhhhh!!!!

Friday, November 10, 2006

My Brain

Those who know me, know that I am a constant quest to fill my head with knowledge, on a very long journey to spiritual enlightenment and generally improve my mind and soul.

Saying that I am also almost scarily interested in all things related to pop culture, celeb and fashion and I have discovered something which satisfies all of these in some small way.....

Celebrity Scissorhands on BBC3 is great.

It does have Steve Strange in the mix which who of course I love to watch. It must be hard for young viewers of the show to understand that that jittery old fella is infact responsible for the how the british club scene developed not only in the 80's but was also integral in the trance movement. If only there were people in pop now who were half as interesting and colourful.......

It must be said that I also have a teeny weeny little crush on Lee Stafford too, so that helps.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Dear Father Christmas.....

How are you? Busy I expect, it's getting close to *whisper* 'that time of year' ....

I thought I would send you my letter nice and early as I have quite a few requests this year.

If possible I would like....

1. An extra 2 hours in bed every night

2. Self waxing legs, eyebrows etc etc

3. A fool proof weight loss solution ready for action in approx May 2007

4. Perfect health for my children (always)

5. A villa near Puerto Banus

6. World Peace

Thanks very much.

p.s if none of these are possible some nice bubble bath would do just fine.

Lots of love

K x

Friday, October 27, 2006

Parenting Styles - who knew?

I enjoy being a Mummy.

I enjoy spending time with my Princess and enjoy seeing an amazing human being developing and growing.

My parenting style has changes dramatically over the past two years, obviously as she grows and new challenges present themselves, new tactics and skills are required from me! The other big change has been that I am now so much more relaxed. I started off as a manic mother and I hope I have eased off A LOT.

Maybe I am lucky or maybe I have done a good job parenting but the Princess is so good and a joy to be around.

Just lately I have noticed that my way of parenting has been quite zero tolerance compared to others but this seems to have paid off and we now have a princess who rarely needs telling off and if she does - it's all over in five minutes. Of course it is still early days and it could all go horribly wrong but right now - she's great.

Some parents don't share my opinion and believe that their little angels couldn't possibly be told off, they believe that a bit of push and shove is all part of learning to socialise and develop independence and confidence (Rubbish! It's just that fact that your child is a bully and you don't want to take any action about it incase little 'trevor' doesn't like you)and some think its character building (oooh, he knows what he wants! - Don't we all but we don't smash others in the face to get it!!!!)

I am also learning that in comparison to many middle class parents, I am a stern downright hard mum but this side of me rarely has to come to the front as the Princess is an angel (99% of the time).

My point with all of this waffle is really me wondering if it is the brilliance of my parenting that has created such an intelligent, well behaved, kind, generous child or has it been luck? Maybe I will get a huge shock with the next bambino and all of my 'skills' will be proved inadequate, shoddy and downright ineffective - baby two could be a beast who screams all day long and smashes other children out of the way.

All I say is, I am new at this and am making it up as I go along but with a lot of love and tons of attention I think children thrive and so that is the way I will continue - am I right? OF COURSE I ALWAYS AM!!!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Georgie Baby

Tonight I will be watching the documentary about Boy George. I have heard that it harks back to the old days a little too much but a fix of George is all I need!!!!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Hello - I'm Back

I have been very poor at blogging recently but now that the morning sickness has subsided I am beginning to feel slightly human again - so to those that didn't know - yes I am with child!!!!

Life is good.

The princess is gorgeous and fills our life with love and laughter so the thought of another little person is just so exciting - how much fun can one house hold????

Today the princess and I visited the hairdressers and she was so well behaved. She now can't stop looking in mirrors at herself - so not like her mum.

Hopefully I will be back to full bloggage in the very near future - it all feels a bit rusty at the moment.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Build a post

Rain sunny visitors tired good girl sleep Big Brother rubbish poo pants rubbish food good husband busy august weather what Fimbles fall claimsdirect loaded holidays happy nearly Christmas

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Hot Topics...Hot Topics...Hot Topics....

Mmmmm is it only me who was very very suspicious of BB Pete's talk of his dead friend and his belief in Heaven last night? I have always hoped he would win but just recently have found him to be putting on too much of a performance. All this 'romance' with Nikki....obviously, my first reaction was that she is using him to get her heat/OK magazine 'couple' deal but now I am beginning to think that both sides appear to be playing the same game. After all it is a game!!!!

