This was Dylan's first birthday, while he was opening up all his presents. He's wearing his life jacket--the pressie from mommy and daddy!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Picture Tag...
Picture tag--for all blog readers. You go to your 6th picture file and post the 6th picture in there. See what you come up with!
This was Dylan's first birthday, while he was opening up all his presents. He's wearing his life jacket--the pressie from mommy and daddy!
This was Dylan's first birthday, while he was opening up all his presents. He's wearing his life jacket--the pressie from mommy and daddy!
Demolishing the nursery...
Quite a change, huh? Dylan is currently having a great time helping us strip the wallpaper. He loves helping around the house, though he mostly gets in the way at the minute. I'm going to encourage him to "help" a lot though, in the hope that it will continue as he gets older and more helpful!
Jump for joy...
Petrol has fallen below £1 per liter for the first time in over a year! When we filled up last night it cost us about £3 less than it has been, and that will add up in a hurry. I hope fuel prices continue to drop. When we moved over here 3 years ago it cost around 88p per liter and the highest it got was around £1.16 (I think. It reaches a point where you stop looking at the price and just fill up).
Remember, all you Americans, that there are approximately 4 liters in a gallon and the current exchange rate is about $1.80 to £1. So we have been paying around $9 a gallon for our petrol for over a year.
Mom made the argument that we don't have the long distances to drive over here that you Yanks do, but we drove to Grimsby twice a week for the last three years, three times a week while I was at college, and it's a 54 mile round trip journey. Plus, when I was working it was a 34 mile round trip journey every day. It soon adds up. The price drop is such a relief!
Hooray!!!
Remember, all you Americans, that there are approximately 4 liters in a gallon and the current exchange rate is about $1.80 to £1. So we have been paying around $9 a gallon for our petrol for over a year.
Mom made the argument that we don't have the long distances to drive over here that you Yanks do, but we drove to Grimsby twice a week for the last three years, three times a week while I was at college, and it's a 54 mile round trip journey. Plus, when I was working it was a 34 mile round trip journey every day. It soon adds up. The price drop is such a relief!
Hooray!!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
DIY Weekend...
So we had this work day all set up for last weekend, then we had to postpone because of the Place and Nadine. The stud wall in Dylan's nursery had to come down as we needed a bigger room for when Newbie comes along. We thought we had some help organized, but it ended up being just the two of us. Luckily, Martin's dad stopped by in the morning and helped us get the old kitchen units out as I am useless when it comes to carrying stuff. Not a good idea to do any heavy lifting in my delicate condition.
Dylan went to his Nanna's house for the afternoon and evening, and Martin and I dove right in. He did the heavy stuff with the crow bar, and I was on clean-up duty. He had to mess with the electrics as we had a few power sockets and light switches in the stud wall, but he's pretty good at stuff like that now, after wiring up the front room and installing a consumer unit with his dad. It went really well. I probably over did it a little bit, but everything's ok with me and the fetus. And the nursery looks good. It's kind of rough looking, but Dylan is sleeping in there again. We are going to have to strip wallpaper, repair plaster, and do some painting before it's finished. But the nasty job of gutting everything is done and everything else is just cosmetic and actually really fun.
Dylan is getting so he loves spending the night at nanna's house. She lets him watch the telly while he's having his bottle, and he gets to play with Smudge (the insane springer spaniel). They have really bonded lately, and it's lovely! We are hoping that Christine bonds with the new baby faster than she did with Dylan though. It has only been the last two months or so that they've really started to get to know each other well.
Now, on our peaceful Sunday evening, Dylan is sleeping and Martin is putting up secondary glazing film on our windows. Since we are in a conservation area and a listed building we are not allowed to have double glazed windows. Grandma Lofley always had the glazing film on her windows. I hope it works well, because our house gets really cold and it is huge and expensive to heat.
So we've still got a lot to do, but getting that wall down upstairs gets us started on the last big job that needs to be done before we can sell the house. And that's exciting stuff!!!
Dylan went to his Nanna's house for the afternoon and evening, and Martin and I dove right in. He did the heavy stuff with the crow bar, and I was on clean-up duty. He had to mess with the electrics as we had a few power sockets and light switches in the stud wall, but he's pretty good at stuff like that now, after wiring up the front room and installing a consumer unit with his dad. It went really well. I probably over did it a little bit, but everything's ok with me and the fetus. And the nursery looks good. It's kind of rough looking, but Dylan is sleeping in there again. We are going to have to strip wallpaper, repair plaster, and do some painting before it's finished. But the nasty job of gutting everything is done and everything else is just cosmetic and actually really fun.
Dylan is getting so he loves spending the night at nanna's house. She lets him watch the telly while he's having his bottle, and he gets to play with Smudge (the insane springer spaniel). They have really bonded lately, and it's lovely! We are hoping that Christine bonds with the new baby faster than she did with Dylan though. It has only been the last two months or so that they've really started to get to know each other well.
Now, on our peaceful Sunday evening, Dylan is sleeping and Martin is putting up secondary glazing film on our windows. Since we are in a conservation area and a listed building we are not allowed to have double glazed windows. Grandma Lofley always had the glazing film on her windows. I hope it works well, because our house gets really cold and it is huge and expensive to heat.
So we've still got a lot to do, but getting that wall down upstairs gets us started on the last big job that needs to be done before we can sell the house. And that's exciting stuff!!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Where has my angel baby gone???
Don't get me wrong, Dylan is still a little cutie. But, I swear I'm not exaggerating, he's hitting his "terrible twos" terribly early. He still gives plenty of cuddles, loves to play with me and Martin, and is adorable. But he has started to assert himself--big time! He has started refusing to eat--especially if WE try to feed him. There are still a few things he will eat, but he is awfully fussy. And he has started to push boundaries. He is trying to figure out if I really mean it when I tell him no. When he does something he knows he's not supposed to, I tell him no. Then he gives me a big, angelic looking smile, and does it again!
Is this normal behaviour for a 14 month old???
I want my sweet little baby back!
Is this normal behaviour for a 14 month old???
I want my sweet little baby back!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Dylan's first words...
Our little guy is turning into a chatterbox! He loves to babble--especially first thing in the morning--but he is starting to say a few things properly.
His first "real" word was DUCKS! He says it more like "dutts," but we know what he is saying.
He is also saying hello--sort of. The Brits say Hiya a lot, and even though Martin and I don't say it, Dylan's started. He says it a lot--especially when he picks up the phone.
Another favorite is "book." Once again, it doesn't sound much like book. It's more like "guk," but it's still cute.
He has also learned cat, dog, and conker (horse chestnuts). His language skills develop a little bit more every day, and it's so exciting to watch. He has also started laughing a lot more, which is wonderful. I don't think there is any sweeter sound than my son laughing out loud!
His first "real" word was DUCKS! He says it more like "dutts," but we know what he is saying.
He is also saying hello--sort of. The Brits say Hiya a lot, and even though Martin and I don't say it, Dylan's started. He says it a lot--especially when he picks up the phone.
Another favorite is "book." Once again, it doesn't sound much like book. It's more like "guk," but it's still cute.
He has also learned cat, dog, and conker (horse chestnuts). His language skills develop a little bit more every day, and it's so exciting to watch. He has also started laughing a lot more, which is wonderful. I don't think there is any sweeter sound than my son laughing out loud!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Recent pictures...
Solomon, the beautiful new kitten, just after having a bath.
Daddy and Dylan enjoy feeding the ducks.
Dylan was overwhelmed when I cleaned out the toy chest!
Playing hide and seek with Solomon.
Feeding himself!
Raised in captivity...
I've been thinking about my ridiculous parenting worries, and I've finally discovered the perfect way to describe them.
I'm like an animal who was raised in captivity who has a baby and doesn't know how to raise it.
They say you learn to be a parent from your own parents, right? Well, my mom is kind of far away (if we were any farther apart, we'd be getting closer) so I can't always go to her for advice or see her in action. When I was younger I just wasn't interested in kids or parenting. Well, now I have my own little guy and I have no clue what I should be doing. I kind of just have to make things up as I go along and hope for the best.
I'm starting to see just how major it was to move to England to have a baby. If there's one time you need your mother, it's when you have your first child. How was I brave enough to do this? Fortunately, I didn't even think about it. If I had, I don't think we ever would have left Utah!
I think a lot of my worries also stem from the fact that I am sometimes overly critical of other peoples' parenting. I see kids that are completely out of control, and I wonder if their parents ever bother with discipline. I see kids who are anti-social and I wonder if their parents ever talk to them or play with them. When they're really young if they are terrors it is totally their parents' fault! I judge other parents, so expect them to do the same to me!
Speaking of bad parenting, I really ought to turn the telly off now and get my son breakfast!
I'm like an animal who was raised in captivity who has a baby and doesn't know how to raise it.
They say you learn to be a parent from your own parents, right? Well, my mom is kind of far away (if we were any farther apart, we'd be getting closer) so I can't always go to her for advice or see her in action. When I was younger I just wasn't interested in kids or parenting. Well, now I have my own little guy and I have no clue what I should be doing. I kind of just have to make things up as I go along and hope for the best.
I'm starting to see just how major it was to move to England to have a baby. If there's one time you need your mother, it's when you have your first child. How was I brave enough to do this? Fortunately, I didn't even think about it. If I had, I don't think we ever would have left Utah!
I think a lot of my worries also stem from the fact that I am sometimes overly critical of other peoples' parenting. I see kids that are completely out of control, and I wonder if their parents ever bother with discipline. I see kids who are anti-social and I wonder if their parents ever talk to them or play with them. When they're really young if they are terrors it is totally their parents' fault! I judge other parents, so expect them to do the same to me!
Speaking of bad parenting, I really ought to turn the telly off now and get my son breakfast!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Worries...
I have an amazing son! He is beautiful as well as good natured and well behaved (well, as much as any 1 year old can be). But as our trip to the states comes ever closer, I really worry that he'll be a nightmare when we get there. If he is, it wouldn't be his fault. It would be jet lag and an unfamiliar environment. But nobody will believe how sweet he is.
I also worry that my family will think I am a terrible mother. I mean, it will be weird enough for them to actually see me with a baby, since most of them didn't see me pregnant and most of them have never met Dylan. But what if they think I am doing a bad job of raising my baby? They probably wouldn't say so to my face, but what happens after we go home?
Totally paranoid pregnant woman concerns. I'm sure Dylan will be fine and I'm reasonably sure I'm a decent parent. I guess we'll see!
I also worry that my family will think I am a terrible mother. I mean, it will be weird enough for them to actually see me with a baby, since most of them didn't see me pregnant and most of them have never met Dylan. But what if they think I am doing a bad job of raising my baby? They probably wouldn't say so to my face, but what happens after we go home?
Totally paranoid pregnant woman concerns. I'm sure Dylan will be fine and I'm reasonably sure I'm a decent parent. I guess we'll see!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Dylan's favorite song!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Oh the joys...
