My Cheeky Monkeys

Just a few pics from January

2012-01-28T21:04:00.002Z

I am still trying to suss out my new camera from Santa so bear with me please. Also, I am playing with Picasa and trying to upload from there seeing what is best for me so hope it works.

2012-01-28T21:02:00.000Z

2012-01-28T21:00:00.000Z

2012-01-28T20:58:00.001Z

So January is nearly finished........

2012-01-24T12:49:00.002Z

The new year now is always a busy time of year, with the school term starting again, Kieran's birthday, party and then my Anniversary, the celebrations seem to be endless and with February bringing my birthday and Valentines Day it just seems to go on and on. Then it's my mother-in-laws birthday, nephews and nieces , Mother's day in March and then Easter, the year will be flying by again.
So if I take a minute to go back a bit, Kieran had a lovely birthday and was spoilt more than we intended but purely by chance events. He had a hectic but enjoyable party with about 13 boys attending but 13 4 year old was challenging. A few fights about not sharing etc but all was well in the end. He had a Lightning Mcqueen cake and lots of party games although many were too preoccupied to join in really. And he got some lovely little prezzies.
The new school term started an additional reading class for Dylan, he has been doing really well so the teachers offered him a place in an extra reading scheme to speed up his vocabulary and reading skills to bring him closer to a primary 2's reading level. So every day for the next 6 months we will have double to work load but Dylan is coping well and learning more every day.
January is also enrolment time for Kieran for Primary 1. I am really against allowing 4 year old to start primary school as they are so young unless they are really advanced/gifted little souls.
Coming from SA where the children start primary at 6 turning 7, this seems fairer to me and makes more sense. They have so much to deal with socially, emotionally and intellectually when they start school, they really need to be ready and I think at 4 mostly they are not ready. With Dylan starting primary 1 at 6, I can see how well he is coping with school and although he is actually a little too old for P1, he can cope with all that is thrown at him mostly.
I try to see Kieran at school now and I think he is not ready at all. So with enrolment coming next week, I am going to fill out the forms to ensure he gets into the same school as Dylan but I will have a clause to be allowed to pull him out and start him in Aug 2013 if there is no drastic improvement by June. Once they have all our details, hopefully enrolment next year should be straight forward.
Currently , we are all sick and have had a terrible kind of flu/cold. Even Ewan is off sick today and he is never sick. But unlike him lying in bed sleeping, I am up and have 2 kids to look after, 1 off school and 1 picked up from Nursery already. The nursery have celebrated Chinese New Year this week and are also celebrating Robert Burns on Wed, "Burns Night". I actually need to familiarise myself with Robert Burns as I can't remember too much about him. I think he is a very famous Scottish poet or writer.
This week-end is our anniversary, 7 years marriage and nearly 14 years Ewan and I have been together. When I was younger, I never thought life, relationships and marriage would be so tough. I knew there would be hardships sometimes but the things and situations life has thrown at us have been crazily hard. We have hung in there, just at times and hopefully we'll be rewarded at some point. We are here, still together and hope for another 40 to 50 years, hopefully easier years or better be easier years :-).
I'll post a few more photos soon , bye for now.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Kieran

2012-01-11T12:35:00.007Z

It's been ages since I posted last. Sorry. Time seems to have just flown away since I last posted. So much has happened . The run up to Christmas was quite busy with parties, Nativity plays and generally preparing for Christmas. We put up our tree on the 25 November, 1 month before Christmas. I love my tree and the boys loved decorating it. We had some snow in December which the boys really enjoyed and it was all workable so we could still get out and about.

We had a lovely Christmas day with Ewan's family all coming for Christmas dinner. It was hard work preparing and cooking but we all enjoyed it. No white Christmas though but I could wear a short sleeve top which is crazy for December. Santa spoilt the boys too and they were very happy with all their presents. We visited friends that week and on New Years Eve we attended the Tain Street Party which was alot of fun. Weather good, band and music good and good friends too. Had Ewan's work party on the 2nd which was nice but tiring after New Years Eve party. Then it was 1 week to prepare, relax and enjoy before school started again.

Now the boys are back at school, full swing, homework etc. They are glad to see their friends though.

It was Kieran's 4th Birthday on Monday, he had a good day again too and did well. We have a little party planned for him on Saturday. He is very excited as this will really be his first party he will remember.

So that's all really for the moment. A really compact explanation on what we've been up to.

Happy New Year and hope you all have a fantastic 2012.

I'll leave with some photos from December.

Baking in the holidays

2011-11-02T13:33:00.003Z

I promised a few pics but these are the only ones taken. I need to ask santa for a new camera as I never seem to capture the best pics and my camera is soo slow. Anyhoo, here they are anyway.

Chocolate cake bowls are the best!

Happy Halloween !

2011-11-02T13:26:00.003Z

This is what if have to put up with these days when I ask for a picture. A pumpkin again but he loves it. Dylan went to his first Halloween disco as a pumpkin, still so cute and at least he didn't scare anyone.

Winter is coming

2011-10-27T15:22:00.002Z

Yes it's definitely coming. The days are getting shorter with the mornings being darker, the sun is rising around 8am, and the night darkness is coming earlier. Our clocks also go back on Sunday so we'll be 2 hours behind SA. The second term of school started on Tuesday with only 2 months to go now until Christmas. I have started my boys shopping getting all the good bargains I could find so I am fairly happy so far.
Holiday wise, the second week was a complete wash out, cold ,rainy and then my boys contracted some virus from some kids somewhere, Hand, foot and Mouth. Not Foot and Mouth. A children's virus very common in kids under 10 years old. They get spots on their hands and feet which turn to blisters and can get ulcers in their mouths. So one after the other, my boys became very contagious and we had to stay away from all children and mums. So we (4) stuck together and stayed away from people but we did go for cycle rides and walks. Dylan missed 2 days of school and Kieran 1 day but all is back to normal today. Dylan has his first Halloween disco tomorrow and Kieran has a party on Monday so we should have a week of fun being Guy Fawkes soon too. That's all for now, will catch up again soon. :-)

Tattie Hols

2011-10-18T12:28:00.002Z

Yes it's the holidays again or school holidays I should say. We haven't been anywhere, feels like we have just come from a long holiday in SA but it wasn't really.
The first term of school is over already and although we took off from a rocky unsure start, the boys have settled well into school and are on the up. Dylan has made a nice group of friends and Kieran is starting to make them, I think. Still a bit hard to get names from him. Dylan is making steady progress with his reading but the teacher has said from the 2nd term she expects alot more form him being older than his peers so I hope he will rise to her expectations and excel.

We have been really busy, unpacking all our old things and then keeping the boys entertained. We had a little party for the boys last week and invited 10 kids and 5 mums. The house was full but they all had fun inside and outside. I made a big milk tart and a chocolate cake which was enjoyed by all plus everyone brought a little something too. Way too many calories.
My heating has been fixed now just in time. Last week we had great weather but this week has been awful, cold, windy and there's snow on the hills already.
Back to last week anyway, One of Dylan's' school friends came to play on Wed and on Thursday he went to play at another friend while we went visiting at one too. On Friday Dylan and Ewan went fishing for the last of the season( didn't catch a thing) and I went shopping with Kieran.
Saturday we all rode to Tain on our bicycles and even Kieran did it although he stopped every 5 minutes to pick a flower, eat a wild berry, take a pee, pick another flower, ring his bike bell while stationary, say hello to the cows, you get the picture but he managed it. Took us about 30-45 min instead of 10-15min. He was good and moved out of the way for cars/tractors when needed. Sunday we went on the Aldie Burn forest walk which was lovely and even the weather held up for us. The boys loved it so hopefully we'll go again and try a few new walks too. On Monday we took the boys for lunch and to see Dolphin Tale at the cinema so we have had a lovely time.
Now the weather is pouring rain, windy and we have no plans to go anywhere. Apart from visiting the library we are going stay indoors , hope we don't go crazy though.
So that's all for now, no pics yet. Sorry. Have a good week. :-)

Coming soon to a computer near you!