I actually prefer Aislynne (sp?)at the moment and although she is rather over dramatic at least she is not using peoples emotions in an effort to win.

Just my thoughts!

Monday, August 14, 2006

Mini Update

Hi

Haven't been around much lately. Busy busy busy .......

The Princess has changed enourmously recently and is becoming just so grown up and has left behind all her baby/toddler ways.

We have just confirmed her place at our local pre-school, which she starts in Feb next year. What the heck am I going to do with two mornings a week??? Probably curl up in a ball and weep for four hours. She is going to love it - Me? not so much!

Her language is developing so fast it scares me.

She is also a bit ( a lot) of a character only today she came out with these crackers....

We had a salesman here today to talk about garage conversions and replacement facias etc. As usual with salesmen he couldn't sense when to draw it to an end and read the body language that we were done with him - that is until the Princess said in her clearest and loudest voice "When is that man going to stop talking". He got the hint and after laughing he soon packed up his "excellent finance package" and headed for the door.

Her second quote of the day was this, said in a very grown up way...
Me.. "Would you like to go to the toilet before you go out?"
Her.. "Not yet I am a little bit busy at the moment!"

She is now potty trained and uses the big toilet. She is a star and she makes her Mummy and Daddy so very very proud.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Long Time No Blog...

Things have been a bit odd around these parts lately. Normal service may resume soon............

Friday, July 28, 2006

Party Party

THIS is a party!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Myspace

look at trendy old me - I get a myspace account just six months too late to be cool.

What has happened to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????????????????? Anyone would think I was busy or summat!

http://www.myspace.com/kazza70uk

Come on pals - join me there......................

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Meme

How to do it:

Go to Wikipedia
In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
List three events that happened on your birthday
List two important birthdays and one death
One holiday or observance (if any)


Ok, so here goes......
EVENTS

1845 - The rubber band is invented

1931 - Nevada legalizes gambling

1861 - The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed

BIRTHDAYS

1919 - Nat King Cole, American singer (d. 1965)

1951 - Kurt Russell, American actor


DEATH

1999 - Rod Hull, British comedian (b. 1936)


HOLIDAY
Feast day of St Patrick: a public holiday in Ireland (National feast) and Montserrat, widely celebrated in North America and worldwide (see St. Patrick's Day)

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Feeling A Little Overweight...

So before this happens I am back to Weightwatchers *sigh* chips, pringles and cheese - farewell.
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Sunday, June 11, 2006

Things I Just Don't Get....

People who moan about the weather - it's summer!

The attraction of Patrick Dempsey to many women - to me he looks like a sleazy salesman or accountant

Parents who are too caught up in their lives to mention that their precious might be passing some bug/virus/lurgy on to your child - to me that's just bad manners

That I am 36 years old AND how the heck did I end up a suburban mummy?

Potty Training - one minute you think you've cracked it - the next you've gone through 6 outfits before lunch

Why some people have children.................... too deep!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Sunshine and Holidays

Well, summer has arrived with full force.

The Princess is loving it. She really loves being outdoors and so the fact that she spends every minute of the day out in the sun makes for a very happy girl (and Mummy). This afternoon we are even getting the paddling pool out - woohoo!!

The warm sun makes me long for a foreign holiday, it seems ages since we felt the mediterranean (sp?)sun on our backs to warm up our cold English bones. We do have a couple of holidays left this year which I am very excited about (Cornwall and Holland) but the call of warmer climes is getting stronger.

There are loads of things to take into consideration though. My first thought was a camp site in France, Holland or Germany. There would be loads to do, we would have the freedom of our self catering accommodation and food for the Princess wouldn't be an issue.

Then, I think about Spain (Puerto Banus in particular) and the long hot days, the glam bars and trendy shops and then I come to my senses and realise that we are now parents and holidays are no longer what they once were. I think this option would be boring for the Princess and I wouldn't relax for putting sun lotion on her skin every 15 minutes and staying in a hotel isn't really a great option as I like to be able to come and go as we please and be able to get in from the sun if we desire.

There are other options, such as villas in more relaxed locations but to be totally honest I think our family would be BORED as most nice, good quality villas seem to be out of the main towns, and I really need bars, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Sitting alone in a quiet villa is not our idea of a great holiday (although I know loads of people who would find this really relaxing)- we are still party people in our blood and so need to see and be with people. That said, I would hate to take the Princess to a typical 'English' resort where every bar has tvs showing either football or Only Fools and Horses and happy hour lasts all day. You know the kind of places, you've probably been there - we have!


