Day 6: Saturday

The night before I went to sleep just after midnight, again. I was ready to go to bed early but my OH (other half) asked if I can make a salad. After that we just talked for a bit. Big Munchkin migrated to our bed at around 1.30, again. We promised her that if she tries to do it again she will have to go back to her own bed, regardless of crying and whining.

I woke up at 5 a.m., gave milk to the Little Munchkin, changed and dressed him. My OH usually does it, but last night he was working and went to sleep even later than I did. So, I let him sleep in till 6.30.

After getting Big Munchkin washed and dressed, we had breakfast. At 8.15 my OH took Big Munchkin for her swimming class. Little Munchkin and I went for a walk to the nearby Boulangerie.

We came home at 9.20 or so. Papa and Big Munchkin came home shortly. Everyone had a snack, wash, diaper change, etc. By 10.30 we were all packed and ready to go to the Science Museum.

By 11.30 we reached the Museum. Both Kids loved it. They played at the hands on sections - Launch Pad and the Garden -till 2 p.m, stopping for about 15 min to have lunch. We had to literally carry them out of the museum as we promised to visit our friends in north London. By 3.30 we reached our friends house. We had lunch. Good food and not just because we were hungry. Kids run all over the place.

We left at around 5 pm, which is very late and complete violation of our routine. But everyone was having such a good time that it felt right to break the rules a bit. Big Munchkin slept in the car for about an hour.

We made it home around 7 pm. Feed the kids, gave them a bath and put then to sleep. My OH fell asleep while putting Big Munchkin to sleep. I am sure she was very happy about that.

I came downstairs at around 8.30 - cleaned the kitchen, washed dishes, put a load of laundry in, read a bit if the new Economist. It is 11.20 right now and I am going to sleep as soon as I post this. Hopefully ...

Till tomorrow ...

Day 5: Friday

The night before I made it to bed just after midnight. Totally my fault though, It looks like I need to find new swimming class for Big Munchkin. Her current swimming pool is closing down for refurbishment. It can take years before it reopens. Last night I spent an hour or so searching for alteratives. Getting her into a class in our gym would have been great, but the waiting list is a year long. Plus, I should not have watched so much TV.

Today was a nice relaxing day. Big Munchkin managed to migrate to our bed in the middle of the night. I am not sure when Little Munchkin woke as my OH dealt with him swiftly. I woke up around 6.40. My OH and I shared washing and dressing the Munchkins. I fed them. Drove Big Munchkin to daycare and my OH to the train station. Then, Little Munchkin and I went to to our Big Weekly Grocery Shopping. We came back at around 9.30. Little Munchkin fell asleep in the car and I decided to move him inside. We settled together on a sofa and had a nice an hour long nap. We got up an around 10.30, had a snack, and went to town to have lunch with my OH. It took us an hour to get to his building. For the last 20 minutes Little Munchkin was screaming his head off. He got scared of an elevator, I think, when we were changing trains. So, he screamed through the whole of tube ride bring 'joy', I am sure, to all the tube passengers.

We had a nice unhealthy lunch - burgers and chips. I did a bit of shopping in Baby Gap - 10 pounds for a baby sweater is a bargain by local standards. On the way back we took longer route - got out two stations before ours and walked home. Little Munchkin had a nice nap in a stroller.

We came home at around 3 p.m., had a snack, and a diaper change, and drove to the local shopping centre to meet a friend for a coffee. We had a coffee and a chat while Little Munchkin protested about not being allowed to run free all across the mall. From there, we went to pick up Big Munchkin from the daycare.

After that the evening routine kicked in - came home, cooked dinner for kids - pan-fried salmon, tomatoes, cucumber, peas, toast, and apricots for desert. My OH is eating yesterday's kichchadi.

After dinner Big Munchkin was left watching Angelina Ballerina while I gave Little Munchkin a bath and put him to sleep. After that Big Munchkin had a shower, had books read to her and went to sleep. She was asleep by 7.45 or so.

I cleaned kitchen, collected all dirty diapers and dirty laundry from all over the house. Put another load onto washing machine. I really ought to start doing ironing more often ... but it is not going to happen today. Last, I was doing research on all potential tennis and language classes. I have only two weeks left to make decision about their schedule for the next term. All bookings must be done before the end of the summer term, and for many classes it means within next two weeks. I need to decided who is taking which class and when. I think I know all potential classes within reasonable driving distance from our house. Now I need to make a choice of how many and which classes their are going to take. It is proving to be a time consuming exercise.

Till tomorrow ...

