5:30am and Zelda came in to wake us for a snuggle. She went by way of daddy this time so I could pretend to sleep and not be disturbed, but all to soon the BBC today program came on and it was really time to get up. Coffees, a shower and down stairs I zipped to make lunch for my husband, and breakfast for all three of us. I was in serve mode.
Meanwhile, Zelda was not getting ready and I was getting increasingly stressed. I had decided not to go into work today as Zelda was sick all weekend and I felt instinctively, as you do, that I would have to be home for her early arrival from school. I was not wrong.
1:00 and the call came. Zelda had a high fever and complaining of a headache. It took 20 minutes to get to her and in that time she had a nose bleed and got sick. There she was, sitting on a chair in the office looking really pale and sad. Luckily we got a lift home from the Lolly Pop Man who also drives a taxi!
2pm, and as we entered the house, she was sick again. I reached for a tea towel with one arm and stretched the other to a cabinet where I pulled out a plastic bowl. Here I was doing a juggling act while leading Zelda to the bathroom. I couldn't help but to feel sick myself by this time.
2:30 and Zelda is ensconced on the couch with a Tinkerbell blanket, watching CBeeBies and eating bananas, toast, apples, grapes and drinking mint tea. Most children want to sleep and cuddle when ill, mine wants to be served. Where did I go wrong????
6pm and the grazing finally stopped. It was upstairs for brushing teeth and bedtime routine.
6:30 and we were both snuggled up in bed reading books. I kept saying it was late and she needed rest, but my energizer sick bunny would not hear it. Read me more, tell me stories is all that kept coming out of her mouth when it was time to turn the lights out. I told a story, I tickled/scratched her back...she was just not tired.
7pm, I gave in. I left her with some books to read by herself and put herself to sleep. This is what she wanted instead of the alternative which was me snuggling her with the lights out. At 5 she is so head strong and there are no alternatives but to let her get on with it.
Time check-7:17, I am wondering if she has fallen a sleep yet. I am feeling quite queasy myself. I think I will go and read some books in bed too and put myself to sleep. Perhaps she is on to something! Perfect.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
The Weekend
Turning 18 was easy as pie this year. Since it was the second time around, it carried none of the fear of adulthood that comes with turning 18 the first time. Maybe next year I will try sweet 16 again.
Friday morning was full of chores and then into town to pick up Zelda from her after school club. I had 20 minutes to get my self ready for going out for my birthday. The doorbell rang and it was the babysitter, I was still in my tights and tank and no closer to figuring out what to wear. I had wanted to wear a dusty pink tulle skirt, but it was clinging to me in strange ways and I opted out. The door bell rang again and it was our friend with his daughter L. L was spending the night with Zelda while we all went out. I still wasn't ready!! I quickly finished up and left the house with both girls screaming and being chased by the baby sitter.
First stop, the Ole Victorian Pub. We were a group of about 10 at the pub and it was lovely and lively. I met new people, who are involved in the Museum world. I was given lovely hand made cards, a cook book and a can of cream of chicken soup and flowers!
At 8:30 we went across the road to a great little Tapas bar for dinner. The time flew by so fast and before I knew my friends were having to leave to get back home. I hate it when the party ends.
A brisk walk home and we were a sleep in bed by midnight.
Saturday morning was difficult. I drank only 4 glasses of red wine, two of which were small, but as my husband said, everyone had that much and I am much smaller. I felt like shit! I have decided that I will be going on an alcohol free hiatus for some time. I also did a few stupid things on Friday night and am glad I have met such nice people who can be my friend anyway!
In the afternoon my husbands sister Anna came for one night on her way to their brothers place to help them pack for their move down to Durham next week. It was great to see Anna as it had been over 2 years since we were last together. Again, I got some super presents, a Tajine, a cook book, 2 beautiful scarves and a book.
Zelda started getting ill and by mid afternoon she had a fever.
At 2am Zelda woke up and I spent the rest of the night keeping her company in bed until I felt ill. 4:30 am and I returned to my bed to finally get some sleep.
Today was very slow. We did not go to Ballet as Zelda was still unwell and we hung around playing with stuffed toys, barbies, and watching the Sound of Music.
I am still not feeling that well and fear I am getting what ever it is that Zelda has.
