Another era over

Well that was it, my last day teaching Year 2 as a class teacher for some time. As most of you will know we are moving to Wales, I told my headteacher that the house was on the market and due to this fact, plus the children will have had three different teachers by the end of this term and then another one when I leave, she decided to employ a full time teacher for my class, starting in Jan. I still have a job and will be doing cover for three days, it will make my life a lot easier and mean I can hopefully go in do my job and come home with no work out of school time- in theory anyway. So today was my last day in Year 2, I can't say I am that sad as my class were a real handful and I will be glad not to have the stress. The new teacher has started and been working alongside me for a few weeks, she is already getting stressed about the children and their behaviour issues. I think she will probably be glad when she gets them to herself.
On another note Martha didn't really recover from that last cold and on the weekend she had a really high temp and came out in the weirdest of rashes, it was almost like sunburn with the heat too. The doc said it was part of the virus she has, the temp has gone and the rash has now stayed away for long enough that we don't need the antibiotics she was prescribed.
She is doing well and becoming more and more cheeky all the time. She had another birthday party last week with her NCT friends, thank you for coming and the presents she had.
Tomorrow is a day of chores before my Xmas do tomorrow night followed by the long trip to Liverpool Friday morning. Hopefully the traffic won't be too bad, we are heading off early so we are hoping to beat it!? Fingers crossed. Its the second Xmas I will have been away from my family and I must admit I am probably a bit apprehensive about it. I think it doesn't matter where you live or how close your are to your family Xmas is always done in the same way and when you have had 28 years of Xmas done the same way things are going to be strange. Maybe thats just me being autistic and liking things the same. Liam and I have decided that next year (hopefully we will be living in Wales) we will have Xmas day as our own little family and start our own Xmas traditions. We will obviously visit family but prob before and after Xmas, of course that will be strange too but as Martha grows older there is just going to be too many toys to carry and she will want santa to visit her own house.
So a busy Xmas period, Liverpool Friday, Lynns 50th on Sat, a uni reunion on Sun with all the children, Liams Dads on Xmas Eve, Xmas day with Lynn, Boxing day another long journey to Wales and that will be followed by more meeting of various family and friends, nothing set in stone though there yet. So all in all a very busy time. Can't believe this time next week Xmas day will be over and we will be in Wales- how bizarre!
So anyway enough of my goings ons, I said I would put some photos up on Liams website last week and got sidetracked. I promise to do it before tom night and then will try to update over the festive period.

First Birthday

Yet again another month has almost gone by without me managing to get on here and blog!

We had 2 good weeks of and ill free household and then Martha get a cold again, just in time for her 1st birthday, she is just about better now.

For her first birthday Liam and I took her to Pizza Express which she seemed to enjoy but was very tired at the end of the meal. Then we had family around this weekend and had a little afternoon tea for her which she thoroughly enjoyed and she was surrounded by presents- thank you all those of you who bought her something. It was nice to have everyone together and especially nice to see little Erin, who in my eyes is still so small even though I know she is growing quick. Enjoy this time Jen they don't half grow quickly!

I am having another little tea party for all her NCT friends on Thursday afternoon so that will be really nice.

On other news we have had a few viewings on the house but no offers as yet, so watch this space.

Can't believe how close Christmas is and how quickly this year has gone, I have loved having a new little person in my life and its great with her changing every day and doing new things every day too. Although saying that at the moment everything she picks up is a phone and she babbles away on it and even pauses like she is listening it is so cute and so funny.

A couple of photos here, if you want to see more check out Liams website.

More and more illness!

Its been ages since I have posted on here and unfortunately its just news of more illnesses! I was ill then better then ill then better then ill again!!! Just recovering now. Liam has had this dreadful cough for what seems like an eternity and Martha has been ill also. She had an eye infection which then moved to her belly, which I had too, not a pretty sight I can tell you. Then for the last week at about 9.00 Martha has been coughing really badly and then been sick. We then have to go through changing sheets, clothes, washing her- all with her screaming! Its horrible, last night she wasn't sick and has been eating better the last couple of days, so fingers crossed she is better properly.
On another note while we were in Wales the other week we saw some new build houses that are being built next year in Burry Port. We really like them and they are right by the beach which will be lovely when Martha is growing up. We have since put our house on the market and fingers crossed we will get an offer here and then be able to secure one of the new ones. They won't be built until next Aug at the earliest so if anything happens here before then we will most likely move in with my parents short term. We have good days and bad days at the moment as Liam will still commute Mon- Fri to London and have a cheap flat or bedsit, but hopefully only for a few years. That is why we have bad days as its such a big step for us. The fact that Martha will be brought up in a small community and live so much closer to the beach and countryside will outweigh that though and its something we both feel strongly about.
Christmas is now approaching very quickly and we start practising on monday for the school play- fun fun!! we have done quite a lot of our Xmas shopping already and really looking forward to spending time both in Liverpool and Wales.
Hoping to update the photo website later on.
Those of you interested in the houses we are looking at you can find them at
http://www.edwardwarehomes.co.uk/developments/burryport/index.htm
Hopefully will blog soon

Illnesses!

So since I last post on here I think it has been illness after illness. The week after we came back from Liverpool Liam had a really bad cold and cough which has only just disappeared! On the Friday Martha had a high temp and then came out in spots which apparently is very common so we will watch out for that one again!
Last weekend we had my parents here for the weekend which was nice, although my Mum ended up going home wth a cold and now Martha is full of cold again and a very runny nose!
Whilst my parents were here, Liam and I went to ee Ricky Gervais which was very funny and for those of you wondering I didn't heckle! We also watched the Wales V Fiji game Saturay afternoon beforehand but we won't mention that anymore!
This weekend we have got a quiet one which will be nice to have some quality time as a little family. As for the rest of the weekends coming up, they seem to be busy with different things.
Well it was a short post but then we have just been nursing for what seems like an eternity! I have been lucky to miss it so far! Fingers crossed.

