NYE Year in Review and Annual Questionnaire

Where has the year gone? I am sure I say this every year, but in merely a blink of Milo's beautiful eyelashes...another year has passed and at a full throttle pace! 2016 has been terrible year for many, and there have been a large amount of high profile deaths this year from Actors to Comedians and in Music world especially.

Donald Trump has been Elected US President, 'Brexit' happened, and too many lives have been lost and turned upside down, in Paris, Berlin, and most poignantly Syria - to name but a few! Families have been fleeing there homes, children have drowned trying to find safety in further lands...All proving the WORLD HAS GONE MAD. Feeling more of a hippy than ever, truly craving world peace and love to all.

Every year I become more protective of my Bubble, pushing out the media influences, the news is not welcome in my home, and I chose carefully what information my self and my boys consume, in my own personal fight against the toxicity around us.

In tragic new closer to home the boys Nanny has had a Terminal Diagnosis :( which is something we will need to work though next year, it is heartbreaking,

Disregarding all of the above, 2016 for us has been a great year, my little family has increased by 1 whole remarkable little human of whom we could now not imagine life without. It is amazing how my two boys have grown together, as little best buddies, already a little troublesome twosome, and I just cannot wait to indulge and watch them grow. Dolly throws another element to the mix and certainly gets involved too, I feel truly blessed and that my bubble is complete. I am so very lucky.

Don't get me wrong, there a plenty of really tough days, but over all I would't change a thing.

Work wise my business is slowly taking shape, I am learning a lot as I go, and don't have half the time I need available to devote to it.  However given my circumstances and in choosing to look after my children full time, as well as trying to start my own tiny empire, things aren't too bad at all!

I have decided to create my own family NYE Tradition, of filling out a little questionnaire each year, to see how the kids have grown and changed, and what we have all achieved/ what our interests are etc, to look back on each year.

Here are our Updates of 2016... I will be sure to be cross referencing last years!

 

Age

Theo: 2.5

Milo: 9 .5 months

Height

Theo: 96cm

Milo:74cm

Favourite Colour

Theo: Blue

Milo: Red ( I think...judging by your favourite Teletubby!)

Favourite Animal
Theo: Sloth!!! followed by  Turtles, Monkeys, Girraffes and the Mingo's! (flamingo's)
Milo: The sloth is his spirit animal...

Favourite Song

Theo: The finger song (mummy finger) Incy wincy spider, Old macdonald, Let it Go and Rudolf the red nose reindeer

Milo: Anything by Lou Reed

Favourite Story

Theo: Slowly Slowly said the sloth, We're going on a bear hunt, Bears on chairs

Milo: Just bites the book

Favourite TV Show

Theo: Mickey mouse Club house

Milo: Teletubbies

Favourite Film

Theo: Toy Story 1 2 3, Finding Nemo/Dory, Frozen, Dinosaur

Milo: Whatever Theo decides

Favourite Food

Theo: Toast and beans, chocolate pizza, banana porridge

Milo: Anything in reach! but loves mummy's homemade chocolate and banana pancakes   

Favourite Toys/games

Theo: Jigsaws, Train set, Toy Story figures, Animals and Dinosaurs (that he baths!) Not forgetting Singing Rudolf he stole from Nanny!

Milo: Anything he can bite... and the Jumparoo!

Best friends:

Theo: Milo and Sofia

Milo: Theo

New friends

Theo: Mia from Pre School

Milo: Ivy and Josh

Milestone Achievements:

Theo: Started Pre School, Started Potty Training, Amazing Language, Drinking from a cup (at last), Jigsaw extraordinaire (24 piece with no help), Swims like a fish, Sleeps through the night!

Milo: Rolling, says Mumma, can crawl (backwards) Eats a variety of food (still on boobies too) , Stands holding on to, and walking the furniture

My favourite activities:

Theo: Swimming, Singing, Dancing, Painting, craft and playing outside

Milo: BITING Jumping, swimming, baths and being thrown about (playfully) 

Favourite places:

Theo: The Zoo!!! The park, Rascals soft play, Tamo'shanter farm, The ice cream farm, Swimming baths, Nannys and Grandmas/Gran D's

Milo: Wherever mummy is!