Time check-7pm, Zelda downstairs in bed with her daddy having snuggles and story. Me, tired, but happy.
Friday morning was full of chores and then into town to pick up Zelda from her after school club. I had 20 minutes to get my self ready for going out for my birthday. The doorbell rang and it was the babysitter, I was still in my tights and tank and no closer to figuring out what to wear. I had wanted to wear a dusty pink tulle skirt, but it was clinging to me in strange ways and I opted out. The door bell rang again and it was our friend with his daughter L. L was spending the night with Zelda while we all went out. I still wasn't ready!! I quickly finished up and left the house with both girls screaming and being chased by the baby sitter.
First stop, the Ole Victorian Pub. We were a group of about 10 at the pub and it was lovely and lively. I met new people, who are involved in the Museum world. I was given lovely hand made cards, a cook book and a can of cream of chicken soup and flowers!
At 8:30 we went across the road to a great little Tapas bar for dinner. The time flew by so fast and before I knew my friends were having to leave to get back home. I hate it when the party ends.
A brisk walk home and we were a sleep in bed by midnight.
Saturday morning was difficult. I drank only 4 glasses of red wine, two of which were small, but as my husband said, everyone had that much and I am much smaller. I felt like shit! I have decided that I will be going on an alcohol free hiatus for some time. I also did a few stupid things on Friday night and am glad I have met such nice people who can be my friend anyway!
In the afternoon my husbands sister Anna came for one night on her way to their brothers place to help them pack for their move down to Durham next week. It was great to see Anna as it had been over 2 years since we were last together. Again, I got some super presents, a Tajine, a cook book, 2 beautiful scarves and a book.
Zelda started getting ill and by mid afternoon she had a fever.
At 2am Zelda woke up and I spent the rest of the night keeping her company in bed until I felt ill. 4:30 am and I returned to my bed to finally get some sleep.
Today was very slow. We did not go to Ballet as Zelda was still unwell and we hung around playing with stuffed toys, barbies, and watching the Sound of Music.
I am still not feeling that well and fear I am getting what ever it is that Zelda has.
Time check-7pm, Zelda downstairs in bed with her daddy having snuggles and story. Me, tired, but happy.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Thursday
Warm and snugly under the blanket. I slept like a brick last night and woke up at 6:30am with out any problems. Zelda joined us at around 6:45 and I read her a story. She had placed a book under my pillow for me to read to her when we were awake.
Morning rituals as normal with the added addition of binoculars worn by Zelda all the way to school. She saw pink birds, black birds and larger than life buildings. Before we knew it we were at school and saying good by.
Coffee at the university with the hubby and then off to get my hair perked up a bit. Toni and Guy are expensive. Must find a cheaper hairdresser in Newcastle. I must say though it looks very good!
After school cafe club at the church. Zelda played games with her friends while I chatted with my friends.
We got a ride home which was excellent and had more time to snuggle and eat dinner before getting into the bath, which is where Zelda is now. Sounds of mermaid barbie versus rainbow ponies are in the background. Now all I need is to convince her to let me wash her hair!
6:14 and I am off to battle the mermaid, the pony and Zelda!
xx
Morning rituals as normal with the added addition of binoculars worn by Zelda all the way to school. She saw pink birds, black birds and larger than life buildings. Before we knew it we were at school and saying good by.
Coffee at the university with the hubby and then off to get my hair perked up a bit. Toni and Guy are expensive. Must find a cheaper hairdresser in Newcastle. I must say though it looks very good!
After school cafe club at the church. Zelda played games with her friends while I chatted with my friends.
We got a ride home which was excellent and had more time to snuggle and eat dinner before getting into the bath, which is where Zelda is now. Sounds of mermaid barbie versus rainbow ponies are in the background. Now all I need is to convince her to let me wash her hair!
6:14 and I am off to battle the mermaid, the pony and Zelda!
xx
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Wednesday
A year passed and a new one began.
For me, I became one year older.
Not so for the young man I saw this morning at 9:30 am.
I spent the day working with young full of life children.
I am alive,
He, is not.
This Birthday Present, will be one that lasts
until it disappears.
I will enjoy it,
respect it,
honor it,
fill it,
love it.
For me, I became one year older.
Not so for the young man I saw this morning at 9:30 am.
I spent the day working with young full of life children.
