Mega Blocks

First the first time James has build something out of mega blocks. Up until now it is John and I who make towers, cats, castles and robots and James with a menacing growl charges through in a King Kong style and flattens our creations. I think it might to time for John and I to get our own back.

James

Today James has discovered nostrils and that his finger is just the right size to go up his nose. He finds it funny if we remove his hand and even funnier to try and force his fingers in your mouth. Defiantly going to be a worm loving dirty boy.

Tutbury Castle

Yesterday we visited Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire. They held a fairytale weekend over the bank holiday. The fairytale bit was a bit pathetic and it was a shame that the activities which were on you had to pay extra for. It was also very busy as it had been advertised on Groupon. Despite this, we had a really lovely day. The sun came out and James was on top form. He was full of beans and unusually was quite happy to walk and run round instead of being carried. He loved the big wooden dragon on top of the hill, he could peep through it and tried to climb on it. He climbed half way up the hill himself the hard way. John taught him to slide down on his bum which it found funny. We didn't have any tear or whining so a very good day out.

Yet another post I can't post yet.

CONGRATULATIONS TO US.

I'M PREGNANT. AGAIN!

My first thought is, this we be yet another Christmas that I can't drink and crap yesterday I ate scampi and drank a glass of cider.

Today I went to see Holly on the way there I felt a little queasy which got me thinking, then it happened on the way home as well. So I popped into Asda and got a test and because I needed the loo did it there and then, due the fact there was a queue I stuffed the test in my bag and didn't look at it until I got to the car, there was a faint line.

When I got home John and James were waving from the front garden so I told them then and we all had a group hug and kisses.

It has all come as a bit of a surprise. Tomorrow is the due date and so I'm a bit weepy. We are not sure went we are going to tell everyone so it is our secret at the moment.

Also we have put an offer on a house, so fingers crossed we will soon have a new home.
x

Camping in Derbyshire

Last weekend John, James and I ventured out for the first time since James has been mobile. It was Johns birthday on Friday so after presents (framed photos) and posting parcels we set off for Taddington near Bakewell. The car was loaded to bursting point we took the cot mattress, pans, cooker, teddies, balloons everything we could think of. James was in a very precarious place in the car, every time he moved something fell on him. Luckily he slept most of the way there. We stopped off at Bakewell, which is a place I love. It is so quaint, with the river running through and the ducks. It is a shame that lots of other people love it too as it was really busy. We brought some sandwiches, found a bench (people kept walking past eyeing us up to see if we were moving) near the river. While we were there we visited The Old House Museum, it was OK. Full of displays things from the past.

The Campsite, Waterloo Hotel, was disappointing. The field was sloping and grass was long. Luckily we took James waterproof  and weelies as he would have been soaked in the mornings. The toilet block was poor as well, only 2 showers which also had the toilets in them and they were wet rooms, so the floor was always damp. James enjoyed digging in the mole hill and having a go on the trampoline. We cooked the first night, pasta and tomato sauce. James settle down in his pushchair about 9ish we then transferred him to the tent. John and I celebrated by drinks Stag whisky.

However, James didn't settle down around 4am, before it was even light he woke up, smiled at where he was and started pointing at things going 'dat dat' I'm pleased he didn't cry but four hours later he still wasn't asleep. I stayed awake with him til 6, then, because he was getting fed up being in the tent John got up and took him for 2 long walks, while I napped. I don't work well without sleep and was very grumpy in the morning. It was a very mist, damp morning. We deciced to head to Buxton for breakfast. As soon as we set off James fell asleep in the car, typical. We couldn't find anywhere is eat, so continued to Dovedale. Had a sandwich there and a coffee, felt much better after that. Dovedale was pretty. It brighten up about 11 so on went my shorts. John climbed Thorpe Cloud while James slept. He paddled the river and got wet as it gets quite deep in places. James had a paddle, at first he didn't like it. I think it was the stones under his feet. It was also very cold. He enjoyed throwing stones in the river making splashes. Later he had a paddle with his shoes on and got on much better, in fact he didn't want to get out.We had dinner in the pub instead. Then took James for a walk in his buggy hoping that he would fall asleep. Then we went back for a drink and a read. James slept much better and didn't wake til gone 6am.

