FRAMED

Kyoto Kitchen, Winchester

Kyoto Kitchen
70, Parchment St
Winchester
Hants
SO23 8AT
01962 890895
kyotokitchen.co.uk

FRAMED

Winchester Fashion Show 

A winning weekend in Winchester

The strangest thing; winning that radio competition. I found out Friday Simon and I would be off to Winchester the very next day, and only a day before, I'd been on air telling my story to the whole of the south. But it was the evening before that, when quite out of the blue relatives had rung to say: "We're coming to have the kids for you on Saturday; you never get a break." Imagine my delight, when not only did I win the prize, but the sitter was already booked! And I never enter competitions... So yes, it was the strangest thing. The planets had aligned. 

Saturday morning the grandparents arrived early, and we left early. Winchester via Sat Nav is a novel travel experience. Back roads twist and tangle, passing thatched cottages and farmland in turn. The Hampshire countryside is at its best in the early morning sunshine and one gets a sense of Austen's territory. It is just beautiful.

I tried not to let my Sat Nav prejudice ruin our run and resulted in following Simon in following his toy. (I did wonder where the hell it was taking us though and if I would be sat in the hairdresser hot seat on time?). Half an hour on, about to sit in said hot seat, I swallowed my pride, agreeing yes it was not only the prettiest way - but also (grrrr) apparently, the fastest too. 

MENTAL NOTE: Is it just us, or does Sat Nav cause other couples such grief? 

And the sun came out!

It's lovely having warmer weather. We have been outside more than inside most of the week, and that's been wonderful. People are smiling and generally LIFE AS IT IS for everyone, is on the up. I love Winter, but I love Summer more!

The downside is that work is mad at the moment, (all good - I cannot complain), but finding yourself at a desk looking out to the blue skies is rubbish. Good job I'm able to work in the evenings is all I can say, for I've let a lot of the desk sitting be done when the sun has disappeared. Priorities right?!

Additional work has meant that I've not read a book I was supposed to have. My mates have organised a book club (how very grown-up - I must be in my 40's) and it is due to meet this coming week. I am only as far as chapter four. The wine and nibbles will compensate for not joining in with the review, girls - I apologise in advance.

You would have thought I could have read the book throughout our Easter holiday, but no, I was too busy doing nothing... We had a lovely break in Cornwall and the time away was heaven sent. Cornwall is a corner of the country that I would love to explore a whole lot more. I've learnt that beach days are sometimes best when cold, and flying kites with a 4yo and a 19mo is a brilliant way to pass the time. While there though, I could have done without the minor concussion... must remember for future reference that cottages have low doors!

Have been gardening since we got back and spring cleaning in general. What is it about having a good clear out? It gives you so much energy. So much energy, that although I have had to work so much, and not read a book so much, I found the time to enter a competition on local radio. Well, you'd never guess... I only went and won it. Amazing. It is true, you have to be in it to win it.

Tomorrow, the OH and I are off to be thoroughly spoilt: lunch/dinner/champers/hair&makeover (that's me) and general pampering for the whole day and night. Doesn't get much better than that, does it? So yes, the sun is shining. And it would appear it is shining down on me. 

Must dash... I'm off to buy a lottery ticket!

FURTHER TRAVEL TALES: Blessed in Bangkok

In a near forgotten past and in a life before children, there was a young girl who wandered without bags under her eyes but with a bag on her back. Here she returns to notes she made while visiting Bangkok. Oriental city and complete chaos... 

 

I make for the canal and pass Wat Poh, Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace on route. A royal bombast, they represent Thailand’s history and architectural experimentation. Polished orange and green roof tiles bedeck their colourful treasures. Gold features heavily. Mosaic encrusted pillars and deluxe marble compliment extensive murals and statues. It is an aesthetic orgy whose rich appearance contrasts with the bright blue sky and the beggars beyond. 

The water taxi can wait. For the lure of such elaborate beauty is hard to resist. I cover my shoulders for the Reclining Buddha, who apparently blesses me as I light him a candle. The mood within is purely spiritual and the aroma of incense encourages the calmness. Three young boys, heads shaved and orange robed, walk serenely by. My gaze follows their direction and I notice a sign for the massage school.

Wat Poh is the national head quarters for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai massage and medicine. Wandering in to a large room littered with bodies, it isn’t long before I too, lie on a mat that may as well not be there. The next hour I am pushed and pulled in directions alien to my now backpack styled slouch. The masseur means business. Her tiny hands work fast and hard. Her size betrays her strength. She cracks the vertebrae all the way up my spine, she doesn’t stop there and it feels as though my neck is doubling in length.

There are lots of locals here. Their voices remain at a melodic hush. It is apparent that this is a school of healing and not just relaxation. People are here for help. The Thai woman lying beside me yelps out loudly in pain. It is rather alarming. The two masseurs nod at each other. I am sure I observe ever such a slight smile between them. It is as though they are in competition. The one working on me kneels on my inner thigh. I grimace slightly.  Then I float.  

On the water taxi I feel so relaxed from my massage, I dreamily gaze over to the bank, not hearing the noise of the engine or smelling its smoking diesel. The canal meanders alongside lush greenery, teak houses on stilts and more temples.

A sudden movement catches my eye. A man holds an eel he has just caught in his hands. The water is brown and thick and he clambers out of it onto the make shift raft of four drum canisters supporting a piece of iron. He replaces his flip-flops, and climbs up the rubber-tire stairway to street level, dripping and clutching his catch. In the next tiny inlet, a young girl sits, washing clothes. 

