Leopard Print Mommy

Is anybody there???

2013-10-22T15:52:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

Thats if there is anyone there?

Well its been a good few months hasnt it? Where has the time gone? I wish i knew, it felt like the blink of a eye.

I left the blogging world behind in May after posting most days for nearly a year, i was very proud of my blog but the world of blogging didnt draw me in any longer. The same reviews popping up on every other blog, PR emails where they make you belve your blog is bloody ace when they havnt even read it and they just want to use you, blogging awards that found me felling very rubbish , and general bitchyness from a number of the community. It was just what didnt want to be dealing with. I had well and truely fell out of love!

So why am i here then you may think? typing up this blog post and questioning if i will actually publish?
Well ive missed it - a tad - ok a lot. I miss the genuine posts from other bloggers seeing what them and there little ones have been up to, ive missed sharing my crazy boy and his ways with you, keeping a diary of his life.

I thought i would publish this post and see how i go? no promises of more posts no pressure on myself to post every day without fail.

Il start with a super quick run down of the main dude himself:-

Hes started nursery school
Hes developed a HUGE obsession with Marvel characters
He has made me the proudest mom in the world

First day of nursery.

He goes 9:40-11:40 and i miss him like crazy but it give him chance to mingle with other children his age and he loves it. He brings me out some lovely pictures and has won 'star of the day' quite a few times :)

His marvel obsession! What felt like over night the boy went from a fireman sam addict to wanting to be hulk, iron man, spiderman, captain america and god knows who else! Of course his dad is not complaining as he gets to do crazy things like dress up as iron man with him!!

His school photos from last week and him practicing writing his name! Very proud Mommy on both accounts.

Onto a quick round up for me:-

BUSINESS,BUSINESS, BUSINESS!

Starting a business is never easy, the ideas are all there but the time and funds oftern dont follow. Me and my friend have worked super hard to launch our Candy Cart business and put so much time effort and emotion into it not forgetting the money too. We are all running now and so pleased with it, there has been more than one pothole along the way, a big one being a 'family friend' roughly 2 weeks after our business was launched decided to launch there own candy cart too! This was less that fun to deal with, at first i exploded like a child which included a number of facebook posts about the situation which lead to private messaged from the other party saying how childish i was and how they hadnt copied etc (i still stick to they clearly did!!) but i like to think i rose above it now. We attended our 1st wedding fayre and met a rather special guest!!

Overall we have come a long way in a few months with the business and now have a range of seasonal goodies and other wedding items to go along with the cart.
We have several 2014 wedding booking and even 3 2015 bookings which were very excited about doing.
I have loved working within the wedding industry and am very excited about what the future holds.

So that was a quicky round up,

Thanks for reading anyone who did

Love Lucy x

Busy busy busy - a little catch up

2013-06-17T16:12:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

I hope there is still someone out there reading this, again I've been on a bit of a break away from my blog, life's been manic, charity walks, hen dos, weddings and a business launch has kept me busy along with a crazy 3 year old.

I thought I'd give a little update of the things that's been happening and share a few pictures.

Firstly i compleated a 10 mile walk back in may for 3 local charitys. Me and two friends compleated the walk in 3hrs and 15mins dressed as green crayons! It was a very proud day, i for one DO NOT DO EXCERCISE! i hate it, so i was extreamly proud when we all crossed the finish line.

Next up, the hen do of a very good friend, 10 of us travelled to London and had a fantastic weekend including a pole dancing lesson, ride in a limo to a Cabaret strip show (where we met Katie prices husband and watched him strip!!)

The day time theme was footballers and the bride was ref.

I gained a lot of respect for pole dancers that day, it's bloody hard work!

Then the night time theme was 'barbie' so any Barbie, with the bride to be obviously being bride Barbie! I was builder Barbie, I think I looked awful. I was never born to be blonde!

On to the wedding itself, I had so much stress going on for it and it wasn't me getting married, put me off marriage for sure,I tell you that. Far to much stress.

The weeks and says before the wedding were manic. The day before I fitted into my tiny car, one bride and groom to be, one Paige boy to be, a massive table plan, top table flowers, lots of goody bags, table decorations, 150 cupcakes and a 3 tier wedding cake!!!! I don't know how I did it, granted I did the cupcakes in 2 journeys but my car was like the tardis that day.

The day of the wedding came and my son decided he didn't want to get dressed at all. This was a issue as he was Paige boy for my friend and had a beautiful suit to wear. He would not get dressed, he screamed, cried and almost caused himself to have a fit he was that het up. After what felt like hours we finally wrestled him into his shirt, trousers and shoes. At least he was half dressed. We got him into the car and with 2 mins to spare we got to the venue. Harry then refused to walk down the isle, instead crying himself to sleep on my lap, he was asleep throughout the ceremony. Once it was over it was outside for pictures and Harry was fully awake and happy to join in with these!! There was many a joke of how it looked like Harry had just walked in from the stag do!

Scruffy boy! He did find his future wife though!!

Hen do reunion, but looking more sophisticated i hope!

The wedding was a beautiful day and was also the launch of mine and my friends, (the brides) candy cart business. We have put a lot of time and effort in and it really was a wow on the day. We're hoping we can make a living out of the hire of the cart and selling other sweet goodies too.

Harry also has had his nursery place for September confirmed, he will be doing morning at the school where my sister and mom work. I'm a wreck. I don't want him to go, however I know it's for his own best interest.

The time is just zooming by and I don't like it. My baby is growing up far to quickly.

Our little family on Father's Day yesterday.

So that's a little update of what's been going on in my world. I'm not promising when il be back with another blog post but I will be writing again soon :)

Love Lucy x

No no no - challenging behaviour

2013-05-28T21:54:00.001+01:00

Hiya all,

Today was Harry's check up for his eyes, the day started bad with him refusing to get dressed, anyway after a struggle and a bribe we got him into the car and off we went to the hospital.

Getting to the hospital in the pouring rain he asked to go in his pushchair and we went inside. After a 5 min wait we were called through to the assessment part and Harry started screaming.

15 mind of the man trying to reason with Harry, he was still hysterical 'no dont hurt me' he screamed over and over. That's heart breaking to hear. I tried my hardest to reassure him that no one was going to hurt him but he wouldn't have it. The nurse gave up a said we could just go straight through to see the specialist.

We went through to the next room Harry still protesting no no no, covering his eyes with his hands so they couldn't see, when I prized away his hands, he had his eyes clenched so tight, he made it clear they wouldn't be getting any success today.

The specialist did try her very best, trying to talk about fire engines and even getting him a sticker but he only opened his eyes for a few seconds. From talking to me asking if I had any concerns she was happy with his progress and will see him in 6 weeks! Fingers crossed he co operates.

Like butter wouldn't melt!!

In other challenging behaviours news, last week I took Harry to be measured for his wedding suit at the suit shop, he is a Paige boy for my friends wedding next week. From the moment we got there is was 'no no no' he wouldn't let the man measure him he wouldnt let me measure him, he wouldn't try on any suits then he shut himself in the changing room with my phone taking photos of his own feet.

