DIVA AT HOME

Cupcake Class

2012-02-09T21:58:00.000Z

I demanded a cupcake class for Christmas. Tonight was the night! I was not disappointed. There were just two of us, and I got my money's worth by asking lots of questions. I'm such a dorky, keen student.

The place was a treasure trove.

We started by making the cakes.

I loved making messes and then magically a clean bowl would appear at my work station.

I was expecting to learn about piping and other decorative techniques. I did. But I learnt a couple of other good tips. Curious? Beat the heck out of the butter and sugar at the beginning. Get plenty of air in, and get that sugar totally broken down. Don't mix in the flour for too long. Make icing/frosting with a whole lot less icing sugar than I have been if you want to be able to pipe etc well, and get the decorations to stick. Hold a tea-towel over the bowl when mixing the butter and icing sugar. Don't under-estimate the power of a palate knife.

And here's the grand reveal:

OK, I know that last picture isn't great, but they're better than usual, right? iPhone 4S is not disappointing.

Happy Birthday Tom!

2012-01-30T21:57:00.000Z

Tom's 1st birthday is actually tomorrow, but we celebrated over the weekend.

Readers, all 3 of you, you will be very pleased to hear that Oxford Grandma was in residence, and she brought her camera.

It was a lovely family party. Oh so much more fun for the adults when we outnumber the children, and we are related to them all. I hope we'll be able to get away with it for two more of Tom's birthdays. Just sayin'.

I'm not usually one for sentimentality, but really, how damned lucky are we?

HOWEVER. What is with everyone saying that they can't believe it's been a whole year since Tom was born? All those people who talk about how the time flies when your kids are young -- ARE YOU ALL SMOKING CRACK? I love my kids and all, and I wouldn't want things any different, but these have been the S.L.O.W.E.S.T 4 years of my life.

Trains

2012-01-09T19:26:00.001Z

How long will this last? Harry has an obscene number of Thomas trains.

This is a selection, not the whole lot. If I think about how much money this represents, I feel a bit ill. But. He plays with these suckers for at least an hour every day. Per use? Not bad at all. If anything I regret buying a lot of the other toys. The boy knows what he wants. Strange, I wonder where he gets the obsessive streak from.

Guilty Pleasure

2012-01-07T22:27:00.001Z

On Christmas day, when Sian was opening presents that she had bought FOR HERSELF, I finally had a brain wave. A new bigger telly. It's good. Really good. And here's the side benefit:

Yep, old tv in our bedroom. Tonight we watched bridesmaids. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Knitting Small

2012-01-06T21:55:00.001Z

I'm a little obsessed with knitting small things right now. Like the teeny tiny mittens. I have also decided to start a bee-keepers quilt, made of hundreds of little hexagonal puffs of loveliness. Said puffs are made with leftover sock yarn. Imagine my delight when my stitch-n-bitch co-founder brought me two cute little mini-skeins back from her hols. Sooo cute!

You can tell the size even better here.

I am serious about this project. Even knitting a gauge swatch.

So pleasing. I'm also very happy that I am due a phone upgrade in a month. Better camera with a flash.

Decluttering Finds

2012-01-05T22:22:00.001Z

I am a natural declutterer (there must be a better word), but some gems do deserve a photo before they hit the scrap-heap. In my office, I said good-bye to a decade-old floppy disc collection. Don't they look more 1990 than 2001?

Last week Mum gave me some of my knitting pattern books from the 80s. Boy did I love me some Patricia Roberts:

Actually, I'm not quite ready to toss the books. What marvels of shapeless intarsia. In other news, Tom is just past 11 months, and a recent measuring has him at 9.6 kgs. He is in fine form, and starting to climb. Stair gates go up this weekend. I can't remember how long this goes on for. 18 months? Ah well.

Back to Normal

2012-01-04T09:57:00.001Z

I know I'm still feeling the holiday vibe because I didn't cry when the bus was too full to stop for us today. Instead, Harry and I killed time in the time honored tradition.

One last Christmas treat.

I am still coldy, and now that the children are back in the hands of professionals (hallelujah), my plan is to leave at lunchtime and spend the afternoon in bed. I'm salivating at the thought.

For now, busy busy!

Yarn

2012-01-03T22:01:00.001Z

IKEA was a success! Cute table and chairs for Harry put together today by yours truly. So much easier than playmobile.

I also got a very large vase. For yarn. Stash as art. Winner.

Yeah, I know. Having only 8 hours of daylight and no flash pretty much blows. I am hoping that through the course of the year I will start remembering to take pictures during the day, preferably outside.

Harry and I start back at work/preschool tomorrow. We are both pretty excited.

So Long Christmas

2012-01-02T17:06:00.001Z

It may not be the Epiphany just yet, but work starts tomorrow, so (most of) the decorations came down today.

Bye bye tree.

This evening: IKEA. We have definitely turned into one of those households with too many toys. As I don't see the consumerism abating anytime soon, brightly coloured storage is on the menu. Eew.

Bloody Blogpress

2012-01-01T22:33:00.001Z

This is the first day of my commitment to blogging every day in 2012. Annoyingly, I wrote said post in car, and saved it to my phone for later posting. Now the app crashes every time I try to access drafts. Grr.

Still, I am undeterred. (Speller just tried to auto correct to undermined. Universe, f*** you.)

Anywho. We started the New Year as we mean to go on. Boys down the pub for Sunday lunch. They fit in so well.

How much less flattering are my normal clothes in comparison to the tiger?

My resolutions are pretty much set, but I'm still in search of a motto for 2012. Hmmm.

Oops

2011-12-20T21:38:00.001Z

5 more sleeps till the Big Day. Consulting my list, I appear to have forgotten to make/purchase/acquire present for Nearest & Dearest. Rookie mistake. Ideas in an email please!

On a brighter note, I'm knitting mini mittens for the tree. Well, for the tree this year, for an advent garland in my future life as a perfect mother.

Daddy Day

2011-12-19T21:57:00.001Z

I've had days looking after both boys before. Not loads, but enough. So I have no ready explanation for why I was such a stereotypical Dad today.

It took HOURS to leave the house. I forgot that I would not be able to have a shower while Tom was awake. When we finally made it out the door, I was relieved and looking forward to several merry hours at Spring Barn Farm having lunch, seeing the animals, and visiting Santa in his grotto.