I know I already posted today, but it's been such a great evening that I just had to share.
We drove in to Scunny to do our grocery shopping because we needed a new vacuum cleaner. We went to a nearby pub to grab a quick bite to eat. We sat down and got ready to order, and then Dylan threw up all over me. And I do mean ALL over me. I had vomit down my back, on my sleeves, on my trousers, all down the front of me. We were, of course, 20 miles from home and still needing to do our shopping and have our dinner.
I headed for the toilets to get myself cleaned up, and Dylan and Martin ordered our food and went to Tesco. They had to buy me a new outfit, because mine was completely covered in vomit. And this isn't baby vomit, either. This is proper throw up with chunks of food and curdling milk. DISGUSTING!
Anyway, Martin and Dylan did a good job of picking out some new clothes for me. They came back and I got changed in the bathroom. We had our dinner, and then did our grocery shopping. Dylan even had more dinner. I really hope he manages to keep it down. I thought we were done with the throwing up thing.
I think he waits to puke until I'm holding him. The best part was, there wasn't a drop of sick on Dylan. It was all on me.
Maybe he just likes to share with me?
We drove in to Scunny to do our grocery shopping because we needed a new vacuum cleaner. We went to a nearby pub to grab a quick bite to eat. We sat down and got ready to order, and then Dylan threw up all over me. And I do mean ALL over me. I had vomit down my back, on my sleeves, on my trousers, all down the front of me. We were, of course, 20 miles from home and still needing to do our shopping and have our dinner.
I headed for the toilets to get myself cleaned up, and Dylan and Martin ordered our food and went to Tesco. They had to buy me a new outfit, because mine was completely covered in vomit. And this isn't baby vomit, either. This is proper throw up with chunks of food and curdling milk. DISGUSTING!
Anyway, Martin and Dylan did a good job of picking out some new clothes for me. They came back and I got changed in the bathroom. We had our dinner, and then did our grocery shopping. Dylan even had more dinner. I really hope he manages to keep it down. I thought we were done with the throwing up thing.
I think he waits to puke until I'm holding him. The best part was, there wasn't a drop of sick on Dylan. It was all on me.
Maybe he just likes to share with me?
Update...
Well, Dylan is officially weaned! Everyone keeps asking how we're doing, and I tell them that Dylan is fine and I am ECSTATIC! It's so nice to only be sharing my body with one baby instead of two. And it's a good thing that I weaned him when I did. I was sick this weekend and don't think I would have been able to take care of myself, newbie, and Dylan if I was still feeding him.
Although I was sick, it was still a good weekend. Martin worked Friday night and Saturday during the day, so we didn't see much of him. But we stayed really busy! We had our Stake Enrichment Day on Saturday and then we watched the broadcast of the General Relief Society meeting. Since Martin was at work, Dylan had to come along. He was in heaven--loads of women making a fuss over him! He was flirting like crazy, and the 40 minute drive home meant he took a nap in the car. I even got to listen to the talks, because I brought his tennis ball and he threw it and chased it for around a half an hour.
Saturday night I went to Mablethorpe with Christine. Martin's cousin's wife Clare was in a community theatre production, and we went and watched her. We were late because Christine had to pull over a few times so I could be sick, and I nearly lost it a few times during the play, but it was fun all the same. It's nice just to get out and do something new once in a while!
Yesterday we spent the day together. We went to Hemswell market, but when we got there it was deserted (it rained on Saturday, so nobody came out on Sunday). Since we were that close to Lincoln anyway, we popped down there instead. We just had a wander. Dylan loved watching the ducks and swans, and he even fed a few pigeons! Then we went to the in-laws' house for dinner. I felt pretty sick all day, but the fresh air helped. When Martin has so little time off I hate to force him to stay home all day when he wants to do something together. After all, you can throw up anywhere!
Dylan's been having trouble sleeping. On top of the gastroentiritis he jsut had, I think he's getting his back teeth. Plus, his appetite is catching up now that he's feeling better. He went to bed at 7:30 last night, and woke up at around 10pm screaming his head off. We tried everything to calm him down, and nothing worked. Finally we gave him another full bottle. He had all of it and then went right back to sleep. Weird!
Martin and I are watching conference on-line this week instead of watching telly in the evenings. We watched the Saturday morning session yesterday, and we'll be watching the Saturday afternoon session tonight. We were both amazed that a temple was announced for Rome. Surprised and very pleased. I love it when the church expands in Europe!
Anyway, we have a busy day ahead of us so I'm going to get started now. I've been lazy and on the computer instead of starting on housework. I shouldn't do that on Mondays, since they are the busiest day of the week. Oh well--I'll catch up when Martin gets home tonight!
Although I was sick, it was still a good weekend. Martin worked Friday night and Saturday during the day, so we didn't see much of him. But we stayed really busy! We had our Stake Enrichment Day on Saturday and then we watched the broadcast of the General Relief Society meeting. Since Martin was at work, Dylan had to come along. He was in heaven--loads of women making a fuss over him! He was flirting like crazy, and the 40 minute drive home meant he took a nap in the car. I even got to listen to the talks, because I brought his tennis ball and he threw it and chased it for around a half an hour.
Saturday night I went to Mablethorpe with Christine. Martin's cousin's wife Clare was in a community theatre production, and we went and watched her. We were late because Christine had to pull over a few times so I could be sick, and I nearly lost it a few times during the play, but it was fun all the same. It's nice just to get out and do something new once in a while!
Yesterday we spent the day together. We went to Hemswell market, but when we got there it was deserted (it rained on Saturday, so nobody came out on Sunday). Since we were that close to Lincoln anyway, we popped down there instead. We just had a wander. Dylan loved watching the ducks and swans, and he even fed a few pigeons! Then we went to the in-laws' house for dinner. I felt pretty sick all day, but the fresh air helped. When Martin has so little time off I hate to force him to stay home all day when he wants to do something together. After all, you can throw up anywhere!
Dylan's been having trouble sleeping. On top of the gastroentiritis he jsut had, I think he's getting his back teeth. Plus, his appetite is catching up now that he's feeling better. He went to bed at 7:30 last night, and woke up at around 10pm screaming his head off. We tried everything to calm him down, and nothing worked. Finally we gave him another full bottle. He had all of it and then went right back to sleep. Weird!
Martin and I are watching conference on-line this week instead of watching telly in the evenings. We watched the Saturday morning session yesterday, and we'll be watching the Saturday afternoon session tonight. We were both amazed that a temple was announced for Rome. Surprised and very pleased. I love it when the church expands in Europe!
Anyway, we have a busy day ahead of us so I'm going to get started now. I've been lazy and on the computer instead of starting on housework. I shouldn't do that on Mondays, since they are the busiest day of the week. Oh well--I'll catch up when Martin gets home tonight!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Ugh...
Today was a rough day!
Dylan was sick last night--big time! He woke up at around 10:30 pm and Martin went to check on him. He discovered Dylan's dinner lying in bed with him--ewwww! We got him cleaned up and his bed linens changed. Then I have him a 6 oz bottle. We got him nearly back to sleep and I was about to lay him down in his crib when he threw up the milk--all over both of us. So Dylan and I had an 11 pm shower, and we put him to bed with a totally empty tummy. Poor kid!
So we both had a late night last night, and today was hard because of it. Dylan was happy this morning, but really tired and drained. I couldn't get him to eat hardly anything, and he drank even less. He had the runs, which was also fun. He didn't eat much dinner, but he DID manage to keep his milk down and went to sleep like a little angel. Good thing, because I'm exhausted and Martin is working late.
I had a strange but nice moment when I was getting Dylan settled in tonight. Ever since he was born I've felt like I was just a big kid pretending to be a mommy. But tonight I actually felt like a mother for the first time. I guess all it took was 13 months and copious amounts of vomit. And you know what? It was totally worth it!
Dylan was sick last night--big time! He woke up at around 10:30 pm and Martin went to check on him. He discovered Dylan's dinner lying in bed with him--ewwww! We got him cleaned up and his bed linens changed. Then I have him a 6 oz bottle. We got him nearly back to sleep and I was about to lay him down in his crib when he threw up the milk--all over both of us. So Dylan and I had an 11 pm shower, and we put him to bed with a totally empty tummy. Poor kid!
So we both had a late night last night, and today was hard because of it. Dylan was happy this morning, but really tired and drained. I couldn't get him to eat hardly anything, and he drank even less. He had the runs, which was also fun. He didn't eat much dinner, but he DID manage to keep his milk down and went to sleep like a little angel. Good thing, because I'm exhausted and Martin is working late.
I had a strange but nice moment when I was getting Dylan settled in tonight. Ever since he was born I've felt like I was just a big kid pretending to be a mommy. But tonight I actually felt like a mother for the first time. I guess all it took was 13 months and copious amounts of vomit. And you know what? It was totally worth it!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Breast feeding, the Place, and a random rant...
Today is the day. Dylan has started trying to pull my bra and top down when he wants more milk, so I've decided that he is done. We've been down to one or two feeds a day for about 3 months now, and he hasn't had any breast milk today. We're done. He had a morning bottle and slept in the car for his afternoon nap. He's just fine. I'm a teeny bit sore, but not too bad. I won't be missing the feeding, that's for sure! I'm a bit tender because of the pregnancy, and it's been like the first few weeks of breastfeeding for the last month or so. OUCH!
Nadine stopped by the Place today and Karen convinced her to stay open until Christmas. I think that's a good thing, but I'm not sure! It means nothing will change for a few months, but Martin is still looking for something else. He may have an interview at Forest Pines, a really nice resort in Scunthorpe, to manage the restaurant there. It'd be a great opportunity, though it would mean long and unsociable hours. They have a nice golf course there and he would probably get a discount if he was an employee.
I have a strict no-drama policy in my life. I instituted it at around the age of 19, and it has seen me through some tough times. But seriously, how can we have this much up and down in our financial matters and keep the no-drama policy in place? This is so stressful!!!
Thinking soothing thoughts. At least Martin won't be changing jobs in 10 days' time, which was the closing date of the Place before today.
Happy place...
Nadine stopped by the Place today and Karen convinced her to stay open until Christmas. I think that's a good thing, but I'm not sure! It means nothing will change for a few months, but Martin is still looking for something else. He may have an interview at Forest Pines, a really nice resort in Scunthorpe, to manage the restaurant there. It'd be a great opportunity, though it would mean long and unsociable hours. They have a nice golf course there and he would probably get a discount if he was an employee.
I have a strict no-drama policy in my life. I instituted it at around the age of 19, and it has seen me through some tough times. But seriously, how can we have this much up and down in our financial matters and keep the no-drama policy in place? This is so stressful!!!
Thinking soothing thoughts. At least Martin won't be changing jobs in 10 days' time, which was the closing date of the Place before today.
Happy place...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My Smith's shopping list...