So, if anyone has any great ideas for family holidays - let me know.

No rush, mind you - as I said we still have two holidays this year to look forward to!

Friday, June 02, 2006

Stuff From Our World

If you don't know us - move on -this is about to get boring.

Thought I would just update, this weeks happenings follow...

So, potty training continues. It's one step forward, two steps back at the moment but THERE IS some noticable progress. I feel confident to go out and about now, although we do have at least one or two accidents a day if we aren't at home but more and more she is choosing to use the potty of her own accord and If I keep on top of it we can get through a day completly dry.

I hate Sezer and am going to top up my phone today so that I can single-handedly evict him from the house. That boy is a world class sleaze, bully and a world class fool. PETE TO WIN!!!!! BB is pretty old fashioned and moral when it comes down to it and usually the deserving housemate wins (although not sure what happened the Kate Lawler year). Therefore, I can't see how a nice, funny guy like Pete can't win!

I am starting a new market research today - luxury toilet rolls - Funny, my life seems to be revolving round the lav at the mo.

Mr M has been working non stop recently, including a near 24 hour stint on Wednesday. So, he has taken some time off and today we are off for a picnic and a day at the zoo. The Princess LOVES the zoo - hippos, monkeys and penguins are our favourites - here we come.

Mr M is planning on buying Chicken Little today, so much for our child who doesn't watch TV. Actually, we have worked a balance that we are happy with for TV watching. Half hour morning (Noddy and Fifi) and half hour evening (Bear in the Big Blue House).

I now have my frock for the Ritz and feel able to relax on that front now. It's very pretty and I will feel very ladylike.

We have a very busy summer, lots of vistors, lots of invites for parties and bbqs, trips planned, football to avoid (I mean enjoy) and all the usual stuff - bring it on - LOVE SUMMER!!!!!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Potty Training - Week 2

Things are going well.

When we are home all wees end up in the potty and 99% of poos are going in too.

Yesterday, we went out to a cafe, shopping and used a train... with no accidents along the way.

She isn't keen to use the big toilet yet but I'm just happy that we don't have to wash 10 pairs of pants every day now.

Distractions such as playing, tv, noise, other people (in fact, basically anything) can throw a spanner in the works and cause a wet patch but this has been rare as I ask her if she needs to wee about 5689 times a day, and even then she stops herself mid pee and finishs it on the potty.

So all in all, a week in things are going pretty well. The Gina Ford book that I followed said that she should be using the big toilet of her own accord by this point but you know what? I never did like Gina 'flipping' Ford!!!!

Weird, but I think it does describe me.....

You Are French Food

Snobby yet ubiquitous.
People act like they understand you more than they actually do.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Progress Report

Nine direct hits on the potty

1 accident

It all seems to be coming together - slowly.

Tomorrow we plan to leave the house. It could be messy!!!!!

Monday, May 22, 2006

Down The Pan

Today we started potty training.

I had no idea she pee'd so much.

Fourteen puddles.

One direct hit and one near miss.

I hope day two is easier. I think this has been my toughest 'mummy challenge' yet.

Friday, May 19, 2006

TWO-TASTIC

We are home from our holidays. Much food and drink was consumed. There was loads of grooving on the dance floor and we hung out with this dude.

All in all the Princess had a ball and we had a pretty good time too.

Just need to sleep now!!!!

Monday, May 15, 2006

TWO

The Princess' birthday was fantastic - the weekend consisted of zoo, cake, theme park, noddy, cake, friends, cake, ice cream.

She was spoilt rotten by everyone and simply had a fantastic fun time.

My baby is now two. She is so beautiful, clever and kind. Love ya Princess!

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

MeMeMe

Here's todays lazy blog effort - A MeMe.

Accent - Southern

Booze of choice - Champagne when the budget allows, if not wine

Chore I hate - Ironing. Boring!

Dog or Cat - Dogs.

Essential electronics - Computer.

Favorite perfume(s)/cologne(s) - Currently Pacific Paradise - Escada

Gold or Silver? - Gold, but don't generally do jewellery

Hometown - Pompey

Insomnia? - No chance.

Job Title - Cook, cleaner, butt wiper and general dogsbody - I mean Mummy

Kids? - One princess.

