Christmas.

We have had a lovely Christmas. It has been very busy and hectic but really nice. Christmas morning John and I got up about 7:00 James woke up just after us. Father Christmas had been a left a few present in his stocking at the end of his bed. Because Mum was coming round we made sure he was bathed, feed and changed before he began opening his present. He didn't really

get the idea and ripping the paper off and needed a lot of help.

Santa had also left him presents under the tree and together we opened a bouncing Zebra and a car. Mum came round for a bit before she went to Cols. She got me a load of pans which was exactly want I wanted and a lovely jumper. James got a phone, activity table and a stacking hoop set. John got a dressing gown.

We met Dad, Janet and Paul, Grandma and Katie at the Fleece in Burgh for Christmas dinner. It was huge and I couldn't eat it all, John helped me.

At home we opened more prezzies. Spa days, telescopes, toy work benches loads things. We played games until late.

Boxing day we have lunch at Dads, then went to John dads for a few hours. It was nice to see them all, Jess and Harvey were there. We had tea at Dad, Col and Peter and Marley were there. It was nice to see them.

The next day we went to Johns mums. Had a lovely meal that she had cooked. Yesterday and today we have had a day off. Just chilling and playing with our presents. x

Week 6 (we think)

Had my first midwife appointment today, it was just the usual questions of heath and if you smoke/drink. Baby should be due on the 18th of August, James will be 1 half years old. Still too small to be a big brother. Feel a little guilty that he hasn't had long just on his own as an only child, but too late now.

Col and Peter plus family called round yesterday. Marley and James were entertaining themselves by pasting a ball to each other over a chair, both laughing. James finds anything Marley does funny and laughs at him.

Kate was here the night before. She has now got her leg back so is able to drive again. She guessed at me being pregnant because we told her we are looking for a new house (though not because I'm pregnant) and asked me. I started off by lying, but I'm no good at lying so had a hide my face. We told her in the end. Col and Peter also know. Mum we are telling tomorrow and Dad on Saturday, John dad on Monday and Johns mum on Tuesday. It is because we are seeing them on these days over Christmas and we wanted to tell them face to face.

I have forgotten how tiring being pregnant in the first months is. Keep have to have a nap and James isn't sleeping very well either. Won't be able to have nice food over Christmas again nor wine at New Year. Or on my birthday. And I have just bough a bottle of nice sherry as a treat to myself.

Nevermind. x

Busy Busy

We have been very busy getting ready for Christmas and working. The Christmas tree no longer looks pretty and tidy, as James likes to try and pull bauble baubles off so the bottom half of the tree has nothing on it.

James can now clap his hands. He also seems a lot more interested in things now. He like to roll his ball off the steps and see what happens.

We have started to look at houses ready to move. Have 2 appointments on Saturday. Looking forward to it.

Exciting news

Have very exciting news last night. Found out I'm pregnant again. I think I'm about 6 weeks gone, I'm not sure about exact dates, because I lost track. We will find out more when I have my fist scan. I haven't even had a chance to ring the doctor.

We told James last night. We sneaked up to his room and John whispered it into his ear while he was sleeping. I think he is far too young to be a big brother.

We are planning on tell the family at Christmas. I think I will be about 8 weeks, so it will be the same as last time.

Time to ring the Doctor.

James.

Saw James stand on his own without holding on for the first time today. John saw the other day when Mum was here. He was trying to attack the Christmas tree. We started by a even spread of all the trimmings. Now there is a empty gap around the bottom, as James has grabbed them and we have moved them higher. It looks a bit odd but never mind. Between us we have managed to broke on nice glass drop by having a tug of wag with it until the end snapped off.

He was late going to bed today. I put him down and gave him some milk and was reading him Enid Blyton, when he suddenly stood up and throw up everywhere. Yelled to John to help me. Took him out of the cot to give him a cuddle and he did it again all over the floor. While I was still cuddling him he did it again all over me. Poor little mit. When we finally got sorted and cleaned up, it was getting on for 10 O'clock. Hope he feel better tomorrow.