I am alive,
He, is not.
This Birthday Present, will be one that lasts
until it disappears.
I will enjoy it,
respect it,
honor it,
fill it,
love it.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Tuesday
...is it morning? This seems to be our new alarm system, delivered by Zelda at very early hours of the morning. Today it was 6:17am. The radio alarm did not go off, so luckily the Zelda alarm did or we would have over slept.
The sky was full of pink and white cotton candy floss, wrapped around ancient buildings, and woven between the winter trees. We walked and ran through our landscape to Zeldas school. I was once again, amazed by my environment, and astonished that after five months living here, I am still caught off guard by the beauty of the place. It makes feel alive. I physically get high off it. I can feel the adrenaline going through my body and experience the changes in myself over the period of time that I am out walking. I am considering jogging again. The combination of exercise and landscape are a perfect pair.
Zelda and I played in the park before she went into the school yard. I played with her on her school exercise course. She held my hand and then just a finger as she hopped from one log to the next until she did it all on her own. I left her happily playing with her friends and set off to run my errands.
The afternoon was routine and we played in the park again after school. Zelda has lots of lovely friends and she really enjoys running around. I love watching her interact. She is becoming more and more gutsy as the days go by.
Once home we snuggled on the couch, she ate her supper and we did the night time routine. I read her stories, told her stories in the dark, sang to her and tickled her back. Sleep finally took her away and away I went.
Time check a soup simmering downstairs for our dinner. A lovely daughter a sleep and dreaming in her bed. A wonderful husband hard at work and a perfect day comes to an end.
The sky was full of pink and white cotton candy floss, wrapped around ancient buildings, and woven between the winter trees. We walked and ran through our landscape to Zeldas school. I was once again, amazed by my environment, and astonished that after five months living here, I am still caught off guard by the beauty of the place. It makes feel alive. I physically get high off it. I can feel the adrenaline going through my body and experience the changes in myself over the period of time that I am out walking. I am considering jogging again. The combination of exercise and landscape are a perfect pair.
Zelda and I played in the park before she went into the school yard. I played with her on her school exercise course. She held my hand and then just a finger as she hopped from one log to the next until she did it all on her own. I left her happily playing with her friends and set off to run my errands.
The afternoon was routine and we played in the park again after school. Zelda has lots of lovely friends and she really enjoys running around. I love watching her interact. She is becoming more and more gutsy as the days go by.
Once home we snuggled on the couch, she ate her supper and we did the night time routine. I read her stories, told her stories in the dark, sang to her and tickled her back. Sleep finally took her away and away I went.
Time check a soup simmering downstairs for our dinner. A lovely daughter a sleep and dreaming in her bed. A wonderful husband hard at work and a perfect day comes to an end.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Monday
I was not angry, my feet led me in a trance like state as I climbed up her loft ladder and dropped into her single bed. Startled awake by a face peering at me at 2:30 am by a wide awake Zelda led to my not getting back to my bed until around 4:30 am. I am not sure when she fell back to sleep. She was reading books and I could hear her talking to herself for what seemed like a long time. When I went to make her bed later in the morning I found stacks of books under the covers. She is almost 5. What will she be like when she is 8?
Despite the no sleep, we managed to follow our routine flawlessly. We made it to school on time and had a pleasant walk/run there together.
No coffee at the university as it was Monday. I ran my errands and got home earlier. I walked into the house and heard the familiar beeping sound of the answer machine. I played it. It was from the realtor. I refused to run and call back, instead I took my time and unpacked the groceries and went to the bathroom, then I called.
The owner upped our offer by 5K. I asked for him to meet us half way.
2:30 rolled around and it was time to go to get Zelda. We played in the park and had a lovely walk back home. Again, the familiar beeping greeted me as I entered the house. I gulped and played the message. I was to call back. I called back. Offer accepted!!!!!
Unlike in France, buying a house in the UK is much trickier. Apparently you can get what is called Gazumped by another offer. Also, there are things called forward chains, and that means that if the seller does not have a house secured yet to stay in, you have to wait until his deal goes through. If it doesn't then you have to wait to settle, or worse, sometimes you don't get the house in the end and have to start your search all over again. Apparently, there is no chain, and the seller can move into the house he is buying asap.