Lynn Wilson burritos
Monkey Bars
Steinfeld's kosher baby dill pickles
Ranch dressing
Saltine crackers
Golden Oreos
Stephen's vanilla hot chocolate
Jalapeno poppers
IBC root beer
Sugar cookies
Blueberry muffin mix
Bagels (from the in-store bakery)
In my fondest dreams I would be able to run to the grocery store and pick up all of this stuff. Oh, I am getting hungry now!
Monkey Bars
Steinfeld's kosher baby dill pickles
Ranch dressing
Saltine crackers
Golden Oreos
Stephen's vanilla hot chocolate
Jalapeno poppers
IBC root beer
Sugar cookies
Blueberry muffin mix
Bagels (from the in-store bakery)
In my fondest dreams I would be able to run to the grocery store and pick up all of this stuff. Oh, I am getting hungry now!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Drama...
So, as most of you know, nearly two years ago my mother-in-law found the "perfect" job for Martin--managing the Place. She convinced him to quit his 9-5 with medical benefits to manage a locally owned restaurant. Because he made the move, he didn't get paternity leave or pay. He also started working unsociable hours and working 6 days a week. But it was ok, since he didn't have to drive to work and I could go see him, but I've never liked him working there.
Well, today Martin came home and announced that the Place will be closing in two weeks. Nadine, the owner, has offered him a job at the Habrough Hotel. Unfortunately, she also has plans to sell that. But he will still have a job. He's in the process of looking for a new one anyway. Nadine might let Martin and Karen (the chef) take over the lease, but it will be scary financially. We've got some serious thinking to do.
Oh, the drama! We'll be OK no matter what happens--I'm confident of that. But I hate having things change just when we are getting comfortable and we've got big changes coming up anyway. ARGH!!!
Well, today Martin came home and announced that the Place will be closing in two weeks. Nadine, the owner, has offered him a job at the Habrough Hotel. Unfortunately, she also has plans to sell that. But he will still have a job. He's in the process of looking for a new one anyway. Nadine might let Martin and Karen (the chef) take over the lease, but it will be scary financially. We've got some serious thinking to do.
Oh, the drama! We'll be OK no matter what happens--I'm confident of that. But I hate having things change just when we are getting comfortable and we've got big changes coming up anyway. ARGH!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The weekend...
We've had a wonderful weekend! Saturday was spent at Normanby Hall. Martin and John had a good time golfing, I got to go on the bike with my father-in-law, and we had a great time playing on the grounds at the Hall. Then we got a kitten. We've named it Solomon, and he is absolutely adorable (if not a little bit whiney). Church was good today, and we enjoyed our video call with mom and dad. Then we went over to the Mundays' house and got to hang out with them. Oh, how beautiful! The only wayit could have been any better is if Dylan had been sleeping well. We've had two nights of interrupted sleep--Dylan's been waking up at about 4 am.
I wish every weekend could be like this one!
I wish every weekend could be like this one!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Russell Brand...
Martin is at work tonight and won't get home until at least 11:30 pm. So I am sitting in my front room watching telly. I should go to bed--take advantage of the chance to get an early night. But Russell Brand Live is on, and I couldn't resist!
Russell Brand--oh, you American girlies need to google him. He is tall and skinny with crazy hair. He wears eyeliner. He looks totally gay. But he's not, and I am totally attracted to him. Of course, it's not the first time I've been strangely attracted to a man who wears make-up. I think it stems from watching David Bowie in "Labrynth"(sp?)when I was about 10.
In other news, I have started feeling the new baby (who shall henceforth be known as "newbie") move. I love this bit of pregnancy. I am starting to get my energy back and my hair, skin, and nails are looking great! I am starting to get that glowing look, and I am feeling movement. In just a few more weeks people will be able to tell I'm pregnant rather than just speculating as to how much weight I've gained. I think it would be great to be about 5 or 6 months pregnant forever!
Dylan is doing well. Still not walking, but he's getting really close. We went and saw the ducks tonight--it had been ages! He gets so excited about the ducks down at Waters Edge. He sat on the railing of the boardwalk and kicked his legs like crazy, shrieking and shouting "ducks." Of course, in Dylan speak it sounds more like "gucks," but he is working on it. His "k" sound is phenomenal!
Martin is doing well, too. He is looking forward to tomorrow--day off! He is going golfing with John (Cathy's boyfriend) while Cathy and Christine and I wander around the grounds at Normanby Hall. I've never been, and apparently it's very good. The gardens are nice and there are animals there. Dylan will be happy as long as there are gucks!
Russell Brand--oh, you American girlies need to google him. He is tall and skinny with crazy hair. He wears eyeliner. He looks totally gay. But he's not, and I am totally attracted to him. Of course, it's not the first time I've been strangely attracted to a man who wears make-up. I think it stems from watching David Bowie in "Labrynth"(sp?)when I was about 10.
In other news, I have started feeling the new baby (who shall henceforth be known as "newbie") move. I love this bit of pregnancy. I am starting to get my energy back and my hair, skin, and nails are looking great! I am starting to get that glowing look, and I am feeling movement. In just a few more weeks people will be able to tell I'm pregnant rather than just speculating as to how much weight I've gained. I think it would be great to be about 5 or 6 months pregnant forever!
Dylan is doing well. Still not walking, but he's getting really close. We went and saw the ducks tonight--it had been ages! He gets so excited about the ducks down at Waters Edge. He sat on the railing of the boardwalk and kicked his legs like crazy, shrieking and shouting "ducks." Of course, in Dylan speak it sounds more like "gucks," but he is working on it. His "k" sound is phenomenal!
Martin is doing well, too. He is looking forward to tomorrow--day off! He is going golfing with John (Cathy's boyfriend) while Cathy and Christine and I wander around the grounds at Normanby Hall. I've never been, and apparently it's very good. The gardens are nice and there are animals there. Dylan will be happy as long as there are gucks!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Just general ramblings...
I had my appointment with the midwives today. It was ok--nothing special. It was a very long appointment though, and I had Dylan with me. That made things interesting, to say the least. I pretty much had blood drawn and she made sure that I had filled out the medical records completely. I was weighed and measured (my height, not my baby belly), given a rather large information packet, and sent on my merry way. I feel much better about midwife care now that I have already had a baby and kind of know what's up.
Interesting tidbit--did you know that HIV can have a ten year incubation period? I didn't know that before today, and I think it's really scary!!! So even if you only have one partner, if they have had multiple partners in the past ten years you should still have a regular HIV test. They offer you one every time you have a baby, just to make sure.
It still seems to me that the midwives over here are more interested in whether or not the mother has an STD than than they are in the health of the unborn child. But hey-ho, the care is free so I can't complain too much!
I've been having really crazy pregnancy dreams. I know that most pregnant women have them, so I know I'm not unique in this. But for the last few nights I've dreamt that I've gotten in really huge fights with my parents, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was 17 or 18. The one last night was a fight with my dad, and it was pretty bad. But Saturday night was the worst. I dreamed that mom and I got into a huge argument. I was trying to choke her. She was blaming my bad example for the behavior of a younger sister, and told me that I was "evil." She kicked me out of her house, along with said younger sister, and told us never to come back. I said that was fine with me, and that she would never see me or my children ever again. I woke up just as I was putting Dylan in his sling and getting ready to walk out the door. I couldn't get back to sleep after that. I was too upset, and remained upset for the rest of the day. It just seemed so real!
I had a strange one while I was preggers with Dylan. In my dream I kept killing baby animals because they were cramping my style. I killed some kittens and a few baby birds for sure. I might have killed more animals, but I don't remember because it was such a long time ago. And I dreamed that Martin was related to the Queen. I liked that one a lot!
We had to go in to Scunthorpe this evening to get new phones. We had Martin's parents' old phones, and they have been on the verge of going for quite some time. But today they finally gave up the ghost, so to speak, so our new ones are charging and will be ready for use tomorrow evening. Did you ever notice how things always break at the same time? We had to get a new microwave and a new toaster within a few weeks of each other. Then we needed new phones, and our vacuum cleaner is broken. It's kind of like how you run out of toiletries all at once and have to buy mascara, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste all at the same time. Weird!
While we were in Scunny we stopped at Burger King for a quick bite. While we were there we saw the poster child of how to be a bad parent. There was this guy who came in with his son (maybe 3 years old) and what seemed to be his mother and little sister. The girlies were fine--didn't say much the entire time they were there. Dad, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been high. He was alternating between shouting at his son and being his "buddy." He was swearing like a sailor and using racial slurs whilst singing along to Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle" (substitute "genie" with "paki" or "blackie" or even, to my horror, the forbiden "n" word). He did this in front of all the patrons, one of whom was of Asian descent and had his two young sons with him. He shouted at his son for not eating his dinner, and then shouted at him for crying because he was being shouted at. He called him several obscenities, and then dashed him off to the boys room to use the toilet whilst holding his hand and singing to him. That poor child must be so confused, and his future seems pretty bleak with a father like that.
I looked at the way Martin is with our son, and I felt so incredibly blessed to be married to him. He has his faults--don't we all--but he is a wonderful father and a fantastic husband.
Interesting tidbit--did you know that HIV can have a ten year incubation period? I didn't know that before today, and I think it's really scary!!! So even if you only have one partner, if they have had multiple partners in the past ten years you should still have a regular HIV test. They offer you one every time you have a baby, just to make sure.
It still seems to me that the midwives over here are more interested in whether or not the mother has an STD than than they are in the health of the unborn child. But hey-ho, the care is free so I can't complain too much!
I've been having really crazy pregnancy dreams. I know that most pregnant women have them, so I know I'm not unique in this. But for the last few nights I've dreamt that I've gotten in really huge fights with my parents, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was 17 or 18. The one last night was a fight with my dad, and it was pretty bad. But Saturday night was the worst. I dreamed that mom and I got into a huge argument. I was trying to choke her. She was blaming my bad example for the behavior of a younger sister, and told me that I was "evil." She kicked me out of her house, along with said younger sister, and told us never to come back. I said that was fine with me, and that she would never see me or my children ever again. I woke up just as I was putting Dylan in his sling and getting ready to walk out the door. I couldn't get back to sleep after that. I was too upset, and remained upset for the rest of the day. It just seemed so real!
I had a strange one while I was preggers with Dylan. In my dream I kept killing baby animals because they were cramping my style. I killed some kittens and a few baby birds for sure. I might have killed more animals, but I don't remember because it was such a long time ago. And I dreamed that Martin was related to the Queen. I liked that one a lot!
We had to go in to Scunthorpe this evening to get new phones. We had Martin's parents' old phones, and they have been on the verge of going for quite some time. But today they finally gave up the ghost, so to speak, so our new ones are charging and will be ready for use tomorrow evening. Did you ever notice how things always break at the same time? We had to get a new microwave and a new toaster within a few weeks of each other. Then we needed new phones, and our vacuum cleaner is broken. It's kind of like how you run out of toiletries all at once and have to buy mascara, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste all at the same time. Weird!