Reasoning again was no use, he wouldn't listen and just screamed, I was so embarrassed, the shop was so posh and had other customers staring, I tried to block them out but it is annoying. We ended up leaving without his exact measurements and they guessed his size! (Badly may I add, them saying to my friend 'shall I just order the same size as the other boy?' the other boy being not yet 2!!) fingers crossed with the guesses I helped out giving them, his suit won't swamp him or be to short on the day.

Getting him to walk down the isle will be another issue, how on earth we will get him to do it I have no idea.

Getting dressed in a morning and also undressed for bed at night, it's never been a issue! Until now, he is a absolute pain in the bottom at these times, he will do anything not to be changed. Once he's in bed its no problem at all, but its the hassle to get him there its tiring.

Please tell me this is a phase and everyone goes through it? I'm sure the boy is trying to kill me!

To end on a funny note, found this in my hospital notes from when I was pregnant and in hospital with a infection.

'Patient tearful doesn't want to DIE'

Too right I don't want to die!

Lucy x

Trendy toddler - Thursday?

2013-05-23T15:26:00.001+01:00

Hiya all,

I'm getting worse and worse with my blog.

However one of the things I miss most is joining in with trendy Tuesday over on www.medicatedfollower.com

I try my best to do a post then something comes up and bang it goes out my head.

So this week I'm joining in for the first time in a long while I'm only 2 days late, sorry!

Harry's had quite a few new bits lately one of my favourites being this goonies top that my sister in law got him!

I think it's fab!

He's got it on today with blue skinnys and some new Toms style pumps from matalan that my mom got him!

I know next week I won't be able to join in as il be super busy getting ready for my friends hen do and continuing helping her with her last minute wedding plans for week after, but hope il be able to get back into the swing of things soon.

Don't forget to check out the other trendys :)

Love Lucy x

(First time I'm using my phone to blog so please ignore all the awful spelling errors)

New wardrobe items & sale bargains

2013-05-17T17:22:00.002+01:00

Hiya all,

Ive been a bad blogger again havnt i :( im sorry, i hardly get time to do anything lately. I have however stolen some time to do this post. Please dont think this is a 'look at what ive brought' or its me bragging, far from it. Its as the title says about a few bargain wardrobe items thats ive picked up over the last few weeks, i love a bargain so thought i would share them with you.

First - this midi dress i brought from ebay, it was a shop page on ebay and got it for £7! Its not the best quality but its a really lovely dress and very comfy too. I wore it out to a restaurant last Saturday and it was great that finally there is some nice sleeved dresses out there. (ive included there picture too as mine doesnt do it justice)

Next up, as i have mentioned on twitter, im off on sunday to do a 10 mile walk for Charity in Birmingham. (ARRRHHHH WHY DID I AGREE TO THIS?????) I didnt own any actual trainer that would stand up to walking 10 miles, so i had to buy some. I was very lucky and when visiting my loacl JJB thats closing down (been taken over by sports direct) they were still trying to get rid of all the old stock, so i got these Reebok easy tone trainers for . . . £12.50! I couldn't believe it, i snapped them up right away. They may be bright silver but i do love a bit of bling.

On to primark

I have my friends hen do on June 1st in London. Im planning on being a builder, and not one for out of the bag costumes, i have put mine together myself. I am wearing denim dungarees, hard hat, fluorescent jacket etc. I picked up my dungarees for £12 which is a bargain as in newlook and matalan there £25!

Also in good old primark i got this studded vest on sale, was £5 and i got it for £3 it has gold studded shoulders and goes well under the dungarees.

Onto asda sale. On Thursday we were going to asda to do our food, as we walked in they were setting up there sale so we had pick of the items, there were loads of lovely items. My mom got trousers, jumper and a few tshirts too for under £20!

I got this white peplum top il be wearing for going out Saturday night with friends for food. It was £12 reduced to £6

With the top il be wearing this striped skirt that was £8 but reduced to £4. Ive tried it on together and think it looks rather good for a £10 outfit. (il try and remember to get a full body shot at the weekend)

Finally onto things i picked up for Harry. Its that usual problem ive moaned about before, when it comes to sales, girls rails are full to the brim, yet boys rails are half the amount, whats that all about shops? sort it out!

Anyway, from primark i got him this dinosaur tshirt, he LOVES dinosaurs, and i love this faded wash its got on it. It was £4.

Again from asda we got these Disney Mickey mouse jeans. They have the elasticated waist which is a must these days now hes not longer in nappys, they have to be easy for him to get on and off on his own. They were meant to be £9 but reduced to £6 which isnt bad at all for Disney items. im sure if they were in the Disney store they would be more than twice the price.

Again asda, we got this shorts and tshirt set, they are really lovely bright colour and great quality. They were meant to be £6 which i think is a brilliant price for a set, but i didn't actually see them in store at this price, else i would of got them then. Luckily for me i got them for £4 in the sale

You may be thinking what lovely items, but what about poor old Gareth! (im pretty sure none of you actually thought this) well don't worry, i didn't leave him out!

novelty sandal socks, surely everyone needs a pair?! and for the price of £1 whats not to love!!

Anyway, sorry this was a bit of a random post.

Hope all my lovely blogging friends and there beautiful children are all ok. Il blog again soon

Love Lucy x

No no no - challenging child

2013-05-17T16:33:00.001+01:00

Hiya all,

Today was Harry's check up for his eyes, the day started bad with him refusing to get dressed, anyway after a struggle and a bribe we got him into the car and off we went to the hospital.

Getting to the hospital in the pouring rain he asked to go in his pushchair and we went inside. After a 5 min wait we were called through to the assessment part and Harry started screaming.

Like butter wouldn't melt!!

Getting him to walk down the isle will be another issue, how on earth we will get him to do it I have no idea.

Please tell me this is a phase and everyone goes through it? I'm sure the boy is trying to kill me!

To end on a funny note, found this in my hospital notes from when I was pregnant and in hospital with a infection.

'Patient tearful doesn't want to DIE'

Too right I don't want to die!

Lucy x

dear beautiful 3 year old bobo

2013-05-08T16:10:00.000+01:00

Dear bobo,

Mommy is a little late with this letter, you turned 3 in March, and dont we just know it. Most days since you tell us, 'My Birthday' and we have to explain how you only get one birthday a year. You are not too struck on this idea, maybe you need 2 birthdays like the queen.

You have done amazingly with your toilet training, you are completely dry through the day and have been since before your birthday, were so proud of you doing this. Night times will come in there own time, no rush.

Fireman Sam, bob the builder and Thomas the tank as still your passions. You have taken more of a shine to disney now especially wreck it ralph and of course toy story. The way you role play and shout 'FIRE' in a welsh accent is so funny. Just like when you shout 'NORMAN PRICE' and tell everyone how thats you, and Dilis is me. Thanks for that crazy boy. Your imagination never fails to make me laugh, like when you ran out from the other living room into me, shouting, 'Mom im a knight!!' looking like this:-

Jigsaws are still a passion of yours, you can do them so quickly. You still love your numbers too and letters, pointing out what each of them are. Singing the alphabet, and phonics songs pass your days.

You love helping nanny feed the dogs and fish, but you wont leave the 'big shark' (plec) alone, trying to stroke him through the tank.

The girls are your world, i can see you all being so close as you grow older together. You do crazy things with Jess 'tess' like this:-

and love playing with 'hiya' Evie, singing meatloaf on karaoke and football.