Visit to Liverpool!

Hi everyone,
Not long got back from Liverpool and after a long soak in bath am now catching up with some tv and household chores, at the same time.
We went up to Liverpool on Thursday and got to meet out lovely tiny niece Erin (can't believe Martha was that small once!) she is gorgeous and so peaceful- well when we have seen her she has been!
We also did some xmas and birthday present shopping- mad I know but we have a couple of months of it starting next month with 5 family birthdays all in December!!! Plus it means we have left some in Liverpool and don't have to pack them in the car with everything else a baby travels with these days!! Also it helps to spread the cost a bit!
Got to see all of Liams family, Mums and Dads sides and had fun with both, Martha had a couple of whinges but on the whole was the good little girl she always is! She is fantastic and is a pleasure round everyone.
Saw Dawn this morning and Martha gave her quite a long and enquiring look- don' t worry Dawn she does it to most people!
Pictures will be put up when I have time but for now its chores and TV!!!
Check back soon for pics!

A niece!

Well as you can read from the title I have a new niece, Jens baby was born early hours of Tuesday morning with a fairly quick delviery after she had to be induced as there was meconium in the waters. Erin Catherine was 7lb 9ozs and is a little cutie. Liam, Martha and I are going upto Liverpool next week to see them all, we are also hoping to catch up with a few friends whilst we are there too.
First week back in school was ok and my class seem fine at the moment. No real major problems I don't think. Martha has settled in well into the nursery although routine wise, they tend to do their own thing even though they have asked us what her routine is!? Why bother if they are going to do what they want. I get lots of smiles and cuddles when I pick her up and there are no tears when Liam drops her off either.
Had a busy day, caught up with a little bit ofg sleep and then saw my NCT friends which was nice, all the babies are so grown up now, its time for baby number twos now - I wonder who will be first- can't imagine it will be Kathy or Vinni as they both have twins. We shall see!!!
Tomorrow I have tiny talk which will be good and then we have the start of swimming course number three in the afternoon, its a weekend of swimming which is a reason we couldn't go to Liverpool this weekend. Looking forward to that and then out tomorrow night and a friend round Sat night. Its all go here! Anyway thats it for now will be in touch soon and hopefully have some new photos to show you of little Erin!

Nursery visits over

Well Martha has done 3 nursery visits this week and each one has gone better than the one before. The first visit Liam and I took her and we filled in a load of paperwork while Martha sat and had a little play. The carer there took Martha off me and she cried, but I think that is down to her not being very well at the start of the week. Yesterday she went for 2 hours and had her lunch there, which was purreed lamb something followed by jelly. She enjoyed that but I fed it to her before she came home. Today she got there for just after 10 and I picked her up just after 2.00. She was really good but didn't sleep for very long, only slept for about 40 mins. They didn't put her down until 1.20 so not sure why that was as she normally goes down at 12.00, 12.30 at the latest. We shall see how that goes, I am also concerned about the purreed food as Martha quite likes lumps and don't want her taking a step back. Its funny being on the other side as it were now I am a parent and putting my child in the hands of someone else. I wonder if it will make me a different teacher now!?
At the end of the day Martha seemed happy there and was happy to see me also when I picked her up. Will let you know how it all goes, going to sign off now and enjoy me last weekend before returning to work on Monday.

Marthas First Bike Ride

Well a busy fews weeks, not exactly sure what we have done but the time has certainly flown by. Last week Martha and I spent a little time in Birmingham with my Aunt Chirs and Uncle John and also met my friend Liz and spent the day shopping. The rest of the week was in Wales with my parents. We had a great time and saw lots of people and both Martha and I were really looked after.


Anyway to my point Liam bought a bike seat for Martha on Monday and the idea was for us to go out yesterday and have a picnic. Unfortunately Martha hasn't been very well and has had quite a temperature. Last night however she seemed to perk up a bit and today we managed to take her on her first little ride down to Twickenham and back. Not very far at all, not sure what Martha thought of it, she didn't laugh but she didn't cry so can't be too bad. Anyway a pic here to show you all.

All smiles before ride

Not sure during ride

Also we are now waiting very patiently for Jen to give us some news on her imminent arrival of Arthur, I hope its not a boy for their sake unless they really like the name Arthur as I know I for one will have a problem getting that of my head! Good luck Jen let us know how its going.

What happened Wales!?!?

Yesterday I went to see Wales V England for the first time ever live and for my first time to Twickenham so was very excited. In all honesty I didn't expect Wales to win but did expect more of a fight from them than what did happen!! Not a good performance Wales and not the best game for me to watch them play old rivals England for the first time. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come over the next few months with the Rugby World Cup coming up in September it is not a good start! Anyway enough of my grumbling.

Today we have had Sean and Lindsay round for drinks and seeing as the weather was so hot we put Martha in her new paddling pool to keep her nice and cool. I could do with one of these just in adult sizes!!! My next job tonight is to actually do these photos I keep promising to do!! Hopefully there will be some new ones on there for you to look at. Here is Martha today in her pool, all posing!

Where did July go!!???

