Scorcher.

Phew, today has been incredibly hot.  The perfect day for a trip to the Coastal Park to meet some other HE families.  First though, Rye, last night had been playing with the shape puzzles and he almost completed the pentagram, I am very proud:

Really excellent effort!
Right back to  today.

View of the sea from top of the Lees Cliff.  That water looked so inviting, I was half tempted to blow off meeting the HE families and go down to the sea front instead.

The zig zag path down to the Coastal Park.  Those caves felt so lovely and cool.

Rye immediately demonstrated his confidence with the climbing frames and webbing.  My charge had a good attempt at climbing up too; she was quickly distracted by grapes lol.

Playing in the Pirate ship.

I can see you!

One of those perfect days.  Good company, lovely weather, kids played brilliantly.  Rye even walked all the way back to the bus stop to catch the bus home.  Once we arrived at the bus stop, he flagged and I held him in my arms for a while, before popping him in the mei tai on my back.  Gosh, that boy has grown, he's now tall enough that he can sit with his arms over the top of the mei tai! 

Faery Festival - Monday.

Playing in front of the stage while Damh the Bard played.  He is wonderful and was brilliant about the fact the kids were being a little noisy.

Sparkly waistcoat.

The man himself.  Have I mentioned how good he is?   Seriously, very good and excellent at engaging the audience.

The children fascinated by the Giants:  Hern the Hunter and.......... Britney lol  (Brighid lol)

Not long after this, Rye climbed onto my lap; and suddenly he had a temperature again and was looking very sorry for himself; and asking to go in the sling.  So another day of Rye on my back in the Mei Tai.  Thank goodness for the sling, the little man was able to have a sleep and have lots of snuggles and toward the end of the festival he perked up again.  Although he has crashed in bed with a temperature again, (sleeping now). 
Ohhh and I partook in a wonderful workshop; it was called Seasonal Songs; although not quite what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed it; and had a lot of fun singing - which isn't something I normally do around others because I'm very self conscious - I was once told I sing in the cracks of notes :-(

Once back home, the kids had tea, and then it was time to start packing and for my guests to begin their journey home, the lure of their own bed and home comforts urging Sarah to make the journey - have I mentioned how amazing this woman is?  The energy she has when she's, what 4 weeks from term?  I'm utterly shattered and I ain't pregnant!

Wonderful festival, although, I think running it over the 3 days was prehaps a bit too much - I think it's better as a 2 day event.  Fabulous company with lots of chatter on an eve; talking from politics through to Art, looking at Colin's artwork again - his artwork is on his facebook; if you've not looked do so; there's a beautiful painting of Alice inspired by a scan photo.

I've so enjoyed the company, mind, I am looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight :-)

Brrrr.

The wind chill is really rather nippy.  I would have preferred to stay indoors and snuggle on the sofa with a blanket watch the children play and maybe watch the odd cookery programme online.
Alas I needed to go to the bank this morning to pay in a cheque, and as my charge, who was a very subdued little girl yesterday and spent the entire day cuddling on the sofa with me - or crying her heart out if I tried to go into the kitchen to make any food - thank goodness for slings, is clearly feeling much brighter today I knew we had to go out and get some fresh air.

Bundled up children, the wee one on my back, wearing Rye's old babylegs to help keep her legs warm and Ryan on the balance bike and off we ambled down into the village.  Decided to have a nosy in the charity shops and found some great bargains.

 

 Mr Men books, 10p each, can't be bad!  Oh, and I loved Black Beauty as a child and like most little boys Rye is rather fond of Fireman Sam.

 And just look at those fabulous tins!  3 tins inside each other and then an extra oval one.  And I am sooooo chuffed with the large white pots behind; I've been after reasonably large pots or glass jars for ages to put flour in.

 

And some little matchbook cars for Rye, 10p each.

We arrived home as it started to snow; although it was a very tame affair. 

Rye was very funny, he obviously wanted to play with those lovely cars; as did C.   I intervened when he started pushing her away and yelling at her, and suggested he offer her a toy she could play with instead, so what does he do?  He picks up her cup of water and gives her that.  Cheeky monkey.

The last couple of photos were taken yesterday.  My charge wasn't very well yesterday, her poor mum was torn between staying home with the little one, and needing to go into work.  I reassured the mum that I would call if the little girl got worst or simply wouldn't settle.  So yesterday was spent pretty much confined to the sofa with the little 'un laid on me feeling rather sorry for herself.  Using the ring sling, I was able to make an absoluely gorgeous potatoe and leek soup;

And some more gorgeous tassajara bread;

 

And Rye, bless his cotton socks, amused himself with his books;

It was a pretty fraught day, I literally couldn't leave my charge for one moment, othewise she would immediately sob her heart out and wouldn't calm down for ages.  Poor Rye wanted her to play but of course everytime he came close and tried to cuddle her, she was pushing him away and would begin to cry.  Bless him, he just didn't understand that she felt unwell and didn't want to play.  Add on, me cuddling another child for much of the day.

Rather unsuprisingly, once she left for the day, he snuggled close and insisted on having my arms wrapped around him tightly.  

Thank goodness she is much brighter today.

Right time to prepare tea and then the little 'un should be awake, ready to play for half hour or so and then some tea..and by then it will almost be time for pick up :-)    Looking forward to it; this cold weather is making me crave my duvet!

So, how's it going?

