Just Busy....

I have had a few enquiries along the lines of, "What happened to the blog?" I've just been busy, nothing sinister. But thanks for the urges to get my arse back into gear!

One of the things I have been doing is this:

(no, I don't know why it is sideways, but if I start trying to fix it, this post will never go out!)

This is a baby cardigan for friends of ours who had a baby boy in Dec. I am now also finished with 1.5 of the sleeves. I'm knitting furiously because this is my Olympic knitting project, so my deadline is Sunday. Wish me luck with the button-band ;-/.

As most of you are not interested in my knitting, but are interested in Foxy, here he is:

Words and Such

Last week was draining, Foxy had a runny bottom until Friday afternoon at 4:45. Probably because he heard me say to the creche that I would be bringing him in as soon as there was solid poo. He ain't no fool.

Anyway, I don't have photos, but thought I say a few words about Foxy's words, and other goings on. On Sunday Foxy put 2 words together for the first time! He has said particular phrases before, like, "up-a-t" (cup of tea), but this was the first time (I think) when he put words together himself. The first was "big cuddle" & the second was "more biscuit." That about sums him up, a sappy tart with a sweet tooth.

I also find it cute how very English he is. He says "water" with a very pronounced T, and no discernible R at the end. When we ask him whether he wants jam or marmite on his toast, he most definitely says MARMITE. He wears bright red Bob the Builder Wellington boots.

He is learning contrition and saying sorry, but being rather slow to understand that he could avoid sanctions if he inhibited his aggressive tendencies. He's fine with other folks, it's just his Mums that get in the neck.

He has started bossing us around no end which I find (mostly) amusing. His favourite toys are little matchbook-like cars. My favourites are lovely wooden sets of yumminess. I need to get over it.

No pics, sorry mother

WARNING: quite boring detailed parenting post.

Nearest & Dearest and I often ponder what would be more difficult, twins or being a single mother of one. Until now, I have been firmly on the side of single motherhood, but I think 18+ months is very different to the true baby-days. I have been on my own with Foxy for the past 3 days, and we have actually had a lovely time. It's much less tiring that it used to be, and all the militant routine stuff has totally paid off for me. The uninterrupted same-ness would drive lots of people nuts, but I love that Foxy turns off his "In the Night Garden" at 6:25, and marches upstairs eager to get in his bath. Until 4 days ago, I was still doing battle to get him into his PJs after bath, but I finally really thought about it, and problem seems to be solved. I must look like a total loon. I sit with the stuff I need (nappy, moisturizer, PJs) with my back against his bedroom door so that he can't get out. He then runs around like a mad thing (as usual), and I let him know what has to happen next. Then I sit and wait, not looking at him, no nothing, until he comes over. Then I make a huge fuss of him and get as much of the job done as I can before he runs around again like a mad thing. It's working like a charm. I think he needs to do that running around, but I don't need to be a part of it. It is taking no more time, and I am now calm instead of agitated. It amazes me how long it takes me to figure out the simplest things.

The transition to the toddler room has also been a boon. The routine they have there is suiting him really well, so I am adopting it for his at-home days as well. I see now that he has been ready to go down to one nap for awhile. It's just that he can't make it until after lunch to have that nap. At creche he has it 11:30 - 12:30, at home he has 11 - 1. He had been waking 6-6:30 ish in the morning, and I was blaming the light. Now he is going 7-7 like clockwork. This is such a golden era, I'm savouring every minute of it!

I'm enjoying not having some task to work on, like weaning, or getting him to stop biting (he seems to have stopped), or the up-coming toilet-training. It's nice to just BE with him. (He is by no means perfect, he is the messiest toddler I know, but it is just not important enough to me to bother tackling it.) We are doing loads of trip to the playground and swimming at the moment. It's easy & fun. I'm also really aware that it is easy & fun because he is our only child, at least for now. There are certainly advantages!

I must also report that another reason I am feeling so good is that I haven't been drinking. So annoying that it is a poison! I am mostly doing this to try and loose a little weight. I've cut out my myriad of cakes that I eat at work, alcohol, and I'm actually using my gym membership. I don't feel like actually disclosing my weight, but let's just say that my BMI is currently 25, and in an ideal world, it would be 21. As I'm 5 foot 8, that's quite a bit of poundage. We'll see.

Nearest & Dearest is back this evening! I can't wait. Although Foxy has been good company, I am looking forward to real food and adult conversation in the evenings.

Big Boy

Our boy is growing up! Yesterday was his last day in the Baby Room, next week he starts in Toddlers. He has been there for a LONG time, 14 months, and it felt like a big deal. We have been so happy with his care there, and especially because he has had the most wonderful key worker. Foxy definitely knew something was going on, because he did not want to let her go yesterday afternoon. So poignant. He is so lucky to have so many people in his life who love him so very much! I wish I had a photo, but they are a bit funny about photos because some of the parents don't like it. Hey-ho.

