SNOW, JANUARY 2010

Last February was Alice's first experience of snow, when we went for a walk we didn't even make it into the field as she had to examine every snowflake that we passed.

This year it's very different, the moment Alice sees snow she's picking it up to make snowballs and then to eat it! But actually she's more interested in the hot chocolate when we get back to the house! We had major snowfall (for us) last Tuesday night and then a fresh lot (not as much but enough) last night, Alice isn't really that interested in going out in the snow - she mentioned it but then didn't ask again. I hope that the snow isn't going to last much longer (it's due to get warmer by Friday so hopefully it'll melt then) and I'm ready for it to be gone. This is the seventh week off nursery routine, I'm not missing the early starts but more than anything I'm ready for routine again!

SLIGHTLY IRRITATING

Alice wanted dry cereal for breakfast (an increasingly popular request), most mornings when she starts like this she then wants milk half way through, but not today.  So to make up her calcium intake (and pamper her on a chillly morning) I offered her hot chocolate, she accepted on the understanding that she wanted it in a cup not the cereal bowl!!

Later on I was clearing round and I found her hot chocolate, now cold but virtually untouched.  I was a bit peeved that Alice hadn't drunk it until I found my mug, also virtually untouched!  She's like me in so many ways that it's frightening!

I'M BRITISH, I HAVE TO BLOG ABOUT . . .

 . . . THE WEATHER!

I lost my car keys whilst taking Alice into Nursery, so felt daft returning to look for them.  I got back into the classroom just as she was telling them about the pantomime, just in time to warn them about the Wicked B*itch!!  I then went supermarket shopping and in search of some pompom wool to knit a quick scarf!  It snowed through Tuesday daytime, they closed Nursery at lunchtime, but I was babysitting D (A's little brother while they went to the dentist) and so I missed the message, as soon as I realised I went straight there (I was on my way anyway).  There were 5 or 6 children left so Alice wasn't the last to be collected - less egg on face than previously!  That evening Alice admired the wool while I tried several times to knit it up into the right proportions, I managed eventually and also established that Alice would really like a scarf like that too!

We woke to 7-8 inches of snow on Wednesday morning, all plans went on hold.  We had a leisurely morning (no point in rushing as there was nowhere to go!) and then dressed up and up and up with many layers before going on a walk through the snow.  It was noticeably different to last Feb's walk, this year Alice didn't need to examine every snowflake and we actually made it as far as the field!  She loved throwing snowballs, but loved eating snow even more (I had to give her a quick lesson in which snow to choose as otherwise she'd have been eating the snow that others had walked through!)  After lots of snow, snowballs and a few snowangels we headed home for hot chocolate - persuaded by the thought that it's P's favourite drink!  She discovered that she loved hot chocolate and asked for more!  We went out again on Friday morning, by which time the snow had been frozen and changed consistency, no good for snowmen building or even proper snowballs!  Alice was keen to go for another walk, but as soon as we got into the field she demanded to go home, when I asked she confirmed that it was the hot chocolate that she really wanted!!  As for the new scarf, it's lovely and soft and looks good, but useless at keeping the drafts out!

Both our schools have been closed since Wednesday, we've stayed home as much as possible and watched the weather forecasts closely - they don't improve much for over a week, but even slightly warmer could create a thaw and get life back to normal!

BUSY DAY

Children in Need Day, Alice's school were having a Spotty Day, I'd decided that Alice would go as a spotty dog:

• I bought her a dog set for her birthday (hairband with ears, tail and a nose that barked when pressed),
• I used an animal print (unused) dog bed to make a skirt and a new set of ears (hairbands are no good as they slip out easily if they're the fabric covered),
  
• I used an old (slightly stained) white top and printed glittery paws over it (learnt the lesson to put some filling between the front and back whilst printing!)
• I got a bargain poncho on an auction site
• I kept the face paints very simple!!

Alice did a great dog impression too, panting and barking!