Glancing down over the side of the boat I reflect: Quite clearly Thailand’s riches are not simply to be found within its palaces and temples. Momentarily the girl looks up at the busy water taxi passing by, then, continues with her work. I cannot see any soap powder. All I see are thousands of television aerials, surrounding a massive Coca-cola sign suspended high above her. The consumerist West invades my daydream. And then I'm moving again - this time in a taxi on the road.

Even more down to earth with a bump (4)

Continuing my record of Sofia Faith's pregnancy -

WEEK NINE

The nausea and vomiting continue. They are such great signs I cannot ever complain – and I wont – but it is so tiring. On top of already being tiring. I read that even when you are resting at this stage, it is as if you are mountain climbing.

WEEK TEN

I've got itchy legs and often wake up through the night scratching them. If not I wake up to wee. Oh and when I don't wake up, it's because I'm already awake. Yes, the insomnia continues to eat in on my nights. However, I do think that overall, things are improving.

 

WEEK ELEVEN

Ha! This morning I threw up four times in a lay-by trying to take Esme, my two-year-old to nursery. As I hung out the driver door, I could hear her enquiring, "Mummy, Mummy." Each time I tried to respond, I puked some more. Unpleasant.

This week is an important milestone for me. Last pregnancy I got to this very point, and began bleeding. Two days on I lost that little being.

WEEK TWELVE

It is a great feeling - not only to have made it beyond the point of our miscarriage - but also to have had our 12 week scan. It's amazing to know that all is well with our baby. 

Our baby is measuring two inches long.

Our baby is sucking its thumb. 

Our baby has its legs crossed. 

Our baby is sat in the very bottom of my uterus.

Our baby is looking like it's snoozing in a hammock. 

Our baby is a bloody wonder.

Our baby.

Even more down to earth with a bump (3)

Continuing my record of Sofia Faith's pregnancy -

WEEK SIX

Welcome to pregnancy. 

I've noticed nausea creeping in over the last few days and this morning I was really constipated. Lovely!

My stomach is absolutely huge - already, and it is very difficult to hide the fact that I’m pregnant. None of my clothes fit comfortably, and most of them I can't wear anymore. It was the same with Esme's pregnancy, and the subsequent miscarriage, and it's as astonishing to me now, as it was then. What is that all about? Oh and also, my tits have begun their ascent into Kahunaville.

I've an early scan booked in for a couple of weeks time because of my miscarriage history. On one hand it can't come quick enough and on the other, I'm dreading it.

WEEK SEVEN

Great news! I've thrown up two days on the trot. YEY! It’s such a good sign, but still I’m worried about the scan next week. I’m so scared we won’t see a heartbeat. I keep having flashbacks to last time. It hasn't helped that this morning I woke up feeling normal. Not pregnant at all. My boobs were no longer tender, my tummy looked flat again, and worst of all, I no longer felt sick. I've all but convinced myself that I’m losing it.

 xxxx

One day to go until the scan and thank God I threw up this morning. Vomiting gave me the courage to do another test. I was shaking as I peed on the stick – but yes, there are definitely two lines to see, not one. If only we could bottle 'relief'.

WEEK EIGHT

We had the scan this morning. 

There was a heartbeat; it flashed away like E.T.'s in zipped up plastic bag state.

It is 13mm long and looks normal at this stage. 

Deep breath. 

Thank God.

It must have been the fairy?

Sofia is smiling again. Yes, indeed, larger than life she's back, and not only that, it would appear the fairies have been in...

So this morning Esme Grace (gregarious 4YO) decided to dress Sofia Faith (mischievious 18MO) in the Tinkerbell outfit. I have to say it looked somewhat un-Tink-like though, for prior to being dragged out of the dress-up box for the second child's leap into imaginary play, it had already served one child's lifetime of fairy quota. It's grotty to say the least. 

Not threadbare thou, yet, but clearly that won't be long. Honestly, the way it was hoisted and inched over Fia is beyond me. I'm not sure I could have squished her in it. Esme obviously managed, down to her basic bossiness. But then Sofia is so much more compliant for her big sister. (Little moo)!

How much bigger is Sofia than Esme at the same age? Don't compare your second to your first so the saying goes, but sod the saying - it's too easy to look back and compare in our household, for they are exactly three years apart, give or take two days. And Fia is so much taller. Truly I love that she is of Amazonian stature already, her blond Boris locks self-twisted to dreds and sticking out all angles, adding to her overall dimensions. 

So tall yes, plump no. Rather solid. Solid to the point that the Tinkerbell dress over her pj's and a cardi, when stretched over her torso looked like a sausage skin at the butchers; fully loaded. Adorably hilarious! Plus a ruddy cheeked smile that made the trauma of the last few weeks melt away.

I'm guessing it must have been something to do with fairy magic?

An hour later, Tinkerbell was sat smiling, surrounded by soil, complete with mud in her mouth, skew-whiff wings, having pushed over a poinsettia. So yes, Sofia is back. 

And I'm so very thankful.

My delicious girl is back

It's been a while; I've been enjoying my two daughters immensely over the last few days and blog writing has taken a backseat. As it should when you are reminded so sullenly about their precious beings and just what they mean to you; what is un and what is im portant. So with that in mind, I'm keeping it short, but just to say, yey! I've got my delicious girl back. There's colour in her cheeks again... A brightness in her eyes... A fire in her belly... An oomph in her thwack! Gotta love that.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR much-loved COMMENTS!

