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

We had an excellent time at the swings thank you! Charlotte just never seems to stop racing about - I describe her as my little terminator (she's relentless and never gives up).

She is a whizz at climbing stairs now, but seems to have no idea how to come down safely, bless her she thinks she can walk down in the same way we do so I am trying to encourage her to take each step by sliding down to the next on her bottom as I feel this *must* be the safest way to do it!

Does Charlie pay a lot of attention to Grace? I expect he is fascinated by her. My only experience of how siblings interact comes from watching the children next door. The boys are very attentive to their little sister, and she really rules the roost. They know that they have to be gentle with her as she is not only younger than them, but also a girl! (us women know how to do manipulate men from such an early age)

I have a question for you. How old was Charlie when you moved him out of your room and into his own? Charlotte is still sleeping in our room (in her own cot of course). I haven't been able to face moving her into her own room yet as I have been very over-anxious about cot death. I realise that I fuss a lot and some people think that it is unhealthy for her to still be with us (albeit in her own space on the other side of the room). Our friends with children are split into two camps. Those that kept their sprogs with them until the sprog expressed an interest in their own room, and those that moved them at an incredibly early age so the baby knew no different. We don't want to wait that long for her to get used to her own space, but by the same token are anxious about how unhappy it will make her as she has never really been left on her own. Any advice?

By the way Simon... dad's are never cool, they wear dad pants, carry hankies and dance really badly. It says so on the instruction manual... honest

Well, bye for now from posh West London! (that'll be the neighbours then, bringing the area into disrepute)

LMAO at the dad pants remark, I'm not quite into Y-fronts territory yet, but some of the racier pairs of boxers I own have found their way to the back of the drawer! All my hankies get eaten by the washing machine, so I'm stuck with tissues, and I could never dance in the first place. That is such an accurate discription of 'dads' though lol.

Glad you enjoyed the swings, kids love any phsical activity don't they, and the more dangerous the more they seem to like it. Clare has her heart in her throat when she watches me and Chaz play pick up sticks on the roundabout.
For some reason our local council have chained up all the 'big boys swings' obviously a swing is far too dangerous a toy for a child! Grrr that type of thing makes me quite mad. Kids only learn to stop when they hurt themselves, wrap them in cotton wool and they'll have no sense of danger at all.

Charlie got a bit over confident on the stairs at home and had a bit of a tumble the other week, he was fine, but has reverted to bum shuffling down them. As you say, it's the safest way.
He impressed me by climbing up our loft ladder on his own the other day, with me right behind him just in case, but good to see them getting confident isnt it.

Charlie is great with Grace, he is always playing and talking to her. He loves rolling around on the floor and cuddling her. He gets her toys if she's crying. Gives her her milk or dummy, helps to feed and wind her. He is a treasure! He can be a bit heavy handed at times, and we have to remind him she's only small and very delicate, but it's never been malicious, just that sweet clumsy two year old way of trying to help.
The ironic thing is, the rougher Charlie is with Grace when they cuddle, the more she giggles and laughs.

Good question about the moving out of your room, I have a friend who lost her daughter to SIDS at 6 months, and so it's something I take very seriously.
But saying that both Charlie and Grace were in thier own room as soon as they could roll themselves over, Charlie at about 6 months, and Grace at about 4.
Their room is only a few feet from ours and we sleep with both doors open, and in charlies case we kept the baby monitor on next to us for another 3 months I think.
Don't criticise yourself for being over protective, you can't put a price on your childs life can you!
I do think the longer you leave it the harder it will be for Charlotte to get used to a new room, and you might have a few sleepless nights, but if she will be in the same cot it wont be such a shock for her, one dark room looks much the same as another.
Without sounding selfish, one of the biggest advantages of them being in thier own room is that you and your partner get some well deserved personal time together. It's hard to get romantic with a baby in your room
Have you ever had to get up in the night to roll her back over? Or does she have a habit of pulling the covers over her head?
If I were you, I would wait until Charlotte is asleep sometime, turn her onto her front and see if she easily moves her head to one side, that will put your mind at rest then. Obviously don't leave her face down if she doesn't manage it!
You can use those aireated blankets, or even a kids sleeping bad, which I've heard are exellent, if she like hiding under the covers. Or even try swaddling her, we did that with both of ours, just around the body. It keeps them nice and warm and there's no way they can wriggle out of the covers.

