Summer been and gone?!

  Hi! What a summer it has been! We were meant to go to Romania then I was offered work which I wanted so we ended up staying. What a brilliant summer it has been...yes very tiring but weather was beautiful and kids were able to explore their surroundings better! Here Zac at the Strand enjoying some water pistol games....

 We are so blessed to live in such a fab location surrounded by parks, castles, cathedrals, animal parks....we did almost all.....meanwhile having plenty ice creams!

 Always loads of times to cuddle.....this one was one of my favourites...

 Its been particularly good that boys were happy to just hang around and play well at home....but what I am always so so happy with is having my other two boys around....here Andrei and Zac but Nic and Reuben....are also such special friendship!

 A moment of childhood! Zac has become more keen on parks and equipment.

 My boys are so happy with home time....they play so well and for that I am particularly thankful. Although often Zac challenges Roo (Reuben) he happily obliges and dictates the pace of the games. Reuben still needs to learn to be gentle but I love how Zac takes all in his strive and often give R that extra brotherly understanding.

 One of the shops on the high street caters for boys and girls with totally unique things. But also they have one of our magazines ANORAK that we love.

 A lot of doing projects also with daddy....Reuben loves drawing and he really does draw and colour really well.

 We have a very good big outdoor and some fabulous neighbours. One donated this massive box which then became dino/dangerous hiding place through the summer. Stuart has been a life saver this summer....often bringing his expertise (sports) and comical side to my rescue:) Here he has even painted the box white so boys can just draw on it. Twas really good fun!And we even put colourful card bunting all around it.

 more park time....and surley fun time....!

 Zac is a really funny character...he really can make some really funny faces and knows how to be funny:)))...

 Another great afternoon at the Riverside in Rochester!!!

 Beautifull Eynsford! We enjoyed this day mostly I think!

 A day at Reculver Castle! What a brilliant place...a lot of swimming in the sea this summer:)))

 And at the OUTLOOK CENTRE in Brecknell, Buckinghamshire we had a lot of fun thanks to my childhood best friend Ioana Daniela Lupas...

 Boys loved being architects! and builders.

We also visited Tyland Barn which was well worth the visit. We really are blessed to have had such amazing summer! It seems ages ago and I am always telling myself how I need to catch each moment but I feel always I am chasing back to try and keep the past in the present for I fear to let it go....I guess all very human. My boys are my life and my life is my boys...I had so much fun this summer getting to know their strengths and weaknesses and understand their little personalities better. I am incredibly proud and happy that although at times we faced A LOT we managed....and against sickness, illness, the dreaded lice infestation and the prospect of a quite summer we managed to have plenty fun and excitement...I learnt we are a great family when one is down the others step up....that's all that matters...really. So lets see what autumn and being in nursery 3 days a week brings our way.

Ps. I am a bad mum really Zac neatly 3.5 years old...still has a dummy and a nappy!

SUMMER FINALLY

 Finally summer is in full swing here in England. My little baby boy is now able to do all the amazing things....even skip sleep (this not so good for me). I am particularly loving his attitude....right now. He fights sleep to then completely fall asleep by 3-4p... When summer finally arrived it caught us unprepared. So as it was madly hot I made use of things from around the house:))) I think he rather liked the IKEA platic box!

 We are extremely blessed for living in a gated and safe development. Boys are able to gather for picnic and enjoy riding their scooters, bikes and various other equipment. As Rochester is sooo hilly its most gardens where its bumpy, sloped and uneven but we have a lot of ground they can enjoy. Although we are reminded by a particular neighbour this is not a playground...and that playing ball games is not permitted we make as much use of the courtyard as we can.

Here is one of the best possible things...don't know if its a boys thing but they love hiding out in the boot of my car. Here Zac enjoying the company of the two kids he mostly sees, Henry C and Andrei V.

 And here we managed to get a little paddling pool however I was not very good at getting the right one as this one need to be filled with water in order to keep upright and I just cant be doing that so water went in....enough to keep in...then left there for a few days....I used it for watering plants after a week or so....but kids loved it. Here he is playing with Alexia....a little beautiful girl ...they really played beautifully.

 We had been able to enjoy new places too here is Zackie;s introduction to DIno park in Hoo.

Summer also meant we went strawberry picking thanks to wonderful Carmen a friend of mine who lives and works at a farm in Kent. It was a brilliant day....not too hot and just right for jumping in hay and enjoying the freedom of a farm!

 Cuddle time! Although this boy is massively independent and strong willed I get to spend some lovely cuddles with Zac. he gives the most sweet kisses and when he does you know he means it. He also is brilliantly mannered. He always says Thank you mummy, please and NO THANK you. Which is my favourite. If he likes my suggestion he always insists "its a good idea" which is so grown up. His favourite places are the skate park and sea side.