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you that have ever left a comment on LIFE AS IT IS but especially for all the well wishes that have accumulated today on the post regarding Sofia and her fight with pneumonia, her colour drained, her mischieviousness disappeared. 

I'm not sure why every time I reply to a comment it simply disappears - perhaps it is from when LIFE AS IT IS was hacked, perhaps it is down to my archaic mac, perhaps I've done something silly with the settings, yes perhaps it is me simply being the techy twit that I am?!

What I do know is that I have tried to respond to say thank you to you all for your lovely comments on the GraceFaith blog and to let you know that Sofia Faith is much better again today.

After Monday's improvements, Tuesday I was very disappointed as she was laid out again, Wednesday she was up and down, then yesterday stronger and today even more so. She is definitely heading in the right direction now. I had pneumonia in 2006 and remember the two steps forward, one step back nature of the illness as far as recovery... 

I will only know she is 100% when she climbs back on the dining room table again, and yes, I'll be sure to share that with you. In the meantime, thank you for reading, but most of all for commenting. 

It is lovely getting to know the blogging community. Now have yourselves a great weekend ;-) 

Emma x

PS I've gone mad and ordered a new Mac, so let's hope the not being able to reply is soon a thing of the past!

Musings of a 4YO

The following was literally all spoken in the space of a few minutes on a post peaches and custard teatime high. One question: Is it any wonder that us parents are so shagged all the time?

 

Mummy, I really really wanted to have glasses, but now I've decided it is a lot boring. They are hurting me. They only hurt me when they are on my nose too much. It really really hurts in school because they are on my face all the time. 

Next breath:

Mummy, when I am ten, I would like to be Connor's brother and live with him. And I want there to be Connor's mummy and daddy and my mummy and daddy living there too.

Next breath:

Mummy, do you remember when they had stickers at the doctor's and I was allowed one?

Next breath:

Hello mummy, I'm scooting and I've just run over an ant. I'm going to see Fia. I can whack her with my lightsaber.

Next breath:

Where's granny's card? Nevermind, I can make granny's card... Mummy I need dark pink...

Her colour drained, her mischieviousness disappeared.

A post before the children wake. It's been a great night's sleep. Unusual in this house of late. But I hope that means that the latest antibiotic Sofia Faith has been taking, along with the steroids and inhalers, have helped her over her month long illness. 

We were back at the GP's yesterday to discuss why the duty doctor sent us to Hospital on Saturday, the chest xray results and the pneumonia Sofia's been fighting. Poor lamb. She has been very unwell. A spiking temperature has plagued her, along with a dreadful cough - at times this has been her only movement, otherwise laid out on my lap, listless, limp. 

I only got the seriousness of it all when she could no longer cry with the usual furor. Instead a sad whimpering pleaded with me, her eyes looking for mine continually, wanting reassurance that only I could give - or pretend to give. 

Sofia has been an extension of me for almost four weeks, sat on my hip as I would cook, sat on my hip as I took Esme to school, sat on my lap at all other times, even sometimes sat on my lap as I would wee. 

Yesterday however, she found a toy to play with in the morning, all by herself, and I could see her cheeks had the tiniest tinge of pink to them, her eyes a hint of brightness - and was that the merest moment of mischieviousness there my girl as you went to drink our good friend's cup of cold mint tea off the side? I hope so Fia. I really do, it will be good to have you back again!

Even more down to earth with a bump (2)

Continuing my record of Sofia Faith's pregnancy -


WEEK FOUR

God my boobs are tender. And they look bigger too. 

My stomach is totally bloated and my emotions are all heightened.

I'm two days late. Dare I do a test? It’s always so disappointing. 

What the hell I will. 

OMG. There are two pink lines on the stick. That’s amazing. 

And would you believe it? If you read the previous posting of 'Even more down to earth with a bump' (1), you will know I’ve just had my hair cut. Flippin’ heck!

WEEK FIVE

Ok so I know I’m thrilled to be pregnant, but I’m only five weeks (literally just) and already the symptoms are kicking in. It is 2am and I have come down to get some warm milk in the hopes that it will have a soporific effect.

I woke to wee at midnight and have been awake ever since. Apparently insomnia is common for many women in this stage of pregnancy. Tomorrow night I will eat a banana before going to bed. Natural yogurt and seeds are also supposed to help?

Oh the fun. Already. And I have an absolutely stinking cold – it isn’t helping that I can’t take any drugs for that.

I'm also concerned about the supplements I’ve been taking to try and fall pregnant. Now that I am up the duff, should I be on all of them? Probably not, I'll stop them, but I'm sure that they, and the cranial osteopath I’ve recently seen, are the reason I’m sitting here wide awake in the middle of the night right now.

Enough is enough, back to bed to try again. 

xxxxx

I've done three more pregnancy tests this week. 

They still all say positive. 

I'm finding it difficult to believe them; they're taunting me. 

Secretly I'm terrified.

Fresh out of bed musings of a 4YO

E: Mummy, I'm the most beautiful little girl aren't I?

M: Yes, darling you are.

E: Yes, more beautiful than all the others.

M: Well I think so. But Esme, let me tell you... all the other mummy's think that their little girl's are the most beautiful. And when you have a little girl one day, you will think that she is the most beautiful. It's all to do with loving them so much.

Esme ponders and coming up to kiss me, says,

E: But you are the most beautiful of all the mummy's.

That's how to start the day. And it's Friday ;-)

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Why not bid for a Real Madrid ball signed by the likes of Ronaldo, Pepe and Kaka?