While we were in Scunny we stopped at Burger King for a quick bite. While we were there we saw the poster child of how to be a bad parent. There was this guy who came in with his son (maybe 3 years old) and what seemed to be his mother and little sister. The girlies were fine--didn't say much the entire time they were there. Dad, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been high. He was alternating between shouting at his son and being his "buddy." He was swearing like a sailor and using racial slurs whilst singing along to Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle" (substitute "genie" with "paki" or "blackie" or even, to my horror, the forbiden "n" word). He did this in front of all the patrons, one of whom was of Asian descent and had his two young sons with him. He shouted at his son for not eating his dinner, and then shouted at him for crying because he was being shouted at. He called him several obscenities, and then dashed him off to the boys room to use the toilet whilst holding his hand and singing to him. That poor child must be so confused, and his future seems pretty bleak with a father like that.
I looked at the way Martin is with our son, and I felt so incredibly blessed to be married to him. He has his faults--don't we all--but he is a wonderful father and a fantastic husband.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The 7 year itch...
Martin and I have been married for 7 years today!
Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that he was proposing to me in Lincoln cathedral. Just yesterday that we were struggling to get his green card. Just yesterday that we were married in the orchard at my parents' house. So much has happened since then, and I love my Martin even more than I did 7 years ago. This has been an amazing ride so far, and I am looking forward to the next 50!
Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that he was proposing to me in Lincoln cathedral. Just yesterday that we were struggling to get his green card. Just yesterday that we were married in the orchard at my parents' house. So much has happened since then, and I love my Martin even more than I did 7 years ago. This has been an amazing ride so far, and I am looking forward to the next 50!
Dylan's latest party trick...
We have been working on animal sounds with Dylan, and so far this is the only one he's mastered. But this one is so cute that it makes up for all the ones he can't do yet!
Friday, September 19, 2008
What a difference!
Last night I went to my first ever Enrichment Night at the new ward. I was amazed--we've been in that ward for two weeks and I already feel more welcomed and at home than I've ever felt in Relief Society in Grimsby! The ladies are all so down to earth and friendly, and they really seem to be making an effort to make us feel welcome. They are succeeding!
It was a pampering evening. I had a mini-pedi and a facial, and learned a bit about aromatherapy. But mostly I just visited with different people. There's a girl/woman named Noelle who is just a year older than me and from Canada. We had a good time chatting. There's another woman who is probably in her mid to late 30's who is lovely. I didn't catch her name, but she's an Aussie. We all talked about how we miss home, what we love about England, how hard it is to move your whole life, etc. And there was this little old lady there who was absolutely HILARIOUS! She is getting a little senile (I think) and kept saying wildly inappropriate things. I nearly wet myself laughing at one point. It was just nice!
I've said it before and I'll say it again--the people in Grimsby weren't unfriendly. They were just completely caught up in their own lives and already had friends and family there. They didn't go out of their way to make you feel at home (for the most part--there are definitely a few exceptions). But coming to Scunthorpe has made me realize just how incredibly lonely I've felt-especially since I've had Dylan.
Don't hate me for this Emma, but the ladies at Enrichment Night last night were almost American in their attitudes toward us newbies!
Speaking of Emma, I promised her a few weeks ago that I would make a list of all the things I like about England and the English. If I do this, she has promised to do the same about Americans and the USA (not entirely fair, as she's never been there and hasn't met many Americans, but at least she's willing to try to find positive things about people she doesn't like!). So here we go--my top 10 things I love about England (in no particular order):
1) The incredible history here! There are historic buildings all over the place, like castles and cathedrals and abbeys and even my own house. You get a real sense of belonging to the past--a connection to bygone eras. It's fantastic!
2) The scenery is amazing--especially here in Lincolnshire! I grew up in the desert and am still amazed by the rolling green hills and the rivers and the way the little villages nestle into the countryside.
3) The weather! I know I complain about it a lot, but that's only because I'm going native and that's what the people here DO! But I love the wet winters (easier on the lungs) and the cool summer days. A little more sunshine might be nice, but I like the temperate climate. There aren't many extremes in the weather, and you can get a lot of wear out of cute, lightweight jackets!
4) The NHS. I know it has it's flaws, but everyone in the whole country has access to medical care. I can go to the doctor whenever I feel sick instead of trying to decide if I can afford it. My c-section didn't cost me a penny. That's amazing!
5) Proximity to Europe and all the goodies that entails. Culturally, it's so diverse here. And you can get really good cheeses and chocolates and various other luxury items that cost a fortune in Utah for next to nothing. Mmmm!
6) Pubs. I don't drink, true, but the pub isn't just somewhere to get totally leathered. It's also the place to meet your friends and play snooker, have a meal, play darts, watch the footie match, catch up on local gossip, etc. The village pubs are especially good! Plus, they make great landmarks. Observe: To get to my house, you drive in to Barton and follow the signs for the train station. You drive past the White Swan and park next to Charlie's. We are across the street.
7) It has to go in eventually--the people are very polite and friendly--once you get to know them. Social niceties are still observed. When you go into someone's home you are immediately asked if you'd like a drink. You give cups of tea or coffee to people coming to do work--the roofer, the plasterers, the electrician, etc. These people would never ask for a cuppa, but you always offer it if you can!
8) The BBC. You have to pay a licensing fee, but the radio is commercial free, and so are the BBC television programs. Plus, CBeebies is BRILLIANT!
9) My husband and his family!
10)All of the friends I've made here.
Your turn, Emma!
It was a pampering evening. I had a mini-pedi and a facial, and learned a bit about aromatherapy. But mostly I just visited with different people. There's a girl/woman named Noelle who is just a year older than me and from Canada. We had a good time chatting. There's another woman who is probably in her mid to late 30's who is lovely. I didn't catch her name, but she's an Aussie. We all talked about how we miss home, what we love about England, how hard it is to move your whole life, etc. And there was this little old lady there who was absolutely HILARIOUS! She is getting a little senile (I think) and kept saying wildly inappropriate things. I nearly wet myself laughing at one point. It was just nice!
I've said it before and I'll say it again--the people in Grimsby weren't unfriendly. They were just completely caught up in their own lives and already had friends and family there. They didn't go out of their way to make you feel at home (for the most part--there are definitely a few exceptions). But coming to Scunthorpe has made me realize just how incredibly lonely I've felt-especially since I've had Dylan.
Don't hate me for this Emma, but the ladies at Enrichment Night last night were almost American in their attitudes toward us newbies!
Speaking of Emma, I promised her a few weeks ago that I would make a list of all the things I like about England and the English. If I do this, she has promised to do the same about Americans and the USA (not entirely fair, as she's never been there and hasn't met many Americans, but at least she's willing to try to find positive things about people she doesn't like!). So here we go--my top 10 things I love about England (in no particular order):
1) The incredible history here! There are historic buildings all over the place, like castles and cathedrals and abbeys and even my own house. You get a real sense of belonging to the past--a connection to bygone eras. It's fantastic!
2) The scenery is amazing--especially here in Lincolnshire! I grew up in the desert and am still amazed by the rolling green hills and the rivers and the way the little villages nestle into the countryside.
3) The weather! I know I complain about it a lot, but that's only because I'm going native and that's what the people here DO! But I love the wet winters (easier on the lungs) and the cool summer days. A little more sunshine might be nice, but I like the temperate climate. There aren't many extremes in the weather, and you can get a lot of wear out of cute, lightweight jackets!
4) The NHS. I know it has it's flaws, but everyone in the whole country has access to medical care. I can go to the doctor whenever I feel sick instead of trying to decide if I can afford it. My c-section didn't cost me a penny. That's amazing!
5) Proximity to Europe and all the goodies that entails. Culturally, it's so diverse here. And you can get really good cheeses and chocolates and various other luxury items that cost a fortune in Utah for next to nothing. Mmmm!
6) Pubs. I don't drink, true, but the pub isn't just somewhere to get totally leathered. It's also the place to meet your friends and play snooker, have a meal, play darts, watch the footie match, catch up on local gossip, etc. The village pubs are especially good! Plus, they make great landmarks. Observe: To get to my house, you drive in to Barton and follow the signs for the train station. You drive past the White Swan and park next to Charlie's. We are across the street.
7) It has to go in eventually--the people are very polite and friendly--once you get to know them. Social niceties are still observed. When you go into someone's home you are immediately asked if you'd like a drink. You give cups of tea or coffee to people coming to do work--the roofer, the plasterers, the electrician, etc. These people would never ask for a cuppa, but you always offer it if you can!
8) The BBC. You have to pay a licensing fee, but the radio is commercial free, and so are the BBC television programs. Plus, CBeebies is BRILLIANT!
9) My husband and his family!
10)All of the friends I've made here.
Your turn, Emma!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Major baby steps...
Today Dylan started walking while I was holding only one of his hands. Before today if you let go of one of his hands he would just sit down. But we went to Baysgarth Park this afternoon and there was an adorable little 2 year old named Tim there. He had big brown eyes and the curliest blond hair you've ever seen. Dylan thought he was pretty cool and tried to imitate him walking. Tim thought Dylan was pretty cool and started crawling by the time he and his mum left.
My little baby is growing up so fast! He's going to be walking before I know it. Next thing I know, he'll be starting college!
Today I started going through Dylan's old baby clothes. I'm seperating them according to age so if we have another boy it will be easy to get clothes out and if we have a girl it will be easier to either try to sell the clothes or give them away to friends who (might) have a boy. I was looking at some of his old sleep suits and was amazed that he used to fit in to them. Was he ever that tiny?
I'm actually starting to look forward to having another tiny baby. I was so depressed and lonely after Dylan was born, and I never said anything to anyone about it. I just suffered silently and felt guilty, and so I don't think I enjoyed him as a tiny baby as much as I could have. I'm not going to let that happen this time. I am going to treasure every moment--especially since this will be our last baby if I have to have another c-section.
My little baby is growing up so fast! He's going to be walking before I know it. Next thing I know, he'll be starting college!
Today I started going through Dylan's old baby clothes. I'm seperating them according to age so if we have another boy it will be easy to get clothes out and if we have a girl it will be easier to either try to sell the clothes or give them away to friends who (might) have a boy. I was looking at some of his old sleep suits and was amazed that he used to fit in to them. Was he ever that tiny?
I'm actually starting to look forward to having another tiny baby. I was so depressed and lonely after Dylan was born, and I never said anything to anyone about it. I just suffered silently and felt guilty, and so I don't think I enjoyed him as a tiny baby as much as I could have. I'm not going to let that happen this time. I am going to treasure every moment--especially since this will be our last baby if I have to have another c-section.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Calling all American parents...
I'm beginning to wonder if I am picking up weird British ways of raising Dylan.
As has been observed in the past, I am not exactly what you'd call a "natural mother." I was never that interested in babies as a child, and even LESS interested as a teenager and young adult. I only got interested when I decided to have children of my own, and even then...well, I'm not the most maternal person in the world. But what I lack in natural interest and ability, I make up for in effort.
