However, here's a couple of pics of the boys stirring this years Christmas pud.
19 Dec 2009
A Couple of Stirrers....
It may well be the same bowl as last year but the boys have certainly grown since. We're also about a month later than last year too.
However, here's a couple of pics of the boys stirring this years Christmas pud.
However, here's a couple of pics of the boys stirring this years Christmas pud.
18 Dec 2009
Mikka Tree!
The boys are doing well so far with keeping away from the Christmas tree. (Oh bugger, that's that jinxed then)
Charlie absolutely loves it - shouting "Mikka Tree, Mikka Tree!" whenever he sees it. Hilarious!
We've also got a little Father Christmas by the fireplace and when we ask Charlie who he is, he replies "Mr Mikka Tree!"
Charlie absolutely loves it - shouting "Mikka Tree, Mikka Tree!" whenever he sees it. Hilarious!
We've also got a little Father Christmas by the fireplace and when we ask Charlie who he is, he replies "Mr Mikka Tree!"
12 Dec 2009
Team Burchell Xmas Tree 2009
DON'T TOUCH! DON'T TOUCH!
That's bound to be the most uttered phrase in the Burchell household over the next few weeks as we try to prevent our collection of baubles from being thrown around the house!
Last year, the boys were only just really walking and we put a playpen around the tree to prevent them from pulling the whole thing over. This year, pure unadulterated discipline will be the order of the day.
Let's see how the our baubles and our sanity lasts....
That's bound to be the most uttered phrase in the Burchell household over the next few weeks as we try to prevent our collection of baubles from being thrown around the house!
Last year, the boys were only just really walking and we put a playpen around the tree to prevent them from pulling the whole thing over. This year, pure unadulterated discipline will be the order of the day.
Let's see how the our baubles and our sanity lasts....
11 Dec 2009
Bedtime Story
The boys absolutely love a bedtime story. Once they've had a bath and got into their jim jams, they cuddle up on one of us and we read a story. Usually preceded by shouts from them of 'dory, dory!'.
We're currently working our way through all the Mr Men books. Here's a (very grainy iPhone) picture of Mummy and the boys.
We're currently working our way through all the Mr Men books. Here's a (very grainy iPhone) picture of Mummy and the boys.
Whilst Mummy and Daddy are away.....
Grandma and Nanny looked after the boys yesterday whilst we went to do some Christmas shopping.
However, 'Christmas shopping' really just consisted of a wander round Harrods, a spot of lunch in the Food Hall, a cab ride to Regent Street, a beer in a pub and the purchasing of a couple of Xmas toys from Hamleys. So, not quite as successful as we expected but, good fun nonetheless.
Anyway, this blog's not about us, it's about the boys and, from the look of it, they seemed to have a great time without us for an afternoon. Granddad popped along whilst they were all in the park and took some pics. Here's one of them...
However, 'Christmas shopping' really just consisted of a wander round Harrods, a spot of lunch in the Food Hall, a cab ride to Regent Street, a beer in a pub and the purchasing of a couple of Xmas toys from Hamleys. So, not quite as successful as we expected but, good fun nonetheless.
Anyway, this blog's not about us, it's about the boys and, from the look of it, they seemed to have a great time without us for an afternoon. Granddad popped along whilst they were all in the park and took some pics. Here's one of them...
10 Dec 2009
Lunchtime Nap - A thing of the past?
The regular daily break from the boys that Clair used to get at lunchtime now seems to have all but disappeared. They just don't seem interested in sleeping in their rooms after lunch! Funnily enough, they do seem to have a nap at nursery, they're just not interested in settling down at home. Maybe they're just copying all the other kiddies at nursery.
To be honest, when it gets to the end of the day, it's obvious they still need a nap - and if we go out in the car during the day, they will always fall asleep.
So, is this the end of the day time naps? Who knows...
To be honest, when it gets to the end of the day, it's obvious they still need a nap - and if we go out in the car during the day, they will always fall asleep.
So, is this the end of the day time naps? Who knows...
9 Dec 2009
Lapland, TN3 8JH
We took the boys to Lapland UK last week.
We were dubious as to whether it was some dodgy scam - donkeys with antlers taped to their heads came to mind - but we can safely report that it really was a fantastic experience. It was about as close as you'd get to the Disney experience without stepping outside of the UK.
The day started with a trip through the elves forest (a bit of 'eco' waffle was included to keep it 'hip') before the doors open and you're presented with a snowy wonderland. Yes, obviously it's all fake snow but the effect was pretty good. And they've tried to hide any non-snowy bits of the wood quite well.
