Bailey's or Wine?

This is the question I am asking myself as I sit here tapping away .... I've gone for Baileys (more bloody left over chrimbo swag!)


Anyway, hello, hope you've had a good week and welcome back!  For those who are reading for the first time - glad you found us!


I am sure you are all dying to know how swimming went aren't you??  So here goes - Swimming ................ the truth!

• Didn't lose 2 stone in time
• Didn't dive bomb into the pool
• Didn't look remotely glam in costume (they make you look a size zero under water though - so that was fine!)
• Did however enjoy QUALITY time with Sally - which was the main purpose of going, as she wanted to go and she also wanted to do something just me and her.

All in all it went OK - I feel Sally likes the idea of it more than the reality of it ... She clung onto me for dear life for the majority of the half hour, screamed to get out and go for a "wee wee" about 80 times & at the end told me she quite liked it!  Go figure ...........


Anyway, we've joined.  We are now officially on the puddle ducks programme for a further 8 weeks - so hopefully by then she'll be into it!  I'm determined to persevere as I think swimming is important.  Let me tell you though getting dry after swimming is still stupid .... a) you never seem to get properly dry, b) your feet, even though wiped loads, are always wet when you put them into your socks and c) trying to get yourself and a toddler dry at the same time isn't that funny!  The main thing though is we SURVIVED!


Sally's BIG repetitive question this week is "Mummy I might have another sister might en I?"  I quickly follow this up with "Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr  Nooooooooooooooo!!"


Believe me I am only (only just that is!) cut out to have 2 kids - I have great admiration for those with more than 2 and even greater admiration for those with kids who work part/full time as well .... How an earth do you do it??!  I grumble to myself on a daily basis about "not done this" .. "need to do that" .... "must sort that" ... etc. and I'm at stay at home mum!  Well I'm a stay at home mum who goes out and about all the time .... Summary of this weeks events are:

• Indoor play centres x 3
• Lunch with pal x 1
• Morning coffee with pal x 1
• Tea for Sally and her pal x 2
• Parks x 1
• Swimming x 1
• Tidy of toy room x 5 million
• Tesco shop x 1
• Toddler group x 1
• Tantrums x lost count!
• Wine x can't remember!

At times its really hard and frustrating - mainly because of Sally and Ruby's ages (2, 9mth) - but once I've sat quietly and reflected on my day, I tell myself how lucky I am to be such a HUGE part of my kids life at this very point in time - as they are only this age once.  Crikey before I know it we'll be in hormone melt down & there'll be tears over boys!  Good grief!


Are many of you stay at home mums?  If so, what's your biggest challenge?  For those working as well - what's your biggest challenge?
One of my pet hates at the moment is the amount of people who think Ruby is a boy!  I just don't get it .... she is nearly always in dresses & tights and has a really girly face.  Even Sally has started saying back to them "It's a girl ... that's baby Ruby you know" .... I on the other hand can't be assed correcting them and just say "yes he's gorgeous - thank you".
A bit of a giddy countdown going on at the moment ... a few weeks til a mini break in Anglesey - I say mini break, it's actually a full week in a rather nice cottage by the beach - perfect for Harry. 


Have I told you about Harry?  Harry is the family pet.  He is our soon to be 6 year old chocolate lab - we ADORE him.  Even in the rain (when he comes in and stomps about with his big wet feet!).  For those with dogs you'll know where I'm coming from .... we've had him since a puppy and he's soooooo lovely - brilliant with the kids.  In fact, he sleeps on the landing in between their bedrooms - he's fab!


The plus side about going to Anglesey is that we won't have to get our "summer clothes" out ... yehaaaa to hats, scarfs, water proofs & big walks ..... really looking forward to it!  The summer clothing dilema kicks in in another couple of months time ... will worry about that then.


You remember me telling you about my dad and his tablet?  Well get this ... he's excelled.  Mum and Dad are currently on a cruise.  To date he has found wifi in Tenerife somewhere and has written a very funny message on my fb wall and today he text me to tell me he has found wifi in Maderia!  Brilliant or what!


Parents 2 Bee - http://www.parents2bee.com/ has gone from strength to strength this week with marketing / advertising / making connections ... I'm pleased - really pleased in fact.  The natural product samples will be going out this week - so don't forget to check my Parents 2 Bee fb page for customer reviews.


Bailey's finished ...... just pouring another - ahhhhh.


Had a really goof "catch up" phone call with one of my pals from Uni this week ... In summary she has just started Mat leave and her first question was "Kate does labour REALLY hurt? ... Is it like it is on one born every minute?"  Diplomatic (as I can be sometimes you know!) .. I said "it's amazing" ... "It's a good pain" .... I'm even laughing at my response!  I didn't like to say "hurts like hell and getting run over is rather more appealing!"  No doubt she'll be reading this soon - hopefully after she's delivered!