Technology is no match for you, your so tech savvy, using mine and your dads phones with ease. Using apps and watching videos.

Daddys brought a new bike and you were more than happy with it as its bright yellow! even though when we asked what you would like when your older, you said 'a red car' good choice Harry! Mom and Dad better get saving.

Nursery starts for you in September, when you will be joining all the other boys and girls. Im dreading it, but i think you will love it there. Auntie annie works there as does nanny and auntie ellen, most of the staff know you and are awaiting your arrival there. Were very lucky as the school is opposite our house, wont take long to walk there in a morning.

Food, thats dreaded stail mate we have each day with you. You will eat a very small selection of foods, and hardly ever agree to try new food. You did however ask to try grated cheese a few weeks ago and now ask for grated cheese for a snack, i was so so excited this day. You made mommy very proud, i text daddy at work to tell him. We never force you to try new things, we offer and 9/10 times we get turned down but Im assured you will slowly get there with eating and trying new foods, i cant wait!

Mommy and her friend are very close to opening a new business, its been alot of work and still needs more work but we are geting there and hopefully it will be all worth it as we will have more money to do fun things with.

Your great great grandad sadly passed away in march at the age of 97. He loved you very much and we will tell you tales of him and storys he used to tell us, you will never forget him.

Clothes and getting dressed, your pet hate. You will gladly spend all day in your underwear (or less) if we would let you. You hate being dressed, and try and be all independent and dress yourself, you dont do a bad job at it but you drag the process out as long as you possibly can.

This year is zooming by and with each day you amaze us all a little bit more with your funny clever cheeky ways, life without you in it seems like it was lightyears away, you brighten up our darkest days and we love you more than we could ever explain to you.

Lots more fun and adventures to come, i cant wait.

Love you Harry bobo

x x x

i would go out tonight. .

2013-04-30T15:49:00.003+01:00

but i havnt go a stitch to wear!

Hiya all,

everytime i have a dilemma on finding a outfit, i find myself singing the same old Morrissey tune.

I hate clothes shopping for myself these days, i would gladly spend all day buying for Harry and even Gareth, but for myself in dispare as i never find the perfect outfit.

My very good friend is getting married in June and i have yet to find anything to wear. Harry is one of the page boys for the wedding, so i want to make him, Gareth proud by looking good.

I don't know which way to go dress wise, i no i want something classy, nothing that looks like im off to party in ibiza, but equally dont want to look like im off to prom either. I think colour is more of a issue, what colour do i go towards?

The wedding theme is black and fuchsia pink, so i obviously want to stay away from those colours as those are the colours the wedding party are wearing.

These are a few options, but i still dont no if in this list there is 'the one'.

So that's where you lovely blogging community comes in, which would you choose?

Luckily shoe choice is very easy, im very much a shoe person, so i know i can get shoes to match pretty easily, they have to be wedges due to the floor at the place shes getting married, so that makes it even easier still.

Any advice would be great.

Lucy x

Sun is shining but black clouds decending

2013-04-24T17:59:00.005+01:00

Hiya all,

If you remember reading my post about Gareth and his depression you will know what this post is about.

It seems we're back under those black clouds again and the dark days have returned. It's tough. The horrible illness has stolen my happy funny crazy partner yet again.

His great grandad passed away in march and I think this may have been the trigger this time, he keeps beating himself up that he didn't get to the hospital on time to see him, he had been there the whole day the day before, the next day he was at work and got a phone call to go to the hospital and he left work to head to the hospital but got there 2mins too late, something that's played on his mind ever since. No matter how much we all tell him there's nothing you can do to stop time and the world working in its mysterious ways, he still blames himself for not being there in time.

Work, he works bloody hard, but his place of work are also pushing him to the limits, he has been asked to do 8am til 8pm monday o friday and 6am til 12noon saturdays to try and get a big order done. This is killing him because he doesn't get time to see Harry so he's been finishing 5/6pm but then work are not happy (he's only meant to work until 4:30pm so anything after is over time and doing the place a favour so he's not actually doing anything wrong by leaving before 8pm)

He's sold his motorbike in the hope of getting a better one so I'm currently being his taxi which I don't mind at all, but I think it's annoying him as its taken away his independence, he likes to just have a ride around and clear his head but he can't do this and he can't find a bike that he likes to buy.

His family are having money problems due to funeral and expenses that come along with it, and Gareth being the kind of man he is, try's to make everyone happy and would give a stranger his last penny if they asked for it, so he's trying to fix all there problems but by doing this is pushing himself further into the darkness, he looks after everyone else's problems but neglects his own.

Last night I found him doing a mental health assessment on his phone from the nhs website and it said he needed to consult a doctor, which I've told him to do over and over (he had a counsellor before but stopped going). I'm hoping he will reconsider going back again.

He's going to spend a few nights at his nans house and I'm hoping this time on his own there will be for the better, time for him to clear his thoughts and time for the clouds to start to lift I hope.

This is very very selfish of me I no, but I'm finding it so hard. He's so distant and not with it, it's exhausting to be around him I no that sounds awful but I want to be honest. I always like to fix things and make them better but this is something I can't fix with a plaster a pot of vic and some savlon, he needs to help himself I no, and that's hard for me to deal with. I have so many happy exciting things going on and it's upsetting because I can't share my excitement with him, because he's not actually in the right frame of mind to talk about anything.

I had such lovely comments on my other post I'm so greatful to everyone who takes the time to comment, I no this post is another woe is me post and I'm sorry but I just needed to get it out there.

Thanks for reading if you have

Lucy x

ex smokers are unstoppable

2013-04-18T16:22:00.002+01:00

Hiya all,

Smoking - my pet hate

I have NEVER smoked myself, not even tried as a teen.

Note the theme in all these pictures?

No its not the bad 90s hair and outfits.

Smoking!

My parents both smoked when i was younger and up until i was 12. My mom had a health scare and that was it, a switch clicked in her brain and she stopped. Followed by my Dad who also quit to support my mom. From that day to this, they have never touched another cigarette.

The smell, that's what sticks in my mind, the smell after they quit, it was a smell id never noticed before but id smell it when we were out or at other family members houses that did smoke. I couldn't work it out, then i realised, it was smoke i was smelling. Until my parents quit i couldn't smell it, which made me think i must of smelt that way too living in a house with 2 smokers, but just never realised it.

I hate smoking.

So i ask myself, why on earth did i choose a partner that smokes?

My parents quit smoking with nothing but the help of a pack of mints, but its not always that easy for others.

Gareth for example, has no wish to quit, much to my disgust, and me telling him numerous times of how awful it is for him. Hes not aloud to smoke in the house, he has to go outside, no matter what weather or time of the day, he has to go out of the house to fill his horrible habit. I think you have to mentally want to quit before you can.

That's whats so unusual about a new app ExSmokers icoach. Its help for those who are not yet ready to stop smoking along with those who are. With a brief questionnaire, icoach can determine your stage and fit a program to the you.

Icoach is based on pioneering research, practical clinical experience, and includes advice from psychologists and communication experts

ExSmokers is available in both appstore and google play store and is a free! It doesn't matter what level you are at, there is help on there to guide you through all the process to quitting smoking for good.