We then went to the toy shop to make some toys (Theo and Charlie ran all over the place), then to Mrs Christmas's bakery to decorate some gingerbread men (Theo and Charlie ran all over the place), then lunch and some ice skating if you so wished (we didn't - the thought of Theo and Charlie on ice gave us shudders). After posting a letter to Father Christmas, you then get your visit to see the main man.
After a wait in the pre-Santa waiting room, you get taken by one of his elves down a long snowy path to his chalet in the woods. A quick discussion of how good we've been (obviously, very good) and we all got a pressie before getting taken back through the woods to spend as long as you wanted in the rest of the place.
There were lots of other things to do but by this time, the boys (and us) were knackered and so we set off home.
If you get a chance to go, I'd highly recommend it. It's expensive but it's a effectively a whole day out and seeing the looks on some of the other kids faces is enough to melt anyone's heart. If I'd been to something like this when I was young, I'd probably have wet myself with excitements.
Here's some pics - with some more on Flickr here.
We were dubious as to whether it was some dodgy scam - donkeys with antlers taped to their heads came to mind - but we can safely report that it really was a fantastic experience. It was about as close as you'd get to the Disney experience without stepping outside of the UK.
The day started with a trip through the elves forest (a bit of 'eco' waffle was included to keep it 'hip') before the doors open and you're presented with a snowy wonderland. Yes, obviously it's all fake snow but the effect was pretty good. And they've tried to hide any non-snowy bits of the wood quite well.
We then went to the toy shop to make some toys (Theo and Charlie ran all over the place), then to Mrs Christmas's bakery to decorate some gingerbread men (Theo and Charlie ran all over the place), then lunch and some ice skating if you so wished (we didn't - the thought of Theo and Charlie on ice gave us shudders). After posting a letter to Father Christmas, you then get your visit to see the main man.
After a wait in the pre-Santa waiting room, you get taken by one of his elves down a long snowy path to his chalet in the woods. A quick discussion of how good we've been (obviously, very good) and we all got a pressie before getting taken back through the woods to spend as long as you wanted in the rest of the place.
There were lots of other things to do but by this time, the boys (and us) were knackered and so we set off home.
If you get a chance to go, I'd highly recommend it. It's expensive but it's a effectively a whole day out and seeing the looks on some of the other kids faces is enough to melt anyone's heart. If I'd been to something like this when I was young, I'd probably have wet myself with excitements.
Here's some pics - with some more on Flickr here.
Too Long...
We're hanging our heads in shame here at Team Burchell. No blogging for over 4 weeks!
We've missed telling about Halloween, Fireworks Night, our fab two nights away from the boys (when Nanny and Grampy held the fort at home), our trip to Lapland UK plus a multitude of other things which I'm sure we'll think of soon.
Anyway, we intend to correct the situation over the coming weeks. Watch this space!
We've missed telling about Halloween, Fireworks Night, our fab two nights away from the boys (when Nanny and Grampy held the fort at home), our trip to Lapland UK plus a multitude of other things which I'm sure we'll think of soon.
Anyway, we intend to correct the situation over the coming weeks. Watch this space!
3 Nov 2009
What a Beauty!
Yes, I know, we should hang our heads in shame, but he let us do it - honestly. Yes, it's Charlie with blusher and lipstick on.
Sorry Charlie, we're so very sorry.... :-)
Sorry Charlie, we're so very sorry.... :-)
31 Oct 2009
Happy Halloween!
As you can see, it sends us all a little mad. Especially if you're wearing your skeleton pyjamas...
Typical Theo
So, Theo and I were playing a game a Peek-a-boo round a tree. I think, OK let's get my camera out and record this. Theo has other ideas and runs off the minute I start recording. Typical.
I know it's only 7 seconds long, but this video really makes me laugh. Watch out for Mummy and a much calmer Charlie in the distance at the end of the video!
I know it's only 7 seconds long, but this video really makes me laugh. Watch out for Mummy and a much calmer Charlie in the distance at the end of the video!
30 Oct 2009
Box Antics Part 2
It seems that the draw of an empty box is still proving too much for the boys. This time, the shallow nature of a Hobbs delivery box has served as the perfect 'hiding' place for Theo the Jack-In-A-Box!.
13 Oct 2009
THE Party of the Year
Theo and Charlie's fancy dress birthday party was definitely the place to be this weekend. Approx. 20 kiddies ranging from a few months to 5 years plus descended on Team Burchell HQ for an afternoon of play in the garden (on a fortunately sunny day sandwiched between two soaking wet days) and proper kiddies party food!