Well most of it I admit for me was in work and those last three weeks went really quickly. It wasn't half as bad as what I thought it would be either. I think I have realised over the last few months since being on maternity leave and having Martha that I am definitely the sort of person that needs to be around people and have company. Being back at work was good, being able to see other adults and chat was really good. It might have been easier because I didn't have my own class and I didn't have to bring anything home with me either, hopefully I will still feel the same in September when I do have my own class and have more responsibilty. Oh well only time will tell, hopefully it will be a good balance of work and Mummy.

Liam got better but it took a long time, he was really knocked out by tonsilitus. Hopefully thats the end of it, he has got an appointment in September to see a specialist, Liam is quite nervous about it but if they take his tonsils out then I know it won't be nice at the time but at least it will mean he won't have that again. Martha had a cold last week and Liam caught it and of course we were both a bit paranoid that he had tonsilitus again, luckily it was just a cold, I don't think Liam would have coped very well if it had been tonsilitus again so soon after the last one.

Martha is growing more and more each day and is now desperate to crawl. She gets onto all fours but doesn't go anywhere, well actually if anything she moves backwards!!! She won't lie on her back for long though, she ends up on her front and then gets very frustrated. She is sitting up very strong now and does well at reaching for the toys around her, even if they are slightly out of her reach she still manages to get them which is great to watch.

She also has two teeth at the bottom and they are very sharp too- believe me I know! We didn't know she had them and then Liam felt them one day, so there were no signs beforehand either- lets hope they all come through like that!

I am hoping to update our photo website in the next couple of days but I am going to put a couple on here as tasters.

Hopefully it won't be another month before I update on here again. Be in touch soon......

Oh and just remembered when I put this last pic on that the cardigan she is wearing is one I have knitted myself- I was really proud of myself when I finished it.

First week back at work - what a week

First week back at work was good and now only have three left before summer holidays, yippee!
By 10.30 on Monday morning, it truely felt like I had never been away. I am mostly based in Reception which is good but can get a bit boring. The week at school itself went ok and didn't find it too hard, however it was a tough week as Liam has been extremly ill. It started Saturday evening when he said he wasn't feeling too well so he went to bed. He then stayed there till Monday morning when he went to the doctors. As for Martha we were lucky that my parents came back from holiday early Sunday morning. They were coming to say hi anyway but ended up with me greeting them saying can you please stay!!! They stayed till Monday night and looked after Martha and even took Martha swimming which they thoroughly enjoyed. Liam went to the doctors and she said that she had only seen tonsils that bad in text books. He was given medicine and then was feeling a lot better. My parents went home and we all thought things were getting better. Tuesday Liam had a long day with Martha and was glad when I got home from work, still not feeling loads better. Wednesday evening we decided to arrange for someone to have Martha on Thursday and Liam went to see the doctor again on Thursday. The doctor told Liam that he had to go to a and e to see the specialist. They kept in hospital over night and was pumped full of drugs. He was told he had sever tonsilitus and had an abscess on the tonsil. He has also been told that if anything like this happens again then they will consider removing them. Very scary! Anyway my parents were able to come down and lend a hand and are still here now, they are going back home tomorrow. Liam is feeling a bit better but still not great. His sister Jen is coming down on Tuesday so will get some more support then. Yippee! Get well Liam we miss you!!

Shrek the Third

We had a free afternoon and after an TV programme about Shrek the third and me moaning about how we hadn't been to the cinema in ages. Liam and I decided to bite the bullet and take Martha to the cinema for the first time. It helped that she was free, it costs so much these days! we saw Shrek the Third and Martha was great, she got a little loud but I think that was initially due to boredom from sitting in the same position because as soon as one of us got up to take her out she stopped crying, typical. The film was good, of course it was it was Shrek! Martha got some free Shrek ears, not sure she liked them but it was tough her horrible Mum and Dad couldn't resist! So anyway here is a picture of Martha with her beautiful Shrek ears, reminds me of our wedding day when I wore those terrible big ears- like Mother like Daughter!

Work news

So after having over 7 months off work on Maternity leave, the time has come for me to return to work. I found out a couple of weeks ago that I will be in Year 2 next year with people I have worked with before, two of them being very good friends Theresa and Pinder. I am glad I am in year 2 as it is something I know well and it will mean that hopefully juggling working and being a Mum should be a bit easier- in theory.
I have also found out that when I go back to work next week that I will be based in Reception like I was in September and will have to be a bit flexible in that I may have to do cover in Year 1 or 2. I am pleased also about this as I was concerened that I might have been put in Key Stage 2 to do cover and all I really want these next four weeks are an easy life. Will let you know how it goes, as always.

More news

Martha and I have been doing something recently which is called 'Tiny talk', its a baby signing class and the idea is that by doing some signs for things like milk, food, animals and manners to name a few, Martha will be able to understand what I am saying and then hopefully use these signs herself. A couple of my friends have done it previously with their children and I have seen them sign so I know it works. We have been doing it for a few weeks now and Martha certainly knows the sign for milk, so much so that I can't sign it or say the word unless it is made up as she goes mad if its not there ready. Its really amazing and great that I know she understands me now. I have got one more session this week before I am back in work on Monday and Liam will take her when he is off work and then my parents will hopefully take her for a week. Then they have a break over the summer holidays but as I have got the days I want in work I will still be able to go on a Friday. I will keep you updated on how she is doing with the signs.

Couple of recent pics

Marthas first swimming lesson

A couple of weeks ago Martha had her first swimming lesson, unfortunately cameras are not allowed by the pool so the only pic I have is before hand all ready in her little swimsuit. She really enjoyed it and so did I. This week in her second lesson she got dunked! twice! The second time came as a bit of a shock to her but thats because she was too busy watching what else was going on- as usual. Before the session started we got to see an advanced group of baby swimmers who were amazing, doing little dives and breathing exercises. I would like to continue taking Martha but unfortunately it runs on a Monday and I will be in work on that day so will have to see if I can do the next course on another day. Will keep you updated on how she is doing.