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and my local Down Syndrome support group, Stepping Stones DS will be auctioning a football signed by the Real Madrid squad. 

The auction will run for ten days on Ebay, concluding on March 21st at 21.03, the date and time signifying the third and additional chromosome present in people with Down syndrome.

By auctioning the ball that was kindly donated by the Real Madrid Shirt sponsor BWin, Stepping Stones DS hope to raise both awareness and funds, the money providing ball skills sessions for the children for a further year. The importance of these sessions is to help improve gross motor skills and self confidence.

Keep in touch with the auction at https://www.facebook.com/steppingstonesds or aim straight for Ebay, at 'Real Madrid signed footbal.'

Bag lady, hives and where the hell did Spring go?

I realised today that I was dressed like a bag lady - it is so cold. Not a good look. Glad I didn't have to go out. Was in all day with toddleritis. AGAIN. Why is it that small children get sick in the Winter months? It's downright miserable when it's so cold you can't get out to air their germs for long. It has been three weeks now of interrupted sleep, where if it hasn't been one, it has been the other. It all began with teething, chased by bad dreams, followed by a double ear infection, and a virus from school which involved tummy ache and high temps, (still dropping like flies), and now a sneezy cold that results in snot stained sheets like you would not believe. Then last night we hit an all time low and she had an allergic reaction, vomiting and barking while the hives rose on her face. Not sure what set that off. Not the antibiotics - she's been on Amoxycillin once before - oh yes, she's struggling with a chest infection, did I forget that? So she's fighting the rugby ball spacer for the Ventolin several times a day as well. That's a scrum I could do without. And lastly, I ponder on the fact that she may well be harbouring chickenpox (for I ran in to a neighbour whose little one Fia mingles with, is riddled). Three weeks of crap sleep. Ha, is it any surprise that I'm looking like a bag lady? Must try harder. And to think I thought Spring had sprung this time last week...

Esme gets glasses (2)

Having collected Esme's new glasses we returned home for supper. Shortly afterwards, Esme discovered an ant on the floor. 

'Mummy, I've seen a very clever ant. It's done a handstand and then flipped over and landed on its back,' her glasses clearly working well.

At bedtime, I labelled the case and put them in her book bag ready for their first trip out to school the next day. 

Next morning, we were very nearly late to class, for on the way she had to stop and show off her glasses to every single parent she knew.  

Walking in, Esme beamed with pride at her teacher. She opened the case and oops, they fell on the floor. Quickly retrieved and carefully placed upon her pretty nose (with seemingly exaggerated arm movement), they seemed to sparkle. Was it my imagination or so too did Esme?

When I heard the teacher ask her if she wanted to tell the other children about her glasses, I knew it was time for me to head off. I watched Esme nod enthusiastically before kissing her goodbye. Reluctantly, I took both my toddler and my leave.

Esme holding court, called out a brief and cheery goodbye. I knew my girl would be just fine. I on the other hand walked home cuddling in Sofia and trying not to blub; brimming with pride at the way in which Esme was taking it all in her stride.

The day passed and I was soon there to pick Esme up. As she appeared in the line of children, I had to do a double take. She didn't look like my Esme. I felt a pang. All the other mums oohed and aahed as she came towards me. I felt another pang. We had a big hug. She burst in to tears. 

Home again and she was tired, she had a slight temperature. I put her on the sofa and put CBeebies on the tele. I watched Esme uncurl on her side with her head awkwardly upon the frame's metal arm. Said limb not looking half as sparkly now; just uncomfortable. They may yet take some getting used to after all.

My bespectacled beauty

Almost a week on I realise that even if Esme has taken no time at all settling in to her new glasses, for me, it's been a slightly different matter. The relief I felt that Esme was happy to wear them was immediate, but looking at her wearing them, has taken a little longer. God, she looks so grown-up!

Esme Grace only really has one thing to contend with as far as adapting to wearing them, and that is her little mischievious sister. Sofia Faith can be found waiting for an opportune moment to lunge and grab the specs from Esme's nose. Esme yells, Fia screams, all hell breaks loose and Fia is left with her disgruntled Winston Churchill frown, and Esme pious - in the way that only a glass wearer knows how to be. Spec envy is not something I ever envisaged having to referee, but I am. And so LIFE AS IT IS moves on, with the Grace half of the blog now seeing things a little more clearly.

Esme gets glasses (1)

Esme has gone to school today wearing glasses for the first time. I didn't see that coming - no pun intended. Seriously, Simon or myself never had any trouble with our eyes as children. I now need glasses for reading, computer work and close up stuff - but isn't that normal after turning 40?

We had an inkling after Esme failed the school eye examination. When I asked her about it, she'd said, 'Mummy, some of the letters were teeny weeny, I struggled to see them.' 

Talking it through over breakfast, I'd told her we would need to see an eye doctor. She barely let me finish my sentence: 'Oh good Mummy. I hope that means I need glasses. I would like pink ones with owls on them.' What a girl!

The first time we went to the opticians, she had an issue with the gymnastics kit she was wearing and the shiny leatherette chair. If she wasn't slipping off the seat, then the cyborg head gear was slipping off her. It came as no surprise that the test was inconclusive. 

The second time we went to the opticians, Esme was going to have eye drops in each eye to dilate the pupils and relax the muscles. It prevents the eye moving constantly around - as a 4YO's would- and gives the optometrist the opportunity to check more thoroughly.