Bedroom theme/colour:

Theo: Heritage Blue Nautical

Milo: Pale green Woodland

We have spent this NYE in bed early, as we are all poorly, sleeping in the Spare room at Gran D's - a huge change from the parties from years gone by! Both my boys are restless, and although I normally like them, the fireworks are loud and disruptive, however I feel grateful that it is only one night of Celebratory bangs. In my over tired and poorly state, drifting in and out of sleep, I cannot help but think of all the children in the War zones around the world, for whom the bangs, noise and disruption are the norm... I am so very lucky to be warm in my bed, safe with my two babies either side. May 2017 bring us closer to Peace on Earth. Love to All.

Until Next year! x

A perfect Saturday - Swimming and SANTA!!

2 weeks ago, on Saturday, was a perfect day.
Now most of our days are pretty special, but this one, in all it's simplicity, seemed absolutely perfect!

I wanted to make a note of it, but already the memory is hazy...there is just so much going on, my mind cannot recall everything I desire it too!

I will try to recall what I can, for I love to look back on our time, even now.

One thing that made this specific Saturday special was swimming with your best friend Sofia. We hadn't swam with her for so long, and as little Miley bounced up and down in grandmas arms from the side lines, spectating; you and I had a whale of a time! We splished and we sploshed, rolling around in the shallows, and  we kicked our legs swimming in the deep. We bounced in the waves that threw us around, and you were just so full of smiles, and so elated I was set to burst! 

There was a sense of guilt I had not taken you swimming on your own with Fifi before now, ( and likewise because Miley was on the sides)... but I enjoyed our moment, and it was amazing! 

After we had got dressed, we were in a rush to get to the shop Thingwall, as I promised you could meet Santa, (you have been learning lots about him and his reindeer and the special job he has) I was unsure of whether you would be shy, scared, or pleased...turns out you two were best buddies!

Honestly Theo, I could not believe the confidence that exuded from you little body...this tiny tot with fine wild curls just tentatively edged his way closer and closer to see the big man in red. Once you had decided things were 'safe' you stomped up to Father Christmas, shook his hand and said "Hi santa!" I was almost crying laughing at your boldness. Perfect! You had bypassed all the other children looking at him, straight up onto his knee, and in no time you were having a (2 year old) chat with him, You told him you had sent a letter for presents, and that baby Milo liked Teletubbies, so could he get him some Teletubbies things?(as he is too young to write a letter) as well as requesting your toys. You stood to the side of him while the other kids sat on his knee, and i sat on the floor with you on my knee so you could watch...

When there was no one left, back up to him you went, shyly singing him songs, jingle bells, little donkey and the mickey mouse club house song 😂 You are so funny! A couple of bags of Haribo and a few high fives later, (and on receiving a full description of sleighs and reindeer antics,) you were content to come away. Milo was hungry  so I fed him on the front seat of the car, and you watched Santa leave the building and get into his car (to take him to his magic sleigh of course) and sang "santa in the car goes brum brum brum" (wheels on the bus tune) all (ride home) long!

Love you, you little nutter xx

Pre-School and Puree's...Tantrums and Teeth!

Well what a month or so this has been! I would be misleading you if I didn't acknowledge my sheer level of what can only be described as an amalgamation of Anxiety and 'knackered-ness' ... a constant 'flying by the seat of my pants' venture, juggling tantrums with teething, puree's with pre-school and just to make things really interesting; an emergency ambulance escapade, to add to this thriller of a narrative...

So much happening, so little time... Mummy needs a glass of wine!

This month has been full of firsts for you both, my beautiful boys, Milo you have started to eat real 'proper' non boob food... Puree'ing like a Pro! Sucking on your little bag of strawberries (or spag bol!) You just can't get enough! While Master Theodore, you have taken your first strides into the big wide world (Pre School) without me!

I'm not sure which I have found more daunting, but it is safe to say I have been feeling very out of control and a little scared of the world at times! The potential for choking has me petrified..palpitations the lot, followed by a mounting trepidation of letting someone else look after my big baby!

The choking is a logical fear, maybe Pre-School not so much...however since birthing you two beautiful boys I have undoubtedly become a self confessed 'control freak' in every way, whilst gently attachment parenting, in the best way I can... on a wing and a prayer!

What I can't seem to get my head around is the lack of information that crosses over...Teachers see me coming and avert all eye contact! Of course I want to know  if you have been on the potty, what you have had for snack, the activities you played, the emotions you went through and the songs you sang, (apparently your own choice, regardless of what the others are doing lol) did you get teary? Did you smile? Were you happy? BLAH BLAH They have much more important things to do than comfort me...when you are only there for 3 hours! But I just can't help but wish there was camera's, like a baby monitor so I could watch you ponder about your little business...