It is available in 23 official EU languages. iCoach has been proven effective. More than 30% of people who used iCoach quit smoking.

Theres are so many benefits you get from quitting, not only the health ones like looking and feeling better in yourself, but your bank balance will be healthier too.

So if your not yet ready to quit or already on the road to becoming a ex smoker, icoach is the idea way to help you along the journey.

Love Lucy x

*sponcered post*

no it stinks

2013-04-16T14:54:00.003+01:00

Hiya all,

Ive always been lucky that Harry's never had a issue with getting dresseds or an issue with what he wears he loves fancy dress and wearing just about anything with no fuss at all, this was until a few weeks ago.

I now have a 3yr old who HATES getting dressed and clothes of any sort with a passion.

To try and ease the kicking and screaming that we have to deal with on a daily basis, i try and buy funky clothes with his favourite characters on so it eases the arguments and fights we have to get him dressed.

Last week, i brought him this tshirt:-

He loves toy story, (as does his father!!)

gareths buzz lightyear tattoo

So i thought he would love this tshirt and enjoy wearing it too.

Boy was i wrong.

I laid it out one day last week for him to wear and his reaction was at 1st, 'wow' then he went on to name all the characters, as i went to put it on him, his said 'err no it stinks' and refused to wear it. He often uses 'it stinks' if its something he doesn't like, or something he doesn't want to do.

Fair enough i thought, maybe just having one of those days, so a few days later i tryed to get him to wear it again, i put it on, and as soon as he looked down and realised what it was he started saying it again, 'er no it stinks' and he actually took it off himself.

Ive tried again since and got the same reaction, when he saw the tshirt on the top of the washing he took it off, screwed it up into a ball and hid it behind the curtain.

Now before anyone thinks, maybe it is because it does smell, i can assure you it doest its been through the wash even though hes not worn it and hes still rejecting it.

Has anyone else experienced this with there kids, im hoping its just yet another one of those crazy phases, i no they do get fussy about what they wear however i didn't expect it at 3, 5 or 6 maybe but not yet.

In june Harrys a page boy for my friend at her wedding, he will have to wear a suit and actually go and be fitted for it in the next few weeks, i can jsut see him having a meltdown when we have to do this. Which will not be fun.

Any advice greatly appreciated :)

Love Lucy x

our brave boy

2013-04-09T22:21:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

Something I've not shut up about over the last few weeks is Harry's op, its helped to write things down and talk about things on twitter with you all.

Sunday came and i felt sick all day, we went to visit Gareth's nan and grandads house, came home had dinner, i took my mom and dad to church for my uncles memorial service and me and harry went to my brothers house to see there new rabbit. I tried to keep busy to keep my mind off Monday, it helped a little. But it was still looming. Sunday night we packed Harry off to bed, and i just felt like the worst parent in the world, he didn't no anything of what was going to happen the next day really. We packed our bags, bits and bobs he may need in the hospital (as usual i over packed) When we got into bed, neither me or Gareth could sleep, we eventually nodded off but woke to see each hour that passed.

6am we were up.

As with most anaesthetic, you cant have anything to eat for 6 hours before (maybe more) Harry was nil by mouth from 12 midnight, but he last ate at roughly 7pm on the Sunday night, then only water from 12 midnight to 7am. Then he was not aloud nothing at all after. He asked for breakfast and a cup of tea as usual when he got up. We told him that he had to drink some 'magic water' because we were going to the hospital for the Dr's and nurses to fix his eye, and that the magic water would help. And that when we got home later on he could have a big bowl of breakie (it is amazing how you suddenly just roll off this stream of lies when your under pressure)

All week we had been talking about it with him, how he would be going to the hospital, explaining that the Dr's would be looking at his eyes and fixing the poorly one. He was happy with that, even asking if they could fix his poorly knee too (he fell down on a walk and scraped it in the week)

It takes about 25mins to get from our house to the hospital and we got there about 7:30am. We got out the car and headed inside. The hospital was nice, it was the eye centre at city hospital in Birmingham, it was a nice separate centre specialising in all the eye treatments.

We headed for the day surgery unit and booked in, then sat in the waiting area. We had been told that on the children's unit it goes on age who goes down 1st for procedures. Me and Gareth were looking round and there were 4 other 'kids' i say that because 3 of them were not actually kids, but teens, and one was about 4 which meant Harry would be 1st.

Harry was pretending to be asleep, his favourite trick every time we go to a hospital or Dr's. Then a nurse came and asked for all the children and there parents to follow her to the children's ward.

Walking through a doorway covered in stars, i was very shocked at how nice and bright the children's ward was. Each child had there own bed and area, there names were above the bed, and on the bed the nurses had placed toys and games specially for each child's age range, Harry ran right over to a little table and chairs by his bed and started playing. There was a tv playing cbeebies (much to the older teens disappointment).

As soon as we had taken his coat off the nurse was there to put on his anaesthetic cream, they put blobs of cream ontop of each hand, and cover it with a clear plaster, it numbs the skin, so when they put the iv in the children cant feel it. They also attached a wristband, which the nurse pretended was a magic watch. Harry then continued to play.

The next lady round was the anaesthetist, she was very nice and noticed from Harry's notes that it had just been his birthday, she asked what he had for his birthday, but he was rather shy and just replied 'big toe cake' we then had to explain what a 'big toe' cake was (mushroom from super Mario!) She explained that they would try and put a iv in to put the anaesthetic in, but as his veins may not be easy to get to on his hand they may use gas 1st.

Next along was the surgeon, who didn't really say much to us, just that they were going to probe his tear duct, then flush it through to try and remove the infection or blockage which ever it was that was causing the problem. He said Harry would be 1st down as he was the youngest. He asked if we had any questions but i couldn't think of any at the time (isn't it always the way!)

The ward had 5 beds in and a desk where the 2 nurses worked from. As the ward was so small, we could hear all the conversations that were going on, and especially if your extremely nosey like me, you can definitely hear everything. There was a fuss being kicked up by the surgeon because there was some of Harry's paperwork missing, que the nurses frantically calling all over the hospital to all different departments saying how they need his paperwork urgently, they were told some of it was at our local hospital so they would need to send a taxi to go fetch it, and that he would be pushed to bottom of the list because they couldn't do the surgery without the full paperwork, or maybe even cancelling it to another time if they couldn't get it in time. I was about to say il go and fetch it myself, when a rather puffed out lady appeared at the doorway clutching Harry's records, she had raced from the children's hospital over the way and got them and ran back, they had been sent to the wrong ward! arrrhhh.

Because of all the fuss, Harry was changed from 1st to 2nd in the surgery list. The little boy went down 1st, then it was time for Harry to have his gown on. We were told to take everything off him and just leave pants and socks on under the gown. He was less that happy about this, he just wanted to play. We finally managed to get it on him, and then the phone rang to say it was his time to go down.

Gareth carried him down the corridor and into the side room where there was bed waiting for him, he was carrying fireman SAM with him, i was holding his 'shlur' (manky blue blanket, that he calls shlur) He didn't want to go onto the bed, so Gareth held him all the time. A male nurse came out and spoke with us, asked a few questions and then said it was time to go, only one parent is aloud in the room when there put to sleep, Gareth looked at me and said 'il take him, dont want you getting upset and then worrying him' i was very proud of him for making this decision, he was so right. As soon as they walked off through the door i was in tears.

