A brilliant birthday!

What a difference a year makes...

12 months ago, after a lot of pacing, panicking and emotional exhaustion, I finally went into labour with you. Excruciating and exhausting, but afterwards was a joy, relief and sense of contentment like I had never experienced.
The world was ours.
You were perfect.
We could do anything and we could go anywhere...
You were so small, fresh and familiar - Brand new, yet I knew you.
A true wonder to behold.

Now you are pulling off the wall paper and unplugging the external hard drive...! Milo the monkey!

In true (this family) style we have been celebrating your coming into the world over 4 days (no birth 'day' here!) Like the royals, we seem to have adopted a 'birth week' of celebrations, and why not!

Your first event of the birthday marathon was a little afternoon party with your two friends. We set up a little Teletubbies grotto in the house, with a playhouse, slide, ball pond /tent, tunnel, as well as cake and all the toys in the world! (or so it seemed)

It wasn't the initial plan, as we were going to bubbles world of play, but the change in plans was wonderful as you truly had a perfect time, as did I. It was lovely spend time reconnecting with old friends, making new memories with our beautiful babies.

We followed that with your cake smash 'party' (there was candles!) with Theo. You two destroyed a strawberry cheese cake with a mountain of squirty cream and I filmed it for your birthday video song! I proceeded to go to bed at 5.15am this night...as I spent so long making your Teletubby house cake and making your birthday video! The plight of a creative mummy soul!

Saturday was your actual birthday and we had a gorgeous morning opening your presents and playing with them. Theo was very helpful in opening them with you and enjoyed playing with your toys too! The drum kit is a big hit!!! And I think we might have bought up the whole of teletubby land and it's other merchandise by now! You loved the Teletubby guitar and play set and you have many other wonderful things that you will enjoy in the coming months.

After the presents we headed to the aquarium and we looked at all the fish and sharks! You both really seemed to enjoy it, it was a nice little afternoon activity before your tea party! Busy Day!!

Grandma, Gran D, Gen, Joe and Pops all came to wish you a happy birthday, bring you gifts and eat from the buffet I made. Hanna and Sofia also came to add to the celebrations and brought u a lovely gift. Grandma bought u many lovely things but most notably a 'man bag' - a bag filled with a phone, remote, keys.. all you need is some make up brushes and It will be almost as good as hers! You do love disemboweling a bag! 

Gran D bought some beautiful clothes true to form (she loves to spoil you, filling your wardrobe!) And a beautiful wooden kitchen which you really love (except the washing up bowl...that keeps getting flung!) 

We had a lazy morning today (Sunday) after a late ish night, and accumulative tiredness from all the prep and festivities. At lunch time we had party number 3 at Grandads with Aunty Janie's and all your cousins. Daddy took all the Teletubbies decorations, the huge helium Po Balloon and your tent etc as well as all the left over food/cake, to set up a lovely party there. Everyone had a nice time and you loved your presents...both my boys were on top form!

Come 4.10pm I realised I had written the time wrong, and we were actually meant to be at Sofia's Super Hero Party!!! so with a quick change into a Buzz Lightyear suit for Theo,  and a new outfit for you, we zoomed to Mini monsters for soft play party!! You had a little play followed by pizza, chips and ice cream and enjoyed it all! Theo ran off all his sugar energy and had a great time with the others.

I have had an especially gorgeous time with you both these last few days, you have truly been a pleasure.

I am now however Partied Out!

You are both currently asleep in my bed with me, as Theo was so exhausted, that is where he fell asleep, and I daren't move either of you. I am going to wrap this up now, and enjoy this 1 off, a deserved early - ish night, snuggling you both to sleep.

X

Milo poem

Hello Smiley Miley

(A name so very fitting)

For my funny, gorgeous little boy

(Who is forever dribbling!)

Still only 7 teeth 

Make up your funky little grin

A big gap between the front two

(You could fit some money in)

Big eyes full of twinkling mischief

Turn to half moons when you laugh

Giving cheeky, cheesy smiles

For some funny photographs

Already you're a joker

With a humour like your brother

You bite me (Hard) then laugh...

(Cheeky little buggar!)

You two already play together , 

Rolling around on the floor

Dolly gets involved too

3 way tug of war...

Theo likes to ride you (like a horse)

No matter how many times I say no...

You don't seem to mind..

But he's to heavy for u to 'Go!'

You can now crawl at the speed of light

Round the furniture you walk

MUMMA, DADDA, BABBA 

Trying your best to talk

Nothing is safe from your reach

You grab everything you see

Table covers off

Pan handles, mugs of tea!

I hoover twice a day now,

Pick up every fluff (or screw!?)

If i've lost it, you have found it

Straight in your mouth to have a chew

Laptop wires are tasty

Holes are for putting fingers in

Cupboards are for opening and shutting

And exploring what's within

Bought so many toys for you to bite

So many things for you to play

But its empty bottles, packets and Baby Wipes! 

That really make your day!

The only way you'll be imprissoned

Is in the jumparoo

15 minutes of manic bouncing 

Like a baby kanagroo

The high chair now can't contain you 

Once fed out you climb

So many things to see and do

Sitting just wastes time

When your finally exhausted

You're danced around to sleep

Not yet in a cot

You are still snuggled up with me

A boob monster without question

Milk is your favourite tasty treat

however there is very little (apart from greens)

That you don't seem to eat! 

Such a Mummy's boy, (for now at least)

and I cherish every snuggle

Even the onse at 4am 

when tiredness is a struggle

For i know how quick this time goes

I wish I could press pause

So I could immerse in every moment

of this wonderous life of your's

A 10 month poem for you, Milo

I wrote one for your brother

And seemed only right 

That I should do another

To make note of all your little quirks

The funny things you do

I daren't forget these moments

And the things that make you, you.

With love Always 

x

Mumma

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