When we got there I realised I had left my coat behind. Oh well, plenty to do indoors. Lunch was fine, though on the manic side, and I can't say that I exuded calm and patience when Harry shouted that he needed a poo just as Tom was gleefully spreading baked beans all over his face.

The wholesome outing ended prematurely after Harry CRIED in disappointment at his present from Father Christmas. Oh the shame.

Never mind, off home again to decorate cupcakes for a Christmas cookie exchange party. Still many delightful mummy moments to be had.

Got to front door and realised that keys were in coat pocket. Inside house. Pack boys back into car. Text Sian to find out where exactly in Hove (actually) her work Christmas lunch is being held. Start driving. Pull over once in Hove. Ring Sian, no answer. Ring her work. Noone there from her school. Of course, they are all SOMEWHERE, BUT WHERE, IN BLOODY HOVE!

Running out of ideas, pass a Starbucks and Harry makes sensible suggestion to stop for a snack. Whilst there, finally reach Sian who agrees to come with key. Phew. Things finally looking up, shame about the PARKING TICKET. Yeah.

By the time cupcakes were decorated and we arrived at party, I gratefully imbibed mulled wine while my hosts looked after my children, as though it were a pleasure. BLESS YOU.

House a complete tip, and burnt pizza for dinner. I'm looking forward to work tomorrow.

Mission Accomplished

2011-12-13T22:14:00.001Z

Packaging of all Christmas baking complete.

I'm fighting Christmas and totally winning.

And now, to sleep.

Damn Good Weekend

2011-12-11T22:28:00.001Z

Friday was my last day of term. Hurrah! It's been a busy one, and at times I've been all anxious and stressed, most unlike me, and very unpleasant.

Anyway. Good to have it done! And we had Friday night at friends who made me laugh so much I may have peed a little.

Then Sian went for a well deserved night away, and the boys were angelic. Wanna see? Sure you do.

In case it's not obvious, those are Harry's beloved drinking glasses. Oxford Grandma gave them to him, and he asks for them every day. £2.50 well spent mother.

I had a friend over on Saturday night, I haven't had a proper girlie night in in ages. It's a good thing.

Finally, I finished up the Christmas baking. Christmas rocky road:

And peppermint bark:

I am unreasonably proud.

Traditional Decorating

2011-12-07T20:48:00.001Z

I love a colourful, mismatched festive explosion of a Christmas tree. I got my way this year. Sian also bought me popcorn and cranberries for stringing. Norman Rockwell, eat your heart out. I've never actually done this before. Time consuming, but very effective. Lookie:

I *think* the link for this will appear in Facebook. I missed having peeps actually read my self-indulgent drivel ;-)

Fairy Lights

2011-12-05T22:09:00.002Z

Christmas would not be Christmas without an abundance of fairy lights. Each year we seem to need more. This year:

adorning our head board. I know, totally awesome.

In other Christmas news, sadly we have had our first Christmas injury. From what we can make out, Tom was so eager to touch the golden tinsel strewn over his mobile that he toppled over and hit his head on the side of the cot.

He's ok. When you engage in extreme Christmas, there are going to be casualties.

Christmas Decorating

2011-12-04T22:07:00.002Z

We are taking it all very seriously this year. Much of the job was completed this weekend, and far too much goodness to convey in a single blog post. I should be able to drag this out for a good few weeks, what with the baking, multiple advent calendars and all.

Here's a teaser: this is a photo of the secondary tree.

I love being an adult. I can waste my time & money in any way I please.

Tom

2011-10-30T20:04:00.001Z

I love this boy. He is one day short of nine months and simply delicious.

Do you see what he's doing here? Sitting, playing with toys. In the middle of the kitchen floor, you know, like babies on adverts do.

I don't remember Harry doing this. I have a good memory. He didn't do this. Too busy moving. By seven months he couldn't be left for a second.

It has worked out well. Had we been able to order up personalities, Sian would have ordered Harry's, and I would have ordered Tom's.

Compromise

2011-10-27T09:06:00.001+01:00

I'm overweight (medical fact). My diet is not optimal. I make resolutions all the time to do better, and generally I fail.

One of my weaknesses is latte and cinnamon swirl when I get in to work. Can you blame me?

So delicious. I have come up with a compromise for myself. I now skip breakfast, order a skinny rather than fat latte, and enjoy the hell out of the cinnamon swirl. Better than nothing, right?

In case you're interested, I'm knitting the second of the clown barf socks. Loving knitting with all the colour, but glad they're not for me.

Location:Abbey Rd,Brighton,United Kingdom

Weekend Mornings

2011-10-23T20:05:00.001+01:00

We just returned from our first night away since Tom was born. It was, of course, wonderful. The best part was the morning. Lolling in bed with chocolates and magazines.

I think this is the thing I miss most from the BC days -- the teenage years will have some advantages, right?

Fat Lesbian Walking

2011-09-29T08:22:00.001+01:00

In a vein/vain attempt to keep the excess pounds at bay, I have been enjoying half hour morning constitutionals round campus. I know, how very middle aged lez.

Fifty years ago some very persuasive person managed to get permission to build our campus at the edge of what is now a national park. It's a stunning setting that I have made scant use of in the ten years I've worked here.

I was shocked by the views, paths, and serenity I found a mere 15 mins walk from my desk.

Can you see the sheep near the top?!

And the path:

And some close ups, coz I was loving the hipstamatic:

Lucky, lucky, lucky.

The So-Called Junket

2011-09-11T21:00:00.005+01:00

Dear Supervisor,

RE: NYC Trip

I am writing to report back on the trip to New York City with the Williams family. Things started well, baby Puff and I jumped out of the carry-on luggage and enjoyed a jolly flight over the pond.

We looked forward to seeing the sights of the Big Apple, but I must report severe neglect. We were left in our bag, hanging on a doorknob for much of the week.

In all honesty, the "at risk" children seemed to be having a wonderful time. I say this from hearing muffled merriment, and from hacking into the cameras:

Baby Puff and I, on the other hand, did not so much as SEE our toothbrushes for the entire week.

I forewarn you not to be fooled by the charming photos of us beside the dinosaur skeleton (these old bones are certainly NOT on a par with aristocratic dragons such as ourselves). This last-ditch photo op is not representative, I can assure you.