Fine.  There's not a huge transition because I was virtually veggie before anyway.  We maybe ate meat a couple times a month, sometimes not even that. 

I popped into Waterstones to have a look see for veggie books, and there was one.  Hmmm.  Amazon it is then lol.  I picked up a lovely Tibetan calander, originally £9, reduced to £2.50, bit more like it!
I have to say, it's been strangely relaxing being out shopping with the kids most of the day.  It's gone very quickly, my charge was wonderful and enjoyed the few times I popped her in the ring sling to go into shops that are a bit too narrow for the buggy.  The transformation in her was quite amazing, in the buggy she was quiet just watching the world go by and sucking her thumb.  In the ringsling she was pointing to birds, laughing and smiling and having a good ole chat with me.

Rye was brilliant too, walking lovely beside the buggy and stopping and waiting when I asked.  There were a few mini "big" feelings; but on the whole I was really chuffed with him.  Bless him though, his poor nose, upper lip and left cheek are looking very red and chapped.  I've put tons of the lip balm on to help, which means, at least, it's not getting any worst.  Really stunned how quickly our collective colds came on.  One minute we were fine, the next we both started sniffling and sneezing. 

I made Rye a kiwi and orange juice smoothie, lots of Vit C, sadly he wouldn't drink it; so I had it, hopefully he'll get some of it through my breastmilk.  Tea was more of that lovely Tassajara bread and butternut squash soup, yum.  And now I think early night for us both, snuggles and maybe curl up and watch a dvd. :-)

Twit!

Aye, that's me!
My charge's mum has given me written permission to use my slings with her daughter, and as I had the cheque for this week's childmindming to go in the bank I decided to try my charge out in the mei tai.

On the upside she seemed to really like it, and I got lots of smiles, on the downside, the snow and ice hadn't melted as much as I thought.  I got half way to the shops and turned back, it was just too trecherous.  Turned around, trudged back, gave the children a snack and then set out again, this time with the buggy.  I never thought I'd be grateful for a buggy - but I think I would have been on my bum a few times were I not pushing it - even with my big winter boots with excellent grip, I was slipping and sliding all over  the place.

Getting out of the house was needed.  C's chest is much much better and of course it much less cold.  Rye enjoyed running around, although he had an unsettled night last night, so he was a bit tired and did sit on the buggy board alot.  C just seemed to enjoy gazing at what snow was left. That fresh air worked it's magic too and my little miss crashed in Rye's room for a good 2 hours.  Took advantage and made a lovely fish pie - although she doesn't seem that fond of white fish - salmon yep, white fish no.  Rye I had treated to the last two brio bob the builder toys from our local toyshop - which has a reasonable selection of wooden toys, much to my delight - and because they were  the last two and discontinued the shopkeeper sold me the second for half price.  So Rye has had a lovely afternoon playing with those, and helping me in the kitchen.

I am soooooooooooooooooooo tired though.  Insomnia is dogging me at the moment; in part because my mattress is too firm, even for me, (normally sleep on top of my duvet, but brrrr too cold for that at the mo), and my pillows are in desperate need of changing.  I'm getting about 2-3 hours sleep and I'm starting to flag - which made going out today even more crucial.  Typcially, last night I fell asleep quite easily for a change and probalby would have had about 6 hours... 'cept my poor lad woke up needing the loo and insisted his nappy had to come off.  Then he spent an hour trying to have a poo and crying because it was hurting :-(  I felt so impotent, eventually I managed to coax him back to bed for cuddles and to warm up and he fell asleep.. only to wake again a wee bit later, although he was able to go this time, although boy, did he yell :-(  He's been a bit like that today too when going to the loo; but he has been able to go so I'mc onfident the mild constipation has passed.  He seems to understand my explanation that he's probably not drinking enough water, and he needs to drink more so it doens't hurt - and has drunk more water today and has even asked for more water - not something he would normally do - so fingers crossed the transition from drinking squash constantly to only having water, herbal teas and milk has been made and we won't be troubled by any more bouts of constipation.

Anyhoos, after C was collected I made myself clean the kitchen, mop the floor, tidy the lounge, sweep and mop in there too before coming upstairs (so tempted to leave it till the morning).  I am shattered and really, really hoping I can sleep tonight - and really really hoping the new mattress topper and pillows I order arrive tomorrow!

Journies.

After my charge left with her mum at 1pm, I bundled Rye up and we ventured forth into town.  Rye conveniently wanted to be pushed in the buggy, ideal because the weather was forecast to be snowy/sleet this afternoon and I needed to do some shopping and those buggy handles would be handy for bags.

There are practical reasons for my dislike of buggys; pain on the bus, in shops with narrow aisles etc, mostly though I hate the disconnectedness.  Rye is sat out in front, and all I can see is his knees, even with the hood pushed back.  I have no idea what he's looking at, it's near impossible to share sudden thoughts, sights, giggles etc.  In some ways it's similar when he's on my back - at least we have the physcial closeness though, and the feel of little arms cuddled around me is out of this world.  I can hear him too, whereas I can't when he's in the buggy unless I stop and go round to the front of it so I can see him and it is easier to share what I can see with him when he's on my back - not least because his at my eyeline height, well, more or less.

Buggys just seem to be a metaphor for a less connected parenting that is favoured today. 
Interestingly, once home Rye wanted lots of cuddles and finally settled sat next to me on the sofa, with my arms around him and his head laid against my arm as he dozed.  I think like me, after a few hours of the buggy separation, he needed to feel close and attached again.