Nursery (usually a whole day) was just a morning session today - the whole school had a half day to celebrate a Saints Day. So after I dropped her off I went into the town and met a fellow prospective AP and gossiped over coffee. I managed to buy some more china - I love my spotty china, but in recent weeks I've broken a large and a side plate (I've had the china for over 5 years but these are the only pieces I've ever broken). This year Alice has started using proper plates (rather than melamine) and it's noticeable that we didn't really have enough china now it's in greater demand. They've also bought out a new piece, so I finally have a matching gravy boat! Then I went back to school for what I thought was a PTA event, mulled wine and minced pies, actually it was a school event - showing what the PTA fundraising had bought recently - it was a great opportunity to see the grounds and watch Nursery as they played outside - I love watching Alice in a different situation, she was happy to wave from a distance!

This afternoon we went to my school to watch and take part in another Children in Need event - they pompomed to a pop song. Alice wasn't happy to watch, she had to be on the yard WITH the children!

Then we popped home again, before going out for the final time today - to a local garden centre to watch Father Christmas arrive by horse drawn carriage. I didn't tell Alice about this until just before we left (I was waiting to see what the weather was going to do). We met one of her favourite friends there - O, Alice was more bothered about seeing O and his mum J - in fact she didn't think she wanted to see Father Christmas at all! When we got there she was transfixed by an animated display of elves and reindeer, then she tried to help herself to 2 balloons (1 for O!) - we weren't supposed to have them until we left so she had to leave them for a while, when we left she was adamant that she wanted a purple one. We saw FC but not up-close, we'll be going on a special train journey just before Christmas and then she'll get to share her list - at least she's consistent, she's sure that she wants a game like Mummy's, a torch (she's obsessed with mine) and a house for her hamster - so that's what she's getting!

WHAT A DAY

I had an important day at work, being observed for my classroom management - it went well, in fact the whole school day was enjoyable and successful. As I got home I knew something had happened - I saw what remained of the fish tank in the garage, uh oh!

They'd definitely had a dramatic day without me at home! Pudding had knocked over and smashed the fish tank, the Ever-Magnificent-T managed to catch one fish (Rusty) in her hands, but struggled to find the other 3 (found under the sideboard) - ironically Rusty was the fish that seemed most traumatised by it! By the time I got home the playroom carpet had been washed (thank heavens I bought a carpet cleaner this summer) and had begun to dry, the fish were temporarily rehoused in the fish bowl and Pud had kept well out of the way!

The first fish tank lasted exactly a month, almost to the hour! It was a 30 litre tank. Originally Alice was given 2 Sarasa Somethings, one mostly goldfish coloured (called Gold) and a motley white and gold one (called Silver), a couple of weeks later I added 2 Shubumpkins (Copper and Rusty - though Alice sometimes calls Rusty 'Tank'!) After I'd bought the tank I realised I could have bought a lovely spherical one with a bubble tube - far more modern and stylish in appearance. On Tuesday I went out to replace the tank, so we now have a spherical one, this time a 60 litre one (that's 16 gallons!) and now we have 2 apple snails as well (Bumpy and Slugsy - like Fifi!) Hopefully the snails will keep the tank cleaner, this style is supposed to be more efficient at self cleaning (it can't be worse than the last one!) Having bought a larger tank I think we might have just one more fish, hopefully a Yellow Comet, maybe 2!

Meanwhile the playroom furniture has been rearranged - I was already planning a turn around and it was needed to accommodate a Christmas tree (no, not yet, but planned!) and the carpet, only 18 months old but despite 2 cleanings it still smells and I think we need the professionals!

NIGHT AND DAY WITH ALICE

I hardly slept last night.

I've resolved to try and get to bed earlier (as I have a guarenteed alarm clock!)

Last night I managed to turn the light off just after 11pm, that's early these days, I fell asleep fairly easily but then woke just over an hour later. I'd forgotten to make a phonecall earlier in the evening and found myself wide awake remembering at a time when it was impossible to act on it. I tried lying quietly, I watched a little TV, tried lying quietly again, after several hours I got up and made a PE bag for Alice (whole 'nother post!), eventually I went back to bed, nearly 5 hours after I'd woken, which made for a sore head and a grumpy me! I turned off the early alarm and slept til 7:30, Alice didn't make any noise til I got up, but that's fairly standard.

Breakfast was a challenge, I was grumpy and Alice was off-form. She started to eat and then refused her usual 2 W*eetabix and ended up eating 3 fruit pouches instead. I thought that she felt a bit warm but she didn't complain. She was slightly tearful going into nursery - which is highly unusual for her new school.

