We were hoping that we would see your grandparents this weekend but unfortunately they are unable to make it so it will be you me your dad and nannan going to Plas yn Rhiw for the easter egg hunt there... Weather permitting of course, if it keeps. Going the way it has been for the past month or so then we will be covered in snow once again. Never have i seen snow last for so long, to have it once for a few days yes but this is snow every other day so far and it just keeps coming back to us.
I am glad however that you are a fair bit older that this time last year so you have a bit more fat reserves on you now.
New note to this, never did get to plas yn rhiw on Sunday as we were all so busy at Nannan and Taids demolishing the chalet that we lived in for so long, you didn't seem to mind and enjoyed walking around the place and watching us do everything.
You will enjoy it more next year and hopefully Moli and Caio will be there as well and if all goes well fingers crossed we will be off work as well.
You did fall flat on your face there whilst with Nannan and have a few scratches on your face! She has also started to demolish the chalet that we lived in for so many years, 1991 was the year they put it up next to noins house. I'll have to put pictures up for you to see as you will never know it and never played in there.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Our little boy is growing up
You are now 13 months old, what you are able to do surprises us on a daily basis. You place your head on the floor and stick your bum in the air waiting for us to help you do a roly poly! You have become ever so shy with new people and hiding behind your father and I. You have started running when you have the chance and my god do you run! You don't particularly think about stopping either!
Every friday now you go to your Anti Heidi's and Uncle Adam's for the whole day as i'm at work for the whole day and your dad is in uni. When we arrive to their house you do a little noise of glee and cant seem to wait to get in there to ply with Moli and Caio. They seem happy to see you too, lots of screaming laughing and running. You yell after Del the dog. I'm glad that it has turned out this way as its not so bad then having to leave you to go to work.
We still go to all the groups we were going to before i went back to work, mainly as my shifts have fitted around all of them, and Heidi takes you to the library on fridays as well so all in all you lead a very busy life.
You know your mind a lot more lately, you will bring us anything you want or need opening. You are into everything and make so much mess its unbelievable.
The waterbabies swim lessons were going to have stopped for two weeks but we have decided to keep going and will join in the next semester, as well as that we have decided that your underwater picture wont be until the end of the next seven weeks.
Every friday now you go to your Anti Heidi's and Uncle Adam's for the whole day as i'm at work for the whole day and your dad is in uni. When we arrive to their house you do a little noise of glee and cant seem to wait to get in there to ply with Moli and Caio. They seem happy to see you too, lots of screaming laughing and running. You yell after Del the dog. I'm glad that it has turned out this way as its not so bad then having to leave you to go to work.
We still go to all the groups we were going to before i went back to work, mainly as my shifts have fitted around all of them, and Heidi takes you to the library on fridays as well so all in all you lead a very busy life.
You know your mind a lot more lately, you will bring us anything you want or need opening. You are into everything and make so much mess its unbelievable.
The waterbabies swim lessons were going to have stopped for two weeks but we have decided to keep going and will join in the next semester, as well as that we have decided that your underwater picture wont be until the end of the next seven weeks.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
B'day party #2
As we live a bit of a trek away from a lot of the family we decided to have a second small party for you at Nain and Taid's the Sunday, a week after your first. It would have two of my cousins and their kids and another of my cousins.
Again I made a cake for this one, I made one I had seen recently on facebook and thought it would be a fun one to make.
The recipe was
A 20cm sponge cake
2 x 200 g milk chocolate bars
250ml of cream
Filling of choice for your pie. Layer of jam/ tinned cherries or such, and a layer of crème patisserie , cream or butter icing
3 x five packet kitkats
1 packet of light pink marzipan. ( I'm thinking you'll have to use almond paste and food colouring for this or maybe get creative with some pink marshmallows? )
Big knife
Tooth pick or skewer
Ribbon
Again I made a cake for this one, I made one I had seen recently on facebook and thought it would be a fun one to make.
The recipe was
A 20cm sponge cake
2 x 200 g milk chocolate bars
250ml of cream
Filling of choice for your pie. Layer of jam/ tinned cherries or such, and a layer of crème patisserie , cream or butter icing
3 x five packet kitkats
1 packet of light pink marzipan. ( I'm thinking you'll have to use almond paste and food colouring for this or maybe get creative with some pink marshmallows? )
Big knife
Tooth pick or skewer
Ribbon
It definitely needed improving but not bad for my first go. And i must admit it tasted good, and not as sickly as I expected!
You had a good time and all the kids went to play outside later, and played with the pet lambs!
Sunday, 24 February 2013
1 Years old!!!
Who would have thought it, one year has gone so fast and here we are having your birthday. We had decided that it was going to be a small celebration. Me and your dad, Nannan and Taid, Grandma and Granddad, Heidi Moli and Caio.
We had a small party for you and sandwiches, snacks and of course your cake. I did decide to make the rainbow cake for you with a few adjustments to the last one, and added the decorations that I thought would be nice for you.
Your grandma and granddad was staying with us since Thursday and you were loving each moment with them. Playing and showing them how much you had grown since they had seen you last. And learning more things on their visit! Making sure we blew our noses on some tissue you were handing round and making a rasping sound for us. Also making attempts to put your socks back on your feet after your Grandma had taken them off. You now also say what sounds like 'Roll over' each time we sing you a song.
You have had a mixture of toys, clothes, books, dvd's and money, all of which you will be very grateful for.
You have played for a long time with your new ball, and the balloons, making noises enough to make the balloon pop!
We did take you out for a little to play out in the snow, but not for too long as it was very very cold, and you did manage to fall then faceplant the floor.