In short, this family can be struck off our register, but I will be claiming over-time. I cannot be held responsible for my actions if this trip is referred to as a "junket" within ear-shot.

Yours sincerely,

Puff Daddy
Social Worker

Storage

2011-08-27T22:20:00.001+01:00

If I had the mind of a three year old, storage solutions would be more forthcoming.

Further Frustration

2011-08-08T22:12:00.001+01:00

Well. I have spent more time than I wish to admit wrangling with technology (no knitting this evening), and I still have no videos to show for it. Instead I have a new mystery, a broken relationship between the computer and the Internet. Bugger.

Anywho...here is some of what has been going on at Casa del Purlhussy:

1. Tom had a throat infection. Thank god that was NOT what teething is made of. Tom is now all better, and is off the boob! I am very happy putting him to bed. I love his stage. No more feeding through the night, but not quite mobile. Bliss.

2. My sister came with an entourage, 4 peeps between 8-21. Who needs a loft conversion when your guests come bearing a tent.

I entertained as I always do when there are many ages.

We had a competition.

This one totally should have won --Catherine was ROBBED.

Harry was in heaven, annoying his 8 year old cousin with his constant adoration.

3. 3 year olds look so cute even when they totally suck at what they are doing.

4. As a lesbian, I did not expect to encounter this on a daily basis:

Not impressed.

5. I have made a pair of perfectly identical striker socks for Olivia.

6. Harry has been ill and it was boring.

7. Tom cannot quite sit up yet, and it's a little funny and a whole lot heart-breaking.

Trusty iPhone, I will not (attempt) to betray you again.

Charmers

2011-07-31T20:32:00.001+01:00

Tom is six months old today. He is celebrating by screaming/crying whenever he is awake. Teething we think, but we don't like.

He is now fast asleep on me and I dare not move.

This is not a preferred, nor a frequent parenting position for me, thus I am pretty pleased with the self-portrait photos.

This morning was cousin G's birthday party. Harry had a lovely time. He adores party food.

Even when everyone else has finished and gone out to play.

My sister is due to arrive with three teenagers any time now. I think we provide excellent contraception right about now.

Cousins

2011-07-26T22:15:00.001+01:00

This evening I am mostly frustrated at my inability to get videos from Sian's new flip video thing onto this iPad. The videos are great quality, unlike my iPhone specials, but the mp4 format is kicking my butt.

Anyway. I wanted better graphics for talking about the visit from my brother and family, but my crappy iPhone pics it must be for now.

We had not seen them for a couple of years, and it was awesome to see the cousins bond. Olivia is 4 years old, six months older than Harry. Then consider that she is a she rather than a he, that Harry is a small little English dude and Olivia is a sassy-pants California girl, and the age gap seemed more like 18 months. Harry likes older women, he adores being mothered by all the four-year-old girls at preschool, so I had high hopes. I was not disappointed.

Olivia was totally the boss of Harry.

Harry had such a great time, I wish they would hurry up with the tele porter technology already.

It was also much less scary when Olivia had Tom in her lap in comparison to Harry's over-excited death-grip.

Hackings, you are missed!

Video to follow. (Advice welcome.)

Birthday Weekend

2011-07-12T21:26:00.001+01:00

Last weekend was momentous -- Mum's 70th birthday party. The highlight of the evening was the cake:

It's not every day you see your mother's face on a life-sized wonder woman cake complete with golden lasso. I'm not sure how long the baking took my sister, but it took both my sisters three hours to decorate. Attention to detail was impeccable. Harry chose the first incision point:

I can now unveil my stealth knitting project. I knitted a silk shawl. It turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself!

Other highlights were seeing my American sibs, nieces and nephews, my Auntie Jane (aka Super Jane), and my mums best buddies from LA, the glamour boys. I don't have very good photos, but will try harder when each of my US sibs visit over the next few weeks.

Here's one cutie pie pic though, smallest Oxford niece with Tom:

For now, we are back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Missed Opportunity

2011-06-07T08:40:00.000+01:00

I am bitterly disappointed. I was riding on the mobile asylum this morning, engrossed in my complex lace knitting project, complete with chart. Unfortunately this distracted me from what was going on in the seat in front.

It is commonplace to see make up application. Today, I was treated to false eyelash application. I sat mesmerised as she applied the glue, then pulled out her mirror for insertion. I suddenly realised that I could get a photo on the sly. Whipped out phone, but it was too late.

Totally bummed.

Gone Dark

2011-06-04T20:45:00.002+01:00

Apologies to my two? three? loyal readers. I have to be in the right mood to blog; god forbid it be smug, but dreary details of life with the under fours is always in danger of being tedious reading.

We have endured pox X 2, followed by a family cold. Frankly, the first born has been trying. This will pass.

Normally I can do a knitting update which pleases me, if noone else. I can't do that right now because I am working on a large secret project. I am loving it, but that's all I can say. Here is a tiny cryptic peek:

And I still love my iPad, even though it's now officially outdated. I finally transitioned over to google reader from bloglines, and it's making me happy:

Ok, the wine and playing with hipstamatic doesn't hurt either. Anyway, I wanted to let my loyal readers know about a blog I have recently discovered. It's written by a colleague who has a daughter who is a friend of Harry's at preschool. It's one of those blogs that STRANGERS actually read. It wins awards and stuff. It's about a topic close to my heart - linguistic differences between British and American English. Check it out:
www.separatedbyacommonlanguage.blogspot.com

Shopping

2011-05-21T16:28:00.001+01:00

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

2011-05-20T12:07:00.001+01:00

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

2011-05-16T09:02:00.001+01:00

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

2011-05-14T19:42:00.001+01:00

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

2011-05-12T09:20:00.000+01:00

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

2011-05-11T06:50:00.001+01:00

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

2011-05-10T21:25:00.001+01:00

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.

Don't Tell Gina

2011-04-16T09:06:00.000+01:00

I still love Gina Ford, I think her methods are fantastic for getting babes sleeping through the night ASAP. However, I was so strict about it with Harry, I missed out on a particular delight -- baby sleeping on my lap. So totally delicious.

And I still get to do some of my favourite things:

All good. Especially when I'm not the one having to get up in the night to feed ;-)

Undercover Report

2011-04-11T20:09:00.002+01:00

My latest assignment began like many others, in the death-grip of a boisterous three-year-old.