Martha and some of her friends

Just some pictures of Martha and her friends

Eoin and Sara
Sara
Adi
Martha and George
Jac and Martha

Bank holiday week! Very busy!

Bank holiday Monday saw me driving to wales with Martha, it was a miserable day and the sort of weather I hate driving in, oh well nevermind, I took it steady and both Martha and I arrived in one piece! That Monday was fairly quite and was spent planning out the week.
Tuesday saw Martha, my Mum and Dad and myself going down West (Wales) to visit my Gran, it was a lovely day and we spent most of the afternoon in the conservatory. We also spent a bit if time in my grans garden, its huge and it makes Liam extremely jealous every time he sees it, luckily he wasn't there this time. I know that one day both Liam and I want to move somewhere that has a fairly big garden, somewhere we can grow our fruit and veg and also where there is space for Martha to run around.
Wednesday saw Martha and myself head West again, this time we saw my friend Nic and her little boy Jac. When I arrived Nic had to pop out and get some milk so it was me, Martha and Jac. It really put into perspective how difficult twins must be, at one point I had both children on my knees and wasn't sure how I was ever going to move, especially when they seemed to be setting each other off. Anyway Nic came back soon enough and my crisis was over! We had a lovely afternoon and a good catch up.
Thursday was a bit more relaxed and I think it was good for Martha as she had a cold and needed the break from travelling. I also woke up that day with a very sore throat and needed to take it easy.
Friday was spent getting sorted for Saturday, first we went to Swansea, I had some bits I wanted to go back and Mam needed a few things. We then ended up in tescos getting food for Saturdays do.
Anna had been around most of the day and had spent the day with my Dad looking at bathrooms as she is looking to getting a new one.
Friday night Liam and David came down and it was really nice to see Liam after a week away. It was nice to see David too of course.
Saturday morning Liam and I went to view a couple of houses in Pembrey, not sure whether this was a stupid thing to do or not but we did it anyway and fell in love with one house, unfortunately when it came down to looking at figures etc it ended up being a little out of our league.
Anyway onto the exciting bit, back in December it was my Dads 65th birthday and in Jan it was my 30th and both my Dad and I had decided we wanted to celebrate with our family. However when it came to it back in Jan, Martha was stil very small and we just had a low key meal with immediate family and said we would have a bbq in the summer, well summer is here so thats what we did- well almost.
We decided that a bbq would mean someone cooking all day so though better of it and just had a buffet. We had nearly all my dads side of the family and then quite a few of my mums side. The weather was dry which meant people could sit outside, it wasn't too hot either which was nice. It was really good to see everyone and catch up with everyones news. Also a big thank you to those of you that made it, it was a truly lovely day.
So Sunday was time to come back to London and we had a nice packed car with Liam, David, Sarah, myself and of course Martha and all her gear. The journey wasn't too bad and I wasn't as squashed as I thought I would be, not something to do very often though I must say but once in awhile is fine.
Well feels like I have written an essay rather than just some short news so will leave it at that for now and catch up later with last weeks news and some pics too.

Bank holiday weekend

On the May bank holiday weekend we had Liams mum and Steve down, which was nice for them to spend some time with Martha. I went into London and met my sister Sarah and was supposed to go out to a bbq in the evening with some people from work, however that ended up falling through which did make me a bit upset and it took sarah a lot of time to convince me to go out with her and some of her friends that were going out for a drink that evening. We ended up having a mad dash around the shops on Oxford Street of all places to find me something to wear!!! Totally unlike me and I ended buyinga totally new outfit including shoes.
Seeing as we had Lynn and Steve down Liam decided to come and meet us too, if I had known he was going to do that I wouldn't have bothered buying a new oufit! Oh well, I had wanted some new jeans anyway so no problems there! Liam and I had a really good night, we ended up meeting Sarahs new bloke Chris and caught up with my brother David too which was nice. It was also very good for Liam and I to be out together having a drink.
Bank holiday Monday saw me driving to Wales with Martha for the week, see next post!!

Just as everyone thought I was getting better at this!!!

Looks like its been awhile again then. So we had a fairly quiet week after my 5km run and I haven't done any running since!!! I am going to enter a 10km which is in September so that will get me out there again. Also another reason I haven't done much running is because since I gave birth I have been having a problem with me knees. I have now seen the doctor and she was in two minds about the running situation. She obviously said that excercise is good but if my knees play up more when I am running then to take it easy. Basically she said that I have this condition which is an inflammation around the knee. Apparantly it is very common and is often associated with sitting for long periods, something I did a lot of just before I gave birth. Hopefully as soon as I get into the running again and just keeping moving rather than sitting then it will all be fine. Martha is certainly keeping me on my feet at the moment and no doubt as soon as she starts crawling its going to be even worse!!

Race for life all done! Yippeee!

Race for Life is over, yippee!! Thanks everyone for sponsoring me, it was a great day and I managed to run most of the way, only walking for 2 mins and it took me a total of 33 minutes. I am really pleased as I didn't manage to put in half as much training as I would have liked. I have to try and keep up the running now so I can get nice and slim again, especially as I have quite a lot of lovely summer clothes I bought in 2005 which I didn't get to wear last year being pregnant. I was going to go out this morning but I am still tired after Saturday and my legs were hurting, maybe Wednesday or Thursday morning now as I have aerobics tomorrow night.