Day 4: Thursday

The night before I did make it to bed just after 11. With Little Munchkin waking us up at 5.30 I did get a somewhat decent sleep. As usual I went to the gym. By the time I came back kids were having breakfast. Unfortunately, my OH allowed Big Munchkin to dress herself. She was wearing shorts and a blouse - upside down that is. One of the reasons why I keep going to the gym every morning is to avoid the obligatory morning scream session with Big Munchkin. First she does not want to brush her teeth, she does not want to dress up, she does not want to wash up, etc ... Normally, my OH deal with it, but today I did get into part of the action. It took nearly 40 minutes to get to re-dressed. I would not have bothered over the blouse, but I could not let her go to the daycare in shorts. It is raining and the temperature has been threading around 17-19 degrees.

After dropping off Big Munchkin at the daycare and my OH at the train station, we came back home. Our gardener came in to cut grass. While he was working we made roasted chicken and played with his Alien. He found that if you make alien walk on the step stool, it will fall down. Apparently it is very amazing and funny. It kept Little Munchkin occupied for some time.

After the gardener left at 10.30 we went for a walk. Little Munchkin had a nap in a stroller, and I did a bit of grocery shopping and picked up dry cleaning.

We came home at 12. Had lunch. Cleaned up. Played. At 1 p.m. we went for Little Munchkin music class.

Came home at around 3 p.m. Made polenta, muffins and salad. Gave snack to Little Munchkin. Played a bit more. I am trying to teach Little Munchkin to recognize more words - where is mama's nose, where is mama's head, etc..

At 4 pm we went to pick up Big Munchkin from daycare. The traffic was heavy so we were back only at 4.50. Had dinner. Both kids refused to eat polenta and muffins. I find it quite upsetting when they refuse to eat what I cook for no reason whatsoever.

After that we went through our usual evening routine. Little Munchkin was in bed by 6 and Big Munchkin when to bed by 7.30. I fell asleep while putting Big Munchkin to sleep. My OH woke me up when he came home at around 8. He went to gym and I went to clean up kitchen, to do laundry. It is 10 p.m. now and once this blog is posted, I am going to sleep.

Till tomorrow ...

Day 3: Wednesday

I did not make it to bed till after midnight the night before. By the time I finished ironing, cleaning, doing another load of laundry, taking a shower etc. it was approximately 12.15. Fortunately, Little Munchkin decided to sleep in. He woke up at 6. Fifteen minutes later I left to gym.

By the time I came back at 7.40 kids were finishing their breakfast. After my OH left for work, I made dinner - all in one rice and dhal dish with vegetables. While I was cooking Big Munchkin did some drawing and Little Munchkin was playing with alphabet blocks.

After a round of changing diapers, going potty, having milk, choosing shoes, negotiating over the sweater, and other similar activities we finally left at 9.30 for Big Munchkin's Dance Class.

We got back at 11.30. Little Munchkin fell asleep in the car and I decided to let him sleep. I just moved him from the car to his crib. While he was asleep Big Munchkin and I made carrot muffins. She is into 'the mixing' these days. Unfortunately, I put too much soda in, so kids did not like it.

After Little Munchkin woke up at 12.30, we had lunch and went to a walk. Big Munchkin is still not feeling well, so I wanted to get her to sleep during the day. The only way to get her to sleep is to get her in a stroller. Little Munchkin did not like the idea of being couped up inside the pram. We ended up walking all around the park. With him running all over the place, mostly in the opposite direction from the one I wanted him to go.

We came back at 3.30. Had a quick snack and drove to Big Munchkin's Mandarin language class. While she was inside Little Munchkin and I went for a walk to the local Marks and Spencer. We came home at 17.30 and the evening routine began as usual. Dinner, Little Munchkin is having a bath while Big Munchkin is watching Angelina Ballerina. Little Munchkin is having milk and going to sleep. Big Munchkin is having a shower, getting three books read to her and going to sleep. After Big Munchkin finished her shower I was elated to hear the door opening. My OH came home earlier and he took over the dressing, reading and tucking in. After Big Munchkin fell asleep he went to gym. Since he came home, I've been mostly relaxing. Answered some e-mails, talked on the phone, watched the news, and now writing this update. I still have to clean up the kitchen, and sort another load of laundry. I am sure I'll make it today to bed by 11 ... with luck ...

I have been tempted to postpone my 'what do I do with all that free time' project. Big Munchkin is sick and today was fairly unrepresentative. But I decided that I might as well keep it going.

Day 2: Tuesday.

I went to sleep closer to midnight the night before. I ended up reading my favourite comic strip "The Baby Blues". Little Munchkin aka 'The Alarm' went off at 5.15. He had his milk and run around our room till 6.15, when I got up and when to gym.

I came back at 7.40. Kids where already dressed. My OH (other half) left for work while I was feeding the kids.

We did painting till 9.30 when the babysitter came and we left for Big Munchkins Gymnastics class.

By the middle of the class she began to complain that she is not feeling well. I realized that she is getting too hot. By the time we got back at 11.30 she was completely ill - feverish and lethargic.