Burghley House.

Have a lovely day today. We went to Burghley House Christmas Market. It was worth the visit. I didn't buy anything but it was nice to look round. x

Shopping.

Went Christmas shopping in Peterborough yesterday, I haven't been there for years, the decorations were stunning.

We went with Mum, Marley and James. Had a lovely time and the boys were on best behaviour. They are so cute together chatting away in the car and playing nicely in their pushchairs. I didn't get much shopping done. Though I have a few ideas which I will look up on the net when I get home.

We have had a few rough nights with James recently. I think he is teething. Luckily John gets up with him and try to settle him down. Hopefully he won't be as bad tonight.

x

Facebook.

Hi.

I'm obsessed with facebook. This is why I haven't put much on my blog and everything I put on my blog i have already said on facebook.

School is doing my nut in. It is all about the strike. The kids are fine. It just seems as if I don't have any free time. I'm always planning, marking and sorting stuff. I guess it comes with the job.

Christmas decoration are up.

We have finally got our tree up. The plan was to do it last Friday, but unfortunatly Katies managed to get stuck in a hole. She was walking on the pavement in Hamton and stepped into a water board hole. The cover wasn't on it. She managed to get her foot trapped ballerina style and couldn't get it out. Que the police, firebrigade and an ambulance. Thankfully they got her out, put her foot was a mess and so she went to hospital. We all met her there. Hence why the tree had to wait. She is at dads now, her leg is all strapped up and she can't put any weight in it.
So the Christmas tree went up on Monday. James helped, then stopped for tea and after he went to bed we finished it off. We were worried about he grabbing and pulling it over but so far he has been fine. He doesn't like us tell him no. He just cries at us. He ought to start getting use to it as he will be hearing it for many years. X

London.

We have just been for a lovely weekend away in London. I was worried about taking James on the tube but we managed fine. Everyone was really friendly and loads of people offered to help us. We went to the science museam first, then walked for miles to harrods. Then wandered to the Eye and had a ride. By this time it was night, but we could still see all the landmarks lit up.
On Saturday we went to convent gardens, then walked round in circles for a while. Decided that I wanted to go to Tower hill and catch the dockland light railway to see how the Olympics building was getting on. Unfortunatly it was closed when we arrived. We did manage to see part of the Lord Majors parade. We stayed and watched the fireworks. James enjoyed them. A nice lady told me a had the cutest baby.
We got back about 11, shattered.
Yesterday we met Janet, Paul, Katies, Rod and Dad for Sunday dinner. It was nice to catch up. James was restless though. X

Chatsworth House

Last Sunday we enjoyed a lovely day at Chatworths House. It was a treat for my Mum as her Birthday was on Tuesday.

Had a lovely day, we went round the house which was lovely, but it was the gardens which were most stunning. I have never been to Chatsworth in Autumn and was amazed to find the gardens so beautiful. I tried to take some photos but they don't do the garden justice.

Getting sorted.

At last we have a washing machine. Picked it up on Sunday from Holly's. Have spend the last 2 days trying to catch up with all the washing, it seems to be everywhere. I have also started to paint the kitchen. It was originally white but because we have half a tin left, it is now magnolia. We had a very mouldy wall from where the washing machine was so have covered it.

Went shopping on Tuesday in Lincoln. John's mum was kind enough to look after James while we went into town. Had a lovely day.

Weekend.

Just have a stonking weekend. Mum had James on Friday and Saturday, so John and I took advantage and when out for something to eat. I ordered steak for the first time, it was yummy. On Saturday when the hangover had disappeared I set off for Hollys, where she cooked a lovely tea, then plaed poker and games in the evening. It was nice to catch up. Lou, Ros, Shel and Vic were all there.

On the way back I called in at Janets and Pauls, it was the first time I have seen Paul since his illness. He looked really well. They were both very chatty.

Pick up the washing machine from Holly and James from mum and was back in time to curl up with John for Downton Abbey.

Scary.