Not long now!

Well I went for my last run before the Race for Life on Saturday. I am so proud of myself as it was raining too. I managed to run just about 2 miles in just over 20 minutes so I was pleased with that, not sure I will be able to run the full 5km on Saturday but will give it a shot. Looking forward to it now and a very big thank you to all who have sponsored me. I have raised a lot more than I ever thought I would and very grateful for that, in fact its that which has got me out of bed in the mornings to go for runs before Liam heads off to work.
Martha is doing well and seems to like baby rice but I don't think she has quite grasped these other foods, she has had pear and today she had some carrot. Her face is quite a picture when the spoon goes in her mouth, probably a bit like mine actually when I don't like something!!!
Oh and if you haven't yet sponsored me and feel you want to the website is
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/ruthcarys
Thanks

Marthas first food!

Just a quick picture showing you Martha after she had her first taste of food- if thats what you can call baby rice!! Its just a load of mush! Oh well Martha seemed to like it. Pear comes next, yummy!

Why I don't normally watch Eurovision

Well for the first time in years and years I watched the Eurovision contest tonight, well mostly the results but still thats the main part! the voting is so one sided and now I know why I haven't watched it for so long. Scooch tried their best but they were never going to win - I don't know why we bother, we try and be cool that doesn't work, we try and be camp and again that doesn't bother. Well while I was watching I was looking at other peoples blogs and came across this lovely picture of Martha with her aunty Jen and uncle Shea and thought I would share it with everyone.

Also Martha had her first taste of solids today, she had a little bit of baby rice, Liam gave it to her and she seemed to enjoy it, in fact she was sucking her lip all afternoon looking for more. I think there will be plenty more rice and probably either carrot or sweet potato this week and either pear or apple. How exciting to be trying all these new things!

Going back a bit now!

I think last time i did a quick update it was approaching Easter. We had a lovely time just the three of us and David came over for lunch on Easter Sunday. We had a nice big Easter egg to share between us, unfortunately Martha will have to wait a bit longer before she has any tastes of chocolate! On the Saturday we walked to Richmond and had a nice lunch followed by a drink along the river and then got the bus back home. Come on walking to richmond from here was enough! Easter Monday was me spent trying to get stuff ready before going to Wales for the week. I also went and got a new underwired bra- what a nice feeling to have some lift there after over a year of wearing maternity and nursing bras. Another event from that day was seeing one of the boys from Port Talbot in Mothercare with his expecting wife. He was one of the quieter ones in school and so you couldn't say conversation was exactly flowing but I managed to find out that he is expecting a baby in September.
The rest of that week was spent in Wales with my Mum and Dad, it was really nice seeing them. We also managed to see my Gran and my friend Nic with her little one Jac. I ended the week with a meal and drinks in the local with Rachel and Nic - I had too many not knowing my limits now after all this time but a good time had by all none the less. Thank you again to Mam and Anna who kindly looked after Martha for me that night and what a grand job they did too! Well I think thats enough updates for now and will try to be more on the ball in future. Oh and here is a picture of Martha on Easter Saturday.

Holiday in Devon

Two weeks ago, no actually three weeks ago we went on holiday to Devon. Our first as a little family. The weather here had been great all week so we were hoping it would last while we were away but of course you can't rely on the British weather like that! It stayed pretty much dry most of the week with a couple of wet days, but the temperature dropped quite a bit which meant we couldn't spend the days lazing about outside as it just wasn't warm enough. We did manage to do it one day though and we had a nice little pop up tent so we could keep Martha out of the sun. On the Sunday we managed to go and see Sophie over in Kingsbridge which was lovely, she is expecting a baby in July and her bump is coming along nicely. It was the first time we have seen her Devon and her house is really nice and she really enjoys being close to her family. It was great to see her and catch up, hopefully we will be able to see her again soon when her baby is born.
The rest of the week was spent finding things to do that were suitable for Martha. We went to a local organic farm and had a tour round there, it was called Riverford and they are one of these companies that deliver organic boxes. We were going to use them when we got back but unfortunately they are not delivering in this area yet. We also went to the aquarium in Plymouth and a house of marbles which had theses really impressive marble runs- I was amazed. All in all we had a really lovely time. The cottage we stayed in was really lovely and we couldn't have asked for more, it was part of the owners house- although why they would share that I will never know- I suppose its easy money. They had huge grounds and had loads of chickens which meant fresh eggs- lovely. It has put a whole new light on where Liam and I would like to be in the future- no not Devon just not in the city. The problem we come against is that there is only a few directions we can move in as neither of us wants to move away any further from our families than we already are. Also as soon as you go out of the M25 in those directions properties get quite expensive and we certainly don't want to downsize. We have got until Martha starts school before we need to move but we have started weighing up different options already. Watch this space! Anyway sort of went off on one there, we had a great holiday and hopefully I will update more later, Martha is now crying.

Thanksgiving for the Gift of a child

On Sunday we had the above service at our local Church in Hounslow. It was a really special day and we had lots of friends and family around to share in our special day with Martha. Martha was a really good girl and didn't mind being passed around either, everyone was dying to get a hold and it really was like pass the parcel! The service was also combined with a ceremony for the British legion so the Church was pretty full, but all the more people to share in our special time.
I was very lucky to have my family around most of the weekend and it was really nice for them and me. Also Liam had his Mum, Steve, Jen, Shea, Anita and Heather down from Liverpool. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and I can't thank them all enough for eveything they did on Sat, Sun and Mon.
It was a very enjoyable weekend but also very tiring and I have been trying all week to catch up with sleep, not as easy as it sounds when you ave a 5 month old.
I was going to put some pictures here but want to get on with catching up so might do that later or if you are desperate to see pictures take a look at www.liambennett.com
Oh and also a very big thank you for all the gifts you gave Martha, they were all really lovely and very kind of you.