Good luck with it, let me know if you do brave a night alone!

Racy boxer shorts? blimey, you dad's really know how to turn a girl's head

I'm with you on the Grrr to the council regarding the swings. All the really good things that I remember from the playground when I was a sprog have been banned. I'm sure that there were a few squished kids along the way - but as you say, we learnt not to do stupid things as we would get hurt and we developed a very strong sense of danger .

It's crazy for children not to be allowed to take any risks in an otherwise safe environment. It's bad enough that you can no longer let them play in the street for fear of being run over or worse, abducted. How are they ever supposed to recognise danger if they never experience it?

Don't get me wrong, my stomach turns over every time Charlotte takes a tumble, but she's a toddler and that's what they do... I just have to accept it and be there to check her over and comfort her after the event, and try to ensure that the tumbles aren't too serious.

Charlie sounds like such a sweetie. It must be lovely watching him and Grace together... it really does make me broody

Thanks for the advice on moving Charlotte into her own room. She is more than adept at rolling over, sleeping on her front and rolling onto her back again so hopefully no worries there. She does like to grab the covers and pull them around her, but what usually disturbs her is that she has kicked them off and wakes up shivering! I think the trouble with her going next door is that I get anxious if she isn't nearby. Still that's my problem and I can't let my paranoia take over her life.

Oh well, a virtual trip to sainsbury's for me now, still better than schlepping around IRL

I put a racy pair on today, just to prove I wasn't a fuddy duddy. Right now they are riding right up my... no you probably don't wanna know

There was a thread about the over protectiveness towards kids these days, and I think everyone on h2g2 agreed it was stupid and dangerous in the long run. Just have to make sure our children hurt themselves in our own homes, if the council wont do it for us, wont we ? lol.

I know what you mean about the parks when we were young, I remember a witches hat, a big spinning climbing frame thing, made of metal and wood, absolutely lethal, but bags of fun. And those big metal rocking horse things, with scarey nostrills, the used to send kids flying regularly, and none of this soft wood chip or spongey tarmac surfaces for us. hard concrete mate! How on earth did any of us make it to adults? How did our parents not have heart attacks watching?

You get yourself better before you get broody girl! Two is more fun than one though

Grace's little cold has got worse, she actually came in our bed for a while last night 'cos she was coughing and crying so much. I wish I could take it all off her
Hope she is better for her Christening on Sunday.

Nice that you've realised it's your own peace of mind that's keeping Charlotte in your room. As long as it's not interfering with anything else, there's nothing wrong with that at all. Honestly mate, a mothers instincts are NEVER wrong. Follow them every time!

Speak soon

Si

Hi Si, or should I say racy pant boy?

Blimey - you are showing your age... witches hats eh? Funnily enough I was going to mention them but I thought my posting would be so long that you'd fall asleep before finishing it ! We did have some bloomin' good stuff in playgrounds then though didn't we? and yes, I too remember the flared nostril rocking horses with those uncomfortable metal scoop shaped seats and a handle to hang on to that caught you in the teeth if you weren't careful... the blood, the pain... god we had a good time

How is Grace? was she better in time for the christening? Poor litle thing, it's awful when they get upset because poorly isn't it? and how is Charlie doing, I'm hoping that the fact you haven't mentioned him means that he is on the mend.

Charlotte is currenty sporting a bump on the head and a slightly black eye - on different sides! She ran into the edge of the sofa and got the black eye, and fell over knocking her head on a chair to get the bumped head... It's awful when she does things like this, I feel I need to stick a sign on her saying she is not abused, just a toddler that is still learning to toddle.

Oh well, seeing as wrapping her up in cotton wool goes against everything I said in the last post, I'll just have to go with the bumps and bruises

Speak soon

Oi! I got a bone to pick with you! You got me in trouble with my wife.

I came home from work on Friday night, and she wanted to know if I was having an affair with someone in the office 'cos I'd started wearing my fancy pants lmao. She did see the funny side of it when I explaned, and showed her that she's my only reason for being racey , but I hold you totally responsible for making her jealous!