I was outside the door, waiting for the screams if I'm honest, him refusing to co operate etc. I however didn't hear any. They asked him if he would like to play hide and seek, Harry said yes, so they told him to close his eyes and as he closed his eyes, they put the mask by his mouth for him to breath some gas in they told him to count, and he got to 2 and was fast asleep. Gareth kissed him and laid him on the bed. He and the nurse then came out to me, and we walked back to the ward, the nurse and Gareth both telling me how brave he was and how he didn't make a ounce of fuss at all.

This eased my worry, for the next 20mins i clutched Harry blanket as we waited to go collect him, i cried, but i tried to hold it together, after about 25mins me and Gareth walked down to the surgery area from the ward and waited to be called in. The nurse from our ward came round the corner with one of the teens who was due to go down next, she took Harry's blanket out my hand and took it through for us so it would be there for when he woke up. Another 5mins and the door opened, 'hes awake, come through' i practically pushed the male nurse out the way to get to my boy. Gareth wasn't aloud in due to one parent only rule (rather annoying and unfair i think).

Harry was sobbing his heart out, i cried again, the nurse had him on her lap cuddling him, i grabbed him right up and squeezed him so tightly i was so relived to see him. The nurse let me sit where she had been sitting with him and i rocked and cuddled him.

The nurse explained the reason why he was so flustered was that normally children (and adults too) come round from anaesthetic slowly and wake up very sleepy and gradually work themselves back up to strength which gives the nurses chance to let the parent back in so there there when the child's coming round, not Harry, nope, he had woke right up from it and tried to get right up, and seeing me or his dad wasn't there he panicked.

Within a minute or so i had talked him round and told him how he was the most amazing boy in the world and how he was so very brave and how he had lots of surprises at home waiting for him. All he kept asking was to 'go play with toys' which meant back on the ward. They had to make sure his heart rate was ok, so they tested a few times and was happy with it. They made a special exception to the 'one parent' rule and let Gareth back in, and Gareth carried him back to the ward, all the time Harry was pointing the way saying 'go play with toys in there' pointing to the ward.

We got back to the ward and the 2nd nurse even remarked 'has he even been to surgery, hes very lively' A few minutes of cuddles later and he was playing with the toys, back to his normal self. He had a mark on his eye, and some iodine stains, but apart from that you couldn't tell anything had happened.

Harry was given juice, toast, biscuits and a cake, to eat and drink. He enjoyed a bit of everything and then asked to go for a wee wee. So Gareth took him to the toilet, when he got back, the nurse said he could get dressed, so we put his clothes back on. Before they discharge you, they have to see the child, eat, drink and wee. Because Harry had done all this he could go home. He had been 2nd down but 1st to be discharged

The nurse gave Harry a award for being so brave, i was so proud. They gave us our paperwork and said we would have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks for a check up and we were free to leave.

It could not have gone any better if we wanted it to. I was so proud of our brave boy and so very grateful to the amazing staff at the hospital, they treat the children and there parents amazingly and make a worrying experience so much easier on everyone. They were stars.

on our way home

Back home Harry was very spoilt with a goodie box me and Gareth had made up of little bits. My sister in law then came to see how he was, and brought him 2 new trucks.

A lovely surprise was waiting for Harry too, i cant thank the very lovely Emma (and seb & alex too) enough from 'they grow so quick' she had very kindly and thoughtfully put together a parcel of goodies and sent them to Harry, a fireman Sam activity pack, sweeties, and a lovely personalised card. All wrapped up in a spotty parcel bag. This was such a lovely gesture from her, and i cant say thank you enough. Harry loved it.

Ive had lots and lots of lovely messages, tweets and comments for both me and harry regarding the op and i am just so grateful for them all. I no Ive not got round to replying and thanking you all separately, but it honestly made the whole thing so much easier and was so lovely to know that you were all thinking of us and sending wishes. Thank you again.

I would also like to mention a book i brought for Harry, its a usborne book, 'going to the hospital' and it arrived today (bit late i know) but i would definitely recommend it for any children facing a op, it tells the story of Ben Bell who has to have a op on his ear, and it shows all the different process, from going to the Dr's, being refered to the hospital, going onto a ward, having anaesthetic and then recovering and going home. Harry enjoyed reading it today and we discussed how it was like what happened to him yesterday.

Once this week is over, I'm hoping the blogging may become more frequent.

Thanks for sticking with me and readings, i didn't realise how much i had wrote, but i hope this can help someone else who's facing there child having a op.

Love Lucy x

Our easter weekend

2013-04-02T11:18:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

This weekends been good after a terrible week, Gareth's great grandad passed away Tuesday so its been a very sad time, but this weekend we have just spent together with Harry having fun, which was a nice break from funeral and operation talk.

Saturday we planned to take Harry to Toys R us, well Gareth has been wanting to take him for ages, he would always go here when he was younger, me however i had never been until i was about 17 and i went with my sister i law for my niece. I don't get what the fuss is as i think there stuff is over priced but hey, we went and Gareth was excited to introduce Harry for the first time to the world of toys r us.

As we drove onto the car park, we spotted a big red tent, as we got closer me and Gareth looked at each other with excitement, 'is that what i think it it?' me and Gareth nearly wet ourselves when our excitement was confirmed.

It was lightening McQueen and Tow mater from cars. We jumped out our car and ran towards them, WOW! Was the response from Harry (and Gareth's and me too!) There was a promotional event going on that hadn't been advertised so it was lovely and empty.

You could get really close and have pictures with the famous pair. Having been to Disneyland Paris, they seem like the props they have scattered about there, they must be touring the country, so watch out for them at a space near you.

Inside toys r us Harry was quite good, only a little tantrum when we had to leave the sit in cars section, he wanted to stay all day. He had gone looking for Rex from toy story, but the one they had was a talking one that sounded broken, and for £35 i refused to let Gareth buy it (he would of brought it broken or not) Harry chose slinky dog instead and off we went.

Saturday night we laid out Harry's Easter prezzies and eggs. We got him a scooter instead of a egg, because to be honest he just breaks the eggs up into 100 pieces and never actually eats them so i didn't see the point in buying one. I did however make him one, because i wanted to try my hand at making my own. I filled it with fireman Sam figures that id picked up on sale and lots of mini eggs and then piped on his name in white chocolate, I had more fun making it than he did eating it.

Sunday morning he bit the top off the egg, got the toys out and that was it didn't touch the rest of it. He then broke up the eggs he did have into 100 pieces, predictable.

I also made string eggs with a few sweeties inside, Harry had fun later in the day unravelling this.

Harry had a few eggs and gifts off the family, but were not very big on Easter eggs in my family, i hardly ever used to get them from my mom and dad, moms not a fan of the commercial side of things. She would rather buy a new pair of pjs for the grand kids, than a egg.

Me and Gareth then went to the new swimming centre and gym thats been built literally at the end of our street, and picked up his new membership, it was a lovely centre and i enquired about swimming lessons for Harry, and will be signing him up soon.

We had a lovely Sunday dinner and then got ready to go to my sisters.

Harry scooted down on his new scooter, only running my mom over a few times.