Esme was good as gold. She allowed the second eye drop in without argument, even though the first had clearly stung. Oh the lure of a cupcake. Ten minutes later she sat devouring one, sunglasses in situ to prevent any unwanted glare in to her now open and consistently wide pupils. She looked as if she was at a rave and I was tempted for a moment to bust some Bob Builder style, big fish little fish cardboard box moves.

Sponge and sugar icing later, holding on to the seat once more, the verdict was delivered. Esme will need glasses to prevent her straining and to help her eyes develop properly. She is long-sighted. 

Esme grinned from ear to ear and took no time at all in choosing her frames, clearly delighted at the prospect. Meanwhile, my mind was flipping cartwheels...

How could this be? Is it down to her birth and the trauma of the ventouse delivery? Has she suffered with headaches? Would she have been struggling, and (typical Esme) dealing with it quietly, all the time thinking it was normal? Would she always need glasses? Would she be bullied at school as a consequence? That evening, I cried silent tears for all the questions left hanging.

A few days later, lens fitted, we were back at the shop to try them on for size. I smiled at my still very little girl. She smiled right back, her bespectacled beauty now in front of me holding a mirror to see herself wearing them for the first time. Her response to said reflection was equally as gorgeous: Esme carefully placed the mirror down and then actually skipped right through the middle of the shop. (Her skipping has been at that not quite in sync stage forever, but the afternoon's happiness factor seemed to compensate for something, and she skipped perfectly). 

 And the glasses? She didn't want to take them off. Which was probably just as well.

Is that the first daff in the garden I see before me?

OMG I think Spring may have sprung?

We are loving the blue skies and sunshine.

Hope that you are too?

Children and the importance of praise

Something that Esme (my musing 4YO) said last night has bothered me. She told me that a child in her year had whispered to her, "I'm not very good at anything." When I asked Esme what her response had been, she shrugged and said, "I didn't say anything Mummy." Of course she didn't, for this is beyond a 4YO's emotional and social capacity. I took a positive angle, and said to Esme, 'What nonsense. For starters, we know that XXXX is good at running.' And indeed, I bet that child is good at lots of things. Though perhaps they just aren't told enough.

It got me thinking about the importance of praise and how negative reinforcement can have a thoroughly disabling effect on a child. From babyhood through toddlerhood, we ought to remember (and if you like, train ourselves) to offer an explanation each time we say no, to distract and move on positively. And to our pre-schoolers and rising fives, we ought to remember to calmly remove them from what they are doing that is wrong, or tell them what they're saying is not appropriate, and then talk about it afterwards, reinforcing the good at all times.

First of all, it disturbs me that this little person already feels this way. Secondly, I'm surprised that a 4YO can voice this - ie it almost sounds like it has been said to this child and the child is repeating it. I hope I'm wrong. Low self-esteem at any age is worrying, but at age four? One thing is for certain, if this child is struggling in the classroom environment, maybe he or she needs extra help. In the meantime, we all ought to be concentrating on the very things our children are good at.

There's a line in the fab fairytale film 'Pretty Woman,' where Julia Robert's character says, 'If you get put down enough, you start to believe it.' It is true. Do not under-estimate the way in which your child believes every single word you say. And never under-estimate, the power of positive reinforcement.

A quick 'n' tasty dish for the children tonight?

I've never cooked this before and was delighted when Esme (4YO) and Sofia (17MO) both cleared their bowls. It is a variation on pasta bake, and yes, I didn't have any pasta! But in all honestly, I never thought it would work quite so well!

You will need:

Rice

Sweetcorn (frozen)

Tin of toms (half)

Chopped courgette (half)

Tin of tuna

Squirt of ketchup

Cheese to top

How easy is this dish?

Cook the rice, add the corn. In a frying pan cook the courgette, add the toms and the tuna. Then add the rice and corn, stir in the ketchup and serve with a generous helping of cheese. Hey presto. Delicious!

Even more down to earth with a bump (1)

My record of Sofia Faith's pregnancy: week 3

I've had my hair cut off. I've been threatening to do it for ages. God knows I've only kept it long as I thought it would be easier while having babies. But baby number two has taken so long to materialise, that this week I decided enough is enough and I've finally gone for it. It is quite short. If I'm honest, I look like I'm wearing a crash helmet. 

And unaware of why, I totally feel like shit. Hungover. Just without the alcoholic intake. How's that for pants?

Secondary Infertility & helping yourself (2)

Secondary infertility is a real issue. The amount of women having trouble falling pregnant with their second is really staggering. Not so very long ago, I was one of those women, and I went on a mission to do everything I could to help aid my fertility.

I was able to have one baby. Why could I not carry a second? 

Anxiety, failure, loss, grief. These are words that are all associated with Secondary Infertility (also referred to as SI). It is a cruel issue that now affects 1 in 5 couples and is for the most part unexplained.

Of course age has to be a massive player. For women are leaving it later and later to start a family, and the quality of their eggs deteriorates with age. The pressure that women put themselves under, such as wanting a particular age-gap between siblings, is also a very real factor, as is the tiredness brought on by having a first child already.

For me, due to being nearly 40, help from the NHS was limited. I did go on to progesterone. I don't think it helped though for the side-effects included hair loss, bloating and irritability. Considering you are supposed to have loads of sex to get pregnant, that's hardly a turn-on. What did help me however, were the following... 

Babycare Before Birth by Zita West, midwife and all-round fertility guru. Especially the first section, 'Building Blocks,' which informs on how to help prepare your body for pregnancy. (Babycare Before Birth Dorling Kindersley, 2006)
 

Changing my diet – mainly eating lots of protein and anti-oxidants.