Cor what did we think to One born every minute this week?  I thought it was bloody brilliant!!  I cried and cried and cried - what a brilliant real life situation - I've told myself to think about the disabled lady next time I have a moan .... we're lucky guys! 

In fact I've cried twice this week ............ I'm ashamed to tell you what made me cry the 2nd time ... I'll say it quickly "Becky leaving Corrie" ... there I've said it.  How sad am I - what made me cry the most was when she said bye to Roy and Hayley ... I honestly need to have a word with myself!  I bet some of you cried as well - go on admit it you did!

Bored of Baileys now .... moving onto wine - ahhhh.

Think I may have a scan through some tunes before going to bed.  I asked a question on my Parents 2 Bee facebook page this week about "what songs are your guilty pleasures?"  I have so many it's not funny and of course I think I sound like them when I sing them - don't you?

Songs I've heard this week - which aren't guilty pleasures - but are songs I've not heard in ages & I love them are:

• Killing me softly - Fugees
• Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
• There is a light that never goes out - Morrissey

Anyway, best mooch - wine to drink - have a good week folks.

What flavour are your ......

...... knickers?! 

Yes this is the question that Sally asked her child minder this week!!  When Sandra told me I absolutely ROARED with laughter ... how funny is that at all!

2 more classic comments from Sally over the last couple of days have been:

• Why are our heads on our necks?
  and
• Its on that website over there mum!

Talk about hilarious - we constantly howl at her - love it.  I wish I was 2 and a half again!

So what's been happening?  The usual: play groups, soft play centres, meeting with friends and their kids - which is always great - but my god doesn't your house get trashed!!  Prior to kids I was somewhat of a Monica tidy freak - however, I must admit that this is slowly going, as I find myself tripping over constant c*ap!  And saying 'don't worry about it'.

For those local to St.Helens you'll know what I mean when I say "Sally has now met Jonny Wellies!" .... we saw him the other day in town - my hasn't he aged!!  He still said hello though (like he knows who we are!)

The highlight of the week so far has been seeing my completed 'natural' products for mummy & baby - they look brilliant - even if I do say so myself!  They will be on the web page @ http://www.parents2bee.com/ by the end of the week ... I can't wait for you all to see them.

I'm thrilled that I have already had a lot of interest and will be sending 10 lots of samples out this week - remember to check the Parents 2 Bee facebook page to read my customers reviews / feedback .... Exciting!  In fact whilst your there you can just 'tick' the 'like' button if you haven't done already.

As you know I am a full time mum now and I have told Sally we can do whatever she wants / any day of the week .... I didn't however realise that she was so desperate to go swimming - she asks can we go all the time ... Soooooooooooooo, brace yourselves - we're going!  Yep this Thursday (that'll be 5 sleeps away) Sally & I are going to Puddle Ducks at 10am!  So my question to you is "is it realistic to think I can lose 2 stone in 5 days?" ......... Answers on a postcard perleeeeeease!

Coupled with the thought of going swimming - is the outfit you need to wear to go swimming!  Urgh!  Sally obviously looks cute & ace in her Peppa Pig costume .. I however, will put my costume on ... leg it to the pool, do a bomb into the water & will hopefully not get noticed!!  .... What a visual!" .....I'll fill you in next time as to what happens at the dreaded baths!

Being a mum of 2 I find it fascinating to watch my girls grow ... It's a kind of happy / sad thing ..... Your happy they are growing up - but sad that the are - does that make sense??  Like those of you with kids, I am certain you can recall everything that happened in your labour ....I can!!  And if your like me you love a good old birth story!  Which reminds me at http://www.parents2bee.copm/ we do a fabulous 'labour survival kit' & beautiful new born hampers ... check them out when you get chance.

Seems this blog is proving to be a hit - I am getting loads of good feedback ... You wont believe how many people asked me about Liz & if it was true - you know my friend who used to have a shot of sambuca at bath time?  Well from now on she's going to be known as "Sambuca Liz".  She turned 40 a couple of weeks ago and what a great time we had celebrating.

If like me you are in your 30's ... do I say mid to late - then you'll have heard of 'tablets' and 'skins'.  Words that when I was growing up where associated with Ecstasy tablets and skins for rolling a joint ... God knows what they are known as these days.

Anyway, it seems that those 2 words are back in play.  Only yesterday Mark went "tablet shopping" with my dad and upon departure said "I'll order you a skin from amazon" .... So for those in the know - my dad now has a tablet - you know the iPad type tablet.  Brilliant you may all say - but let me tell you a little bit about my dad and modern technology!!  Like me, he loves gadgets - we always seem to end with the latest gizmo's ... however, he isn't that patient when it comes to sussing them out ... Classic example was when he joined facebook a few years ago - he status read "Mr Webster is in a open relationship!" .. I instantly phoned him - mum answered (so no open relationship there) and told him what he'd done .... His next status update read - are you ready for this?  "Mr Webster is not in an open relationship, it was a scrolling error!" ............ oh how we've laughed over that.