And here is are Foxy & Nearest & Dearest off to Socatots this morning:


I may be biased, but SO CUTE!! I'm finding him rather heartbreaking at the moment.

We were talking yesterday about how 12-18 months seems like a bigger change than 6-12 months. Definitely not a baby anymore.

I wish I had really accurate height and weight measurements. I tried recently, and came up with 25 lbs and 76 centimetres. I did these by holding him, and then not holding him, whilst standing on our scales, and by holding up a tape measure whilst he was standing reasonably still watching telly. I was all pleased with self, and went to look up the percentages in the little red book. I don't think the measurements can be accurate. He is a rather lean boy, and I have him at the 50th% for weight, and 2nd% for height. Hmmm...

Saturday Morning Bliss

Nearest & Dearest has long talked about her ideal Saturday morning with kids -- cartoons, football/soccer, McDonald's happy meal. The dreamy part is that this would leave me to have a lie-in, followed by a bit of me-time at home.

I thought it might be several years before this fantasy would come true, but they are doing it, RIGHT NOW. N & D found a nearby Socatots with an opening, and they're there! I think Foxy will love it, as he chases any football he sees, trying to join in with bigger kids.

My plan is that this will be time at the sewing machine, churning through that particular stash, but today I am meant to be catching up on a little work (Foxy and I were off all week with his hand, foot and mouth issue). Instead, I have tidied the living room and am going to sit and listen to the latest Cast On while working on UFO no. 5. By the end of this weekend, I should have only 3 projects left, one of which is the wonderful lacey scarf, so only 2 actual UFO's left. Good thing -- I'm itching to start something new with cables...

America trip: Part 2

I know, what a long time away from blogging! No excuse. At least with the Twitter updates there have been no fears of my death.

Back up to our America trip. After our time at the beach, we went to visit JF & co in Salt Lake City. We all had a great time, but Foxy had a FANTASTIC time. He was exposed to dogs, and he LOVED them.

This was a really good thing because I don't want him to pick up my fear and loathing. When I was little, if there was a dog within 20 feet my Dad would pick me up and start yelling at the owner. Strange how I'm just that bit fearful. Our first afternoon, we even had a suburban dream trip:



Did I mention the dog wash was part of a strip mall? Imagine how hard it was to pass up this opportunity right next door:


Foxy also had his first sled ride, just 10 mins drive away from my sister's house. Still not sure how this is possible, as it was sunny and around 65. Absolutely glorious:



Best of all, Foxy got to play with his cousins. He found a hero to worship, and his name is Sam. He wanted to be right next to him all the time, too cute:


Can't wait to see (most) of them again really soon. My niece is even thinking of going to University in the UK or Ireland! I am going to show her around my esteemed place of employment. I'm sure she would enjoy daily lunch dates with her super-cool Auntie ;-)

America Part 1: Santa Monica

We stayed in the lovely Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Poolside was especially fab:



We also enjoyed walks along the beach:



And Foxy's first carousel ride:



The quality of light always amazes me after England's climate (I once heard it compared to living in a tupperware container, and that's about right). Also, everyone was so friendly, especially about Foxy's copper locks and big grin. Can't blame them.

Jet-lagged

Back at work and creche today, though certainly not a long day. Last night, Foxy to bed at 7:15, awake from 10 - 12:15. At 9 this morning, I went to pry him out of bed. Bright light did nothing to disturb his peace:

When I tried talking to him, I swear he put his fingers over and/or in his ears:

As a final attempt at ignoring me, he rolled over:

Eventually, success via the smell of toast.

(I know, what am I doing blogging everyday detail and neglecting TRIP photos? Soon, really.)

Mr Independent

Foxy finally woke at 10:45. It is a beautiful day and we are enjoying hanging out outside. As usual he is wandering off and making friends. It is sooo crowded compared to America!


-- Post From My iPhone

Breakfast in Bed...

is something that Nearest & Dearest and I used to do almost daily. Nothing fancy, but it is such a nice way to start the day. Obviously things have changed. But this morning, N & D was awake first, and announced that she would bring us breakfast in bed. Fabulous. The Foxy woke up. Undeterred, she brought up a cup of milk and banana for the little guy.


He was bemused, but thought it was ok. No lounging for this boy, though. He was most anxious to get downstairs for his second course.

Temperament

I keep meaning to fill out a temperament questionnaire about Foxy for remembrances sake, and to give a flavour of what he is like. On one questionnaire (can't remember which) there is an item something like: In the bath, my child splashes vigorously. I think of it often at bath time, as the floor gets soaked. Foxy LOVES bath time, and enjoys playing peek-a-boo with whichever Mummy is out on the landing because our bathroom is that small. Last night the excitement got too much, and he actually FELL OUT OF THE BATH. I have not heard of this. The kid is hyper! Luckily, with a high positive mood behind all that energy.