Living Arrangement - Happy little box of a house with hubby and princess

Most admired trait - I'm kind and know how to party (I know that's two)

Number of Sexual Partners - Are. you. kidding?

Overnight Hospital Stays - baby related

Phobia - dogs, flying bugs and clowns

Quote - Mmm need to think about that one.

Religion - Cof E.

Siblings - One brother - 4 years younger.

Time I wake up - WAY TOO EARLY thanks to the Princess

Unusual talent/skill - Can remove my underwear whilst remaining fully dressed

Vegetable I refuse to eat - None.

Worst habit - worrying about EVERYTHING.

X-rays - Teeth.

Yummy foods I make - I can make a mean lasagne

Zodiac sign - Pisces

Friday, April 28, 2006

Hungry?....

Bored?

Too much time on your hands?

Go HERE.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

The Apprentice

Thank goodness that Syed has gone. That bloke was driving me crazy. In my previous life (the one where I wore suits and went out to work) I have met several people just like Syed and they all did my head in - so the correct decision was made when he was fired (bet Alan Sugar is pleased that I am confirming his decision!)

Just a thought - I expect he smells really nice though!

In other news today - I have suffered with really bad hayfever - so much so that my eyes closed up and I was unable to see for half an hour. Several hours after this rather exciting event I read in the paper that April is the month for Silver Birch pollen and that more and more people are becoming allergic - great! I live in a place full of trees - maybe we should move back to Slough where the only tree to be seen in the town is this one - it's metal!!!!

Poke Her

What is it?

I can't play ANY card games at all. The only two that I attempt are Noddy snap (I know!) and a basic form of Rummy (this is only played on holiday whilst drinking sangria - that's a rule).

So why is it that I can't stop watching Poker on the tv. I am glued every evening to the game. I like watching the celebs but it's not even that. I just love the game - BUT..... I don't understand it at all.

I feel I need to know how to play. How do I learn? Hubby knows how to play but I will never learn from him for the following reasons....

1. He's never home
2. When he is home, the Princess gets 100% attention (as it should be)
3. When she is in bed - so are we!

So, I need to find someone to teach me. Any offers?

Call me shallow but I am imagining slinky evening dresses, cocktails, cigars and these two - ok ok so now everyone knows how far from reality my dreams have become!!!!

Seriously though, I really want to play.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Top Song - Great Lyrics

Whilst singing along to this today - I realised how apt the lyrics are!

Always dug the Kinks!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

All Grown Up

Today I received a picture message on my mobile - it was a very beautiful scan of my friend's baby, who will be arriving in October.

Back in the day there were three of us who would regularly hit the town and paint it every colour of the rainbow - not just red! Now, it's all changed. I have the princess and the other two are now expecting. There is talk of mortgages, home improvements and baby stuff. Wow, how a couple of years can change everything.

Another of my bestest mates has just got married and is also expecting in the summer.

It's lovely how life changes, moves on and people themselves although essentially remain the same person also change and grow just a little.

I hope that my pals find as much joy with their babies as I have with the Princess.

Good luck girls - your life is about to change - for the better!!!!

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

It seems from this spoof magazine cover of US Weekly that  Americans are just as obsessed as our media with who is or isn't having a baby.  Heat magazine and all the others seem to print pages and pages of belly pics, skinny celebs or fat ones and that's it! 



I'm as obsessed as the next person with preggo celebs.  I have this in my favourites - but really - isn't this just getting a little tiresome now.



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Monday, April 10, 2006

Alternatives To A Summer Of Football

Summer to me is all about chilled white wine, bbqs, brown skin, gorgeous clothes, relaxing, painted toenails, chilled white wine, chilling, smooth tunes... you get the picture. Summer is NOT about football.

Take a look here for a couple of very good reasons to visit Switzerland this year....

It seems there, that the men there are less into footy and more into 'natural pursuits' - or that's what their marketing board want us to believe.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Emotional Chick Alert

If you know me, you will know that I am very emotional and am always close to tears. Anything can set me off. Happy or sad it doesn't matter. I cry at tv programmes, films, couples kissing goodbye at airports, children being told off - I have even cried at work whilst sitting with the boss getting an appraisal - I KNOW!!

Anyway, I don't know why I was surprised when it turned out the Princess has this emotional gene! She is such an adventurous, outgoing, thrill seeking little miss but it just takes something unexpected to throw her off balance and the tears appear.

Whenever she is teething we go through a terrible time with her crying for no reason whilst in groups of other children. This did worry me a little but I think I have found out why she has these moments.