I suppose I have to stop looking at it like I have lost you to the world of mainstream education forever, and just relay to myself that you are indeed just going for a play with other children your age, for a couple of hours twice a week...this is NOT the end of US and our freedom, we still have plenty of hours for sillyness, baking, painting and Doh!

As it is.. You love it, you generally tell me what you have been upto, and tell me the teachers names etc. You have already been in your first 'show' for harvest festival, and 'sang' your own songs.. but mostly you were just excited we were there to see you ("Wook wook baby Miwo...wook my Daddy...WOOK My Mummy! Baby Miwo and Mummy amd Daddy!") All the mums and dads were hysterical at the dramatic excitement that flooded out of that tiny little body! I Love you Theo!

After starting your first afternoon at pre-school you seemed to get the obligatory school yard snots...and ended up poorly, but nothing out of the ordinary...little did I know I would be holding onto your tiny little body in an ambulance 2 weeks later! You hadn't been well and had been very tired and tartrum-y (which isn't really like you) then 1 day you just were burning up and we couldn't cool you down, you weren't speaking, just sleeping and hiding from the Tv light, you were so floppy, I was panicked. They sent for an ambulance for you and I held on so tightly to your clammy little body, holding back my tears in trying to reassure you, singing 'Let it go' and 'I'm a fluffy little cloud', to calm you.

Turns out it was ( 10 days of antibiotics worthy) Tonsilitis! Phew!!! You were back to yourself in no time! I have never felt so lucky.

Since the day you were born, I honestly wake up every day and truly relish how lucky I am. Truly.

I have your parents evening coming up this week as well as your two - two and a half year review. I cannot believe ho fast time is flying, you are growing too quickly my gorgeous boy!!

Milo, you sit like a pro now and crawl backwards at the speed of light! You have 2 big teeth on the bottom and 4 all cut through on the top (getting bigger by the day) You haven't enjoyed the process (neither have I) lots of sleep deprivation for us both, comfort feeds seem to help..until you bite!! Then I could cry in harmony! you too are very resilient though and more often than not wake up with a big eyed slothy smile. My Smiley Miley.

The only time you ever get really cross if when the newly experienced food runs out! god help anyone who takes away your little food filled bag of strawberries!! Or takes toast  from you... No! You are a placid little thing until you are 'wronged' then God help that person! You can really shout!!

You have a real little sense of humour, quite like Theo's in fact... a little warped! As you chuckle when you have bitten me and I shout/react. Monkey! You have also started very recently to warble 'Mumma' I. am. ecstatic!

My favourite thing for us to do together, is to have a bath, we get in together and you splash and kick about, you just love it so much. Another water baby. It is also a time for just us, a peaceful but playful time, where I can indulge you solely.
You still like to snuggle me to sleep and If I am honest, I love it too, you still feed all night, and I am happier to just flip you from side to side. Theo has shown me how quickly babies grow and change, so I just want to appreciate every little loving moment.

I am finishing this post tonight after the longest I have been away from you for (I have re-visited this post 4 times..but am always too tired to complete it!)I have been trying to earn some pennies at the Frost fair today, and Daddy has been looking after both you boys. I came home for an hour to feed you, but otherwise I haven't been with you, which is certainly not the way I like it. You gave me the most gorgeous smiley Miley welcome when I came back though...and now refuse to be removed from my person..!



We have had a gorgeous night, just you boys, dolly and me, all laughing and giggling and being nutters. Lots of Love in the air and plenty of craziness...too many stories and too much pudding, but life is short and time is precious! (Sometimes it's nice to stay up later with chocolate mousse!)

Well 5 stories later and a feed for Milo, both my precious treasures are soundly sleeping. After a long day, I had an only family stuff rule tonight (no work) and I have now managed to finish this post, so I would call this a super successful Saturday night.

Until next time xxx

Theo, 2 year update x

Well Theo what a little Character you are! A cheeky, chirpy chatterbox! 

Honestly I am sure you now know more words than you don't! 

Daddy was playing with you the other day, and asked you to pass him the 'squid' and you said "no daddy it's an octopus!"

Today I fell about laughing when you came out with "well I suggest..." I swear I could have wet myself! You also have started to say "I suppose" and "what happened?" every now and again.  I chuckle to myself as I am now learning what I must say in abundance!

