Most especially, the internet ones!
After three weeks of absolutely no home broadband, we are officially connected again. It feels like freedom!
So that was the highlight of the week, for the whole family. But it hasn't been a great week. Here's why:
Saturday, Dylan was allowed to "play out" (possibly the most useful British phrase since "How do you feel in yourself" and "I can't be bothered") with instructions to be home in half an hour. Nearly an hour later, when he still hadn't showed up at home, I went to collect him from one of the two places he was supposed to be. Imagine my surprise when I discovered he wasn't there!
I wandered the neighbourhood for the next half an hour, searching for my missing eight year old son. Had to leave poor Edith at home alone to do it, as well, in case he showed up at home whilst I was out searchng!
He wasn't in any of the usual spots, and I was nearly panicking when Edith called me to tell me he was home. I rushed back, and that kid got the spanking of his life, as well as properly shouted at for the first time ever. He was, in addition, grounded from all tech for a week, and grounded from playing out indefinitely. And when I told him all that and he was still being defiant and indifferent, I hit him where it REALLY hurts. I took away his Barcelona football kit. That drove the message home, obviously, since he sobbed for the next 30 minutes. And I can tell you one thing--that kid will NEVER do that again!
Sunday was the Primary Sacrament meeting presentation. It went well, with few mistakes and lots of brilliant moments. Mostly, I am just glad it's over. Not my favourite thing to do in the whole world!
Monday was when it all started to go a bit wrong. I drove to Scunthorpe to give Gill her weekly massage, but she was having one of her long (read 3-4 day) sleeps, so we decided to give it a miss. I did my weekly shop, grabbed some lunch, and headed for home. When I got back to Barton, I realised that my house key was locked inside the house. We have no spare key. So I had to drive over to our estate agent's office to borrow their copy. As I was rounding the corner to go to their office, the EPC light came on in the car and the engine died. I couldn't get it restarted, so had to call work to come and bail me out. Which they did. Which was awesome.
My lovely boss, Chris, gave me (and my groceries) a ride home. Then I found my own keys, returned the estate agent's keys, and was home just in time for the kids to get back from school. And Chris told me it was most likely the cambelt. Ouch! It will cost more than we paid for the car to get it fixed. Time to shop for a new-to-us car.
Tuesday was great, actually. I unpacked all of the boxes in the dining room, and it is looking really nice. That was also when the BT engineer came out and sorted our internet. It took 3 1/2 hours, but the man was tenacious, and got it fixed.
The rest of the week has just been, for lack of a better word, blah! I haven't felt this way for a long time, and really need something to pull me out of this funk. It totally sucks! The kids are going for a sleepover at their Auntie Cathy's house tonight, and they are super excited for that. Martin and I are going on a hot date, so maybe that will shake things up enough to snap me out of it. Oh, and we hope to buy a car tomorrow. That should help as well.
Showing posts with label Dylan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dylan. Show all posts
Friday, October 02, 2015
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Milestone...
I remember what a huge deal it was when Dylan got his first tooth. It seems like only yesterday.
Well, this afternoon he lost his first tooth. We were having some lunch when he told me it was loose, and twenty minutes later (as we walked around Matalan looking at church shirts) it was in his hand.
I have to say, there was considerably less drama with him losing it than there was when the first one came in!
Though it pains me to say this, I ALMOST wish I could stop the clock and keep my babies just a little bit longer. They are practically disappearing right before my eyes.
Tooth fairy duty tonight. This is almost as much fun as his first Christmas.
Well, this afternoon he lost his first tooth. We were having some lunch when he told me it was loose, and twenty minutes later (as we walked around Matalan looking at church shirts) it was in his hand.
I have to say, there was considerably less drama with him losing it than there was when the first one came in!
Though it pains me to say this, I ALMOST wish I could stop the clock and keep my babies just a little bit longer. They are practically disappearing right before my eyes.
Tooth fairy duty tonight. This is almost as much fun as his first Christmas.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Little tea leaf!
Which is, of course, Cockney rhyming slang for THIEF!
Dylan stole just over £4 from his dad a few mornings ago. Of course, he got in trouble for it. At this point, "trouble" means that we will not be buying him any more World Cup trading cards for the next two weeks. Pretty serious stuff when you are six years old and World Cup mad!
It was really interesting, talking to him about why it is wrong to steal. He is still at that stage developmentally where he thinks it is only bad if he gets caught. Obviously, some people never get past that phase. I hope he will. We're certainly doing our best.
The thieving incident, combined with all the YA fiction I've been reading lately and the police helicopter circling Barton for about 20 minutes a few days ago, has me thinking about rebellion and anarchy. Weird connection, I know. But I was thinking about George Orwell's classic, "1984," and how "Big Brother is always watching you." And then it occurred to me that even if Big Brother WAS always watching me (and I live in England, so let's face it, he probably IS), I never do anything that would get me in trouble.
Is that a good thing, or is it a little bit sad?
Probably a good thing, right? It means that the government regime I live under is not overly controlling. It also means that I am a law-abiding citizen.
On the other hand, it sort of means that I am a meek little sheep, blindly being led and governed in such a way that I would never go against the status quo.
Hmmm...
Maybe I should stick to autobiographies for a little while. Imagination is going into overdrive.
Oh, and on another note:
The Urban dictionary defines "YOLO" as "Carpe diem for stupid people."
Just had to share, peeps. Because, well, you only live, err, carpe diem!
Dylan stole just over £4 from his dad a few mornings ago. Of course, he got in trouble for it. At this point, "trouble" means that we will not be buying him any more World Cup trading cards for the next two weeks. Pretty serious stuff when you are six years old and World Cup mad!