I am so excited. Our first house. Three floors of rooms to clean, but heh,who cares, they will all be mine!
I am excited to change the house to make our imprint on it. This link will give you an idea of how I want to open up the kitchen area to the dining area which flows into the living area as the owner already opened up the two rooms.
http://www.housetohome.co.uk/generic/printgallery/id/1441
This is the winter/summer deck
This is the bath- toilet in separate room
Garden, but only the grassy part. To the side is another decked area and path leading to the forest.
small bedroom, we will turn it into a studio for doing art etc...
Front bedroom-will become office/spare bedroom/music room
Back facing bedroom-Zeldas room- Has beautiful forest and country side vista
Lounge with fireplace
Dining area connected to lounge. Wall on left will be opened up to create open plan living/dining cooking area with access to outside deck.
Current kitchen but to be changed! :)
We will also carry out a loft conversion with a en suite bathroom for ourselves.
Time check-7:46-Zelda fast a sleep, and hopefully staying that way. Hubby on way home. Me, happy as a lark and can't wait to live amongst the forest animals, have BBQ's, and watch Zelda grow up in our new home!
Despite the no sleep, we managed to follow our routine flawlessly. We made it to school on time and had a pleasant walk/run there together.
No coffee at the university as it was Monday. I ran my errands and got home earlier. I walked into the house and heard the familiar beeping sound of the answer machine. I played it. It was from the realtor. I refused to run and call back, instead I took my time and unpacked the groceries and went to the bathroom, then I called.
The owner upped our offer by 5K. I asked for him to meet us half way.
2:30 rolled around and it was time to go to get Zelda. We played in the park and had a lovely walk back home. Again, the familiar beeping greeted me as I entered the house. I gulped and played the message. I was to call back. I called back. Offer accepted!!!!!
Unlike in France, buying a house in the UK is much trickier. Apparently you can get what is called Gazumped by another offer. Also, there are things called forward chains, and that means that if the seller does not have a house secured yet to stay in, you have to wait until his deal goes through. If it doesn't then you have to wait to settle, or worse, sometimes you don't get the house in the end and have to start your search all over again. Apparently, there is no chain, and the seller can move into the house he is buying asap.
I am so excited. Our first house. Three floors of rooms to clean, but heh,who cares, they will all be mine!
I am excited to change the house to make our imprint on it. This link will give you an idea of how I want to open up the kitchen area to the dining area which flows into the living area as the owner already opened up the two rooms.
http://www.housetohome.co.uk/generic/printgallery/id/1441
This is the winter/summer deck
Garden, but only the grassy part. To the side is another decked area and path leading to the forest.
small bedroom, we will turn it into a studio for doing art etc...
We will also carry out a loft conversion with a en suite bathroom for ourselves.
Time check-7:46-Zelda fast a sleep, and hopefully staying that way. Hubby on way home. Me, happy as a lark and can't wait to live amongst the forest animals, have BBQ's, and watch Zelda grow up in our new home!
Sunday, 23 January 2011
The Weekend
Why are weekends not the same as holidays and if holidays fall on weekends is it still just a weekend or a holiday weekend? Friday does not count as part of the weekend as it is a school day, yet school holidays fall on weekdays which are also school days when one is not on holiday. My daughter wants more holidays, or perhaps just longer weekends, don't we all!
Friday was a great day which ended in an even more perfect night. The day itself went along as usual with morning routines, school drop off, coffee with the husband, house work and job searches.
The afternoon brought with it a very nice plumber who could not help us with the leak in the house, but he was very friendly and did not mind that I called him out to the house to find that what I had described to him was described incorrectly, thus the problem was one he could not deal with. The groceries were then delivered by en even friendlier guy, and I did not know whether it would be appropriate to meow after he called me "pet" on his departure.
Friday is Zeldas late night at school. On my way to pick her up I ran into two friends within the span of 4 minutes. While getting Zelda ready to depart, one of her friends was also leaving so they waited for us to get ready and we shared the walk. On the way down the street another friend yelled to me from across the road and we had an air wave encounter. When I got home, I felt really high spirited. After less than 5 months, I am able to walk around and feel as though I have a real life here. One with relationships, activities, inspiration and hope. I am part of a community, a neighborhood and a city.