Your most frequent question is "what's that noise?" The sound track to my day, and because of which, you have now learnt to differentiate between motorbikes, aeroplanes, ambulances, police cars, lawn mowers etc.. you now tell me what they are! 

The other big word is "careful." I realise I must tell you this 100 times a day. You now tell me to "be careful mummy" which is so very sweet!

You are a careful boy though, and gentle in nature although naturally quite heavy handed. You are very loving to you brother though, and know not to be rough as he is only little. You take on tasks with sensible caution, such as the big climbing frames and slides, you are brave and will accomplish them...but "carefully!" Haha!

You went to your first proper birthday party yesterday in a Soft Play Centre, and I was amazed. It was your little friend Charlies birthday (from swimming) and he was 4.  You may have been only half their age but you were definitely braver than some of the big boys! 

There were a couple of bigger girls taking you around the different slides and frames. At first you were apprehensive about going in the under 5's bit without me, however 15 mins in and you were with the bigger girls in the under 12's bit!!! Coming down a 3 story slide on YOUR OWN!!! The other parents were as amazed as me!! I have a thrill seeker on my hands! You had so much fun!

You ate very little real food, but enough cake and sweets to sink a ship...you were happy though :)

You sang and ate sweets all the way home! 

You love singing, namely TV show theme tunes (FiFi and the flower tots, Mickey mouse clubhouse etc) but row row row your boat, wheels on the bus and twinkle twinkle all get a turn. The Hot Dog song is a firm favourite... Complete with dance moves! Mickey mouse has a lot to answer for.... I have had to stop giving you food in 3's such as blue berries, mini cheddar's, carrots and chopped banana ... anything divisible by 3 can be made into Mikey mouse heads...and then you won't eat them!!

You are becoming such a big boy! You have now done 2 poo's on the potty successfully, but little has happened for a while..we will keep trying though!

You are down to have your little trial at pre-school next month (only for 6 hours a week) and I am so not ready to let you go... but you are ready for new adventures, regularly asking for your  "Ee-o" (Sofia) as you want a little friend to play with.

You have started for the first time recently to go out on short trips or walks with daddy, to see nanny or on the hill, and you love it. You don't want to come home! Your open mind and little legs want to explore, and I can't hold you back.

You keep asking me to go see the "winos" "muddys" and the "wraffes" again, so I am so glad I bought the zoo pass! I have a feeling there will be many adventures there...we've been 3 times already in a month!

You are so amazing and unbelievably cute, I wish I could bottle up the sound of your laugh and your energy; your little expressions, phrases and body language are just so sweet and funny. I am so proud to be your mummy, I love you so much, you funny little being!

Until next time xxx

Milo, happy 5 months!

Wow Miley...How time flies! 

You are just over 5 months old now and still, you are a dream. 

You have a beautiful, infectious smile and cackle, and you already have a funny little sense of humour! 

We have a lovely little laugh the two of us. And I love hearing your stories. You love your big brother too, always flashing your little gummy grin when he is about, whilst rolling around the carpet.

Currently you are a drool monster, I have had to change your t-shirt 4 times today as you were soaked through from all the teething dribble! You have two definite little white toothy pegs now, and they are very sharp! You are so bitey bitey all the time... it's a real shame, but you are being a brave little soul about it all.

You had a friend over today while Theo was napping. Her name is Ivy and I know her mummy from when I was young and in school. You two gurgled away and we chatted, you both enjoyed the fresh air in the swing and looking at the fish tank, it was very sweet, your first little friend.

You have won a competition, looking for a beautiful baby boy model... to advertise their company! How exciting, so we are going to have your pictures taken on Monday! My handsome little chappy.

Today I gave you your first little meal...smushed up broccoli...you were quite interested, but much more so when I added some mashed potato into the mix, you got very messy but loved it! You are growing up too quickly!!

We are still breastfeeding and co-sleeping and I am very happy with this arrangement...you are too! You are now officially as long as the Snuz Pod I bought...that has barely been used! So hopefully I can find it another home...currently it is a very expensive bed guard!

Anyway just a short little update of where you are at... I am so scared of forgetting!
You are currently fast asleep in the crook of my arm. I love you so so dearly, you truly are my little ray of sunshine, always so smiley and giving of your wondrous little self.

N'night my precious treasure x