It was really interesting, talking to him about why it is wrong to steal. He is still at that stage developmentally where he thinks it is only bad if he gets caught. Obviously, some people never get past that phase. I hope he will. We're certainly doing our best.
The thieving incident, combined with all the YA fiction I've been reading lately and the police helicopter circling Barton for about 20 minutes a few days ago, has me thinking about rebellion and anarchy. Weird connection, I know. But I was thinking about George Orwell's classic, "1984," and how "Big Brother is always watching you." And then it occurred to me that even if Big Brother WAS always watching me (and I live in England, so let's face it, he probably IS), I never do anything that would get me in trouble.
Is that a good thing, or is it a little bit sad?
Probably a good thing, right? It means that the government regime I live under is not overly controlling. It also means that I am a law-abiding citizen.
On the other hand, it sort of means that I am a meek little sheep, blindly being led and governed in such a way that I would never go against the status quo.
Hmmm...
Maybe I should stick to autobiographies for a little while. Imagination is going into overdrive.
Oh, and on another note:
The Urban dictionary defines "YOLO" as "Carpe diem for stupid people."
Just had to share, peeps. Because, well, you only live, err, carpe diem!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
An Achievement...
Not mine, but Dylan's. He is now riding his bike with no training wheels. Pretty amazing, considering he only got that bike a few months ago. We didn't really encourage bike riding for him when he was younger because he wasn't very coordinated. Couple that with his bleeding disorder, and it was just a recipe for disaster. But he was finally ready this summer.
Dylan gets really down on himself when he can't do things straight away. He is very smart, and expects to do new things with ease. And he's so sensitive that he cries when he's disappointed. So teaching him to ride a bike was frustrating for me and Martin. It took so much patience and loving encouragement, which is really hard to give when your six year old is crying like a baby over NOTHING!
I wasn't there the first time he rode on his own. I was at my yoga class. But I saw the video, which was brilliant. And he is so proud of himself.
Seeing my children grow and develop is everything I dreamed it would be. So many aspects of motherhood are not, but this one meets all of my expectations! To catch a brief glimpse of their full potential, well, there are no words to describe the absolute wonder of it...
Dylan gets really down on himself when he can't do things straight away. He is very smart, and expects to do new things with ease. And he's so sensitive that he cries when he's disappointed. So teaching him to ride a bike was frustrating for me and Martin. It took so much patience and loving encouragement, which is really hard to give when your six year old is crying like a baby over NOTHING!
I wasn't there the first time he rode on his own. I was at my yoga class. But I saw the video, which was brilliant. And he is so proud of himself.
Seeing my children grow and develop is everything I dreamed it would be. So many aspects of motherhood are not, but this one meets all of my expectations! To catch a brief glimpse of their full potential, well, there are no words to describe the absolute wonder of it...
Thursday, August 29, 2013
A very special day...
My baby boy turned six today, and my what a day it was!
It started off with opening a single birthday gift (just to buy us a little more sleep). Then we went ahead with what is becoming my favorite birthday tradition. I told Dylan the story of the day he was born. I do it every year, and each year the kids get a few more details. The favorites this year were how my water broke on the landing and the carpet got all wet and how Dylan pooped while he was still inside my tummy. He thought both of those things were hilarious. Oh, and that we stopped to buy icecream on our way to the hospital.
We were supposed to go to the Doncaster Dome for swimming, then lunch and a movie. Got a nice, early start, too. But our car broke down on the way there. Luckily we hadn't gotten very far, so Lewis came and picked me and the kids up while Martin waited for the AA to arrive. We regrouped at home and took the bus in to Hull (alternator went, in case anyone was dying to know). We got our lunch and watched Smurfs 2 (Dylan's choice). Then it was back to Barton, a scooter ride to the Leisure Centre for swimming lessons, and home again for a small dinner party of Martin's parents, his grandparents, me, the kids, and Amy. Martin took the morning off, but had to go in to work at five.
Chicken noodle soup was devoured, cake was enjoyed, toys were played with, goodbyes were said, kids were tucked up in bed, and here I am--alone, exhausted, and happy.
Becoming a mother has not been an easy journey for me. Getting pregnant was difficult. Pregnancy was stressful. Childbirth was impossible. Surgery was painful and disappointing. Staying home with a newborn was stiflingly boring. Post partum depression was crippling. And yet, as with most things in life, the hard things often turn out to be the best.
I am so proud of my son. He is bright and beautiful, sensitive, kind, perceptive, and so very smart! And though he was born with a lot of those traits, I know that Martin and I can take partial credit for the way he is growing up and turning out. Most of the time, though, I wonder that I was so blessed to be his mother. He has taught me so many lessons. I've learned more about patience and unconditional love from him than I have from any other person or event in my life. And he teaches me every day. Sometimes the lessons he teaches me are hard ones to learn, about my own weaknesses and failings as a person and as a parent. But I love him for those lessons all the same.
I still remember the night I found out I was pregnant. I cried tears of joy. I often think back to those times when I used to lie in bed feeling him roll around inside me, watching the taut skin on my belly ripple and wave like a flag in the breeze. I had so many expectations about motherhood. So many dreams and fantasies. Then Dylan was born, and nothing was like I expected it to be. It was so much harder.
But it was infinitely better...
Monday, June 03, 2013
Handsome Dylan
Easter egg hunt at St. Nicholas' church in Ulceby
King of the castle!
Big tough guy with a fat lip. Awww...
Class picture day at ~Castledyke School.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
My Dylan
Today he participated in the Scunthorpe Speech and Drama Festival. He memorized a poem by Grace Nichols called "Don't Cry, Caterpiller," and recited it in front of a room full of people and a judge. He did it beautifully, and took first place out of 20 other children. He's going to be performing it at a concert on Saturday. Oh, I was so terribly proud of him!