Taking supplements of L-arginine, amino acids, multi-vitamins, and of course folic acid, and, because of my miscarriage history, junior aspirin (75mg). 

Agnus Castus, a homeopathic remedy to balance hormones (apparently it doesn't help everyone).

MLD (see my previous SI post) as a treatment also good for balancing hormones.

Cranial Osteopathy 


If you would like to read more, including what Zita West has to say on the matter of SI, then the full article: Secondary Infertility and me, will be out in the summer issue (2013) of Baby London magazine.

Currently, my 1Grace1Faith...

'Remember when they were the right side of the bars?'

Philosophical musings of a 4YO

Esme Grace didn't want to go to school today. She said she was not at all bothered about learning in order to get a good job when she is grown up. 

I told her Sofia Faith clearly has designs on running the country so she ought to be bothered, as it would not do for the PM's big sister to be on the dole. 

She replied, 'That's fine Mummy, I don't want to run the country anyway, I'll just walk it.'

Pancake day - Saving the best 'til last

It's pancake day and I couldn't wait to get up and cook them for the girls this morning. The fact that I was cheating, and Aunt Bessie or Aunt Jemima or whoever was sat waiting on the kitchen side, is by the by. Indeed I felt quite smug, for as well as purchasing a ready-made mix, I had also purchased a lemon. How very organised of me.

Downstairs, radio on, and the three of us are all excited. I begin to read Auntie's directions. Add water, shake. That's it? I don't even need to crack an egg? Hell, I don't even need to put it in a bowl. It simply shakes in the carton. Definitely the way forward - sorry Ma if you're reading this. (Mum's an amazing cook and wouldn't approve).

So we're grooving and I'm cooking with gas. The pan is really hot. I pour the mixture on to the smoking oil and watch intrepidly. Esme shuffles from foot to foot, and for once it is not that she needs the loo. It is just that she gets it. Plain and simple, it is pancake day and pancakes are delicious! 

As I peer at the pancake in my pan, I see sadly that something isn't right. How can that be when this has been poured out of a packet? Surely these pancakes are idiot proof? I'm already baffled when...

...Just at that moment, Mr Whiter than bloody white himself begins talking on the radio to me. Raymond Blanc is commenting that a pancake is heavy and a crepe is light. I glance at mine. Oh dear, what I appear to have is a cross between the two - a crap pancake. Nevermind, Esme is none the wiser.

I big it up, bluffing my way. 'Darling, Mummy is going to toss this beautiful pancake of yours now. Ready? Watch.' 

It's a disaster. It doesn't budge. Refuses to flip. My eager 4YO shouts, 'Let me see Mummy, let me see.' There's nothing to see; it looks so un-pancake-like at this point. The look on her face says it all. I toss it again. This time in to the bin.

I start again. Hot pan, smoking oil. Less mixture. 'It's all about the batter,' says Raymond. 'No shit,' mouths I. What on earth is going wrong? 

'Oh Esme. Don't worry, the more you make the better they become. And anyway, the first one always goes in the bin darling.' I'm not sure what to say when the second one follows it. Esme's look of disappointment has been replaced with disillusion. Sofia sat in her highchair, just looks hungry.

From this point on I have better luck. Pancake numbers three and four make it on to a plate each for the children. I've given up with the flippin' tossin' malarkey and now carefully let an egg slice do the best it can. Not bad. 

Before long, Esme has enjoyed three pancakes and Sofia some more. Traditional sugar and lemon have been left aside for jam. I ought to have known.

Back at the stove top I'm dancing again for I've finally mastered a couple of really impressive crepes. I have truly saved the best 'til last. I turn to the kids, frying pan in hand and announce I'm about to flip again. I big it up even more than last time... and yes... it works, flipping perfectly. Brilliant! But what is more brilliant perhaps, is the look on Esme's face as she innocently asks, 'Mummy, is that one real?'

FOOTNOTE

I think that where I went wrong along the way was to let Esme Grace (my-ever-so-helpful 4YO) shake Auntie; for when I arrived at the bottom of the carton there were lumps of powder mix that had barely been kissed by the water. Perhaps this sheds some light as to why my foolproof pancake mix just wasn't all that?! Next year I fully intend to make them from scratch, although I think I'll probably practise first!

Secondary infertility & helping yourself (1) MLD

Secondary infertility is a real issue. The amount of women having trouble falling pregnant with their second is really staggering. Not so very long ago, I was one of those women, and I went on a mission to do everything I could to help aid my fertility. 

One of the things I tried was Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD for short). Here's what it is, how it works, what it feels like, symptoms of, and, what it could cost:

THE LYMPH SYSTEM is the body's waste disposal unit, responsible for filtering out toxins and bacteria.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE is a massage on the lymphatic system rather than on the muscles. The massage speeds up the waste-removal process.

IT IS SUITABLE FOR treating allergies, acne, arthritis, sinus problems, water retention associated with pregnancy and PMT and stretch marks. It is also said to help with weight loss. It is widely used for a general detox.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE is out of this world for it is so relaxing. Because it is so gentle, you let go completely, indeed, I found myself nodding off each time.

SYMPTOMS AFTER include thirstiness, tiredness, and in my case, peeing like a racehorse. (I'm sure I could have knitted a jumper in the time I took to have a wee after a treatment). No puns intended; MLD does take it out of you, and because of that, it is really nice to have a treatment in the evening before bed.