Everyone had made a brilliant effort with their costumes. We had Superman, Mr Incredible (we never did find out which of those two were the strongest), Thomas the Tank Engine, a Samurai, a Lion, a Cowboy, a fairy princess or two, a nurse, a bumble bee plus many many others.
Theo and Charlie's assortment of garish plastic garden toys managed to entertain the masses whilst their playroom provided a suitable 'chillout' area for occasional book reading and 'quiet time'. The kitchen meanwhile, was transformed into a sort of 'chef's table' in miniature form. Here's a picture before everyone's arrival:
Trust me, it didn't look this tidy for very long.
A quick rendition of 'Happy Birthday', a blow out of the candles on the cake and soon the weary party goers were ready to be chauffered with party bag in hand back to their homes for bath and bed.
That's not the end of the story though....
Following everyone's departure, Theo decided that he needed a bit more excitement and whilst running round the lounge, smacked his head straight onto the radiator. In no more than 30 seconds, an egg sized lump protruded at least an inch out of his forehead and we rushed him to A&E to be checked over.
A slight downer to end the day but he was given a thorough check over and sent home with a multi-coloured bruise and a drop of Calpol for the headache before bed. Here's his bonce at bathtime on Sunday:
All in all, a really wonderful day. It looked like everyone enjoyed themselves immensely...
Everyone had made a brilliant effort with their costumes. We had Superman, Mr Incredible (we never did find out which of those two were the strongest), Thomas the Tank Engine, a Samurai, a Lion, a Cowboy, a fairy princess or two, a nurse, a bumble bee plus many many others.
Theo and Charlie's assortment of garish plastic garden toys managed to entertain the masses whilst their playroom provided a suitable 'chillout' area for occasional book reading and 'quiet time'. The kitchen meanwhile, was transformed into a sort of 'chef's table' in miniature form. Here's a picture before everyone's arrival:
Trust me, it didn't look this tidy for very long.
A quick rendition of 'Happy Birthday', a blow out of the candles on the cake and soon the weary party goers were ready to be chauffered with party bag in hand back to their homes for bath and bed.
That's not the end of the story though....
Following everyone's departure, Theo decided that he needed a bit more excitement and whilst running round the lounge, smacked his head straight onto the radiator. In no more than 30 seconds, an egg sized lump protruded at least an inch out of his forehead and we rushed him to A&E to be checked over.
A slight downer to end the day but he was given a thorough check over and sent home with a multi-coloured bruise and a drop of Calpol for the headache before bed. Here's his bonce at bathtime on Sunday:
All in all, a really wonderful day. It looked like everyone enjoyed themselves immensely...
12 Oct 2009
Eeyore, Pooh and the Playhouse
One of the pressies we bought the boys for their birthday was this playhouse.
Last weekend, Grampy and Daddy spent the day assembling it and during the dry spells in the rain-filled week that followed, I applied coat after coat to the exterior in preparation for the major event on everyone's social calendar this weekend (ie. Theo and Charlie's second birthday party!)
Here's what the playhouse looked like in immediate post-assembly form:
..and here it is transformed for the party! (That's Theo as Eeyore and Charlie as Pooh Bear with their chum Aiden as the bumble bee)
Quite a transformation (tasteful colour choices were by Mummy). The number two has a dual reference. Firstly, obviously for their second birthday and also because there's two of 'em!
The playhouse proved so popular during the party that we considered employing a doorman and enforcing a 'one in one out' policy :-)
Last weekend, Grampy and Daddy spent the day assembling it and during the dry spells in the rain-filled week that followed, I applied coat after coat to the exterior in preparation for the major event on everyone's social calendar this weekend (ie. Theo and Charlie's second birthday party!)
Here's what the playhouse looked like in immediate post-assembly form:
..and here it is transformed for the party! (That's Theo as Eeyore and Charlie as Pooh Bear with their chum Aiden as the bumble bee)
Quite a transformation (tasteful colour choices were by Mummy). The number two has a dual reference. Firstly, obviously for their second birthday and also because there's two of 'em!
The playhouse proved so popular during the party that we considered employing a doorman and enforcing a 'one in one out' policy :-)
11 Oct 2009
The Official Second Birthday Photoshoot :-)
Anyone tried squeezing two adults AND two wriggly two year old toddlers into a passport booth?
Yep, you guessed it - we have. A slight come down from the professional shots we had taken for the boys' first birthday but hey, these boys aren't getting any cheaper....
Yep, you guessed it - we have. A slight come down from the professional shots we had taken for the boys' first birthday but hey, these boys aren't getting any cheaper....
10 Oct 2009
Everybody LOVES a Cake!