In other Dylan news, he contributed the following items to a recent load of laundry:
A small plastic hedgehog, which he has named Charlotte.
Several notes from school.
A die cast model of a police cruiser.
Some Angry Birds trading cards.
The slug made it into that load without any help from Dylan whatsoever.
Sometimes being a housewife is the funniest job in the whole world. Gross, but funny!
In other Dylan news, he contributed the following items to a recent load of laundry:
A small plastic hedgehog, which he has named Charlotte.
Several notes from school.
A die cast model of a police cruiser.
Some Angry Birds trading cards.
The slug made it into that load without any help from Dylan whatsoever.
Sometimes being a housewife is the funniest job in the whole world. Gross, but funny!
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
He's been replaced...
The kids don't like to hold hands with each other when we say our family prayers. Not a problem when Martin is home, because they each hold one of our hands. Unfortunately, he's at work five nights a week.
So tonight I suggested we let a teddy bear take Daddy's place in the circle. It worked brilliantly, but Dylan said the following during his prayer:
"Thank you for helping us find someone to take Daddy's place when he's at work."
Poor Martin, replaced by a stuffed toy!
We've had a lovely Christmas break, and Dylan's back at school tomorrow. Edith goes back on Thursday. We've all been sick over the last few weeks, but had a great time anyway. The best part of it was sleeping in 6 days a week. No major incidents, good times had by all.
Sigh...
Back to early mornings tomorrow, but back to mornings free with my husband. Bitter sweet!
So tonight I suggested we let a teddy bear take Daddy's place in the circle. It worked brilliantly, but Dylan said the following during his prayer:
"Thank you for helping us find someone to take Daddy's place when he's at work."
Poor Martin, replaced by a stuffed toy!
We've had a lovely Christmas break, and Dylan's back at school tomorrow. Edith goes back on Thursday. We've all been sick over the last few weeks, but had a great time anyway. The best part of it was sleeping in 6 days a week. No major incidents, good times had by all.
Sigh...
Back to early mornings tomorrow, but back to mornings free with my husband. Bitter sweet!
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Insight...
It occurred to me just yesterday that I am guilty of doing something that I HATE. I have been treating Dylan like a much older child than he is.
I pulled him onto my lap last night, and gave him a gigantic cuddle. He practically melted into me, and I realized that we hardly ever cuddle any more. He is so big for his age, and so advanced in his speech and reading. I just forget sometimes that he is really only a very young four-year-old.
So I've got a theory that one of the reasons he's been acting up is that he's been craving the snuggles and cuddles he got as a toddler.
He got plenty of affection from both his parents today, and he was better. We'll see if my theory holds up under experimentation.
Even if it doesn't, this kid is pretty easy to love and hug!
I pulled him onto my lap last night, and gave him a gigantic cuddle. He practically melted into me, and I realized that we hardly ever cuddle any more. He is so big for his age, and so advanced in his speech and reading. I just forget sometimes that he is really only a very young four-year-old.
So I've got a theory that one of the reasons he's been acting up is that he's been craving the snuggles and cuddles he got as a toddler.
He got plenty of affection from both his parents today, and he was better. We'll see if my theory holds up under experimentation.
Even if it doesn't, this kid is pretty easy to love and hug!
Friday, February 24, 2012
My little social retard...
Dylan's parent teacher conference a few weeks ago went great. His teacher said that he is doing very well all-round. He is average in some areas of his education and development, and VERY advanced in others. But, as always, their one area of concern was his social development.
Basically, my son prefers the company of his teachers to the company of the other children at school. He doesn't really have any close friends and, as I understand it, doesn't really play with anybody in his class.
Dylan loves going to school. He's not unhappy there, and I'm wondering if I should just leave well enough alone. Does he need an intervention?
Of course, worrying about our son has raised the question of my own childhood. Mostly, did my mom have these same worries about me? Because seriously, as soon as I could read I spent about 90% of my waking hours with my nose buried in a book. Laura Ingalls Wilder was my best friend in first, second and third grade. The Sweet Valley twins were my best mates until I was about 13. Then it was Stephen King and pretty much any trashy romance novel I could get my hands on. My tastes grew more sophisticated in college, when I developed a love of Margaret Atwood. Then, at the tender age of 20, Ernest Hemingway and I developed a wonderful relationship that was destined to last a lifetime.
Dylan having these issues at school has made me realize that he probably gets it from me. My poor mother must have had these same worries. All of a sudden, I am re-thinking all the play dates and friends that I had as a child and pre-teen. Were they all a desperate attempt to get me to socialize with kids my own age? Did my mother force my two older sisters to play with me in a (vain) attempt to get my nose out of a book and my backside into the yard to play?
Of course, once I found my fellow outcasts at about 15 I became more social. Sadly, not with people my parents approved of. But that's a WHOLE different blog post, and it was actually part of the appeal of my new "friends."
I am worried about Dylan, but I guess we'll just keep encouraging him to play with other kids and see where this heads. In the mean time, I will just enjoy knowing that my son is every bit as intelligent as I always suspected. Seriously bright boy!
And Sheldon seems to do ok.
Basically, my son prefers the company of his teachers to the company of the other children at school. He doesn't really have any close friends and, as I understand it, doesn't really play with anybody in his class.
Dylan loves going to school. He's not unhappy there, and I'm wondering if I should just leave well enough alone. Does he need an intervention?