Back in the boring boxers today.

Lmao about the parks, glad you remember those horses too. They were so leathal, and when you piled on ten times as many kids as there were seats and rocked it as high as it would go till the smallest kids cried Ahh nostalgic days. Still got the scars to remind me.

Grace recovered well for her Christening, and the day went perfectly. Fun was had by all, except my parents who have had thier smiles sugically removed it seems. A truely wonderful day.
Charlie had a great time too, you were right in guessing he was better, he seems to shake off anything within a couple of days. He was so well behaved in the church, and played nicely with all the other kids afterwards. It's makes you so proud when they don't show you up

Sorry to hear about Charlottes bumps and bruises, I've told childline and they said they already had you on file
Kids will be kids, glad you are able to do the sensible thing and let her find her own limits. That makes you a good mum in my books

How was your weekend then? Any fireworks?

Oh blimey! I'd better not mention big dad pants again for fear of sparking off all sorts of wild and rebellious behaviour from you!

You really should give your racey pants an outing more often if they can turn a girl's head so successfully (on weekends only of course!)

I'm glad that Grace and Charlie were both better in time for the christening and that a great time was had by all. I have been meaning to arrange a christening for Charlotte since she was born and still haven't done it. In my defense, I was trying to organise it so that my father could attend, but as he is totally housebound it's not going to be possible but I really must sort it out before the vicar can't reach the top of her head with the holy water.

By the way, Childline would already have me on file - I've put them on speed dial on our 'phone so that Charlotte can complain about the abuse she feels she endures when I won't let her eat toxic substances, dive from the top stair or attempt to break my brand new specs.

We had a good weekend, a walk around town in the rain on Saturday and then it was Tony's birthday on Sunday so over to my mum's who made us a nursery food lunch (casserole with dumplings and then apple crumble yum yum, we love nursery food).

We've had no fireworks ourselves - no need - it's been like the battle of the Somme around here for the past week. Constant barrages of rockets and other noisy but less interesting ones. The posh folks in the next road have those really fantastic rockets with huge bursts of sparks which subside to re-activate with another shower (if you know what I mean) the sort you usually get at displays. I tried to teach Charlotte to ooh and aaah in the right places but she didn't pick it up too well (babies, honestly!)

I'm not keen on doing fireworks ourselves though - our garden is only 35 feet long with a willow tree, a big clump of bamboo and lots of shrubs so you can't get far enough away them for my liking. We are lucky though, we have a couple of excellent professionally done displays nearby - including one by the Met Police!

Any firework parties planned or do you have a titchy garden too?

Good morning,

lol, yes please refrain from any mention of underwear again. The trouble I get into trying to be

I wouldn't hang around too long to get Charlotte's christening booked, we wanted ours in June, this week was the first day he could fit us in!
There was another girl chriatened on the same day who must have been about 6. I hope she haddn't been waiting since birth !

Oh so it's not just my little girl that likes to destroy glasses. I had to wrestle my specs back from her iron grip about 5 times last night. They are still smeared with little baby fingerprints, but I like the reminder of my baby while I'm stuck at work

Hope Tony had a good birthday! We love that sort of food too, and unfortunatly for my waistline, Clare is an expert at cooking it.

I know exactly what you mean about the fireworks, the house opposite me has been letting off display quality rockets for the last week, they cost about 20 quid each, where on earth do these people find money like that lol.
We have quite a large garden, big enough for fireworks, and we normally have all clare family round once a year, but 'cos the house is up for sale and we are trying to keep it tidy, we conned Clare's sister into doing it this year
Going round tonight actually, should be fun! Charlie is just at the right age to make the ooh ahh noises without prompting. He's been going to bed with his curtains open just so he can lay and watch them.

Have a safe guy fawlkes night!
Simon

G'day and welcome to the unmentionable unmentionables zone (I was going to say a pant free zone but that really could be misconstrued )

How were the fireworks? I bet Charlie loved it, what did Grace make of it all? We have been watching everyone else's displays and they have been quite good... and a lot cheaper than providing our own. When we lived in our flat (pre-baby) we had a huge garden and went a bit mad one year buying one really huge posh firework. There was only one opportunity to ooh and aaah but we did so with great relish!