When I collected her she complained that she was feeling cold (despite wearing tights, normal uniform, hoodie and fleecy coat), she wasn't keen to talk and when we called in at my school she didn't want to interact at all. We came home and she want to curl up with Mummy and a blanket on the sofa - a nice cuddle but not usual, by 6pm 1 cheek was rosy and she definitely had a temperature and despite choosing her supper she only ate a few bites.

I think that my baby is poorly.

GOOD DAY, SHORT DAY

Yesterday started early with the alarm clock. The first alarm goes earlier than necessary so that I can 'come to' slowly whilst listening to the news. Sometimes Alice wakes early and comes in for a cuddle too, more often she sleeps later (or, I suspect, 'comes to' as I start moving round!) Yesterday I asked for a kiss, she refused with a giggle, so I started tickling and it turned into a game, shortly afterwards she lay back and said, 'I like tickles and giggles!'
I added, 'I like cuddles too!'
Then she said, 'And hugs!'
It was a lovely way to start the day and it was a good day, productive at work, organised at home and a different routine in the evening - Alice has usually had supper by the time I get home, so I planned to take her straight upstairs for a major bath (hair washing included!), then PJs before a cuddle in front of the TV and a story, it worked really well and we spent better time together than usual.

Today was a short day - Alice's new nursery has different hours (as I found to my cost last week!) and it leaves me with a short day to get my jobs done. Today I managed to get several jobs completed that Alice doesn't enjoy so it was an effective day.

THE IRONIES OF POTTY TRAINING

. . . do I still need to warn of graphic posts?

On Thursday she came home in the same clothes as she'd gone to nursery in, she didn't have an accident on Wednesday or Friday either, but yesterday Alice had an accident, just before bedtime (the last hour downstairs is by far the riskiest, I blame tiredness!)

Alice still isn't asking much to use the facilities, but she has once today - maybe I'm just asking too often (every 60-75 minutes?)

On Wednesday I promised that if there were no poopy accidents or nappies for 3 days then she could have a Big Girl's Present (for being a Big Girl!) She sort of kept her end of the deal, Wednesday was successful but Thursday and Friday were 'no shows', so I extended 'the deal', Saturday was another 'no show' and by this morning I was worried (very unusual for Alice to go this long without a BM), however she hit the jackpot when we got home from the supermarket this morning, without hinting at what was to come or asking for help to use the loo. We did lots of happy dancing. S was here for coffee so I didn't mention the BG Present until after lunch.

Alice was delighted when I produced a wooden dolls' house - it's been in her wardrobe for nearly 2 years and it matches her shelves in her bedroom. She loves it. She examined every bit of furniture as we unpacked it. She was instantly transfixed! (Have you worked out where this is going yet?) Within 15 minutes (and only about 20 minutes after the last 'visit') I could smell something . . . you guessed it . . . poopy accident, ugh . . . lots of talking about accidents etc. The irony certainly passed over Alice's head but I didn't miss it!

Overall I think that she's making progress - 2 trips out today. This morning she wore a feel and learn pull-up to the supermarket (75 minutes) and came home still dry. This afternoon she wore knick*rs for a car journey (15 minutes) and we spent nearly 4 hours at D, D and A's house - lots of visits but no accidents, I think that this was a major milestone! She's also using the bathroom more (and the potty less) and beginning to visit on her own!

SCHOOL

Alice and I went to an open day for her school this morning. She'll start in their nursery in the Autumn. Before the visit I'd had doubts that she'd be ready in the Autumn - the nursery staff were in no doubt that she's ready now (not that they take children in until they're 3!) I know all about Alice but I'm keen not to make assumptions about her capabilities or project unrealistic expectations on to her. I find it difficult to gauge how Alice is compared to other children her age and I don't want to be a competitive parent, however it was comforting to hear the nursery teachers' assessment that her speech, level of confidence and maturity are all ahead of her chronological age and already at a level that's suitable for nursery.

And what did Alice think? She immediately settled into rocking dolls and playing with a wooden castle. THEN she found the tadpoles, my nature girl was obsessed! We went to look at an art exhibition and on our way back we had to have one last visit to the tadpoles - to say goodbye! On the way home and ever since, when questioned, Alice remembers the tadpoles and wants to go back and see them! (No surprise really as the rabbit at her daycare nursery is one of the main attractions/distractions).