2011-10-06T13:12:00.003Z

I am planning to give you all an update about the boys soon. The past week has been quite hectic with our shipped goods arriving, unpacking, getting a huge migraine whilst unpacking which lasted 3 days and then contracting a lovely stomach bug which has been doing the rounds in my area. So for the last 7 days, I have not been feeling so hot let alone feeling up to a long blog post. I need to take a few more pics too and then an update will follow. It's school holidays from tomorrow and the first school term will be over so I'll let you know how the boys feel about it too. Bye for now.

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-04T11:25:00.003Z

Just to let you know that I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually lit a fire all by myself. Yay!!!!!!!!
I think the little rant did me the world of good as I have now just lit another fire today and in half the time. In the grand scheme of things, this is not major news but to me it is as I know know I can keep my house warm in the winter when the central heating is off. Hooray!!!!!!!!!

How to light a fire

2011-10-03T14:26:00.002Z

OMG, Why is it so hard to light a bloody fire?
Since moving into our new house, which has an indoor wood burner, I have been struggling to light a fire on my own. I know how and follow all the instructions I have been given, not necessarily using the correct lighting methods as we don't buy every lighting method available but I do follow the instructions given and end up with no fire! It just won't light and is really annoying as sometimes it is the only heat we have. We have not been lucky enough to experience the lovely Indian Summer of down south in England and have had a lot of rain, we have also been warned of much colder temperatures due to hit us by the end of this week so we usually have a fire on every night. Now Ewan has just bought a big bag of coal which I cannot open and I cannot lift to fill the bucket so unless I hand scoop it out the bag, I have no coal either. (and lets be realistic, I am not going to hand scoop it out.) So I have some large chunks of wood and some kindlers and some newspaper. So wish me luck as I try again. Probably the tenth time today.

Baling time

2011-09-26T12:27:00.003Z

I took the picture this morning just as the sun was rising and shining onto the farmlands. Our house is lower in the glen. From the hayfields, you may spot a deer enclosure, then cow field and then horses on the horizon. Sorry my camera is old and not great for focusing or taking pics. The combine harvesters and balers were out til the wee hours of Friday and Saturday, quite noisy but that's part of countrylife I guess. Behind us we have a horse lodge with beautiful horses. And up the road we have sheep and donkeys which we spot whilst cycling. So we are very much surrounded by countryside. And I am actually happy with it. Luckliy the city and town are not too far away.

An exciting week

2011-09-24T09:14:00.002Z

The past week has been quite a good one. With going to view my car last Sunday to buying it on Monday, my spirits are still up and a little glance at my car makes me smile.
On Monday afternoon we visited Kildary Loch, a private fishing Loch but anyone can walk around it. Ewan's brother is a member so he took us all out on a rowing boat into the Loch for about an hour. There are swans and ducks all around there and if you remember to bring bread, there's normally a feeding frenzy, so after an hour long boat ride, we walked around the Loch which takes around 45min or longer if you're looking for Chanterelle mushrooms as my boys were. So Monday was a good day which ended in fish and chips from the local chippy. Dylan's favourite and a first since we've been back.
The weather's been awful /rainy so I've enjoyed the warmth of my little car at times. We did manage to go for a few cycle rides although not too long. Dylan and I sneak out in the afternoon if we can before Kieran sees and by the time we're back and had a decent ride Kieran is ready so we take him for a little ride. He can turn his pedals all the way round now but he is still all over the place, Swerving all over the road and each ride outing ends up with him riding and falling over, usually in mud. He is so interested in looking behind him he doesn't watch where he is going. Anyway, the roads are quiet so he has the time/space to learn and improve.
Our oil heating is on the blink, it seems to have a mind of it's own ands only goes on when it wants to and not when we want it to so hopefully a plumber/electrician is coming soon.
We had lunch at a friends on Wednesday with a couple of other old friends which was lovely but Kieran is still a bit shy and not really interacting with them too much yet. He just needs a bit more time to settle.
School has been a lot better this week with Kieran and Dylan. No more tears smiles all round. Yay! Lets hope it stays this way as school holidays are in 2 weeks again. Hopefully they won't regress. Dylan is reading now, level one books and is nearly finished learning the alphabet Jolly phonics style. Homework is not always liked but it has to be done.
Friday was an exciting day as it was Football day. But the feeling are not mutual with Dylan. He has such hopes of scoring lots of goals and with about 20 boys there, he didn't get too much chance to get he ball and try and score. As you know, no place positions adhered to and 19 boys running after 1ball. Was quite funny. I just told him he needs to practice and his coach said he did well for his first day. He is adamant he is not going back so we'll see.
So another week has passed and still no shipment delivery. Hope the coming week will bring good news. Have a lovely week-end :-)
P.S. My smiley is hanging on the back window of my car. I got it for my 30th birthday and can finally give him a home.

I have a new baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-22T11:43:00.002Z

Yes I have a new baby and am very excited. No, not a real baby. For the first time in 15 years, I have my own wheels/car again. Yay!!!!!!!!! It's not new, quite old but in good condition and hopefully will treat and do us well as I will certainly look after it. To be honest, living up here you really do need 2 cars a family if you don't live in the towns and sharing restricted my life quite alot, so now we are free-er, and Dylan can start his football lessons at night. First night tomorrow so I really hope it doesn'r rain as we'll be freezing and wet then. Anyway, thats all for now. Will post again soon. :-)

Nearly 2 months now

2011-09-16T11:33:00.004Z

It's been nearly 2 months now that we have been back in the UK. Time seems to be flying in some respects, but dragging in others. My shipped consignment is still no nearer to being delivered. Aparently the Highlands are just soo remote, a 3000ft truck cannot get up there or they won't pay for a truck to go up there so I have to wait for a third party to assist. Lovely.

I just want my things now. Hmmmmmffff.

The weeks been ok. A little hard. Kieran was sick, then me and things just don't get done when you're not well and with a moany child around. We are both feeling alot better now.

Kieran had his vaccinations yesterday, one in each arm and really screamed but within 1 hour he was fine and slept well last night so all is good. We took 2 steps back this week with nursery and a lot of screaming and kicking(not me) but today was good. Now it's week-end again and we'll probably have to start from the beginning again on Monday. Hopefully not though.

No plans for the week-end so far, we did go to the sheep dog trials last week-end and even Princess Anne went, but it was cold, wet and the boys didn't stop moaning so we didn't stay too long. Caught a few glimpses of dogs and sheep so the country thing hasn't quite stuck yet. Note to self: Will have to try harder next time.

Anyway, the weather's been awful this week so we've been indoors a bit and without our stuff, it is a bit challenging trying to keep the boys busy. The afternoons do seem to go by quickly though I pick Dylan up from school and Ewan up from work within 15 min of each other so within a few hours it's dinner time. But as all you mums should know, 2 hours is enough for mischief.

