"No" means "Yes" means "No"...

I don't often think, "Hey, it was a great idea to keep a blog of my kids' progress all these years!", but tonight I quickly flipped back to compare Zack's behaviour at 3 years, and 3 months, to Calvin's behaviour at the moment. Sigh. Right on target is what it is. Everything is "No", and then he wails and wails. Today, on the way home, he (Calvin that is) said to me that he wants to make jelly. I said, 'Great. Let's do it.' He starts wailing, 'No Mommy. No!' So I'm left guessing...
I say, 'Do you want to make jelly? or do you not want to make jelly?'
- more wailing.
I say, 'Do you want Mommy to help you make jelly?'
- more wailing.
I say, 'Okay. We won't make jelly then. We can make something else.'
- the wailing cranks up a notch, with 'No Mommy!' added for good measure.
I say, 'No you do, or no you don't want to make jelly? Or 'No' you don't want to make something else?' It's absolutely exasperating.
- more wailing and 'No Mommy'.
I shout at him, 'Either you want something, like jelly, or you don't want something. Mommy can't tell if you do want jelly or not. Mommy doesn't know what you want! You must stop this now!'
- 'Mommy, you carry me' comes the pleading response.
'Mommy can't carry Calvin, I'm sorry. Calvin is three now and too heavy for Mommy to carry home.'
- more wailing.
You can't win.

We came home. Found some yellow jelly in the fridge and he ate that. Then we found a new packet of orange jelly and made jelly for supper. Problem solved :)

self aware

the boys are growing up. Calvin revealed an amazing emotional self awareness two weeks ago as I sat and watched "Lost and Found" on DVD with him. He could actually say that he was sad and looked back on it for a few days, and identified it. Bless him.
Zack has decided that going to school in the grey double-breasted cardi that we bought together is "the business" because the teacher noticed him and said how smart he looked. He's becoming aware of looking good and what nice clothes (aarrghh = fashion) can do. Clothes maketh a man!

themes for the term

The theme for the term in Year 1 is "Dungeons and Dragons", so we've had a lovely time singing 'Puff the Magic Dragon', and making castles and talking about dragons.
A very dedicated chap, Jim Batty, has put together this website and walking tour (and photo safari) of 'dragons in London'. I seized the opportunity and took the boys into town to see dragons and meet Daddy for a hamburger. It was great fun.

at Bank Station

pleasantly surprised

The past two weeks have been insanely busy with school starting, a string of visitors and just getting back into a routine (freelance work, counseling, exercise, extra murals for kids, etc).
Keith has gone away for the weekend on a team-building event with work, which has meant the prospect of two solid days of childcare with no respite or support. Fair to say I was dreading it. However, it is a testimony to a growing maturity in both children, that the past two days have been really rather good. We spent yesterday with my cousin in Maidenhead, coming home around 9pm; today was church, a lovely lunch at home and games, tv and fun in the afternoon. We ended the day with baking biscuits and going for pizza. Overall both boys have been model citizens without any tantrums from Zack (astonishing) and mostly good interaction between the two of them.
Not to speak too soon, but by noon tomorrow I will have survived the full 48 hours. Hallelujah! I haven't been committed.

Future Holidays

Note to self for future holidays :

Do...
-take a nanny/ au pair with you, so that you can have a lie-in every morning you're away
-go somewhere that the children can play outside (eg. seaside, resort with pool, etc)
-go for self catering where possible - it means you can do mealtimes which approximate normality
-go somewhere you're guaranteed of sunshine
-plan ahead and book as far in advance as seems rational

Do NOT...
-go away for one week here and then another week there. Do two weeks in one place - it's more relaxing, it's less travel, it's less hassle, it's less worry, it's less schlepp - I think I've made my point
-choose to sleep in the rubbish bed even if it's the double. The comfortable single bed wins every time - kids can be moved

facial hare

Keith is using a razor to shave, while the boys are bathing in the bathtub. This conversation ensued...
Keith: So, have you seen someone shaving like this, before ?
Zack: Yes Dad... Shrek !
(no Fiona ?) !

Later on....
Zack: So where are you going tonight Daddy?
Keith: on a date with Mommy
... So one day, you'll have to shave too when you're going on a date with a girl.

happy pics despite it all

Bungee fun at the Summer Fair

Up and Away

Glorious sunny afternoon in Coldfall Woods

brothers: aged 35 months and 63 months (5 years +)

Here we go again!

Night three hundred and sixtyfive zillion, eight hundred and tootyfive....
It is now 8:22pm and Calvin & Zack are playing silly-buggers in the bathroom under the pretense of needing to "wee" Mommy. I have been into their room twice already, separated them from one another and into their own beds (bunkbed), as Calvin can't get down by himself - but he can get up! Exhausting.
After a while I just get sick and tired of going up there and yelling at them. Last night it went on until after 9:30pm and they were both sobbing in separate rooms. What does it take to get the message ? I just don't know