Here's a sneek peak at Theo and Charlie's birthday cake for the party today!
I can guarantee that it will not look like this later on....
I can guarantee that it will not look like this later on....
Party Time!
It's Theo and Charlie's second birthday party today! Fifteen kiddies ranging from 6 months to 5 years old will be destroying descending on our house. Wish us luck...
8 Oct 2009
Happy Birthday Boys!
Theo and Charlie are 2!
We sometimes feel as though we've aged ten years whilst they've aged by two, but they have been two of the most wonderful, joyous, fun-packed, rewarding, emotional, delightful and heart-warming years of our lives.
Boys, prepare to be spoilt more so today than normal!
Love Mummy and Daddy
xxx
We sometimes feel as though we've aged ten years whilst they've aged by two, but they have been two of the most wonderful, joyous, fun-packed, rewarding, emotional, delightful and heart-warming years of our lives.
Boys, prepare to be spoilt more so today than normal!
Love Mummy and Daddy
xxx
6 Oct 2009
Cuddle Up
There's not much that's more cute than going in to wake the boys in the morning and finding them cuddling up with each other in the same bed!
They usually settle on Theo's bed during the night - sometimes side by side, sometimes at right angles to each other. But all, very very cute.
One of those many many benefits of having twins...
They usually settle on Theo's bed during the night - sometimes side by side, sometimes at right angles to each other. But all, very very cute.
One of those many many benefits of having twins...
5 Oct 2009
Thank You Boys!
As we approach Theo and Charlie's second birthday this Thursday, they have given us the best present any Mummy and Daddy could desire.
SLEEP!
They have been very restless for at least the last 4 months - if not longer. Prior to that, they were always very good at sleeping - the odd disturbed night here or there but generally OK. However, we could easily count the number of non-waking nights we've had in the last 4 months on one hand.
We're currently into a 5 night sleep-filled stretch! Admittedly, we've been going hardcore - letting them cry for a bit until they settle themselves down - and it seems to have worked!
Long may it continue.....
SLEEP!
They have been very restless for at least the last 4 months - if not longer. Prior to that, they were always very good at sleeping - the odd disturbed night here or there but generally OK. However, we could easily count the number of non-waking nights we've had in the last 4 months on one hand.
We're currently into a 5 night sleep-filled stretch! Admittedly, we've been going hardcore - letting them cry for a bit until they settle themselves down - and it seems to have worked!
Long may it continue.....
3 Oct 2009
Peek A Boo Belch
Sometimes you catch the oddest pictures on film.
Here's a couple we took whilst at Disney. Theo is definitely playing peek-a-boo with us but Charlie? Not entirely sure although it looks like he's letting rip with a huge belch!
Here's a couple we took whilst at Disney. Theo is definitely playing peek-a-boo with us but Charlie? Not entirely sure although it looks like he's letting rip with a huge belch!
2 Oct 2009
The Nursery Chair - DEATH TRAP!
There was a time (ooh, a litle bit under two years ago) when we would lovingly nurse our beautiful newborn babies. Feeding them whilst rocking them off to sleep in our cosy Dutalier rocking chair.
The same chair, whilst still very comfy and still useful for calming down the odd night time waking toddler, has now turned into a chair waiting for an accident to happen. Why? Well, Theo and Charlie find it hilarious to jump on the chair, push it around, sneak behind it, rock themselves on it so hard that it almost topples over - you name it.
You may well think you've toddler-proofed your house but around every corner a seemingly innocent object can change overnight...
The same chair, whilst still very comfy and still useful for calming down the odd night time waking toddler, has now turned into a chair waiting for an accident to happen. Why? Well, Theo and Charlie find it hilarious to jump on the chair, push it around, sneak behind it, rock themselves on it so hard that it almost topples over - you name it.
You may well think you've toddler-proofed your house but around every corner a seemingly innocent object can change overnight...
1 Oct 2009
Disney Tantrum
Our trip to Disney saw one of the first full-on tantrums from Theo. I mean, full-on flat on the floor kicking legs type tantrum.
Like any self respecting father, I was on hand to capture the moment on film. I think I also got some video of it too - I'll dig that out for a later post...
Like any self respecting father, I was on hand to capture the moment on film. I think I also got some video of it too - I'll dig that out for a later post...
30 Sept 2009
More Pics from Disney
Here's a few more pics from our trip to Disney a couple of weeks ago. Looking at these, did we do ANYTHING other than eat and have our picture taken with Disney characters? :-)
23 Sept 2009
Potty Pee Pee
Just for a laugh, we thought we'd try the boys on the potty this morning when they woke up.
