Sunday, 29 August 2010

2 minus 4 days

Still nearly 2.

We had a lovely day yesterday. We decided, as we are going on holiday 2 days after Callum is 2, and we are both working on his birthday (though will be going in to work late), to celebrate his Birthday just as a family on the weekend before. So, decided to go to Chessington. We were thinking of the Zoo but didn't want to go into London and the only other Zoo is further South which I didn't think would be a good journey to make on a Summer Bank Holiday!!! So, we thought Chessington might be a better bet as they have the Zoo and rides.

We had a lovely day. Apart from one 2 minute blip, the weather was pretty good all day. We saw some animals, including gorillas, lions, tigers, sealions and lots of fish and lizards. We also went on a few rides. We were prepared for it being busy because of it being a bank holiday but were still surprised that we had to wait for 30 mins or more for some of the children's rides. Still, we probably went on more than we normally do when it is just Stuart and I (and usually friends) going on the big rides. We went on some flying elephants (twice) which Callum, for some reason, called Moomas. We went on them twice as Callum could see them from another ride in the afternoon and was pointing to them saying Moomas pease. We also went on the cars that go round a track (2 diffrerent types), the merry go round and the skyrail. Callum was so good all day. It wasn't fun for him having to queue so long for rides and he just doesn't understand the concept of queueing but he was very well behaved. Especially as he didn't have a nap all day. Far too exciting to nap!

On Thursday, we will just go into work late so we can enjoy the morning with him opening his presents. Think I mentioned last post that we were going to, but we have bought a trampoline for his birthday with the help of grandparents. We did start putting it up today but then it chucked it down so will probably finish it tomorrow. After seeing how much fun Callum was having on some trampolines yesterday, I can't wait for him to see it.

Speaking of which, Callum can now jump properly...leave the ground and everything. And I mean from the ground, not whilst on a trampoline. Clever boy!

He is getting better at scribbling. Sounds a funny thing to say but can't quite call it drawing. I have just noticed he has better control over the pen/pencil and drawls circles now rather than just back and forth. He is learning new words all the time. So much so, I have lost track. He is really good at his colours and has started to get interested in counting (though can't actually count yet).

I am really looking forward to our holiday to Portugal next week. The first time abroad with Callum. It is the first time in years and years I've been really excited about a holiday. I know it wont be as relaxing as holidays used to be, what with having to watch Callum like a hawk near the pool and stuff. But I just can't wait. To see his face when we see the aeroplanes at the airport and to be in and out of the pool, to go to the beach. Not to mention for us all to see some sunshine. The holiday can't come quick enough.




Thursday, 12 August 2010

23 months - eek nearly 2

Wow, less than a month before my little boy is 2.

Well, a lurgy disease finally caught up with Callum. This week he caught Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease. It is a pox virus that is similar to Chicken Pox virus. However, the spots are smaller and seem to congregate around the obvious hand, foot and mouth area as well as bottom/genitals and knees. It is one of those childhood diseases that you normally get before you are 10. You can be quite poorly with it but thankfully Callum has been quite happy...just contagious.

It did mean we had to keep him off nursery a couple of days - Tuesday and Wednesday - but they were happy to accept him back today even though he still has spots. I think it is because the main infectious period is 3-5 days including the 3 before any spots show. As long as you are hot on hygiene then it seems to be OK.

Nursery had dropped a uniform on us! They have bought in a polo shirt and sweatshirt in a multitude of colours for all children. We are not too impressed for many reasons.

  • One being the practicalities of it. They currently change them in the afternoons into clean clothing so they don't go home dirty. They did say they wont continue with this so, as long a they aren't sick or have a nappy explosion, they'll go home in whatever state they are in. Problem being, they play with water, paints, dirt!!! Even if they don't change them they are likely to need a change of top for the next day - making a need for 5 polo shirts and a few sweatshirts for winter. At this age, you can't expect them to try to stay clean - being this age is all about exploring, getting dirty and having fun.
  • This leads on to the second concern - the cost. With this number of 'uniforms and then they grow quite a bit in a year. This is all on top of a 5% fee rise in September. Oh and the uniforms have to be in place in September and can only be bought from the Nursery.
  • Then there is the very non-uniform uniform! There is about 8 choices of colours for the polo shirt and 6 for the sweat shirt. They are hardly going to look 'uniform'!!
Ultimately, I just think they are too young to have a compulsory uniform. I'd understand it more if it was optional for pre-school and would probably take part but for a 2 year old (or 1 year old as that is the minimum age of admittance - though they have taken younger), I just don't think is practical. In fact, I have no doubt that it is purely a money making scheme for the nursery - to fund the Manager's new nursery and the extensions to the current one.

Phew! Rant over, I'll get off my soap box now!

On to more positive things.

Callum is still attempting new words. He said cuddle today. He can now say blue and red. He can say train, plane, car, outside, on. Starting to lose track now as there are new words all the time. Sometimes they are not the clearest of words and non-toddler speakers may need a translator but he is making progress. He is trying to join more than one word together too. I didn't count 'all gone' as it is more of a phrase whereas now I think he is trying to say things as two separate words in a sentence. For example 'light on'. I am pretty sure, before long, we'll be hoping he'll shut up again as he turns into a little chatter box.

So, with the big 2 approaching, thoughts turn to birthday presents. We have decided, with the help of grandparents, to buy him a trampoline. He just loves bouncing! Not a huge one, probably about 6ft. It is meant to ok until they are about 10 so should last him a while. Not sure that we will actually do much to celebrate it - mean mummy - but we are going away 2 days later and I realised last year that they really aren't that aware yet. Maybe I'll bake him some cakes and go out somewhere he'll enjoy with him the weekend before. We'll do something next year when he'll appreciate it more.

The NCT mums are arranging a group birthday celebration so, assuming we can make it, he'll do something to celebrate.