You had fun playing with Moli and Caio, making sure that you destroyed anything they build with the megabloks that you had from Aunty Sarah and Uncle Danny.
We had a small party for you and sandwiches, snacks and of course your cake. I did decide to make the rainbow cake for you with a few adjustments to the last one, and added the decorations that I thought would be nice for you.
Your grandma and granddad was staying with us since Thursday and you were loving each moment with them. Playing and showing them how much you had grown since they had seen you last. And learning more things on their visit! Making sure we blew our noses on some tissue you were handing round and making a rasping sound for us. Also making attempts to put your socks back on your feet after your Grandma had taken them off. You now also say what sounds like 'Roll over' each time we sing you a song.
You have had a mixture of toys, clothes, books, dvd's and money, all of which you will be very grateful for.
You have played for a long time with your new ball, and the balloons, making noises enough to make the balloon pop!
We did take you out for a little to play out in the snow, but not for too long as it was very very cold, and you did manage to fall then faceplant the floor.
You had fun playing with Moli and Caio, making sure that you destroyed anything they build with the megabloks that you had from Aunty Sarah and Uncle Danny.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Trying something new
Whilst being at home with you I have found new things to do, one of these was following an email I received from Pampers nappies where I could review items if they chose to include me in their product reviews.
Although I wasn't able to make it into the Pampers I did however succeed in another... maybe not baby related but considering I go swimming often with you it was a good product to review. I will do one review on here just to pre warn you as it has nothing much to do with you!
Although I wasn't able to make it into the Pampers I did however succeed in another... maybe not baby related but considering I go swimming often with you it was a good product to review. I will do one review on here just to pre warn you as it has nothing much to do with you!
Shoes!
I had said in one of my earlier posts that we were unsure of what to get you for your birthday. I also said that we didn't think that shoes would be very useful. However on thinking more on the subject we begin to think it would be a good idea, seeing as you are walking so well by now and with the weather improving as it is it made sense to get you your first proper fitted pair of shoes.
We met your father in Bangor today after our swimming lesson... on that note also you are enjoying your swimming so much better now. You don't cry at all in the pool, and look forward to get into there. Usually not wanting to wait to take your clothes off!
Today we let go of you whilst you were underwater and you kicked your way back to the surface, you did very well and can't wait to see what happens next week.
Ok back to original topic... Shoes....
We went to Clarks shoe shop. The lady there was very nice and got you sized as 4f, and you allowed us to try some different shoes, but decided on the ones we bought for you for your birthday. They took your picture also and gave us it as a keepsake as they were your first ever pair of shoes. We have taken the box home also to use as a keepsake box so you can see in the future how small they were.
Here's a picture of you this afternoon outside the house walking in your new shoes! And pointing at the horse that was behind me!
We met your father in Bangor today after our swimming lesson... on that note also you are enjoying your swimming so much better now. You don't cry at all in the pool, and look forward to get into there. Usually not wanting to wait to take your clothes off!
Today we let go of you whilst you were underwater and you kicked your way back to the surface, you did very well and can't wait to see what happens next week.
Ok back to original topic... Shoes....
We went to Clarks shoe shop. The lady there was very nice and got you sized as 4f, and you allowed us to try some different shoes, but decided on the ones we bought for you for your birthday. They took your picture also and gave us it as a keepsake as they were your first ever pair of shoes. We have taken the box home also to use as a keepsake box so you can see in the future how small they were.
Here's a picture of you this afternoon outside the house walking in your new shoes! And pointing at the horse that was behind me!
Sunday, 17 February 2013
An amazing weekend
This post unfortunately happened without you with us, your dad had decided to surprise me by organising a trip away. This meant that you were to stay at your Nannan's and Taid's for that time. I had known last week that I wasn't to plan anything for the weekend but I wasn't to know what we were doing, however on Thursday I asked your father a few questions... None of which he answered but by the look of his face I was able to instantly say London and Phantom of the Opera. I was correct in my guesses. I was over the moon as it was something I had wanted to go and see for a long time.
I dropped you off with Nannan and Taid on the Thursday as we had to get up at 4am Friday in order to catch the 6.18am train. We arrived a little tired but went for a walk from Euston to the London eye and around, it was a wonderful day, but when 3pm hit we needed a little break so we headed to the hotel to recuperate and to leave the bag there also.
We walked through China Town whilst it was all decorated due to Chinese New Year. And decided we would head back there for supper that evening. We chose an all you can eat place which seemed nice enough.
But it didn't live up to my expectations unfortunately. We were herded in and sat down, they promptly asked us which drink of which we got our soft drinks in a can as well as the bill which we had to pay before we got to eat, and cash only was accepted.
I thought fine if that's how they do it then we'll play along. We went to get our food.... The meat there was lovely, but the fried batters were too oily for my taste so I gave up on those. There was a note taped to each table also stating that they had the right to charge more for the food if there was a lot of waste! Bit cheeky in my eyes as we had already spent a fair bit in there to begin with. They also hovered around ready to whip plates away from people. It felt too rushed and I think if we went again I would rather have a relaxed meal in a restaurant.
We went to a couple of pubs following that and went to bed.
The next day we again went for a walk and landed in Trafalgar square, but today there were protesters there about equality and other religions/schools/anything really should get more rights and thoughts also... I think anyway, a lot of it was in a different language!
We watched a few living statues and had photos with them and people watching for a while. Then at 2pm we headed for the theatre. We had stalls seats M row 3 and 4. It was amazing and can understand why people go and see it more than once.