Loe and behold, Charlie did his first ever pee into the potty! Theo on the other hand was more interested in filling the potty with toys rather than the contents of his bladder.
We will report on further progress as the days, weeks and months continue but could this be the first steps towards a nappy free house? Considering we tend to get through about 250 a month, our bank balance will certainly feel the benefit, even if Boots won't....
Loe and behold, Charlie did his first ever pee into the potty! Theo on the other hand was more interested in filling the potty with toys rather than the contents of his bladder.
We will report on further progress as the days, weeks and months continue but could this be the first steps towards a nappy free house? Considering we tend to get through about 250 a month, our bank balance will certainly feel the benefit, even if Boots won't....
21 Sept 2009
Bye Bye Disney!
Back to reality on Saturday! We left Disneyland at lunchtime after one final Peter Pan ride and one final go on Thunder Mountain (obviously not for the boys!) with fond memories of an incredibly tiring (really aching feet!) but fun-filled few days away. Things we loved....
- Meeting all the characters at breakfast and seeing the boys bemused faces!
- Hearing Charlie say 'Mickey!' everytime the Disney mascot appeared
- Eating in the Disney hotel restaurants (really impressed!)
- Seeing the expression on Charlie and Theo's faces during the parades / It's a Small World / Pirates of the Caribbean rides
- The faultless service in the Disneyland Hotel
18 Sept 2009
Disney - Day 2
Much of the same here again today. Dumbo Ride, Pinocchio Ride, Merry Go Round, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear etc etc. Then a trip to Walt Disney Studios Park. We avoided the cheesy High School Musical show and did some of the other rides here. Good fun.
The boys met Eeyore at breakfast and Pluto in the park. In fact, they spent quite a while running running behind Pluto pulling his tail. That's me' boys!
Highlights below, full set here
Our Room
Eeyore For Breakfast
Pluto
The boys met Eeyore at breakfast and Pluto in the park. In fact, they spent quite a while running running behind Pluto pulling his tail. That's me' boys!
Highlights below, full set here
Our Room
Eeyore For Breakfast
Pluto
17 Sept 2009
Disney, AGAIN?
We went to Disney with the boys during our trip to Miami last September. Well, we're here again! This time to Disneyland Paris. Somewhere we've been to 'BT' (Before Twins).
We had breakfast with Mickey this morning, before exploring the park and generally running round after the boys all day! Here's some pics from day one - full set over on Flickr here. The park is pretty dead this time of year.
We had breakfast with Mickey this morning, before exploring the park and generally running round after the boys all day! Here's some pics from day one - full set over on Flickr here. The park is pretty dead this time of year.
15 Sept 2009
Slip Slidin' Away...
Here's some video of the boys having fun on their slide in the garden.
You can see how much more confident Theo is than Charlie, at some points bullying Charlie out of the way. Don't worry though, Charlie can be JUST as boisterous when he wants to be!
You can see how much more confident Theo is than Charlie, at some points bullying Charlie out of the way. Don't worry though, Charlie can be JUST as boisterous when he wants to be!
14 Sept 2009
Twin bites Twin
So, we went to pick the boys up from the nursery this afternoon, only to be told that "There's been an incident".
Oh no we thought, what now? Who's been hurt?
"Well", they said. "Theo's been bitten and Charlie has bitten someone"
Not surprisingly, it didn't take us long to work out what had happened. I suppose we should be thankful they kept it in the family....
Oh no we thought, what now? Who's been hurt?
"Well", they said. "Theo's been bitten and Charlie has bitten someone"
Not surprisingly, it didn't take us long to work out what had happened. I suppose we should be thankful they kept it in the family....
7 Sept 2009
1001 Uses of a Box
The fascination with the large brown cardboard box continues. It's now become a slide....
5 Sept 2009
We should've bought an annual pass...
We took (yet) another trip to Godstone Farm the other weekend. With the current gloomy weather, it seems like a lot longer ago as the sun was shining beautifully! Anyway, here's some more pics of the boys having fun in the sand etc. (By the way, there was a serious lack of animal viewing during this trip - somehow, leaving them to run amok amongst the sand is much easier than trying to stop a goat from biting their heads off)
20 Aug 2009
No!
Us - "Charlie, have you learnt a new word recently?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Are you sure?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Can you say yes, Charlie?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like to have dinner?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like to go outside an play?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like a biscuit?"
Charlie - "BISKIT!"
Ah, makes that two new words then...
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Are you sure?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Can you say yes, Charlie?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like to have dinner?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like to go outside an play?"
Charlie - "No!"
Us - "Would you like a biscuit?"