THE BENEFITS REGARDING CONCEPTION aren't necessarily obvious, and that's a real shame for actually, MLD can help greatly with this cause. The reason being the lymphatic system is not only responsible for getting rid of toxins, but also plays a vital role in the circulation of hormones. Thus, MLD can be used to prepare the body for conception.

THE COST varies but I paid £40 per hour session.

For more info go to Holistic Haslemere 
or visit the MLD website itself at http://mlduk.org.uk/

'I've met your sort before'

So this weekend I'm doing the grocery shop, kids in tow, and am at the checkout with Sofia the toddler (screaming 17MO), when Esme (gregarious 4YO) suddenly disappears.

I find her three checkouts over, animatedly telling a woman I do not know that her little sister is yelling again. Totally flustered I collect her to the tune of, 'Heavens above, please. How many times do I tell you, we don't talk to strangers? And stay with Mummy.'

I manage to smile feebly at the woman and wonder is it me, or does she have a look of disdain about her? Esme returns with me to Sofia (still screaming).

We manage to complete our shop and are on the way back home when Esme casually informs me, 'By the way Mummy, that was not a stranger, that was one of the teachers from school.'

Consider me a marked mother.

A little more detail (8) Finally pregnant again

I've spent the week writing a series of posts on NY and it has been brilliant reminiscing and romanticising about a life that was prior to having kids, but now back to motherhood and my reality, and a little more detail...

So where was I then? Reminded that I am lucky to have a second little one in my life. A warning not to constantly bemoan the fact that I find her challenging and exhausting, but a motion to hold her tight just that little bit more and wonder at her being, her sense of adventure, her spirit.

That sense of adventure is one that is teamed up with a steely determination. Of course it is. Sofia had to be determined right from the word go. The fact that I was even holding on to her pregnancy alone tells me how strong she was from the very beginning. Thinking about it, I realise her pregnancy held on to me. Oh my little tenacious one.

I'd been having Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I'd worked at my diet, I'd taken Agnus Castus, Infact I'd done all manner of things. With 'that clock' ticking away and only two weeks of the six months left to go, I saw the cranial osteo - aka 'magic man'. 

Two treatments with Chris Grey later, I was pregnant with Sofia. That doesn't read too well does it?! Actually, the most physical it ever got was when his hand hovered above my uterus. Strangely, he concluded that my womb was folded and laying to one side. Even more strangely, his hand hovered some more and I felt an internal shift. I guess my womb straightened out. Whatever he did, all I know is that the following month I'd conceived.

The posts hereafter called 'Even more down to earth with a bump' will document my pregnancy journey with Sofia Faith, and I hope you enjoy sharing her story with me.


In hindsight, I'd seen the gynae at the hospital who had ordered a routine scan. The sonographer hadn't said my womb was folded and laying to one side, but she had said, 'Sorry it's taking so long, I'm having difficulty taking the measurements of your womb.' Which would surely indicate... 

Osteo Cranial with Chris Grey 

The Wishing Well, Petersfield, Hants 

01730 233802

A postcard from Montauk, Long Island

I'm on the road in Long Island and after leaving East Hampton today I drive to a state park, the Walking Dunes. It's not quite Namibia, but still a desolate beauty, and that is hard to find elsewhere out here. The dunes reach 80ft in places.  They are silent (save the breeze).

Afterwards, I carry on until I find the beach at Montauk. What a discovery. It is beside a motel that begs the imagination to surrender to images of 1950’s beach babes in shades, sunhats and togs on the veranda, with their pursuing men on motorbikes nearby in the lot, smoking and generally trying to act cool. 

Yes, Montauk is cool. And colourful and refreshing too. Surf's up. In the words of Bill Withers: 'Lovely day.'

In relation to the nanny note regarding jelly & poo

In relation to the nanny note regarding jelly and poo...

The parents of these two children honestly loved them. In time, they learnt how to say no. And in time, the children learnt how to honestly love them right back.

Nanny notes (London, New York) - How much jelly? She did a poo where?

The humourous nanny tale I'm about to recall is one that relates to poo - of course. Let's face it, poo is hilarious at the best of times. I seem to have countless tales involving the delightful matter. But only one from NY. And then it's not NYC, it's out on Long Island. In the Hamptons. East Hampton to be exact. Could it get any posher one wonders? East Hampton and poo I hear you gasp? Here goes:

I was nannying for the summer out in East Hampton. It was a tough job and one that stretched my patience in a way that I'd never known possible. (I didn't have my own kids then). Anyway, the two children -let's call them Peter (6) and Luisa (3) had absolutely everything that they could possibly want; except for any boundaries that is. And we all know that a child without any rules in place is one that feels insecure and that this insecurity often plays out in bad behaviour. 

I first realised my charges were going to be a challenge when I went to visit the Tower of London with them. At lunchtime we went in to the restaurant and the three-year-old demanded every single type of jelly available. And mum, harassed by the tantrum, immediately and robotically, placed six bowls of jelly on to two trays. Of course, Luisa didn't touch any of it. And it was then, literally hours before I was due to fly Stateside with them, that the horrors of what I had signed up for, dawned on me. Anyway, we join the story, while staying at the family's summer house, a few weeks in to the job. We'd been out for the evening...

East Hampton 2003

Been to the circus this evening. It is so sad that something that is supposed to be so full of fun has to turn in to a full blown row at every opportunity for these kids. They constantly fight their mother to see if they can win control of each and every battle, big or small. 