So where are you hoping to move to? locally or further in or out of town? We are looking at moving in the new year. House prices around here have gone through the roof and we are sitting on enough positive equity to buy a house further out and have no mortgage, so it is something we are seriously contemplating. After all, what is the point in struggling to pay all the bills and spending no time with Charlotte, when we could have a much easier time of it and spend more time with her? It would also mean additions to the family would be easier to cope with. Still. it's all up in the air at the moment until I get confirmation of my test results.

Friends are in the process of trying to sell their house at the moment. They have found a lovely detached house nearby with a huge garden so I expect an excellent firework party next year. My chum is fraught however as she is trying to keep the house in pristine for viewers condition with a 2 1/2 year old racing around - much the same problems Clare is having I should imagine.

Anyway, I'm off to do my internet shop (much easier than lugging it all back from Sainsbury's).

Speak soon

Hiya,
lol 'the pant free zone' really does give you totally the wrong mental image doesn't it

The fireworks were excellent, Charlie wasn't too sure at first, we should have started with the quieter ones I think, but he warmed to it, and by the time they were all over he was whooshing and banging like a firework himself
Grace was mesmerised by them too, didn't bat an eyelid at the loud noises (I think second children just get used to louder noises quickly, with Charlie in the house, she has no choice)
The novelty of the big posh fireworks is actually wearing off a little bit now, half the fun of firework night is taking the mickey out of the appaling efforts you get in the cheap boxes. Hope you know what I mean, fireworks with names like 'frothing hell fury dragon bang' that you light, stand back in anticipation of a big extravaganza, and get one small rather damp 'phut' of sparks. That's the British way to celebrate it I feel

We are hoping to move locally, but prices are a bit restrictive, we are going to be paying about 50 grand more just to move to an identical house, but in a nicer part of our area. Which is a bit daft, but we want to stay close to Clares family, and be in the catchment area for the schools we would like the nippers to go to.
What is most gutting is that some friends of ours have just bought a massive 4 bed mansion up in norfolk for less money than ours is worth. So we could do the same thing you plan to, but the commute to work for me would be a nightmare, I'd never get to see the kids. And I'm not willing to do that.

Your plan sounds excellent, you would be silly not to, how nice to have no mortgage at your spritely age. The test results will be fine, don't worry yet. When are they due?

Hello again

The firework party sounds like it went with a bang . I'm glad Charlie and enjoyed it and Grace had recovered enough to be there too. It's lovely to watch them at times like that - you get to relive all the excitement through their eyes.

It's a very British thing isn't it... standing in the freezing cold (and usually drizzle) watching a few pathetic phuts and a couple of fizzles accompanied by a shower of sparks that you could get with half a sparkler but costing a fiver more and still having fun! It must be our infamous Dunkirk Spirit... I'm getting all misty eyed

We are still vacillating about whether to move or not, like you, we have excellent schools for Charlotte to go to - and a flipping good doctor and local hospital (except their neurologists). All good reasons to stay, but having said that, other places must have those things too otherwise the only people alive and succeeding in any profession would come from here. We were looking at either Devon or Sussex to be mortgage free, or a mile down the road (but in the same borough) to have a tiny mortgage in a rougher area (I know rough is a relative term and a lot of people would be only too happy to move there - I'm just not one of them). On the other hand Tony's family are in Australia and New Zealand - but that would really be a bad commute I suppose

With regard to the test results - who knows. The of a consultant that I saw in October knew nothing of my case, hadn't a clue what's wrong with me and told me he will see me again in February (almost a year since they originally said it may be MS). I expressed my dissatisfaction at the time to the consultant who seemed a little taken aback by my forceful manner .

But in the meantime, my letter of complaint is with the Chief Executive of the Hospital so watch this space. Anyway, I need to find out soon or I really will be over the hill as far as extra sprogs are concerned.

I was wondering - what do you actually do, I know you are a currency options trader, but what the heck's one of them? do you race around in Gordon Gecko braces shouting "sell, sell" or is it more gentille (sp?) than that?

Oh well, back to the internet shopping...

Morning,
Sorry to hear about your consultant, what a nightmare. You keep on at them and make sure you get some results back pronto. Must be horrid just not knowing. That alone will stress you out and make you more ill. Grrrr at the nasty .
And you got plenty of time to bang out a couple more rug rats, don't fret about that!