So to end the week, not a very eventful one, only one bicycle ride outside with the boys, living life right now just waiting for my things but Dylan has received his first words reading book so homework fun begins. Holidays also start soon so I would really like to be unpacked by then. Hope you all have a great week-end.

So we are back!

2011-09-09T12:15:00.002Z

So we are back! And yes we are in 2 respects.
I will be trying to post at least once a week to let everyone back home in South Africa know how we are doing and we are back because we are back in sunny Scotland. OK not sunny Scotland, but Scotland nevertheless. And yes, we are happy to be back even without the sunshine.

We were welcomed back to our local town with half decent weather and a picture postcard town filled and covered in blooming hanging baskets hanging from all the lovely old historical buildings in the high street. Everyone we saw who we knew gave us a big welcome back smile and greeting so it feels good to be back. I did feel weird though and after a few days, very weird as we felt like we had never left actually. The same people working in the local stores/garages/same postman, binmen etc. Everything just the same like we had never left in the first place but strangely this felt reassuring in the end.
Dylan slotted back into Scottish life very easily but Kieran has taken a little longer and is not quite there yet in some respects. But as each day goes by, he fits in more.
They have both started new schools now nearly a month ago ans Dylan is doing well in primary school. a wise choice to keep him in Primary/Year 1 as he is coping well now. Kieran is in a much bigger nursery so he is taking a little longer to settle but he is and doesn't cry anymore, he just needs time to find some special friends now.
We have been in our new house 1 month now but are still awaiting our shipped goods. I am hoping delivery will be next week. So not long now. Then we can settle properly. Our neighbours, friends and family and been fantastic in helping us get things to furnish our new house while we await our things so we have been very lucky that we have so much already. But as you all know, your own things are always the best. I have lived a month without a microwave, decent fridge and grater and for some reason I have really missed/needed these appliances. At least I have had a chest freezer for 2 weeks now so no more daily shopping.
Sooo we live in a lovely 110 year old farmers cottage which is not as small as you imagine. It is a lovely 3 bedroom house with 2 bedrooms upstairs. The walls are about 30cm thick in places and we have a lovely woodburner in the living room.
We overlook the farmlands with cows and deer in our direct view. So generally very happy so far.
We are off to the international sheepdog show and trials tomorrow if it doesn't rain and I'll post again soon.
Have a lovely week-end and look forward to catching up again soon.

Check out my new AVON eBrochure!

2011-02-21T13:00:00.001Z

My birthday week-end

2011-02-13T14:40:00.003Z

It was my birthday yesterday. I have had a lovely birthday week-end so thank you to everyone I saw and didn't see who still thought of me for making it so special and thank-you for the flowers and presents I received. I am going to have a great little shopping spree and perhaps get my hair done too. Roots could do with a bit of attention. I am enjoying a little peace while Kieran sleeps and Dylan swims at his grandpa's. Will pay for it later when Kieran doesn't want to go to bed though.

Have a good new week.

Much Avon selling to do this week but I had quite a good 2 weeks so far. Just need to keep it up. Avon parties on the horizon so if you are interested, please let me know. Bye for now.

I have a little job

2011-02-08T17:48:00.002Z

Hello everyone

I have decided to try my hand at being my own boss with my own hours. Not sure if it will be my full time job yet or not , time and hard work will tell.

Sooo, I am pleased to announce to all the ladies out there that I am jumping on the AVON campaign as an Independent Sales Representative in South Africa.

The idea is for me to sell as much as possible and gain commission on my sales, so if any ladies are interested in seeing the brochures, trying samples, hosting parties or just meeting me one to one to see the brochures and find out more. Please let me know.

The brochures have changed a lot and the AVON website is regularly updated. They include cosmetics, skincare products, jewellery, handbags, mens toiletries, kids products, fragrances and more. All orders need to be placed through a representative so please contact me and I can email details.

I will update soon again on our life in Cape Town.

I may be back!

2011-02-03T14:44:00.003Z

Hello everyone, hope you are all well and enjoying the New Year so far.

Things have changed so much since I last posted that I don't know where to start.

We are now in Cape Town have been here for 5 months now.

This is just a short post and I am still thinking whether I should use my blog to express my feelings, fears and concerns as at the moment, there are a lot.

But I need to find moral support, friendship and advice to try and get through what is happening in my life at the moment and to try to make to right decision for everyone in my family.

Hope that doesn't sound too freaky.

Have a good week-end.

Love Nicola

81/2 weeks til we leave the UK

2010-07-05T13:27:00.002Z

Well we have now moved out of our house and are now living with family, all our prize possessions are with the shipping company and the bulk of all my house has been sold.From carpets on the floor to blinds and curtain poles so we are now surviving with 6 suitcases and 4 hand luggage bags ready for the airport run sort of. As I write this, i am casually calm as it still seems like ages away. I bet I will be panicking as very emotional as the weeks go by. Even our leaving party has been arranged and booked by lovely friends of mine. So all we have to do is wait now and entertain the boys during the summer break. Dylan starts primary one after the holidays too for 2 weeks which is scary but at least he has another 18 months til proper primary in South Africa.
Thats it for now, have no laptop so am borrowing one occasionally. Hope you are all well. Love Me :-)

3 months until we arrive in CT

2010-06-05T18:51:00.003Z

Time is flying now. Less than 3 months until we arrive in Cape Town.
We have given notice on our house 27 June. we are moving to family in Tain for 2 months to save further cash. Our house is looking quite empty as we are selling all large and small furniture and shipping about 12 boxes in 3 weeks time. I have notices up anywhere and everywhere about our House sale. Even my telly goes tonight. we are all excited and I apologise if I have not been very active on here or facebook but we have a lot to do. I have you in my thoughts though while I pack. So bye for now.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!!!!

2010-04-04T17:03:00.004Z

Happy Easter Everyone. we hope you have a fantastic long week-end and hopefully the Easter Bunny was kind to you all. I can't believe 4 months has passed since I last posted.

Well, what can I say the past year combined with the previous year, have been the 2 hardest years of our lives up here. Won't go into detail but this is the main reason for not posting as I have not felt up to it to explain all the 'goings on'. Anyway, things are slowly on the right path finally and with our flight tickets to Cape Town booked for September, we have less than 5 months left until we emigrate/immigrate(sorry can't remember which one it is). I just really hope we have made the right decision to move back to CT. It's just a bit scary as Britain has been my home and a fairly good one for the past 13 years. I never lived life as an adult in CT really.

Well, what can I say, the boys are wrestling right on top of me while I type so I don't think this post will be long, they are both great boys although very busy and challenging at times. The age gap of 2years 8 months seems alot less and they are very close. Kieran is 2, at playgroup twice a week and is being potty trained at the moment. (very hard) Not my choice as I would have left it until 3 but Kieran wants to. He is doing very well at it at home but the accidents are very messy. I wish I had tiled/wood floors and not carpets.

Dylan will be 5 next month Very Scary. His is progressing brilliantly at Nursery and loves been one of the older and taller boys. He is soft,sweet and gentle at times but also powerful,stubborn, determined - headstrong. He is really looking forward to going to CT. He should be starting primary school in August if all goes to plan Just for 2 weeks though.