The woman that played Christine had an amazing voice and I'm glad that your dad took me to see it.
The only pity I have to say about the whole trip is the manners that majority of people we met seemed to lack! No one wanted to move out of the way, or say please and thank you or wanted to acknowledge your existence. It's a pity as it took away from those people who were lovely and did mean well.
We walked through China Town whilst it was all decorated due to Chinese New Year. And decided we would head back there for supper that evening. We chose an all you can eat place which seemed nice enough.
But it didn't live up to my expectations unfortunately. We were herded in and sat down, they promptly asked us which drink of which we got our soft drinks in a can as well as the bill which we had to pay before we got to eat, and cash only was accepted.
I thought fine if that's how they do it then we'll play along. We went to get our food.... The meat there was lovely, but the fried batters were too oily for my taste so I gave up on those. There was a note taped to each table also stating that they had the right to charge more for the food if there was a lot of waste! Bit cheeky in my eyes as we had already spent a fair bit in there to begin with. They also hovered around ready to whip plates away from people. It felt too rushed and I think if we went again I would rather have a relaxed meal in a restaurant.
We went to a couple of pubs following that and went to bed.
The next day we again went for a walk and landed in Trafalgar square, but today there were protesters there about equality and other religions/schools/anything really should get more rights and thoughts also... I think anyway, a lot of it was in a different language!
We watched a few living statues and had photos with them and people watching for a while. Then at 2pm we headed for the theatre. We had stalls seats M row 3 and 4. It was amazing and can understand why people go and see it more than once.
The woman that played Christine had an amazing voice and I'm glad that your dad took me to see it.
The only pity I have to say about the whole trip is the manners that majority of people we met seemed to lack! No one wanted to move out of the way, or say please and thank you or wanted to acknowledge your existence. It's a pity as it took away from those people who were lovely and did mean well.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Pancake day +1
It was pancake day yesterday, I had bought the needed ingredients that we needed but for some reason I didn't make us some yesterday. We were out in the morning and you slept for a while after we got back, I think I was enjoying a little sit down too much to do anything else I guess.
So as we were in the house all day today I thought why not try and see what you thought of them. As you had your day nap a little earlier I used that opportunity to make the mix for us. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that your dad doesn't like pancakes. I want to say a good thing as there's more for us, but then bad also as giving us more to eat... or me rather when I don't need it!
I made a 2 egg pancake mix with our chicken's eggs and made very nice pancakes even if i do say so myself.
The first one was for you Sam, it was filled with a little ice cream and syrup, not a healthy start I know but then I doubt I'll be making any more for a fair few months.
At first you looked perplexed and unsure of what it was and what to do with it. You tried a little bit promptly spat it out, but you happily ate the ice cream off my spoon! I tried feeding you some pancake from the spoon as well which you tried but once again spat out.
But... what really made me think you don't like it was when you threw the whole lot on the floor... lovely.. something else to clean up! but you did enough to let me know you wanted some more ice cream.
It's odd that you do enjoy ice cream so much, considering you don't get it often at all. But what even more peculiar is that you instantly know what they are even in packages you haven't seen before. There's no fooling you huh?!!
As you can see in one of the photos everything went to the floor. But when I got the blueberries out that is all you wanted! I'll not be complaining about that!
Monday, 11 February 2013
An unexpected day!!
Well to say I'm excited is an understatement!
On Sunday the 10th Feb your dad asked me to marry him!!!! Can you believe it!
It happened at Nannan and Taid's house, he asked me to go for a walk with him (unfortunately one thing i know about your father is... he hates walks... especially when it rains and it was doing that all day) Knowing your father made me suspicious and question him... and he has a look that makes me even more suspicious and wary knowing he was up to something but unsure of what!
Anyway he takes me to the middle little inner garden and gets down on one knee to propose... And this is it! this is what i have waited 8 years to hear.
Know this I have been asking for years for him to ask but leading to nowhere, I had imagined what it would be like and how I would react.
So.... What did I do you ask?!
I laugh!! Of all the things I do I laugh.....
Of course I say yes, but the only reaction I can release is to laugh... I have no idea why. I don't know whether it was such an unexpected occurrence it threw me completely I don't know.
So now more fun can start... I get to plan a wedding!!!!
On Sunday the 10th Feb your dad asked me to marry him!!!! Can you believe it!
It happened at Nannan and Taid's house, he asked me to go for a walk with him (unfortunately one thing i know about your father is... he hates walks... especially when it rains and it was doing that all day) Knowing your father made me suspicious and question him... and he has a look that makes me even more suspicious and wary knowing he was up to something but unsure of what!
Anyway he takes me to the middle little inner garden and gets down on one knee to propose... And this is it! this is what i have waited 8 years to hear.
Know this I have been asking for years for him to ask but leading to nowhere, I had imagined what it would be like and how I would react.
So.... What did I do you ask?!
I laugh!! Of all the things I do I laugh.....
Of course I say yes, but the only reaction I can release is to laugh... I have no idea why. I don't know whether it was such an unexpected occurrence it threw me completely I don't know.
So now more fun can start... I get to plan a wedding!!!!
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Kerry Louise Photography
It's not often that we have an offer like the one Kerry kindly offered about a week ago. You see we first met Kerry in one of the baby groups we go to many months ago and have made friends with her and her daughter Amelia.
She said to us that she is wanting to go into photography, mainly pregnant women, babies and toddlers. But said that she needed practice and experience in order to get going, so myself and a few other mothers we knew from the group agreed to take you over so she can have experience in taking other kids photos as well as her own daughter. I knew you would be a challenge as you don't sit still and continuously head for the camera!