I gave her medicine and got her settled in front of the TV with the blanket, water and her favourite doll named The Baby. I made lunch for Little Munchkin and fed him. Then we played while Big Munchkin slept. Normally, we would have a trip to the Aquarium or a Museum. We do it every Tuesday, but with Big Munchkin being so ill there was no way we could go.

By 1 p.m. Little Munchkin had enough of sitting at home and demanded to go out. I moved Big Munchkin into a stroller and we went to a walk while she slept. Little Munchkin had a good run around the park.

At 2 pm I called the health centre and made an appointment with the doctor.

We came back from the park at around 3. Changed everyone. Big Munchkin managed to wet herself and the stroller while sleeping. Put a round of laundry in the washer and moved the previous one into the drier.

At 3.20 we went to see the doctor. Big Munchkin got extra fever medication. But the doctor did not feel that she has ear infection even though she said that her ear hurts. I did get antibiotics for my ear infection though.

We came home by 4.20 when Usborne sales girl dropped off a book I ordered.

Big Munchkin went back to her nest on a sofa and Little Munchkin and I went to put dinner together. He had yesterday's chicken, tomatoes, grapes and a peanut butter and jam sandwich that Big Munchkin asked for and then refused to eat. My poor OH is still eating leftovers from the weekend party (the last day though, which means I have to make a proper meal tomorrow).

The evening routine went smoothly. By 6 Little Munchkin was in bed chewing his tiger's tail. By 7 Big Munchkin went to bed and I went to clean up the kitchen, wash Little Munchkin's bottles, sterilize them, put another load of laundry in the washer and move the previous one in the drier.

Now it is 9.10 p.m. and after I post this I have to do some ironing. I should be able to make it to bed by 11. Hopefully.

Many people tell me: 'It must be so nice to have so much free time. After all, you are a stay at home mother. You don't work.' So I decided to do a little write up this week - what do I do all day.

Day one: Monday.

I woke up at 4.15 a.m. when Big Munchkin climbed into my bed. The night before she refused to wear warm pajamas. By morning she got frozen and decided that the best place to warm up is mama's and papa's bed. Hence, I was woken up by two frozen little feet pressed to the middle of my tummy. After she got herself comfortable I was told to go back to sleep.

I dozed off till 5.30 when Little Munchkin woke up and demanded milk and attention. I made his milk and my husband brought him to our bed to feed.

I got up at 6 a.m., laid down kids clothes for the day, and brushed my teeth.

At 6.15 a.m. I left my husband to deal with washing, dressing and feeding and went to gym. There I did 40 min of cardio and signed up both Munchkins for their summer vacation swimming classes.

I came back at 7.40 to find kids dressed, fed and ready to go. I had a quick bowl of cereal while my husband put kids in the car.

At 7.50 we left home. I drove Big Munchkin to daycare, then dropped off my husband at a train station.

I came back home at 8.20. Changed Little Munchkin and gave him milk. I went on-line to book tickets for Big Munchkin. There is an Angelina Ballerina Ballet for kids coming up. She loves these books and cartoons. I also checked the address of the NCT's open house, which is happening later.

I left home a t 8.50 to take Little Munchkin to a photo session in our local shopping centre. I had a coupon for a free seating there and decided to get him photographed. Fortunately, there was no line up and we were back by 10 a.m.

I moved Little Munchkin from car into the stroller and we went for his Music class.

We were back 11.30. I made fish soup for his lunch, and we had it together.

At 12 our cleaning lady came. Little Munchkin and I spend an hour playing at home.

At 1 we went grocery shopping and to drop off dry cleaning. Then, we drove there straight to the National Childbirth Trust open house. Open house is organized by one of the members in her home. It is a good opportunity for me to meet other mums in the area and it is a good opportunity for Little Munchkin to play with other kids and toys.

We left at 3.30, came home to change Little Munchkin's diaper and have milk.

At 4 we drove to the daycare to pick up Big Munchkin.

We were home by 4.20. I made pasta and chicken for kids dinner. Luckily there is still enough food left from the weekend's party for my husband. So, I don't have to cook for him. While I was making dinner Big Munchkin managed to make four poos in the panties. Every time I had to wash, and persuade her to at least wear panties. After the last time I told her to sit on a toilet until she makes a poo. It worked. After clapping and drawing the octopus on her potty training chart (she gets a picture of a fish for making a wee and a picture of an octopus for the other action), we all had dinner.

After dinner Big Munchkin got to watch Angelina Ballerina while I gave a bath and a milk to Little Munchkin. He was in bed by 6.20.

It took another 20 minutes to persuade Big Munchkin to go for a shower. By the time she got undressed my other half came back from work. Coming home at 7 p.m. is rather early for him. He gave Big Munchkin a kiss and went to gym. It took me over an hour to get her washed and dressed for the night. We read books and she finally fell asleep at around 8.30.

