Just a rant from me

Grandmas shed was broken into last night. No big deal really. No sirens blaring, no forensics teams and no police dogs on the scene.

It's really bothered me though. I've only just found out about it and I'm feeling the need to vent my anger so I'm hijacking the blog to have a moan.

What makes people think they have the right to just take someone elses belongings? Things that people have worked damn hard for, things that people cherish, things that mean a lot. The people that break into houses or steal cars - what went wrong in their childhood or adult life to make them turn to this? How would they feel if their house was burgled? Or their mothers house?

They took a lot of Grandads decorating tools along with a few other things. Now, it may seem silly to get sentimental over these things but I feel a great attachment to them. Grandad touched these tools. He worked hard with them and was proud of what he created with them. They still had bits of grout, paint and dust on them from old jobs he did. Going into that shed was almost like being able to touch him or smell him.

I feel like this memory has been tainted in some way now. 

All so that some low lifes could make a few quid. How proud their parents must be!

Harry - it is never ok to steal. Taking something that isn't yours can hurt someone in a lot of ways. Whether it's dusty tools in a shed, a rubber in someone elses pencil case or a family heirloom in a fancy mansion.

Ok, rant over. I feel better already. Better prepare ourselves for a trip to Toys 'R' us to get Jess a new bike...

Happy Birthday Harry!

                 Today is your third birthday!

Some photos and a video of your third birthday:

4D movie

Holding hands with lots of Harrys.

With your light saber from Jess. Best picture I could get as you wouldn't stay still.

We went to the Sealife centre in Birmingham for your birthday. Your favourite thing about it was the hall of mirrors. Nothing to do with fish at all. You spent about an hour in there. I had great fun watching people walk into their own reflections. Here's a video of what you did in there, for a whole hour...

This time three years ago, we'd only just met you. Hard to believe that as I can't imagine life without you now. You're becoming such a lovely little boy and you're definitely not my baby anymore. No nappies, no dummies, nothing left of your baby days. It makes me a little sad but also really excited about how much you're growing and learning. We've got lots of adventures to come and I can't wait!

Happy birthday Harry! xxx

It's such a perfect day

There is only one video you want to watch and sing along to at the moment. You want to watch it on the computer, on my phone and on my Kindle. You want to me to sing it with you when you're in the bath, going to bed and even walking down the street. Our neighbours must think we're mad. I think I am going mad. I even dream about this song because I've heard it so much

Your Uncle Tom and Auntie Claire got married in 2008, before you were even born. It was a wonderful day. Daddy was Toms best man, Mummy was Claires bridesmaid and Ellie was their beautiful flower girl. As a present and as a wonderful reminder of their special day, a video was made. It includes family and friends and a lot of love and laughter. You always say that Claire looks beautiful when we watch it. Tom however just looks nice. (Sorry Tom!) You like when James winks and when Grandma Gail really goes for it at the end. I like that bit too!

You insist on watching it at least three times a day. (Stephen - this is why the views on Youtube are steadily increasing. You have a very big fan!) I can't describe what it is or why it's so good so here it is:


And here is the embarrassing part of my post.... Your version! Enjoy!

xxx

It's nearly Christmas!!!!

It's Christmas Eve, Eve. Only a few hours until Christmas eve and Christmas day is within reaching distance. I can't believe how quickly it has come around. We are all ready for Christmas in this house. Presents are wrapped, cinnamon buns are baked, The Snowman has been watched and everything is ready to be shipped to Grandmas house. That's where we will be spending Christmas this year.

This is the sleigh ride at the Co-op. It's been there for decades and I went on it as a child. We finally got to ride it together. Mummy was far too emotional.

Not keen on this Father Christmas...

Look at my snowman jumper!!

Our stockings

Christmas Eve is my favourite day. There is so much excitement building. I remember feeling as if I was going to burst with excitement when I was younger. Watching cheesy Christmas films, eating peanuts and sweets, putting out milk and a mince pie. I remember every year asking my Mum and Dad how on Earth Father Christmas could get into our house when we didn't have a proper fireplace. (He has a special key for these circumstances, if anyone was wondering). It's so magical. I hope the day is special and magical for you Harry, especially as you grow up and start to understand it more.

Have a wonderful Christmas my beautiful boy. xxx

My little rockstar, in a snowman jumper.

You're going to be so annoyed with me when you're older... ah well, here you are rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody on your guitar whilst wearing a snowman jumper. I'll be very surprised if you're not in a band of some sort when you're older, hopefully still rocking the Christmas knitwear.