On Sunday we went to Chatsworth farm park. There wasn't many animals there but there is a huge play area. Including 2 big sandpits which had water play trough in them. James got through 2 sets of clothes. He loved it. We really must take him to the beach more often. He also enjoyed the old tractor you could play on.

x

Heckington show

Catching up

It has been a while since I have posted.

2 weekends again we had a big night out. Ros came down from Bristol on Friday. We were going to go out but it got cancelled which was find because I wanted to watch the Olympic opening. Caught bits of it while Ros and I caught up on the news and had tea.
Saturday we all went to Heckington show. It was good. Col and Marley came with us. There was a lot there. It was a shame we had to leave early because they have bands and fireworks in the evening. James and Marley went on a mini train ride. Marley had a dance to medieval music. We dropped James off at mums for the night then headed home to get ready.
Vic, Hol and Gill turned up about 7 and we started with cocktails and Pimms. Yummy. Taxi arrived at 9 to get us to Skeg. We did it like to old days. Weatherspoons, shades (or whatever it is called now) LA cafe, after that things get hazy. I know I let everyone else to go on the beach to build sandcastles. I met them at the taxi pick up. It was a good night I think everyone enjoyed it. Everyone was feeling a little delicate on Sunday Ros and Hol especially. Everyone managed to eat Sunday dinner. Mum dropped James back and she joined us for dinner. After everyone had gone Ros, John, James and I went to see Col. We went to the pub and had tea. James and Marley played nicely until 2 special girls turned up and we had to keep a better eye on them as they were picking the boys up.
Ros left Monday after dinner. It was really nice to catch up. Looking forward to going to Bristol and the end of next month.

Tough

I think I am going crazy. At the moment I'm finding time when I feel so low and upset. A part of me wonders if I am use focusing on the thing that upset me to make myself even more upset and dramatic. I know things are not right but don't know how to deal with them. Last week I got a text from Vic asking if I was busy on the 18th August. I don't expect her to realise the significance of the date but it make me upset that I will probably the only one who knows and cares.
I keep thinking about what should be happening at the moment. I'm dreading it. I can't talk to John, I don't want to upset him.

Summer at last.

After weeks and weeks of rain the sun has finally shown its face. All the outdoor toys are outside. The paddling pool has been filled up and emptied by James with his bucket. He doesn't really get the fact you are meant to go in it and he stands round the edge splashing. Yesterday I got sunburnt, today I'm trying to get rid of the strap marks from yesterday.
Still house hunting. Hopefully we might have found somewhere. x

Busy few days.

We are all shattered at home. We have had a busy few days. On Wednesday we nipped over to Col's and dropped off Jess present. James played with Marley. Though he did manage to bang his head by trying to wrestle Marley from behind, only they both fell backward and James banged his head on the door.
On Thurdays Col and Marley visited. Went into town got James a few T-shirts in the sale. We both then went to mums, as Katie was visiting. James and Marley both stayed up very late. They played nicely together. James managed to fall off a wine rack and cut his cheek on some plastic bricks.
On Friday I went shopping in Lincoln with Hol. We were both looking for an outfit to wear for Saturday. Didn't find anything, but had a good time. Met John and James at mums, then went to Partney for tea as it was Grandmas birthday. Another late night for James.
On Saturday we met John's dad and family at Rand Farm Park. James enjoyed looking round the animals and feeding them. Christine cooked us tea. James manage to fall down the caravan steps. Then the kids all had a play. It was really lovely place to go. Would go back there.
Today, we went to Cadwell park to see car racing. It was good as well. There were 4 races of different lengths and cars. Found a nice grassy spot with plenty of space for James. He loved playing with the grass cuttings and dads watch. James managed to fall down the hill.