The first worrying sign was the boy's attire. The trousers were a pale pink. "Spare" preschool clothing. The second sign of laissez-faire parenting was the bright pink shoes. All well and good for a Brighton boy, but with two mums, surely this child deserves a break.

The journey home was ecologically sound. A jolly bus journey:

However the flagrant disregard for disabled signage does make a dragon wonder what other societal dictates are being ignored.

I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality shown to us at tea-time, though I must report a degree of flippancy clearly undermining nutritional concerns.

Playtime also provided insights. Unfortunately the rumours were true.

Learning opportunities are limited here. There is only so much that can be gained by playing trains, and playing trains, and playing trains, and playing trains...

I was pleasantly surprised when our toothbrushes were unearthed.

The level of excitement may have been indicative of novelty, but I am willing to give this family the benefit of the doubt, for now.

In summary, I grant this family a "bare pass," as long as the boy maintains regular attendance under the care of preschool professionals. A repeat visit is requested in no more than 3 months' time.

Puff Daddy (social worker, undercover)

Holy trinity

2011-04-11T08:47:00.002+01:00

Latte, knitting, & Steig Larsson.

Knitting Mojo

2011-04-06T21:42:00.001+01:00

I've not been on best knitting form this year. Just tiredness, so making lots of mistakes. Have had to rip stuff out, and stick to pretty simple stuff. I'm relieved to report that I've finally finished something!

It's a shawlette/scarf for me. My first Ysolda Teague pattern, Damson, and I'm in love. The yarn is Noro Kureyon sock, and even though it isn't the softest, the colours are awesome and it has rustic charm.

My knitting mojo is BACK.

Talk

2011-03-24T21:35:00.001Z

I had a great day on strike today. We went to the farm, as we do, the sun was shining, nice.

Harry came out with some good ones. At one point I was being uncharacteristically playful, being an announcer at a race:
Me: And in lane 1, we have a new competitor, Mr Harry Williams!
Later, when his turn,
Harry: And here is Mr Mummy Ali Williams!

and then later,

Harry: I've got my two mums!
Me: Do you know who else has two mums? (thinking of baby r, toddler of our friends)
Harry: big grin - Tom Tom!

1, 2, 3 -- aahhhh!

Competitive? Moi?

2011-03-17T21:25:00.001Z

There is a bake sale at Harry's preschool tomorrow.

I bake to WIN.

A Tale of Two Mummies

2011-03-17T17:06:00.000Z

Just words today, so photo whores can skip right on by. Baby Thomas is now 6.5 weeks old, and this is my first solo bus journey. I have been driving to work to save time, but I much prefer someone else do the driving.

Things have definitely settled down at home, and this is my last week of term -- light at the end of the tunnel. I am now back in the master bedroom and Tom has been relocated into the spare room. The long term plan is to put the boys in together, but we will at least wait till Thomas is sleeping through.

For those who like detail, here it is. Both boys are in bed 7ish. Sadly we are heading up to bed at 9 these days, but it's not forever, right? Sian is having to get up twice in the night to feed. Not too bad, but I remember how much better it is when that drops down to once. Not long now, I think, as that second feed is now 4 or 5. I get up with Harry at 6. He is pretty good about this now, we have thrown a lot of resources into bribery. I'm not proud. Anytime after 6 that Thomas wakes, I get him and he has his one bottle of the day first thing in the morning. This gives Sian a bit of a lie-in, especially on the weekends. It's all working reasonably well to avoid my nemesis, sleep deprivation. Is that the right use of the word nemesis?

The really fascinating part of all this is seeing Sian experience all of the same things I did/do. She has moments of impatience with Thomas that she never did with Harry, and she's becoming acquainted with parenting guilt. So easy to see that there is no need when it's not me. Go figure.

It's weird being a typical Dad this time around. It's accentuated because I have not been this busy at work in years. It sucks; ah well. I'm jealous of the maternity leave, and also very much looking forward to Thomas becoming more human. As the breast feeder, I loved the newborn part, but as a Daddy, it's rather limiting.

Meanwhile, I'm also being spoilt rotten, cooked for just about every night, and everything at home taken care of.

Stuff like this.

And a new sofa installed. Ok, a couple photos, but no babes.

All in all, being a 1950s husband is A-OK.

Political Correctness by Association

2011-03-06T08:27:00.002Z

I'm not a fan of precious middle class parenting, even though I know I'm guilty on several counts. In my favour, we frequent McDonalds, buy kid clothes from Asda, and keep a steady stream of refined sugar coursing through Harry's bloodstream.

However, I will admit to being thrilled about a couple of things stemming from all of the precious parenting that goes on around us. Get this -- Harry has never encountered a toy gun, or any other weapon. I don't think he knows they exist. He has never said any of those words -- shooting, guns, etc. Come to think of it, he doesn't use any "bad" words, because I don't think he has ever heard them. And another thing. His favourite colour is pink. He is blissfully unaware that there is anything unboyish about this.

Right, time to unplug Harry from the cbeebies, load boys into 3-wheeled buggy and go for a baby chino. Shit, it's me! I'm the precious parent.

Unrelated pic of cutie pie. He really couldn't be easier.

He ain't heavy, he's my brother

2011-02-27T12:53:00.001Z

I'm not a big fan of airing clean laundry in public, but Harry was just TOO CUTE playing with baby brother this morning. He built a fort of pillows, got me to put baby brother inside and declared that no adults were allowed in.

Lest this get too cloying, never fear. Whilst Harry is being lovely with baby brother, he has me by my Achilles heel. Mornings start sometime between 5-6, and the "late" mornings follow broken nights. And if you thought the boy was potty trained, you probably think bears don't shit in the woods either.

Sunday Afternoon

2011-02-20T16:49:00.001Z

We are having a great day. All four of us made it out of the house, onto a bus, and had a successful four hours OUT. It was good. Sian fed in public, we ate lunch, we shopped, it was like, NORMAL.

It exhausted everyone but me. It is quarter to five, and I'm the only one not napping.

No, I was not going to turn on any lights to get better pics.

I'm listening to podcasts and knitting socks for myself.

Bliss.

Cheerios

2011-02-13T21:58:00.001Z

Several years ago my sister (the one who does not read this) and I were dissecting an ex-family member. My sister hit the nail on the head when she said, "the thing is, C doesn't get that a lot if life is just sweeping up the cheerios." It was true, and I always think of it when...