Nearly as much as when Mark phoned my mum & dad's house at 5am to tell them that Ruby had been born.  My dad answered the phone and repeated their phone number!  Do people still do this or is it only my Dad??  ..... We've laughed alot about that too!! 

Before signing off I'd like to know:

1. Do all kids at MacDonalds eat all their chips first? Or is it just Sally! I personally prefer to mix & match!
2. Why do strangers think it's totally acceptable to talk to your children and tell you how nice they are?
   
   and finally,
3. Is it possible to lose 2 stone in 5 sleeps???!

On that note I better place that packet of mini cheddars back into the cupboard and practise the art of breathing in!  Oh my ........... Laters!

When do you stop saying Happy New Year?

A question I have often wondered about for quite a while now .... "When do you stop saying Happy New Year?" ... I quite like the 'buzz feeling' of a new year starting - however, I must admit I do get quite bored with saying it to everyone!  So here we are in mid Jan - how did that happen?

So much has happened already .... Obviously we have continued to attend our soft play centres & toddler groups - which I must admit I am getting quite into them now.  In the beginning it was hard, as I was so used to working full time - but since being made redundant in 2010 - my life is now following a very different path and I like it - in fact I  LOVE it!  To be honest I don't have time to work anymore!  In fact I'm glad I don't as I'd be missing out on conversations like this:

Sally to Me ... "Mummy I don't want to be a toddler anymore"
Me to Sally - "Why not Sal?  What do you want to be?"
Sally to Me - "I want to be a strawberry"

You can't argue with that can you!?  So much better than a work conversation e.g "must be done by Q3 - we'll have budget in 2012 - It's mission critical" ..... blah, blah, blah .... I bet these dudes don't even know who Mr Tumble is - or what time Cbeebies starts & that if you are bored of it you can always flick to Milkshake, as Peppa is on a 06:45 week days! 

06:45 hey .... We've already been up a good hour by then.  Mark is up and out by 6am and the girls start waking around 5.30am onwards ... sometimes Sally will go to 7am - but believe me this is RARE!  To be honest it's fine by me - as we are all happy & healthy - which to me is priceless.

I'm having problems with my car at the moment - so whilst in the garage the other day I managed to successfully bore the mechanic about "Parents 2 Bee" .... Don't collapse, but he was 'interested' - for the sole reason that he is also in the "kid zone".  Something you will only understand once it happens to you.  However, for those currently in the zone, tell people about the fantastic gift hampers on offer at "Parents 2 Bee" - as now you understand that receiving a fantastic gift hamper - is rather more appealing than receiving a bottle of bubbly, that a) will taste fab - but b) will make your next day with the kids feel like hell on earth!

2012 for me is going to be a year of making new contacts, working on my business and doing something different, that is just for me - that means no kids & no Mark - just me.  So I am thrilled to say that I have attended my 2nd WI Meeting!! ........... I can hear the bouts of laughter from here! ..... I bet you are all thinking "Jam and Jerusalem, knitting & old farts who do embroidery .... well you are on the right tracks!!!

Seriously now that is the impression everybody has of the WI - but remember we are in 2012 now - times / things have changed and some ladies just want a social outlet once a month.  I am joining merely because I want some adult conversation - as with me not working that is the one thing I miss the most.  I am also joining so I can network, learn new skills and hang out with like minded people.  If you live in St.Helens, Merseyside and like the sound of it - check out WISH (WI St.Helens / Stand by your Jam!) .... It's on facebook - So give it a go - 'don't knock it til you've tried it!'

Over the past couple of weeks it has been brought to my attention that I have actually interacted with alot of 'Nice folk' - these range from owners of local business, to a group of ladies in a play centre who told me they are there every Friday if I want to go along.  Isn't that a nice thing to do!  I am going to take them up on their offer and will try and go every other Friday, as one of the "mummy club" mum's has told me about a swimming session that we can go to - this is also on a Friday.  Given the fact that Sally will love swimming - we're going ... However, it is necessary to consider that 'baby weight' isn't the easiest thing to shift ... so one thinks it's only fair that ones body (in swimsuit ... ooooh!) is only exposed every other week ....

I must share with you the Best Joke I've heard in ages:
"I put some shelves up the other day and they weren't straight so everything rolled off. My chap told me to go to the library and get a book on DIY. I went in and asked the librarian "Do you have any books on shelves?" She replied, "Are you takin the piss?"

Hopefully it made you smile - made me roar!

If there was an 'outstanding achievement' award to be won in our house, I think I would be the winner!  Sole reason being that I have in fact managed to keep a Christmas Poinsettia (had to google the spelling of that!) plant alive for more than 6 weeks now!!!  Believe me this is OUTSTANDING!  They usually last a couple of days .. must be the mild weather hey.

