The Sunshine Kid

Today was GORGEOUS - a tad cold but we had a bright blue, sunny sky. Perfect for outdoor fun. I try to get Jack outside as much as possible without subjecting him to hypothermia. Here's some pictures from our trip to the park...

New reins, courtesy of Wallymart for $5. Sue & Lee - I'll mail yours back this week, thanks for letting us borrow yours!

Two Poems Worth Sharing

When I was in England my friend Sue had a framed picture in her kitchen of her son's handprints, with the following verse. I've typed it out ready to get Jack's handprints then I can do the same:

There used to be so many of my fingerprints to see
On furniture & walls & things from sticky, grubby me


But if you stop & think awhile you’ll see I’m growing fast
Those little handprints will disappear; you can’t bring back what’s passed


So here’s a small reminder to keep, not throw away
Of tiny hands and how they looked, to make you smile each day

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I also just read a lovely poem tonight on Mousie's blog that makes you stop and wonder if you are leading a good life. Makes you want to strive to be a better person.

My Tips for Travelling with Toddlers

Having recently gone through a 50-hour return trip from hell with our toddler, I wanted to share my tips for how I could have made flying much better. Hopefully this will help at least one parent out there...


1. If the child is under 2, pay the extra cash and buy a seat. When they say that a "lap" child costs only 10% of the regular ticket price, they don't tell you about airport and landing taxes. It ended up costing us $266 for Jack to sit on our knees for 8 hours crying, squirming, and being pushed by the inconsiderate jerk in front that put his seat back.

2. Even though it would be a pain in the rear to lug about - take a stroller. Really - that is one of our number 1 regrets. During all those delays, and even waiting at the gate for an hour to board, it would have provided a place for Jack to sit &/or sleep. I could have settled him in the stroller with a blanket, instead of carrying him in my arms, crying his heart out with tiredness. It's really that important folks - take the stroller!

3. Pack LOADS of toys that you know will occupy for a while. I eventually resorted to my mobile phone that he loves - see picture above of Jack's exhausted little face, after 17 hours of travel.

4. Pack loads of snacks in the hope that they will entertain when the toys get boring

5. Have toddler reins handy (again, see picture). Our friends lent us a pair for the way home and they were a life-saver. Having Jack on a 3 foot leash meant we could stand in line for hours and walk about the airport without constantly running after him, like we did on the outward journey.

6. Don't carry big bulky coats as carry-ons. Having to deal with 2 bags, Jack, and two heavy coats was a nuisance. I nearly put my coat in the trash at one point! Realistically, you're always in heated areas, so why carry a coat?

7. ASK for stuff if the flight is delayed or cancelled - they do not generally offer these things but will give them to you if you ask. For example, when we asked for meal vouchers they first said "no", then I exploded explained the situation and they relented. When we got to the hotel and went to the restaurant for dinner, all the other customers had them too! Anyway, as far as the free stuff they gave us - we got a hotel room, meal vouchers, diapers (yes, baggage claim give you diapers) and a personal care package each that included toothbrush & paste, deodorant, comb, shampoo & conditioner, lotion and cologne. The care package was lovely and I nearly cried with gratefulness when the lady gave them to us - not having brushed my teeth for so long I felt like a yeti.


8. Lastly, DO NOT use the care package cologne. I thought it was perfume so splashed it all over myself. Craig thought it might make his 3-day old socks smell better. The result? We spent our final leg of the journey smelling like a couple of dirty old hookers.

Buckeyes Lost

The Buckeyes lost to Louisiana State University 38-24 in the BCS National Championship game on Monday. The heartbreak is slightly less than last year and I'm not sure if that's because I was more ready for it, or if they didn't get quite as spanked this time around.

I'm not going to analyse and dissect the game as everyone has been doing these last 2 days. As upset and baffled and disappointed as I am (I'd be lying if I said otherwise) my main hurt is for our seniors.

I watched the local news as they landed back at Columbus airport. Only about 30 people were there to greet them, to cheer for them and welcome them home. It was heartbreaking to watch. I suppose we could have gone over there and cheered for them too, but I never think of it until I see it on the news.