I am really sad that my babywearing journey is coming to an end, it's been such a wonderful journey.  I don't think its  a stretch to say babywearing saved my AP tendencies.  Rye was so demanding when he was a newborn and I struggled so desperately, cried and wished I'd never had him, we had major problems with breastfeeding and no support around me except for my ex whose answer to everything was to give formula and leave the baby to cry.  I didn't want to, the first 24 hours when I'd been so awkstruck by this little bundle was still there, even weeks in of sleeping upright in a chair with a little baby on my chest, is what I think saved me from crashing straight into PND, even in my most desperate moments when I had to leave the room because I had reached the point if I stayed I would have hurt him.... then I began to wear him, I also began to cosleep and the combination saved our relationship.

To remember those painful first weeks/months brings tears, thankfully the babywearing meant he slept and being close to him, cuddling him... well, how could I not love him and bond - he was there in my arms, sweet, delicious and so tiny, yet amazing.  Babywearing has become a symbol of Rye's and mine journey in attached parenting, in learning to meet our needs peacefully (still learning this bit lol), and with respect and with joy.

This wasn't the post I planned to write, it seems to be the one I needed to write though.

HE Group

Woke up to a very blustery, wet morning.  Thankfully, the HE group had arranged to meet at Kids Planet at 11am.  So once we were up, washed, dressed and breakfasted, we donned our waterproof coats and set out.

Naturally, there was much jumping in leaves and splashing in puddles

I love the stocking cap - he looks so adorable in it :-)

Kids Planet was rather busy when we first arrived, by lunchtime it was virtually empty again, and we mums enjoyed drinking tea and chatting away while our little ones ran around, climbed, slid and generally had a fab time.

Rye was particularly taken with a "motor"bike ride on in a fabulously hot pink. 

We leave around 3pm so we avoid all the schoolchildren coming to the centre.  The walk home was blustery, thankfully dry, especially as Rye wanted to go in the mei tai and promptly fell asleep.

It can be expensive though - I spent a tenner today and it's just Rye and me - I shudder to think how much the place must cost the other mums with more kiddies.

Shattered now though - early to bed tonight I think.

What on Earth Evolved - Christopher Lloyd.

One of the HE mum's arranged a trip to a lecture by Christopher Lloyd; part of the Folkestone Book Festival
His lecture was on his book, "What on Earth Evolved?", which covers from the big bang to modern day.  His lecture basically boiled down those billions of years into a 24 hour time line - it was brilliant.  The lecture was aimed at Key stage 2, (whatever age group that is), so Rye was a tad young for it but I wanted to support our fledgling HE group and M was a little worried that there wouldn't be many people turning up.  In the end there were about 11 families, (from various areas in Kent), so a really good turn out.

Christopher Lloyd was engaging and I found his lecture fascinating - pity I didn't have the cash to buy his book - it is on my wishlist!

Rye behaved beautifully, although he did corrupt a few of the older children into playing with him - thus leading to them being quietly told by their mum's to stop messing around and listen.  Ooops.  And he thoroughly messed up the numbers on the chairs, (clip on).  I was so engaged in the lecture, it was only when I glanced to make sure Rye was ok, that I realised that he was clipping all the numbers on the back of chair and the mum in front was clearly getting a bit fed up with little fingers brushing her back.  She didn't say anything, but what I could see of her face, she looked a bit annoyed.  Ooops again; I managed to distract him thankfully and in all, I was chuffed to pieces with him.

Afterwards, a few of us walked down the zigzag path to the coastal park and sat and nattered while the children played.  It was really nice, and I was so very grateful at how good the children, (and we're talking of kids around the age of 6), were at playing with Rye, even though they were clearly excited because there were other children their own age to play with - rather than toddlers (as is the norm when going to the park during the school day). 

Then it was time to start making tracks.  Walked with one of the family's as far as their car, before we split to walk to the bustop - and the entire walk to the car Rye held the little girl's hand, I could hear him laughing and giggling, chattering away to her.  It's such a beautiful thing to watch how trusting and friendly Rye is and I marvel at the ease with how he joins in and makes friends - when do we loose that ability?  I hope he never does.

Once friends had driven off Rye wanted carrying - up over my shoulder he went into the mei tai.  I love how it seems to almost make his weight disappear.  Of course, my body recognises the sudden weight gain even if it is well distributed.  So by the time we'd walked to the bus, got it up into town (Folkestone has some very steep hills and I don't think I'm fit enough to walk up one with Rye on my back... and I'm defintely too lazy to try lol), popped to the bank to deposit a cheque and then walked back to the bus station to catch the bus back to Cheriton and then walked home - I was shattered. 

**grin**   All that exercise justified wholewheat blueberry pancakes for tea - not dessert, tea!  Nom, nom.


Ohhh and brrrrr it's suddenly feeling very chilly indeed.  Think I'll make myself a cuppa and fill my hot water bottle up at the same time and then snuggle in bed, watch something on the laptop and crochet.  Really, really like to try and get that dress finished by Sunday.

Ohhh and there's another family in Folkestone who HE, the mums runs a french toddler group so myself and another mum are going to go to that too... does seem a tad appropriate being that my ancestery is french and my name lol.

Sunny Sands.