Should happen a lot these days, except we are sluts with a twice weekly cleaner. Still, I think of the sentiment a lot. Most of the time I don't mind the mundane repetition of caring for young children, not that I could do it full time, no way no how. But I'm sad to be going back to work, and just a bit jealous of the relentless feeding, wiping, changing, cuddling that will continue around here.

Grabbing what I can for now.

Birth Drama

2011-02-04T11:03:00.001Z

Thomas John Williams arrived at 10:15 on Monday morning, weighing in at a respectable 7 lbs. As planned, he arrived by Caesarian section because of placenta previa. It was a drama, but everyone is doing really well now.

The best bit was hearing Thomas cry as soon as he was pulled out, and the second best bit was hearing the midwife pronounce him perfect. He really is. He came out a lovely bright pink colour, with all systems go. Because of the drama happening with Sian, I got to hold him for his first hour of life - a wonderful distraction.

He looks amazingly like Harry did. We keep calling him Harry by mistake. I think it's lovely that they will definitely look like brothers.

Anyway, here's a before shot of the patient:

Looks ok, right? Not so much. Words you don't want to hear from a surgeon, "I need more hands NOW!" Terrifying. Poor Sian, they were bashing the table about as well, trying to get a balloon in her womb to stop the bleeding. As well as placenta previa they found once in that her ute is tilted awkwardly, and that she had placenta acreta (sp?), which basically means it is well stuck into the muscle wall, hence all the bleeding. From what I could gate, they would have whipped out the womb, but another surgeon quote, "we can't, it's stuck to the bowel." anyway, in the end they stitched the womb, and stemmed the bleeding. Phew. She did need a transfusion in the end, but other than that, Sian's recovery has been unaffected. Every doctor and midwife who reads her notes seem quite amazed/baffled that she is recovering so quickly and well. HURRAH.

Here's a few more early photos.

Scrubs suit me, no?

That amazing ball sack has shrunk back into proportion now, in case you were wondering.

He's a keeper!

Rock & Roll

2011-01-26T20:40:00.001Z

If you can't beat em, join em. Sian's not crafty, but she's found the next best thing. Puzzling.

It's nice listening to music instead of watching telly sometimes.

My shawl kick continues. I am totally in love with this pattern (damson, ysolda) and the yarn (noro), even though I have had to rip back twice, and the yarn is so crunchy it verges on scratchy.

I know, Rock & Roll, right?

5 more sleeps.

Dear Evenings,

2011-01-20T09:03:00.001Z

I have so enjoyed our time together, all that "free" time of telly and knitting has been wonderful. Sadly, that time must be chopped down to half its original size. You see, Evenings, much as I love you, I love Sleep even more. Mornings have been waging war for some six months now, and I am defeated. Mornings, you win. Evenings and I are the losers. I am not gracious in defeat, but I have no fight left.

Evenings, I hope we can resume our lengthy affair one day, but I understand if you decide it's time to move on. I could be consumed with Mornings for several years.

Love always,
Harry's Mum

Definitely 2

2011-01-17T07:16:00.001Z

Once upon a time, some 6 years ago, Sian and I decided that we would like to have children. 3 of them. I was going to have 2, Sian 1. I started a go-slow at work, and years of fertility treatment ensued. After Harry was a born, I knew I was done. 4 rounds of IVF was no picnic, I took the hint.

We we starting to think 2 would be enough, but still rather liked the chaotic mad idea of 3. Then it took an age for Sian to get her operations, and instead of a <2 year gap, we have a 3+ year gap. And we are seriously sub-fertile. 2 is enough. Plus, we are not fans of pregnancy. And children are a little tiring in middle age.

So we have been pretty set (and feel extremely lucky) on 2. Until one day in September. Sian says, "Maybe 3?" I said, "If you want to, you go for it." but inwardly I screamed ARE YOU CRAZY?

The thing is, we were here:

All of our meals were cooked for us. Our one child was looked after every morning and evening. We had nothing to do but enjoy ourselves.

About a day after we got home, Sian was emptying the dishwasher, "You know what I said about 3 children? Forget it."

Phew.

Red Letter Day

2011-01-14T19:35:00.001Z

All 3 of us had a great day. I lost a couple of pounds, so I am on track with my Resolutions. Harry earned a James engine for several decent nights of sleep. Not all in a row you understand, and our goal at this point is six o'clock, but still. This morning was 6:24 and I was ecstatic.

Sian had the biggest red letter day though. It was her LAST DAY at work. Bloody marvellous. I am a little jealous. She's certainly looking and feeling done. Still cooking, thankfully:

Here's a closer look:

She still weighs less than I do :-/

Monday Morning Reset

2011-01-10T09:01:00.001Z

When Harry and I manage to catch the early bus (goodness knows our mornings start early enough), I treat myself to a little sit down with my morning coffee before going to my office. The view is nice:

The coffee us decent, and I'm loving this very easy knitting. The wool is so soft, I am confident that even my super sensitive neck will be happy in this:

In other news, just 3 more weeks till C-Day. This morning Sian is learning to breastfeed with a teddy. Hmmm. Also, we have potty training progress. Both poops in the pot this weekend! Woo-hoo!

Have a great Monday everyone.

Tea Party

2011-01-07T21:53:00.001Z

For a normal child, this would not be newsworthy. Have a close look at these photos:

Harry is playing with something OTHER than trains! He did this for about 15 minutes! Amazing.

Many thanks to Mathilda for this most excellent tea set.

Startitis

2011-01-05T22:49:00.001Z

I had a wonderful day. Being back at work felt good, and I left a very happy boy at his new preschool class. Too cute, he's the smallest by a bit of a margin. Makes the nappy thing seem less backward I think.

Anyway. I started three new knitting projects today. First, I cast on a very boring black ribbed scarf. This is for my brother in law, it will match the hat I made him last Christmas. I ordered the yarn before we decided to draw names this year, so he will have it as an unseasonable birthday gift.

The saving grace is that the yarn is lovely, and as my at-work project, I can get it done a few rows at a time over many months. Not sure it's wide enough though, how many inches across for a manly scarf? This is only 6 inches...

This evening Sian went out so I played with my yarn stash, listened to people talking about knitting. Perfect masturbation for a middle-aged lesbian, no?