Charlie - "BISKIT!"
Ah, makes that two new words then...
16 Aug 2009
Bleurgghhh!
It's been a sickie weekend at Team Burchell.
Both boys have been poorly for a few days with (initially) high temps followed by upset stomachs and vomitting. We've had a massive clean down in the house today - the high chairs have been hosed down and disinfected and all surfaces thoroughly cleaned.
The boys have been visibly better today (only had 3 nappy changes each - yesterday, we lost count!) so we took a trip to the local swings with the boys on their trikes. Here's some pics...
Both boys have been poorly for a few days with (initially) high temps followed by upset stomachs and vomitting. We've had a massive clean down in the house today - the high chairs have been hosed down and disinfected and all surfaces thoroughly cleaned.
The boys have been visibly better today (only had 3 nappy changes each - yesterday, we lost count!) so we took a trip to the local swings with the boys on their trikes. Here's some pics...
15 Aug 2009
Wake Up Bro'!
Theo, tends to be awake before Charlie, especially after a lunchtime sleep and loves to jump into Charlie's bed to 'help' wake him up. 'Helping' normally consists of gently cuddling Charlie, potentially the odd kiss before the inevitable bite or pinch as he starts to stir....
Parenting Observation #379 - The Dishwasher
Before the boys arrived, if we were lucky, we could stretch turning the dishwasher on to about 3 days - usually 2 but sometimes 3 (especially as 'home cooking' wasn't so high on the agenda when we were DINKY's).
Since having the boys, the dishwasher religiously goes on every evening before we go to bed. If we forget it, we're screwed the next morning and end up having to half empty it to wash stuff up for breakfast.
Recently though, we've found the need to do a midday cycle as well. Will this ever end?
As the boys grow, can we foresee a future where the dishwasher (like the washing machine and tumbledryer) end up on a constant cycle? Emptying, filling, emptying, filling, emptying, filling....
Since having the boys, the dishwasher religiously goes on every evening before we go to bed. If we forget it, we're screwed the next morning and end up having to half empty it to wash stuff up for breakfast.
Recently though, we've found the need to do a midday cycle as well. Will this ever end?
As the boys grow, can we foresee a future where the dishwasher (like the washing machine and tumbledryer) end up on a constant cycle? Emptying, filling, emptying, filling, emptying, filling....
12 Aug 2009
Beds Beds Beds - An Update
So, we're five nights in to the transition from cots to beds and how's it gone? Well, they've not fallen out of their beds yet which is comforting however, other than that......
IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE!!
We decided to move them into beds because of how unsettled they'd been over the last few weeks (since we came back from holiday, actually). Every night it has taken us between 1½ and 2 hours to get them off to sleep involving a mixture of laying on the floor next to their beds, reading stories, cuddling until their almost asleep - you name it, we've tried it.
On top of that, they've been waking several times in the night too. Sometimes getting out of their beds, sometimes just sitting up. I think Monday night was probably the worst - Theo was up every half hour between 10pm and 2am (conveniently waking up the minute you start to drift off to a deep sleep yourself) - whilst Charlie took over the baton at 4am.
However, last night we went HARDCORE.
In a co-ordinated team assault executed by Mum and Dad that Jo Frost would have been proud of, Mum carried out the first shift (which involved a couple of stories and some settling down whilst she stayed in the room) - she then executed a tactical retreat (ie. took Monty for a walk) whilst the main artillery (ie. Dad) advanced and administered the Super Nanny Tactics 'Alpha'.
Theo settled down immediately - Charlie meanwhile, resisted all attempts and kept getting out of his bed for what must have been 45 minutes plus. He must have realised that his escape attempts were fruitless though and finally just lay in bed crying before eventually giving up and drifting off to sleep!
The sense of achievement was fantastic and we had one of the best nights sleep we'd had in over a month.
Have we broken the back of the transition to beds? Only time will tell but the signs are good. I've received word from the front line (ie. home) that settling them down for their lunchtime nap today was achieved in record time!
We shall see if it continues....
IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE!!
We decided to move them into beds because of how unsettled they'd been over the last few weeks (since we came back from holiday, actually). Every night it has taken us between 1½ and 2 hours to get them off to sleep involving a mixture of laying on the floor next to their beds, reading stories, cuddling until their almost asleep - you name it, we've tried it.
On top of that, they've been waking several times in the night too. Sometimes getting out of their beds, sometimes just sitting up. I think Monday night was probably the worst - Theo was up every half hour between 10pm and 2am (conveniently waking up the minute you start to drift off to a deep sleep yourself) - whilst Charlie took over the baton at 4am.