Sure start party

James and I went to Sure Start today. I didn't realise it was the last one of the term and they were having a mini party. James always makes himself at home here. He managed to find an old push button phone with a long curly cord, he spent all morning obsessing with it. A older kid took it off him and James stalker him and as soon as he put it down James snapped it back up. He didn't even want to go outside on the slide. He just toddled around thrusting the phone at different people making them pretend to talk into it, they tried of give it back to him but he kept forcing it at them to carry on. I left him to it.
James had a major paddy when it was time to pack up, he didn't want to give his phone up. Crying was subsided by party food. Each children was given a bowl, James just sat as near to all the food as possible and gobbled it (who needs a plate). He wasn't interested in pass the parcel, though he didn't like the yo yo which he got. Had a lovely time. It completely worn him out.
We had a walk into town and picked up some cakes for this afternoon. I left James with James and went to help clean Grandmas house. Dad and Janet were there. We all tackled a room each, took a while but got it done. When I got home John had cooked Cottage pie, it was yummy. 
James has discovered the joy of walking backwards, he makes him smile every time he does it. He also enjoys dragging things around at the moment. Trucks, telephones, electric cables and monkey in baby reins. 

Torch Relay Holbeach

James and I went to see the torch relay in Holbech today. James had already seen it in Boston with his Daddy. We met Col and Marley at the sure start centre and the boys had a little play before we walked down to the town centre. We managed to find a spot where we could see. Marley and James made a tinfoil torch out of a loo roll. James preferred to splash in the puddle as to look what was going on, and instead of waving his torch proceeded to throw it in the puddle and watch it splash. When it when by he was watching but just looked confused and chewed his finger. He was quite fascinated by police motorcycles, hopefully he won't want to be a policeman when he is older.  After the parade, we went to St Ives to pick up a wooden market stall for Marley. St Ives is nice. Went to a pub and had a burger which was raw (twice) ended up hungry. Made up for it by eating a huge ice cream. Had to put up with screaming on the way back from the boys. Marleys car seat has an arm rest, James wanted it up and Marley wanted it down, screaming followed. Had to ply them with food to keep them quiet. Marley ate his, James sat on his.

Birthday.

I wasn't looking forward to my birthday last year. I had been asked to work and feeling a bit down. It was  OK. I opened my presents in the morning. From John I got a resin kit and a load of pocket watch insides to play with. I got loads of books which is great as I have ran out. I also got some wine, vodka and toffees so I can make toffee vodka. I got a lovely handbag from Katie and wine. I got a going out handbag from Col and a purse. From Vic I got a hair appointment which I have just now. From Dad I got a hair appointment and a facial. Hol got me loads of wine. From Mum I got a lovely skirt, wine, face mask and lotion and a Yankee candle.
In the evening Dad came round and we had Indian and played scrabble. On Sunday we made the mistake of going to Brocklesby show, because it had been so wet the whole field was a quagmire. It was good to see Hol. On Tuesday Dad and Col and family when for a meal.
So all in all a good birthday.

x 

James

Words James sort of say...
Bath
Cat
Mum
Dad
Dog
Cup
Bowl
Gone
Back
Light
Ball
Duck

Words James knows...
Purse
Bottle
Teddy
Sleepy
Bed
TV
Switch
Potty
Grape
Orange
Chair
Balloon
Water
Bin
No
Book
Car
Door
Shoes
Socks
Nappy
Drink
Milk
Keys
Pen
Wig Wam
Melon
Peas
Marley
Carrot

Busy

Whew. We have been very busy this last week. On Friday John and I went to see Men in Black 3, we quite liked it but I don't think it will be a film that we remember. On Saturday I went to Sibsey Fete. I did really well, better then I expected. Afterwards I went to Hol's to see her new house. It is really nice.
I'm back at work today and for the rest of the week. Apart from tomorrow went Col and I are off to a spa to be pampered.
James has been ill again. Today he seems better. He has had a high temperature and off his food.

