We've had one week back at work after husband was off for two weeks, and before I forget I'd better note down what we got up to. We started the holiday period with a house viewing, and spent a lot of the first week with appointments (I had hair cut and chiropractor, and the last of the parenting course) and we went to Anya's second birthday party in Stoke.
We also got to Monkey Forest and RAF Cosford museum in the first week, both of which we enjoyed. Cosford was free (well, I think you had to pay £2 for parking) and we didn't see half of what was there, so may go back there when its raining or something over the Summer). Monkey Forest was a nice stroll through a Forest with monkeys in (as it says on the tin) but Elizabeth enjoyed watching them!
We went to the Cotswolds for the weekend with Mark and Angela on the Friday, and stayed until Monday at the South Cerney Water Park, in a little cottage near to the source of the River Thames. It was slightly difficult (!) because Edward was teething so waking really early, and we had him in with us on the first night and in with Elizabeth the second and third nights. He slept better on night 2 and 3 but still woke up really early so we were horrendously tired. It worked fairly well with food - the children ate together, we prepared a meal each in the evening for the adults and we went to Pizza Express on the Saturday night (cue Edward meltdown, but that's another story). We went to the Cotswold Wildlife Park which was a bit like a safari park, and that worked well too. Edward started eating sandwiches...
When we got back we had Edward's MMR (no ill-effects, yet!), and I had to see the chiropodist (hopefully for the last time!) and we also joined the National Trust (but temporary membership card didn't arrive so couldn't make use of it) but went to Barmouth instead. And went swimming at Haughton Hall which was great. Edward could stand up in the baby pool, and it was lovely watching Elizabeth tow him around! We also had a bbq when Amy and Chris were up at the weekend, and Amy and my Mum came around on the Sunday morning and played with the children in the garden.
Edward has just started wearing big daytime nappies, and has started really copying what you do (e.g. hide face and say "booo!", put tongue out etc) and he can definitely say 'Dad' now, although not exactly spontaneously, but he will repeat it when you say it. His molars are coming through top and bottom, and he is a lot more confident on his feet but still not really taking independent steps although husband says he's taken 7 in a row.
We've been to Attingham Park today with the Mummies for a picnic and that was really nice. Hot weather again, glorious sunshine, and the first opportunity to use our membership. Elizabeth played with all her friends in the park, and Edward was really good, mostly sitting in his buggy (although he did get to go on a swing and a slide!). They enjoyed their picnic, and he slept on his way home. Hoping to use the membership again this weekend - we'll see.
General Election has been called - polling will be on Thursday May 7th. Have been really enjoying watching the live leaders' debates on tv, there have been two now. Was almost tempted to vote Lib. Dem. by Clegg's performance, but two things put me off. One - policy on Trident. Two, his use of the word 'nutters'... Think I will be voting Labour again.
Have been itching. Low-level itching below knee on left shin, and around upper arms a bit. Am trying hard not to panic about it. Also, my right leg/buttock has been locking up, much like it did through my pregnancy with Edward. Hurt like hell the other day, but was eased by having a bath. Have had viral cough thing which has lasted ages, and left me really exhausted. Getting better now though!
Looking forward to a nice Saturday tomorrow - sunshine and hopefully a trip out somewhere new!