Down at my sister he got a bag of Easter goodies, little bunny's, chocolate lollipop's and a big book about sharks and animals.

Harry and Evie then decided they wanted there face painted, now its Easter, so what style of face paint would they choose. . . . Halloween of course!!

So we had a vampiress and a spooky skeleton.

Mr skeleton was rather shattered though so took a nap.

A lovely weekend over all, Gareth's now back at work and we have a hectic week ahead, getting funeral things sorted like flowers for next week (10th). Tonight we have to go and get a suit for Gareth and something for me to wear.

Ive tried to keep myself busy to with making Harry a box of goodies for Monday after his operation, ive ordered some books about hospitals aimed at children, am going to get a few small toys, crayons and colouring books, so he has something to look forward to when he comes home.

Hope you and your family's all had a fab Easter.

Love Lucy x

kevin the teenager (at 3!)

2013-03-28T14:03:00.000+00:00

Hiya all,

I've never been a subscriber to the 'terrible twos' thing really, I think kids can be challenging at all ages, however, it was Harry's birthday last week, and its as if a light switch has been turned on (or off) on the behaviour front.

Over night it was as if my very well behaved (most of the time), little baby turned into a huge stroppy, challenging child.

In the last few days he's gone from doing what he's told to, throwing tantrums, feet stamping, hands on hips attitude.

Its as tho he went to bed and woke up as Kevin the teenager!!

Getting dressed has never been a issue for harry really, the last few days however he will refuse to get dressed, even going so far as to undress himself after we have finally wrestled clothes onto him.

When asked to do something, or told were going somewhere, we have been met with the response of 'NO! I'm busy' BUSY! At the age of 3, hes busy!

Tantrums have come throughout the day when he wants his own way, foot stamping, hand on hips, right diva strops. We have tried to ignore his behaviour, as i imagine its just his way of seeing how much he can get away with, or craving attention from getting shouted at for being naughty etc. Sometimes though, its very difficult to ignore.

Bedtime, also never been a issue, in fact he would know what time it was and ask to be taken to bed, but the last few nights, its been a problem for him, with him shouting 'NO bed' and he will do anything to stall going to bed, asking for things like tissues, more drinks, more food etc.

Yesterday my best friend was round, Harry was having a tantrum because he wanted a fireman Sam game on his tablet, i told him no. He wasn't having any of it, kicking out, not only at me but at Lucy, grabbing my face, bringing it to his and telling me 'firman Sam game!' demanding it. I continued to say no. I tried to change the subject and get his mind of it, and asked if he would like to paint, first of all he said no, then he said yes.

We got all the paints out and sat around the table, within 10mins he was throwing the paper on the floor, the potatoes (we were potato printing) were launched all over the place, so i packed up the paints and told him he was going to bed to have some time out. He of course protested, but did finally give into a nap later on.

Saying this, today he has woken up on the other side of the bed so it seems. He got dressed fine this morning, and we have been shopping and he was fine. We have done jigsaws, and played games and i seems today the old Happy Harry is back and hes not so 'busy'

I got thinking about why he may of been a bit off recently, alot of things have been happening lately, my moms been poorly and off work, my sisters been ill so we haven't seen Evie this week like we normally do, on Tuesday Gareth's great grandad passed away so the mood has been very down. Maybe hes picking up on all these things and hes not feeling safe in his usual routine and acting up?

We shall see :)

Has anyone every experienced similar behaviour with there 3 year olds?

Love Lucy x

Harrys Birthday Celebrations

2013-03-25T17:19:00.001+00:00

Hiya all,

I thought id finally get round to blogging Harrys birthday celebrations.

The night before his birthday, when the little man had gone off to bed, we all decorated the front room with balloons, banners and bunting. (gaz has pictures of bunting on his phone, will add them later)

Presents and cards were laid out and we brought in his tent and balls from out the shed so he could play in there as he only normally gets to use it in summer outside.

We put up a banner in his bedroom too so he could see it as soon as he woke. (again gaz has a photo of this)

The morning of his birthday he woke up and said 'my birthday' after spotting the banner that had appeared in his room over night.

We went downstairs and into the front room when all his prezzies were and he was excited with lots of 'wows'

One thing we didn't manage to get up were his 2 helium balloons, i have a canister of helium so i blow up my own balloons, i had brought a big number 3 and fireman Sam one, but i couldn't find the canister :( i think it had got stuck underneath all the junk in the shed, but he didnt seem to mind that he didnt have them.

Harry then noticed that he had got another gift, this time from mother nature with the thick covering of snow that had come down, he LOVES snow, so was extra excited for that.

Presents were opened as were cards and he had a day of playing with new toys, wearing some of his new clothes, and having visits from family members :)

For his cake, he asked for a 'memo' cake. Whos memo i hear you ask, well memo is actually Mario, as in super Mario, Harry loves playing Mario and especially loves the giant mushroom that makes Mario super huge.

So that's just what he got :) He loved it!

My sister made the cake, she was less than pleased with it as shes a perfectionist, but she has been very ill lately and couldn't stand for too long to make it, but i thought it was fab.

At 3:25pm the time harry was born in 2010, we had our traditional family photo, someone didnt want to have a picture however!

Harrys birthday card on cbeebies was show at 4:10 however someone was fast asleep!

So he watched it when he woke up on iplayer. I was so pleased it was shown as it is 3yrs in a row now his cards been shown. I didn't put as much effort in this year as i was convinced i was pushing my luck getting it on for him 3years i a row but it was shown and didn't look too bad at all.

Harry couldn't stop laughing when he saw it and also shouting 'mee'

For tea we had Chinese food, which harry loves. Then he had candles on his cake and get to have a taste.

Birthday boy 1st as you would expect!

Overall he had a lovely day i think.

Id like to thank the very lovely people who have wished him happy birthday both on here and twitter, i really means alot, ive not been able to reply to comments yet but i promise i will. Thank you again!

So now im the proud mommy of a 3yr old, still hasnt sunk in. Time is zooming by, im so very proud of my little man, cant wait to see what fun this year holds.

Love Lucy x

Happy 3rd Birthday amazing boy

2013-03-22T17:27:00.001+00:00

Hiya all,

exactly 3 years ago today at 15:25 our world was turned upside down and back to front. The most amazing little boy in the whole world graced us with his presence and that was it, our lives had a purpose, life was worth living for this little one.

Now 3 years on were celebrating his 3rd birthday, and i cant quite believe it. The old clique of 'i dont no where the times gone' has been said more than once in the last week, but its so true. They do say time flys when your having fun though.

I will blog his birthday in a few days, but just wanted to pop on and document a HUGE happy birthday wish to my little man.

Love Lucy x

Little Paddingtons Big Adventures . . .

2013-03-19T13:26:00.000+00:00

Hiya all,

I would like you to introduce to you all Little Paddington.

Earlier this year while cleaning out our loft we came across this little bear, (he was a old McDonald's toys) I immediately came up with the idea of taking him on all our adventures and making a little scrap book about him. This weekend he had his first adventure to London on the train.

Next month, Paddington will be going into hospital with Harry when he has his operation.

September Padington will have a huge adventure across the pond with our very best friends Lucy & Matt as they visit Disneyland in America.