Charlie's birthday

James and I have been out today. We have been to Kids World at Lucky Strikes in Skegness. It is Charlie's 1st birthday to day and we were invited to his party. Had a lovely time. Kids world is great and cheap. It is also almost the right size for James. We did have to crawl around after them all so we are aching all over.
Happy Birthday Charlie. x

School and home

I have really enjoyed being in school these last 2 weeks. It has made me realise how much I miss having my own class and planning for them and also knowing levels and next steps. It has also made me realise how little time I would have with James, if I worked full time. I rush round in the mornings and hardly see him before I go, then when I get home I make tea, then maybe 2 hours top before it is his bed time. I'm perhaps going to have to think about a part time job, that way it might be the best of both worlds.

I also miss out on the silly little thing he does. Yesterday according to John, he was outside. I was busy filling the big watering can up by using his bucket and tipping it in. He had seen watch John water the fruit bushes and wanted a go. He carried it over to the pots but couldn't lift it high enough to get them. So instead he took some of the soil out of the pot put it on the floor and watered the soil.

Today he has been yelling at ostrichs.

Beach again

Wow!! What a change in the weather from last week. Last week we attempted at take James to the beach, but due to the cold, wind and losing wellies it was a a bit of disaster apart from the donuts. So today the plan we to go to Skeg, with the idea of going to the fairy dell.
We went to Dads first and have a lovely meal at Batemans. Unfortunately, it had no water in it. So we went on the beach. James loved it. We didn't get to the sea because he was so happy playing in little puddles, wet sand and throwing stones. We were trying to get him to walk toward the pier but we couldn't shift him. Eventually, with many stops we get to the pier and had an ice cream.
There use to be a mini fairy dell the other side of the pier, so had a walk up there, but it had gone and replace by a lovely play area, so stopped there and James had a little play. I didn't go on the side this time because of what happen yesterday.

Yesterday, Hol and Vic can down for lunch. We went to the Witham and Blue at Landrick. It was OK nothing special. Outside there was a play area. James wanted to go on the side and as it was quite high I went up with him. Hol caught him at the bottom. After a while Hol and I got fed up lifting him up and sliding him down. So I put him on my knee to slide myself and him down. Unfortunately, my skirt got caught up on the side edge. So, I'm sat there hanging on to James, my body wants to conform to gravity and go down the slide. Slowly, my skirt begins to ride up and I start to slide to a bit, then stop. Hol and Vic are laughing, I'm trying to stop myself from flashing everyone and keep James from falling off and at the same time trying to wiggle my bum upward and unhook my skirt. Then I hear ripping, I yell at Hol to grab James, she take him off me, now all I have to do it deify gravity and push myself upwards. Now just before I got on the slide I put suntan lotion on James. So my hands are very oily and I can not get a grip. The only way I manage it is by pushing up with my leg, flashing everyone and humping my bottom backwards. I unhook my skirt and slide down as gracefully as I can. Not only am I very embarrassed, I also have a big hole in my skirt. 

While in Skeg we also had donuts, then headed home.

x

Brrrr

Been on Mablethorpe beach today. Gosh it was cold. It was to make up for not going on the beach while we were on holiday. I have to say we didn't stop long. Was heading for a paddle but realised that both his wellis had dropped off so didn't bother. It was so cold that my hands had hot ache as they started to warm through. After donuts and the beach we joined Johns mum and Terry at the caravan. It was nice to see them. Janet gave James a sandcastle bucket full of Easter eggs. Yummy. I think they will last him until Christmas. X

Bump

James has just fallen off the sofa, thought he was OK. 10 mins later there is a huge bump on his head. He seems OK he eat a lot of breakfast after and didn't have a problem with coordination. He has gone down for a nap now and we are going to keep an eye on him.