On Monday and Tuesday I went for a speech development workshop. It was very interesting and I've learnt a great deal. There are a few things that I would be trying with Little Munchkin.

My DH looked after the kids on those days. He had a great time. Of course he did no cooking or cleaning. He took Little Munchkin out for lunch on both days and boiled pel'meni (Russian dumplings) for dinner. On Monday he managed to avoid giving the kids any fruits or vegetables. A little lecture on the importance of 5-a-day rectified it the next day.

Going out for two days really reminded me how nice it is not to have to go to work. I did not enjoy spending every morning and evening playing sardines with a bunch of smelly commuters. I also found it difficult to spend the whole day sitting down. I am not used to it any more.

The last couple of days we've been very distressed about the events in Mumbai. My DH and I both found it extremely upsetting. I have been in most of the places that have been attacked. We stayed in Taj Palace Hotel. If we were in India, we and our children would have been staying there. All of our friends and family members are fine, but I don't think I would feel secure enough to visit Mumbai for a very long time.

Haven't been writing much lately as we've all been sick. Flues, clods and stomach flues all around. Big Munchkin also has an ear infection. Little Munchkin stayed out of the nursery for more than a week. We are all doing a bit better now.

Tomorrow and the day after I am doing a course on speech therapy method. I signed up for it in spring. It was originally supposed to have been in August, but my DH could not take the time off then, so I moved it to November. I really don't think I need it at this point. Little Munchkin has already outgrown the stage of language development where this method would have been useful. But then, I already paid for it and I just really would like to take time off kids. So, hopefully there might be something useful. If not, that is also fine.

I was going to post it last Thursday, better later than never ...

Little Munchkin and I are sick. We both got cold - running noses and sore throats. We both feel overall miserable. Fortunately, tomorrow is Friday. I can't wait for weekend to come. I am very tired. Though Saturday is not going to be a relaxing day. We have three birthday parties and a theatre play to attend. Big Munchkin's social life is better than mine. I shudder to think what is going to happen when Little Munchkin grows up a bit more. I will have to manage two social lives.

Last week my DH had been in New York. I had a hard time without him around, not least because all Little Munchkin's medical appointments suddenly came through. Last Monday we had an appointment with the paediatrician. On Tuesday the little guy had his blood tests done. The paediatrician is concerned about his poor diet, so she is checking if he has any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. She also is checking him for one of the genetic disorders - Fragile X. I am certain that he does not have any issues there, but I'd rather have it officially ruled out. So, one Tuesday we went to the hospital, held the poor guy down and had his blood taken. He was really cross, but a sticker and a lollipop helped.

On Wednesday he had a hearing test. Of course, it was fine. I asked for this test last March and we just got it. He officially has no problems with hearing. On Thursday, he had his first appointment with the NHS (National Health Service, e.g. free) speech therapist. I quite liked her. We are having another four sessions with her.

My DH got back from the US on Saturday. Little Munchkin missed his dance class. His class is from 9 to 10 am and his sister's class is at 10. I could not take them to two different classes at the same time, so he lost his class. My DH usually takes him there, but he got back from the airport only at 11 am. On Sunday, we went to one of Russian mum's son's Birthday Party. Both Munchkins had a good time.