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.

One Day More...

Last night after one or two too many glasses of vino I decided that I wanted my eldest son to grow up to be a West End star.
As you do.

As my friend who had joined me in the consumption of said wine burst into a version of 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' I was actually starting to feel emotional.

No, it's fair to say her version of the Les Mis classic was not going to win her a place on The Voice (soz mate). The menfolk were mortified to be sat at the same table as us.
However in my useless, cannot drink, silly state I was actually genuinely picturing my boy on stage in twenty years time belting out One Day More.

It has made me think about how lovely it is that our kids have got a world of opportunity ahead of them.

Of course as a good parent I am supposed to say that I don't care what career path they take as long as they are happy.

Screw that though, here is a list of completely acceptable occupations for my boys when they grow up:

- Obviously theatre/singing/acting are paths I would greatly encourage.

- I wouldn't have an issue with them choosing to be sporting superstars. My preferred sports would be Athletics, swimming, cycling, rowing, or tennis.

- Medical professional. I would especially encourage the youngest to go down this route given the amazing people that saved his life.

- Prime minister. I'm not so sure about this but the boys' Nanan decided this when the eldest was born.

The list goes on but I don't want to put the boys under any pressure.

Sharing the love...

Mostly due to my general love of all things sweet and choclatey there is plenty of Mummy to share.

My boys do not agree.

It has become a battle of gladiatorial proportions.

The littlest one is almost always in our bed first in the mornings.
When he hears his brothers footsteps approaching he pounces on me, sprawling himself as widely as possible so as to not expose an inch of mummy flesh that his brother could cuddle up to.

Any attempt to steal a cuddle with the older boy results in a tantrum and usually an assault on older brother from the little one. Said older brother then proceeds to act like it is the end of the world and turns on the fake tears and ten minutes of whining usually follows.

At first I thought this possessive behaviour from baby boy was quite cute.
I have now decided for my own health and safety (I swear these boys grow an inch every day) that I must put a stop to said violent behaviour.

My other half uses any excuse to produce a well organised spreadsheet.

I am tempted to ask him to create a mummy cuddle spreadsheet.

If it is not your allotted time, you must not throw a tantrum, you must not attack your sibling and you must not whine.

I will put said spreadsheet on the fridge and if you break the rules your on the naughty step.

I'm not massively convinced.

'Shitbreak'

Everyday, without fail, as we turn the corner on to our street on our way back from school in the afternoon I hear the same words...

"Mummy, I need a poo."

The end of the afternoon school run has become so stressful because a code brown is guaranteed.

We all end up legging it down our street, me pushing the buggy at super speed. The big lad leading the pack looking like one of those speed walkers as he desperately holds everything in.

I have tried to explain that he ought to go to the loo at the end of the school day.

He says he doesn't need it then.

I just think the lavatory facilities obviously aren't up to his high standards.

For those of you that have seen American Pie you will understand the shitbreak reference.