However, last night we went HARDCORE.
In a co-ordinated team assault executed by Mum and Dad that Jo Frost would have been proud of, Mum carried out the first shift (which involved a couple of stories and some settling down whilst she stayed in the room) - she then executed a tactical retreat (ie. took Monty for a walk) whilst the main artillery (ie. Dad) advanced and administered the Super Nanny Tactics 'Alpha'.
Theo settled down immediately - Charlie meanwhile, resisted all attempts and kept getting out of his bed for what must have been 45 minutes plus. He must have realised that his escape attempts were fruitless though and finally just lay in bed crying before eventually giving up and drifting off to sleep!
The sense of achievement was fantastic and we had one of the best nights sleep we'd had in over a month.
Have we broken the back of the transition to beds? Only time will tell but the signs are good. I've received word from the front line (ie. home) that settling them down for their lunchtime nap today was achieved in record time!
We shall see if it continues....
10 Aug 2009
Teddy and Carkey
The boys are learning new words on a daily basis now. They constantly try to mimic words we're saying as well as having their own favourites.
One really cute thing we noticed over the weekend is that they now each have a name for the other. Theo has been calling Charlie, 'Carkey' for a couple of weeks but it was only this weekend that Charlie started calling Theo, 'Teddy'!
Obviously, this made our sad old hearts melt. I'm sure however, as the weeks, months and years roll on, they will call each other many different names - some far less polite than others!
One really cute thing we noticed over the weekend is that they now each have a name for the other. Theo has been calling Charlie, 'Carkey' for a couple of weeks but it was only this weekend that Charlie started calling Theo, 'Teddy'!
Obviously, this made our sad old hearts melt. I'm sure however, as the weeks, months and years roll on, they will call each other many different names - some far less polite than others!
5 Aug 2009
Chuck Out The Cots, In Come The Beds!
The disturbed sleeping pattern continues. It seems that we're spending less time in our own bed during the night and more time settling the boys down in their bedroom! So, we've taken the big decision to move them our of their cots and into their beds this weekend.
We're going to change their room over whilst they're at nursery this Friday morning and hope they have a lunchtime nap in their new beds! What fun! It will also mean we have a whole weekend to get them used to the new sleeping arrangements.
Having had some further thought on the whole nursery vs. bedroom debate, I think THIS is the point at which we start calling it their bedroom!
We're going to change their room over whilst they're at nursery this Friday morning and hope they have a lunchtime nap in their new beds! What fun! It will also mean we have a whole weekend to get them used to the new sleeping arrangements.
Having had some further thought on the whole nursery vs. bedroom debate, I think THIS is the point at which we start calling it their bedroom!
3 Aug 2009
Poo Poo (all over the place...)
At weekends, we tend to give the boys' their breakfast and then take them back up to their cots to have a play for half an hour or so whilst we have breakfast in bed. A little luxury we like to bestow on ourselves!
During this time they also tend to (how shall we say) 'do their business'.
Yesterday morning, Charlie had worked out how to take his pyjamas off AND undo his nappy during this half hour. I'll leave the carnage that confronted us in their room to your imagination but it involved a full strip down and clean of the bed, the carpet, the walls, and even Monty....
During this time they also tend to (how shall we say) 'do their business'.
Yesterday morning, Charlie had worked out how to take his pyjamas off AND undo his nappy during this half hour. I'll leave the carnage that confronted us in their room to your imagination but it involved a full strip down and clean of the bed, the carpet, the walls, and even Monty....
2 Aug 2009
Beds Beds Beds Part 2
We've been shopping today! Not that that's a massive surprise - just that this time we've been shopping for the boys' first beds! We went to Ikea - not a journey I take lightly, especially on a Sunday. The thought of those meatballs being one of the few things that spurs me on.
They have a wide range of beds there but we plumped for a couple of very low white beds, with a side rail on one side. We didn't want to spend too much, especially considering that a) we have to buy two and b) they're probably not going to be in them for years.
We have to admint, our hearts did melt at the sight of the boys climbing onto the beds on display. A real poignant moment and the thought of them no longer being in their cots makes us realise that they are officially no longer babies.
So, after a fully loaded car journey home, we've got to work out when and how we convert them over to beds. First things first, we've got to prepare for the freedom they'll now have. Do we put a gate across the doorway to their bedroom*? Do we put locks on their wardrobe and dresser unit? So much to think about....
* - When does their room become a bedroom and is no longer called a nursery?
They have a wide range of beds there but we plumped for a couple of very low white beds, with a side rail on one side. We didn't want to spend too much, especially considering that a) we have to buy two and b) they're probably not going to be in them for years.