I'm just worried that I am doing weird things now though, because I never really noticed the way things were done back home. All you American parent readers, could you please answer the following questions:
1) What age were your children when you stopped taking them places in a stroller and let them walk instead?
2) When did you try to wean them completely from either breastfeeding or a bottle? How old is too old to still be having a bedtime bottle?
3) Do you take your children to church in their stroller (people do it here, and I don't remember it being done back in the old home ward)?
4) What is your take on childrens' shoes? They cost around £30 over here and you take your kid to have them specially fitted. You are also advised to get them in shoes within a month or so of them starting to walk. What do the "experts" say over there?
5) At one year old, how much was your child eating? I worry that Dylan is over-fed. Also, when did you stop feeding them and let them exclusively feed themselves?
6) Do your kids watch a lot of television or movies? How much is too much?
Thanks everybody. I don't want to move back to Utah and be looked at like a parenting freak!
As has been observed in the past, I am not exactly what you'd call a "natural mother." I was never that interested in babies as a child, and even LESS interested as a teenager and young adult. I only got interested when I decided to have children of my own, and even then...well, I'm not the most maternal person in the world. But what I lack in natural interest and ability, I make up for in effort.
I'm just worried that I am doing weird things now though, because I never really noticed the way things were done back home. All you American parent readers, could you please answer the following questions:
1) What age were your children when you stopped taking them places in a stroller and let them walk instead?
2) When did you try to wean them completely from either breastfeeding or a bottle? How old is too old to still be having a bedtime bottle?
3) Do you take your children to church in their stroller (people do it here, and I don't remember it being done back in the old home ward)?
4) What is your take on childrens' shoes? They cost around £30 over here and you take your kid to have them specially fitted. You are also advised to get them in shoes within a month or so of them starting to walk. What do the "experts" say over there?
5) At one year old, how much was your child eating? I worry that Dylan is over-fed. Also, when did you stop feeding them and let them exclusively feed themselves?
6) Do your kids watch a lot of television or movies? How much is too much?
Thanks everybody. I don't want to move back to Utah and be looked at like a parenting freak!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Coming out...
It's nice to come out of the pregnancy closet! I've jsut spent about 8 weeks totally miserable and sick, but not wanting to let anybody know about it. Now that I'm into my second trimester I don't feel like I have to hide the pregnancy from everybody any more. I can be tired. I can neglect my housework. I can take naps with Dylan every day. I can do all these things and NOT have people think I am just lazy and slovenly. People are even understanding when I haven't showered and look horrible. How lovely, to not have to pretend that everything is fine and normal!
Dylan is being way too adorable lately. Yesterday he didn't take a nap at all, and that was hard. He also spilled my lunch, an entire bowl of minestrone soup, on the carpet in the dining room. It's cream coloured carpet, and now has a big red stain. But he played so adorably that I couldn't be angry. He has just started breathing heavily through his nose and growling (two new sounds for him) because he likes the noise it makes. He's also been really affectionate lately--giving kisses to just about everybody. This is especially nice as he wasn't very affectionate for a long time.
I keep meaning to post some pictures of him--I just never seem to get aorund to it. Everyone is starting to say how much he looks like Martin. But when he smiles he still looks just like me. I've even been told he laughs the same as me.
I love looking at Dylan and seeing the things about him that are just like me or Martin. He gets this little twinkle in his eye that is pure Martin. If the telly is on he can't take his eyes off it, just like Martin. He opens his mouth when he smiles, just like me. It's amazing to see!
Part of me seriously wonders if I will be able to love another baby as much as I do Dylan. And I worry that when the new baby comes along I will be so busy taking care of a newborn that my relationship with Dylan will suffer. I'm sure things will be OK, but it is a worry all the same.
Martin and I were talking about what we would do if I have to have another c-section. Mom, you'll be pleased to hear that he is planning on taking a full 2 weeks off work this time. Dylan and daddy will stay home together while I recover at the hospital, and then he'll be home for another week when I get out. Of course, if I don't have a section he won't need that much time off. But I'd be ok if he took it all the same!
March is going to come really fast! We've got loads to do on the house before the new baby arrives and we put the house on the market. It makes me tired just to think about it, and I won't be much help. Martin will have to do the bulk of the work himself as I will be busy taking care of Dylan and being pregnant and miserable. I have the best husband in the whole world!
Speaking of the best husband, he is working late tonight. There is a private function at the Place tonight (someone's 70th birthday party). He has also applied for a few different jobs. They aren't in restaurant management, but they do pay nearly twice as much as he makes now. What could we do with twice as much money? Oh, heaven! He's been doing loads of work on the house, and has really been helping a lot more on the house since his guilty weekend in London when he deserted his pregnant wife and baby to play baseball.
Anyway, I need to get dinner prepped so it is finished if Martin gets to come home before the function tonight. Ugh--I don't know if I am using my pregnancy as an excuse to do stuff or if I genuinely don't feel well. All I know is, I can't stand the smell of cooking food at the minute.
Dylan is being way too adorable lately. Yesterday he didn't take a nap at all, and that was hard. He also spilled my lunch, an entire bowl of minestrone soup, on the carpet in the dining room. It's cream coloured carpet, and now has a big red stain. But he played so adorably that I couldn't be angry. He has just started breathing heavily through his nose and growling (two new sounds for him) because he likes the noise it makes. He's also been really affectionate lately--giving kisses to just about everybody. This is especially nice as he wasn't very affectionate for a long time.
I keep meaning to post some pictures of him--I just never seem to get aorund to it. Everyone is starting to say how much he looks like Martin. But when he smiles he still looks just like me. I've even been told he laughs the same as me.
I love looking at Dylan and seeing the things about him that are just like me or Martin. He gets this little twinkle in his eye that is pure Martin. If the telly is on he can't take his eyes off it, just like Martin. He opens his mouth when he smiles, just like me. It's amazing to see!
Part of me seriously wonders if I will be able to love another baby as much as I do Dylan. And I worry that when the new baby comes along I will be so busy taking care of a newborn that my relationship with Dylan will suffer. I'm sure things will be OK, but it is a worry all the same.
Martin and I were talking about what we would do if I have to have another c-section. Mom, you'll be pleased to hear that he is planning on taking a full 2 weeks off work this time. Dylan and daddy will stay home together while I recover at the hospital, and then he'll be home for another week when I get out. Of course, if I don't have a section he won't need that much time off. But I'd be ok if he took it all the same!
March is going to come really fast! We've got loads to do on the house before the new baby arrives and we put the house on the market. It makes me tired just to think about it, and I won't be much help. Martin will have to do the bulk of the work himself as I will be busy taking care of Dylan and being pregnant and miserable. I have the best husband in the whole world!
Speaking of the best husband, he is working late tonight. There is a private function at the Place tonight (someone's 70th birthday party). He has also applied for a few different jobs. They aren't in restaurant management, but they do pay nearly twice as much as he makes now. What could we do with twice as much money? Oh, heaven! He's been doing loads of work on the house, and has really been helping a lot more on the house since his guilty weekend in London when he deserted his pregnant wife and baby to play baseball.
Anyway, I need to get dinner prepped so it is finished if Martin gets to come home before the function tonight. Ugh--I don't know if I am using my pregnancy as an excuse to do stuff or if I genuinely don't feel well. All I know is, I can't stand the smell of cooking food at the minute.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Scunthorpe problem...
We've had some major changes at church recently, and even though our family is directly affected, it wasn't significant enough (in my opinion) to run right home and post about it. But it's become a bit of a problem for a lot of people.
Barton is situated conveniently between three cities--Scunthorpe, Hull, and Grimsby. We are closest to Hull, but because of the Humber Bridge and the extortionate toll they charge to cross it (£2.70 each way) we very rarely go there. We are about 17 miles from Scunthorpe and about 25 miles from Grimsby.
Martin and I were quite surprised to learn that the ward boundary for church was the A15, the road just to the south of us, and that we were assigned to the Grimsby ward (you may recall that I had Dylan in Scunthorpe because it is quite a bit closer to us than Grimsby). But we have been dilligently driving the 27 miles one way to the Grimsby 1st Ward building twice a week since we moved here--once for church on Sunday and again for choir on Thursdays. The location of the chapel meant a drive of approximately 40 minutes each way as we had to drive through town and traffic to get there. To be perfectly honest, with the cost of petrol soaring it was getting a little bit cost prohibitive to drive there so often. But we endured.
So imagine our surprise and delight when we had a visit from the Stake President last week. He informed us that the boundaries were changing and from now on the residents of Barton and a few of the surrounding villages would be attending the Scunthorpe ward! Church starts a half an hour later, the building is quite a bit closer, and it takes us less time to get there. Plus, the church there is absolutely gorgeous. We were thrilled!
Obviously we will miss some of our friends that live in Grimsby, but this is such a good move for our family. Martin and I are both really pleased about it, and are looking forward to making new friends and receiving new callings. It's a challenge and an adventure.
Unfortunately, some people don't see it that way.
The Munday family live in Wootton and will be moving to Scunthorpe ward with us (hooray!) and Emma posted to her blog that she was thrilled about it. She made a comment about how their family had never felt very welcome in Grimsby and since Scunthorpe is where she was baptized and married she couldn't wait to go back (I know exactly how she feels. The people in Grimsby aren't unwelcoming, but they are all very much involved in their own lives and already have their own groups of friends. They are nice enough, but for the most part not overly friendly with newcomers. I felt the same way when we first came. Over the last three years I have made a few close friends, but it has been due to a tremendous effort on my part).
Well, a few people have thrown fits about that comment. I spoke to her a few moments ago, and she said that she has been "censored." I won't go into too many details, but basically, the new bishop has asked her to refrain from commenting, on her blog and on Facebook, about the move. He has apparently had a few complaints about her comments.
I was shocked and appalled to hear this. Emma uses her blog and her facebook account to express her opinion, and NOBODY has the right to censor that--not even, and maybe especially not, a religious leader! And I can't believe that there are people who are petty and vindictive and immature enough to ask their religious leader to do so. They've infringed on Emma's rights and put the poor bishop in an awkward position.
There are people who don't want to move--I understand that. But they are blowing this way out of proportion! We are attending worship services at a different location, not cutting all ties and never speaking to old friends again! Although they are certainly entitled to be sad about the move, they are not entitled to try to make other people miserable over it. And they are certainly not entitled to try to keep anyone else's feelings about it from being expressed!
If they have such a problem with the move, perhaps they should examine the reason they are attending church in the first place? It's obviously not to worship God, but to hang out with all their friends!
OK, pregnant rant is finished now. I love having raging hormones!
Barton is situated conveniently between three cities--Scunthorpe, Hull, and Grimsby. We are closest to Hull, but because of the Humber Bridge and the extortionate toll they charge to cross it (£2.70 each way) we very rarely go there. We are about 17 miles from Scunthorpe and about 25 miles from Grimsby.