Race for life

Well yes a week tomorrow I do the Race for Life in Richmond. Many thanks to those of you who have already sponsored me. It means a lot that you get behind me and of course it is all for a good cause. I have been sort of training but I know I will not be running the whole way round, hopefully half and half. For those of you who haven't yet sponsored me and want to the website is http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/ruthcarys
I shall keep you updated on how it goes, hopefully I will get through it and I will let you know how much I have raised.
Also today I am hoping to update a few things on here as I have been rather slack on here lately and really need to get back on track.

Its been awhile- just a quick update

Hi, well its been awhile since I have posted on here as some people have pointed out to me so I thought I would just do a quick update and fill in more details when I have time.
I spent the week after Easter in Wales with Martha, which was lovely and got to catch up with a couple of my friends which was really lovely. I then spent the week after sorting out washing etc and getting ready for our holiday which was last week. The three of us spent a really relaxing week in Devon, weather wasn't great but it stayed dry most of the time. Well thats all over now and I am up to my eyeballs in housework - fun fun fun! Like I said this was a quick update so hopefully I will post soon with more details and some photos.

Quick update and some news

As I imagined everyone loves the picture of Martha in the bath, it really is one of those to get out in years to come and make Martha feel ashamed! Not that she has got anything to be ashamed of she hasn't, she is gorgeous.
We went to the clinic on Monday and got Martha weighed, she now weighs 13lb 4oz and is right back on the line where she was born- the little star. Also more recently she has been enjoying time on her front and last night and again this morning she managed to push herself over from her front to her back- what a special time. It was lovely as Liam was around to see her do it the first time which was great for him too, we are both hoping we can catch her doing it again on video! Watch this space.
Martha had her last lot of injections today for awhile and the nurse has told me to expect some dirty nappies and I explained about her last lot of runny dirty nappies last time and she said it was probably the injections- out come the rubber gloves then!!
As for me I have finally started training for the race for life and its hard going but I am feeling a lot better for it. I am hoping to run all the way but I am not going to push it too much, I can't put myself at risk of injury now, not with Martha to look after.
Easter is steadily approaching and I am looking forward to munching on a great big Easter egg, yummy. Well there is the sound of my lovely daughter crying so must dash and will post again soon.

Funny bath picture

Another week has flown by, where does the time go! This is a picture of Martha taken in the bath last night, she is going to love me for this when she is older but just had to post it cos she was so funny.

I went out with some people from work on Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed that, it was really nice to see people and of course Mummy here did nothing but talk of Martha!

I have got a meeting tomorrow morning with the head from my school to discuss part time work for September. I would really like to do music for two days but I think I can resign myself to the fact I will probably have to share a class with a friend of mine. Oh well I want two days so can't be fussy really!

Don't really know whats got into me today but I am in the mood for cleaning!!! How bizarre not like me at all, I have done the bathroom and its shining and now going to do the ironing and then my next plan of attack is the kitchen, maybe its the sun out and wanting everything to look nice! Well going to head off and make a start otherwise it won't happen!

A weekend of smiles!

What a lovely weekend that was, carpet was all laid the end of last week and the house was looking great. Wales at last won a six nations match and poor Ireland lost out at the last minute, what a six nations it has been. Liam and I watched the Wales V England match together after he insisted that it goes on record while MB had a bath and massage, I bet he wishes he hadn't bothered now!! Oh well, looking forward to the World Cup in September now.
Yesterday was my first mothers day and Martha bought me a lovely picture of herself to go on the wall, its not just everyone else who thinks she is gorgeous - she does too!!! Liam, Martha and I then went to Pizza Express for lunch which was nice, Martha just had milk though! In a few years time Martha! I also got brought breakfast in bed which was lovely, a real treat- thank you Liam for making my day special.
Today I have been to one of the NCT girls houses for lunch and everyone was there and even our NCT teacher managed to make it. It was the first time we have all been together since all the babies have been born, it was really lovely seeing everyone and catching up.
Another thing before I go- I am doing the Race for LIfe in March and am looking for sponsorship, all those willing to give a little please go to http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/ruthcarys I will be grateful for anything.
Well thats it for now will be in touch soon.

Marthas weight update

Martha and I went to the baby clinic and she got weighed, two weeks ago she was 9lb 12ozs today she was 11lb 6oz!!! What a weight gain! I think it might differ though slightly as last time she did get weighed in the morning and today she had two more feeds than her last weigh in. Anyway its a great weight and I am really pleased, it also means I just have to go now when I want.
On another issue, Martha has had some diarrhoea today and its typical that Liam is out tonight so I am left with all the runny nappies. I think it could be down to a number of things including - me eating curry last night (I had another tonight so hope thats not it!), a reaction to her injections last Friday or the fact that she is having more formula. Apart from those I suppose it could just be a tummy upset. Well I shall keep you informed on that one.
Martha is also now a very big girl and last night she slept the whole night in her cot bed, she was fine and actually so was I- I thought I wouldn't sleep but it was fine.
So thats my news for today- still excited about the carpet too for those of you who think I am mad!

This gardening marlarky is hard work!!!

Does Martha look like Martha or Arthur?!

Above is a picture of Martha taken today in her little Everton romper suit which her Auntie Jenny and Uncle Shea bought for her. Now the question is does she look like a boy now she is dressed in blue or does she still look like a girl!?