Go on move, if you don't do it now you never will.
If your jobs can allow you to get out in the country somewhere, do it, I would like a shot! But Devon to london is a bit far to travel twice a day.
I love Devon, it's a beautiful place, the people are so nice and welcoming, you would really have a wonderful life there. Much better than anywhere close to the big smoke.

Hmm well I don't do the braces, but yep when I'm not chatting to wonderfully pleasant people like yourgoodself on the internet, I'm busy shouting 'buy' or 'sell' and playing at being Nick Leeson .
Actually the markets changed a heck of a lot in the last few years, it's all done on computer systems now, so the noise level is reduced dramatically. Takes some of the excitement out of the job, but it's easier to click a few buttons to buy 20 million dollars than to try and make yourself heard over the din of 50 other people shouting.
We have a new boss starting today, so I'd better get clicking and try and impress him lol.
Speak soon
Si

So how is the new boss? hopefully you will soon have him/her whipped into shape and posting regularly

I was doing a bit of christmas shopping on Amazon last night and found some great kids videos. They have a whole section of nostalgia (Bagpuss, The Herb Garden, Mary, Mungo and Midge not to mention Ivor the Engine and Trumpton etc) I got all misty eyed remembering the days of my youth and got Charlotte a couple that I thought appropriate for her age (despite wanting Dangermouse and Rhoobarb for myself) which I felt was quite restrained. Still, I'm putting them on my wish list so that Santa can pop a little something down the chimney for me.

Speaking of Christmas, Woolworths are selling a cheap and cheerful Santa Suit for a tenner and I am desperately trying to get Tony to agree to dress up in one and play Santa for Charlotte. He is convinced that she will see him and be terrified. I really like the idea of getting into the whole thing and making Christmas as magical as possible, as soon as possible, but Tony feels she is still too young to know or care. What was Charlie like about Christmas last year? Was he too young to get excited or did he start to get quite into it all?

Well the weekend is upon us, nothing much planned apart from us muggles off to see a preview of the new Harry Potter film - I'm really looking forward to it having kicked small children out of the way to get each book on its day of publication... I don't get out much

Have a great weekend whatever you are up to, I hope the family stay germ free and the weather isn't too awful for London (east and west).

New boss seems ok, from what little I can remember of last night

Ewww kids videos, I can't get enough of them, I force Charlie to sit through all my nostalgia trips, bagpuss, the clangers, chorton and the wheelies. You are showing you age with mungo and midge! Even I don't remember those. I hope santa puts something nice in your stocking.

Clare was shopping on there for some stuff for Charlie yesterday, not videos but books, bought him a whole load of Dr Seus books which he absolutely loves.

Hmm I think I'll have to agree with Tony that Charlotte is probably a little young to appreciate sante yet, but for ten pounds I think mummy will get her moneys worth, all girls have a kinky thing about kissing santa dont they
Last year Charlie loved all the presents and stuff, but didn't really comprehend what it was all about. It's his birthday on boxing day too, so that only adds to the madness that is xmas in our house.
I'm very tempted to dress up as santa this year though, he will be amazed by that

You lucky things going to see the new harry potter movie, even if it is only a preview. I'm a big fan too, can't wait till Charlie is old enough to be read the books His favorite saying at the moment is "yuck troll boogers!"
Thanks for the germ free wish, bt it looks like Clare has her cold back, so I'll be playing again. I really enjoy it with such a pretty patient though
Have yourselves a good one, catch you next week

Simon

Well how was the weekend... did you get up to anything much or was Clare still feeling too rough - meaning you got to play ?

We had a good weekend. The Harry Potter film is well worth seeing, but much longer than anticipated - nearly 3 hours! My mum was babysitting and it transpires that for the first time, Charlotte realised that I wasn't lurking elsewhere in the house (she is used to being with my mum while I work in my office upstairs). Apparently, she called for me at the open door way and when I didn't appear, her face crumpled and she started to cry. Fortunately she was happy to have a big cuddle from Grandma and snuggled up for the rest of the evening... and I thought she didn't notice if I was there or not!