Martin and I were quite surprised to learn that the ward boundary for church was the A15, the road just to the south of us, and that we were assigned to the Grimsby ward (you may recall that I had Dylan in Scunthorpe because it is quite a bit closer to us than Grimsby). But we have been dilligently driving the 27 miles one way to the Grimsby 1st Ward building twice a week since we moved here--once for church on Sunday and again for choir on Thursdays. The location of the chapel meant a drive of approximately 40 minutes each way as we had to drive through town and traffic to get there. To be perfectly honest, with the cost of petrol soaring it was getting a little bit cost prohibitive to drive there so often. But we endured.
So imagine our surprise and delight when we had a visit from the Stake President last week. He informed us that the boundaries were changing and from now on the residents of Barton and a few of the surrounding villages would be attending the Scunthorpe ward! Church starts a half an hour later, the building is quite a bit closer, and it takes us less time to get there. Plus, the church there is absolutely gorgeous. We were thrilled!
Obviously we will miss some of our friends that live in Grimsby, but this is such a good move for our family. Martin and I are both really pleased about it, and are looking forward to making new friends and receiving new callings. It's a challenge and an adventure.
Unfortunately, some people don't see it that way.
The Munday family live in Wootton and will be moving to Scunthorpe ward with us (hooray!) and Emma posted to her blog that she was thrilled about it. She made a comment about how their family had never felt very welcome in Grimsby and since Scunthorpe is where she was baptized and married she couldn't wait to go back (I know exactly how she feels. The people in Grimsby aren't unwelcoming, but they are all very much involved in their own lives and already have their own groups of friends. They are nice enough, but for the most part not overly friendly with newcomers. I felt the same way when we first came. Over the last three years I have made a few close friends, but it has been due to a tremendous effort on my part).
Well, a few people have thrown fits about that comment. I spoke to her a few moments ago, and she said that she has been "censored." I won't go into too many details, but basically, the new bishop has asked her to refrain from commenting, on her blog and on Facebook, about the move. He has apparently had a few complaints about her comments.
I was shocked and appalled to hear this. Emma uses her blog and her facebook account to express her opinion, and NOBODY has the right to censor that--not even, and maybe especially not, a religious leader! And I can't believe that there are people who are petty and vindictive and immature enough to ask their religious leader to do so. They've infringed on Emma's rights and put the poor bishop in an awkward position.
There are people who don't want to move--I understand that. But they are blowing this way out of proportion! We are attending worship services at a different location, not cutting all ties and never speaking to old friends again! Although they are certainly entitled to be sad about the move, they are not entitled to try to make other people miserable over it. And they are certainly not entitled to try to keep anyone else's feelings about it from being expressed!
If they have such a problem with the move, perhaps they should examine the reason they are attending church in the first place? It's obviously not to worship God, but to hang out with all their friends!
OK, pregnant rant is finished now. I love having raging hormones!
My dating scan...
I had my dating ultrasound at Scunthorpe Hospital yesterday, and it was fun. We got there right on time, and hardly had to wait at all (very strange for the NHS, but it was 9:15 am and one of their first appointments).
First and foremost, everything looks perfectly normal. The baby is beautifully shaped, with a nice round head and the hemispheres of the brain clearly distinguished. We saw the heart fluttering away and saw arms and legs just where they need to be. This one is also a jiffler---was moving around a LOT. It looks like it might have the Priestly nose (Martin's mom's side of the family--oh no)! It also looks slightly bigger than Dylan did in his dating scan. But, I am nearly two weeks further along this time and that makes a big difference at this stage.
I don't want another 9+ pound baby! Can't we make it aorund 8 pounds or so?
I've been given an official due date of March 18. I thought the 17th, so I guessed it pretty good. I am EXACTLY as far along as I thought I was according to the scan. 13 weeks today, and officially done with the first trimester. It's been a rough couple of months, but I think I'm through the worst of it now. I'm not quite so sick all the time and I'm just starting to get my energy back. I'm looking forward to feeling the baby move!
I'll try to put a picture from the ultrasound on the blog--either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how Dylan is today.
First and foremost, everything looks perfectly normal. The baby is beautifully shaped, with a nice round head and the hemispheres of the brain clearly distinguished. We saw the heart fluttering away and saw arms and legs just where they need to be. This one is also a jiffler---was moving around a LOT. It looks like it might have the Priestly nose (Martin's mom's side of the family--oh no)! It also looks slightly bigger than Dylan did in his dating scan. But, I am nearly two weeks further along this time and that makes a big difference at this stage.
I don't want another 9+ pound baby! Can't we make it aorund 8 pounds or so?
I've been given an official due date of March 18. I thought the 17th, so I guessed it pretty good. I am EXACTLY as far along as I thought I was according to the scan. 13 weeks today, and officially done with the first trimester. It's been a rough couple of months, but I think I'm through the worst of it now. I'm not quite so sick all the time and I'm just starting to get my energy back. I'm looking forward to feeling the baby move!
I'll try to put a picture from the ultrasound on the blog--either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how Dylan is today.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
And then there were four (soon)....
Ok, this is something some of you may already know, or guessed, but it is about time to make something public. We just want to let you know that Dylan is going to be a BIG BROTHER!!! Yes that's right, Jamie is pregnant and we are going to have another baby! Yes, that soon (in March!) We were planning on having another one, we just hadn't anticipated my swimmers, having achieved success, to excel so soon in this olympic year!
We are very excited, although it took us a little by surprise, but overcame our intitial shock and now are eagerly anticipating the new arrival. We know that some of you already had this news and we are glad of your congrtulatory messages, and look forward to hear from anyone else.
We are very excited, although it took us a little by surprise, but overcame our intitial shock and now are eagerly anticipating the new arrival. We know that some of you already had this news and we are glad of your congrtulatory messages, and look forward to hear from anyone else.
And the mud slinging begins...
Here's one for you, Emma Munday. I'm not having a go at England for once!
I just got a forward from someone I don't know with a link to a video on youtube. It claims that it is Senator Obama "making fun of the Bible." I checked it out, even though I don't live in the US right now, am not registered to vote, and don't particularly care who the next president is because the real power is with the legislative branch of the US government anyway--the president is just someone to blame when things go wrong.
I must say, I was disgusted by the video clip.
I am a registered republican, and am shocked and appalled that they paid for trash like that. It is an underhanded attempt to put "good Christian folk" off voting for the man by taking something he said out of context and twisting things around to make the man sound anti-Christian. Obama talks about using the Bible to create public policy. He points out that the antiquated laws of ancient Jerusalem and the way they are completely inappropriate in today's world. He's right. It's not OK to own slaves. It's not acceptable to stone your children if they stray from the faith. You can NOT do away with your country's defence department on the basis of the Sermon on the Mount.
The creators of this video make it seem like Obama is the anti-Christ because he doesn't think a modern government can create laws based on the Bible. Is the Senator evil because he isn't a right wing rabid Christian? I don't think so. He's not saying the Bible isn't true or inspired--just that you can't use it to govern the masses.
I HATE the way the media and lobbyists get all rabid around general election time. Every candidate has groups that create smear campaigns to drag the opponent through the mud, besmirch their characters, and dig up any dirt they can. Every word these poor people ever said comes back to haunt them. It's dirty and underhanded and horrible.
The thing that especially irritates me about this particular video clip is that it hits people where their feelings run deep. The way people feel about their faith isn't rational. That's the nature of religion--it's all about the way you feel, not necessarily about logical thought. So I hate this particular piece of work because it will be effective. I've already had it sent to me twice, by people who are smarter than that. So if you get it, don't send it to me!
Honestly, if I were registered to vote I would probably tick the democrat box. Not that single votes matter-it all comes down to the electoral college anyway. But seriously people, take a step back and look at things logically. You should never let your emotions get in the way when choosing a political leader--that's one of the times you should go into things with both eyes wide open and all brain cells fully functioning.
I just got a forward from someone I don't know with a link to a video on youtube. It claims that it is Senator Obama "making fun of the Bible." I checked it out, even though I don't live in the US right now, am not registered to vote, and don't particularly care who the next president is because the real power is with the legislative branch of the US government anyway--the president is just someone to blame when things go wrong.
I must say, I was disgusted by the video clip.
I am a registered republican, and am shocked and appalled that they paid for trash like that. It is an underhanded attempt to put "good Christian folk" off voting for the man by taking something he said out of context and twisting things around to make the man sound anti-Christian. Obama talks about using the Bible to create public policy. He points out that the antiquated laws of ancient Jerusalem and the way they are completely inappropriate in today's world. He's right. It's not OK to own slaves. It's not acceptable to stone your children if they stray from the faith. You can NOT do away with your country's defence department on the basis of the Sermon on the Mount.
The creators of this video make it seem like Obama is the anti-Christ because he doesn't think a modern government can create laws based on the Bible. Is the Senator evil because he isn't a right wing rabid Christian? I don't think so. He's not saying the Bible isn't true or inspired--just that you can't use it to govern the masses.
I HATE the way the media and lobbyists get all rabid around general election time. Every candidate has groups that create smear campaigns to drag the opponent through the mud, besmirch their characters, and dig up any dirt they can. Every word these poor people ever said comes back to haunt them. It's dirty and underhanded and horrible.
The thing that especially irritates me about this particular video clip is that it hits people where their feelings run deep. The way people feel about their faith isn't rational. That's the nature of religion--it's all about the way you feel, not necessarily about logical thought. So I hate this particular piece of work because it will be effective. I've already had it sent to me twice, by people who are smarter than that. So if you get it, don't send it to me!
Honestly, if I were registered to vote I would probably tick the democrat box. Not that single votes matter-it all comes down to the electoral college anyway. But seriously people, take a step back and look at things logically. You should never let your emotions get in the way when choosing a political leader--that's one of the times you should go into things with both eyes wide open and all brain cells fully functioning.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Learning new skills...
Dylan has learned something new. He is now able to smack his lips together. I know it's going to be annoying in a few days' time, but right now it's just adorable!
The little munchkin gets smarter every day. He loves to crawl around the house and get in to everything! He's also just learned how to put the toilet lid up--not cool! He's a little chatterbox, especially first thing in the morning, and his verbal skills are really improving. He's not talking yet, but he is really keen on copying sounds. He will click his tongue, cough, smack his lips, or make monkey noises if you do it first. And he loves it when we copy him!
I love just watching Dylan play. He is so intelligent and I could watch him figure stuff out all day long. Unfortunately, it's also exhausting to follow him around and make sure he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. And he is terminally curious.
I love my son!
The little munchkin gets smarter every day. He loves to crawl around the house and get in to everything! He's also just learned how to put the toilet lid up--not cool! He's a little chatterbox, especially first thing in the morning, and his verbal skills are really improving. He's not talking yet, but he is really keen on copying sounds. He will click his tongue, cough, smack his lips, or make monkey noises if you do it first. And he loves it when we copy him!