Anyway, this last escapade lead me to dig out a questionnaire at work today. Here's my baby, in numbers:

Scoring is from 1=Not characteristic of my child to 5=Very characteristic of my child

1. Child tends to be shy 3
2. Child cries easily 2
3. Child likes to be with people 4
4. Child is always on the go 5
5. Child prefers playing with others rather than alone 4
6. Child tends to be somewhat emotional 2
7. When child moves about, she/he usually moves slowly 1
8. Child makes friends easily 5
9. Child is off and running as soon as she/he wakes up in the morning 4
10. Child finds people more stimulating than anything else 4
11. Child often fusses and cries 1
12. Child is very sociable 5
13. Child is very energetic 5
14. Child take a long time to warm up to strangers 2
15. Child gets upset easily 2
16. Child is something of a loner 1
17. Child prefers quiet, inactive games to more active ones 1
18. When alone, child feels isolated 3
19. Child reacts intensely when upset 3
20. Child is very friendly with strangers 4

Staggering

Foxy is finally up on his feet on a regular basis. e staggers like a drunk. It is TERRIBLY cute:

Milestone

He did it! He took a few steps tonight! Hurrah!

(OK, so maybe he took his first steps at the creche, but if so, they had the decency not to tell me.)

Festivities

We have had a great holiday. Here are some highlights.

First, Christmas Day was fab. Credit crunch? What credit crunch?

The boys were indeed spoilt:



And my knitted gifts went down a treat:



Lucky Foxy also received this handknit from Grandma:


Unfortunately we didn't take any pics of the meal, but trust me, it was oh so good. No poultry in sight! Yay for cow.

Next, boxing day. The traditional walk along the seafront.




On to Oxford for a certain small boy's birthday. Wholesome family fun. We made pizzas...


before a Pokemon birthday cake...

Foxy loves the chaos & merriment of his cousins' house. They are a family of 6. I find it a bit much sometimes, but Nearest & Dearest & Foxy were plotting family expansion, I'm sure of it...



Our final event was New Year's Eve with our favourite ladies. It does seem that Nearest & Dearest spent most of the holiday cooking:

Leggy lollie made us all cocktails...

which resulted in a rather slow New Year's Day...

and our guests left at 3 in the afternoon in their PJs:


It was all just so great. I loved having a family Christmas.


Back to work tomorrow.

Catch Up

OK, having read a few others' blogs, I have realized it is officially time to GIVE UP. No more knitted gifts are to be completed. Sorry Cute Nephew, looks like you will be getting a reversible knitted hat for New Year's instead. As you're 17 months, I don't think you'll mind. I do feel slightly guilty that I convinced Grandma to knit you a matching scarf, which is, of course, finished, wrapped & ready. Oh - what was that? Yeah, I just got over it.

So, I am carving out a little time now to catch up on Foxy's birthday! We had a party with Nearest & Dearest's family, and a couple of my cousins and their children. Foxy LOVED the attentions of his second cousins (is that what they are? Who knows. Anyway, they were 6 & 8, a 1-year-olds delight!).

The children did a WONDERFUL job decorating the cake. BTW, the cake was very tasty too. From Nigella's Domestic Goddess book, first of the children's cakes. Her recipes can be hit or miss, and I am happy to say that this one definitely HIT. Sadly I seem to have no pics of the finished product (very Jane Brocket), but it's all about the process, right?


Foxy had a great time opening his gifts, with a little help from his friends:


Cute cousin helped too:

And they all really enjoyed this big loud plastic lorry (given to us by CHILDLESS friends...)


At the end of all the excitement, Foxy went back to his favourite toy of all, the dishwasher:

It was a terrific day. Has the year gone quickly? Well, no, but I wouldn't have wanted it to.

But that's not all. The following week Foxy had a little birthday tea-party at the creche. I was really glad that Nearest & Dearest was able to come. Sometimes she worries about the amount of time he spends there (30 hours/week). I don't, and I think it's because I am familiar with the place, and I can see clearly that he is so very happy there. Nearest & Dearest could see that too. This was a typical afternoon, 6 babes & 4 lovely ladies taking care of them. I do not think it is typical, I think we are extremely lucky.

Anyway. Here are some snaps of the party. There is something about babies all lined up in high chairs that just makes me want to cry (in a good way). Check them out:






Now, back to Christmas prep. We're hosting, and hoping to make it FABULOUS!

Is it wrong to leave a sleeping child napping for 3 HOURS?? I thought not ;-).