Phases

The big lad is going through what I like to think of as his amateur dramatics phase.

Yesterday we were all upstairs playing whilst the bath was running.

Littlest little one was happily getting ready to get in the bath.

I could feel the tension building as I turned nervously to his brother and  said those dreaded words....

"Can you get ready for the bath...please?"

"Noooooooooooooo."

It was like a scene from Platoon as his arms flew up and he dropped to his knees and then crashed down on to the floor in a heap.

"IT'S NOT FAIR!"

You get the picture. Any request to do something perceived as a chore is met by an Oscar worthy act of defiance.

Of all the different phases it is one of my least favourite I have to say.

His reactions to the smallest of requests is, at first, quite funny. After the twentieth time it all becomes rather tedious.

Our new next door neighbour has just moved in.

I can just imagine her walking into her bathroom only to hear me through the wall screeching at Samuel to, and I quote "for the love of god, just brush your bloody teeth."

What she doesn't know is that it was the seventeenth time of asking.

I used to be able to get away with the whole "we'll don't do it then, I'm not bothered." It always did the trick.

He has become wise to my lame attempts at reverse psychology and now simply smiles and says "OK then, I won't."

I then have no smarter comeback than simply "well you have to because I have told you to."

"But Mummy, a minute ago you said I didn't have to?"

This motherhood malarkey is exhausting!

Winter is Coming....

At the moment I am thoroughly enjoying reading and watching Game of Thrones.
I am only on the first book/series but I think it's fair to say I'm hooked!

In the story there is massive emphasis on the severity and length of winter time.
Winters do not last for a few months in this fictional world. Instead, they can last for years at a time. Snow fall can reach one hundred feet deep and the world becomes a dark and dangerous place.

I think we all felt like our last winter would never end. Snow in April? What was that about?

We have, however, had a brilliant summer of sunshine and warm weather. Surely even the grumpiest of cynic amongst us cannot complain about the summer of 2013.

The children have gone back to school. It is getting darker earlier in the evenings and early starts are increasingly difficult. All over the country domestic disputes are breaking out over when the heating should be put on.

Apparently there is potential for a couple of weeks of an Indian type summer this Month but other than that there is no denying that winter is coming.

Here are my favourite things about Autumn and Winter in case anyone reading this is seriously considering going into hibernation...


- The arrival of the conkers and chestnuts! Collecting conkers becomes a bit of an obsession in this house.

- Dark evenings means a complete lack of guilt over putting the pj's on at 6:30pm.

- Hats, scarves and gloves. The woolier and more colourful the better!

- The food. Winter comfort food is awesome. Pies, stews, homemade soups, all puddings served with custard. Bonfire toffee, mushy peas, mince pies and endless tons of quality streets!

- Halloween. I love a bit of spooky. As the kids get older the scare factor can get bigger and bigger!

- Bonfire night. Getting all wrapped up to write your name with a sparkler and watch the kids faces watching the fireworks.

- The build up to... (dare I say it) Chrimbo! I think I love the run up to it just as much, if not more than the event itself.

Don't be grumpy.

What's in a name

In my job I am lucky enough to see lots of new babies and to record, for the first time, the names that their parents have lovingly chosen for them.

I say lovingly because I'm certain that that is almost always the case.

Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to names. Where would we be without some originality and uniqueness?

Unfortunately for some children it seems to me that the desire to be fairly unique takes over from sense.

Obviously all of the below examples are completely fabricated.

Things to remember when naming your child...

- The biggest deciding factor surely has to be the fact that said child has to grow up with the name you give them.

If you call your little blue eyed baby boy Frodo HE IS NOT GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME IN SCHOOL.

If the child is named after a character from Lord of the Rings or even has a name that sounds like he comes from the land of the hobbits your are in dangerous territory.

- Numbers are not allowed in names. Yes you may have decided long before the Beckhams that your daughter should be called Seven but you cannot spell it Se7en. Yes the film is good but it is also about a gruesome wrath of God type serial killer.
Have a word.

-Swear words are not allowed.
It's not cool.

- Named after an Alcoholic drink eh? Doesn't look great on a CV.

- If English is not your first language please ensure you check the meanings of certain names you may want to use.
It is very difficult for a registrar to keep a straight face when explaining the English meaning of the word 'bollock.'


If all else fails there is always George. Or Alexander. Or Louis. Or all three?

Monsters University

I recently took child number one to see 'Monsters University' in 3D.

As fans of the incredibly original and hilarious 'Monsters Inc', this viewing was an absolute must.

Apart from the ridiculous amount of adverts prior to the film we were captivated throughout.

Who doesn't love Mike Wasowksi?

The film started with a ridiculously cute, school age Mike being shunned by his classmates. Obviously bringing tears to my eyes (one eyed green monsters are regularly bullied in real life didn't you know!)

Well that was me hooked and the slapstick style comedy from early on meant the boy was equally enthralled.

The film had many laugh out loud moments throughout. Including a rather troubled slug who tries his best not to be late for class!

The storyline revolves around a University Fraternity of monsters, led by Mike, who enter 'The Scare Games.'
In true Disney-Pixar fashion these monsters (who have been outcast by others as un-scary) prove that teamwork and friendship mean more than victory.

Throughout the film Mike and Sully's relationship develops from competitive rivals to the inevitable best of friends.

There are a few darker moments. A rather spooky and stern looking University Dean involved in most of these.
The boy loves a bit of spook so these completely added to the appeal of the film.

I'm not convinced about 3D yet.
For the first five minutes of the film the 3D aspect is a fun novelty but personally after that I don't really notice the 3D.
I think I would have enjoyed the film just as much (if not more because of the annoying glasses) in normal D (aka 2).

Overall I would highly recommend this film for people aged 3 to 103 years of age.

A Prince is born

Wow, the country is going crazy over the birth of the royal baby.

What wonderful news.
Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess on the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Kate's little baby boy has arrived into this world as new and unaware as all baby's are. Little does he know of the world wide interest in his arrival.

Obviously he will not know any different, but it is difficult to imagine how different his life will be from your average Jo Bloggs' little Princes and Princesses.

I wonder if the queen has studied Gina Ford to pass on some tips?

Well I think if my boys were to pass on a message to the royal baby it would be this....

Boys rule!!

Why should I?

Why should I?

What a question.

So many potential answers.

The slightly thought out responses like 'why do you think you should?'

The mildly threatening responses such as 'because if you don't you won't get a treat."

The more wrathful responses: 'because if you don't you will go straight to the naughty step and I will tell your Dad.'

The completely useless, zero impact, meaningless response: 'because I told you to.'

Which do you think I used?

Fail.

Growing up

The time has come for our special little man to start nursery.

It has not been an easy decision but we feel like the cheeky chappy is ready to experience all that nursery has to offer.

We did not have a great experience (to say the least) when it came to drop offs with the eldest so it's fair to say I'm slightly anxious about how things will work out.

After a few trial sessions it seems to me that the little man isn't too phased by the actual separation.
He did get upset because of the unfamiliar faces and surroundings but I'm hoping he will settle when in a routine.

When we first brought him home after those horrendous first few months of his life, I remember thinking there was no chance I would ever leave him until he had to go to school.

I am rubbish and will no doubt turn up to my new job with mascara streaks and nursery on redial.
But on the other hand I couldn't be happier and more proud that our little fighter has thrived so much that he is ready for this next big step.

It's at times like these when I wish those amazing people who saved his life could see him.

Thankfully though they are far too busy helping other little ones and their families.