The rest of the weekend was good, even if the weather was none too bright. Charlotte is doing really well with her walking now. We went to visit my dad at the home he lives in and she walked all the way from the car park to his room which is a good ten minute walk at a normal pace (longer at toddler speed). She then spent the visit batting her eyelids at Grandpa and racing from one end of his room to the other. This might not seem much of a feat, but we are thrilled as she has been toddling and falling over for so long that we were begining to wonder if she would spend the rest of her life falling over (like her mother).

Have a good Monday, speak later and yuck troll boogers! (an admirable expression that I feel I will use with great enthusiasm)

Good morning and a happy Monday to you.

Glad you enjoyed the Harry Potter film, 3 hours is long, was thinking of making it charlies first movie, but that might stretch his patience. He saw the Thomas the Tank engine movie on telly yesterday and was the first time I've seen him sit through a film.
I'll wait for the next disney movie now though.

Awww it's sweet that Charlotte missed you, makes you feel special doesn't it. Sounds like she's finally found her feet too, glad you are so proud of her, it is a great accomplishment.

We bought grace a baby bouncer for xmas, but gave it to her early, as she'll only be in it a few months, and seems silly to leave it in the cupboard. She loves it, her and her brother bouncing around like tiggers

Clare was still under the weather, so I let her sleep nearly all of Saturday, which she was very grateful for, and she seems to be on the mend now. She promised to play for me in repayment of my kindness

Charlie had us in stitches of laughter last night, he was in the bath with Clare and asked if Grace came from her tummy. Clare said yes and that he did too. "Was it dark in there mummy?" Yes, she replied but it was all warm and full of water, like a swimming pool. "Is there still a swimming pool in your belly mummy?, and can I get in there again soon?, and this time can I take a torch?"
Kids minds are priceless!

Catch you soon
Simon

Glad to hear Clare is on the mend. I think you have been eminently sensible giving Grace her baby bouncer early - she's getting fun from it already and let's face it, at her age unwrapping an empty box on Christmas day would still be fantastic fun!

I think you are quite right to take Charlie to something other than the latest Harry Potter - it's really quite scary in parts especially for little 'uns - I jumped a couple of times myself, especially with the man-eating spiders that feature heavily in this one. I don't think Charlotte will be viewing my Harry Potter video collection until she is six or seven at least ... and yes, I will have a Harry Potter video collection to go along with all the books 'cos I am a grown up and I can indulge in that sort of thing

I can't wait for Charlotte to speak so she can come out with some 'Charlie-isms' as I shall term them, it's fascinating to see how our kids percieve us and their world isn't it?

So what other exciting pressies have you lined up for the children? We are giving Charlotte an easel, paints and a splash mat amongst other things. She is fascinated watching me paint and draw, and by programmes like smarteenies. She constantly picks up anything pencil shaped, dips it into any cup like object and pretends to paint so hopefully she'll like it all even if she is (officially) a little young for all that. As she is approaching 18 months (crikey, doesn't time fly) are there any successful toys that Charlie really liked? It's always good to have other parents opinions on such things before you shell out a fortune on something that they will hate.

Oh well, have a good tuesday



Well,

Good morning

Glad you agree about the early present, she absolutely loves the bouncer, she's become a tigger, you can't even pick her up without her legs going mental now And as you say, she will have enough fun playing with all Charlies wrapping paper. Why do all kids prefer the box to the toy ? lol.

We've let Charlie wtch the first Harry Potter, which he loved, apart from the 'troll boogers'. I have noticed he's started to get a bit scared of the dark lately though, might have to stop letting him watch anyting scarey. Usually kids don't pick up on things being scarey unless you react that way to them, but Clare is a big girls blouse, so I'll blame her

It is wonderful when they start talking, Charlies latest endearing phrase is calling me a 'silly old boy' I love it

Hmmm xmas pressies, that eisel sounds perfect, Clare's sister is getting Charlie one I think. Neither Clare or I are very artistic, but all kids love getting messy with paints. We try and do lots of drawing and making stuff with charlie, but our attempts are so shabby you can tell he's never impressed lol. "Now this is what an bus looks like Charlie" "Where are the wheels?" "There" "Oh I thought they were puddles daddy, you silly old boy!"