Fortunately, I ironed the night before, so I have time to do a bit of research on ballet classes in the area. Big Munchkin has been asking about it for some time. It is 9.30 p.m. I have to wash dishes; clean the kitchen; move laundry from washer to the drier; put another load into the washer. I am sure I should be able to get to bed early - at around 11 p.m.

Till tomorrow ....

Little Munchkin

His teeth are coming through one after another. If his dental situation does not improve with age we will be making really close friends with some lucky dentist. Little Munchkin has a major underbite (meaning his lower teeth overlap his upper). His teeth are growing all over the place. Their positions don't correspond one another. In short, unless it does even out naturally, he will require major dental intervention in future.

He is a good and very active boy. Does not stay in one place for a minute. I remember how Big Munchkin used to love reading. She still does. Little Munchkin could not care less. Short of duct taping him, I have not been able to come up with the way to sit done for a book. He loves blocks, stacking toys, and noisy electronic toys.

He is still not speaking. His sound vocabulary is so small that I don't expect him to start soon. I am trying not to stress about it.

I have been in a rather panicked mood lately trying to decided whether or not Little Munchkin should start the nursery with fall. I think I've checked every nursery withing a mile radius of my house. There was only one that I liked. Unfortunately, their waiting list is a mile long. They agreed to give me two full days instead of four half-days I've been asking for. In addition, they are offering me the two days I really don't need. I am still trying to decide what to do. This nursery also happen to be one of the more expensive ones. For two days a week they are charging 416 pounds a month. I told them that I am going to take these days, but I am more and more coming to the conclusion that I will not. I am thinking that I might just keep Little Munchkin at home till he is two and then send him to Big Munchkin's current nursery. I still have two nurseries to check out, so something might turn up.

Hello everyone, I thought I start writing a general update.

Big Munchkin.

Her speech is developing rapidly. She is talking non stop, including situations when I would have really liked her to keep quiet, like when I am driving. Imagine, I am driving a car and there is a barrage of questions from the back seat:
- Mommy what is it?
- Well, it is a car. There are some trees. There was a guy on a bicycle.
- Mommy, what is it?
- Well, we just drove past some shops. There is a bus. Lots more cars...
- Mommy, what is it?
- How do I know what is it you are asking about??? I am driving!!!
- Why?

The 'Why?' question particularly drives me insane. Imagine, it is evening, I've been up since 5.30 a.m.:
- Munchkin, it is time to go to bed.
- Why?
- Because it is late.
- Why?
- Because it is 7 p.m. and mommy is tired.
- Why?
- Because I've been cooking, cleaning, driving you to all your classes, and running after you the whole day.
- Why?

This conversation can go on for a very long time. At some point I feel like those cartoon characters who have steam coming out of their ears.

Another all time favourite is 'What are you doing?' question.
- Mommy, what are you doing?
- I am driving.
Two minutes later
- Mommy, what are you doing?
- I am still driving.
Another two minutes later
- Mommy, what are you doing?
- What do you think I am doing? I am still driving. I have been driving ten minutes ago, five minutes ago and two minutes ago. I will be driving for another twenty minutes.
Two minutes later
- Mommy, what are you doing?
You can just about see that steam coming out of my ears.

Fortunately, I can see that she is learning something. One recent highlight was 'the fish incident'. I bought a new book (children's encyclopedia) which had a picture of a fish on its cover. I asked Big Munchkin 'What fish is it?' Her answer cheered me up a lot. 'Copperbanded Butterflyfish' She was right. At least now I know that six months of weekly visits to the Aquarium were not a waste of time.

Today we went on another safari trip. This time we went to Longleat. It was brilliant. We left early in the morning, 7 a.m. to be precise, and made a great timing to reach the park at 9.50 a.m. - 10 minutes before the opening. We had a great time driving through the safari park looking at giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, wolves, monkeys, camels and other animals. The pride of lions with three little cubs was just amazing. Big Munchkin even had a chance to feed deers.


Next, we went to the attractions' part of the Longleat. We went to Postman Pat's Village. I though it could have been bigger, but Big Munchkin loves Postman Pat. She was very impressed and kept talking about it. We went to the Adventure Castle. Kids spent nearly two hours playing there. Then we tried our luck at the Hedge Maze. On the hindsight it was a mistake. Kids were tired and it was not easy to find the way out. The maze business was not my cup of tea. We were very lucky to avoid line up at the Longleat Railway. It was a nice little trip on a nice little train, but Little Munchkin was so exhausted that he fell asleep on my arms as soon as the train began to move. We missed the Butterfly Garden and the Safari Boat ride because the kids were just too tired. Overall, we had a great day out.