As far as I am- well I am really impressed with myself. I spent my first Easter ever, not eating chocolate. Not through choice but I am not allowed to eat chocolate/coffee/diet coke or anything else that contains caffeine. But I did it. 4 months ago, you could have asked me that question and I would have said it was not possible, but it is One thing. 4 months no chocolate, I would have thought I could lose 1kg per month=4kgs less. No chance, I weigh exactly the same.

The reason I am not allowed chocolate is that I have been diagnosed with chronic migraines by a neurologist in Inverness. Now I never really knew alot about them before but thought basically, they're headaches. How wrong

was I. Chronic migraines last up to 3 weeks at a time and can occur every month. I have basically had 1 chronic migraine for just over a year now.I go to bed every night with one and wake up every morning with one. The symptoms are much more than headaches and the aura symptoms are frightening. I have been on loads of medications all with no positive results, still trying new meds with side effects not always great ones. Hopefully we will find something soon. I have to be in remission of chronic migraines for 3-6 months before I can stop all meds and would really like this to be sorted out before I leave the UK. Anyway, life goes on as usual up here and I try to keep the boys entertained and looked after. Will let you know if there are any updates/results.

HappY Belated New Year 2010

2010-01-29T10:15:00.003Z

Yes I know its been a while. New year has passed. Kieran turned 2 on 9'th January and today 29'th January is my 5th wedding anniversary. Will try to post some pics soon and let you all know what we are up to. Hope the new year has been good to you so far. Love Me.

Nursery Nativity

2009-12-18T17:10:00.001Z

Dylan was a sheep.

Halloween pics - yes they are a bit late!

2009-12-18T17:08:00.002Z

St Andrews Day at Nursery

2009-12-18T17:07:00.002Z

ITS NEARLY CHRISTMAS 7 SLEEPS

2009-12-18T17:01:00.001Z

Christmas stockings are for wearing- didn't you all know that!

We are still ere

2009-10-20T11:34:00.002Z

iya everyone we are still ere but ave a broken computer wit letters missing tanks to mister kieran so tats wy my spelling is atrocious, I can just about read all your blogs but find it ard typing like tis wit buttons missing, ope you can understand me, not sure if we can fix it, saving going well for sout africa so not sure if we sould buy a new computer now,
anyway by for now
Love Nicola and boys

Hellooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-11T15:11:00.002Z

Hello everyone.
Thought it was time to start updating my blog again. We have had a very difficult 4 months and I could not bring myself to write about what was going on and my thoughts and feelings. Things are getting better I hope so back to my post.

We are in the 6th week of school holidays now and Dylan is really missing nursery. He can't wait to go back next week. All groups were closed this holidays which makes keeping them entertained so much harder. This together with a terrible summer, not even hot enough for beach trips, made things even harder. But when I think about the past few weeks, we have been busy. Dylan visited the cinema for the first time to watch Ice Age 3 and behaved very well. We have then watched Ice Age 1 nearly every day since sometimes twice a day. We have been meeting friends at the local park and cafe for lunch every Thursday which has been great and been to Dylan's best friend's birthday party. We have also welcomed 2 new babies to the world and they are soo cute. We have been to softplay twice and Dylan had 1 weeks intensive swimming which wrote that week off and in between helping Ewan job hunting the weeks have just flown by.
Ewan had agreed to stay at his old work now as we are trying to save to move to South Africa. So if all goes well, we'll be there before next year's summer. We just need to take one step at a time while preparing all the paperwork and there is a lot never mind the packing. I think we are going to now sell most of our stuff instead of shipping it all and just have a small excess baggage shipment. Waiting for the quote still. Travelling from the Highlands complicates things too and costs more but hopefully we will get a pleasant quote.
Dylan is growing into a lovely little boy who is very funny and mild in nature. This makes his brother Kieran into a little terror.
Kieran reached 17 months and has really embraced the toddler stereotype. He is desperate to speak properly and be a big boy and as a result he gets so frustrated. He is also pulling hair and biting people,children and family which makes things difficult sometimes and it really is painful. So Dylan and I get alot of this. Really looking forward to this phase ending.
But he is a great little boy too with lovely blonde long hair and the cheekiest smile in the world. He is still mommy's boy for the moment so I am treasuring our moments together. He is now feeding himself half the time and absolutely loves his vegetables especially peas, brocolli, green beans and asparagus. Fruit too. So the boys are doing really well and they are very close too and can play/ fight beautifully together.
Anyway, better go for now. If anyone has any tips for us moving to SA please let me know as I will worry about anything and everything so all info is welcome especially job wise for Ewan as we are concerned about Chef salaries.
Have a good week/ short week if you are in SA.
Love Nicky and boys.

Some pics

2009-06-26T15:36:00.004Z

I've Learned - an email I received today

2009-06-12T14:48:00.002Z

ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE Please Read all the way to the bottom: If you will take the time to read these. I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective. The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis: They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy........
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person..
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned .... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned..... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned..... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned..... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned..... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts..
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned..... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned ... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I've learned .... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done..
To all of you.... Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU ALL!!!!!!

Dylan's 4th Birthday Sunday 10 May

2009-05-11T08:42:00.005Z

A little wish that came true

2009-04-18T10:16:00.002Z

I have been lucky enough to have had my Dad come and stay with us for 1 week. He left yesterday but it was lovely having him here to help and give me some support which I really needed. Yesterday was terrible though as goodbyes are never easy but when you have your own little boy begging to go home with Grandpa and screaming and crying, it makes it so much harder.Things are a little easier now but still have work to do.

More curve balls

2009-03-30T10:14:00.003Z

After reading Nana Fi's blog about curve balls and bad news, I have a little of my own.
I am sorry if this post will be a little depressing but I am hoping that by getting it off my chest I will hopefully feel a bit better and manage to cope a bit better.

Saturday 21 March 2009 , Ewan's brother Duncan died aged 40. He was a very sick man anyway but the circumstances in which he died were tragic. His girlfriend is now in prison for manslaughter awaiting trial in April. The funeral was last Friday and was well attended but another 2 children are without a father. Ewan's brother Colin died 17 April 2007 (suicide) which means my husband has lost 2 brothers in less than 2 years. How is a parent and brother supposed to cope with this. And the wife of the brother"me". Not very well at the moment !
I just hope time will heal and really wish I had all my family to help me right now.

Playtime

2009-03-14T16:02:00.003Z

What have we been up to?

2009-02-16T09:16:00.002Z

Well, I haven't posted something written in a very long time. We are all good at the moment. Since getting back from our holiday in Cape Town we have been very busy. With Christmas and New Year out the way, it was preparations for Kieran's first birthday and party which went down very well and he received some lovely presents from his friends. I took Kieran for his 12 month injection and at the same time Dylan had his pre-school jabs too. Kieran didn't seem to mind but Dylan cried a bit.All was fine an hour later so just the MMR jab to do now for Kieran as I forgot to take him last week. We went to 2 birthday parties in January and then it was Ewan and I's wedding anniversary on the 29 January. 4 years. We have been together 11 years this month too. Unfortunately Ewan had to work but that Sunday, we dropped the boys at Granny Mary's and drove to Inverness for a nice meal followed by 1 night's stay in the Ramada Hotel so we didn't have to drive back that night. We shared a lovely bottle of South African shiraz and were absolutely stuffed by the end of the meal.
We have had 11 days of snow so it has been great to wake up this morning at it has all melted. I can see green grass again. Hooray! The snow was great at first but it really limits us up here as to what you can do apart from play in the snow ,we have to be indoors. Dylan really enjoyed sledging though but he has been dying to ride his bicycle which has been impossible.

