Shopping

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to not buy myself any more stuff. I'm supposed to only be replacing. It has actually been pretty easy. Rather freeing, there is now a whole area of activity that I don't even have to think about.

This means that my already radically reduced shopping (children) is now practically nonexistent, esp the in store variety. Even our weekly shop is ordered on line and delivered.

When I do go for a real food shop, it is usually to our local Asda, down-market and uninspiring. This is all to try and explain the glee I felt in taking a leisurely shop round M & S food this afternoon. I would always rather buy half the amount for double the price. But I will take just double the price at a pinch.

I knew I had over-indulged when the cashier's closing remark was, "Enjoy your goodies!"


From my extensive cross-Atlantic research, I think that America kicks our ass in terms of going out to eat, but our grocery shops are superior, and somewhat by extension, often dinner party food too. I think this is especially true for dairy and produce, but this may also have something to do with the size of my food budget at age 40 vs 20.

One more thing. How did I miss this genius innovation?





I need to get out more.

Sick Day

On Wednesday when I picked Harry up from preschool I was greeted with the news that he had given another child a nasty shove. (Of all children, it was Grover. I shouldn't be surprised, he always targets aggression at those he loves.) He hasn't done anything like this in years, I was beside myself. Then we missed our bus. It was icky.

Imagine my relief when I saw the tell-tale spots on his belly and back! Pox! I think he has been feeling pretty miserable for the past week, and he is no good at verbalising such things. Phew.

He was pretty well in himself yesterday, but last night was pretty hideous and he is proper poorly boy today.


Tom is fine thus far, I would quite like him to get a mild version and be done with it. Gratuitous pic of madonna and child:

Starting Young

Our bus was way early this morning. When this happens, we run around one of the lecture theatres, making the lights turn on and off. Good times. This morning we had time to step it up a notch. I love my voice amplified. Harry was not so sure.


We both agreed on the lesson for the day:


P.S. To answer a question about Harry's shoes, they are standard crocs. We went to the croc shop whee they had about 10 colours. I pulled out orange, green, and blue for Harry to choose from. "No, I want pink." no argument from me kiddo.

It is what it is

Today was one of my top 5 worst days with Harry. Nothing dramatic, just an over-tired horrid 3.5 year old. I should be glad that he only hits his mums, but hey, how about hitting noone you little creep.

Parenting rarely brings me to tears, but really I had had enough:

Harry: why are you crying mummy ali?
Me: because you've been unkind to me all day, hitting me all the time.
Harry: I need a poo.

I was so strung out I didn't even laugh.

Anyway, thankfully we are expecting our first dinner guests since Thomas was born. I'm in charge of pudding. And drinking too much wine. I think everything is going to be A-OK.


(That's butter and chocolate ready for the microwave. Making chocolate mousse cake. There are also 8 eggs involved.)

Never Again

Or at least no time soon. Yesterday I went with the preschool on a walk through a lovely park. Harry was horrid. My rules are way more lax than school rules, so you can imagine. Eventually I had to trade him for another child. The following conversation ensued:

Child: You're bigger than my Mummy.
Me: Yes, I'm taller than she is.
Child: You're fatter too.

Unfortunately I was not able to contradict this statement. Thanks kid.

Let's go back to the archives, shall we?


We spent a couple of very enjoyable April weekends at my Mums house. She has a coin sorter, and it turns out to be the best entertainment for a 3.5 year old. This is going to be my go-to gift for 3 & 4 year olds.

For the adults, a major draw this time of year are the bluebells:





It's the perfect garden for an Easter egg hunt.





Harry enjoying his Easter bucket with his cousin Adam. I wish I had more and better pictures. As usual.

The Sad Truth

There is no getting around it. I am a better Mummy when I have had nothing to drink the night before:



Sadly this does not happen very often.

Back to the archives:



Tom having a lounge a few weeks ago with his tiger-monkey friend.


And concentrating hard under his gym. I love love love this age! Nice to have the first trimester behind us. He's turning in to a very engaging human.


And look at the weather we're having. I haven't wanted to jinx it by mentioning. A couple of months now of glorious Spring weather.

Housewifery

It continues. It is good. Check out the kitchen drawers:












I am so loving have a housewife!

I have been so bad about blogging that the backlog is now scaring me. So I've decided to draw on a random photo at the end of every REGULAR post to describe our happenings.

Here goes:



My dad came to meet baby Thomas. Harry attacked him with stickers.





Harry loves his granddad from New York City. In many ways they are peas in a pod and it is a delight to watch.