I may have gone a bit exited in some of your photos!!! But I do think you look good in head bands! And think it would be a perfect thing for your wedding embarrassing photo!! Or your 18th... you'll have to wait.
We had a wonderful time there, it was challenging i must admit to make you stay in place and to keep your hat on! But to see the pictures after was well worth it. The pictures that I have seen so far from Kerry are wonderful!
Here's a few of the pictures that I have saved so far
Kerry has a Facebook page for her work which is:
http://www.facebook.com/KerryLouisePhotography.UK?fref=ts
Also a link to her blog also:
http://kerrylouisephoto.blogspot.co.uk/
She said to us that she is wanting to go into photography, mainly pregnant women, babies and toddlers. But said that she needed practice and experience in order to get going, so myself and a few other mothers we knew from the group agreed to take you over so she can have experience in taking other kids photos as well as her own daughter. I knew you would be a challenge as you don't sit still and continuously head for the camera!
I may have gone a bit exited in some of your photos!!! But I do think you look good in head bands! And think it would be a perfect thing for your wedding embarrassing photo!! Or your 18th... you'll have to wait.
We had a wonderful time there, it was challenging i must admit to make you stay in place and to keep your hat on! But to see the pictures after was well worth it. The pictures that I have seen so far from Kerry are wonderful!
Here's a few of the pictures that I have saved so far
Kerry has a Facebook page for her work which is:
http://www.facebook.com/KerryLouisePhotography.UK?fref=ts
Also a link to her blog also:
http://kerrylouisephoto.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday, 8 February 2013
Birthday cake take one!
Decisions decisions! which cake, how big, how small, what size, what colour, which theme?!! So many choices.
I knew I wanted to make it myself but which I was unsure or a while.
I thought I would try the rainbow cake, which I tried to make this evening with slight changes to the recipe I was using.
It was supposed to be a 10 egg cake and made into 6 tiers. Maybe a bit on the big side for what we needed, besides i only had four different colours to add in! So i made it with 8 eggs and then followed our normal cake mix recipe (weigh all the eggs, then add everything else at that weight as well i.e. if all eggs weighed 10oz then I would add 10oz SR Flour, 10oz sugar and 10oz stork)
I split the mix into 4 even portions and then added the food gel colouring, and cooked for 20 odd minutes and let it cool. Once cooled i made a butter icing mix and spread it between each layer and a small outer covering to begin with, once set I added a proper butter icing covering.
It didn't look too bad i must admit, but it was huge! and heavy.
I tried it but unfortunately it was very heavy, I'm thinking I didn't mix it for long enough, but if anything it's almost convinced me that it wont be the cake for your birthday.
Which leaves me back at the beginning! What cake do I make?!
I knew I wanted to make it myself but which I was unsure or a while.
I thought I would try the rainbow cake, which I tried to make this evening with slight changes to the recipe I was using.
It was supposed to be a 10 egg cake and made into 6 tiers. Maybe a bit on the big side for what we needed, besides i only had four different colours to add in! So i made it with 8 eggs and then followed our normal cake mix recipe (weigh all the eggs, then add everything else at that weight as well i.e. if all eggs weighed 10oz then I would add 10oz SR Flour, 10oz sugar and 10oz stork)
It didn't look too bad i must admit, but it was huge! and heavy.
I tried it but unfortunately it was very heavy, I'm thinking I didn't mix it for long enough, but if anything it's almost convinced me that it wont be the cake for your birthday.
Which leaves me back at the beginning! What cake do I make?!
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Your new carseat finally!!!
It has been a long wait, and the time has finally come. We knew you were supposed to be 9kg before we could put you safely in the next car seat. It does say somewhere its 9 months or 9kg, but at 9 months you were miles away from being 9kg so we had to wait!
We did buy your big boy car seat many many months ago and it has been gathering dust in the house. But from today we can happily have you in the car with this one.
You officially weigh 9.1kg!!
Mental note to self.... must take picture of you in your new seat!!
We did buy your big boy car seat many many months ago and it has been gathering dust in the house. But from today we can happily have you in the car with this one.
You officially weigh 9.1kg!!
Mental note to self.... must take picture of you in your new seat!!
Monday, 4 February 2013
Swimming with daddy!
Today we all had fun in the morning as you got to go swimming with Daddy! He hadn't taken you to the baby swimschool before and so this was a new thing for him as well. You both had a lot of fun in the water, and you were much more relaxed again today and began to play PiPo! As you had learnt that you can play this game with using your hands as well, not only use other material to hide your face as before, you now place both hands on your eyes then take them away quickly... Unfortunately you kept dipping your face in the water as you did this as an automatic move and you looked pretty shocked each time!
Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of you two together in there but hopefully it won't be too long and you and Daddy can swim together again.
Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of you two together in there but hopefully it won't be too long and you and Daddy can swim together again.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Almost a year!
I seem to be posting too often some days, but now that I've caught up to where we are at this time i think it will make more sense! I needed to get all the other things in the open before starting.. it just took a little longer than I thought it would to get there, but then when thinking about it a lot of changes happen within the first year.
The next thing we need to think of is your birthday! Your first birthday!! Can you believe it, it's gone so quickly.
People always said remember each moment as it flies by and not once did I believe them until you came and they were right. I have no idea where the last year has gone, but I guess that because were so busy with you and life you have no chance to stay still or to have much thinking time.
Anyway where were we... Your birthday... I have ideas on what we want.
It's not going to be anything big, family, friends and one of your group friends. Even with all of that there will be a fair few people here so it will be amusing where everyone will fit.
