Potty training :: Day 1

After putting it off for months I have finally taken the plunge and dedcided we need to get rid of the nappies. It kind of flies in the face of half term, which is when I'm meant to rest and rejuvinate in order to survive until Chistmas, but in a self-sacrificial move (ha!) Conor's toileting will be taking priority. I have little to report today apart from 2 pairs of wet pants and 2 pairs of wet torusers. Given that we only started after his sleep at 2.45 I can't really say I expected more. In fact, taking the positives, I thought a mere 2 pairs of wet things wasn't bad going! And he did try, wee pet.

 

And just like his brother, a total refusal to sit on it! Oh well, I suppose it removes one of the steps we'll have to go through!

I meant to post ages ago about our trip to W5 for the Star Wars 'Knights of the Empire - Invasion Belfast'. Patrick was so excited about going to see all the characters from the movies, which pretty much make up his whole world right now. The event was really a (really very professional) costume club who were available for photographs in little sets from the movies - all very good fun. Patrick was instantly overwhelmed by Anakin Skywalker and Commander Rex who greeted us on the way in and refused to have his photo taken. But once we got in and lined up for our photo call he got into the swing of things and was happy to have his picutre taken many times.

 

All his little chums were there too, so there was much to talk about in the playground, no doubt! He did say to me afterwards, though, that he didn't realise it was just a photo thing - I think from all his chat beforehand about how he was going to fight Darth Vader that he thought it might be like being in one of the Star Wars movies. Bless him!

In scrap news, I have a mini book on the go. I had hoped it would be finished by now, but my printer has packed in and I am too tired to install my exciting new wi-fi one. However, I can tempt you with my Ali Edwards-esque photo of the book in progress! I have really been enjoying the process of this one, partly because it's all for me, and partly because I haven't done a book for ages. Hopefully it will be finished this week, if the potty training doesn't kill me first!

 

Apart from potties and broken printers, nothing extraordinary has been happening round here - although the boys may say that the paints coming out on Sunday was indeed extraordinary! Some days you just have to breathe deeply and say yes to their need for mess!

 

 

And finally, let me introduce you to my new boots. I have been dying to spend my birthday money, but all trips for clothes have ended in tears (don't ask!) So with the help of Lesley in her Trinny & Susannah role, I bought these instead. New boots always make you feel great, I think. And they make all my clothes feel fab and new. I think for my clothes it's a bit like they've met someone new they really fancy so they're making more of an effort to look good!

 

Righto, that's enough for now, because the Dairy Milk is still in the fridge and I'm missing Daniel Craig on Jonathan Ross. Surely no blog is worth that! 

Nothing else matters.....

because, according to Patrick this morning and again at jammies time, I am the best mum in the world - ever! Who knew?! It was certainly a surprise to me, and no doubt will be a bit of a disappointment to the rest of you lovely mummies, but there it is. Just thought you should all know......:)

Happy Birthday to me!

No matter what people tell you about how birthdays are just another day, I would guess that most of us find it hard not to get just a little bit excited about them. I've had the boys counting down the days until my birthday - we do that by the number of sleeps until a big event. Patrick was so excited about singing me 'Happy Birthday' and especially about the 'party' with Nanny and Grandpa and Auntie Lesley after tea. So much so that we turned down complimentary tickets to the European premiere of the new movie, 'City of Ember' which our neighbour gave us last night. I just couldn't bring myself to do it, plus Michael is working until 3am and we had no baby sitter.

So I entered the day with much anticipation, with the added bonus of Patrick telling me that I could do breakfast for them and as a special treat could wear socks, slippers and my dressing gown. 5 year olds really do see the excitement in the small things! Anyway, I thought I'd share a few highlights of my day.

1.A photo session with a cutie in his bathtub...Look at his little toes poking through the bubbles!

 

2. A gigantic slice of lemon meringue pie at Donghadee Garden Centre! No photo because that would simply prove I am the pie queen!