 Picking and eating yummy strawberries!

 I am so happy to report Zac is still brilliant at sleeping in his room. I love his evening routine when he insists on reading a book and saying goodbye to the doggy faces fairy lights....! He can be the sweetest thing Zac can be....but he can also be terribly challenging.

Here is the proof that I have two monkeys in the house...
We are at the stage where Zac is copying Reuben and really does look up at him. He just thinks the world of Reuben and that is joy to my heart as I have no other wish but for my boys to always love each other and look after each other. The only scary thought I have is that my little baby is becoming increasingly more grown up. He is 4 next February and the way time seems to gallop that's only a stone throw away:) Its scary to think how much more independent and chatty and predictable he is nowadays. I can actually do things around him and he really does seem to be able to play on his own. I love seeing him in his world of trains, cars and animals....he gets his inspiration from the you tube....but also from his brother who is making the most intricate and interesting movies. I am glad he has been also healthy and well. He had his ops in February and I have seen a massive improvement. Yes, he loves his dummy but I love it too. I am in no rush as I wasn't with R either to take things away from him partly because you can only be a child ones and because I don't like the very pushy and competitiveness here which is basically wrong on so many levels/ If he cant get away having a dummy now he is still 3 ....when can he?!
I enjoy seeing the transformation from baby to big boy.

finally spring?!

 It seems spring has finally come! I am loving the fact that we can sit in the garden and play in the courtyard after school. Don't know how many people have an opportunity to enjoy so much space around their home. I wished for years we had a bigger garden but did not embrace just how much more we have where we are here in Rochester. Considering how hilly Rochester is I seldom see a house with flat garden. We have a small garden and an even smaller back garden but we have enough space for the kids in the courtyard so they can ride their scooters and bikes....although some neighbours particularly one seems to get allergic to that....:))) still we took the opportunity these last few days to do drawing and colouring, picnicking,  having meals in the garden....and plays in the garden too.

 On such a lovely and windy day while I washed the car Zac and Henry (our neighbour and friend) had enjoyed some scooting.

 Off course we don't just play around the house...we also make it to our favourite place...Cyclopark. On this particular day we were fortunate to watch some of the top BMX riders at Cyclopark they were practicing for the following week's competition. Was great to get boys watch these great cyclers....:))

 And Zac, oh well Zac has been suprising me with moving on for nearly daily pleas for pancake to now SPACE ROCKET lollies:))) here is a moment of pure enjoyment:))

 After school we had made it to the very near Vines Park (what a wonderful place that is a haven for the hot days) http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/countryside_and_coast/parks_and_open_spaces/country_parks/the_vines_gardens.aspx

I am particularly thankful that we live in Rochester town centre. in walking distance we have two lovely parks one top of a hill and one on the riverside...while we have brilliant castle grounds and one of the oldest cathedrals within walking distance too. We are indeed so so blessed.

 Henry and Zac were having a little play in their imaginary house on wheels:))! They even ate there that evening.

 A little cheeky moment with lovely Martha(whom he calls Sarah) "steeling" some fruit and hiding ....to scare mums:)) THey were so pleased with themselves. This was followed by yummy coffee at the Cathedral Tearooms....! The nice thing is now that we take Reuben to school often we walk down the high street stopping at the bakery and then fruit and vegetable shop it just seems so natural...we discuss what we are about to cook that day and what ingredients we need....we also stop sometimes for a cheeky catch up with friends:))

 There is a lot of learning happening around here:))) Daddy is the favourite entertainer....not only does he have to build interesting buildings generally with massive towers...but he has to explain about buildings, structure etc...
To me the most amazing change since Zac's full works operation is that although slowly he is becoming confident, moody, tantrum and chatty :))
He has joined a nursery and loves it....and the biggest and most noticeable change right now is his communication....its pretty good.

 I love watching Zac in action...he is so different in that he loves pottering, he will be happy just about anywhere, as long as he has his trains and tracks, hot wheels, (now a yellow boat and a captain) and plenty footballs (oh and the scooter) he is pretty happy....he sleeps still most afternoons something I truly cherish and often I must admit I join him..."there is something incredibly amazing about falling asleep with Zac, when he lays down to sleep...instantly closes eyes, breathes regularly and within seconds he is fast asleep...and I follow....waking up together and him smiling and me...is so unique too"- this little boy is just sooo special.