I finally received positive closure on my insurance claim so we can try to forget about Dylan's accident now. I still have it all in my head though and seem more on edge now worrying about their safety. Hopefully in time this will get better.
I have also joined the beading community and have been making necklaces and bracelets as a hobby. I am quite enjoying it when I have time but am struggling to find good online shops in the UK to order from that are not expensive.

February is always a good month as it is my Birthday month and I turned 32 on the 12 Feb. 32 is a good number so I am not too bothered. I was snowed in last Thurday so that annoyed me as I couldn't go anywhere. Ewan managed to get to work though. I pushed the pushchair through the blizzard to Toddler group to get out the house and managed to find another 3 people who braved the bad weather to attend so we had a quite group but it was fine. We then had lunch in the cafe next door and I got a surprise slice of cheesecake with a candle in it which was a lovely thought. Then it was time to trudge back home. So that was my birthday. Living with a chef I obviously had no Valentines Day either as he was working again but we agreed to go out for Sunday lunch the following day. What a disaster! Ewan decided we could take a drive aswell so we all headed off in a North west direction to look for a Hotel. We thought there must be some lovely places in the West Highlands where we can have a bite to eat so we strayed from the A road and ventured off into the wilderness with a map. Now the scenery is beautiful. all snowy , roaming hills into giant mountains, frozen lochs, mountain deer and farms everywhere but that was it. A single track road with no human life in sight for hundreds of miles. No toilets, no shops- nothing! Now with 6 hungry people in 2 cars and 1 car running out of petrol this was no good. We couldn't turn back as we knew how far it was to the nearest village so we has to drive into our unknown . Eventually the snow disappeared and it got warmer outside 10 degrees. And then we hit the sea on the North west coast. a place called Scourie. Yes we all smiled. Then our smiles faded. Hotel closed, spar shop closed, petrol station closed. And that was all that was there. Great. After a few detours down tiny little roads sloaping straight for the sea , me crying in fear, Kieran crying we finally decided to turn around and start the drive back home. Thank God the closed petrol station was pay at the pump. The drive back was ok because at least we knew the way back and knew roughly how long it would take to get back to civilisation.
Now I won't tell anyone not to ever drive this route again but please be prepared. Take lots of food and drink with you on a car journey and always fill your petrol tank to the fullest. Take flasks, toilet paper and a blanket and wellies too !
Enough said, better go for now. We are all home safe so that is the most important part.

Our first snow fall last Thursday and Saturday

2009-02-10T17:29:00.001Z

Then it was sledging time ......................

Promise I will do a proper post soon.

We have snow in the Highlands too!

2009-02-10T17:26:00.002Z

The fun begins!

2009-01-27T11:03:00.002Z

Yes Kieran is walking. He took one step the day before his birthday and two steps the day after but had not taken a leap of faith across the room. Two weeks later I took him to his granny's house and to show off a little, he just walked across the length of the living room in frony of us all. Then he did it again and again, now there is no stopping him, walking and tumbling too.

Trying to blow out the candle

2009-01-09T17:21:00.002Z

Kieran's Birthday Pics

2009-01-09T17:15:00.002Z

My Baby is 1 years old today!

2009-01-09T13:15:00.003Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIERAN!

He was born at 9.32am on the 9th January 2008. We have had a wonderful first year as a family of 4. He is a real joy to our lives.

Hiya

2008-12-31T13:22:00.002Z

As most of you will all know, we were recently on holiday in Cape Town for 6 weeks. We had a wonderful time and it was brilliant to see all the family especially the new addition, baby Sarah.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our holiday so special. It will be in my/our hearts and memories forever.
For anyone who knows about Dylan's accident, he had a check up 2 days ago and is absolutely clear ( ears and chest). Psycholigically, I think it will take him and me a bit longer to recover but he is fine generally.
Kieran is good too. Has been off his food until I realised why. He wants to feed himself and put his spoon in the bowl. Good-bye semi-mess free feeding, hello scraping weetabix off the walls!
No steps yet. He has been standing for up to 10 seconds by himself though.
Will post pics of holiday soon.

More pics and presents

2008-12-31T13:18:00.001Z

Christmas Day photos

2008-12-31T13:14:00.001Z

2008-12-25T15:41:00.001Z

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2009. Hope it is a good one for all of us!

Yes we are in Cape Town!

2008-12-04T17:50:00.002Z

Sorry I haven't been posting while on holiday but I don't have on tap internet so it makes it a bit hard. we are having a lovely holiday but I cannot believe we only have 2 weeks left tomorrow. Sniff sniff. Ewan arrived back in Scotland safe and sound if not a liitle cold and tired after being delayed for 5 hours at Cape Town airport and changing aeroplanes just before take off due to a faulty fuel pipe.
Dylan is coping well after daddy told him he was going to help Santa get all the presents ready for the children on Christmas Day.
Anyway, will post pics and info on holiday when back in the UK so have a nice week-end . I will.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AGAIN !

2008-10-31T16:45:00.000Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

2008-10-31T16:40:00.002Z

Winter is definitely here

2008-10-28T16:03:00.002Z

It is freezing cold. We had snow last night but this morning was blue skies. So I decided to drive to Inverness to do some shopping for our holiday. The drive there was fine but 1 hour into my trip it started to snow. Fine I thought but when I could haredly see my car I decided to leave Inverness immediately as I have a 45 minute car journey back home and I am Not an experienced snow driver. I think I left just in time. The snow ploughs and gritters were only just starting. I managed to get to Tain driving 20 to 30 miles an hour shitting myself and nearly in tears . Ready to throw a complete wobbly. We got home safe and sound and I'll think twice before braving the snow again.
On a happier note. 13 days til we arrive in Cape Town and I hoipe it is nice and warm!

20 days until we arrive in Cape Town

2008-10-21T13:58:00.002Z

It seems like time is dragging now. Just got to get the school holidays out the way and Halloween and Guy Fawkes too.

Also a big Congratulations to Shaun (my brother) and Karen on their engagement yesterday. Welcome to the family Karen.

30 days and counting

2008-10-11T11:12:00.002Z

Just to let you know Kieran is walking forward holding my hands now. Things are just happening so quickly now. He is also taking his 3 full bottles a day now. I think he realised there wasn't another option anymore.
Also 30 days til we arrive in Cape Town . Hooray!

Mmmmm

2008-10-11T11:09:00.001Z

My son went to nursery yesterday and came home with a picture drawing he was very proud of. A big black scribble in the middle of the page. when I asked what it was of, he replied " It's a picture of a drain pipe".

Kieran is 9 months old today

2008-10-09T14:47:00.002Z

Last night he had his first bottle. Only drank 2.5 oz but we have done it. Hope fully he will have more tonight.
We had a lovely morning at toddler group with Kieran exploring every corner of the hall and him saying hello (aka crawling up everyones legs to say Hi) to everyone whether they were busy or not. Hopefully he'll keep his friendliness for the holiday as he'll have plenty of people to say Hi to.

I didn't do it

2008-10-07T09:49:00.002Z

Maybe I am not ready. Maybe Kieran is not ready but as we are both sick with colds, I decided to feed him myself so I'll wait a bit longer before I start the night bottle.