I cast on a very simple cowl that will be my take along project:

Doesn't look like much I know, but it's Malabrigo, and the colour is emerald. Swoon.

Finally, I started a Damson shawlette. A little more challenging knitting for home:

Happy.

Perspective

2011-01-04T09:14:00.000Z

I know, already a day without blogging and it's only January 4th! I was too busy having a breakdown yesterday. We had 9 days of post Christmas festivities, and I was determined to get Harry potty trained and sleeping till 6:30. Yesterday he got up at 5:30 and pissed in our bed by 10. I was beside myself.

What a waste of a holiday. We haven't been going out, and as a result I have become bored and cranky, Harry has been watching too much telly, and been rather unpleasant.

No more. We went out yesterday and it was wonderful. Everyone happy again. Far more important than shitting in a pot I think. Never again will I keep us at home unless we are ill. Life's too short.

A dear old friend of Sian's came to stay as well. It's nice to hear favourable comparisons about your child. Were all healthy and happy, and very proficient with the iPad.

Tomten Baby Jacket

2011-01-02T22:11:00.001Z

I'm making the cutest ever little hoodie for the baby. I have 1.5 more sleeves to go.

It's my first Elizabeth Zimmerman project, and I am in love.

As for potty training, there were no accidents today, but no poo either. We couldn't stand being house bound any longer so we put the prince back in a nappy and went out. It was worth it.

Leading the Horse to Water

2011-01-01T19:34:00.002Z

I love me some crafting. I have been looking forward to being able to do little crafty projects with Harry, baking and the like. I have many fond memories of projects with my elder English niece and nephew. Now, I must admit that Harry is old enough, he just doesn't like it. It was a clue when the crèche were thrilled with his artwork one day because he had spent a whole minute on it. Even baking does not hold his attention, beyond the eating.

Giving it one last try, I set us up to make a paper chain. One link per day until the baby comes. He was not even tempted by Thomas stickers. Unbelievable. Anyway, Sian and I enjoyed ourselves.

We did have a great time playing hide and seek on a run around the block. Much more his style. And we all enjoy a little too much of this:

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:14:00.001Z

I had a lovely New Year's Eve. Friends had us over, and we ate great food and played GAMES. I love games. And I positively preened because our host enforced very strict rules. It was heavenly. I also drank too much Champagne. Ah well.

In the interests of full disclosure I must also report that Harry was so angry at being put to bed at our friend's house that he actually punched me in the nose. I was absolutely flabbergasted. There is serious work to do with that boy in the next month. Sian's c-section is scheduled for January 31st. Potty training and sleep training are both going painfully slowly. Eek. With any luck the preschool will help on both counts.

Anyway. Onto Resolutions! I love a resolution or 3:

1. Blog every day.
2. Buy only replacement items, no new toys (for me).
3. Loose weight.

Appearances...

2010-12-30T16:38:00.001Z

can be deceiving. Doesn't this look an angelic scene?

In fact it is; children are at their best when asleep, I think. And foreseeing this eventuality, I actually have my iPhone, remote control, and knitting within reach.

But. If you look closely, you will see that the boy is in a towel. I took him scooting, but it ended with a shit in his pants, trousers, and squeezed up onto his vest & shirt. Hence, mid-afternoon bath. So that's how potty training is going.

Also, what is this child doing having a sleep at half past four? Good question. The evil child likes to sleep from about half seven till half five, with a nice hour long nap. I'm so unimpressed. We are trying everything in a random intermittent reinforcement schedule. Genius.

Ah well, this is a lovely half hour anyway.

Elving

2010-12-17T17:38:00.001Z

I make no apologies for verbing. I stole the term from Soule Mama, and it makes me happy. I am feeling smug, this year my present knitting was finished long ago, so I was able make these:

Too bloody cute, right? Very quick and satisfying.

I'm also on Sian's second sock. This is the third year of making her a pair of Christmas socks. Check out these cabled beauties:

Next up, Nigella Christmas rocky road.

Yep, I'm unbearable.

Preparation...

2010-12-11T12:39:00.001Z

...for Harrys birthday.

He's not getting a childrens party until he can articulate the request.

Process

2010-12-01T12:05:00.001Z

I am all about the process, especially when it comes to knitting, but other areas of life too. I am working from home today - snow, and have come up with a satisfying to do list system. Each item on a cheery flower-shaped post-it. Very pleasing.

Yes, you can see a Christmas tree in the background. Squeel!

Missing: Bare Feet

2010-11-29T21:24:00.001Z

We are getting ready for some big changes round these parts. Ten more weeks or so to go, I'm finding pregnancy by proxy far more enjoyable.

The dungarees are back!

And yep, that's steak. Life as a daddy is going to be A-OK.

Pumpkin

2010-10-29T12:56:00.002+01:00

I love Autumn. Can't think of a single thing I don't like about it. One of the great things is Halloween. It's even better with an orange-haired almost-3-year-old who is willing to be dressed up:

Foxy and I...

2010-10-28T13:13:00.000+01:00

enjoying parallel play:

With occasional comments and questions, Foxy will "play trains" for an hour at a time. Works for me!

The Prince...

2010-10-04T18:23:00.000+01:00

...is receiving award-winning parenting:

Can you tell? Have decided to jump back into blog without reference to the past months. Too overwhelming to worry about catching up!

Who needs a dog?

2010-10-04T17:08:00.001+01:00

It is beautiful afternoon. I left work early to take Harry scooting at the park. He was very happy to see MY Mummy. But when we got to the park he insisted on taking his new suitcase (thank you Grandma!) for a walk instead.

Victory/Defeat...

2010-08-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

...I'm not sure which. After 10 days of escorting the boy back to bed, and another 10 days of holding the door shut, I admit defeat. I was so so so bored. And foxy wasn't. Even with no words, and no eye contact. So he won the battle. But I have won the war, I have my evenings back:

It's All Relative

2010-07-26T11:23:00.000+01:00

We are not the most organised of people. Seeing this outside a neighbour's house made us feel terrific!

Dig Dig Digging

2010-07-09T09:05:00.000+01:00

My moral self is rather horrified at buildings less than 40 years old being torn down to make way for multiple-million pound replacements. Especially in the context of so many redundancies.

But it does provide a huge amount if joy for a 2 year old boy.