Another afternoon spent down at the beach.
This morning I had some phone calls to make etc and then weeeee, we were off to the beach. I was initially a bit dismayed because it looked like the tide was in.. thankfully, it was on it's way out.
I popped Rye in the ring sling and paddled in the water to try and get him use to the sea, but he wasn't very happy :-(

So we sat on the minute bit of sand left and built sand castles, tunnels for his cars, and played with his ball, which because of the wind kept going in the sea. Rye did get it himself once, but a wave came in gently and wet his feet and he legged it and wouldn't go within 5 feet of the sea after that.

Sadly, our time ended all too quickly and we had to head back to the car; Rye was creamcrackered and fell asleep immediately. Rather creamcrackered myself too, so I treated us to chips for tea.

Rye is now watch Tractor Tom again. This has become his favourite DVD and if he can get into my room, it's the first thing he does. Still, I've relaxed my stance on dvd's a bit of late; solong we've done "stuff" during the day I don't mind him putting a dvd on before bed, and as he can only watch it upstairs; it does mean it only happens if I fancy lazing on the bed while he watches :-)

And his verbal skills, wow they have steamed a head in the past week or so. He's now speaking in simple sentences and constantly chattering away to himself and parroting every word he hears so having to be very careful.

Ohhh and final note; I was dead chuffed to see a lady on the beach with her child in a mei tai - I think it was a connecta type, and she was breastfeeding too! Made me want to grab Rye and start breastfeeding him too - solidarity and all that. And you know, I don't think anyone really noticed either. Brilliant!

Woohoooo! & Crochet

Firstly, Congratulations to Sarah, Martin, Jenna and Morgan on the arrival of the new beautiful addition to the family; a baby girl. She is gorgeous and the birth story in pictures takes my breath away.

Seems rather mundane to now turn the topic to crochet; but that is what I've been doing today (along with laundry - still have 3 bags of the flipping stuff). Rye's room is very light and the curtains in there barely contrain the streaming light; so I've decided to crochet a blind for Rye's room. Some time ago I picked up a tunisian crochet needle - that is just an extra long one and this project seemed perfect for it.... one slight problem, I'd forgotten how much I HATE, LOATH and DETEST doing the tunisian stitch. Its laborious and with the extra long hook very very unweildly and just not fun to do, in my opinion, plus the fabric just curls over and its very annoying and slow to work up - and I can work pretty fast.

So the plan is to really go to town and have a play with different stitches and produce a motifed blind that I'll line the back with - not sure what yet - probably pick up a curtain from a charity shop and just cut it up to fit. It will be colourful and fun and really brighten Rye's rather plain room up.

I might have a go at crocheting the alphabet too for his room and sticking the crochet letters on carboard with a pictures taken from our environment to represent each letter. Oh, and I really do want to get on with making myself a motifed crochet bag to use when babywearing. I know I have the trolley but there are times when I'd prefer not to use it.

Oh, and did I mention Sarah's had the baby? :) She is a sweetiepie and I'm looking forward to reading many blog enteries about her and her sisters.

Normalacy - almost.

Ock, I feel almost human again; the icky sensation in my stomach has gone, my ribs are bareable the only irritating aliment is my neck and shoulder; that crick is still very painful, I'm beginning to suspect a trapped nerve. I'll give it a few days and see if it works free and perhaps ask J if she'll give me a message.

Rye has been a bit challenging and very anti laptop. As soon as I sit in the arm chair he's squealing "no" and running over to me and insisting on cuddles and "boobiesss", I know its a mechanism to stop me typing, bless him. I suspect spending Wednesday with me while I was ill has a lot to do with it because I had dvds on the laptop all day as I laid on the sofa feeling very sorry for myself and judging by the amount of jumping on me and trying to do somersaults over my arm he was bored. I have developed the habit of checking blogger each morning too, for possible labour news :), and you know what its like a "quick check" turns into looking at emails, having a nosey at Green Parent forum replying to a couple of posts. My son is "putting his foot down" and making it very clear he does not like this. Ok, I'm being a bit flippant, but there is a serious side it is overspilling and he's becoming more high need and if he doesn't get his way he squeals; ear peircing, cringeworthy squeals. Eeee gawds, my poor ears can't stand much more.

Thankfully, I did recognise that his behaviour is a result of my inattention so I encouraged him to help me tidy the floor up (as it was so messy there was no where to sit) and we got out the treeblocks some of his cars and played. I also went into teacher mode every so slightly and tried to teach him the colours of the cars. He played along for awhile and then got bored and snorted at me when I asked him which car was "yellow". My son, snorted at me! Cheeky monkey. :P He did say "bluh" (blue), very cute he sticks his tongue out as he says it. lol

Then I asked him if he would like to help me tidy up the kitchen and make bread, to which he nodded. He didn't really, he played with the dishwasher a bit and then indicated he wanted to go outside. I made it clear I wouldn't be going out with him as I was cleaning the kitchen. He seemed fine with that and played for a little while. When he returned, boy he was needy, he wanted carrying, which is a tad difficult with the dicky neck and shoulder, wanted a cuddle, wanted a breastfeed, obliged but boy the squeal reappeared; although this time clearly tiredness was the culprit and after what felt an age, he eventually fell asleep against me and I was able to put him on the sofa with a blanket and let him have a kip.

Anyway, kitchen is lovely and clean - well the floor needs a good scrub but no point doing that until he's in bed. Bread is on its second proving. I decided to make bagels, rolls and couple of "subs". The bagels are sundried tomatoes ones; and it did take me a while to get the hand of spinning them on my finger to get the required shape. Not bad though for a first effort, if I do say so myself. The camera batteries need charging so I'll take photos later.