3. The man who took £70 of our money to get the lock we couldn't open out of our door and replace it with a new one. Grrr!

 

4. The boys playing in the car while the above lock fiasco was going on. Amazing how much fun it can be playing cars in a real car. I'd almost forgotten about the old 1100 we used to have in our driveway when we were small that we played for hours in, pushing buttons that did nothing and going on brilliant made up journeys.

 

5. The filling I had to have replaced after months of having food lodge itself in the cavity. This really is a highlight, not only because our dentist is the most gentle man who can give an injection to numb your mouth without you noticing that he's done it, but also because it was the first time in the day that I got to just sit down and do nothing! Lovely self-portrait as I'm sure you'll agree!

 

6. Essential birthday photos with the boys. Can't believe this is the best of the shots! At least the double chins from the above photo have disappeared!

  

I have also been enjoying some wine and Dairy Milk alongside Grey's Anatomy with Lesley, and now I'm off to bed in the hope that the wine will make it harder to hear Conor's crying and waking which is slowly turning me into a zombie. And tomorrow I'm going to Ikea with a friend for free coffee and shall be pretending it's actually my birthday since this one was rather too busy and stressful to have been my special day. My inner birthday princess just has not had the opportunity to make her public appearance today, so I shall let her out tomorrow!

Showtime!

Just a quick post to update you on the Big into Baby show. Things got off to a flying start today and the stand was steadily busy all day. Lots of flyers given out and lots of contacts to pursue in the next couple of weeks. My legs are sore from standing all day and my voice is decidedly croaky, so it's a glass of wine and a few chocolate buttons then off to bed to do it all again tomorrow. I also want to thank those of you who sent your good wishes throughout the day - I felt very supported and encouraged by you. I would not be doing this show without friends who let me photograph their children a couple of years ago - you are wonderful people! And before I go a quick look at the stand along with some proof that I was actually there!

   

 

 

Hopefull I'll see a few of you tomorrow:)

Some photos

I can explain! I have been absent because my camera has been taking over my life. I am exhibiting as a photographer in the Big into Baby show at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast next weekend and have spent every last available minute getting organised. Had I known the extent to which it would take over my life I might have given it a second thought, but it is my big opportunity to see the potential the business may have. So for that I am excited. The downside is all the fiddly details - getting promotional material designed and printed, getting samples made, coming up with ideas to get the customers coming and dealing with the organiser of the show (huge nightmare that I won't go into!) And on top of that, Patrick has been ill again and off school with a terrible cough and cold, I've been proofing like mad for clients, and of course there's the small matter of my actual real job Monday to Wednesday - such an inconvenience! So I thought I'd post a few pics from some summer sessions to keep you interested (or maybe everyone's already left and I'm posting to myself!) I will definitely be posting again during the week to keep you up to date with the show. If you fancy going it's on Saturday and Sunday from 10-6. Do stop by the stand if you visit:)

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a photo marathon, but I think they look good!

London - again!

Last weekend Michael and I found ourselves kidless in London for 3 days! I say this like it all happened accidentally but, in fact, Michael had booked us a little trip away a few weeks ago, and I have to say it was fantastic! The boys were blissfully unaware of our escapades as they were too busy having a great adventure with Nana and Papa in their motorhome, so all was good.

It was a great weekend to be in London as it was the Olympic handover and there was a real buzz about the city. That and the fact it was sunny most of the time - I'd almost forgotten how nice that can be! The real reason for going was this..........

Oh, how I have longed to see this show! And it completely surpassed all my expectations - I was blown away! The music rocked, the cast rocked and I totally cried the face off myself! I can only assume that when my sister (crier extraordinare whose eyes disappear completely after prolonged weeping!) saw it she had to be escorted from the theatre afterwards if my sobbing was anything to go by. And to make it all a bit celeb-like, Eponine was played by one of the contestants from 'I'd do Anything'. Loved the whole experience and have been singing songs from it ever since (or rather, Michael has been singing them constantly.)