Please post answers below.

She is still gorgeous though isn't she!!

Some news finally!

Well I thought I would give you a quick update while I have five minutes. It has been a while so i will fill you in on the major things and try to be more up to date in futre. Since the last blog we have made a trip up to Liverpool to see all of the Bennett side of the family and friends up there too. It was nice to see everyone and Martha seemed to enjoy it. We also managed to make it to the party for Grace and Hannahs Christening and saw Catherine with Sarah there also which was nice.
Marthas last weigh in was 9lb 12oz but that was nearly two weeks ago and is due to go again on Monday and she has been guzzling loads lately so I am dreading what she is going to be- still not quite in her 3-6 month clothes yet though. Although I do have a bit of a grumble about this- there is such a jump on the length of thins from 0-3 to 3-6 months its amzing the difference. I keep buying trousers thinking they will fit her cos they look shorter than the ones we already have for 3-6 months, only to bring them home and find they are about the same!! Anyway thats my little moan,
Martha has had her second set of immunisations this afternoon and she cried a little afterwards but glad to say Mummy was better this time and I didn't cry. She has also done two weeks through the night of sleeping through after her dreamfeed at 10.00 which is really nice, what I don't understand though is why I still feel so tired- whats that all about I am getting a good 8 hours sleep!?
We have done some baby massage over the last few weeks which has been really lovely and Martha certainly enjoys it. I have had some pretty hectic weeks and this week hasn't been so manic and has been really nice enjoying spending time with Martha just us two.
Anna came to stay with us last weekend and Sarah came the weekend before and both of them enjoyed spending time with Martha and doing feeds and stuff.
Jen, Shea and Lynn are coming down tonight and are off to a baby show tomorrow and are staying till Sunday. Then next week my Mum and Dad are bringing David back to London and staying for a few days to help prepare for our new carpet- moving furniture and flooring! I am quite excited about the new carpet I must admit. Anyone ever got excited over carpet!?
David broke his upper arm when he went skiing a few weeks ago and has been in Wales with my Mum and Dad getting some tlc, although they did abandon him this week to go and sun themselves in Tenerife! (Only joking Mam and Dad!)

It was Liams birthday this week and we had a nice meal at our table which was nice rather than in front of the tv, we had decided to do it more often too.
Martha is now waking up so best be off before she throws a hissy fits wondering where I am!!!

Some pictures of Martha

Just a few pictures of Martha to keep you all going, will be in touch soon I promise!

Its been awhile!

So its been two weeks I think since I posted on here last.
I was very busy last week as I was with my parents in Wales and we had lots of visitors, it was really nice to see some people who I haven't seen for ages and Martha handled all the visitors really well which I must admit I was a bit anxious about. I also got to meet Nic's jac for the first time, he is quite something, not sure who he looks like but he is definitely following Nic in that he loves to sleep. Mind you I can say the same about martha following me in that she loves to know whats going on!!
Also the weekend previous to last week Sarah, Anna and David were also in Wales and we had a meal in the house to celebrate mine and Dads special birthdays. It was a really lovely evening.
This week I have kept myself busy, what with my parents leaving on the weekend I knew i would find it hard being just one pair of hands again! Monday we had clinc and Martha got weighed she is now 8lb 7oz! Well done Martha! Tuesday I caught up with Susie, Grace and Henry, the children are so adorbale and well behaved. Wednesday I did lunch with Sarah and managed to get rid of the bits that had been gathering dust here, it was nice to see Sarah and catch up. Yesterday I saw Vinni and the twins which was nice- at first I wasn't sure whether I was going to go or not due to the snow but it had cleared in the afternoon so I went for a couple of hours. Today Martha had her first set of immunisations and it was more horrible than I had anticipated, I even shed a tear but like the nurse said it is sometimes far worse for us mummies than it is for the little ones.
So all in all a busy week, Martha is now smiling loads and cooing loads too which is truely something. I am still to get a good pic of her smiling but will post one as soon as I get one.
I do have some pics to upload but will do that over the weekend, as for now I am going to head off and cook something for tea- I am starving!

Clinic round 3!

Yippee!
Martha has put on weight! She is currently 7lb 3oz (3.260kg) which is a good weight gain after the previous weeks. The clinic were happier with her weight gain as are her parents, it is a big relief. She has also started waking in the nights, only once though and she has a feed and goes straight back down which is nice. You watch tonight she won't and she will wake and be up for ages!
Had girls from NCT round yesterday for afternoon tea which was nice, it was nice to catch up too and see Adi, Sara and Eoin.
Martha and I are having a pyjama day today, I managed to catch up on some sleep this morning and haven't got dressed yet!! Liam has decided to leave work early which is nice and I will grab a bath when he gets home.
SNOW!! When Martha woke up at 4.00 this morning it was really lovely looking out the window at the snow falling and there were no marks in it at that point either, it will be nice when Martha is older and we can enjoy the snow together!
Not much other news to update you all with at the moment, will be in touch when there is.

Decision made

After everything that has happened with Marthas weight and all the advice I have been given from Breastfeeding counsellor, GP and Health Visitor I have decided to stick with the routine we had going and if Martha is hungry at her awake times I will give her more feeds then and also she is having a top up of formula at 11.00 so we will see what that brings on Monday. Someone did say that she might start waking in the night now as she will have more energy, we shall see and I will keep you updated.
Martha has started smiling quite a bit now but I am yet to get a picture of her doing it so will post one as soon as I do, she is so adorable when she does smile.

I am 30!!!

