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.

hurry up 3!!!

So as per Reuben's blog we had all been ill! Poor Zac was also struck down by the horrible coughing and fevering virus thing thats been going around Reuben;s school and its my turn now. We had spent a lot of the very short days and long dark evening in the house. I am always on the lookout for constructive things to do with my boys. Although we have plenty friends we have not really ventured out to anyone in particular.....instead its the kind of Advent/Christmas we always wanted - the horrid bugs. Off course I am not wishing time away but I cant wait for Zac to be 3, I hope and pray his tantrums and frustrations dissapear and I can have back my gorgeous angel. I mustnt complain as he has always been fantastic at sleeping and I just cant say how glad I am he loves his new todler bed and seems so happy in it...
He also loves his food (something thats entirely new to me because R was always and is so fussy with food). I love his indepenece and the way he wonders with his blanket into the kitchen and self service like he helps himself to ceareals or bread or pretty much anything. I can hear the chair being pulled or pushed to the desired cupboard or fridge the rest is really quite impressive. I off course don;t really like him reaching up to high as we have ceramic tiles and would not like an accident.

 Reading bedtime story with Daddy in R;s big bed!

 doing a bit of angel decorating after we decorated the kitchen windows:)

 at messy play getting messy!

I hope by the age of 3 he will have an interest in potty training and speak better although I have to say he speaks just fine to me and I am really not that competitive about the potty training issue....! Here are some of our favourite photos. Enjoy!

DECEMBER POST

Its been a busy months followed by DECEMBER...I am trying for the first time in ages to hold on to time and try and capture it but days never seemed so short and so packed ever! - Boys keep me on my toes. Zac is a real character. Very determined often makes me really think he is no longer my baby and indeed he is soon no longer as he will be 3 in Feb. His Best friend Andy is already 3 years old....

 A moment with mummy in Subway both boys are in love with cheese toasty at Subway. They ask for it all the time when we go past. I cant complain as Zac eats anything and everything....he is a real delight. First at the table when I call out for them to come for dinner. He is always licking his lips in expectation and anticipation and his eyes and mannarisms tell me WELCOME FOOD....on his behalf! He also is very good at telling me if something is YUMMM which is anything and everything. NOt many things Zac won;t take...so I am blessed....this time round!

 One of his little girlfriends called Emily! They will be in the same class should we get into the same school as R. Below also Sophia with her tongue out is girlfriend nr 2 who also will share the same teacher:)) and there is one other Emily and off course Andy...a really good class....I already feel sorry for the teacher!!:) But one thing its guaranteed...they will be amazingly cute and gorgeous kids.

Happy Birthday to beautiful Emily! She has the most beautiful blue eyes!

 Sophia! Look at this pink cutey!! -

 PANCAKES!!! Zac wouldnt mind if I made pancakes every morning....he just loves pancakes with sugar especially so Saturdays we make them ....

 This December has meant we were gona try and make an effort to join in the ridiculous Dickensian Christmas Fayre in Rochester especially as it means as much as walking out the door and watching it all happening.  This evening we walked down with the amazingly massive crowds and when we got to the Cathedral we sang some few carols...! Boys were excited but couldnt see at all. I took it upon myslef to make them enjoy so up they went on the tree (to the complete and utter dislike from the older folks around us). Zac loved seeing the (fake) snow and the people singing....he was mesmerised. I personally don;t have a problem with kids being on trees they need to see to learn and I am seriously concerned that with new Health and Safety regulations they won;t get to ever have the adventure of climbing trees and all they will be doing will be playing on laptops. Lucky my kids are very excited to do such adventurous things.

 I am loving Zac being able to really understand more about things. Not sure how much he gets out of the Christmas story but I am determined to teach them the story as its such unique and comforting story. I also hope that it will be a family tradition that we can go through the story.....and it will always give us something new and magical....

my two beautiful Godly presents. I will always be eternally grateful to God that I had been gifted with the most possible precious gifts my boys. I am intending to take good care of them...I love them so much sometimes I could just hug the feeling its so strong and vivid. Hopefully Zac will be able to embrace Christmas this year much better too. So far no illness so I am even more happy and grateful. THANK you GOD!

 Cold weeks and very gloomy England...thats all I can say! So back to nice soups, stews and heart warming things! The fact that 4pm brings the dark....means we feel evenings are very condensed and trying to make most of them.

 We had a lovley play date at one of my very special friends Dionne. Her Blake, shares the same bday as Reuben except he is so much younger....

 Blake and Zac make a good team. THey were exploring the garden and enjoying a little sun the only sun we had for ages....Zac is always so keen on playdates...but latley maybe due to the cold...the many layers one has to wear his slogan is "stay here" which means he wants to stay home.

 What does one do when he is invited to his BEST FRIEND's BDAY? - well without (and I am not kidding you) knowing we had dressed the kids the same. It was funny there was not gona be a theme but I shopped for his cake and I saw similar serviettes and plates and table cloths and I decided I had to get it. With it I also got him a nice Minnie Baloon (helium one) and off course his present. I know somewhere I had a Mickey T shirt for Zac but I wasnt sure Andy had one. When eventually I dropped off the shopping my best friend Elena's house she must have thought she should get in the Mickey thing as I went to town with the theme. It wasnt until I got there (Kidz Zone) with my two and Nicholas (the bday boy;s brother who I collected from school) that I realised not only I influenced the bday greatley I had also clearly kept my son to the theme. thats ok though as they are best friends....!!:)) Zac even got the place of honor and set right next to his best friend at the Bday table and blew out candles with him and all. (Nope we did not steel or highjacked his presents...we did know who the bday boy was). Zac was so excited to share in Andrei-s bday. Its hard to think they are and nearly are 3 years old.

 Here is my happy bunnu with beautiful Alexia (hello kitty) and Andrei the Bday boy!

It has been a really nice half term....we had the English Cousins around. What a great priviledge and what fabulastic fun. Boys were just loving playing hide and seek and sharing meals was not only a good challange (as my kitchen not massivley big, but also everyone envisaged and felt like eating different things so) ....it was fun too

Yes! One thing we do celebrate!!!!! YES WE DO get interested in ...is Children in Need! my little pudsey bear! Zac was loving the facepainting at 8am in the morning....and patiently waited for his turn as his brother had to be first due to him having to leave to school. Yes, I know we don;t observe Halloween and certainly not keen on Guy Fawkes...but bring on Children in need....! And soon getting all excited about ADVENT!!!! No not the chockolate the real ADVENT ....the time of expecting great things. How sad so few people get excited and go town about that....:(, there might be more fun to be scientific but I personally think when you experience God and know your God all else is less captivating. My parents gave me faith as the biggest gift and the most valuable thing they could it was through observing together the miracles around us that we understood that dimension of faith that to many seems such a load of rubbish....but that rubbish keeps changing people's lives and makes miracles happen....someone once said:, if there isnt a God and I choose to believe in one...I loose nothing .... If there is a God and I choose to believe in him I win it all. Well, when it comes to it...thats what I feel and I wish to tell my kids about it.
Moving on...:) House is still on the market. Funny how when you get potential buyers you realise how much you love your home...and what it actually means to you....,
Zac has been interestingly not suffering of infections lately but interestingly we had now seen a specialist with regards to the many infections he had and after many tests it seems he will soon have his tonsils out and gromets put in..but at least it should improve the quality of his life! YAY to that I say.