Of course, worrying about our son has raised the question of my own childhood. Mostly, did my mom have these same worries about me? Because seriously, as soon as I could read I spent about 90% of my waking hours with my nose buried in a book. Laura Ingalls Wilder was my best friend in first, second and third grade. The Sweet Valley twins were my best mates until I was about 13. Then it was Stephen King and pretty much any trashy romance novel I could get my hands on. My tastes grew more sophisticated in college, when I developed a love of Margaret Atwood. Then, at the tender age of 20, Ernest Hemingway and I developed a wonderful relationship that was destined to last a lifetime.
Dylan having these issues at school has made me realize that he probably gets it from me. My poor mother must have had these same worries. All of a sudden, I am re-thinking all the play dates and friends that I had as a child and pre-teen. Were they all a desperate attempt to get me to socialize with kids my own age? Did my mother force my two older sisters to play with me in a (vain) attempt to get my nose out of a book and my backside into the yard to play?
Of course, once I found my fellow outcasts at about 15 I became more social. Sadly, not with people my parents approved of. But that's a WHOLE different blog post, and it was actually part of the appeal of my new "friends."
I am worried about Dylan, but I guess we'll just keep encouraging him to play with other kids and see where this heads. In the mean time, I will just enjoy knowing that my son is every bit as intelligent as I always suspected. Seriously bright boy!
And Sheldon seems to do ok.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
All about Dylan...
This kid is growing up so fast, and I just wanted to document the way he is right now.
Dylan is in the Reception class at Castledyke School. He loves going to school every day, and I can actually threaten him with having to stay home instead of going to school if he is being naughty. He is especially good at Math. His teacher, Miss Richardson, calls him the class mathematician. He loves numbers and counting, and they have started teaching him number sentences ahead of the rest of his class. He also loves phonics, and is already reading on his own. He sometimes needs help with tricky words, but he can sound out most words on his own. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up.
I am constantly amazed by how smart he is!
Of course, with this intelligence comes a bit of social awkwardness. Dylan still prefers to associate with grown-ups and will only play with children his age if he's told to. But he is very kind to other children, and very friendly. He's also very sensitive. He loves cuddling and is wounded very easily if someone is mean to him. He is especially bad when he is tired--not letting him choose the bedtime story will result in 4-year-old heartbreak!
Dylan is a bit of a scaredy cat. He doesn't like to try new things and he is always very hesitant--with us. If we want him to do something new and daring, we just need to make sure that there are older children around who are doing it. Especially Esaias Munday, who he idolises!
Dylan is a very good helper. He doesn't like to tidy up, but he does help. He is especially sensitive to real need, and when I am not well and need him to do things for me he always does them. One of his favorite jobs is taking the recycling out to the bins. He is also responsible for clearing his own place after meals and putting the cutlery on the table before meals, which he is brilliant at doing.
Ever since he was born, Dylan has been hard work. Nobody can quite put their finger on why that is. He is polite, well-mannered, kind, and intelligent. He is very good at amusing himself if given a little direction. But he is still exceptionally high maintenance.
I adore my son though--watching him grow up is one of my chief pleasures, and I love how he is turning out (so far).
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Losing my religion...
About two weeks ago, Dylan informed me that they say a prayer in school every day at Assembly. I was furious!
I was never opposed to all prayer in schools. A lot of us would say prayers together before drill team competitions, volleyball games, plays and the like. But I AM against the entire school coming together and praying.
It's not like I am against prayer. We have taught both our children to pray. I'm just worried that he's learning the "wrong" kind of prayers.
I was actually that parent who spoke to his teacher about it at parents' night--demanding to know all the details and asking why I wasn't informed they were doing it. After all, it's a State school, not a Church of England school. She actually offered to take him out of the room during the prayer if I felt it necessary.
Isn't that funny? We probably go to church more in one week than most of the people at his school go to in a year, and I'm the one who pitched a (mini) fit about prayers in Assembly...
Maybe I'm too American in this regard. I was raised to believe in a separation of Church and State, and anything other than that just seems wrong.
At any rate, I am not making Dylan leave Assembly for prayers. I am just informed now, so I can do religious damage control at home if needs be. I want him praying the way I teach him, not the way his school Head teaches him.
I can't wait to get Dylan in an American school. NOT because they are superior to English schools, mind you. Just because I am more familiar with what goes on over there than I am over here. It's all so, well, foreign!
I was never opposed to all prayer in schools. A lot of us would say prayers together before drill team competitions, volleyball games, plays and the like. But I AM against the entire school coming together and praying.
It's not like I am against prayer. We have taught both our children to pray. I'm just worried that he's learning the "wrong" kind of prayers.
I was actually that parent who spoke to his teacher about it at parents' night--demanding to know all the details and asking why I wasn't informed they were doing it. After all, it's a State school, not a Church of England school. She actually offered to take him out of the room during the prayer if I felt it necessary.
Isn't that funny? We probably go to church more in one week than most of the people at his school go to in a year, and I'm the one who pitched a (mini) fit about prayers in Assembly...
Maybe I'm too American in this regard. I was raised to believe in a separation of Church and State, and anything other than that just seems wrong.
At any rate, I am not making Dylan leave Assembly for prayers. I am just informed now, so I can do religious damage control at home if needs be. I want him praying the way I teach him, not the way his school Head teaches him.
I can't wait to get Dylan in an American school. NOT because they are superior to English schools, mind you. Just because I am more familiar with what goes on over there than I am over here. It's all so, well, foreign!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Birthday boy...
My baby is 4 years old--I can hardly believe it!
Dylan celebrated his birthday on Monday, and it was a great day for everyone. He started it out by opening his presents in mom and dad's bedroom (both kids are big fans of playing on our bed), and he loved his presents. He got a great package from his Auntie Angie and Uncle Greg (and kids) that had some lollies (opened in minutes), Spiderman socks (delighted), and 3 Power Ranger toys (took them with us in the car and played with them the whole way to Manchester AND back). He also got a few Lego bits and pieces and some Lightening McQueen pajamas, slippers, and a dressing gown.