Evening routine means winding down after bath time in his room....he often wonders in Reuben's room then back to his room to sit down and read....he really does study pages...he often asks for interpretation of the pictures but really does not like me reading him all the text....he also reads the picture really well. Generally explains what he notices....Thomas is cross, Edward is happy, eyes are closed..that would be James....and his favourite book is "just in case you ever wonder" - by Max Lucado and his Todler Bible given to him by Jim and Hester Gilbourne.

All in all, I am blessed and really am so so happy to see my baby growing and learning and developing...and the fact that he will be going to school in a years time is very very scary....no more babies in the house.

I am also thankful for the beautiful weather for the last two weeks and being able to enjoy our outdoors too. Boys have adjusted so well to me working and Granny has been so very helpful indeed too. Although sometime I am still a bit frustrated, flustered and anxious about my boys I am one happy mummy! Thank God for my beautiful family and for all that having a family brings in our lives...especially blessings and loads of fun!

Check out check out

I am slightly amuzed at this but for some reason Zac's update was posted on Reuben's I guess I was shattered! but to see the progress please check...
http://www.reubenandthesmiths.blogspot.co.uk/

 Yes! Its surley time! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ZACARIAH JESSE SMITH!- I AM GLAD YOU WERE BORN and glad GOD GAVE YOU LIFE after all the medical and scientific world seemed to think you won;t make it and would be born with at least three major abnormalities.

 From all of us here at MIKEY MOUSE CLUUBHOUSE!:)) We decided to throw Zac a party with his friends only (and no siblings) on Valentine Day...it was such a good day. the place was nice and peacefull and Zac and his friends were enjoying it so much.

 This little fella had just recovered a big ENT surgery, he had both tonsils and adenoids out and ear drum repair as well as grometts inserted in his ears. I am so pleased he is back to his old self just in time for his bday....

 My little tiger boy!:) This photo totally captures his real self:)

 with some of his lovley friends....I was so so very pleased we had all those invited come...well done little people and their parents.

 Andrei and Zac in the ball pit. Thanks to a very very good mummy friend Elena all kids had a  little extra joy!

 So many lovley lovley presents and they keep comming....STOP! My house is toooooo full with toys I have no space anymore.:))

 Granny came to check out some of the yummy things such as cakes and cookies. THanks to Sandra Miller (my wonderful nutritionist friend - we had some yummy cookies for a few days and were LOVING them).

 On his actual bday we had a lazy morning with pancakes cause he loves these...and off we went to London to the Museum of Childhood (this so that Reuben can explore more of the school theme this term (old toys)) but also cause it felt like something interesting to do....as well as taking a car ride, a train ride, bus ride and off course the UNDERGROUND. Everyone was happy even Nicholas, R's best friend.

 In the museum not only did we explore life size teletubbies and various building blocks and such...., the sandpit but also these Zoetropes?! they were def some favourites.

 After about 3 hours in the sandpit there was time to just sit back and snack a little....I love this photo....again well captured ...the boy who hates shoes and socks and loves snacking and eating...the one who also can sit still, still.

 Daddy showing off his architectural skills .....

We had so much fun up at the museum and got home late and shattered.

 Yes, and it had to be the bday week that Zac also started nursery....! I know....very very much of a surprise but we are back at Kloisters as I still think they are the cleanest and most structured and well equipped nursery in Rochester area. I had tried a few and had offers at a few (walking distance) nurseries but none of them comes close to Kloisters. I have to say Reuben had a very good education there and I believe had helped him tremendously to perpare for school....so back to Kloisters we went.

Zac went to see the nursery with me and immediatley felt at home, coat and shoes went off and playing had begun. I even said to him I will go off now and he waved happily. However, the day he actually started he was all excited bag ready and happy unyil he ran into his friend Andy and realised he was not going with his friend....:( he then demanded to go to Andy's nursery RIGHT NOW but soon calmed down...and realised his nursery wasnt bad either. I picked him up at 3pm and he was sleeping in on of the car beds....so cute. I was told he had not needed all day his dummy and had only just fallen asleep. he was very happy and I must say he chatted for the whole weekend....I was impressed. Back soon with his brother who is gona enjoy the holiday club there. I am excited....it will be a nice thing for R to spend half day with his brother in his own old nursery....wonder what stories will hear after. So a few new begginings. I am looking forward to whats around the corner iof YEAR 3-4.....hope loads of good stuff...God knows we had enough trials and tribulations during year 2-3! So upwards and forwards we go! but not forgetting the blessings that came our way with the birth and life of my gorgeous and wonderfull son Zacariah Jesse Smith.