I am in the baking mood - shame I've almost run out of flour - enough to make some pizza bases for the freezer. I'm conscious that I will not be receiving any more of my usual money now and until the childminding is in place and kiddies with paying parents knocking on my door I will be managing on benefits, so I want to get the freezer stocked with good nutritious foods that will keep me going if the pocket gets very lean and food shopping budget becomes very meagre. Thank goodness I keep a well stocked larder.

I have run out of milk, squash, plain flour, brown strong, tomatoe sauce and vegetable oil and I was thinkin of picking up some salad veggies from Juicy Fruits, the weather isn't all that encouraging; its windy and sunny one moment, the next it's lashing down rain or hail.

Oh, oh, oh on the upside my Mei Tai is ready I'm so excited. Woohooo.

Gotta love spring!

Life is marvelous. The sun has been shining gloriously here in Folkestone today and despite a slight chill to the wind it has been very warm. Today has been packed full of fun and joy. For starters we astonishingly made it to Baby Rhyme Time, slightly late, to find the library jammed packed. I have never seen it so full before. Once again someone stopped to talk to me about my mei tai as I put Rye on my back. Then to the post office to post off my season table swap gift - so excited, I'm desperate to post photos because I'm so proud of it; but I will wait until the Equinox. Also, posted something I've crocheted for a friend's baby. Again, I'll wait until it's been received before posting photos.

Then on the bus to Folkestone town centre to pick up my new specs, which feel horribly disoreinting; slowly my eyes are adjusting but I suspect I might need the Optician to do make some adjustments too. Quick mooch in Merchant Chandler and picked up a lovely cotton rag rug for the living room (thank goodness my trolley is big!) along with a chat about slings - again.

Then onto the beach, I had intended to have lunch in an organic, wholefood cafe in the Artist's Quarter but it seems many places shut on a Monday in Folkestone. I did toy with picking up a sandwich from Van Scoffs (fab name! lol) but the day just screamed for fish and chips on the seafront. Luckily the tide had not come in yet so we were able to get down onto the sands and play with the bucket and spades I'd picked up in Merchant Chandler. Very odd, Folkestone is a seaside town without the rows of tacky seasside shops selling buckets and spades galore. Rye adored playing with the bucket and spades - he wasn't so sure about sharing with a wee boy of about 1 I guess, who seemed fascinated with me and stayed for ages playing sand castles. Rye was particularly put out when I offered the little boy a chip (after asking his mum if it was ok) so when I offered Rye a chip he'd snatch it out of my hand and shove it in his mouth - lol almost like he was expecting me to snatch it back and give it to the little boy.

I adore living near the sea, being able to take Rye down there and enjoy the sand and sun its wonderful and getting out of the house means I focus totally on Rye rather than becoming distracted with housework, cooking, laptop, crafty stuff or just plain reading or watching a dvd. Sometimes when we're home and haven't been anywhere for a few days I begin to fret that I'm not playing with Rye enough, not offering him enough experiences to engage in and learn from. I'm hoping for a nice sunny summer (but not hot, I don't "do" hot).
I would have liked to stay at the beach longer but sadly the sea was encroaching on the sand rapidally, so we packed up and leisurely wandered back to the bus stop.

A couple minutes away from my home is a pub, and in the beer garden there's a slide that Rye has been gagging to get his hands on every time we walk past. Well, I was thirsty, still a beautiful, relatively warm afternoon so I decided what the heck and popped into the pub and bought us both a drink... lol and Rye managed to disrupt two guys playing pool by nicking one of the balls. Ooops.
He loved the slide; if slightly too old for him. He did kinda look like he was going to take off every time he went down it and its rather steep for the comparative shortness of the slide so he landed ceremoniously on his bum; or if he did manage to stay on his feet, the moment would send him face first into the grass. He didn't care and when it came time to leave I had to carry him out of the garden.

The day didn't even end when we arrived home; once a desperately needed nappy change was out of the way I decided to sit in the garden and read my copy of the Green Parent Magazine while Rye raced up and down the decking on a zebra trike, deliberately crashing into me - relaxing and reading my magazine clearly wasn't on the cards; so I gave up and played with Rye for a while; only coming back in doors when the sun became weak and the chill in the wind more noticeable.

I've enjoyed today; rather felt like a prelude to how life will be once I've finished working my notice and I'm home fulltime.

Phew - tired now though :)

Constant surprise

Rye is constantly surpising me of late with his learning.
On Friday I made some bread, finishing off the plain flour. Rye managed to get the bag off the worktop (waiting to go out into recycling) and played with it for ages, managing to get every little last grain of flour out of the bag onto the table in the kitchen and later the footstool in the lounge. He then helped himself to the baking powder from the larder. When I asked him to put it back he said "NOOOOOO" very emphatically, so I asked him if he was going to bake and he nodded. Bless.

He's also very comfortable with his room now and Friday he slept in his room for a good couple of hours for his nap. I did feel a bit at a loss though so didn't make as good of the time as I could have.