I have been reading up on attachment parenting and theory. Primary attachment happens at about 18 months and as the Princess is not in childcare she has attached to me as Primary Carer. This means that basically she puts 100% of her trust in me and can open up all the emotions she has. She feels secure enough to say - 'hey Mummy that child just made a weird noise - it frightened me and I need you to reassure me'

It is kind of like the way we as adults can deal with something stressful & be really calm, but then when we are at home safely with our partner, we breakdown into tears as we tell them about it.

This is also why children can be 'a nightmare' for you but then go off with someone else (grandparent/friend/childcare) and be 'as good as gold'. They don't have that emotional attachment to that person in the same way as they do to you.

As I am a SAHM this is amplified as all of her emotional trust is in me.

Sounds simple but it can still be distressing to see her visably upset - but then I only have to look at myself to see where she gets it from!

It's here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring that is.

I have spent the past two days in a whirl of spring cleaning and gardening. The Princess has been helping with weeding, cleaning garden furniture and getting generally very muddy - what fun.

I am attempting to turn myself into a Bree van de Kamp/Anthea Turner hybrid, but I seem to be creating more mess than I started with. I ntend to clean and declutter like a demon for the next two weeks and hopefully our little palace will gleam (and I can sit back all summer with a glass of pinot grigio in hand!!!)

Gotta go - windows to clean!

Saturday, April 01, 2006

In Six Weeks Time.....

the Princess will be TWO YEARS OLD. TWO YEARS OLD!!!!

When did that happen - when did my baby turn into a beautiful girl. One who is funny and witty, cracks jokes and plays games. One who is so beautiful it swells my heart to look at her. One who no longer needs me constantly. One who dances and laughs and makes friends with every one she meets. One who has a real personality.

It has happened and she fills my life with joy. We waited for her for ten long years. Now I know why.

My girl!

Friday, March 31, 2006

Another Milestone

The Princess moved into her big bed last night and the transition was seamless.  She appeared to hardly notice a difference and slept through the night as normal.



This morning she just shouted for us as normal and didn't attempt to climb out herself - long may that last!



She is growing up so fast.
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Thursday, March 30, 2006

Been Busy Round These Parts

We have hardly been home for the whole of March but we are back!!!!!

We have had a great month which has included ...

Having a new kitchen fitted

Travelling with family to Disneyland Paris to celebrate some special birthdays

Travelling to Yorkshire for a long weekend of family gatherings and a Mothers Day meal

Visiting our old stomping ground of Windsor for a close friends wedding

Travelling down the country visiting more family on the way

and generally doing lots of eating, drinking and being very merry.

Now we just have to get back into the rhythm of 'normal' life.

The princess has been a complete star during all of our travels and has behaved impeccably the whole time (of course).

Several other things have happened this month that have perhaps shaped our future. I am pleased in some ways to be able to return to our groove, so that I can have some time to reflect on the happenings and think about the future. All I know for sure is that life is not something you can plan and that every second we have in the here and now is precious and we need to enjoy it.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Not All Bad

So, I'm another year older. Not so good but the best present I had this year was the Princess singing 'Happy Birthday' to me all day long - bliss!!!!!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Things Don't Always Go Smoothly.....

I won't go into the long boring and frankly totally stressful story but things haven't gone quite according to plan this week.

Things are back on track now though and I feel like I am in the middle of a whirlwind. I am juggling so many balls in the air that I might apply for a job at the circus.

Anyway musn't moan - I mean - who would want a boring quite easy life????

I can't believe just how many things I have to pack into one day at the moment - but hopefully in about three or four weeks life will be back to it's normal, predictable (but still a bit crazy)pace.

Last night I also went along to my first Alpha meeting, which was interesting and I met a few nice people - will report back on that as I progress through the course.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Number One Rule For Playing With A Toddler

NEVER start a game that you don't want to repeat 500 times!

Friday, February 24, 2006

The Essence Of Me


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Whilst doing important things like banking and blogging(?) I sometimes always get sidetracked by totally useless/bizarre stuff.



I found a site (now forgotten the URL) which works out the very essence of your blog.  This is mine.  



Just reading that could save you many hours reading all the rubbish I actually write as it pretty much sums me up!!!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

My Brain Now


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My Brain Five Years Ago


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Just Occasionally.....

.....I wish we could hit London town like we did in the old days.

This arrived in my inbox today...