Saturday we took it easy and had a leisurely stroll along Portobello Road, enjoying the market, picking up a few things for our walls at home and enjoying delicious muffins and coffee while watching the stir of the crowd. Such a perfect thing to do on a Saturday.

From there we headed over to the river to get us some tickets for the London Eye by night. Look how Michael's halo indeed resembles the London Eye!

We were also able to meet up with the Bolands at the London Eye as they were in London for the day with the boys. Jo was nearly beside herself after her Cath Kidston shop experience - can't believe I couldn't find it.

Are you loving Jo's skirt? She made it herself with an Amy Butler pattern and fabric and I covet it every time I see her in it! Methinks I might need one myself! After leaving the Bolands to the lengthy queue for the Eye we headed along the South Bank to Millenium Bridge. We must have walked about 8 or 9 miles, just taking in the sights and having nowhere particular to be. Such a luxury when days at home are mapped out by time and arrangements and having to be places. Something to be thankful for! We did go on the Eye at night, but alas, no photos as I was using my newly purchased point and shoot (Michael loves that it was me who dragged him up Tottenham Court Road and not him dragging me!) and I had not yet worked out how to up the ISO. I did, however, have that rectified by the time we arrived at the Natural History Museum. What a cool place! I am determined that before the boys are too cool for dinosaurs we will go to London as a family and let them roam that place for a whole day - amazing!

Sunday was such a great day of stumbling upon cool things and events. The museum wasn't in our plans, but our hotel was really close and we had time on our hands and I'm so glad we went for a few hours. And fantastic that something this great is free! There should be more good free stuff out there.

After our cultural stop we managed to stumble upon this.......

not just a random flag on a lampost, but the edge of the 2012 handover party on the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. I'm almost embarrassed to say I felt a bit giddy being there in the midst of all the atmosphere and noise. Very cool indeed. We decided against battling into the crowd at the palace and lingered instead by the big screens for a while before continuing our walk and stumbling upon.....

the 4pm inspection of the Royal Life Guard at Horse Guard Parade. It felt a bit weird seeing these soldiers in such reagalia - they seemed so stereotypically London-ish and a bit twee - until one of them literally roared at a couple who had meandered into an area they should not have been in! We certainly moved a bit quicker! We continued our walk to Trafalgar Square where there were more screens and some steps which were perfect for enjoying the show and our sandwiches at the same time. And then there was this.......

The Red Arrows! I love them! They completely remind me of air shows when I was small and I am already excited about seeing them at the airshow in Portrush next weekend - sad, but true! It was so cool seeing them on the screen as they flew over the outskirts of London, and then suddenly we could hear the roar and then there they were above us. There is a chance I could make it as a photo journalists with my point and shoot reflex action! Amazed I got this shot. And after that we came home to this.....

2 little men who were nearly beside themselves to see us and get their presents (thanks Jo, the Chick Hicks has barely been out of his hand!) The cricket ball does not look like this now because we spend a good 3 hours or so every day playing cricket in the garden at the minute - there'll be a broken window before autumn sets in, I'm sure of it.

In other news, P2 started on Thursday, but alas, poor Patrick did not make it because he has scarlet fever. He was so upset at the start of the day, but once he realised he could still play cricket and watch TV he seemed much better, if a little reddish!

We are hopeful of a speedy recovery and of commencing the P2 voyage early next week. And with that I shall leave you- thank you for sticking it out to the end! Have a great weekend x

Holiday snapshot

I know, I'm meant to be a more prolific blogger during the holidays, but as you may now be aware that isn't how it works! More time at home this summer has meant more time just hanging out with my boys, taking it easy and generally not feeling obliged to do anything that isn't necessary. And often that means for me that I am more enthused and creatively inspired after a break. So for a colleague, who shall remain nameless, but who has voiced opinions on the lack of blogging, a post for a quick catch up.

We spent a great week on the north coast last week, complete with little sun and a LOT of rain, but I can honestly say I had the best time! We took it really easy, went out when it was dry and used our imaginations a bit more when it was wet. I do promise to post a bit more in a few days, but for now I shall let you share a little of our fun with some pictures.