40 things before 40

2010-07-08T17:38:00.000+01:00

My 40th is quickly approaching. Have decided to do 40 things before the Big Day, in no particular order:

1. Organise birthday party
2. Adopt flossing schedule
3. Make usable yarn
4. Attend Knit Nation
5. Have house painted
6. Have floors sanded
7. Finish Kusha Kusha scarf
8. Finish & send Citron
9. Start separate knitting blog
10. Record goodbye podcast
11. Organise the boy's room
12. Toilet train the boy
13. Organise paperwork
14. Organise living room shelves
15. Cook some new dinners
16. Get kitchen guy to do snag list
17. Order blog books
18. Sort digital photos
19. Get to BMI <25
20. Finish pink baby socks
21. Catch up on thank you cards
22. Go for a spa day
23. Go to France
24. Submit grant
25. Submit self con paper
26. Organise yarn
27. Update Ravelry
28. Catch up on birthday cards
29. Send G baby gift
30. Get car detailed
31. Get car fixed
32. Get new car keys
33. Redo budget
34. Finish Brandywine
35. Get stuff up to loft
36. Paddle in the sea
37. Start Foxy scrapbook
38. Mend clothes
39. Catch up on handwashing
40. Go camping!

At the Seaside

2010-07-07T14:08:00.001+01:00

Finally, we are having a wonderful summer. Lovely and warm, not too scorching hot, just right. We've been to the seaside a few times, which is a pebbles & rocks rather than golden sands affair.

We like to go a few miles down the coast, escaping the hoards of tourists & day trippers. It's all rugged and picturesque.

But there's a good reason all the photos feature the back of foxy's head. He is constantly on the go and I spend the entire time on my feet chasing after him. I will admit to flashes of envy towards the mums with children who stay close of their own accord. Not that I'd change him, but, well, you know.

It is a nice way to meet people. Folks tend to comment on his speed of travel and hair in equal measure. On our last excursion we met a delightful family because the father rescued foxy from a near-death rock scramble while I was shouting "NO!" and trying to run across the pebbles. They were watercolouring on the rocks and let foxy join in. I wish I had taken their picture. The dad suggested martial arts to channel foxy's energy. He might be on to something.

Spinning

2010-07-07T13:51:00.001+01:00

I am participating in the Tour de Fleece, a lesser known cousin to the bike race. I am spinning my little heart out, and slowly getting the hang of it. My goal is to practice enough to be able to produce useable yarn by the end of the Tour. For now I am still at the unintentional art-yarn stage:

If you are curious about the multiple random posts, it's because I have an ill boy sleeping on me...

...and only my iPhone for company.

Big Boy Bed

2010-07-07T13:43:00.001+01:00

We finally bit the bullet. What once looked like this:

Now looks like this:

Foxy was very happy with the new set up, especially the ability to get in and out by himself.

Imagine our shock and delight when he went to sleep last night without getting out of bed once. He was exhausted which I'm sure helped.

Today, turns out he is ill, so the battle may simply be delayed by a few days...

Another classic work e-mail

2010-07-01T12:15:00.001+01:00

Dear all,
I need to know whether any of you hold and use real human brain specimens
for teaching, where they are held, and whether any of them have gone
missing..... don't ask.

Barbeque

2010-06-26T08:45:00.001+01:00

Our dear friends had us over for a barbeque last night. It was a landmark occasion, their baby is now in his own room sleeping through, so we have our evenings back together again.

They have this impressive Barbie to cook on:

And they stick disposable Barbie trays right on top:

Genius.

Trains

2010-06-26T08:40:00.001+01:00

I'm afraid that most "playing" with children, including my own child, bores me to tears. There is but one exception. Trains. I LOVE building the tracks. Probably because I'm so good at it, don't you think?

Waiting

2010-06-17T08:32:00.001+01:00

I always love knitting, but it is especially nice during meetings (pay me to knit, ok?) or when waiting. Right now I'm sitting at the train station. I missed one train by a minute, and the next was cancelled. No problem.

Side effects

2010-06-12T11:09:00.001+01:00

Marking/grading does have its pluses. I have found and eaten all strange and out of date snack items. And look at how organized my Tupperware is:

Jinxed

2010-06-07T22:19:00.000+01:00

Yep, looks like I jinxed it. It's raining outside and my trusty phone tells me it's due to continue for the rest of the week :-(.

On the plus side, we get a repreave from academic men in shorts. Perhaps accessorized with sandals over socks. Or worse, Lycra cycle shorts so tight that the pee-hole is visible.

Summertime?

2010-06-05T22:01:00.000+01:00

I don't want to jinx it, but I think we might actually be getting a summer this year. It was deep down to your bones warm today. We found a farm nearby that has turned itself into a nature reserve for mc families in order to make money. It was very basic, very empty and lovely.

I played with my photo app a bit:

And Foxy tried to force feed me strawberries:

Mug Shot

2010-06-02T09:18:00.001+01:00

My absolutely delightful former PhD student gifted me with this mug. It's so perfect, especially during marking season. Thanks T!

Naked Chefs

2010-06-01T22:46:00.001+01:00

I got the paddling pool out for the boy cousins on Sunday. It was still a little chilly for their namby-pamby bottoms. So we switched over to decorating fairy cakes that I had prepared earlier.

Cousin G was slightly more interested in choosing colours and bothering to actually ice the things. Foxy simply repeated the phrase "eat cake" over and over.

Soon enough I had lost any semblance of this being anything other than an opportunity for mainlining sugar.

I'll take what I can get.

Napping

2010-05-30T16:50:00.001+01:00

Foxy obviously did not get the memo about naps being over.

What you can't tell from the photo is just how far up in the air his butt is. Nice view, son.

Mother, your wish is my command!

2010-05-29T11:19:00.000+01:00

Well. Here I am, blogging on my new iPad. Folks, this is going to be good. I am rationalising my extensive non-work activities, and have decided that the blog is here to stay, the podcast is going to fade out, and I think I must stop the twittering. It's not so much that I twitter lots myself, but I do read the mundane details of peoples lives who I don't even know. I need to cut myself off!

I am in that blogging place where I have so much to catch up on that it is daunting. So it won't happen, I'm going to have to just jump back in, with a promise to self to blog little and often.

Ok, let's throw in a couple pics, coz that's what you're here for, right?

