h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My two youngest boys turned two over the weekend. They also had their first face-to-face meet-up with Santa at a Christmas party. Traumatic wasn't the word - one of my twins was so terrified that he would explode in a volcano of tears just from passing a life-sized picture of Santa. Other than that, they had a wonderful weekend. It's hard to believe that two years have already passed since they were born, but there you go.

*giggles*

... and now the "fun" begins!

Oh, the fun started a long time ago, believe me. They started throwing all our spoons in the bin 4 months ago. Right on schedule.

Oohh.. aren't they wonder at that age?.. So intelligent, but no true means of informing us of it!!..

Yep, a bit like the mice in the Hitchhikers Guide - when we think they're making progress, they pick up 2 day old bits of bread off the floor and pop them into their mouths just to throw us off track.

Oh, happy birthday to the two little ones!!

I don't have any myself, but have enjoyed many friends' little ones, and they are certainly an adventure a minute. Bless you, for being able to handle two of them at once!

I was scared of Santa when I was that age, too. When I was three, my dad took me to see Santa at the fire station holiday party. Santa was particularly drunk, and when I sat on his lap, I peed on him.

That told him!

There were photos been taken in Santa's cabin, but we declined, as the results would have looked like a hostage photograph. My elder two (6 and 3) had no problem at all. They know the routine now..

Oh,

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, so I am on my way

I had intended to drop your littlies an E-card but somehow RL got on top of me, as it tends to at this time of year.

Belated, but nevertheless, a sincere Happy Birthday Twins, and Happy Christmas and New Year to the big ones, 6 & 3, and Mrs. Woodpigeon. And your good self of course!



And a thought , a and a for those missing the celebrations this year. It is sad how my Xmas Card Address Book gets smaller each year as I get older.

Websailor

Oh, not to worry WS . Your very kind words are really appreciated.

I found out a few days ago that I am not expected to send out any cards this year, on account of my father's death earlier on in the year. It's a tradition in Ireland: I'm not sure if it exists elsewhere.

But it does not exclude electronic well wishes, I'm sure!

I've heard they get quite unruly at that age - 'troublesome twos' and all that.

So be sure to check under the bed for the stash of cheap vodka for the birthday party!

There's no such tradition in the UK that I am aware of - is it only relating to fathers? In fact "carry on as normally as possible" seems to be expected, which must be difficult so near to Christmas. With my two friends who have lost their husbands very recently it must be really hard.

Those of us who have children owe it to them to make things as normal as possible, but with a special place or time to remember those departed. Life and loss gets harder as you get older and it is my feeling that little ones should have the chance to have an untroubled childhood for as long as possible.

From what you said about your Dad previously I cannot imagine he would want you to have a sad Christmas, or your Mum either, though I am sure she will feel it especially this year.

I hope all goes well for you.

Websailor

The twos are noted for the onset of tantrums, and we have had a few classics with some of our other children in the past. In reality, the "terrible twos" start around 18 months, when they start becoming more self-aware. After that, anything is possible!

The tradition of not sending cards applies to all immediate family members, so neither I, my sisters or my mother will be sending cards this Christmas. I don't know where it comes from originally, but it's all presumably based on a mark of respect for the deceased.

Happy belated birthday to the twins woodpigeon>
I have a lovely photo of my second daughter smiling ,sitting next to santa,with her two year old sat on his kneee screaming,and squirming,which is very obvious!!!!!
my friend lost her hubby last year,and didn
t send any cards out at all..she told me it was tradition not to send cards after a bereavment.