Thursday, June 30, 2016

Circle of life

So for the last few weeks we have had pets in our household. 5 tiny tiny catapillers in begin with. Both Penny and James have been totally fascinated by them, checking them every day, looking at how much them have eaten, pooped, grown. Penny made and painted a house for them to be transfered into once them had made their cystitis. Unfortunately, one of the catapillers didn't make it so we were left with 4. By golly they eat, no wonder my cabbages have suffered.
When the first butterfly emerged as instructed we put some sugar water is the bottom of the box. Unfortunately, the butterfly seemed to get the sticky stuff on its wings and struggled to fly. We let him every go with the hope it would survive.
When the next one was released it stayed in the garden for a bit. Penny was thrilled she was able to watch on the flowers. The next two however suffered, upon release one was promptly eaten by a sparrow much to James and my horror. The other was last seen being chased by a sparrow. James was quite put out by it and upset. Penny however was very excited and eager to tell John what hado happened. Tried to explain to James about the birds feeding the baby birds with it and that's how they survive. His response was he would rather have lots of butterflies than birds.
At times life sucks.

Funny Penny

Little things Penny says

What's up guys?

Bub bly = butterfly

I'm not monkey, I'm Penny.

I received a pair of shoes in the post. Penny was very excited to open one. The got a "WOW, there's two." As she opened the other one.

"James, wear Anne dress."
"No"
"Ohh, but it's lovely" stroking dress. "James wear Anna."
"No"
"But it's lovely, lovely."

Today she wanted Anna hair, after putting it into 2 little plaits, she popped on her Anna dress. I shown her herself I  the mirror. "I'm beautiful." Slightly narastic but complete correct.

"I love it" and "I don't love it"

"My foots got headache."

Penny doesn't do PE at nursery she calls it PE kits.

Because Penny doesn't like bangs. she wanted some ear gloves (ear muffs) for bonfire night.

16.2.17
Pennys brain has started talking to her. She keeps refering to it.

Me"Penny can yoi see the funny house?"
Penny "My brain talked to me and said yes"

Me"Penny would you like a drink."
Penny. "My brain says yes."

She also tell me her tummy says it is hungry.

I think it stems from reading James body book,








Learning to sew

As the title states I'm trying to teach myself to sew and dressmaking. So far I've managed to create some rather pretty pillow dresses using a pattern for Penny. It has taken a few attempts to get the seams right as I hate them left messy. I've mastered French Seams to keep the inside looking lovely and neat. I have also made aprons with pockets and a fabric box for James. Today make was a pair of shorts again for Penny. I'm quite pleased with them and Penny is a very grateful recipient who tells everyone she meets who has made her pretty clothes. She also helps me wind the bobbin up and does her own sewing by putting pins into fabric.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Nothing to give.

I have nothing to hold
No kisses to give
No cuddles to warm you
I can't dry your tears
I can't make you better
For a short time you were our world
Our future
Our family
Our joy
You were loved for the moment you were there
You will be loved always.

8 months

My little baby is getting more mobile by the day. In the last few weeks she has gone from a wobbly sitting position surrounded by cushions for protection to humping her bottom in a weird shuffle while sitting to get about to realising if she is sitting up and leans forward on to her tummy she can reach things. While she on her tummy she can spin herself round like a parashooter. I think it will only be days before she figures out that if she lifts her tummy up she will be able to crawl. I wonder if she will go backwards like her brother did.
Other news, Penny is back to her normal self, I think the chicken pox wore her out, hence the major tantrums. Luckily she is back to her fun loving self. Today she was mainly wearing her Skye from Paw Patrol costume. She acts like a dog and demands pats, flying and pup treats. She is a funny little thing.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Picnics and The National trust.

James' class invited us to join them on a picnic at Belton House. Despite the horrid rain yesterday they still decided to go ahead with it. This lead me to the dilemma, at nearly £14 entrance fee per person do I pay £30 for a few hours or join the National Trust for the year. Eventually bit the bullet and joined paying £9 per month, we just have to make sure we make the most of it.
So the day was great, it was nice to see James playing with his friends. It was also a good chance for Penny join in as she will be starting the preschool in September. Belton play area has been given a make over since we were there last. The play area is fantastic and huge. There are now toliets and baby changing near it and more importantly a coffee shop. There is also an indoor play area which is ideal when it is wet. I'm looking forward to a Summer of picnics and playing.


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Camping in the rain.

Last weekend we had bit of a do at Mums. Katie, lianne, Vic and family all for a BBQ. It was bit of a washout but we stuck it out. The kids were suited and booted up and put outside. The thrill of riding bikes, trikes and tractor down the hill and hopefully stopping kept them entertained most of the weekend. Plus hidden dens, climbing mud banks, toasting marshmallows and walks in the rain splashing in puddle makes an excellent time. For the adults wine, fire, food and good company. There was the added excitement and celebration of not 1, not 2 but 3 engagements. Any reason for champagne.

Saturday, June 04, 2016

Teddy bears picnic

Due to havinget the chicken pox Penny and Izzy have missed out on Charles picnic birthday party. After waving Marley and James off and drying Pennys tears we did you next best and had a teddy bears picnic. I've also just dashed out to get an ice cream for us from the ice cream man. Delicious.



Friday, June 03, 2016

UNCLEAN UNCLEAN

The dreaded chicken pox has entered the Metcalf house hold. It started with James who got it from school. Thankfully it only seemed to wear him out rather than make him ill. So lots of cuddles and attention. We though Penny and Izzy has escaped it but 2 days ago we found a spot on Iz and yesterday on Penny. Izzy has it terribly, she is absolutely covered head to toe of red raw spots and blisters. I rang the doctors because it is so bad and they have given her some cream. She is so unhappy and sad at the moment, I feel so sorry for her. Penny is also feeling it, she is worn out but instead of sleeping she doesn't know what to do and melts down into a crying puddle. So lots of cuddles for her as well. Shame it has happened over half term, the only consolation is the weather has been rubbish so we haven't missed our days out. If anyone has any advice how to sooth Izzys spot I would be grateful. Thanks.

Answers at last.

Since Penny was a baby she has been blighted by health problems. Small niggling symptoms which come and go. I've been to and from the doctors a number of times for different reason with her, each time feeling like I was wasting the doctor time and they would think I was crazy over barring mother. The problem with our doctors is each time I go I see a different one, with a different problem and a few time I was dismissed with a wave of a hand. However, the last time I went it was because of a night hacking cough which Penny can't seem to get rid off. I happened to mention that she had skin scratches which wouldn't heal because of this the doctor realised the she has eczema and asthma because they go together. I also mentioned the fact that the health visitor thought she might be lactose intolerance as she couldn't tolerance formula when she was tiny. Apparently lactose intolerance is also linked to eczema and asthma. Result. So she not has potions, lotions and inhalers galore and fingers crossed they seem to be working. She cough has stopped therefore she is sleeping better and therefore much happier during the day therefore a happier and less tired mummy. Only downside is we are on a lactose free diet but that is not a problem.