I know, you were hoping for Foxy pics, but I want to show you some knitting. I have finished some stuff this year, honest. These slippers are for my MIL, they did not come out perfectly, see the weird crease at the back of the heel? But she is an exceptionally nice person who will not mind, and will probably even wear them when I come over.

I made these beauties for myself. Noro, I love the way you look, knitting with you, not so much.

And isn't this just a cozy piece of delicious? A very successful, if rather boring knit.

Of course, my needles are full again, happiness. But I still have not got my spinning wheel working properly, and that is my task for today. If I can ever put this iPad down. Oh boy, it is heavenly!

A Day According to Plan

2010-05-04T14:56:00.001+01:00

I love it when my best laid plans actually work. Foxy now has a swimming lesson at 1:30 on Tuesdays. This is tricky coz it's smack in the middle of normal nap time. Today, all the stars (actually clouds) lined up. First, due to adding another blackout layer, Foxy slept past 8. This meant it was possible to keep him up pre lesson. We also managed to do what we do best:

Then we swam, and I remembered to bring a foxy snack to keep the boy busy while I got myself dressed:

And here's the best part. After all of five minutes Foxy fell asleep, so we are now sitting cozied up in the library:

Don't hate me coz my lace knitting is beautiful. Now, what to listen to on my iPod. Decisions decisions.

Hipstamatic

2010-04-27T22:25:00.000+01:00

I found a new iPhone app (via SouleMama's blog) called hipstamatic. It takes funky pics and I'm having lots of fun with it:

Im thinking of taking a photography e-course. I'd love to get better at this.

Scootin'

2010-04-26T09:22:00.002+01:00

Foxy is now scooting mad. Today we decided he was proficient enough to scoot the morning commute.

So far, so good, but he was pretty knackered by the time we got to creche. I am wondering how getting home will go...

Weekend mornings

2010-04-25T08:44:00.001+01:00

It may not win me any parenting awards, but I do find this adorable.

Perhaps he does take after me.

Open!

2010-04-24T23:17:00.001+01:00

The playground has finally opened after 4 months. The neighbourhood is all of a quiver. The combination of wonderful weather and a densely populated area resulted in:

Maybe the pic doesn't do it justice. It was MOBBED. Foxy was happy, and I am very happy that he appears less likely to break his neck this summer.

He's the cool dude in his hat and crocs. I have high hopes of being able to knit at the park again.

Have I mentioned how much I love age 2?

Train Buddies

2010-04-19T09:01:00.001+01:00

I have grown to dislike cars of late. The expense, the upkeep, parking, etc, etc. One of the things I love about where we live is that we train to work. It means I get an hour of walking without trying, and it's just A Good Thing.

One of the best things about it are Foxy's train buddies.

Monday smiles.

11 Day Weekend

2010-04-11T23:03:00.001+01:00

We are at the end of a fabulous at-home holiday. Here are some highlights:

Easter with Grandma.

Sea-front playground fun.

Sand castles.

Tea party.

Lots and lots and lots of playing.

Yummy meals out.

Picnic in the SUNSHINE.

It was great. Really really great.

Relative Effect Sizes

2010-04-01T10:55:00.002+01:00

I am feeling horrible. Just a bad cold, but with a horrid cough which means I am exhausted along with the aches & pains, and feeling just plain sorry for myself. Finding self extremely poor company.

Anyway. I have been finding Foxy pretty challenging this morning, clearly because of my state, and not him. 10 mins ago he asked for Thomas, so he is now plugged into the telly. Relief. This has got me thinking about something that I would like to bore you all with. I think the problem with a lot of parenting advice is that it's mostly too simplistic to take into account relative effect sizes.

For example. I could take on board the advice that telly really isn't good for kids. I know this, there's nothing wrong with the research, no arguments there. But if Foxy were not currently plugged into the telly, I would be shouting at him, he would be hanging off my clothes whining, and the only reason he wouldn't be being hit is because I have never had the urge -- I have no self-control today. The poor effect of too much telly today is clearly far less harmful than a day of shouting & crying would be, right?

Here's to grey, rather than black & white.

Park

2010-03-27T10:59:00.001Z

Nice being able to sit around at the park again. Foxy choosing to play with cars, which, of course, he does at home all the time.

I like view from our bench.

Quintessential Victorian England park. Whenever I'm here I remember last summer having tea & cakes with the SLC contingent and Sam telling me that we have the perfect life. Maybe not perfect, but good to remember how v lucky we are.

Life IS good.

What a difference...

2010-03-22T19:17:00.007Z

...a week makes. Term finished on Friday, and boy did it feel good. I'm trying not to gloat too much as Nearest & Dearest still has this week to go. But it's GOOD!

We had a fab weekend. A little time at Spring Barn Park Farm:

We also met up with the Eastbourne clan for Sunday lunch. I used to find such things quite stressful because Foxy has a pretty hard time sitting nicely, etc, whilst cousin G, well, what can I say? He is a lovely & much less hyper boy. Anyway, MUCH better now. Development, it's a good thing. How cute are they?

Running on Fumes

2010-03-15T17:52:00.001Z

We are feeling very end-of-termish around here. There's nothing for it but tea-time in front of the telly and early bedtimes all round. Today, Foxy is even beyond sitting upright:

Roll on Spring break.

Beach Trip

2010-03-14T22:25:00.001Z

This afternoon we made our first seaside visit of the year. There were stones so Foxy was happy:

(Thanks for the great hat Homestead Mom!)

We bought donuts so I was happy:

Probably the fresh air and Foxy were keeping Nearest & Dearest happy:

And look at what a great photo this one is in comparison to the rest:

I wonder why ;-)

Spring

2010-03-11T20:25:00.001Z

Into another good time of year. We can ignore Jan and Feb, and start ENJOYing again. 6 more working days left of the term. I've been super busy lately, but look what I get to see walking onto campus:

Pretty huh? And tonight I'm tucking into the season's first mini-eggs:

Yum.

Real-life baking

2010-03-07T13:04:00.001Z

Just pulled a madiera cake out of the oven. Yum! Nigella's How To Be a Domestic Goddess rarely disappoints. I even managed a photo kind of like the ones in Real Blogs:

But the rest of the table looks like this:

And the prep area like this:

So, still awaiting perfection. I'll let you know when it gets here.