AMANDA GHOST is performing tonight (feb. 22nd, 21:15) at the half moon
in london-putney, 93 lower richmond rd, london sw15.
BOY GEORGE will give a special appearance and will join her on stage
for a duet.


Oh, how I would love to have a beer and a groove with the beautiful people, but then again in reality I would probably spend all evening thinking about you know who!!!!

If you don't know Amanda Ghost, she co-wrote You're Beautiful for James Blunt (don't hold that against her) and is one damn fine chick. She is a mate of George's - go see her website here.

Miffy


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I don't think we will be visiting Holland this year but when we next take a trip, we have to take a look here.

It sounds like a fab museum which has childrens height exhibits underneath the adult height ones. It's also really close to where our family live, so we will be making a trip just as soon as we can.

To those who don't know Miffy (or Nijnjte as she is known in her native land) was 50 last year and the artist who draws her, Dick Bruna, is still creating new stories and drawing her daily. He is now 78 and still drawing the little rabbit who started life as a story to entertain his son in the summer of 1955.

In an interview with the Guardian they asked if he had now perfected Miffy to which he replied "No, I'm going to try and do better today, tomorrow. I just try to make a nice shape, the nicest Miffy I can."

And the Princess and I think he is doing a great job.

Miffy News


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I don't think we will be visiting Holland this year but when we next take a trip, we have to take a look here.

It sounds like a fab museum which has childrens height exhibits underneath the adult height ones. It's also really close to where our family live, so we will be making a trip just as soon as we can.

To those who don't know Miffy (or Nijnjte as she is known in her native land) was 50 last year and the artist who draws her, Dick Bruna, is still creating new stories and drawing her daily. He is now 78 and still drawing the little rabbit who started life as a story to entertain his son in the summer of 1955.

In an interview with the Guardian they asked if he had now perfected Miffy to which he replied "No, I'm going to try and do better today, tomorrow. I just try to make a nice shape, the nicest Miffy I can."

And the Princess and I think he is doing a great job.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Toddler and TV Part II

We are doing really well with the no TV rule. The Princess gets to watch Noddy in the morning whilst having her milk and cereal and then that's it. The TV goes off and we switch on the radio.

The Princess has not missed the TV for one second and although I have on a couple of occasions been tempted to turn it on for a ten minute 'stress' break, I have held out and found other ways to occupy her. I admit it isn't always easy but I think it will pay off in the long term.

Now, I know that the weather forecast for the rest of the week is terrible but I am officially declaring Spring has arrived to our little corner of the world. There are buds and bulbs sprouting up everywhere. The evenings are now noticably lighter - we can even go to the park after tea in the light if we so wish. AND I have spring cleaning fever. Today we started doing little bits of tidying in the garden and the Princess helped me to sweep the drive and clean the front door down.

This morning the Princess has been an endless source of fun - 'helping' me with the spring cleaning, hiding in cupboards, doing hundreds of laps of our drive with her baby in it's pushchair and doing endless pictures of Tigger (he's a special friend you know). What ever will she have in store for me this afternoon?????

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Money, Money, Money

This weekend we spent the a huge sum of money. It has taken nearly all of our savings and for a short while we were scared!

Isn't money for spending though?

Yes, we may have to tighten our belts for a little while but money (or a lack of) isn't the be all and end all. We are improving our home - making it an even more comfortable place to be, live and laugh.

We are a happy and healthy family and you can't put a price on that.

We know people who are never happy with what they have, they think that a larger house or a flashier car will somehow improve their lives. Yes, my dream house is a double fronted georgian property with a huge garden for the Princess to run in, a huge kitchen where we would host huge Sunday gatherings of family and friends and five bedrooms (all ensuite).

But that wouldn't change the important stuff in my life. It wouldn't make me happier, or a better mummy, or love my husband more, and those are the things that really matter, the rest is peripheral.

So although money will be scarce for a few months whilst we try to get back on track - we have spent the money on our home which is a happy one and although the Princess may not be wearing designer togs or be going on holiday to Marrakech or be taken to those awful ball pit play places - she has everything - LOVE.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Toddlers and TV

Before the Princess even arrived we decided that he/she would watch little or no TV.

The reality wasn't quite like this and we started to allow a selected number of programmes be watched. We are always careful to ensure that she only watches CBeebies (a high quality non commercial channel) and that the programmes watched were (in our opinion) suitable.