Yes sunshine and blue sky in January - LOVE IT.  We even played out on Friday ... It was great as Sally pedalled her little bike on her own for the first time - how fab!  For those with kids I believe the best thing you can do for kids is create good memories.  Happy kids = happy parents and vice versa.

My final thought at the moment is "what is worse .... getting a new passport photo after 10 years and comparing it with the old one?"  Or is it "Going to M&S for a bra measurement when you haven't been in years?"

I'll leave that thought with you .......... As I'm still very much in shock over both of these events!!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 .................. Happy New Year!!

And what a great start Parents 2 Bee are having to 2012 .... We now have 3 major businesses within St.Helens who are willing to advertise our services for free .... what's there not to like about that?! ... Er nothing.

We are also weeks away from launching our very own "natural" products for mummy & baby - so keep your eyes peeled for the launch and don't forget to tell your pals ... Might even be a nice gift for any of your work friends who are just about to go on mat leave?

Talking of mat leave, I had my first stinit of mat leave in 2009 when I had Sally - It was GREAT!  I had the whole summer off, met lots of new people and generally had a really good time.  Only this morning I met up with some of the "mummy club" gang and we got to talking about "how hard it was in the beginning" ... I even confessed to having to ask my sister in law how to make a bottle! 

However, I must share this ... for those of you with young kids, you'll know that between 5pm - 6pm is hell on earth!  The kids are as narky as anything and you just want that extra hour out of them .... I guess people have their own way of getting through this ... I personally just used to do anything to occupy Sally ..... My pal Liz reminded me today how she used to have a shot of Sambuca!  She claims it made the hour less painful and bath time whizzed by!  Of course we howled .... Does anybody else do a shot of Sambuca to get through the last hour??

I guess we're all tuned into 'one born every minute' at the moment .... I just LOVE this programme.  It makes me laugh / cringe and cry .... It brings back all those memories of the 'dreaded labour' and reminds me how amazing it is when you see your baby for the first time.  I had Sally at 37 weeks and remember being so proud / thrilled / elated it was untrue!  Mark and I just sat there sobbing - it was fantastic!  I often think back about the night she arrived and laugh that Mark appeared in the delivery suite with his little rucsac of 'labour swag' wearing a WHITE top ... Just made me laugh.

Rubes also arrived early - 38 weeks for her.  Again we felt like we'd won the lottery when we saw her ... Just perfect.  This time it was different though - as we had the task of introducing her to Sally.  Gosh this was hard .... I remember seeing Mark and Sally walking down the ward to visit Rubes and I and I just burst into tears - uncontrollable tears.  Sally looked so grown up - where had my baby gone?  She was 22 months, but looked HUGE and Rubes looked like a 10p mix she was so small.   The tears soon subsided once I'd grabbed Sally and cuddled her so tightly - I'm sure she stopped breathing for a second!  Anyone else expecting baby number 2 at the moment?  If so good luck and hope everything goes to plan.  Thought of a name yet?

We are now 9 days into the New Year and it is already flying by ..... So I guess people are thinking about holidays, things to do throughout the year.  As per we are on top form with this one.  The 4 of us are going to Portugal in June for 2 weeks .... best get packing for it soon, we'll need that much stuff with a 1 year old & 3 year old!  Then later on in the year we are thinking maybe a trip to Centre Parcs, then away for New Year with our pals and their 2 kids - same age as ours - it's bound to be relaxing!!!

Before we think about next Christmas let me tell you what we have left from last christmas .........

• 6 petits pains .... cos we're always eating them (not!)
• Cheese & crackers (not even opened)
• Long tubes of smarties - not christmas if you don't get a long tube of sweets
• Peanuts & Crisps

So with all that in the house how am I supposed to lose a few pounds (better to be realistic) before holidays ............ The only answer is elastoplast ... I need to get a BIG piece and put it over my mouth to stop me eating it all!

Took Sally & Rubes to the Safari Park last Saturday ............. the highlight was a mouldy older cheddar Sally found in the car and a pheasent crossing the road!  Hopefully next time the HUGE ferocious lion and his pal the tiger will make a good impact.

Breaking news in our house is that Ruby has a tooth!  Whohoooooo ..... she's thrilled!  Her face seems to have changed since it's arrived .... not as much as my face has changed when I went to get my passport photo's done on Friday - OMG!  I honestly could not believe how different I looked from my previous paasport photo - admittidley it was 10 years ago ..... but good grief I was shocked!  These kids certainly know how to age you!  Best not for anybody to agree on this one hey!

Must dash as I can hear my name being shouted "Muuuuuummmmmy!" .... looks like the afternoon naps are done - let the afternoon fun & games begin!