James gave us a fright on Friday. He started insane crying when john was trying to change him, then he started to choke. When I went into the room he was in johns arms really pale and cold and drifting in and out, so we called an ambulance. By the time they arrived James was crawling around. He was still.looking peaky so they took him to hospital I followed in the car. We think there might have been some food left in his mouth from his tea the night before. Worried us. Every thing is fine how, keeping an extra eye on him.
We had noticed that he has a tooth poking through now, that might explain the restless nights.
X

Washing machine.

Washing machine has packed up so have been at mums today using hers. Took James with me, and mum is keeping him there tonight. We had cream cakes with tea, Mum gave some of her to James which he quite happily ate. She ate the cake so there was a tiny bit of pasty and a lot of cream. James dropped something on the floor as she bend down to pick it up he grabbed hold of her cake and stuffed it all in his mouth. I think is might be a magician or a pick pocket when he gets older.

Looking forward to having a lie in and a lovely Sunday dinner with John tomorrow. Hope he is good for her tonight. x

Friday

Has had a lovely day today. James and I went to baby peep and had a lovely time playing. He was a bit wary at first and stuck close by me, I think it was the noise. It didn't take him long before he was exploring all over and pinching all the other children toys. He also has had his first kiss. We were all in a circle and a girl or James age began crawling toward the middle (she made the first move) he went towards her (met over a crowded room) they met in the middle and gave each other a kiss. At least he did try and scratch her eyes out, which is what he normally tries to do.

Then this afternoon Col, Marley and Shel came for tea. James and Marley played nicely each wanting what the other had. Col had James in fits of giggles by making popping noises. Marley very excited by a light up balloon. I made a lovely tea of cottage pie.

Going to mums tomorrow as our washing machine has packed in and the clothes are starting to pile up. I think she s going to have James over night. Not sure she know what she is letting herself in for because this week he has been a nightmare and getting up and wanting to play at 5:30 every morning. We are all shattered.

x

James.

I wasn't sure where to write this post. I'm worried that I will forget the little things about James when he was a baby. So I thought I would write a post to help me remember.

The fact that it was 2 weeks before I figured out that after James had fallen asleep on me after a feed, that I could put him down in his mosses basket. I was worried that I would wake him up, so used to sit with him on the sofa not moving, until I began ache.

The way after I had feed him he would need winding and if he had fallen asleep he would curl himself around my arm like a little hedgehog.

If he wanted feed he would snuffle like a pig on my chest, like a pig finding truffles (little truffle pig).

His first proper food was a rusk in milk, which he had at 4 months. Katie feed him his first banana because I hate bananas, it is one of his favourites now. He first yoghurt was strawberry and he had it at a Roman fort on Hadrians wall.

When he was 6 months old Colleen tried to juggle with him and dropped him on his head. It gave him a black eye.

Up until he was four months old he growled a lot.

After a fed even if he was asleep, when he was finished he would stretch he little arms and curl his legs into an S shape.

Up until 4 months every time he was winded after a feed he was sick everywhere. Not only did we carry spare clothes for James around with us, but also spare for John and I. We use to cover all the surrounding surfaces with muslim cloths, then one under his neck, plus a bid. You never saw the nice clothes he was wearing because he had a bib on. At 4 months we started to fed him, use a small spoonful of rusk and milk after that the being sick stopped and so did the whining. I guess he either had a milk colic or he was hungry all the time.

The way it took us a while to pluck up the nerve to bath him when we first got him home. He had a bath at the hospital and screamed all the way through it. We had a go about 2 weeks after we got him home. We did the temperature that is recommended, still he screamed. The next bath we did we ran the water warmer and he loved it and has loved water every since.

Due to me and James having to stop an extra night in the hospital we ran out of baby clothes. John had to go to Asda and get some before he visited us. He also bought a blue blanket.

Before he was crawling, he used to commando shuffle backwards. John and I would leave the room for a few minutes and when we return we would find him sat up in a different place. We knew he could get about but didn't realise he could sit himself up. Was quite a while before we caught him doing it.

This is all I can think off at the moment.