For some reason TV has started to bother me recently, I have noticed a few things that I don't like and after doing some research we have decided to limit the Princess to a much more restricted amount of images.

Our main reason is the research done in America by Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis, lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. Studies there have proven a link between TV watching and ADHD which generally shows up in children at around age 7.

Quick scene shifts of video images become "normal," to a baby "when in fact, it’s decidedly not normal or natural." Christakis says. Exposing a baby’s developing brain to videos may overstimulate it, causing permanent changes in developing neural pathways.

The study recommends that children under age 2 should watch no TV at all and under three it should be less than an hour and in no more than 15 mins at a time.

I have been guilty of using the TV to get something done (I know that I can prepare tea during Balamory for example) - but no more.

An explosion of kidvids for the bouncy chair set has hit the market. These include Baby Einstein, Baby Mozart, So Smart etc. TV shows, such as Teletubbies, aim at 18-month-old toddlers. These videos are peddled as "educational tools" to "give your baby a head start." The truth is, they are a video-tether that keeps baby out from underfoot.

Parents take away crucial life experiences from their child every time they pop in Baby Einstein. But they do love how it takes the baby out of their hair for awhile Listen to what parents say in testimonials about infant videos:

"I love spending time with my boy but let's face it, there are times when you just have to have 10 minutes or so to yourself so that you can wash the dishes or do laundry; that's when you pop this video in. It's 25 minutes of entertainment that holds the attention of even very young children." Chris Hudson (son 10 months), San Antonio, Texas.

"There are times I rewind it and play it again and again until I get the dishes done and order restored. My son is captivated (and hopefully learning something)". Mom In Connecticut

"The only thing I wish is that the videos were longer than 30min." Melissa Perruzi, Clinton Mississippi (From Baby Eisntein reviews on Amazon.com).


So that's it - decision made - much less TV in this house - infact from now on there will be next to nothing for the Princess - but as for us - I'm off for a fix of TV right now whilst the Princess sleeps.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Perfect Housewife

No, not me. Anthea Turner.

I can't wait to see her new programme (clicky). I know that I have a perverse cleanliness fetish which is totally unachievable and unrealistic in my own home, but this programme sounds fab to me.

I know that Anthea Turner isn't everyone's cup of tea and to be honest I have never been much of a fan but I have heard that her linen cupboard is a thing of beauty and she runs her home like a military operation (just the way I would like to in my dreams!) so this programme is on my 'must watch' list along with Desperate Housewives - which features another fantasy figure - Bree - did you see the labelled containers in her utility room last week? Sheer heaven!!!!

Friday, February 10, 2006

Shocked and surprised

I was grooving to a song on the radio the other day. The Princess was also shaking some booty - only when it finished did I realise that we had been enjoying LEO SAYER! It shocked me!

Other cool tunes at the moment are The Message by Nate James (He's from East Anglia - which again is slightly surprising in many ways) and the new tune from Kanye West. What shocked me most about this song though is that it has it's own trailer - a trailer for a pop video!! What is going on??? If you want to see the trailer go here. I must admit it does look pretty cool. (OFFICE WARNING: Contains a swear word and Pammy Anderson in hotpants!!!!!!)

Fever

"Fever"

You give me
You give me fever

Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that's so hard to bear
Listen to me baby, hear every word I say
No one can love you the way I do
'Cause they don't know how to love you my way

[Chorus:]

You give me fever, when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the morning
Fever all through the night

Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
Bless my soul I love you, take this heart away
Take these arms I'll never use
And just believe in what my lips have to say

[chorus]

Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago

You give me fever, fever
You give me, you give me fever

[chorus]

Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet, she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said Julie baby, you're my flame
He gave her fever

Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right

[chorus]

Fever, with his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago

Captain Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said, daddy oh don't you dare
He gives me fever
With his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Fever, I'm his Misses
Daddy, won't you treat him right

Fever, when you kiss them
Fever, if you live and learn
Fever, 'til you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn [repeat twice]

YES THE PRINCESS IS ILL AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

"I Could Eat A Knob At Night"

If that means nothing to you, you obviously haven't been listening to the 12 Ricky Gervais podcasts from Guardian Unlimited.

I am listening to them in bed and I have to say that Karl Pilkington is a genius and has earned himself a seat at my fantasy dinner party.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Black Sweat

Prince is back!!! His track Black Sweat is tres tres funky.