So now we have the summer to hone her potty training, self dressing, managing and eating packed lunches and get ready for Big Girls' (and Boys') Nursery!! (Before today I was worried about it, I'm really glad that we went - I knew that it was the school that I wanted Alice to go to, but now I've had an opportunity to see it again and talk to the nursery staff I'm really excited about it and Alice seems to be too!)

SMARTLY DRESSED

I had an appointment this morning and wanted to attend this afternoon's staff meeting, so when I got dressed this morning I chose more presentable clothes than I usually would for a Wednesday. I wore a newish white blouse with blue and navy flowers all over it, newish navy trousers and fairly new navy suede ballet shoes - I haven't had THAT many new clothes since Alice's been home, but when I've got newer clothes in my wardrobe they tend to get selected more often!

While I was dressing Alice was in the bathroom, so once I was dressed I walked towards her and asked her how I looked (which I do occasionally), her response was very astute and surprising, in a sad, small voice she said, 'Mummy going out!'

TO FRINGE OR NOT TO FRINGE

I've been procrastinating about haircuts. My hairdresser went on maternity leave last October, I continued having appointments at the same salon with a different hairdresser, but it's 30 minutes away and I'm not overly impressed with the substitute (she's fine but she's not M!)

Alice hasn't had a trim since mid December, neither have I, we both need an appointment (should have had cuts before the wedding). I usually go every 4-6 weeks and it's been 4 months!

I've been asking around for recommendations for a while, but today Alice forced my hand. She cut her hair. I was sitting next to her but I was engrossed in a book, ugh! For once I didn't get cross, she looked so angelic (and innocent, despite evidence to the contrary) that all I could do was laugh! Then I Googled hairdressers again and in 24 hours time Alice has an appointment nearby for a haircut.

All I need to do now is decide if I can live with the short bits or if they need to be turned into a fringe!

WHAT WE LEARNT TODAY

Alice learnt that if you splash Mummy intentionally, after she's told you not to, that the fun ends instantly.

I learnt that Alice still needs to nap and meltdowns happen (see above!) when they're skipped!!

THIS MORNING

'You-who, I'm ober here!' was the first thing I heard when I woke up.

'Mummy not coming . . . you-who, I'm ober here!' and Alice carried on until I went in to get her (I didn't go at first call as I was trying to work out exactly what she was saying!

BUSY AGAIN!

Monday - popped to the neighbours, then the supermarket and we were at soft play by 10:30am - that's quite an achievement for us! Home for lunch, took Alice upstairs and then decided to reorganise my wardrobe while we were up there. Then a neighbour brought her new baby over for coffee and a chat before Nana arrived to look after Alice while I went to school for Parents' Evening. I didn't get home until after 7pm and then later in the evening GFW and AJ came over for coffee. I didn't stop all day but the bits that should have been were great fun!

We had a very quiet day on Tuesday.

Wednesday - we went to nursery for an open session first thing in the morning, I'd prepared Alice for it but she cried nearly the whole time and didn't really want to play. I had a quick look in her 'Splash Book' before we left early for T*ick T*ock. Time seemed to slip through our fingers when we got home - I caught up on some laundry and phonecalls and later on Nana popped in for some photocopying. With Nana in the house Alice wasn't going to bed without a struggle so she stayed up. Later in the afternoon we had to pop out, when I asked Alice to put on her shoes because we were going out she responded, 'Not today Mummy!' Unfortunately Mummy over-ruled, 5 minutes each way in the car but she was still asleep before we were halfway home!

Today was another busy, busy day. Alice declared in the car on the way this morning, 'No like ***' she knows how to press my buttons and did so repeatedly all the way there. I was asked last week to swap my days this week, so I worked today instead of tomorrow. Usually there are 2 teachers in my class but today I was solo, I did half a day's playground duty and then followed the school day with more parents' consultations before collecting Alice from nursery (she was happily playing the drum to 'Tommy Thumb' when I got there and she said that she'd had a good day - playing with A and playing outside.) Meanwhile Pud has been raiding the laundry piles and has been wicked this evening too.