I love just watching Dylan play. He is so intelligent and I could watch him figure stuff out all day long. Unfortunately, it's also exhausting to follow him around and make sure he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. And he is terminally curious.
I love my son!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Dylan's birthday
We have had such a wonderful day!
We went down to Rand Farm Park this afternoon to celebrate Dylan's first birthday, and it was so much fun. We got a late start from home because Martin had to get a haircut and there was quite a wait at George's Gents Hairdressing, but we were the first ones there anyway. Dylan's nanna and grandad, great gran and grandad, and Charlie and Beth were there. We had a picnic, ate birthday cupcakes, and then Dylan opened his gifts. The packages from Velecia, Angie, Grandma Lofley, and Grandma Cook all got here on time, and he loves his stuff. Well, we love his clothes and he loves his toys!
We wandered around the farm then, which was interesting. Dylan was a little bit scared of some of the animals (bizarrely enough, mostly the sheep). But he loved the chickens and absolutely adored the pigs and piglets. He got to pet a rabbit--and ended up groping an employee's chest instead--and a cow. Then we went and played in the toddler area of the adventure playground. After he was done playing we went back through the farm to go home. This time through, he loved the animals. He even put his hand inside a calf's mouth (and then promptly tried to put his hand in his own mouth--gross)! He was asleep within 5 minutes of us starting the drive home, and slept the whole way. He woke up and had his dinner, and now we are playing with some of his new toys.
I was pretty impressed with myself. I made his birthday cupcakes from scratch! I used the Emery County cookbook (thanks Grandma, that was the best bridal shower gift EVER). It was a very strange recipe that called for baking soda dissolved in milk instead of baking powder. Plus you added boiling water to the mix right before you baked it. I was a bit dubious, but it turned out ok. Plus I made German chocolate cake frosting. Delicious.
It's nearly bath and bed time--thank goodness. I will definitely be getting an early night tonight.
I can't believe Dylan is one already. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday he was born, and sometimes it seems like he's been with us forever. A whole year!!!
We went down to Rand Farm Park this afternoon to celebrate Dylan's first birthday, and it was so much fun. We got a late start from home because Martin had to get a haircut and there was quite a wait at George's Gents Hairdressing, but we were the first ones there anyway. Dylan's nanna and grandad, great gran and grandad, and Charlie and Beth were there. We had a picnic, ate birthday cupcakes, and then Dylan opened his gifts. The packages from Velecia, Angie, Grandma Lofley, and Grandma Cook all got here on time, and he loves his stuff. Well, we love his clothes and he loves his toys!
We wandered around the farm then, which was interesting. Dylan was a little bit scared of some of the animals (bizarrely enough, mostly the sheep). But he loved the chickens and absolutely adored the pigs and piglets. He got to pet a rabbit--and ended up groping an employee's chest instead--and a cow. Then we went and played in the toddler area of the adventure playground. After he was done playing we went back through the farm to go home. This time through, he loved the animals. He even put his hand inside a calf's mouth (and then promptly tried to put his hand in his own mouth--gross)! He was asleep within 5 minutes of us starting the drive home, and slept the whole way. He woke up and had his dinner, and now we are playing with some of his new toys.
I was pretty impressed with myself. I made his birthday cupcakes from scratch! I used the Emery County cookbook (thanks Grandma, that was the best bridal shower gift EVER). It was a very strange recipe that called for baking soda dissolved in milk instead of baking powder. Plus you added boiling water to the mix right before you baked it. I was a bit dubious, but it turned out ok. Plus I made German chocolate cake frosting. Delicious.
It's nearly bath and bed time--thank goodness. I will definitely be getting an early night tonight.
I can't believe Dylan is one already. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday he was born, and sometimes it seems like he's been with us forever. A whole year!!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wahoo!
I just booked our tickets to come and visit the family at Christmas! We are flying out on the 16th of December and will be staying for three whole weeks--can you stand us for that long, mom?
The best bit is, we are flying from Humberside airport instead of Manchester. It means an extra connection at Schiphol, in Amsterdam, but it also means that we are flying from the airport that's a 15 minute drive from our house instead of 2 1/2 hours. Even with us actually flying away from our destination to start, we are still saving hours of time and not spending that much more money. Hooray for regional airports and KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)!
Now I just have to wait until the 16th of December. I can hardly wait to smell that sweet, clean, dry Utah air and give everyone big hugs and kisses. And I can't wait for all of you to meet my beautiful Dylan. I just hope he's good on the flights. How on earth are we going to keep him still for 17+ hours? Any travel tips from parents with young kids. And I don't mean giving them Benadryl before the flight--I think it's horrible to drug your kids up so they sleep the whole time!
The best bit is, we are flying from Humberside airport instead of Manchester. It means an extra connection at Schiphol, in Amsterdam, but it also means that we are flying from the airport that's a 15 minute drive from our house instead of 2 1/2 hours. Even with us actually flying away from our destination to start, we are still saving hours of time and not spending that much more money. Hooray for regional airports and KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)!
Now I just have to wait until the 16th of December. I can hardly wait to smell that sweet, clean, dry Utah air and give everyone big hugs and kisses. And I can't wait for all of you to meet my beautiful Dylan. I just hope he's good on the flights. How on earth are we going to keep him still for 17+ hours? Any travel tips from parents with young kids. And I don't mean giving them Benadryl before the flight--I think it's horrible to drug your kids up so they sleep the whole time!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Medieval Day...
We have had such a brilliant weekend so far! Martin and I went in to Grimsby yesterday and I got a haircut at Zimmini (remember last year when I got the most expensive haircut ever? Same place!) while the boys went window shopping. Then we had lunch at a pub called the Parity and drove down to Utterby for the medieval day.
The event was being held in a big field behind someone's house. It was great! They had decorated with a giant castle cutout and had old school tents up everywhere. There was an archery stand, a display about local builders who restore old wattle and daub houses in Lincolnshire, face painting for the kids, a tent where you could make a family sheild, and family races and jousting.
Dylan had so much fun, because the field was huge and we just let him crawl around to his heart's content. He went all over the place. He wore his horse costume from Aunt Angie and Uncle Greg, and looked FANTASTIC! Martin and I wore the costumes that I made, and we looked pretty good, too.
Martin's dad came for dinner, which was nice as well. There was a hog roast, and we also had venison, sea trout, and roast rabbit. Yummy!
By far the best part of the day was that it completely wore Dylan out. He fell asleep in the car on the way home, woke up long enough to have a bottle when we got back, and slept until quarter past 7 this morning.
It was a busy run up to the day, though. I made blackberry and apple pies (with blackberries that Dylan and I picked together, no less) and spiced apple cider. I also made the costumes, and that was not easy. I finished mine about a half an hour before we left the house, and it involved curved seams, darts, and button holes! By the time we showed up, I was already exhausted. But it was so worth it!
Today has been good as well. Church was interesting. The chapel is being redecorated and has been completely gutted. The pews have all been moved into the cultural hall, and it is a bit of a squeeze. I hope it doesn't take long to finish the chapel, but it is going to be so much nicer. The church looks a little bit ghetto at the minute. It was built in the early 70's, and it really shows. One of the first things to go was the cheesy cheap wooden panelling that covered the entire front of the chapel, and it looks better already. Didn't really get much of a spiritual buzz, because I spent most of the time chasing Dylan around. That's pretty normal now, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Martin had his last game of the season in Hull today, but Dylan and I stayed home and had a nap. Then we drove over to Kirton Lindsey and met Grandad for a drink and some cake at the windmill there. It was a gorgeous afternoon spent in total relaxation, and Dylan was as good as gold. I had a wonderful visit with my father-in-law, as well. I really do love my in-laws. I just prefer not to hang out with both of them at once.
Now Dylan and I are relaxing and waiting for daddy to come home. He's been confined to a car seat or his pushchair for most of the day, so he's enjoying just roaming around. I'm enjoying watching him!
By far the best part of the weekend is that it's not over yet. It's bank holiday Monday tomorrow, and the Place is closed. Martin and I are going to be working out in the garden. It needs a serious tidy! We will get to spend the whole day together tomorrow!
Last year I was 9+ months pregnant on the bank holiday Monday. We went to Cleethorpes sea front and had a picnic, and I was huge and swollen and miserable. I played catch with Martin on the beach and my water broke that night. I can't believe it's been a whole year since then!
The event was being held in a big field behind someone's house. It was great! They had decorated with a giant castle cutout and had old school tents up everywhere. There was an archery stand, a display about local builders who restore old wattle and daub houses in Lincolnshire, face painting for the kids, a tent where you could make a family sheild, and family races and jousting.
Dylan had so much fun, because the field was huge and we just let him crawl around to his heart's content. He went all over the place. He wore his horse costume from Aunt Angie and Uncle Greg, and looked FANTASTIC! Martin and I wore the costumes that I made, and we looked pretty good, too.
Martin's dad came for dinner, which was nice as well. There was a hog roast, and we also had venison, sea trout, and roast rabbit. Yummy!
By far the best part of the day was that it completely wore Dylan out. He fell asleep in the car on the way home, woke up long enough to have a bottle when we got back, and slept until quarter past 7 this morning.
It was a busy run up to the day, though. I made blackberry and apple pies (with blackberries that Dylan and I picked together, no less) and spiced apple cider. I also made the costumes, and that was not easy. I finished mine about a half an hour before we left the house, and it involved curved seams, darts, and button holes! By the time we showed up, I was already exhausted. But it was so worth it!
Today has been good as well. Church was interesting. The chapel is being redecorated and has been completely gutted. The pews have all been moved into the cultural hall, and it is a bit of a squeeze. I hope it doesn't take long to finish the chapel, but it is going to be so much nicer. The church looks a little bit ghetto at the minute. It was built in the early 70's, and it really shows. One of the first things to go was the cheesy cheap wooden panelling that covered the entire front of the chapel, and it looks better already. Didn't really get much of a spiritual buzz, because I spent most of the time chasing Dylan around. That's pretty normal now, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Martin had his last game of the season in Hull today, but Dylan and I stayed home and had a nap. Then we drove over to Kirton Lindsey and met Grandad for a drink and some cake at the windmill there. It was a gorgeous afternoon spent in total relaxation, and Dylan was as good as gold. I had a wonderful visit with my father-in-law, as well. I really do love my in-laws. I just prefer not to hang out with both of them at once.
Now Dylan and I are relaxing and waiting for daddy to come home. He's been confined to a car seat or his pushchair for most of the day, so he's enjoying just roaming around. I'm enjoying watching him!
By far the best part of the weekend is that it's not over yet. It's bank holiday Monday tomorrow, and the Place is closed. Martin and I are going to be working out in the garden. It needs a serious tidy! We will get to spend the whole day together tomorrow!