Anyway, the circus. Thank God there were no mangy looking animals. Only some very mangy looking cats, but that's okay, 'cause they're only cats.(Cat lovers I do apologise). The only other animals present were horses, and if anything, they all looked content. Or as content as horses ever look. 

So fortunately it lacked in animals. There were trapeze artists, clowns, a tight rope walker, and, as in all of the best circus stories, a ring master complete with black top hat and red tails.

There was a lady who swung from the enormous sky that is the 'big top' by her hair, and many gymnasts who sprung up and stood on top of one another, before tumbling down again at surprisingly super speed.

Then, the piece de resistance: and by far the ultimate show stopper, a human cannon ball! No joke, a woman was fired right across the ring. She seemed okay.

In short, I really enjoyed the circus! So did Peter. Luisa liked the candy floss.

The kids got the biggest balloons ever, which just happened to be on the end of long sticks, perfect for eye flicking. I managed to conveniently leave them in the back of the car. The children had their faces painted. Such fun...

Their mom's been feeling guilty for being away for two days so she told the children that they could keep the paint on forever, that they could sleep in the face paint. I ask you. Was she serious? I don't know? Probably, what's money - another set of bed sheets in exchange for saying no? Much easier all round.

Many other nanny tales of tantrums later we were home again, but not before stopping on the side of the road for Luisa who was yelling violently that she needed the toilet. We had to stop. Imagine my surprise as holding her legs in the air behind the car, she swiftly produces a poo. In East Hampton. Where the perfect grass verge meets the perfect road. Where there are no gutters because there is absolutely nothing poor or squalid about the environment that exists here. That was amusing!

Bath time was only successful after telling the children I would buy them some face paints to use again and again during the daytime. In the end, Mom thought this was a good decision too. Once again, spending money on the children appears to win the day. 

But in truth, we all know it doesn't.

My Manhattan musts

1. For amazing views and for FREE! walk across Brooklyn bridge.

2. Ellis island. No matter how many times I have been to New York City, I never tire of this memorial to the immigrants. It has definitely got a presence about it and is one of the city's more unique museums. Take the ferry from Battery Park for great views of Lady Liberty and the skyline (always so poignant now).

3. If it is only the view of the skyline from the water that you are after then board the Staten Island ferry. Extremely good value, a return fare used to cost a quarter. Remain on the boat and come back again, and catch yourself a break from tourists while you're at it! 

4. FOR FREE! And a must see, walk into the main concourse at Grand Central Station, once there, look up. The ceiling is quite beautiful, as is the building itself. The terminal only serves commuters, so time it with rush hour for the best buzz.

5. Empire State 5th Ave and 34th st - a must. Visit the observation deck when it is still light but verging on dusk. Remain as night falls and get the best of the views during day and night for one price. This means being up there a while. If you want my advice on seeing it day or night, then go at night.

6. Love pizza? Then book in to Little Italy's Lombardi's restaurant. Popular with the locals and the birthplace of New York style pizza; all adds for a great atmosphere. Find it on Spring Street. 212-941-7994

7. The Flat Iron Bridge building. This iconic triangular landmark is found at 5th, E22nd and Broadway, a most fabulous slice of Manhattan to photograph.

8. Not just an office complex, the Rockerfeller centre can be found in the centre of 5th and 6th Avenues and 48th and 51streets. Lively, colourful, and great in the winter for ice skating under.

9. A must is Central park. Get lost and enjoy. Got kids? The zoo is great.

10. Museum mile is found on 5th Ave and b/n 60th and 80th streets. Want a recommendation? A superb museum is the Frick 70th and 5th. One man's private and beautiful collection in his not so private, yet beautiful home. Totally interesting.

11. Just for fun: Dylan's candy store. Your eyes will pop. Beware the temper tantrums! Opposite Bloomingdales 3rd Ave b/n 60 and 61st.

12. On the Upper East Side, an American bakery called Two Little Red Hens roosts on 2nd Ave b/n 85th and 86th. It's a haven with a bohemian feel, is relaxed and has the most perfect cupcakes in town!

13. In the West Village - w4th st and Bleecker st to be exact- is Down the hatch. Fun nights that are good value - $2 pints, $8 pitchers, all you can eat deals, and an all round great American bar experience. 

Inspirational New York

Writing yesterday about Grand Central Station has inspired me to put together a few of the must see must, do spots of New York City, for living in Manhattan I found some great places. The next post houses my fav's...

Time to stop and stare

Happy Birthday Grand Central Station, 100 years old today!

Manhattan for me is completely magical. I suppose some of that wonder can be summed up by taking a view of Grand Central Station's fascinating October sky painted on its cylindrical ceiling. The zodiac and the constellations are depicted, all outlined on a turquoise backdrop with illumination for the brightest stars. It is breath taking.

I was in New York in 1998 when this ceiling was unveiled after a revamp and it is as glorious to me now as it was then; it is just so moving. Indeed, I would say that if you fail to stop and stare when passing through the Grand Central terminal (certainly for the first time), then you are surely devoid of all emotion.

If you've never been to NYC and are planning a trip, make sure you pop in on this marvel of a centenarian. Find it at: 89 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017

p.s. If you are heading in that direction, then don't miss The Oyster Bar, one of New York City's oldest restaurants, housed in Grand Central, it offers views of this indoor  astronomical night sky as well as gastronomical great seafood. Of course, you will need to book in advance: 212-490-6650

There are a number of intriguing hidden features and facts about Grand Central that are revealed in the brilliant interactive map below, it's definitely worth a look:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/interactive/2013/feb/01/new-york-grand-central-station-secrets