I think I will try and make you a rainbow cake (somehow), may be a failure but we'll have to wait and see for that one, if not then I will have to think of what to make next year for you!
The next thing we need to think of is your birthday! Your first birthday!! Can you believe it, it's gone so quickly.
People always said remember each moment as it flies by and not once did I believe them until you came and they were right. I have no idea where the last year has gone, but I guess that because were so busy with you and life you have no chance to stay still or to have much thinking time.
Anyway where were we... Your birthday... I have ideas on what we want.
It's not going to be anything big, family, friends and one of your group friends. Even with all of that there will be a fair few people here so it will be amusing where everyone will fit.
I think I will try and make you a rainbow cake (somehow), may be a failure but we'll have to wait and see for that one, if not then I will have to think of what to make next year for you!
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Routines
It's amazing what you can find when you try and look for things.
When I left work to go on maternity leave i was lost. I had been through school and worked holidays, been through college and worked, and then uni and also worked. From there I went straight to work and had been there for 5 years before going off to have little Sam. So you see if anything I had been institutionalised into routine and work.
Without this gave the question of what was i supposed to do? I had no job or routine and wasn't going back to work any time soon. I found myself Making lists however silly or small in order to make my life seem to have meaning and direction. I made lists of chores that was in need of doing around the house.
So the day you arrived made a difference to our lives, you gave us meaning, especially me I think. Spending the day tending to your needs and life had a routine again and purpose.
But once we had settled into a routine some days in the house could last a very long time and we needed to get out, especially after your father had to return to work after a month.
I had looked on the internet and had asked people I knew to find out what i could do, as Sam was young at 5 weeks there was only a limited amount of things I could do with him.
And that's where it all started. Nowadays it feels odd if I am in the house. I am out most of the days busy at groups or going places... I will show you an example of a week in my life:
Sunday: Go to my parents house for a visit
Monday: Swimming with babyswimschool then cuppa with friends
Tuesday: Baby group in the morning (started as massage group and continued into this)
Wednesday: Baby group in the afternoon
Thursday: Swn a Sbri (baby & toddler singing dancing etc) followed by swimming then lunch with other parents.
Friday: Go shopping with my sister and my grandmother
I always thought myself shy and slow to meet new people and make friends, but I pushed myself to go to these places and to mix and to say yes to people when they asked if I wanted to come for lunch or a drink.
I have met many new people and some good friends. It has also made me keep a routine.
When I left work to go on maternity leave i was lost. I had been through school and worked holidays, been through college and worked, and then uni and also worked. From there I went straight to work and had been there for 5 years before going off to have little Sam. So you see if anything I had been institutionalised into routine and work.
Without this gave the question of what was i supposed to do? I had no job or routine and wasn't going back to work any time soon. I found myself Making lists however silly or small in order to make my life seem to have meaning and direction. I made lists of chores that was in need of doing around the house.
So the day you arrived made a difference to our lives, you gave us meaning, especially me I think. Spending the day tending to your needs and life had a routine again and purpose.
But once we had settled into a routine some days in the house could last a very long time and we needed to get out, especially after your father had to return to work after a month.
I had looked on the internet and had asked people I knew to find out what i could do, as Sam was young at 5 weeks there was only a limited amount of things I could do with him.
And that's where it all started. Nowadays it feels odd if I am in the house. I am out most of the days busy at groups or going places... I will show you an example of a week in my life:
Sunday: Go to my parents house for a visit
Monday: Swimming with babyswimschool then cuppa with friends
Tuesday: Baby group in the morning (started as massage group and continued into this)
Wednesday: Baby group in the afternoon
Thursday: Swn a Sbri (baby & toddler singing dancing etc) followed by swimming then lunch with other parents.
Friday: Go shopping with my sister and my grandmother
I always thought myself shy and slow to meet new people and make friends, but I pushed myself to go to these places and to mix and to say yes to people when they asked if I wanted to come for lunch or a drink.
I have met many new people and some good friends. It has also made me keep a routine.
SNOW!!
Although we had already had snow before since you were born it was not a very pleasant experience to say the least. You will see that this has already been mentioned in one of my earlier entries. This time was very different.
You were 11 months old this time and not as fragile. Unfortunately for the first two days we couldn't take you out to play due to the blizzard, the wind was horrific as you'll see by some of the videos I will link. The amount of layers I wore simply to go for a short walk to see how bad things were.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j5Su7m8glU
Finally after the wind died down we were able to go out to play, but it was still bitterly cold and we could only get you out for short periods. But we got a few pictures.
The day after Nan nan Taid, Heidi Moli and Caio came over to play with us here in the snow, we went sledging and played snowball fights. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun as we were also with next doors 2 kids and cousin and the opposite side's granddaughter.
As you can see the back garden got a bit of snow.
And this made it impossible leaving for Rhosgadfan!
This is next door's kid!! (my scarf however!)
You were 11 months old this time and not as fragile. Unfortunately for the first two days we couldn't take you out to play due to the blizzard, the wind was horrific as you'll see by some of the videos I will link. The amount of layers I wore simply to go for a short walk to see how bad things were.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j5Su7m8glU
Finally after the wind died down we were able to go out to play, but it was still bitterly cold and we could only get you out for short periods. But we got a few pictures.
The day after Nan nan Taid, Heidi Moli and Caio came over to play with us here in the snow, we went sledging and played snowball fights. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun as we were also with next doors 2 kids and cousin and the opposite side's granddaughter.
As you can see the back garden got a bit of snow.
And this made it impossible leaving for Rhosgadfan!