To keep or not to keep

2008-10-06T09:09:00.002Z

That is the question!
Yesterday was a sad day for me. It was the last day I breastfed by baby. I also packed away by Kieran's bouncy chair, baby gym and door bouncer. This made me think. Will I ever use these again? Do I keep them or give them awayand should I be keeping all the baby clothes . I don't know if we will have any more children and I am very happy with my 2 boys but it is scary to think that that is it. The end of the baby period. I want to hold on to the little baby period but know I must now move on to allow Kieran to become a toddler. Today is the day Kieran has his night bottle and I am hesitant. But if I don't do it today when will I do it and will it get harder as he gets older. I will try to be strong today and see what happens.

October already!

2008-10-01T09:33:00.002Z

Well, it is the 1st October today and it is absolutely freezing today. They have forecast snow on the hills. It is a real winter's day. and while thinking what summer clothes I have for our holiday, I am having to get the winter ones out now too. 38 days to go before we arrive in Cape Town. It should go by really quickly now. We are more or less ready to pack now as all the necessaries are done and dusted I think. From this side anyway. Need to still arrange cot, carseat and highchair for Kieran still in Cape Town and unsure how many nappies I should bring from this side and how many milk boxes to bring for Kieran.
The weaning is going really well and Kieran is down to his last feed at bedtime now with 2 bottles during the day. We are up at 6am though and I can't just lie in bed feeding him and semi sleeping. Now I have to get up to prepare his bottle. It is just so dark in the mornings now so it makes it worse.
Kieran is also 9 months next week. Can't believe it. He has started cruising the furniture now and can also say hi, hiya, dada and ma. Not sure if he knows what he is saying yet though. He is a very busy boy and rarely sits still. Always on the move annoying Dylan or laughing at Dylan who loves acting like an absolute nutter to entertain Kieran.
Anyway, sure you will all see this for yourselves soon.
Love Nicola.

Getting better

2008-09-22T16:46:00.002Z

Just to let you all know Dylan is all better again. He strated back at Nursery today and all is well. Took him 7 days but he is back on form again and out fishing with his dad this afternoon.
Kieran's rash has disappeared too and he now has a little cold and is teething I think but he is sleeping through so I am happy. From today I am weaning off the breast and onto formula. I am dropping the mid morning and afternooon feeds first and will drop the other two over the next 10 days. I have been advised not to stop too quickly due to my history with mastitis and abscesses. So Kieran has had 3 four ounce bottles today . Hooray! I need to buy bigger bottles.So wish us luck this week as we do more.

Some cuties

2008-09-16T15:45:00.002Z

The second pic is of Kieran doing his press ups. He does this all the time. The one of Dylan is specially posed by the cheeky monkey himself and then he asked me to take a picture.

And again

2008-09-15T10:49:00.001Z

It never ends. Now Dylan is ill. Vomiting and runny tummy. So hopefully he'll be better soon. One thing is good though. He understands to run to the toilet so not too many accidents. He has been sleeping on the couch the whole morning so at least he is resting.

update on rash

2008-09-13T14:52:00.002Z

Isn't it really annoying when you cannot get a diagnosis or proper answer from the doctor. She said she thinks it may be chickenpox but if Dylan doesn't get it then it won't be. The rash isn't spreading anymore so I don't think it is. It looks like it is healing which is good news. And Dylan hasn't got it so hopefully we can all go to a friends birthday barbeque tomorrow.

Kieran

2008-09-12T09:25:00.002Z

I have been a bit worried about Kieran lately. He hasn't been very well for 2 weeks now. He started off with a cold, cut a third tooth and was very miserable. We then found out he had a burst eardrum and he was given antibiotics. The medicine gave him diahorrea (sorry forgotten how to spell it) for 4 days so we were advised to stop it and now he has a bad red rash on his back which might be chickenpox. We are going to the doctor later today.
So we have been back and forth to the doctor every few days with a new infection following each old infection. I thought I was doing so well with Kieran, feeling confident about how I was looking after him and then things start happening which I haven't experienced before. Dylan has had his colds and infections so I thought I would know what to do. But I don't so lets hope it is not anything serious.
On a good note. He has started sleeping through the night again, he was 8 months old on Tuesday and on Monday he pulled himself up into a standing position using the sofa. He is now trying to climb every little ledge he can so I really do need eyes in the back of my head now.

Dylan is really enjoying Nursery and is going 4 days a week now. He is alot more independent now and wants to do everything himself. Not always a good thing. Anyway better go for now. Have a nice week end.

Quick update

2008-08-31T07:33:00.002Z

Well there are now 10 weeks left until we arrive in Cape Town. 71 days to be exact. We are wishing the time away but as this happens my babies are getting older by the day too.
Kieran is now 7 1/2 months and Dylan is 38 months old. that sounds so old.
The first 2 weeks of Nursery have gone well and we are walking back most days so far which is my new form of exercise. we have a massive hill to climb before we reach the school so I am always out of breath and red faced by the time I reach the school. Hopefully this will decrease as I get used to it. Dylan is enjoying Nursery and has found a couple of friends. He just seems quite tired by the time it finishes at 11.30 (its only 2 1/2 hours) and I seem to be wrestling with tantrums every lunch time. Apart from that he is so funny now as his talking is improving all the time and the things he comes out with just make you laugh. He has been on about sky-bokkers for a while now and I had no idea what he was on about and then I clicked - Binoculars - simple!

Kieran's crawling is getting better every day now and it's more co-ordinated. He moves around the house now with such speed. The fireplace has had to be moved and my potplant is the main attraction at the moment and I am constantly taking soil out of his mouth and hands. No where to move it to for the moment. He also loves eating grass .
The latest thing he has started doing is shaking his head from side to side. It is so funny. I worried about this for a while because it looks strange then realised he was copying me as I have been saying NO! to him re plant pot.
Need to go for moment, lots of love.

2008-08-31T07:30:00.000Z

2008-08-30T17:32:00.002Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTY RONNIE

Your birthday is a special occasion

when each minute of the day

should hold the very finest things

that life can bring your way

Our wishes on your birthday

are warm and very sincere

May the happiness you're wished today

Stay with you throughout the year

Lots of love and kisses

Your nephews Dylan and Kieran

3 things

2008-08-20T18:43:00.002Z

3 things have happened this week:
Dylan started Nursery on Tuesday. It went well and he enjoyed it.
Dylan went camping with Ewan for 1 night on Saturday and since then, he is no longer in nappies at night with no accidents either.
Kieran slept from 7.30 to 5 am on Monday night and 7.30 to 7.15am on Tuesady night. Hooray!!!! Lets hope it happens again tonight.

Some old photos

2008-08-11T14:23:00.003Z

I was going through my cds that I haven't printed and found these old pics. The first two with Dylan in february 2007 and the rest when my dad came to visit in february 2008.

Kieran is 7 months

2008-08-11T13:26:00.002Z

A quick update on the boys.
Kieran is 7 months already and doing very well. He is still a very sociable smiley boy who will let anyone talk or hold him as long as he is the center of their attention. He giggles and flaps his arms like mad when he is excited I think he might flap away like a bird soon. Even with such a lovely boy, he has been teething a bit. and can be moany at times. His 2 little teeth are not fully out yet and although he is only up once a night, he might cry a little when he is up.
He loves his food so much and opens his mouth for anything, apart from a dodgy brocolli cheese I made the other day. Lets hope it stays this way. I have been much better at my Annabel Karmel recipes this time and am whizzing through them. We haven't done meat yet though. Only chicken stock in the veg. I am a bit hesitant to introduce meat as it complicates things.
Kieran loves his baths especially with Dylan and enjoys the splashing now he can sit unsupported in the bath. He has been sitting for about a month now.
His crawling is getting better too but he moves like a caterpillar for the moment. You can see how he just wants to be like Dylan and do what Dylan does. He is after all Dylan's toys, much to the annoyance of Dylan who doesn't want to share his toys or Kieran's toys with him. I can see the future fights now. But maybe Kieran will be bigger than Dylan so he might not lose out.