Off to Bristol this weekend for wine tasting.

x

This week I have manly been...

Have a bit of a busy week. To my suprise I have managed to get all 10 return to work day on school. I even having to turn work down. So things are looking good for October.
We have all been bunged up with colds. James seemed to have got it the worst and is keeping us awake most of the night. Luckly John gets up to him a lot.
Have started Christmas shopping. The we are not going to get James a lot because he won't remember, has gone out of the window. He would probably be just as happy with a new water cup, a cardboard tube and a piece of cheese.
Went to Stanford book fair yesterday, but it was rubbish. It was nice seeing katie. We had lunch and a wonder around, but didn't really like the place and it was a nightmare to get parked.
Went to see Jane Eyre with mum. It was ok. Quite true to the book. It seemed really slow but then the book was. I prefer Jane Austin, there is more humour.
X

General stuff.

Been busy working this week. It is nice to be back. James has started to crawl backwards this week. He looks a bit like a seal out of water. But he is getting better. He is being a bit of a pain at night, because he can wiggle and move around he goes and explores his cot. He ends up stuck at one end telling his head off. Just watching Holby, someone always falls over outside the hospital. 

School.

Had a fab first day. It was in a lovely little school. Pleased it is over with as now I know that I'm ready to go back and haven't forgotten how to do it. Spent this morning ringing a few school to tell them that I am back. I also need to go into town today and go to the bank, boots and it do a bit of shopping.

x

First day of school.

OH Gosh.

Feeling a little nervous today as it is my first day back at school. I sound like I'm 5 years old. I have new trousers which are a rubbish fit, but the only ones I could find, and new shoes which I know are going to give me a blister. I can feel myself getting tense. I have already shouted at John for whistling, but it really wasn't necessary.

At least I'm starting slow an afternoon only. Apparently I'm teaching netball and taking them swimming. Have been on the internet this morning trying to remember how to play netball. Hope the school has a court and balls.

A cup of coffee I think to calm the nerve then off.

Wish me luck.

Katies birthday

Had Katies birthday party last night. We were having a bbq at dads but unfortunatly the rain meant we had to have it in the shed. It was a good night. Ros came down so did Lou. Dad smoked us all out by putting the fire pit in the shed. James went home with mum. Everyone slept in tents in the garden. Spent today recovering. X

Shattered.

Right in a few minutes I'm off to bed. I thought I would write a post first. I'm finding it quite difficult to think of thing to write about. This tells me that I need to start doing more exciting stuff. Tonight for example I played scrabble with John and won. In fact he hasn't beat me yet. I also won at croquet as well.

I have booked a campsite for next weekend for Col, Peter and Vic. We are going to Yorkshire and heading down gaping gill cave system. Though I don't think I will be going as someone need to look after the babies. But I'm defiantly looking forward to getting away for a few days. It is going to cramped in our tent though. As it is a two man tent and there are three of us.

Will take lots of photos to put on here.

Night x

Smell.

Not sure why people sniff babies and say they like the smell. James smells of sour milk combined with an after smell of talc. Yuck. Also is is half 12 and he has managed to do the trebble (sick, poo and wee). Daddys turn to sort him out next. Off to bed. Night.

Birthday.

Johns birthday today. Lots and presents and cake.

Northern Lights

Apparently the Northern lights were visible last night as far down as Kendal. It is one of those things I would love to see. Put unfortunately I live in a town and therefore visability is rubbish. John is going to keep an eye on reports on twitter tonight and if it looks that there might be a chance of seeing them we might head to somewhere dark to check it out.

HOT HOT HOT

Gosh it is hot. I love this kind of weather. Going to go in the garden in a minute after I've uploaded some photos on to facebook. James is asleep so I'm going to make the most of it and have a cup of tea and finish the book I'm reading.

Have been busy today. I have...

Made a new pendant (though it was in the microwave for slightly too long and it now the best I have done).

Washed up.

Teaked the garden furniture.

Nearly unpacked the suitcase from the weekend.

Hoed the front garden.