It ws just cereal for breakfast, but it seems to be his favorite breakfast food. Then we got an early start because we were meeting his grandparents and auntie and uncle at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. Dylan had no idea where we were going, but he was pretty excited about the surprise.
The trip over was eventful. Not in a bad way, just in an annoying way. We left on time and were cruising along roughly 20 minutes ahead of our other party members. Then Dylan had to pee. In the absence of motorway services, we found a place to pull over so he could go at the side of the road. Got back on the motorway without any problems--this time. 10 minutes later, he told us he needed to poo. Once again, no motorway services. So we pulled off the motorway (again). Dylan got his trousers and pants, um, slightly dirty this time (dad needs to practice his sitting down hold). We also couldn't get back onto the motorway and Google Maps was having issues on Martin's phone, so we ended up getting to the Trafford Centre about 15 minutes AFTER the other car. And we decided never to give our kids Froot Shoots at the beginning of a long drive again.
Anyway, we scarfed down a quick lunch at Pizza Hut and then jogged through the mall to get to our destination in time for our timed ticket entry.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE!
We walked in and Dylan gazed around with wonder and awe. He said, "Dad, everything's made of Lego." And Martin said, "That's because this is Legoland, Dylan." The look on his face was totally priceless.
We spent the next 3 1/2 hours wandering around Legoland. Both kids had so much fun. Cathy and John weren't having quite as much fun, John having celebrated the 8-2 Manchester United win over Arsenal a bit too enthusiastically the night before (he left early for a bit of the hair of the dog...), but I think we all had a nice time. The highlight, for me anyway, was taking him to the 4-D cinema for the short Bob the Builder show. Dylan kept his 3-D goggles on the whole time, and watching him duck and swat at things was so much fun. It even snowed (bubbles) at the end of the film. And there was a falling birdhouse with "dust" from a smoke machine. When that one happened, Dylan actually asked me if it had fallen on us!
He opened some more gifts at Nanna's car. He got more Lego and a Buzz Lightyear dress-up costume. We grabbed some dinner at McDonald's and started the drive home. He was asleep within 15 minutes. He slept until Leeds, where we woke him up to take him to the new Krispy Kreme doughnuts shop. Oh yes, there's a Krispy Kreme next to Ikea. Edith and I will be spending many a happy day over in Leeds when Dylan starts school again!
Anyway, we got home just in time to throw the kids into bed. We were all exhausted and happy. And when we asked Dylan if he'd had a nice birthday he said, "It was BRILLIANT!"
The best part is, some of his gifts hadn't arrived yet. So he got to open another present yesterday (from me and Martin) and will get to open two more packages from America. Those should get here today or tomorrow. He gets to celebrate his birthday for a whole week!
I love taking my children to places that I know they'll enjoy. I love watching them have a good time. I told Dylan that my favorite part of the day had been watching him have a good time, and it was true. I love giving them gifts, too. I guess I just love to see them happy.
Dylan and I were talking the other day about his birthday being a special day for me, too. I told him that it wasn't until he was born that I became a mom. Before that, I was just Jamie. So I thanked him for being born and making me a mommy. And he smiled the most beautiful smile--the one that means he knows how special he is to me. The one that means he knows his worth.
The last four years have been some of the happiest of my life!
Dylan celebrated his birthday on Monday, and it was a great day for everyone. He started it out by opening his presents in mom and dad's bedroom (both kids are big fans of playing on our bed), and he loved his presents. He got a great package from his Auntie Angie and Uncle Greg (and kids) that had some lollies (opened in minutes), Spiderman socks (delighted), and 3 Power Ranger toys (took them with us in the car and played with them the whole way to Manchester AND back). He also got a few Lego bits and pieces and some Lightening McQueen pajamas, slippers, and a dressing gown.
It ws just cereal for breakfast, but it seems to be his favorite breakfast food. Then we got an early start because we were meeting his grandparents and auntie and uncle at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. Dylan had no idea where we were going, but he was pretty excited about the surprise.
The trip over was eventful. Not in a bad way, just in an annoying way. We left on time and were cruising along roughly 20 minutes ahead of our other party members. Then Dylan had to pee. In the absence of motorway services, we found a place to pull over so he could go at the side of the road. Got back on the motorway without any problems--this time. 10 minutes later, he told us he needed to poo. Once again, no motorway services. So we pulled off the motorway (again). Dylan got his trousers and pants, um, slightly dirty this time (dad needs to practice his sitting down hold). We also couldn't get back onto the motorway and Google Maps was having issues on Martin's phone, so we ended up getting to the Trafford Centre about 15 minutes AFTER the other car. And we decided never to give our kids Froot Shoots at the beginning of a long drive again.
Anyway, we scarfed down a quick lunch at Pizza Hut and then jogged through the mall to get to our destination in time for our timed ticket entry.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE!
We walked in and Dylan gazed around with wonder and awe. He said, "Dad, everything's made of Lego." And Martin said, "That's because this is Legoland, Dylan." The look on his face was totally priceless.
We spent the next 3 1/2 hours wandering around Legoland. Both kids had so much fun. Cathy and John weren't having quite as much fun, John having celebrated the 8-2 Manchester United win over Arsenal a bit too enthusiastically the night before (he left early for a bit of the hair of the dog...), but I think we all had a nice time. The highlight, for me anyway, was taking him to the 4-D cinema for the short Bob the Builder show. Dylan kept his 3-D goggles on the whole time, and watching him duck and swat at things was so much fun. It even snowed (bubbles) at the end of the film. And there was a falling birdhouse with "dust" from a smoke machine. When that one happened, Dylan actually asked me if it had fallen on us!