And now I'm off to watch some more Prison Break - Michael and I have worked through an entire series on our week away and it's disc 2 Season 2 tonight! Bring it on:) And after that it's a quick sleep before a weekend in London with no kids! My final fling before reality hits on Tuesday. Sshhh - let's pretend that's not happening!

Home alone

That's what I am. Home alone. Michael is in hospital having a minor surgery and the boys are having a sleepover with Nana and Papa, which just leaves me and the laptop and a repeat of CSI! Is it wrong of me to feel like this is nearing perfection?! So I thought I'd take a moment and share a few thoughts and photos. First up I have my top 5 list of things to do when none of your family are around.

1. Go to Ikea and marvel at the range of storage solutions without anyone rolling their eyes at you.

2. Buy another homes and style book without justifying the purchase to anyone.

3. This is a good one - go online in the middle of the day! Who knew that was possible?

4. Eat a Cadbury mini Crunchie right before your tea - the kids don't ever need to know about this!

5. Watch Mama Mia with your sister. This would be the best part of the day. If I'd made Michael watch it he'd have filed for divorce by now and have his suitcases packed!

There are many other things you can do during this people free time, eg, not empty the dishwasher or washing machine and ignore the mess from earlier in favour of blogging. The list may be potentially very long! Maybe you should try it too!

Since my last post of ridiculous photos we have been pretty busy - we've had friends visiting, caught up with lots of people, been to Castle Ward and had a ton of fun. Let me share some photo highlights of the things that have been making us happy this past week.

Sunshine - enough to warrant suncream!

Beautiful lavender

 

Acting crazy with friends we don't get to see enough - we miss you!

 

 

Tootats - he is so totally cute when he says that!

  

Summery totes filled with picnic loveliness

 

Boys who are really enjoying each other's company right now - most of the time

 

Laughing Conor

 

Laughing Patrick

More of that enjoying each other's company - have to lap that up while it's going!

 

And one that makes no one but me happy! My new solution for all those die cuts I have. I popped those boys right out and sorted them into colours, words and journalling then put them in a lovely jar, box and tin. Love that I'm trying to use what I have and also get to organise and store!

 

So that's what's making us happy. What's making you smile these days?

Experimenting

With some rather humorous effects, I might add. I was just playing around with the zoom on my kit lens and coming in close. This is what happens! I give you the Boyds as you've never seen us before!!

(Photo credit for that last one goes to Michael who has been making a concerted effort to take photos of me lately, so that my great, great grandchildren will have some idea what I looked like! Although this might not be representative of my best side!)

And unfortunately that's it for today. We have said our goodbyes, tears and all, to the cot today, and while I was confident of a smooth transition to the bed earlier this evening, it isn't going so well now. So I am using it as an excuse to get into the study to do a layout since it's right beside Conor's room and will save my legs from trekking up and down the stairs all night! I shall hopefully report back tomorrow with a bed update and stunning layout:)

Has anyone seen the sun?

Can you even believe this is the summer? Even Patrick is asking why God would make it rain so much. And even though I should know better given the history of summers past, the optimist in me is holding out for a return to warm, sunny, splash in the paddling pool weather! But until then we shall make do with the weather we have.

Take last Thursday, for example. I promised the boys that since it was dry I would take them to the adventure park at Stormont. There was much excitement and chat about what all they would do, and as we got closer to the park I tried to ignore the increasing number of spots of rain on the windscreen. Out we hopped and made our way into the park, just as the rain set in good and proper. I seriously wanted to cry at the fact that living in this country means you can plan nothing and must be prepared for any of the four seasons at one time! At first we played on, but then the heavens opened in torrential style and my mummy gene insisted that we shelter under the giant slides. But slowly bored little hands began trying to catch raindrops, and that then turned into dashing in and out of the rain as quickly as possibe before mummy could catch anyone. And before I knew it we had gone from this

to this