Tonight I'm very excited about a special weekend. I'm not organised and I'm concerned that expectation will spoil the event.

BEEN BUSY!

Thursday, Mummy Day - Alice went to nursery and I went to Coventry, my Dad arrived just after I got home. The whole day was crazy busy.

Friday, work and then a night out with some of the staff. We went on a g*ost tour of L*ancaiach Fawr - I was expecting it to be a bawdier version of the daytime tour, it wasn't, it was full on expectant grockles listening for very creak and very open to the power of suggestion! Unfortunately D felt poorly and had to leave before we got to the upstairs. L and I (both extremely sceptical) both heard something unexplainable - it was a fun evening.

DYDD GWYL DEWI SANT!

A fairly quiet day. Church and Sunday School - unlike nursery there were no tears but she did return running down the aisle shouting, 'Mummy!' repeatedly for ALL to hear!

Then we visited Nana-Next-Door to show her Alice's red Wales top (that's how Alice refers to it!) I bribed her into having her photo taken (by offering lunch!) This afternoon she woke grumpy so we watched S*hrek 3 and then played lots of games - Whose Nose? Snap! and Dominoes.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN TROUBLE WHEN . . .

. . . you realise that the Labrador has learnt to PAUSE the washing machine!

Yup! Pudding (not yet 4 months old) has paused the washing machine twice today - the first time she paused it in the first minute and I doubted myself, second time round, no doubt, we're in trouble!!

WATER - NOT AS BEFORE!

A quiet day - I usually work on Friday but I swapped and covered during the snow last Thursday (today was a training day). So we started the day slowly, Alice had a bath while I sorted clothes next door in the nursery - I could talk to her and could hear the splashing but I was quite shocked when I saw the state of the bathroom floor. Alice has never intentionally got the floor wet before but she more than made up for that this morning!

You'd have thought I'd learnt my lesson, but tonight (during the ninetyhundredth reading of Owl Babies) she let her sippy cup slip and has managed to soak my bed!

. . . damp and waiting for the third!

PUDDING REVEALED!

M came round this morning to look after Alice while I went to get Pudding.

Pudding was not too happy in the car but only cried a little.

By the time I got home T had arrived too! Pudding wasn't too bothered about the new situation and started to explore pretty quickly - Fuss and Boo were behind the baby-gate in the dog-room but they were closely watching the situation. Pud was eager to meet the girls, but Fuss and Boo were far more hesitant. We let Pud explore the kitchen for a while and then let Boo out for more introductions - she tried to keep to the edge of the kitchen and sat down every time Pud came near! Then we swapped dogs and Fuss got the opportunity to avoid Pudding! Fuss has been very wary all day - not aggressive but wanting to be as high as possible and well out of the way. Pudding just wants to be friends and play.

Alice was keen to hold her and seems pleased to have her home

Pud ate lunch well and then had a long sleep before I took her for her first visit to the vet. I saw a vet that I respect highly, the same vet that came out to put Daisy to sleep. Pud did really well and was calmer in the car. She's slept for a huge amount of the day and the evening and she ate supper well too.

So Pudding so far:

• has HUGE legs - she's going to be really big
  
• is shorter than Fuss but significantly heavier
• is still baggy in her skin
• eats well
• sleeps very well
• doesn't like being in her baby playpen unless she's asleep
• is very cuddly
  
• snores LOUDLY
• doesn't walk when she can gambol
• has poor cornering skills and tends to skid or bump into things
  
• likes to jump between the box bushes in the garden and nibble them round the edges
  
• has slept everywhere
• has true Labrador wind - heaven help us when she's fully grown!
  

THE REST OF CHRISTMAS EVE

(Photo from a few days ago).

Unfortunately today wasn't like the photo. Alice flung most of her breakfast around the kitchen and then couldn't understand why I was cross. Lunch was even better - she pulled the Christmas tree over (luckily the little one in the kitchen not the huge one in the playroom). At times through the day she was grumpy and poorly, me too, not a good combination!

I hope that Father Christmas's elves weren't anywhere close-by or her sack could become a coal sack! Seriously today was the worst her behaviour has ever been - I can't even put it down to Christmas excitement as I don't think she really has a clue what it's all about.