He opened some more gifts at Nanna's car. He got more Lego and a Buzz Lightyear dress-up costume. We grabbed some dinner at McDonald's and started the drive home. He was asleep within 15 minutes. He slept until Leeds, where we woke him up to take him to the new Krispy Kreme doughnuts shop. Oh yes, there's a Krispy Kreme next to Ikea. Edith and I will be spending many a happy day over in Leeds when Dylan starts school again!
Anyway, we got home just in time to throw the kids into bed. We were all exhausted and happy. And when we asked Dylan if he'd had a nice birthday he said, "It was BRILLIANT!"
The best part is, some of his gifts hadn't arrived yet. So he got to open another present yesterday (from me and Martin) and will get to open two more packages from America. Those should get here today or tomorrow. He gets to celebrate his birthday for a whole week!
I love taking my children to places that I know they'll enjoy. I love watching them have a good time. I told Dylan that my favorite part of the day had been watching him have a good time, and it was true. I love giving them gifts, too. I guess I just love to see them happy.
Dylan and I were talking the other day about his birthday being a special day for me, too. I told him that it wasn't until he was born that I became a mom. Before that, I was just Jamie. So I thanked him for being born and making me a mommy. And he smiled the most beautiful smile--the one that means he knows how special he is to me. The one that means he knows his worth.
The last four years have been some of the happiest of my life!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The old tricks are still the best...
When Dylan was a baby, he would not sleep during the day if we were in the house. Let me tell you, it was torture. If I wanted him to have a nap, I had to take him for a walk or a drive. And the second we walked through the door, he would wake up. I was exhausted, and I never got anything done in the house. Ever.
I tried EVERYTHING to get him to sleep. And I got so tired of people saying, "Well, have you tried ...(fill in the most obvious solution here)?"
So one day when I bumped into an old co-worker of Martin's, I nearly shut out her suggestion. But it was something I'd never tried before and it was worth a shot. She said, "Have you tried lying down with him when you put him down for a nap?"
I tried it.
It worked.
Life became much more restful and I became a much better mother and nicer person.
Last night, Martin took Dylan to a football match. It was Leeds v. Hull at Elland Road, and kick-off was 7:45pm. We told Dylan that he could only go if he promised to have a nap the next day. The kid wakes up at the same time every morning, regardless of what time he got to sleep. He promised, but went back on it today. So I tried the old trick from when he was a baby.
He fell asleep in my arms.
That was nearly 2 hours ago.
It was beautiful.
I tried EVERYTHING to get him to sleep. And I got so tired of people saying, "Well, have you tried ...(fill in the most obvious solution here)?"
So one day when I bumped into an old co-worker of Martin's, I nearly shut out her suggestion. But it was something I'd never tried before and it was worth a shot. She said, "Have you tried lying down with him when you put him down for a nap?"
I tried it.
It worked.
Life became much more restful and I became a much better mother and nicer person.
Last night, Martin took Dylan to a football match. It was Leeds v. Hull at Elland Road, and kick-off was 7:45pm. We told Dylan that he could only go if he promised to have a nap the next day. The kid wakes up at the same time every morning, regardless of what time he got to sleep. He promised, but went back on it today. So I tried the old trick from when he was a baby.
He fell asleep in my arms.
That was nearly 2 hours ago.
It was beautiful.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Dylan's learning to vacuum!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Parent-Teacher conference...
It was Dylan's mid-term parent-teacher conference on Monday, and it was, wait for it, ALL POSITIVE!
His teachers, Miss Wilcockson and Mrs. Morris, said that he is adjusting beautifully, his vocabulary is amazing, he is starting to join in with the group more, and that his manners are very nice. Then Miss Wilcockson asked me if I had changed anything at home to bring on this change. His behavior problems have basically disappeared, and they are all amazed at the difference in the last three weeks.
So I told her that we had started a "nice" jar for Dylan, and that he got a button in his jar every time he did something "nice," like doing things the first time he was told, doing things before we had to ask him, using nice manners, playing well with his sister, etc. I told her that we were trying to pay more attention to him when he did good things and make a big deal of his good behavior.
That, and we've been beating him.
All jokes aside (come on, I would never beat my kids! Not unless they really deserved it.), Dylan is doing better. And instead of telling me I needed help, this time they asked for my techniques. I knew we could do this without any outside help!
Dylan will be missing some school in the coming weeks. He's got his surgery on Monday and I'm planning on keeping him home for a few days after that so he can rest and heal. Then, on the 7th of December they are going on a special school trip to Normanby Hall. Santa will be there, and they will be taking their letter to him. They will also be riding the miniature steam trains.
Man, I am so excited for Christmas this year. Having children is bringing out the Christmas kid in me. I remember how magical this time of year used to be for me when I was a kid, and I want it to be like that for Dylan and Edith. We've made a paper chain so Dylan knows how many days it is until Christmas. After Thanksgiving is over, we will start to decorate the house for Christmas.
Of course, we're trying to teach the kids the religious meaning of Christmas, and not just about Santa. Bless Edith's little heart. She recognizes pictures of Jesus, but gets really confused when we look at nativity scenes. I tell her it's the baby Jesus, and she points to the baby and says "baby," then points to either Joseph or one of the shepherds and says "Jesus."
I think it's because of the beards.
His teachers, Miss Wilcockson and Mrs. Morris, said that he is adjusting beautifully, his vocabulary is amazing, he is starting to join in with the group more, and that his manners are very nice. Then Miss Wilcockson asked me if I had changed anything at home to bring on this change. His behavior problems have basically disappeared, and they are all amazed at the difference in the last three weeks.