We have to admint, our hearts did melt at the sight of the boys climbing onto the beds on display. A real poignant moment and the thought of them no longer being in their cots makes us realise that they are officially no longer babies.
So, after a fully loaded car journey home, we've got to work out when and how we convert them over to beds. First things first, we've got to prepare for the freedom they'll now have. Do we put a gate across the doorway to their bedroom*? Do we put locks on their wardrobe and dresser unit? So much to think about....
* - When does their room become a bedroom and is no longer called a nursery?
1 Aug 2009
31 Jul 2009
Beds, Beds, Beds
When's the right time to dispose of the cots and put the boys into beds? Is 22 months too young?
Given the way they toss and turn in the night, I can't see how they wouldn't 9 times out of 10 just end up on the floor! We'd have to consider making sure all the other doors are closed upstairs, the stair gate is across, locks on cupboards etc etc.
We were wondering whether it might help rectify their current disturbed sleeping patterns - who knows.
Given the way they toss and turn in the night, I can't see how they wouldn't 9 times out of 10 just end up on the floor! We'd have to consider making sure all the other doors are closed upstairs, the stair gate is across, locks on cupboards etc etc.
We were wondering whether it might help rectify their current disturbed sleeping patterns - who knows.
Spain Holiday Pics 2009
Finally got round to editing and sorting the best pics from our holiday a few weeks ago to Spain. A few selected faves below or follow this link to the complete set on Flickr:
30 Jul 2009
Sleeeeeeeep....
We've had a few disturbed nights sleep the last few weeks. Charlie is proving to be incredibly stubborn about drifting of to sleep without endless cuddles - the alternative is non-stop hysterical screaming, to the extent he wretches just short of throwing up!
It also seems to have become a habit for one or both of them to wake at around 11pm - usually just at the time we're settling down to sleep ourselves!
Tricks we've used to remedy the situation include grabbing a mattress from another room and one of us sleeping on the floor between their cots whilst letting them nuzzle up to our hands through the bars, having a quick night time cuddle in the chair or (shock horror) actually letting them come and sleep in bed with us! We're trying so hard to resist this last one as we know it's a slippery slope to tread!
I'm sure it's 'just a phase' but it's proving to be a sleep sapping phase we could without....
It also seems to have become a habit for one or both of them to wake at around 11pm - usually just at the time we're settling down to sleep ourselves!
Tricks we've used to remedy the situation include grabbing a mattress from another room and one of us sleeping on the floor between their cots whilst letting them nuzzle up to our hands through the bars, having a quick night time cuddle in the chair or (shock horror) actually letting them come and sleep in bed with us! We're trying so hard to resist this last one as we know it's a slippery slope to tread!
I'm sure it's 'just a phase' but it's proving to be a sleep sapping phase we could without....
24 Jul 2009
Lazy Town Rocker
Our all time fave programme on CBeebies is Lazy Town - we love it. I think we've seen each episode several times over at least.
Charlie is also a keen Lazy Town fan, as can be seen in the video below. He loves a dance and has started dancing to everything!
Watch out for his reaction at the end...
Charlie is also a keen Lazy Town fan, as can be seen in the video below. He loves a dance and has started dancing to everything!
Watch out for his reaction at the end...
13 Jul 2009
12 Jul 2009
Pushchair Entertainment
Keeping the boys entertained whilst in their pushchair is becoming a more challenging activity by the day.
Whilst we were on holiday, we found these brilliant toys which would keep them quiet for hours - well, ten minutes at least. It's all about distraction y'know!
The looks we got from other people ranged from shock to laughter! Whatever, we're past caring now....
Whilst we were on holiday, we found these brilliant toys which would keep them quiet for hours - well, ten minutes at least. It's all about distraction y'know!
The looks we got from other people ranged from shock to laughter! Whatever, we're past caring now....
8 Jul 2009
Picasso No No
Gutted! We were so looking forward to a meal in our fave restaurant in Puerto Banus the other night (Picasso's) - only to find that they don't have high chairs! Kerazy!
So, we had to settle for the (vastly emptier) restaurant next door - which just so happened to have very cool high chairs (unlike most of the other restaurants in Spain) and also happened to be doing 2 for 1 on main courses! Hoorah! You can see the joy on our faces (and food on the Theo and Charlie's) below...
So, we had to settle for the (vastly emptier) restaurant next door - which just so happened to have very cool high chairs (unlike most of the other restaurants in Spain) and also happened to be doing 2 for 1 on main courses! Hoorah! You can see the joy on our faces (and food on the Theo and Charlie's) below...
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