Busy Busy.

x

Jewellery show

I have got another jewellery craft show on Sunday at the Embassy Centre in Skegness. Looking forward to it, hopefully there will be lots of people.
The last 3 shows have been really good. So good, I need to make some new pieces before Sunday. I made on today using my glass kit. Unfortunately it has an rough side so that is one for me to keep.

Bewiderwood

James on a zip wire.

Bewilderwood

Had a fantastic, manic few days. Shel is back from Dubai and has been stopping at Col's the week. So have been spending time with them. Thursday we all had a meal at pizza hut. Holly, Ben and Vic came along. Friday James and I went to Hunstanton. James is like me he loves the sea and kept squealing at it in delight. He had a paddle. Felt like a bad mother as he got really cold on the beach.
On Saturday we went to Bewilderwood, which is near Wroham in Norfolk. It is like a load of tree house with rope bridges and swings, slide and zip wires you can play on. Is was really good. James went on a baby zip wire and the swings.
It was a shame john missed it. He was away caving in yorkshire. He got back yesterday all covered in bites. He seems to attract the bugs. 

New phone.

Hurray. Got a new phone for my birthday and have just figured out it can do Blogger. This should make it even easier to post. No excuses now.
Had a busy day today. The been babysitting Marley while Col and Em have been at the pictures to see Harry Potter. It is an easy job, allhe has done is sleep. Maybe I should do this for a living and become a childminder.
X

Breastfeeding.

While I was pregnant it was drummed into us that you must breastfeed, you must breastfeed. I know that it is the best think for the baby, which is why I felt so under pressure to continue to try and breastfeed James even though James wasn't get enough and I was getting very upset and struggling with it.

A nurse came round a week after James was born. She weighted him and said that because he had lost of much weight we need to go back into hospital. Naturally I was devastated. I had been trying so hard to get the feed right. I was sore and it was so painful it brought tears to my eyes. I was also very upset because I was finding it so difficult especially as Col and Marley seem to be coping.

After crying at the nurse, she rang the hospital and asked their advice. I didn't mind if I had to take James in every day to be checked out, I didn't want to stay over night. I would have no sleep in the wards and no support from John to help me. The nurse said she would come round again in a few days and check him out. Before she left she showed me again how to feed him. I was determined that we would not go into the hospital, even if it meant going on to formula. I sent John out to get some just in case. I watch a you tube video which showed, with a real baby how I should be feeding him it was different to the hospital advice. I used a lot of pillows to support him weight and held how I found it comfortable not how the nurse showed me. Eventually we managed. I think it took about 3 weeks for us both to be completely happy about it and for the pain to wear off. Even then 4 months in a blocked up and the whole pain thing began again. I can completely understand why people use formula and I think if it wasn't for Col and Marley I would have given in ages before hand, but because they was able to do it I was determined that I could.

Doing well

I'm so far doing well at keeping this up again. 2 days, 2 post. Though I may have to go in a moment as James is crying on his mat. It is OK Daddy has just turned up to settle him.

Was meant to go swimming today with Col, but money is a bit tight this month as there is lots of stuff I want to do so something have to give way.

John brought a new tent yesterday in preparation for his solo trip to Yorkshire caving. Hopefully he will go this weekend, if the weather is nice.

Going to try hard.

From now on I'm going to try hard and write this thing at least 3 times a week. I think it will be a good way to remember thing, 1, because I have still got baby brain and 2, it is like a diary and would be nice to remember important thing that have happened. So once again this is a catch up post. I will try and keep it short.

Baby was born on the 20th Feb 2011. He was 8lb 15oz and born at 01:04 in the morning. Waters broke at 09:00 on the Saturday morning. Lots of pain the whole thing wasn't good. Drug do not help. We named him James George Metcalf.

He is now 22 weeks today. He was a miserable thing to begin with. He had upset tummy until he was about 17weeks. But he is now very smiley and lovely. Today he was on his tummy and managed to move to get a toy. I wouldn't call it crawling but it is getting there.

Swimming with him and Marly tomorrow, looking forward to it.