A Weekend for Jack & Baby (AJ?)

My Great Nephew was born last night at 9.15pm GMT in Manchester, England. He weighed 6 lbs, 2 oz, he has an elf-like face and gorgeous big blue eyes. His mum, my niece Gemma, is doing great. She was a trooper and had no epidural, even talked to me on the phone between 3 minute contractions! Ahhhhh, to be young and fearless.

Gemma and Anthony and baby. Gemma likes the name Anthony John (AJ) after his dad. Anthony doesn't like it, so baby is currently nameless. Craig said their faces in this picture say "Okay, what do we do now?" I know that's what we felt like and were quite astounded that they let us leave the hospital with a newborn when we had no idea what we were doing. Anyway, I'm so pleased he's here and Gemma's okay.

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Our weekend was dedicated to having fun with Jack, who's been ill now for 2 weeks. Today he seemed better so we took him to the zoo. It was GREAT - really quiet so we could just mooch around and really see the animals without thousands of people all trying to do the same. The lady in the gorilla house also spent about 30 minutes telling us all about them and their personalities. I learnt many things, including never to have my eyes higher than theirs, apparently that really bothers them. We squat down in front of an old fella who was nearly 50 and watched him scratch his chin for a while and look at us with interest. They have the most amazing eyes!

Jack and the leopard. If you right-click on this picture you'll see I labelled it "jaguar". I was having a blonde moment obviously.

Seahorses just amaze me. How can a fish look so much like a horse?

On the beloved ride - the old carousel. Look at his face! He LOVES this every time we take him on it. I can't wait to get him pony lessons. I wonder how old you have to be?

Yesterday (sorry, pix aren't in chronological order) we took him to COSI - a science place with lots of fun stuff and a kiddie play room. I love this picture. Both Jack and his dad have the most gorgeous blue eyes. Mine are green so Jack takes after his dad in that respect. He does have my blonde hair though and Lancashire rosy cheeks!

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Tomorrow night is the BIG night.

Ohio State play LSU for the NCAA National Title. Jan, Eric and Dave are coming over to watch it on our big telly in the basement. I'm dead nervous. I think it's all up to Boeckman. Craig thinks it'll be down to the defense.

Matt & Gina have been in New Orleans since last Thursday and have been texting me with all the funny stuff going on down there. They said Bourbon Street is teaming with Buckeye fans, all having a blast. Ohhh, I hope those fans are celebrating tomorrow.

If we win, I'll post on Tuesday. If we lose I'll post when I can bear to talk about it.

GO BUCKS!

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Lastly & quickly - this was blog post number 301! I meant to say that at post 300 but forgot - did I mention I was blonde?

Jack's 18 Months Old

Jack's 18 month Docs appointment was today. There was some highlights, some funny moments and some good info. Here's a quick synopsis, just for the record, so that when I'm old and senile I can come back on here and re-live the moment...

He's skinny (24lb 8oz and in the 30th %'ile)

He's tall (33.25 inches and in the 75th %'ile)

He has a big head (95th %'ile)

Every time the Doc used his stethoscope Jack grabbed the other end, put it to his ear and said "hello?"

He spent the entire time trying to climb the ladder, throw shoes, open drawers, mess with the Docs equipment & open the door. The Doc said at least twice - "he's a live wire!" I hope he meant it, and not "your child has major issues lady!"

Doc also said, at least twice - Jack has a great complexion, a great temperament, is healthy.

Doc said we could try him on chewy vitamins, seeing as he has a cold. We did, tonight. He gave it to the dog.

Doc said "does Jack know when he's 'gone?'" (you know, number 2). I said yes! Just recently he started telling me! Doc said buy a potty and start. So we did. As you can see from the picture above, it might be a long and arduous road to pottyville.

Gem & Anthony are in Labor!

I'm going to be a Great Auntie. I'm not being an egotistical idiot - I mean I literally AM going to be a Great Auntie - TONIGHT!!!!