This is next door's kid!! (my scarf however!)
Friday, 1 February 2013
Swimming
http://www.thebabyswimschool.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/thebabyswimschool.swimming
I had heard about these lessons for months but was unsure about going due to the prices, if paying for each individual lessons it would have been fine, but they want the whole fee up front at the beginning of the term.
£10 for 1/2 hour lesson once a week, but following Christmas I thought it would be better that we start taking you to swimming again just in case you became afraid of the water.
Your first lesson was thursday 10th Jan in Seiont Manor in Llanrug. It was a lovely place but the access to the pool was questionable and maybe not the ideal place to stage these lessons. Had to walk down some initial steps in the hotel itself and then a narrow metal winding staircase in the pool room itself. It was a tight squeeze with you in your car seat, and impossible with a buggy.
We had to change at pool side. Hard to do with a mobile baby i might add. But on the plus side the seats surrounding seats were heated and were always dry for the next person.
The first lesson was a failure for you and me, but it was the next day we found that you had your ear infection and explained why you didn't like it at all.
Unfortunately it was for this reason we couldn't go the next week. We had to wait for your antibiotics to finish and everything to clear.
The following week we went but once again you were unsure, but the water was a little on the cold side, and you didn't stop holding on to me.
We made progress from there, the next time we were in the water you splashed a lot more and enjoyed yourself, but you were still somewhat cautious.
What the lessons did provide was a chance for us to learn how to teach you to be happy with going underwater and develop from there. And at the end of the term we had a chance to get a photo of you underwater.
http://www.facebook.com/thebabyswimschool.swimming
I had heard about these lessons for months but was unsure about going due to the prices, if paying for each individual lessons it would have been fine, but they want the whole fee up front at the beginning of the term.
£10 for 1/2 hour lesson once a week, but following Christmas I thought it would be better that we start taking you to swimming again just in case you became afraid of the water.
Your first lesson was thursday 10th Jan in Seiont Manor in Llanrug. It was a lovely place but the access to the pool was questionable and maybe not the ideal place to stage these lessons. Had to walk down some initial steps in the hotel itself and then a narrow metal winding staircase in the pool room itself. It was a tight squeeze with you in your car seat, and impossible with a buggy.
We had to change at pool side. Hard to do with a mobile baby i might add. But on the plus side the seats surrounding seats were heated and were always dry for the next person.
The first lesson was a failure for you and me, but it was the next day we found that you had your ear infection and explained why you didn't like it at all.
Unfortunately it was for this reason we couldn't go the next week. We had to wait for your antibiotics to finish and everything to clear.
The following week we went but once again you were unsure, but the water was a little on the cold side, and you didn't stop holding on to me.
We made progress from there, the next time we were in the water you splashed a lot more and enjoyed yourself, but you were still somewhat cautious.
What the lessons did provide was a chance for us to learn how to teach you to be happy with going underwater and develop from there. And at the end of the term we had a chance to get a photo of you underwater.
Bad start to the year
One night you don't stop crying, and in the day you're irritable and drooling, you're clingy and you don't want to eat or drink much. We go day by day giving paracetamol and ibuprofen and teetha sachets as needed as you do spike some temperatures from time to time At this point we believe that you are teething, as you still only have your two teeth.
A few days go by and I even take you swimming on Thursday as you seemed better. But had to take you to the docs on Friday.
Unfortunately the GP surgery were at is a drop in clinic every morning. We arrive there at 9.20am and we don't get seen until 11am!! I couldn't believe it, you obviously were ill and heavy breathing and clingy there. You bawled your eyes out once there because a man sneezed but other than that you tried to sleep. It was a very busy morning there, but the other people would have been very angry if you would have continued to cry even though there was a good reason why we were there. I think people forget that sometimes and expect complete silence.
He said you had an ear infection and a little throat infection also so he prescribed for you Amoxicillin. It worked a treat and after two to three days you were back to your old self.
December '12
This month is the month that you decide you want to stand and walk for us, and you manage quite well, at the beginning of the month you are able to stand unaided for 5 secs and sometimes over, take a few steps then fall over!
It amazes me to watch how someone learns how to move and walk and to get balance, especially when they first try it, it looks impossible. Something in them must just click and when it does the rate that they improve at it is unnerving.
At the end of December you're coasting well along walls and furniture and balance is improving on a daily basis.
You have figured out that you can stand up by using the fire-guard and no longer need us to do it for you. This is much better for you as you don't get as frustrated . Now if you want something you just get it yourself... that is if it's something you should have!
Life has been hectic this month as it is time for Santa to come!!
You had many gifts, toys, money and clothes. You seemed to enjoy yourself, and we had a 1/2 hour chat with Grandma Grandad and Uncle Dave whilst we opened their gifts to you and us.
We spent the next couple days at Heidi's and then Nan nan and Taid's and at Nain and Taids.
And we spent the following 5 days over New years at Grandma Grandad'a place with your dad's side of the family.
And there ends 2012.
It amazes me to watch how someone learns how to move and walk and to get balance, especially when they first try it, it looks impossible. Something in them must just click and when it does the rate that they improve at it is unnerving.
At the end of December you're coasting well along walls and furniture and balance is improving on a daily basis.
You have figured out that you can stand up by using the fire-guard and no longer need us to do it for you. This is much better for you as you don't get as frustrated . Now if you want something you just get it yourself... that is if it's something you should have!
Life has been hectic this month as it is time for Santa to come!!
You had many gifts, toys, money and clothes. You seemed to enjoy yourself, and we had a 1/2 hour chat with Grandma Grandad and Uncle Dave whilst we opened their gifts to you and us.