Dylan had his third haircut today. He sat nicely but with a horrified look on his face. He just looks so grown up. I bought him a new watch and sunglasses which he loves. The only time he knows is 9 0'clock.
So we have 1 week till nursery starts. I have his new black indoor shoes and his hair is smart so lets hope all goes well. His speech and singing are improving all the time and it is lovely to listen too as he sings to himself all the time. He can ride all his pedal bikes well so Santa will be getting him a bicycle for Christmas if he is a good boy.

For anyone who doesn't know we arrive in Cape Town 10 November and leave 20 December so hope to see many of you soon especially my family and baby Sarah.
xxx

I've found teeth

2008-08-07T16:46:00.002Z

I've known that Kieran has been teething and unhappy for about a week but couldn't find any teeth.
Today we have found two little bottom ones peeking out from his gums. He is 7 months on Saturday.

94 sleeps

2008-08-07T10:12:00.002Z

Only 94 sleeps and then we arrive in Cape town for our holiday. Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!
One problem though. It is a long long way away and hard to explain how long it is to Dylan who keeps saying "I go on the aeroplane tomorrow".
All flights are booked. All passports have been arranged and all suitcases are bought and ready to be packed. Just have to sleep for 95 days now. I wish!!!!!!!

A sunny day in Scotland

2008-07-29T07:19:00.001Z

Balintore Beach with Dylan and his friend Luca

My baby is moving

2008-07-26T13:44:00.002Z

Just to let you know Kieran is moving around so much now. He can spin on his tummy legs in the air behind hime. He is army crawling slowly and can lift his tummy off the ground. He has not yet realised how to move arms and legs together but he can do it one at a time. Help!!!!
He also loves standing up. If he is crying, I stand him on his legs and he stops and starts smiling. He might walk sooner too. Help again!!!!!

Look at the faces

2008-07-19T17:30:00.001Z

My BooBoos

2008-07-19T17:25:00.000Z

Dylan's sports day medals

2008-07-19T17:21:00.002Z

Snack time

2008-07-19T17:18:00.001Z

Kieran is 6 months old today!

2008-07-09T14:41:00.002Z

Well I haven't posted any news for a while so today is a good day to do so.
We'll start with Kieran.
I feel like Kieran is so much older than 6 months. He is so big and just seems to be reaching his mile stones much quicker than Dylan did. Probably because he is bigger and wants to do the things Dylan is doing. He was 8.2 kg at 23 weeks. Dylan was the same weight at 43 weeks old.
I started weaning him around 20 weeks as he was showing all the signs and still not sleeping through the night. Sometimes waking every 1-2 hours. Very Tiring. He is already on 3 good meals a day now and really enjoys his food. Even vegetables. I'm going down my list of foods really quickly but feel like I need to remember he is younger than he seems. He loves Farleys rusks and they are the only ones which do not break into chunks and make him choke. He gets 1 a day normally when I am cooking as between 4 and 6pm as he is usually very moany ,making cooking dinner very stressful.
The older he becomes, the harder he gets really. Still a very happy enjoyable boy but he loves and needs constant stimulation throughout the day. Mornings he will play on his own for a while which is great. Giving me some time.
He has been rolling for a while now, is sitting beautifully for a few minutes before falling over, is blowing raspberries and talking and giggling alot. He smiles with his mouth as wide open as possible and is just sooo cute. Most people know him as Smiley boy/Happy boy.
He is also trying to crawl/ move forward but cannot and is getting really frustrated in the process but he can move from one side of the room to the other by rolling.
So after all these little milestones he still wakes on average twice a night. Controlled crying will start soon. Maybe at 7 months. I am also thinking of letting Dylan and Kieran sleep in the same room soon. Maybe Dylan will sleep in his own bed then.
Two weeks ago I decorated Dylan's bedroom, painted it light blue with a car, plane and train border, new duvet cover, curtains etc. Dylan still refuses to sleep in it. He will sometimes fall sleep in Kieran's bedroom. Also, then I can still have a spare room for visitors!!!!!!! Any takers??
Anyway, thats Kieran.
The Scottish school holidays started 2 weeks ago. Which means playgroup and most toddler groups are closed. Now we went Mon to Fri with a group each day so to go to 1 per week is a nightmare. But we have actually been quite lucky. Alot of mums and dads have continued to meet so we have been busy. Ewan and I are also taking the boys swimming on Mondays which both boys enjoy too. We either meet at the park, the local community hall for lunch and even had a garden party (for adults and kids) at one house. Pity I was driving. It was still great though.
And I might even go on a girls night out soon if I can get a babysitter. So our baby and toddler social life is not suffering too much so far.
Dylan starts Nursery on the 18 August and I think he is looking forward to it. We got morning sessions so I am pleased. He is now fully toilet trained with only very few accidents. He still really enjoys music and dancing and loves singing.
I am going to go for now as the boys need me, been too long on computer. Will update soon.
Big kiss and big cuddles to my new niece, Sarah who is 3 weeks old today. We hope you are in Mommy and Daddy's arms soon.

Up to mischief

2008-07-01T10:35:00.002Z

My little angel

2008-07-01T10:33:00.002Z

I'm an Aunty

2008-06-20T15:27:00.002Z

Congratulations to Veronica and Steven

on the birth of their baby girl

born 18 June 2008

6lbs 10oz

Lots of love Nicola,Ewan,Dylan and Kieran

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY DAD

2008-06-11T11:37:00.001Z

We hope you have a wonderful day!

Toilet training, teething and growth spurts

2008-06-08T09:29:00.002Z

Toilet Training:
This is what I have been dealing with the past 2 weeks. Dylan has been wearing pants for 11 days now apart from night time and has been doing very well. We have had 4 accident free days and the rest of the time only 1 accident. Best of all - only one no2 accident but it was very very yucky. That was the part I was really dreading. So, we actually did it in 1 week. To all the old ladies and people who made me feel bad for leaving it so late - ha ha ha my timing was actually perfect.
I know we'll still have accidents but we've have done it. We have reward charts in the toilet and Dylan has really responded to them. He loves getting his stars and smiley face stickers. One thing though- Dylan has become a streaker since his nappies are gone. He loves stipping off and I battle to keep his clothes on.

Teething:
Well I actually have no idea if Kieran is teething or not. It is either this or a growth spurt. He has no red cheeks, no nappy rash, no red gums but is very irritable, drooling alot and chewing on everything. He is happy if I am carrying him but the minute I put him down he starts screaming. As far as I know, separation anxiety only starts around 9 months not 5 months ( and yes this is not a typing error- my baby is 5 months old now).
He is also crying alot because he is rolling onto his tummy and cannot roll back onto his back so he starts screaming with frustration.