So I told her that we had started a "nice" jar for Dylan, and that he got a button in his jar every time he did something "nice," like doing things the first time he was told, doing things before we had to ask him, using nice manners, playing well with his sister, etc. I told her that we were trying to pay more attention to him when he did good things and make a big deal of his good behavior.
That, and we've been beating him.
All jokes aside (come on, I would never beat my kids! Not unless they really deserved it.), Dylan is doing better. And instead of telling me I needed help, this time they asked for my techniques. I knew we could do this without any outside help!
Dylan will be missing some school in the coming weeks. He's got his surgery on Monday and I'm planning on keeping him home for a few days after that so he can rest and heal. Then, on the 7th of December they are going on a special school trip to Normanby Hall. Santa will be there, and they will be taking their letter to him. They will also be riding the miniature steam trains.
Man, I am so excited for Christmas this year. Having children is bringing out the Christmas kid in me. I remember how magical this time of year used to be for me when I was a kid, and I want it to be like that for Dylan and Edith. We've made a paper chain so Dylan knows how many days it is until Christmas. After Thanksgiving is over, we will start to decorate the house for Christmas.
Of course, we're trying to teach the kids the religious meaning of Christmas, and not just about Santa. Bless Edith's little heart. She recognizes pictures of Jesus, but gets really confused when we look at nativity scenes. I tell her it's the baby Jesus, and she points to the baby and says "baby," then points to either Joseph or one of the shepherds and says "Jesus."
I think it's because of the beards.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
von Villebrand's update...
Dylan had his "DDAVP Challenge" on Monday to determine the effectiveness of the drug in making his blood clot. The test definitely was a challenge, with three blood draws and an injection over a 5 1/2 hour period. But we got the results of the test today and they were good. His body responds well to the medication, so it will be relatively easy to treat him when necessary.
Unfortunately, he will have to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, but our GP will administer those vaccines.
The consultant has already liased with Sheffield Childrens' Hospital (where Dylan is having his surgery) and they are aware of his condition and the precautions that will need to be taken. They are aware that his surgery is on the 29th of this month and will be sending the results of his DDAVP trial over.
We have a follow up appointment in 3 months' time.
All in all, I feel like we have this particular medical challenge well in hand. The rest of the family will be seeing a hematologist on Friday the 19th, and we'll find out if Edith has von Willebrands and who it came from. My money's on Martin.
In other Dylan news, his behavior is really improving. We decided that instead of focusing on his "bad" behavior, we would really start to concentrate on his good behavior and make sure he had lots of praise for doing well. It's much harder to praise good behavior than it is to punish bad behavior, but it seems to be working. He's had two really good days at school this week. Plus, I'm pretty much forcing him to take naps again in the morning, before he goes to school.
I like what we're doing with him, because his little face lights up when we tell him we are proud of him. He just beams when we hug him and tell him he's been amazing. And you know what? He IS!
My favorite thing to do is ask Dylan if I can tell him a secret. When he says yes, I whisper in his ear, "You are my favorite little boy in the whole world." He always gives me the most ear splitting grin and the sweetest little giggle.
We had a great time on the drive to the hospital today. I moved his carseat to the front seat, and we chatted like a couple of school girls on the way there. Edith stayed at home with her Nanna and went to Water's Edge to feed the ducks. I love both of my children, but it's so nice to have some one-on-one time with them. Sometimes I wish I only had one. Then I could devote more time and attention instead of splitting it between the two of them. But having them both just makes the individual time together that much more special.
I'm so in love with my beautiful children tonight. Must be because they are sleeping peacefully right now. I think I'll go make sure they are tucked in to their blankets and just stare at them for a few minutes. Maybe wonder how I came to be so blessed. You know--mom things.
Unfortunately, he will have to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, but our GP will administer those vaccines.
The consultant has already liased with Sheffield Childrens' Hospital (where Dylan is having his surgery) and they are aware of his condition and the precautions that will need to be taken. They are aware that his surgery is on the 29th of this month and will be sending the results of his DDAVP trial over.
We have a follow up appointment in 3 months' time.
All in all, I feel like we have this particular medical challenge well in hand. The rest of the family will be seeing a hematologist on Friday the 19th, and we'll find out if Edith has von Willebrands and who it came from. My money's on Martin.
In other Dylan news, his behavior is really improving. We decided that instead of focusing on his "bad" behavior, we would really start to concentrate on his good behavior and make sure he had lots of praise for doing well. It's much harder to praise good behavior than it is to punish bad behavior, but it seems to be working. He's had two really good days at school this week. Plus, I'm pretty much forcing him to take naps again in the morning, before he goes to school.
I like what we're doing with him, because his little face lights up when we tell him we are proud of him. He just beams when we hug him and tell him he's been amazing. And you know what? He IS!
My favorite thing to do is ask Dylan if I can tell him a secret. When he says yes, I whisper in his ear, "You are my favorite little boy in the whole world." He always gives me the most ear splitting grin and the sweetest little giggle.
We had a great time on the drive to the hospital today. I moved his carseat to the front seat, and we chatted like a couple of school girls on the way there. Edith stayed at home with her Nanna and went to Water's Edge to feed the ducks. I love both of my children, but it's so nice to have some one-on-one time with them. Sometimes I wish I only had one. Then I could devote more time and attention instead of splitting it between the two of them. But having them both just makes the individual time together that much more special.
I'm so in love with my beautiful children tonight. Must be because they are sleeping peacefully right now. I think I'll go make sure they are tucked in to their blankets and just stare at them for a few minutes. Maybe wonder how I came to be so blessed. You know--mom things.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
He's starting to be embarrassing...