We spent the next couple days at Heidi's and then Nan nan and Taid's and at Nain and Taids.
And we spent the following 5 days over New years at Grandma Grandad'a place with your dad's side of the family.
And there ends 2012.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Month 6-9
Once again you have managed so many first's, you have figured how to clap clap your hands, you have been to the park and happily sat in the swing for the whole time we were there, enjoying watching everyone else play and run around.
At just over 5 months you were able to sit up unaided for a short time.
You also went into the sea for the first time in Llanbedrog beach, and loved it, thankfully the water was lovely and warm and weather was fantastic. You were dressed up in your blue all in one uv protector suit and smothered in suncream.
At 6 months old we started giving you some finger foods, you loved most things we gave you and your favourite foods were fruit surprisingly. You had a particular liking for satsumas!!
you keep enjoying your baths, and getting very excited in there, splashing to the point where your dad and I are soaked with water!
You made your dad proud by saying 'Dad' for the first time and you haven't stopped since.
Finally after a long time waiting we get to see your first teeth pop through, 2 at once and both next to each other on the bottom. All in all with these first ones there wasn't much grumbling from you so hopefully the rest come through the same way.
End of October we go out for the first time in the evening with you with Uncle Phil and Aunty Gill to the Goat, you behaved so well considering it was past your bedtime, you didn't eat much or sleep much there as there was too much going on and to see! But we survived and at least we knew now that we could do it again.
Beginning of November you started to play Pipo with items of clothing or with your muslin sheets, you also started to scuffle forward on your belly, and continued to do so for a long time... its what we called the commando crawl!!!
We went to Glasfryn to watch the firework with you and Heidi Adam Moli and Caio. They were fantastic and you didn't flinch at all, didn't cry. We were impressed but I'm expecting much worse next year!
End of November we went to nant Gwtheyrn to the xmas fayre and you saw your first santa clause, you didn't seem phased by him either.
You also start to wave and hi five with us.
22nd Nov you finally try to crawl on all fours... which will take a little while to perfect.
Unfortunately this was the time for you first bug, the d+v lasted only a couple days but you went off your food almost altogether and your milk intake was awful also, i started to give you plenty water and dioralyte to make sure you weren't dehydrated. After almost two weeks things went back to normal and your appetite came back with vengeance.
At just over 5 months you were able to sit up unaided for a short time.
You also went into the sea for the first time in Llanbedrog beach, and loved it, thankfully the water was lovely and warm and weather was fantastic. You were dressed up in your blue all in one uv protector suit and smothered in suncream.
At 6 months old we started giving you some finger foods, you loved most things we gave you and your favourite foods were fruit surprisingly. You had a particular liking for satsumas!!
you keep enjoying your baths, and getting very excited in there, splashing to the point where your dad and I are soaked with water!
You made your dad proud by saying 'Dad' for the first time and you haven't stopped since.
Finally after a long time waiting we get to see your first teeth pop through, 2 at once and both next to each other on the bottom. All in all with these first ones there wasn't much grumbling from you so hopefully the rest come through the same way.
End of October we go out for the first time in the evening with you with Uncle Phil and Aunty Gill to the Goat, you behaved so well considering it was past your bedtime, you didn't eat much or sleep much there as there was too much going on and to see! But we survived and at least we knew now that we could do it again.
Beginning of November you started to play Pipo with items of clothing or with your muslin sheets, you also started to scuffle forward on your belly, and continued to do so for a long time... its what we called the commando crawl!!!
We went to Glasfryn to watch the firework with you and Heidi Adam Moli and Caio. They were fantastic and you didn't flinch at all, didn't cry. We were impressed but I'm expecting much worse next year!
End of November we went to nant Gwtheyrn to the xmas fayre and you saw your first santa clause, you didn't seem phased by him either.
You also start to wave and hi five with us.
22nd Nov you finally try to crawl on all fours... which will take a little while to perfect.
Unfortunately this was the time for you first bug, the d+v lasted only a couple days but you went off your food almost altogether and your milk intake was awful also, i started to give you plenty water and dioralyte to make sure you weren't dehydrated. After almost two weeks things went back to normal and your appetite came back with vengeance.
Carnifal Rhoshirwaun
At 5 months old we decided to go to the carnifal in Rhoshirwaun as we had not been since I was a young girl.
We would go to many of these places to do what we called 'queens' we would dress up in bridesmaids type dresses, and have to walk around in a circle and curtsey to the judges. Winners would get trophies/sash's/or a pound or two... depending on the ages.
We would be part of a group also, each area had their own queen and the queen would have their own corsage, I was never a queen as there wasn't one for the village where I grew up but myself and Anti Heidi were in a corsage for another. Anyway reason I'm rambling is because it was a big thing, and is still going on nowadays also, but it seems not as big as it once was.
We would dress you up in the all in one teddy bear outfit that your nannan knitted, place you in a basket with a blanket and another couple of teddies and pose you as teddy bear picnic.
You won first prize in your category of 3 year and younger. Then Caio won in best of show type, but at that point you were sleeping in my arms and didn't look like your original teddy!!
We would go to many of these places to do what we called 'queens' we would dress up in bridesmaids type dresses, and have to walk around in a circle and curtsey to the judges. Winners would get trophies/sash's/or a pound or two... depending on the ages.
We would be part of a group also, each area had their own queen and the queen would have their own corsage, I was never a queen as there wasn't one for the village where I grew up but myself and Anti Heidi were in a corsage for another. Anyway reason I'm rambling is because it was a big thing, and is still going on nowadays also, but it seems not as big as it once was.