Saturday morning was beautifully peaceful; Rye's little feet slapping against the laminate as he rushed into my room upon waking and climbed into bed with me, snuggled down under the duvet and began a marthon nursing session combine with delightful snuffling snoozes. I simply adore the mornings with my little boy snuggled beside me, his small, warm hand stroking my skin as he feeds and snoozes. I love how he buries his head into my boob if I try to de-latch him before he's ready. And I love the way he will nudge my nipple with his nose and then grin at me before opening his mouth wide and latching on. I pray there will be many, many more morning nursing sessions to enjoy.

Today as been a invigorating day. Another lazy snoozy nursing morning, followed by a lazy breakfast of american pancakes with chocolate spread (I initially was thinking it was mothering Sunday lol). Phone call from J to suggest a trip down to the harbour to the farmer,fisher and creative market that is on each Sunday ensued in a rushed to finish dying my hair (purple, fed up of the grey) and then get dressed and over to J's to drive down to the harbour.

The market is quaint, small and quite expensive. There were some nice stalls but I must admit I was slightly disappointed; although I managed to buy some lovely sweet potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, leeks, mushrooms and rubarb. Mmm, rubarb crumble my favourite - oh and a few tangerines.

Today has been a good test of the Mei Tai too. While walking around the market I had Rye on my back; once we reached a quieter spot along the sea wall I allowed him down to run off some energy (while trying to curb my paranoi about the edge of the sea wall - there are barriers but the gap is, of course, at toddler height!). The tide was in so we were unable to go down onto the sands and instead walked the length of the sea wall and back again. Then once again I popped Rye on my back and J helpfully pulled up the back of the mei tai for me. He was up on my back in a jiffy much to the astonishment of a lady perhaps in her 50's. She called over to me as I walked past to say how astonished she was, and what a clever way to carry a child :) Hehehe. I wasn't the only one baby wearing either; although one was a structured back carrier and the other was a crotch dangler with a little baby. Both times it was the dad's doing the carrying too. I nearly stopped the crotch dangler dad but my natural shyness took over and I just walked past. I really don't like those type of slings because a baby's legs and spine are in an awkward position which can hinder development and strength... and as babywearing does become a bit more popular those type of carriers are unfortunately the one's that many parents find in bog standard shops. If I remember rightly, I think it's Boots that is now selling Napack Mei Tais on their online store. Woohooo.

And other news; Christine from Daisychain will be cutting out my Mei Tai next week. I'm so excited. I did ask if she could do wrap style straps but sadly she can't as she's not tested them out and said she wouldn't feel comfortable selling me a mei tai with such a large design change that had not been thoroughly tested. Still, her straps are 5 in wide so that's not too bad and I have heard so many good things about her mei tai's for toddlers - not forgetting my love for the fabric - that I asked her to continue anyway (bless she did recommend other mei tais with wrap style straps). So I should have my mei tai in a week or two - very excited indeed.

Ohh and before I forget; Rye has somewhere along the line learned the makaton sign for "please". As usual, my son had found illicit buscuits in J's house and brought them to me while asking for a buscuit. I allowed him one. Then he asked for another and I said "no". At that point he started saying "pease, pease, pease", I was so chuffed that I allowed him another buscuit and J said to me; "Was he signing please too?" at which point we realised he was. I can only assume he's picked it up from "Something Special" the Ceebbc programme. At one stage I was going to see if I could teach him baby sign language but I was never consistent enough so it never happened. I do try and do some of the signs when we sit and watch "something special"... again I just hadn't realised that he'd picked up any of the signs. Aren't kids amazing!

OMG I'm in love!

Ok, housework is still not been done because I decide to drool over babywearing bits and bats and on the Natural Mama forum I saw this:

Babywearing coat I particularly like the Pumpkin Fall stole at the end of the page.

And oh, I rather wish I'd seen this webblog before I sold the storch..ah well nm:

Coastal Park and feeling brave.

Another optician appointment today alls good; pressure in the eyes is now normal and my new specs should be ready next week. Looking forward to new specs it's been so long since I had a new pair; especially nice as I didn't have to pay for them either - woohooo!

I did become a little stressed with Rye in town, he was running around, which is fine its a pedestrian area and not too busy being a Monday but he just wasn't stopping when I asked and being awkward when I tried to hold his hand. He clearly need to run some energy off so I decided to walk along the Leas with him as he could run to his heart content on there. We then walked down the path down the cliff, which did make me a bit nervous with Rye because while there's stones and railings along the edge, the railings wouldn't actually stop a child Rye's size from falling. So I made him hold my hand; he seemed to accept the danger element and held my hand well.

Once down we walked on a bit further to the coastal park, oh now that is a lovely park and it has some sections for littles too. He did need quite a bit of coaxing to come away from the twirling wheels - ok, I had to pick him up and carry him away, protesting loudly. When I asked him to come he just said "no" and then "bye" his way of saying he wants to stay.

We then walked down onto the seafront, this time we were at the pebble beach and there are stone breakers which create sort of coves. The section where I was there was a large stone circle and then a concrete walk way to the sea with beautifully carved benches - I should have taken a photo - doh! Anyway, I noticed that not all the beach is pebble and a small section was sand so took Rye there - he was a bit scared at first because it was very close to the sea. Once I showed him how to throw pebbles into the water he became brave and got really quite close. Very proud of him, he normally squeals and runs away when a wave gets within 20 yards of him! lol. He even considered picking up pebbles that didn't quite get in the water but the tide was coming in so the waves were slowly encroaching on our little sandy section... and he was noticing. Mind, good learning happening, he quickly sussed that if he was to throw a pebble in the water he had to wait for the wave to crash on the beach.