Some might say that it sounds just like his stuff from 15/20 years ago - it does and that's the point. It's got that old Prince groove and sound and lets us all forget the batman soundtrack!!!

The princess spent a good 10 mins dancing to Black Sweat this morning and when it finished her only word was "more" - nuff said!

Go hear it here.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Some people love to go to the cinema

I'm not one of them. I can't stand the noise of people eating, get really frustrated at people who hold conversations on their mobiles and am totally paranoid about a mad man with an axe slaying everyone in the theatre (honestly! The first thing I do is check on the emergency exit!!!)

I may have to face my fear though. There are two movies out that I really would love to see on the big screen.

Firstly Memoirs of a Geisha. I read the book several years ago and loved it. I imagine it would make a fabulous looking movie which would be best appreciated on a big screen.

The second is obviously Brokeback Moutain. I don't need to give my reasons I'm sure. Apart from the fact that it contains beautiful boys enjoying themselves, it really looks like another beautiful film.

The only problem is getting to a cinema. Hubby doesn't have a day off for about 3 weeks and my lack of drving skills has scuppered me.

I need to first make a decision on which movie to see and then formulate how to smuggle a 20 month old princess in to a cinema and keep her quiet for two hours. Any ideas?

Monday, January 16, 2006

Seven

Seven Things to Do Before I Die
1. Learn to love myself
2. Make a difference
3. Write a book
4. Travel
5. Be a better mother
6. Be a better wife
7. Be a better friend

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Pluck my eyebrows regularly.
2. Have 'just the one.'
3. Have confidence in myself.
4. Sing.
5. Stop blogging.
6. Stop worrying.
7. Keep my New year resolutions.

Seven Things That Attract Me to Blogging
1. I enjoy the quality of the writing in other blogs - they make my smile and sometimes cry.
2. I love reading about other people’s lives
3. It helps me to think things through.
4. It helps me to be grateful for what I have
5. It’s anonymous
6. If I'm blogging, I'm not ironing.
7. It gives me the ability to see I really have changed, even if I don't feel as though I have.

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. Right Then
2. Go on then, just one more
3. I love you
4. I’m so tired
5. Black please(!)
6. I’m trying to be good
7. Just a little one

Seven Books That I Love
1. Memoirs of a Geisha
2. The Lovely Bones
3. The Know
4. Life of Pi
5. A Million little pieces
6. Take it like man
7. I know why the caged bird sings

Seven Movies That I (would) Watch Over and Over Again
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
3. Imitation of Life
4. Snatch
5. Muppet Christmas Carol
6. The Seven Year Itch
7. Breakfast at Tiffanys

Sunday, January 15, 2006

2005

I did this same thing last year, so here goes.....

2005

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Start up random conversations with random people

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No but I will make new ones for 2006

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes

5. What countries did you visit?
Holland

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Sleep

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 12th - Lilly's Birthday

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Losing weight

9. What was your biggest failure?
Failing to get back to driving

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
A million colds but that's all!!!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
?

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My hubby

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Best left unsaid!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills and Lilly

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Lilly's development

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
James Blunt - Beautiful (still don't like it though)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Enjoying the good times

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?

At home with my family!!!!!!

Saturday, January 14, 2006

A Star In The Making

This evening the Princess stayed up a little later than normal and we had the normal Saturday night rubbish TV on. This week is the start of Strictly Come Soapstar Dancing On Ice Brother or whatever.....

Anyway, the Princess loved it and was transfixed!!! She was skating around the room, dancing and lying on the floor to finish in the normal dramatic ice skating stylee. She applauded each contestant and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Star in the making?? Maybe!!!!

In other news, the past 48 hours have brought us news of two pregnancies and a wedding - what a great start to the year.

We have three (yep count 'em - THREE) holidays booked for this year and the Princess is getting cuter everyday - 2006 is going to be great!!!!

Friday, January 06, 2006

Life Moves On

Our little family spent our New Year in the depths of Cornwall. It was in turns fun, relaxing, exhausting and thought provoking. The Princess had a fantastic time and after a settlement period of a couple of days jumped into the new wild atmosphere with gusto (we were with three other couples and assorted children!!!).

The New Year is always a time of reflection and more excitingly a time of regrowth, planning and moving forward.

We hope to change many things in our life this coming year, some small and some potentially massive. Just because this is the life we have now doesn't mean it has to be this way always.......

We have lots of talking to do in the coming year(s) but Cornwall could have changed our lives!!!!!!