Growth Spurts:
Well I hope Kieran is having a growth spurt as I have been up 6 nights in a row feeding him. He is really confusing me. He started giving him baby rice 2 weeks ago and was in the process of increasing his food intake when this waking at night started. He was down to 1 night feed before.
I stopped food for one day and he was feeding hourly the whole day and looking starving and drooling over my food. He gets so excited when I am eating and upset when I dont give him any. He grabs my plate if he has the chance so I know he is ready.All I hope is that it ends soon.

Any suggestions welcome. I am still trying to introduce a dummy so help and will persevere.

Anyway I better be off, Kieran has just woken up and Dylan is sitting naked on the toilet pretending to do a no2. Door is closed nad toilet paper all over the floor. Lovely!

I like my door bouncer and high chair

2008-06-01T09:09:00.001Z

In the garden

2008-06-01T09:05:00.001Z

My cutie pie

2008-06-01T09:02:00.002Z

He fell asleep holding his nose.

a Quick Catchup

2008-05-24T11:06:00.002Z

Hi everyone. Sorry its been a while since we have posted. Just a quick one to let you know what we have been up to.
Kieran is now 19.5 weeks old and Dylan is 3 coming on 13.
I'll be weaning Kieran soon which is scary. He is not my little baby anymore. We weighed him at 18 weeks and he was 16lbs or 7.20kgs. I had a look in Dylan's red book and he was the same weight at 28 weeks and you can really see the similarities between the two at 4 months and 7 months respectively. Kieran is doing really well. He is rolling in both directions, has rolled onto his tummy a few times, is alot more co-ordinated and is just starting to touch his toes. He stands really well when on my lap and has even been in his door bouncer. I have fished out the high chair and Kieran loves sitting at the table when we eat our dinner- near enough drooling though.
He is very smiley and loves smiling and getting the attention of the ladies anywhere. He has had all his vaccinations ,until 13 months that is, and coped well with them all. He still wakes twice a night but sometimes it's once which I love.
We bought a new 3 wheeler pushchair a couple of weeks ago so I currently have 3 . Am planning on selling my blue pram asap though. I will keep my stroller as it is very handy for the car. The 3 wheeler is much easier to push and goes really well on rougher terrain and we managed to get it on the beach . My pram sank into the sand. I'm hoping on taking Dylan on forest walks and beach walks as often as I can.
Dylan has been so spoilt since his birthday I have been trying to undo the spoiltness. He wakes up asking for sweets and crisps and says " I neeeed sweets" "I really neeed sweets" A really challenging monkey! We will be toilet training him soon now as my new washing machine has finally arrived. Maybe we will start this Monday. He was really ill a few weeks ago and hardly ate anything but he is making up for lost time and is eating well at the moment which helps. We also went to a friends birthday party last week at Little Monkeys Soft play which Dylan really enjoyed altough I caught another boy jumping on Dylan's chest while he was stuck on the floor which made me really mad and upset. This boy then pushed Dylan off a wall and then came up to me and said" Dylan has spiderman socks on , I want Spiderman socks".What a little bully.
Anyway Dylan survived and loved the rest of the party.
Better go , Kieran has just woken up.

Landmark Adventure Park

2008-05-11T17:23:00.001Z

Happy Birthday Dylan

2008-05-11T17:17:00.001Z

Dylan's Birthday Week-end

2008-05-11T17:12:00.002Z

It was Dylan's 3rd birthday on the 10 May 2008. We have all had a lovely week-end. Friday we went out for lunch with friends which has a large soft-play area, Saturday we just had family round for the candles and cake and today we took Dylan to Landmark Adventure and Forestry Park. Here are some pics of the week-end.

Just to let you know

2008-05-06T17:37:00.002Z

A new washing machine has been ordered and I've been told it will take at least 2 weeks. I refuse to handwash so I will be driving the 10 miles to my mother-in-laws to use her one and have also asked a friend nearby to use hers occasionally but I do not want anyone going through my laundry so we'll see how this all works. Dylan is slightly better, very dehydrated and has not vomited again but now has it coming out the other end. Hold thumbs for him as it's his birthday lunch on Friday and he needs to be better. Also if he stays dehydrated he will need to go to hospital to be put on a drip to rehydrate him. I hope all will be ok.
Have a nice evening!

I hate Mondays

2008-05-05T13:54:00.002Z

This monday is supposed to be a lovely sunny Bank holiday Monday.
I don't think so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My washing machine has just broken down 3 weeks after the guarantee expired. No- one will do an express delivery (within 3 days) to the highlands for a new one. The local supermarket which always advertises second-hand washing machines has none and neither has the local newspaper. The company from whom I bought the machine is also closed on bank holidays so I have no-one to complain to so blog here I am.

And!!!!!!!!!! I need one now.

Dylan has got this vomiting bug and it is all getting just so disgusting. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kieran is 16 weeks old

2008-05-01T13:59:00.002Z

Wow - this is becoming a cliche but isn't time flying??

We have had quite a busy month, I don't have time to do much blogging. In between attending a different toddler group everyday and trying to keep the house running I am exhausted by 9pm when Kieran finally falls asleep and then go straight to bed myself leaving no time for blogging. Since summer is nearly here again, we are getting up at the crack of dawn between 5.30am and 6am every day so we are doing 15 hour days and waking twice a night for feeds too. No wonder I am getting every cold / bug around. I am unable to get my immune system up and strong.

Kieran is doing very well though. He had his immunisations and has coped very well with them. He has had a growth spurt waking for hourly feeds for a week which I loved. He has nearly slept through the night too only for his silly mother to wake him up- do not do this- because she is full of milk and in pain and needs relief.

Kieran doesn't stop moving now either and is always rolling from side to side. His hand/ fist is always in his mouth and if it isn't, his t-shirt/bib or blanket is. He loves textures/textiles etc at the moment.

Kieran is also speaking/ shrieking/ sqwarking( or however you spell it) too and loves conversations especially with his brother who has this very strange but entertaining language and manner with which he talks to Kieran. It is really cute to watch.

Things are still challenging on the Dylan front. Dylan is alot better with Kieran and when they are good , they are really really good together but when things are bad they are terrible.

Dylan is such a great little boy though and he makes us smile and laugh . His singing and dancing is really coming along. He is trying to dress himself and choose his own clothes to wear in the morning too. This can be difficult though. The toilet training is out the window. One day he wants to , the next day he will refuse to wear pants and acts like a baby. He seems to wants to do poos like Kieran does and have his nappy changed same same like Kieran so thats on the back burner again. We have enrolled him for 4 days nursery starting in August when the new school year starts so he'll go 10 hours a week. He is looking forward to this. It is his birthday in 9 days and he'll be 3 years old soon too.

Dylan had been spoilt and has recently received a see-saw, trampoline,quad bike and digger and trailer to go with his slide, tractor, 2 bp bikes and trike. Our garden looks like a playground now.

His latest sentences are " I don't like it" and "I'm a cheeky boy".

Anyway better go for now. Have a lovely long week-end,

Nicky.

Look at meeeee

2008-05-01T13:53:00.003Z

Teddy is hungry

2008-05-01T13:51:00.002Z

Bye bye Moses Basket

2008-05-01T13:48:00.003Z

Kieran moved into his cot on the 25th March. I sold his moses basket last week. sniff sniff. He is just growing so fast.

Bennie Boekworm ???????????

2008-05-01T13:46:00.001Z

Kieran is 12 weeks and our blog is 1 year old

2008-04-02T10:03:00.001Z