Enjoy! It gets really good at about 0:40...

 Love you, my little rockstar!

P.s. Christmas is coming.... watch this space!

Autumn 2012 - Leaf piles, Potty training and listening to Queen

I think my love of Autumn may be rubbing off on you. We both got a little bit too excited yesterday when we saw a huge pile of leaves that we could kick our way through in the park. And we did, lots. We were the only ones there because everyone else seems a little afraid of the cold. We had red noses and fingers like ice by the time we left but we were warm and happy on the inside. (You also slept like a log for over an hour and let me enjoy my coffee and trashy magazine in peace. Going out in the cold has many benefits...)

Aside from finding leaves in every possible colour imaginable, we have also been potty training. You have absolutely astounded me with how quickly you have learnt to use the potty/toilet. The first day was tricky, for both of us, but after the first day of wee-wee's everywhere, you just got it. You tell me when you need to go and you are almost dry at night too. We are slowly venturing out without a pull-up on. It's highly likely that you wouldn't have an accident but Mummy is still a bit scared. Silly, I know!

 I am so proud of you Harry. You continue to surprise me with how quickly you are growing up. I felt very sad yesterday that you are now wearing size 3-4 year clothes. That soon disappeared when I realised that means I can go shopping for you. (Although I'm not sure H&M actually have anymore stripy tops that I haven't already bought!)


And now we move onto Queen. Your new favourite band. I know Uncle Tom will be proud of you and hopefully a few other people will enjoy this video.

No doubt my next post will probably be about Christmas. I've already begun infusing our house with Christmas related things. A book called 'The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas' arrived today. A truly disgusting but totally festive book which is exactly as it's title describes. I would thouroughly recommend it. (It helps that it's written by Mcfly, experts at childrens literature and making me weak at the knees, so it seems).
I have also started Christmas crafting. It's like a disease. Once you start cutting felt, you can't stop. I will get you involved this year, you have no choice!

Happy Autumn my darling xxxx

Watch what you're saying...

'Oh my God, you soooooooooo annoying Mummy!'

This is what you said to me yesterday when I was trying to get your clothes on. There are many reasons why I should've told you off for talking to me like that but I couldn't help it. I laughed harder than I thought I could. And then you laughed and gave me your cheekiest grin.

With your speech developing so quickly at the moment, I have to very careful with what I am saying around you. I didn't realise how often I said 'Oh my God' but it must be a lot if you've picked up on it. Other variations of the above include:

'Oh my God, where's my dinner?' and,
'Oh my god, not bed time yet!'

I will make every effort in future to say 'Oh my goodness' instead, however old fashioned that makes me sound.

This is to add to the list of your favourites which at the moment consists of:
'Pack it in!'
'I'm watching you...'
'That's so annoying'

While we're on the topic of things being annoying....
This must be something I say a lot too because you keep saying it about everything. And I must apologise to Katy from 'I can cook' on CBeebies. I've said a few times that I think she is annoying and now you shout it at her when she comes on screen. Sorry Katy.


 You are saying the funniest, cutest and cleverest things at the moment. I wish I could film every single one.
You told me that your forehead is called your one head, (which makes perfect sense), but I wasn't prepared for you to tell the Dr the same thing yesterday. Dr Nagra thought you were very funny.

You have appointment for speech therapy on Monday as the health visitor thinks you need some help pronouncing some sounds. I can't wait to hear what you come out with after a little help.

 Oh, and please don't tell the speech therapist that she is annoying, or that you 'hate her toys', or thats 'its boring'. Mummys face will go redder than your favourite red jumper...

Some recent pictures...

Climbing far too high and giving Mummy and Grandma a heart attack

Climbing trees

Tired, grumpy but still beautiful

Sorry Mummy...

Love you the most my little dude xxx

I'm mad at you...

This blog was created so that we could look back on your life when you're older. I don't want you to look back and think it was all rainbows and flying unicorns. Yes, you are really cute and lovely but just recently, you have taken to throwing the worst temper tantrums ever. Today, you almost got run over because of your temper. Mummy nearly had a heart attack before shouting at you and then breaking down in tears about what very nearly happened.

We live on a somewhat busy road and you ran into it before I could grab you. We were very lucky that at that minute, there were absolutely no cars. That is rare for our road, unless it is the middle of the night or a Sunday morning.