Last year I did insist we buy Charlie a scalextric set, something all fathers crave more than thier kids. Probably more suited for him this year though (he will be 3). I think any toy that helps them use thier imagination is good. Clare twisted my arm into letting him have a hoover, he really went wild over that
Of all his presents last year it has to be the books that he enjoys the most, The Gruffalo is his favorite, very good book, oh and anything by Dr Suess.
His nan and grandad got him a shopkeeper set, he loved the money and the till, and my parents got him a train set, but it takes ages to set up.
Musical instruments were also a hit at that age, anything that makes alot of noise.
I am sure whatever you buy Charlotte will love.

This year we have bought Chaz one of those computer books with the interchangable stories, still looking for other stocking fillers.
I'm having a nightmare thinking of something for Clare, any tips from another super mum would be greatly recieved!

Hi again...

Hmmm, pressies for supermums, I'm sure anything that you get Clare she will love. But as a suggestion - has she had a day at a health spa? My mother arranged a mini break for me at a health farm in deepest Surrey. It was wonderful - a whole day of relaxation with a massage, a facial, swimming and even good food all set in lovely countryside. It makes a wonderful break and and not having to worry about the little uns feels wickedly self indulgent. I think the hardest thing about being a full time mum is remembering that you are actually still a person too and that you need to put yourself first every now and again (well at least once every couple of years!)

It's interesting to see how much Charlie loves books. Charlotte is the same, every alcove in our house is full of bookshelves packed to overflowing and she is fascinated by them. I have given her books since birth as we are fanatical readers and we are both very keen for her to love books too. Like Charlie, she also enjoys Dr Seuss - especially the cat in the hat. I think she likes the rhythmic quality of the verse and the clarity of the pictures. I wanted to get her some musical instruments but as Tony has an entire recording studio set up in my office and we have guitars and keyboards everywhere the miserly part of me feels she can use his (he's not so keen for some reason )

Well you have given me a few ideas, I will trundle off into town and do a reccy or the ELC and the other toyshops. I was also thinking of some sort of big building blocks as I shall enjoy building things for her to destroy!

Let me know what you think of the health spa idea for Clare, but whatever you give her, make sure that you give her at least one thing that is impractical and a bit glam - even if she never wears/uses it I'm sure she will appreciate it!

Have a good wednesday

Hiya

I like the suggestion of the health spa, she's been to a few before now and loved it. I was planning to do that for her birthday actually, it's the big 3.0. for both of us next year eek! I was going to arrange for all her mates and mum and sister to go too.

Actually she has some vouchers for some treatments at a local health place that run out at the end of the year. It wont be her xmas pressie, but I'll make sure she gets time to go and do them.

Glad to hear you are rearing another little bookworm Kids do love being read to though, if Charlie has been good all day he insists on being read 5 books before bed. And even when he's naughty I can't help doing the same. It often strays into alot more than 5 stories too lol.
If Charlotte likes the Cat in the hat, I can promise she will love the gruffalo, it's got the same rhythmic style. The best kids book I've read anyway.

Lmao about Tony's instruments, hmm I wonder why he isn't keen on her playing with them?
Charlies favorite instruments seem to be tamborines or anything you blow, the keyboards and drums don't hold his attention for as long.

Good idea about the building blocks, charlie has boxes full of those ELC mega blocks, which he loves now, but a year ago they were just a bit beyond him, in hindsight we should have gone for either stickle bricks, do they still make those? or just plain wooden building blocks. All kids love stacking and knocking down, as do most adults

That's great advice about the glam impractical present, I always try and go for that kind of thing. I was going to get her a skirt she saw but fainted at the price, but the shop has sold out. Grrr! Might see if I can find another branch somewhere. A total indulgance, and 3 times over the budget we set, but she's worth it.
Failing that, I might still go for clothes, she's lost alot of weight lately and none of her clothes fit and she is terrible for not buying herself new things. Which is probably a blessing to our credit cards lol.
Thanks for the tips, much appreciated. It is important that all mums get some personal time to be pampered, you end up feeling like machines otherwise, as rewarding as children are, you do give up certain freedoms to have them, it's nice to get the occasional reminder of them. I like to do the pampering on Clare myself though
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