Putting Zelda to bed was a loving and moving experience. She wanted to go to sleep on her own, but not before giving me big hugs and kisses and saying I love you mommy I heart you, goodnight. I hope her willingness to fall asleep on her own continues, and it couldn't be more perfect a way to put your child to bed than to have those words spoken.
Saturday we woke up early as we were headed to the house we wanted to buy. We met the builder there and spent a good hour walking around the house and making plans. Zelda loved the house, her room and the fact that there are a family of barn owls living in the backyard trees. Even more impressive was the playground that we could walk to straight out from our wooden gate in the back and through a short cut through the fields. No roads involved.
The strangest part about the house is that after I had looked at it on my own, I could not find my favorite hat. I was sure I had seen it in the house in the hall, but when I looked for it, it was no where to be found. I looked for a few days and gave up. When we all went to see the house on Saturday, I walked into the hall and there on the radiator mantle was my hat! I guess I did see it in my hall after all?? If that's not saying something, then the next fact is. I knew there was a French woman who lived across the road, but in fact it is a French family with two twin girls only a couple years older than Zelda and it is not across the road, but next door! The have lived in America as well for many years. In all the houses in all of Durham, we have found the one French family right next door to the one we fell in love with. Zelda can now continue her language learning like a bilingual child.
An offer was made, and now we are waiting til next week to see if he will accept it. It depends on what he has to pay for the property he is buying. Fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed!
Today was a lovely Sunday filled with our usual Sunday habits; snuggling and lounging in bed as a threesome, big breakfast in the living room, ballet, dinner all together and games and books and bath. I have three home decorating magazines to peruse for ideas while relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine.
Everything has been just the way I like it. Perfect.
Friday was a great day which ended in an even more perfect night. The day itself went along as usual with morning routines, school drop off, coffee with the husband, house work and job searches.
The afternoon brought with it a very nice plumber who could not help us with the leak in the house, but he was very friendly and did not mind that I called him out to the house to find that what I had described to him was described incorrectly, thus the problem was one he could not deal with. The groceries were then delivered by en even friendlier guy, and I did not know whether it would be appropriate to meow after he called me "pet" on his departure.
Friday is Zeldas late night at school. On my way to pick her up I ran into two friends within the span of 4 minutes. While getting Zelda ready to depart, one of her friends was also leaving so they waited for us to get ready and we shared the walk. On the way down the street another friend yelled to me from across the road and we had an air wave encounter. When I got home, I felt really high spirited. After less than 5 months, I am able to walk around and feel as though I have a real life here. One with relationships, activities, inspiration and hope. I am part of a community, a neighborhood and a city.
Putting Zelda to bed was a loving and moving experience. She wanted to go to sleep on her own, but not before giving me big hugs and kisses and saying I love you mommy I heart you, goodnight. I hope her willingness to fall asleep on her own continues, and it couldn't be more perfect a way to put your child to bed than to have those words spoken.
Saturday we woke up early as we were headed to the house we wanted to buy. We met the builder there and spent a good hour walking around the house and making plans. Zelda loved the house, her room and the fact that there are a family of barn owls living in the backyard trees. Even more impressive was the playground that we could walk to straight out from our wooden gate in the back and through a short cut through the fields. No roads involved.
The strangest part about the house is that after I had looked at it on my own, I could not find my favorite hat. I was sure I had seen it in the house in the hall, but when I looked for it, it was no where to be found. I looked for a few days and gave up. When we all went to see the house on Saturday, I walked into the hall and there on the radiator mantle was my hat! I guess I did see it in my hall after all?? If that's not saying something, then the next fact is. I knew there was a French woman who lived across the road, but in fact it is a French family with two twin girls only a couple years older than Zelda and it is not across the road, but next door! The have lived in America as well for many years. In all the houses in all of Durham, we have found the one French family right next door to the one we fell in love with. Zelda can now continue her language learning like a bilingual child.
An offer was made, and now we are waiting til next week to see if he will accept it. It depends on what he has to pay for the property he is buying. Fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed!
Today was a lovely Sunday filled with our usual Sunday habits; snuggling and lounging in bed as a threesome, big breakfast in the living room, ballet, dinner all together and games and books and bath. I have three home decorating magazines to peruse for ideas while relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine.
Everything has been just the way I like it. Perfect.
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