But that leaves a huge gap, so i had an idea. Would any of you lovely bloggers like to take Paddington on an adventure in your hometown? or on a day out your planning?

Id love to send him to you and your little ones for you to take pictures of him doing what every you wanted, then you can send him back and write a little blog post about what you did?

Ive started a new blog for his adventures and run it along side this one. (still in early stages) I no myself and Harry would love to see him travel the country and get up to lots of fun.

I'm more than happy to pay to send him to you, however it would be down to you to keep him safe and pay for sending him home (hes only tiny so wouldn't cost much through royal mail)

So if your interested in taking Paddington for a few days please send me a email :- harrysmommy@hotmail.co.uk

I look forward to hopefully hearing from you.

Love Lucy x

My Mothers Day 2013

2013-03-12T16:04:00.002+00:00

Hiya all,

I thought while i feel like it i will share my mothers day with you all.

Well my mothers day started Saturday night when Gareth couldn't wait to give me my present any longer, so as i was taking Harry to bed, they paired up on me and told me i had to wait outside the bedroom as i was getting a surprise.

Harry shouted that i could come in now, and there on the bed was my card and a beautiful personalised me to you bear. It was lovely. We all sat on the bed as i read the card that Gareth had written on Harry's behalf. Harry then told me he loved me and we had a huge cuddle before he got into his own bed and went to sleep.

Sunday morning i was woken up with a cuppa and a heart shaped pikelet (crumpet depending on which part of the country your from) on a heart shaped plate, which was lovely. Harry then made us all laugh and when Gareth asked him 'do you love mommy?' he replied 'no im busy' bless him.

We all got ready and headed out to Gareth's nans house to give her a present and card. We had seen his actual mother the day before, but as to why we actually bothered to i dont no, as she was just so bitchy and nasty towards me. Gareth's Nan has basically been his mother, after his mom walked out on him as a child, so he really does think the world of her.

Back home we went for dinner and then my family came round to see my mom, and i got a lovely surprise mothers day gift from my niece Evie. A fabulous sweetie charm bracelet. All my nieces mean the world to me, but when Evie was born i saw her every day and when my sister went back to work after maternity leave i looked after her, and for 4 years until she started full time school, i saw her every day. Now i see her a few times a week shes so clever and funny, im going to say that's due to my help in her upbringing :)

I did also take some time on mothers day to think of those without there mothers and grandmothers on mothers day. I sadly no longer have any grandparents around, so on days like mothers day it really hits home how much we all miss them.

So there was my lovely day.

Hope your day was as lovely

Love Lucy x

We have a date

2013-03-11T15:59:00.000+00:00

Hiya all,

Its me again, i haven't disappeared.

We have a date for Harry's surgery all being well.

25th March we have pre-op to discuss it all with the hospital and im hoping they will show us where it will all be happening as its a rather large hospital we have to go to not our local one.

Then April 8th is the day its happening.

When i got the letter i felt sick all over again, thinking about it all, and i sill don't feel happy about it, why would anyone. But his eye is getting so much worse.

When your little one wakes from sleeping and shouts 'mom help my eyes stuck' its just heart breaking. I loose count at the amount of time i have to bathe his eyes daily, and within a short while there back horrible and gunky again, so i hope we will see a end of all this once the surgery is done.

In other news, Harry is now compleately dry from nappys in the day time, he still wears a nappy for bed, as were not quite there yet withe night time dryness, but i am very proud of what my little man has accieved.

His speaking is coming along FAB and he is putting together bigger sentances day by day.

I had a fanstatic mothers day, i got a lovely personalised me to you bear and a card and also breakfast in bed sunday morning.

Today we have been to Thomas Land for a early birthday treat for little man, it was FREEZING! but Harry had a good time (i didnt rate it really but thats a whole new post)

Friday me and gareth are of to London for the night for Gareths birthday, museums and sight seeing.

So i hope there is someone out there thats still reading my babbled posts.

Hope you and your little ones are all well

Il be blogging again soon

Love Lucy x

STOP THE WORLD

2013-02-26T16:25:00.003+00:00

That's what i feel like screaming today and to be honest the last few weeks have felt the same too. Those bloody single magpies are haunting me.

I no i said i was on a break, and its been a short one i no, a week and im back. I need a platform to stand on and just scream, and you my blogging friends are the perfect listeners.

Today Harry went to the hospital for another one of his eye appointments. They normally go as follows:-

We go in (me Gareth and Harry)

We wait

Harry gets annoyed.

We finally get seen

Harry gets wound up at being poked and prodded

Gareth gets het up

They manage to do a few tests

They say its ok

We leave

Today however was different. I went alone to the hospital, just me and Harry. Gareth was at work and i told him not to book the day off as he gets just as agitated as Harry, if not worse when they are doing the tests. We went in, i had put drops in at home 40mins earlier to dilate his pupils. We waiting for no longer than 10mins and was called through.

We finally got to see the head Dr for the eye department, other times we have had to see her colleague as shes been busy on emergency's. She did the tests on Harry, he let her for once and dint get annoyed.

She examined his tear duct and decided that it was blocked, and had been since he was born (they have only just found out which is annoying!!) She said that was the cause of the constant repeat bouts of conjunctivitis.

Then the treatment was explained to me, 'he will be put to sleep with a general anistetic'

That's it, i was in tears. The thought of my baby boy having to go through that was awful.

She went on to explain what they would do, and to be honest i was hardly listening, i just kept kissing Harry on the head as he sat on my lap unaware of what all she was saying was going to mean for him.

We have to now wait for a appointment through the post. I feel sick, i feel angry, i feel like such a bad mother, ever time he looks at me and smiles, i just think about what hes going to have to go through in a few weeks, months or when ever we get an appointment. How unaware he is, and i no, i fell like saying 'NO YOU CANT DO IT' but deep down, the rational side of me knows it is for his benefit.

this morning - after his drops

I feel like a big red button has been pressed and everything has stopped and wont start again until all this is over and done with and my baby is OK.

I find myself hating on other parents with healthy children and how some of take them for granted, and how they don't have to put them through such horrible things.

I noin reality this is stupid, and it will be for his benefit and it will be over before we all no it. (as 101 people have told me today, again, i no they mean well bu cant help but think 'easy for you to say')

So another ranty post from me. Im sorry.

I hope all you lovelies and your little ones are ok :)

If anyone has ever had esperience with this type of oporation, id LOVE to know what its like and how your little one took to it being done, or being put to sleep.

I think il be back blogging, not every day but when i can as i have missed it.

So blog you soon

Love Lucy x

Ta Ta for now

2013-02-19T20:58:00.001+00:00

Hiya all,

Ive been blogging for over a year now, and ive decided to take a little break.

If im honest ive lost heart with my blog over the last few weeks, i dont no what it is.

I have alot of things going on in my life at the moment, both good and bad, some things being, Harry potty training, me currently in the middle of setting up my own business, my moms brother dying Sunday, health problems on my own front.

So all these joined together are just overwhelming, so blogging taking the back seat.

I love the blogging community and have made some lovely friends from it, so i will be back, i just need a break.

I hope to be back quite soon, i dont want to be away to long because i no i will miss it all.

So i hope to be back soon with some lovely new interesting things going on.