Then it was a fairly long walk back to the harbour to catch a bus. After five minutes Rye was holding his arms up. I had anticipated hiim wanting to be carried so I'd already put the mei tai ,that Sarah made me, on so when he wanted up all I had to was swing him up and tie the straps again. I did curse slightly because I didn't have Rye central and the body of the mei tai got caught under his coat and I heard an ominious ripping sound. The sling felt secure though and as I can't carry Rye without a sling I decided to risk it. OMG, I love the wide straps, Rye felt almost weightless and within minutes again he was fast asleep and no worrying about his head lolliing around because the wide straps and longer body panel supports his neck wonderfully.

Walked to the busstop and caught the bus to my local highstreet and popped in at the post office and posted a parcel, oh and a nosy in a couple of charity shops. I saw some darling little stools, only a tenner each (hand carved with animals on them.. really beautiful and I've seen the exact same in Maidstone for £15! each) so I'll pick those up next week. I also picked up some bits and bobs of yarn; some of it wool mixes I got quite a bit for £2. Then catch the bus again, blah, very busy thankgoodness I had Rye on my back and not in a pushchair, and popped to Tescos for some squash, garlic and bread and then walked home.
Not having Rye central in the mei tai was starting to make it a bit uncomfortable because he was skewered to one side and pushing against the strap so it kept moving down my arm and it just felt a bit unbalanced - he didn't care though, he was happy as larry and not pleased when we finally arrived home and I took him out of it.

Oh, and the ripping sound, just a small section of stitching that came undone so I'll be able to fix that by hand. I just need to make sure I get Rye central in future before I pull the straps up and over to get the body over his bum.

Love that mei tai though, absolutely love it!

And I really want an onbag! lol. I had a fake velvet bag that does expand beautifully... however the fabric isn't very strong and while out with Rye the darn strap broke; thank goodness I had my amazing expanding string bag with me. I can't afford an onbag though so I'm just gonna have to get my bum into gear and start crocheting myself a bag - I'm liking the idea of different motifs and flowers mixed in with beads and buttons. I did take hook and wool out with me but I didn't really have the opportunity to do any crocheting and certainly by the sea I didn't think it wise.

Kent GP Mamas & Parcels.

A parcel arrived this morning, I know what it is but I didn't dare open for fear of been distracted when I had so much to do before Willow81k, Mama412 and Daisypip arrived. Sadly Daisypip wasn't able to join us all afterall, there's always next time :-)

We had planned on a craft afternoon, the littles though made if a bit difficult so we enjoyed chilli and then Mama's delicious apple cakes and a good chinwag. I was very sad when it came time for
everyone to leave. Rye had a whale of time with Mama's daughter, they played outside in the garden and then they played upstairs in his Rye's bedroom; the giggles and laughter coming from his room. It was lovely to hear him having such a wonderful time.

I opened the parcel from Sarah followed by much oohing and arrhing. She'd added a few little bits too, the little brass cauldron in the photo and the very cute little beanbaggy thing, which Rye hasn't yet spied but I imagine will be claimed when he does.
Once everyone had left, I discovered I had no electricity, so a quick pop round next door to ask if they had none too, which they didn't, so I decided to amuse myself by trying on the new mei tai that Sarah has made me. Ohhh its lovely, nice wide straps and a good length in the body. Rye clearly likes it too because he was fast asleep within minutes of me putting him in it, and much to my delight the length means when he's asleep his neck is supported and he's not lolling around like he does in my funkysling mei tai. I think it will take a little getting use to the wide straps after the thinner padded ones, I prefer wider though, the right strap use to be forever sliding down a bit, whereas the wider straps nicely cup my shoulders, and Rye feels almost weightless.

Thanks Sarah, I love it! :))

Rye took his first top to bottom of stairs tumble this morning too. Scared the beejeebies out of me, all I could do was watch as my darling boy went head over heels down the stairs; gawd my heart was in my throat. He'd gone to sit down to shuffle down the stairs like he normally does, however I had some empty boxes at the top of the stairs for recyling. As he bent to sit down his bum caught on the edge of a box and it propelled him forward. It seemed to happen in slow motion but there was no way I could get to him in time. I ran down the stairs scooping him up, never been so relieved to hear him screaming and just sat there on the bottom of the stairs hugging my little man as all the horrible possibilities flashed through my head. I was shaking holding him and biting back tears as I didn't want to add to his fright. He's fine, a little bump on the head and it hasnt scared him off going up and down stairs - it has made me much more nervous though. The boxes, obviously, are gone! I'll not be leaving anything at the top of the stairs ever again!

Sunny Day at the Beach.

Beautiful day, far too nice to spend in doors. So, this morning I made muffins and couscous salad and down to the beach we went. I expected it to be packed as its school holidays and the sun was shining. Remarkably, it wasn't that busy at all. (I also discovered the bus I catch into town... and get off at the bus station to walk to the beach - actually goes down to the beach... the walk down is fine... its the number of times I've decided to get a taxi back rather than negotiate the rather steep old high street with Rye in a sling - duh!)

Rye helped me to build a sand mountain (I really need to get him a bucket and spade!) - this was my crafty solution to him getting over his aversion to having sand on his hands; and instead picking up clumps and throwing it at me.

The sea looked beautiful, and yes there were some older kids in the water, brrrrrrr. Madness.