We would dress you up in the all in one teddy bear outfit that your nannan knitted, place you in a basket with a blanket and another couple of teddies and pose you as teddy bear picnic.
You won first prize in your category of 3 year and younger. Then Caio won in best of show type, but at that point you were sleeping in my arms and didn't look like your original teddy!!
month 4-6
Baby Walker
We again borrowed this from your Nannan and Taid, and unfortunately due to our house consisting of mainly carpet you couldn't use it much in our house. But we did take it with us when we went to Anti Heidi's house and to Nannan and Taids house. To begin with you couldn't move at all but as the weeks passed you were able to use it well and you were quick in it as well, to the point that you often tripped Del the dog over trying to get her!
Here's you at home stationary in your walker but seem to want to play on the xbox like your mam and dad.
Here's Nain Pip at her place in Tudweiliog, and you seem very happy with your dolls!
Again here's one of your favourite dogs Del!
From here on end you begin moving a lot more, and rolled onto your side for the first time on 29/6. Then rolled over from front to back whilst we were at baby massage on 12/7.
We went to Grimsby again in July to see your Grandma Grandad and Uncle Dave, as well as many others who wanted to see you as it wasn't very often we were able to get up to see them.
Aunty Sarah And Uncle Danny love seeing you each time were up.
We also went to Uncle Phil and Aunty Gill for Phils 60th birthday BBQ, it was wonderful weather and you had so much fun and were very well behaved until you got tired and so we left to put you to bed!
We again borrowed this from your Nannan and Taid, and unfortunately due to our house consisting of mainly carpet you couldn't use it much in our house. But we did take it with us when we went to Anti Heidi's house and to Nannan and Taids house. To begin with you couldn't move at all but as the weeks passed you were able to use it well and you were quick in it as well, to the point that you often tripped Del the dog over trying to get her!
We had some wonderful weather this summer but as you couldnt move much we had to make this play tent up for you!
Time to move to your own room! You look small in it at the minute but you'll soon grow into it!
Here's you at home stationary in your walker but seem to want to play on the xbox like your mam and dad.
Here's Nain Pip at her place in Tudweiliog, and you seem very happy with your dolls!
Again here's one of your favourite dogs Del!
We went to Grimsby again in July to see your Grandma Grandad and Uncle Dave, as well as many others who wanted to see you as it wasn't very often we were able to get up to see them.
We also went to Uncle Phil and Aunty Gill for Phils 60th birthday BBQ, it was wonderful weather and you had so much fun and were very well behaved until you got tired and so we left to put you to bed!
Here's you with Uncle Steve.
Del the dog loved it when you went over to their house as you would continuously feed her your leftovers and accidental mishaps with food!
Thursday, 10 January 2013
All clear!
Today (3 1/2 months) was one of the days that we have been waiting for since coming out of hospital with you all those months back, we visited Heulwen ward in Ysbyty Gwynedd to meet with the paediatric consultant to discuss your heart murmur.
There has been nothing that we noticed to indicate that it was still there, but they didn't do much checks when we were there, they weighed you and asked us questions and she listened to your chest. All of which confirmed that it had gone and there was nothing to be found. She was happy to discharge you and nothing more was to be done.
As you would have thought both your dad and I were overjoyed and we didn't have to think of it any more, we could go home and not need to go back to see them.
There has been nothing that we noticed to indicate that it was still there, but they didn't do much checks when we were there, they weighed you and asked us questions and she listened to your chest. All of which confirmed that it had gone and there was nothing to be found. She was happy to discharge you and nothing more was to be done.
As you would have thought both your dad and I were overjoyed and we didn't have to think of it any more, we could go home and not need to go back to see them.
Week holiday
The first week of May 2012 Sam and I went to stay at Nannan's and Taid's house as Dad went to Scotland for a climbing holiday.
We had a good week and you found your voice, on the Monday we went to the National Eisteddfod held in Glynllifon, Anti Heidi, Moli, Caio, Iwan and their son came with us. We used the bus from Pwllheli to save on stress and worked relatively well considering we had the buggy with us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Vc_rVE7VI
I went fishing with Taid whilst you stayed with Nannan, and i caught the biggest fish!
Also another big thing that happened this week is that we gave you your first taste of babyrice, as the health visitor had advised to start you off on food at around 17 weeks as you were stubborn with milk and kept refusing!
Here's a picture of you making a mess with your food, I must admit you did spit out more than you ate but you seemed to enjoy it, so from here we tried more and more things and got you fattened up!!
We also watched on the Sunday as your Taid built the slide castle and den area for Moli Caio and you to play with, unfortunately you're going to have to wait a while yet until you're able to use it but that'll come quick enough.
We had a good week and you found your voice, on the Monday we went to the National Eisteddfod held in Glynllifon, Anti Heidi, Moli, Caio, Iwan and their son came with us. We used the bus from Pwllheli to save on stress and worked relatively well considering we had the buggy with us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Vc_rVE7VI
I went fishing with Taid whilst you stayed with Nannan, and i caught the biggest fish!
Also another big thing that happened this week is that we gave you your first taste of babyrice, as the health visitor had advised to start you off on food at around 17 weeks as you were stubborn with milk and kept refusing!
We also watched on the Sunday as your Taid built the slide castle and den area for Moli Caio and you to play with, unfortunately you're going to have to wait a while yet until you're able to use it but that'll come quick enough.
Door bouncer
You did seem very confused when you first went into it and merely stood there looking at us silly. But we did get you to bounce a little in it.
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