Love Lucy x

Potty training - Week 1

2013-02-15T17:03:00.002+00:00

Hiya all,

As the title gives away, were currently in the swing of things with potty training.

Monday saw day one, Harry decided of his own accord, we didn't force him. Monday morning, he came downstairs and when we took off his nighttime nappy, he said 'wee wee' and went over to the potty. Lo and behold, he did one!!

Now hes used the potty on and off for the last few months as well as asking to go on the big toilet in the bathroom, but never grasped the feeling of knowing before hes done a wee, he would just sit on the potty and after a time he would do a wee.

But Monday seemed different, like he wanted to use it, so we persevered and all day Monday he didn't have a nappy on, but big boy pants :) each time he did a wee, he got a star on his chart. He went to sleep with no nappy on, got right up and went to have a wee once he woke. He went to my sisters with no nappy on whilst i went to the Dr's, he took his potty and he didn't use it, but didn't have any accidents either. Mondays total was 4 wees.

Tuesday, he didn't want to use the potty, he kept asking all day for a nappy, this was because he needed a poo, he will not, for love nor money (believe us we have promised him money!) do a poo on the potty. He did however, when we were getting PJ's on, say 'wee wee' and off he took himself for a wee on the potty before bedtime. Tuesdays total 1 wee.

Wednesday was a good day, all day he had big boy pants on again, his choice, and he went over to the potty each time, taking down his pants and having a wee, getting a gold star each time, resulting in my niece Evie, telling him how she was 'very proud of him for being a big boy' this made my day her saying that. Wednesdays total 6 wees.

Thursday, he again, wanted a nappy on all morning. Then afternoon he wanted pants on and was very good, using the potty. Thursdays total 1 wee.

Friday, well were still going through today, but so far hes cried for a nappy, and lo and behold, 2mins after i put him a nappy on he did a poop! I changed him and he asked for pants to be put back on instead of a nappy. Hes napped, and must of had a wee while asleep as he woke up wet, but i changed him and hes wearing his pants and has used the potty again, so far Friday total 2 wees.

Ive very very proud of his progress, i always said i would never pressure him and let him do it at his own rate and night time hes still wearing a nappy, its only early days, i don't want to overwhelm him.

However, id LOVE some tips how we could get round the pooing on the potty lark. He wont poo on the big toilet either, its like hes scared, which is awful, I've tried to reassure him and hold his hands and talk to him while hes sitting there, but it results in tears and him screaming hysterically for a nappy back on. Which i obviously give in to, not sure if i should though. Hes been told, a poo

So that's the potty training round up, any tips at all, i would love.

Having a read :)

Lucy x

He meant well

2013-02-14T21:16:00.001+00:00

Hiya,

So its Valentines Day incase you been under a rock for a few weeks and hadt noticed :)

Were not real fans of it all in our house, me and Gareth get cards and a silly something but thats about it.

This year i got a lovely surprise of a moonpig card through the post. (last week not today he forgot to write the 'do not open' bit on the envelope)

It made my day to be honest!

He did however get the year wrong, only 2 years out (2004) but hey, who cares. The fact it had 'found love on lyng field', made my heart melt. Yes we met on a field, we're classy you see!

Even lovelier was the inside, he had written his own words which were beautiful.

He then posted this on his facebook:-

I bloody love him. Bang goes the healhy eating.

He also got me a box of chocs and send me another card, again from moonpig, to say thank you for looking after him when he was ill with nuro virus, now I've been blogging for just over a year and i think you all know my name, Lucy. Well my lovely partner, we have been together nearly 9years doesnt it seems!!

Whoever Shirley is il never no, but apparently, shes the best! I do wonder if shirley got a 'thank you lucy' card? (the inside was fine and had my actual name in it, he says he didnt see that the front needed editing)

anyway, he did mean well bless him.

I hope you all had a lovely day, weather you celebrate it or not.

Love Lucy x

Baking Mad - Valentines day brownies

2013-02-13T14:34:00.000+00:00

Hiya all,

Ive mentioned a few times before how much Harry enjoys baking with me, hes a huge fan, i however, am a rubbish baker, and always have to follow a recipe, the baking and cooking genes all went to my big sister (who makes amazing cakes!!)

So when i came across Baking mad with amazing recipes for kids, and a level from easy to hard to choose from, its perfect.

It lays out all the ingredients you need with weights and really easy step by step instructions. Perfect for me and Harry.

I decided we would make some brownies using there valentines day recipe. Gareth's a huge fan of brownies and the prep time and cooking time (which is on the website too) was 10mins and 30mins so great for 2year olds that can easily get distracted.

So with all our ingredients ready we set about baking :)

The recipes on baking mad are very easy to follow, with hints and tips, and the opportunity to tweak them yourself to your own taste.

Harry loves mixing, so mixing the butter and chocolate together was he perfect job for him.

As you can see from his mucky face, he also loves tasting the mix as he goes along!

Once the mixes were folded together as to not lose the air from the mix, it was time to put the mix in a brownie tin and pop it in the oven (mommy did this and not harry)

Then as we waited for the 25min for the brownies to cook, i cleaned up and Harry got to do his favourite bit - licking the spoon :)

When cooled we cut it up into square pieces, but you could just as easily use a heart shaped cutter, just that bit more romantic for valentines day.

When Gareth came home we served him up a slice

Icing sugar does wonders!

So there we have it, a great low cost idea for your loved ones this valentines day.

If your after some ideas, what every your loved ones tastes, be it biscuits, cupcakes or brownies, baking mad has all the Valentines day baking recipe you could ever need.

Happy baking

Lucy x

Trendy tuesday - Sale bargains & a tattoo

2013-02-12T20:51:00.000+00:00

Hiya all,

My Trendy Tuesday post this week is going to show you 3 new tshirts Harry's got this week, i picked all 3 up in the asda sale, all 3 id seen at full price so when is saw them i had to snap them up.

Woody & Superman tshirts, i loved them when i saw them first time and they were cheap at full price at £5 each and i though when payday comes il get them for Harry, but luckily for me they had been reduced to £3 in the sale so i grabbed them.

I love how they have the pattern front and back and look fab with a simple pair of jeans, harry loves fancy dress so its a great balance for him.

bit of a false smile there harry??

Then i picked up this top for £2 which i couldn't not buy for £2, its just like one gaz has, and im a sucker for making them dress in similar outfits.

Ive used the websites picture because its currently in the washing basket after wearing it whilst baking! whooops

And finally, the tattoo part of the title, well Gareth's a huge tattoo fan,(i must do a post on them one day) and he loves how Harry takes a interest in them, he has decided to let Harry have the choice of what he has tattood on his full leg tattoo (cant call it a sleeve as thats a arm, but you no what i mean)

(mouth looks a little odd but it had just been done and was a bit bloody still)

So as you guess, Harry decided on woody, to go with sid the sloth from ice age, but dont dispare, he wont be alone, buzz is coming next time (3weeks time) and then tow mater, lightening McQueen, army men from toy story, you guessed it, it will be a Disney characters leg :)

This is the reason i adore Gareth, he doesnt care one bit.

Harry's reaction to the woody tattoo was 'oh my god - yee harr'

So theres my Trendy Toddler (and trendy tattoo) offering, jump on over to www.medicatedfollower.com to check out and join in yourself :)

Love Lucy x