Well yes I have hit the big 30! It probably wasn't the best birthday as it was a bit scarred by everything that had gone on Monday afternoon.
Thank you everyone who sent presents and cards they are all great and a very big thank you to Liam he really does spoil me! He got me an overnight stay at a spa hotel in the Cotswolds, it is a child friendly hotel and the three of us will no doubt go and have a really chilled out time.
Oh and no it doesn't feel any different than being 29 but of course you all know it doesn't feel any different.

Clinic round 2

Monday was clinic day again and I was feeling really good, had caught up on loads of sleep on weekend and it was my 30th birthday so all was well. That is until I got to damn clinic, I got there early after last weeks episode to find already 6 people in front of me! yet again Martha was hungry so needed feeding but its one of those shall i start or not as you don't know when you are going to be called through. So she was in a bit of a pickle before we even went in. Got in the room and stripped her off to be weighed- lots of tears and to my surprise she had gained hardly anything. So had to see Health Visitor who directed the nurse she wanted marthas head circumference and length done, so I had to strip her off again! Went into the room with health visitor and she quized me about the feeding and how often, didn't see the long nights as a problem. Then she wanted her weighed again to check! By this time I was in a right state as was Martha. The health visitor said I needed to see the doc but instead she went and got some advice and suggested I give Martha a 4oz top up of formula a day. Up to me when I wanted to do and it and just to see how it goes! Great help then! By this time I had asked if I could feed there which I did, even though I really wanted to get out of there as quick as possible. In between all this going on it was also suggested that I speak to another parent who had the same problem, it turned out she had a completely different problem and then to top it off she started giving me advice!!!
So I am not impressed with the clinic at all at the moment and was totally confused about what to do for the best, give top up, wake her in the night, go for formula all the time. So much advice and everyone had a different opinion and I don't mean friends and family I mean the medical profession!
As I mentioned it was my 30th birthday on Monday and sarah was coming round to babysit, however after everything that had gone on I was really reluctant to go out. We did go out to a lovely little italian restaurant in Twickers. It was lovely and really nice to get out and chill after the days events.

Sunday lunch and surprise visitors

Well as the title suggests, Liam, Martha and I went out for Sunday lunch at the toby restaurant in Old Windsor today in celebration of my 30th birthday tomorrow. I knew something was up because of various things liam had been saying and doing. Not long after we had been there who turned up but my parents, what a lovely surprise! It was really nice to see them and be with some people other than Martha and Liam, not that there is anything wrong with them of course!

They were very good to travel from Wales especially with my mothers back they way it is and also they didn't stay. We had a great big dinner and of course Liam and I had puds! I shall have to watch that as I have got away with eating what I wanted for pretty much 11 months now and the scales did start to come down but have slowly been creeping up again- not good. Oh well, will not worry too much about that especially while I am breastfeeding.

Some pictures above of the very proud grandparents

First week over!

Well my first full week on my own with Martha is over! I survived! Although I don't know what it is with Fridays, the last time I was on my own but not for the full week it was the Friday that was the pain! Friday just gone was the same, hopefully its not a sign of things to come. On Friday things were ok until it came to 7.00 when Martha was supposed to go to sleep. She had been unsettled the day before and I could see it was possibly a growth spurt, so I got some milk out from freezer ready to give as a top up. She took this and was still unsettled, she was winded and cuddled and rocked and nothing worked. It didn't help that I was extremely tired and hadn't manage to catch up on any sleep over the last couple of days for a variety of reasons.
Well Liam came home from work (lateish) and I was very emotional, both Sarah and David had said they couldn't make Sunday lunch and I was feeling like the world was against me.
The long and short of it was that she took another bottle and necked that and then she went to sleep very easily. I suppose the day on a whole was ok it was just the evening I found a challenge. Its now Sunday and I have taken full advantage of Liam being around and have managed to grab a few hours here and there which has been great and I am feeling like I can get through another week. Lets take each week as it comes.

Playtime and bathtime!

Just a couple of pictures of Martha on her play mat and enjoying some relaxing time with her Mum in the bath.

Clinic!!!

Well today we went to the clinic. Yuck it was horrible! we went in the middle of Marthas nap time, me hoping she would sleep in pram until she was weighed- no such luck. She was awake from the moment i picked her up! She cried while we were waiting- no one elses child was crying. However, another woman did come in and her baby was worse than Martha. She got weighed after nearly an hour of waiting and has lost weight which apparantly is fine but we have to go back again next week! I can't bear it, I asked someone if it was always like that and they said yes! I was there just after 1.30 today- I shall be there well before next week to make sure i get seen quicker. especially as the whole fact Martha was awake then had impact on her feeding and she was really hungry when we got back, I would have fed her then but didn't know how long we would be waiting or didn't really want to get my boobs out either!
Well hopefully next week will be a better experience. I shall let you know.

Hello 2007!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Where did the Christmas and New year go? And Martha is already a month old, its so scary how quickly the time goes. Maybe its gone quicker because of Christmas and New Year, who knows!
Well I am making the most of Liam being around, although he always will be on a weekend anyway but hey. He was also around all this week which was really nice, not too sure how I am going to manage this week on my own. Although got clinic monday and meeting some NCT friends on Wednesday and then I might make a trip to see Sarah one day also so hopefully my week will go ok. I think the best thing is to plan to do something most days, although I am sure the days I spend indoors will be just as good, with just Martha and I enjoying some 'us' time.
I have posted some pictures of Martha and us over the Christmas period for you to enjoy.
Some other news is that two of my NCT friends have had their babies, one had twins a boy and a girl on Christmas Eve and the other one had a little boy this week.
Well thats all for now, going to go and see what Liam and Martha are up to.