My niece & Goddaughter Gemma is currently in labour and I'm on pins. I've called all the family. I've even called the hospital in England (because they have nothing better to do than answer the phone, right?).


I will post an update when he (AJ) gets here. Twiddle thumbs, twiddle thumbs, twiddle thumbs........

A Fool & Her Money are Easily Parted

During our England trip I saw this Boon Frog Pod on my friend Sue's bathroom wall and just HAD to have one. I thought "no one in America will have one!" I had visions of mummy friends coming over to the house and "ooo-ing and "ahhh-ing" at it's fabulousness and uniqueness.

Sue drove me to Argos, finding out they only had one left in the whole store! It was fate! It cost 25 pounds ($50) but I really wanted it. I was even quite forthright with Craig when he rolled his eyes at the price.

I was determined to bring it home & even forfeited some presents so that it would fit in my case. Since I got home I've held it up in the bathroom and even planned our whole bathroom renovation around it.

I just got back from Target. They have them. For $25.

Craig looked me, grinning.

Happy New Year

And so it is 2008, marking nine years we've lived in the States.

I'm thankful Christmas & New Years is over to be honest and I'm still struggling to shake this dark cloud over me but hoping work will help now the holidays are over. If I had to stay home much longer I'd get seriously sad and probably weigh 20 stone (280 lbs).

Last night we were supposed to go to a party at Eric & Dave's but our lad was ill with a temp of 101, coughs and terrible congestion. Once we got him to bed we watched "Superbad" which was funny and just the tonic I needed. McLovin was my favourite character and I loved his friendship with the cops. Anyhoo, today Jack seems much better but I've spent the last 24 hours wiping his nose every 10 minutes and the poor lad looks like Rudolph.

We did at least get to see Char & Jan this past weekend and spend our usual drinking & putting the world to rights evening with them. Char has now gone back to California so Jan is a little lost & sad. January is such a crap month I tell you!

Finally, I made 3 New Years resolutions and I've already started one of them:

1. Lose weight

2. Pay off (some) debt

3. Start recycling

Of course I started number 3 - the easiest!

Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope 2008 is a great year for us all.

For my mum

This post is really for my mum, who told me today she's missing us terribly. I have also felt just awful since I got back - homesick and wishing I was in England so I could see my family more. In hindsight we should have stayed for Christmas. I think coming home on the 22nd upset not just us but our families too and made us all a bit lost over the holidays. I hope this achy sadness passes soon.

Jack in some of his clothes he got from Noah - thanks Sue & Lee. It's nice to have kind friends with good taste!

A week from tomorrow our beloved Buckeyes play LSU in the national championship game

Jack LOVES to wear our shoes & slippers. Why is that?

Lancashire Lingo

In addition to the fabulous book "Pets with Tourette's" that someone got me for Christmas, I got a book of Lancashire-English. It's a bit like a language dictionary but instead of being English-French translation or similar it's dialect from Lancashire - a county in the north-west of England where I'm from.

I'm glad I got this as I want to teach Jack as many Lancashire words & sayings as possible. Here's a few of my particular favourites:

Baggin - snack, lunch
Butty - Sandwich
Chunner - mutter
Daft - simple, foolish ("He's as daft as a brush")
Dither - unable to make up one''s mind
Faddy - fussy with food
Fettler - friend
Flummoxed - confused
Gammy - inured ("I've got a gammy leg")
Gawp - to stare
Gormless - stupid
Kecks - pants, trousers
Lumber - trouble ("you're in lumber now")
Mard - soft, cowardly
Meither - pester
Moggy - cat
Owt - anything
Parky - cold
Soggin - wet
Tackle - to attempt, male genitals (LOL)
Traips - to move about with no purpose ("stop traipsin about")
Welly - to strike hard

And some idioms:
Put wood in th'hole - shut the door
You make a better door than a window -you're obstructing the view
Spitting his dummy out - having a tantrum (a dummy is a pacifier)
He couldn't stop a pig in a ginnel (alley) - He's useless