I have no idea what the tantrum was even about. Something to do with your bike but I don't even think you were completely sure. This is the fourth major tantrum since last Thursday. I suppose we have been lucky to get away with it until you were two and a half.

I may be cross with you but I gave you extra cuddles and kisses this afternoon. Thinking about what could have happened makes my heart skip a beat.

I just want you to be safe Harry. So you can kick and scream all you want, but next time you WILL be in a safe place, despite your protests.

Your back-pack with the strap for me to hold is going on back on you when we go out tomorrow.

Please let this be a short phase in your life....

Love you to the stars you naughty little boy! xxx

Saying Goodbye and Good luck!

So, that's it. Uncle Kyle has left to go and live with Auntie Nicki in Dubai. We had an emotional goodbye yesterday. You looked so worried for a split second when everyone was getting upset, but then you were more concerned with the Ipad. It's good, in a way, that you don't really understand what's going on because it would probably make it that bit harder for everyone.

For reference, things I have learnt about Dubai in the last few weeks:
- It is not a country, but an Emirate which makes up the United Arab Emirates (I am ashamed I didn't know this as a Geography geek...)
- It is 3 hours ahead
- It takes 6.5 hours to fly there, longer on the way back
- It is spread along the coast
- In the summer the beach is deserted because it is just too hot to be out there and the sea is warm like a bath

Things I have learnt about my brother, (Uncle Kyle), in the last few weeks:
- He is very brave to move to another continent, country and culture.
- He loves Nicki, not just with his heart, but his entire soul. He would follow her to end of the Earth. If you want to see true love, there is no better example. It's right there.
- He is a VERY good liar. He suprised Nicki in the most wonderful way by flying out early. I heard him on the phone and saw him laying false trails on Facebook.... Makes me wonder what he lied about when we were younger...

We will miss them both more than any words here could ever express. BUT... they have a chance to start a better life out there, a better life that will lead them back here one day. This will be the making of them.

 They'll be home for visits and will spoil you rotten no doubt! We can talk to them on the phone and on Skype and we will see lots of photos of them. The flight over there is shorter than the drive down to Devon, (granted we did have a traffic jam and a break down...), so hopefully we can visit as well.

So we'll be sad for a while and miss them lots but it's not like they'll be away forever. I can't wait to hear all about their adventures!

xxx

Summer time

It's summer and we are making the most of it. The best way of showing what we've been up to is with pictures. I'll point out now that you are getting rather annoyed at me constantly asking you to say 'Cheeeese!' I actually don't know why I ask you to say that because you pull the most hideous face when you do!

Trampoline, now long gone...

Poundshop pavement chalks - lifesaver

Numbers...again!

Beautiful boy on holiday in Devon

Rock climbing in your new dinosaur shoes

Cheesy cheese face at the beach

'Tell me to say cheese one more time. I dare you...'

More numbers

Now an expert on your balance bike

Pool time at Grandmas house with your aunties

Carnival!!!

It's been a busy summer, with lots of changes. Your Auntie Jessica has finished at primary school and will be going to secondary school in September. It won't affect you very much but it's a big step for her. Seeing your happy face waiting for her in the car after school will help enormously. We'll be there Jess, waiting to hear all about it.
Your Auntie Nicki left in April for better and brighter things in Dubai. She has a fantastic job and a brilliant career ahead of her out there. We are all so proud of her. But of course we miss her like crazy. You've had a moment or two when you've felt sad and said 'want see Icki'. You've spoken to her on Skype and Uncle Kyle told you she was trapped in the phone. You found that highly amusing! Kyle will be joining her in less than a month. This is not something Mummy can write about easily and probably deserves it's own blog post. It's a big change for us all.


When school starts again, it means it is nearly Autumn. Autumn is when the leaves change colour, the nights get darker and our pyjamas get cosier. I won't lie, I love Autumn and Winter. There's excitement in new school uniforms, thinking about Halloween costumes, pumpkins, fireworks and CHRISTMAS!  (It's written in capitals because I am so excited for 'it' but it's small because I don't want to alarm anyone else reading by reminding them of 'it's' approach)

I can't wait for some Autumn adventures with you Harry. Although I expect a lot of them will be potty training related. Do you really have to grow up? Nappies and your dummies are the last remaining baby traits and I'm not keen to give them up yet.

Love you Harry..... ( 'I know, Mummy!' is what you've started to reply to that).

Mummy xxx