I did take Rye down to the water but he took one look and ran in the opposite direction. So we walked along horizontally to the water until he indicated he wanted to be carried. Looking forward to the summer when its a bit warmer and I can try to pursuade him to go paddling with me.

I did feel every so slightly smug as other mums and dads struggled with pushchairs on the beach and there I was with Rye all nice and
snug in the ring sling. One mum did stop me asking what it was I was carrying Rye in, and where could she get one too :) Yah.

This beach is, I believe, manmade, the beaches on this part of the coastline are all pebble - it boggles my mind to think of the amount of sand this must have taken. I was planning on walking along the pebble beach with Rye and having a look for the coastal park but I'd decided to wear sandles and it dawned on me sandels and pebble beaches don't mix.

The last photo is on arrival home, he had been asleep, arms nicely tucked into the sling but he woke on exiting the bus. For once I'd got the maya just right and it felt comfortable, even with a ruck sac on my back (I normally find it rides up over my neck, when I have the rucksac on, which I find highly irritating and uncomfortable.)

Ohhh and my new top for the fairy festival arrived from Holy Clothing It is beautiful.. only slight hiccup is I thought I'd ordered the blue on and this is purple, not a big problem I love purple; just I'd picked the blue out to match the Daisy Chain mei tai I'm hoping to buy too.

Gently, Gently Part 2.

My little boy is snuggled up under thomas the tank engine bedding. He was very excited when I flapped the bedding out and popped the new duvet and pillow in the set. Immediately jumped on top and laid there followed by lots of "what's that" asking the names of the different trains featured on the bedding. (Thomas, James and Percy - I think).

The transition to sleeping in his own room is progressing nicely; he at least goes to sleep in there most nights although he is more apt to wake up and, rather bizarrely, knock on his door to let me know he wants to come in with me. I'm hoping the new bedding will be so nice and snuggly he'll sleep through.

Oh, and I've lost my heart to this: Daisy Chains I've emailed the owner and she said she should have some more made by mid March and she'll email me when she's done them (she's got custom orders to make at the mo). I'm going to sell my Storch and Gauze to fund the purchase. I do love my wraps but I find back carry with my limited movement in my arms, very difficult, whereas I can put on a mei tai very easily. That Mei Tai will look lovely for the Faery Festival too. I feel all giddy just thinking about wearing that mei tai!

As for my health, well, at least the migraine/clusterheadaches/whatevertheheckitwasthatlaidmelowfor4days has abated finally. My poor head feels tender after the battering its had and I still have a stiff neck but no headache thankfully; just a weird sort of echo pain, kind of in the distance like its not quite faded yet and the memory is still there. Anyway, I need to have the pressure in my eyes tested regularly apparently and I've been referred to ENT consultant because of my dodgy ears. To be honest, I don't think the GP had a clue and kept saying things like because my balance is poor (because of excess fluid in my ears - which incidently I've had since I was a child) and my ear drums look "puffy" well he rather tenuously linked it to the headaches........ I've never had a serious of migraines/clusterheadaches or whatever the hell they were, like that before, I think he just latched onto me saying when it was in full flow my balance was non existant and I felt very sick indeed (I was working hard to ensure I didn't vomit - I think my head would have exploded otherwise), couldn't tolerate light (smear in front of eyes - which I do normally get at the start of a migraine attack - but this stayed for 3 flipping days). Horrendous, I hope it doesn't flare again.

Robins Hip Carry

I so wish I'd seen this before I bought the Maya Wrap Ring sling; I've had a little play with one of tl'u's teddies and it feels very secure and is also fab whether one's wrap is very long (and all mine are because I need the length being a plus size) or a shortie - Robins Hip Carry - I suppose the only thing is it's not quite as hassle free and quick as using a ring sling but it's not exactly time consuming either.

And thinking about it, I probably take as long putting on the ring sling because I end up doing a lot of adjusting to try and stop the padding of the maya riding up onto my neck.

Childminder.

Firstly - I have heating and hot water! Woohoooo.
Somewhat annoyed as it's become apparent the plumber said the boiler need replacing so he could delay coming out until after the festive period because in the end he just change a part and when I queried this he told me it may not be necessary to replace the boiler.... mmm so why have I been without heating and hot water during the coldest winter in 20 years???????? Postive, now I do have hot water I've been able to have a bath and yah! I don't stink anymore! LOL.

My little man started with his new CM (childminder) today. He's only with her until 1st April, when I hope to be childminding myself. Darling boy settled like a duck to water and had a fabulous day - even napped for an hour! My CM was satisfyingly astonished by my son's affable nature and that he's quite happy to get on and entertain himself.

Tl'u obviously enjoyed himself and wasn't at all interested in coming home, he sat on the sofa played with a toy and gave my CM's son, J, many kisses. When I suggested it was time to come home, he flung himself on the floor with a planitive "Noooooooooooooo" and then ran off to hide. Mind you, my son doesn't normally have spag bol for lunch followed by a creme friache and for tea have a roast beef dinner!!!! No wonder he didn't want to come home, where lunch is often a sandwich! Actually, I rather wouldn't mind going to my CM either! LOL

I did get my cuddles on the way home because tl'u wanted carrying, so into the new maya wrap ring sling he went. Much more comfortable than my own sling, although, my size, trying to wear the sling under my thick cardy, a rucksac and a handbag does mean the sling rides up a bit on my shoulder so by the time I arrived home I was aching a tad. Nonetheless, still preferable to using a buggy.