Yesterday I was so tired of being the mom/personal chef/maid/babysitter that I took the kids to get fish and chips so I didn't have to cook. Plus, I really fancied it.
Had a couple of really awesome moments in the fish & chip shop.
Well, the first one technically took place just outside the fish & chip shop. We went to Humber Fisheries (there are 3 places to choose from in Barton) because a) they do the best fish in town and more importantly, b) there was a parking spot right outside so I didn't have to wrestle Edith as far. At Humber Fisheries they cook their fish to order and it takes about 7 minutes, so after I ordered our meal (2 fish, one chips, small pot of mushy peas, please) we had to wait a while. I was holding Edith when I felt my arm go all warm and wet. Oh yeah, she peed right through her diaper. I told the fish bloke that I'd be right back for my order, and took both kids outside so I could do a diaper change.
There are no facilities in the town center, so I had to change Edith on the front seat of the car (back seat is full of carseats and trunk is full of rubbish). Luckily, she is still so tiny for her age and fits rather nicely there. So I was squatting next to the car with some serious plumber's crack (sorry about the visual) changing a wet diaper when Dylan told me, with some urgency, that he had to pee. Ohboy!
As previously mentioned, there are NO TOILET FACILITIES in the town center. So I did what any mother of a young boy with shaky bladder control would do. I told him to pull his pants down and pee on the car tire. It was pretty dark and there weren't many people around. But Dylan, being Dylan, can't discreetly pull out his package and pee. Oh no. He had his trousers and pants down around his ankles. And he REALLY had to pee. Those pants were down south for a very, very, very long time.
So there we were, all three of us exposed to some degree, when I see this lady named Ann walking down the street. She was one of the regulars at the Place, and is one of the nicest, classiest women I know. I tried not to make eye contact and finished the business at hand as quickly as possible. Everyone sorted out, we went back in to the chippy to get our order. Guess who else was in there? Oh yeah, it was Ann. I apologized for the spectacle of my toddler urinating on our car, and she was cool about it. Said that we'd all been there. But seriously, how embarrassed was I?
Then, Dylan noticed one of the other customers in the shop. He had some kind of disease that had caused some serious growths on his neck, face, and head. My lovely son is so observant and wonderfully verbal, and has NO SOCIAL FILTERS WHATSOEVER! So of course he asked me, in the clearest, most perfectly understandable and loud English, why that man had spots. Could this dinner adventure get any more eventful? Luckily, I was able to distract him by saying, "Some people do, Dylan. You have a nose. And I can SEE IT!" Then we played a delightful game where he hid in the corner so I couldn't see his nose, and then I told him I could see his bum. He kept turning around in that corner until our order was ready, I paid, and we left. I tried not to look at the man with spots.
It's a good thing the fish and chips were ridiculously delicious.
I think it might be time to talk to Dylan about what's polite to talk about in public.
And to teach him how to pee in public more discreetly.
Had a couple of really awesome moments in the fish & chip shop.
Well, the first one technically took place just outside the fish & chip shop. We went to Humber Fisheries (there are 3 places to choose from in Barton) because a) they do the best fish in town and more importantly, b) there was a parking spot right outside so I didn't have to wrestle Edith as far. At Humber Fisheries they cook their fish to order and it takes about 7 minutes, so after I ordered our meal (2 fish, one chips, small pot of mushy peas, please) we had to wait a while. I was holding Edith when I felt my arm go all warm and wet. Oh yeah, she peed right through her diaper. I told the fish bloke that I'd be right back for my order, and took both kids outside so I could do a diaper change.
There are no facilities in the town center, so I had to change Edith on the front seat of the car (back seat is full of carseats and trunk is full of rubbish). Luckily, she is still so tiny for her age and fits rather nicely there. So I was squatting next to the car with some serious plumber's crack (sorry about the visual) changing a wet diaper when Dylan told me, with some urgency, that he had to pee. Ohboy!
As previously mentioned, there are NO TOILET FACILITIES in the town center. So I did what any mother of a young boy with shaky bladder control would do. I told him to pull his pants down and pee on the car tire. It was pretty dark and there weren't many people around. But Dylan, being Dylan, can't discreetly pull out his package and pee. Oh no. He had his trousers and pants down around his ankles. And he REALLY had to pee. Those pants were down south for a very, very, very long time.
So there we were, all three of us exposed to some degree, when I see this lady named Ann walking down the street. She was one of the regulars at the Place, and is one of the nicest, classiest women I know. I tried not to make eye contact and finished the business at hand as quickly as possible. Everyone sorted out, we went back in to the chippy to get our order. Guess who else was in there? Oh yeah, it was Ann. I apologized for the spectacle of my toddler urinating on our car, and she was cool about it. Said that we'd all been there. But seriously, how embarrassed was I?
Then, Dylan noticed one of the other customers in the shop. He had some kind of disease that had caused some serious growths on his neck, face, and head. My lovely son is so observant and wonderfully verbal, and has NO SOCIAL FILTERS WHATSOEVER! So of course he asked me, in the clearest, most perfectly understandable and loud English, why that man had spots. Could this dinner adventure get any more eventful? Luckily, I was able to distract him by saying, "Some people do, Dylan. You have a nose. And I can SEE IT!" Then we played a delightful game where he hid in the corner so I couldn't see his nose, and then I told him I could see his bum. He kept turning around in that corner until our order was ready, I paid, and we left. I tried not to look at the man with spots.
It's a good thing the fish and chips were ridiculously delicious.
I think it might be time to talk to Dylan about what's polite to talk about in public.
And to teach him how to pee in public more discreetly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)