 2013 January has seen us with some snow...finally the awaited snow meant we were able to enjoy two days of it. Boys were just so excited....one day Zac randomly took me to our summer favourite place the TEA ROOMS (cathedral tea rooms) he was I think shocked to find the garden closed however with puppy eyes and insistance "he had busniess to do there" we were allowed in there with Andrei his friend too. They had a nice scone and chattered about the summer time....it recently dawned on me Zac will be going to preschool this year and will be strange not having to lurk about with him:))

 Having had a nice peacefull and home Christmas boys had the time to really bond and discover there is fun being brothers....so when the snow came both of my boys showed their skills in being good sharing brothers. Zac has always been used to sharing however he has two friends who find it difficult sharing and suddenly I am hearing more "its mine", "mine" terms:) I hope it passess soon.

 Reuben has brought home RED the girraffe the class mascott and he had to be taken to the local chinese. Granny was offering to take boys there so while I took time out to work that evening granny took the three boys (daddy, Reuben and Zac) to their fav chinese.

 Very rarely do I give into having kids around here after school. Its hard as I have not seen R for the day its already 3:30 by the time we come home and so only little time before dinner, bath and sleep. However, Zac loves a party. His new thing is if anyone knocks or rings at the door he has to open the door (can be a bit lenghty wait) and greet the guests. Three of these blue uniformed kids I take swimming (one is my R) and the gorgeous blond boy is a neighbour who Reuben has befriended regularly. Zac loved being in the centre of attention of the big boys.

 And yes, we had done the unthinkable too! After a long struggle with ENT problems (10 confirmed infections only through 2012) and a lot of respiratory issues he was finally admitted for surgery on 28th January! I did not know at the time of choosing my NHS provider that by not choosing Medway where we live(their appointments just were not suitable to us) it meant we would have to go to Tunbridge Wells....Pembury Hospital. I was sooo impressed....we had a luxorious room with plenty gadgets and well his reaction after the 1 hour car trip was Wow as he passed the toys in the play area and the room. He hopped up the bed and commanded to put a DVD on so we were having no problems.

 I guess my fear was the no eating before surgery....however Zac did not wake until it was time to go and I had put him in his snow suit which meant he could continue to sleep in the car. He didnt. He was amazed by the moon which was a perfect ball. At hospital the surgeon has waited patiently for us...we were a little late due to traffic. We were seen by a wonderful anaestesist and I was able to take him all the way to the theatre. He was puzzeled by the magic cream (but loved the plasters), the doctors loved his cooperation (yes I have strange kids they love gadgets and drs)...I must say it was fun being greeted at the theatre "its a pijama party Zac" and bubbles blowing and baloons and all....he did not struggle he let them take blood and put the injections in his little wrist....he just held on to me and watched the bubbles. I was asked to give him a kiss and next he flopped down....ready to sleep. I must admit I had good experience of Gen Anaestetic so I secretly wished I was given one to for a few days so I can sleep off this tiredness. He was wisked away...through the doors and a very sweet young nurse walked me back to our ward.

 After about 45 mins (while we had a costa tostie and coffee (cause the hospital has a costa restaurant and my darlink husband wanted to make it easier for me))a beautiful young nurse came with Zac (I can still smell her scent) who was now whimpering and confused. I took him in my arms and he was very floppy confused and that is when I was a little emotional.  I noticed the cotton wool with blood shots in his ears, as he cried I noticed the swollen throat...and much larger looking, and his nose was dripping....three procedures all around his little head. He cried a lot so the nurse took pitty and gave him some morphine after which he slept a good 45 mins.

 When he woke we had made sure that we had CBEEBIES on and some of his fav toys. He soon set up and the nurse brought him toast and icecream. He loved the icecream and soon after that ate my panini and crisps....:)) I was feeling very positive.

 A good few hours later out in the play area my son was enjoying himself so much. My little Zac was back to life....I am so proud of him. I have never imagined such a quick recovery. THe nurse and drs were impressed with him and his ability to resume to normality...without any drama. When he was brought out the surgery all he kept asking me was "go home...mummy car" I was telling him we have to stay a little longer, he then said "please and see Buben"....my heart melted....my son wanted home one thing I couldnt do for him. But after 6 hours we were allowed to take him home...he was so excited when he saw his brother he screamed with joy. I shall always remember this day.

All ready to go home.....!! IT was something I am ready to also know behind me. It wasnt easy but hopefully my little boy will have a happier 2013!!! his quality of life will be that much better. I will be glad if it meant fewer trips to drs and less stressfull nights. We are now home and recovering. He has to stay at home for at least a week befeor he has playdates. We are past out first night which was traumatic with a lot of crying but we had slept following day and recuperated. Hopefully we are soon gna be able to take a few walks out and about and one step at the time....see the birthday and enjoy it.