Last year I was 9+ months pregnant on the bank holiday Monday. We went to Cleethorpes sea front and had a picnic, and I was huge and swollen and miserable. I played catch with Martin on the beach and my water broke that night. I can't believe it's been a whole year since then!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Marriage to a sports fanatic...
I knew Martin was a sports fiend when we first met. He forgot we had a date because he went to softball practice, for crying out loud. The fact that he ranks sports pretty high on his priorities list is not news, but it still irritates me from time to time.
Yesterday I felt REALLY sick. We went in to church, but I only made it through the first hour. Martin very kindly brought me home. He tucked me and Dylan into bed for a nap, and then left for 5 1/2 hours to go play baseball. I could hardly drag myself out of bed, and he left me alone with Dylan to play a stupid game!
I have always been really disgusted by those men who play on a sports team of any kind and make it the most important thing in the world. It doesn't matter what sport it is, either. You know those sad, pathetic men, right? They treat their Saturday softball team like they're playing major league baseball or their Sunday league football team like they have a chance at winning the Carling Cup. They only take days off work for their team, and all family trips have to coincide with away games? I feel like I am married to that man!
The cherry on top of the weekend was that football season has started again. Match of the day is back on, so Martin will be spending the next 9 months watching it every Saturday and Sunday night. If we do happen to go out we will have to be home by 10pm so he doesn't miss it. And baseball is still going on, so he will tape that and stay up after match of the day to watch it. He will go to bed at around midnight or later every weekend for the forseeable future, and will then be grumpy and useless in the morning when I need to rest. He will complain about being tired, and it will be totally self inflicted!
OK, I feel better now that I got that off my chest.
In other news, Dylan spent his first night wawy from us. He slept over at Nanna and Grandad's house on Friday. I was really worried that he'd be upset on Saturday morning when he woke up and Martin and I weren't there, so I woke up early anyway, but he was really good. He woke up early, but wasn't fussy or upset. We're planning another sleepover for our anniversary next month.
We went to the church fete in Wootton on Saturday. It was a party/fundraiser for the Anglican church in the village, and it was good fun. We bought some cakes, Martin played a few games, and Dylan crawled around on the grass and was just generally adorable. Afterwards we went to the Mundays' for dinner. Once the kids were asleep Emma and I did some scrapbooking and Martin and Lewis played on the XBox. And yes, we did leave in time for Martin to watch Match of the Day.
So that was our weekend. It was pretty good, all things considered!
Yesterday I felt REALLY sick. We went in to church, but I only made it through the first hour. Martin very kindly brought me home. He tucked me and Dylan into bed for a nap, and then left for 5 1/2 hours to go play baseball. I could hardly drag myself out of bed, and he left me alone with Dylan to play a stupid game!
I have always been really disgusted by those men who play on a sports team of any kind and make it the most important thing in the world. It doesn't matter what sport it is, either. You know those sad, pathetic men, right? They treat their Saturday softball team like they're playing major league baseball or their Sunday league football team like they have a chance at winning the Carling Cup. They only take days off work for their team, and all family trips have to coincide with away games? I feel like I am married to that man!
The cherry on top of the weekend was that football season has started again. Match of the day is back on, so Martin will be spending the next 9 months watching it every Saturday and Sunday night. If we do happen to go out we will have to be home by 10pm so he doesn't miss it. And baseball is still going on, so he will tape that and stay up after match of the day to watch it. He will go to bed at around midnight or later every weekend for the forseeable future, and will then be grumpy and useless in the morning when I need to rest. He will complain about being tired, and it will be totally self inflicted!
OK, I feel better now that I got that off my chest.
In other news, Dylan spent his first night wawy from us. He slept over at Nanna and Grandad's house on Friday. I was really worried that he'd be upset on Saturday morning when he woke up and Martin and I weren't there, so I woke up early anyway, but he was really good. He woke up early, but wasn't fussy or upset. We're planning another sleepover for our anniversary next month.
We went to the church fete in Wootton on Saturday. It was a party/fundraiser for the Anglican church in the village, and it was good fun. We bought some cakes, Martin played a few games, and Dylan crawled around on the grass and was just generally adorable. Afterwards we went to the Mundays' for dinner. Once the kids were asleep Emma and I did some scrapbooking and Martin and Lewis played on the XBox. And yes, we did leave in time for Martin to watch Match of the Day.
So that was our weekend. It was pretty good, all things considered!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Messes...
I think I must be a weird mom. Dylan is SO allowed to get dirty. He plays in the garden, crawls around the park, touches everything, and generally gets messy all the time. I'm ok with that--I know you should let your kids get dirty, and bathtime soon comes around. But I can't stand food mess!
Dylan is just starting to learn to feed himself with a spoon, and it actually turns my stomach to have him covered in food. Mud from the garden is fine, but banana and oatmeal is just disgusting to me. I know he's got to learn to feed himself eventually, but I really wish I could just feed him myself until he's coordinated enough to not make a mess. Unfortunately, he will never learn if I don't let him make a mess. Maybe I'll just wait until Martin comes home and let daddy deal with the mess?
We've been watching the Olympics in the evening and it's so strange to watch the BBC cover it. They are so not impartial (understandable, I guess). They're all about "team GB," and a lot of times they don't even show the Americans competing because they're interviewing either the Brit or someone from one of the colonies. It's really frustrating. And any time someone wins a medal it is a HUGE deal--even a bronze. Funny.
Anyway, need to take care of my messy baby!
Dylan is just starting to learn to feed himself with a spoon, and it actually turns my stomach to have him covered in food. Mud from the garden is fine, but banana and oatmeal is just disgusting to me. I know he's got to learn to feed himself eventually, but I really wish I could just feed him myself until he's coordinated enough to not make a mess. Unfortunately, he will never learn if I don't let him make a mess. Maybe I'll just wait until Martin comes home and let daddy deal with the mess?
We've been watching the Olympics in the evening and it's so strange to watch the BBC cover it. They are so not impartial (understandable, I guess). They're all about "team GB," and a lot of times they don't even show the Americans competing because they're interviewing either the Brit or someone from one of the colonies. It's really frustrating. And any time someone wins a medal it is a HUGE deal--even a bronze. Funny.
Anyway, need to take care of my messy baby!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Out of body experience...
Have you ever felt like your body didn't actually belong to you? The last time I felt that way I was heavily pregnant and my body wasn't my own--it had been taken over by my 9 1/2 lb. baby. But the other night I was getting out of the bath and looked at my leg. It didn't feel like it was my leg. I honestly felt like the leg I was looking at belonged to someone else. Totally strange moment.
The boys and I did our grocery shop tonight, and we saw the funniest thing. When we were loading our bags in the car, I looked over at the car parked next to us and did a double take. Sitting in the driver's seat, looking for all the world like he was about to start the car and drive away, was a great dane. I'm not kidding--it looked just like he was getting ready to drive away. We wanted to take a picture, but there was too much glare off the car window. SO funny.
That reminds me of the most bizarre thing I ever saw--when we were living in Cedar City we were driving down to St. George. It was right around Thanksgiving, and as we rounded a bend on I15, we saw a headless turkey STANDING at the side of the road. It was a little bit surreal.
Our bedroom window is totally painted now, and we are just waiting for the glass to be installed. Hooray for windows that open! Of course, now the weather is cooling off. But it'll still be great to let a little fresh air in. Bizarrely, most windows here don't have screens. I find that strange, as there are a LOT of bugs here. It's totally weird to open the window and have nothing between you and outside. I guess it's just what you're used to!
The boys and I did our grocery shop tonight, and we saw the funniest thing. When we were loading our bags in the car, I looked over at the car parked next to us and did a double take. Sitting in the driver's seat, looking for all the world like he was about to start the car and drive away, was a great dane. I'm not kidding--it looked just like he was getting ready to drive away. We wanted to take a picture, but there was too much glare off the car window. SO funny.
That reminds me of the most bizarre thing I ever saw--when we were living in Cedar City we were driving down to St. George. It was right around Thanksgiving, and as we rounded a bend on I15, we saw a headless turkey STANDING at the side of the road. It was a little bit surreal.
Our bedroom window is totally painted now, and we are just waiting for the glass to be installed. Hooray for windows that open! Of course, now the weather is cooling off. But it'll still be great to let a little fresh air in. Bizarrely, most windows here don't have screens. I find that strange, as there are a LOT of bugs here. It's totally weird to open the window and have nothing between you and outside. I guess it's just what you're used to!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Some Dylan pics...
Dylan's first haircut--just a bit off over the ears!
Top hats out in the garden.
Dylan always has a huge belly after he eats his dinner!
My window. It cost £1700 (around $3400) because it is custom built and absolutely HUGE!
Nanna and Dylan have a special moment together outside Thornton Abbey.Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Happy healthy baby!
And I should mention huge as well. I had Dylan weighed and measured today and he is tipping the scales at just over 25 lbs. He's also 81 cm long (that's just shy of 3 feet, for the metrically challenged). He's just below the 91st percentile on his weight, and at 99.6 on his height. We have a BIG boy. Every time the health visitors see him they gush about how beautiful he is. I have to agree.
Not too much going on at the minute. Martin has nearly finished painting the window, and we should have it installed early next week. I'm excited to have a window that opens in the bedroom! The weather has been really hot (for England) and with the humidity hovering over 70% most days that makes things pretty miserable. A window that opens will cool things off considerably.
My friend Jen is in the hospital. Her asthma flared up and she isn't responding to treatment. I always forget that asthma is a serious condition that can even be life threatening. Mine is so well controlled that it isn't really an issue. Dylan and I took her a bag of toiletries and stayed for a short visit. Her family are far away and she has been lonely in the hospital with no visitors. I know how she feels--I had a lonely few days after Dylan was born, even with Martin's family and lovely Emma coming to visit. The days are long when you're stuck in a hospital bed.
Martin's off to baseball practice tonight, and when he gets home I'm going to watch Mama Mia at the cinema with his mother. We're bonding. It should be fun--our mobile phone company does half price tickets on a Wednesday, so it's really cheap to go. Can't wait!!!
Not too much going on at the minute. Martin has nearly finished painting the window, and we should have it installed early next week. I'm excited to have a window that opens in the bedroom! The weather has been really hot (for England) and with the humidity hovering over 70% most days that makes things pretty miserable. A window that opens will cool things off considerably.
My friend Jen is in the hospital. Her asthma flared up and she isn't responding to treatment. I always forget that asthma is a serious condition that can even be life threatening. Mine is so well controlled that it isn't really an issue. Dylan and I took her a bag of toiletries and stayed for a short visit. Her family are far away and she has been lonely in the hospital with no visitors. I know how she feels--I had a lonely few days after Dylan was born, even with Martin's family and lovely Emma coming to visit. The days are long when you're stuck in a hospital bed.
Martin's off to baseball practice tonight, and when he gets home I'm going to watch Mama Mia at the cinema with his mother. We're bonding. It should be fun--our mobile phone company does half price tickets on a Wednesday, so it's really cheap to go. Can't wait!!!
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