Wednesday 13 November 2019

Oooooo October.

So October was a pretty crazy month for me, having both good and bad moments. This post will just focus on the good, because I want to always remind myself that there is something positive going on. Due to the craziness it meant that I got a little behind with blogging so I apologise in advance if this post doesn't make much sense, as I am trying to remember everything I did, which is a bigger task than you may think. But I will try my best.

The first week of October wasn't actually that exciting and was mainly just trying to sort things for the upcoming move. So there was a lot of packing, on day one and then chilling in the evening with Dean and Nora watching Waterloo Road (which is essentially most of the evenings this month unless I state otherwise). Day two was a travel to the new flat to wait for someone to come and reinstate the gas. So most of the morning was spent trying to entertain Nora in an empty room. I'd say I did pretty well, and she showed off her physical capabilities. Finally the guy turned up and was able to get the heating working. However, he then had issues with the hot water, and even called a co-worker to help, it didn't, and he said he would return the next day.  Therefore, Nora and I had more time in the flat, this time they arrived a bit earlier. And it was a complication of weird parts but eventually the hot water began to work as well. WOO. This day was also interesting because a neighbouring cat broke into the flat by jumping through a window I had open to talk to my mum, who had come to drive Nora and I back home. He was a very cute cat that I have named Cornelius. We'll ignore the fact
my mum is fairly certain it's a girl cat.. Friday was a fun afternoon out with my sister, as we went shopping around the city, and Nora continued her obsessions with mobile phones by abducting Hariette's. Then that evening Dean and I went on a fun Tesco Shop so he could get some food for his stay this weekend, I remember going down the toy isle and seeing someone had placed a spooky Halloween mask on a Peppa Pig toy. It was pretty funny. Saturday was pretty much just a chilled day, but the team went on a little late night walk, which are always amusing because Nora makes the cutest little faces on these.

Sunday was again rather chilled, but the evening was very nice as Dean took us on a little date to Chiquitos as he has never experienced the delightful food there. I remember this evening quite well. We arrived and sat on one of the cool mosaic tables, and was able to watch all the drama unfold by the kitchen as various types of takeaway drivers would turn up and wait a century for there food order. Some of them would just walk off without even getting it. I also remember taking one of the Sombreros from the stand and letting Nora explore it. She looked very cute when I put it on her head, even if it was very big for her. Unfortunately the food was a bit of a let down. Not because it wasn't delicious, but they had decreased the size of their enchiladas!!! I felt bad for Dean as I had bigged this place up so much. I still had a lovely time though, and I hope he did as well. Monday 7th was pretty boring, as I was just trying to sort flat stuff again. However, my electricity then turned off, so I had to take Nora on a spontaneous walk to Londis to top up the key. She made the funniest faces at the trees. Next day was pretty similar, but also had a Health Visit for Nora, where we mainly discussed weaning. Turns out it is a lot different to what I thought, as it is just about exploring tastes and textures and wouldn't actually replace her milk feeds until she is closer to a year old. Which is a long way a way. Well not that much considering she is almost 4 months old at this point. On the Thursday my mum said about taking Nora and myself to go and see her friend Jane. I like going to Jane's as she is like an Auntie to me. Nora was exceptionally cute round there as well. She enjoys the attention. After this my mum asked if I wanted to go anywhere for lunch, so I
suggested Pizza Hut, and away we went. It was really nice and at one point Nora tried taking my cup of Pepsi Max, and it genuinely looked like she was going to drink out of it. Whilst there Hariette messaged saying that she didn't have her key so she was locked out after coming home from work, and because we were in the middle of eating I suggested that Hal met us. So we waited for her arrival, and she had some cuddles with Nora, and offered her some garlic bread which I'm certain Nora would have just taken. Then we had dessert (yumm, cookie dough) and headed home.

I saw mum and Hariette again on Friday as we had planned to get our haircut at the wonderful time of 6pm. But first mum came over to help me move a few of the smaller items to the new flat, as I had called people about hiring a van the next day. Once that was done she took us back to Horsford to hang out at the house until it was time for the haircut,  I was hoping to see Sebbles, but he had other ideas. Most of the time at the hairdressers was spent trying to take photo's of Nora in front of the Instagram wall. I was pretty happy with my haircut, went shorter which I find easier to maintain. Saturday was an exciting day as this was the official move. So once Dean and I had woken up, we made a start on preparing the items that were going to be put in the van, so Dean carefully dismantled the bed, and I took legs off the sofa and unpacked and unplugged the fridge freezer. The driver of the van was super friendly and we managed to get all the stuff moved within an hour which was pretty good. The family then came round to try and help assemble the furniture. So now I had officially moved! Only downside was that there was no internet until the 21st which was another reason as to why I was so delayed with blog posts and things. But Dean and I had managed to download episodes of Waterloo Road, so we were saved!!! Skipping to Monday 14th
when mum came to visit, bringing Nora some cool new toys. Then she dropped me back at the old flat so that I could clean it now I had moved out. I didn't do the best of jobs, because it's tough cleaning when you have a tiny baby. The next couple days were pretty chilled, until Wednesday evening when Dean offered to help clean the old flat some more when he had finished work. I mean I think the main reason he offered was so he could treat himself to ice cream from Sundaes Gelato. It was good ice cream to be fair.

Thursday 17th was pretty good. It began a little morbid as I had to relive a bunch of stuff as part of my wellbeing call, but the positive from that is there is going to be progress in my mood hopefully. After having lunch, I then decided to test walking into the city as there was a couple of jobs I needed to do. First was going to the library, and I read Nora some books. Then she took a nap as I went into boots to print some photographs as part of my Nannie and Granddad's birthday presents, and once that was finished we headed down to riverside to meet my friends. Which was much needed. First I went into spoons, as I was cold and needed a place to feed Nora, and this then became the meeting place for the group. First Maddy appeared, shortly followed by a confused Amy, who despite staring straight at me couldn't see us, then Emma, followed by Paige and eventually Siobhan. So we all had a little catch up here before deciding on going to grab food at Frankie and Benny's where I discovered that once again a restaurant has decided to get rid of my favourite vegetarian option. But I still had a really good time, it was fun watching Emma interact with Nora, considering Emma has been off in America most of Nora's life. She was singing her these weird songs she learnt whilst over there (Siobhan and I were amused by the actions for foreign car) and Emma also wanted to read all the different library books I had collected for Nora. On the Friday I decided to meet up with Hariette in the city as she was travelling home from London, so we did our usual shopping around. I then took the bus home with her, because the heavens opened up and it began to piss it down. I also experienced how unhelpful some people are when you are trying to get a
pushchair on or off the bus. The weekend was just pretty chilled staying at the flat with Nora and Dean. Which sounds so simple, but it is one of my favourite things to do. On the Monday, Mum wanted to come see Nora, and it was Hal's day off so we ventured into Riverside for a Nando's meal and a little bit of shopping at Morrisons/B&M, where I got a couple of items for the flat, and some things to get me excited for the approaching Halloween.

On the 22nd, I had to stay in as I had an appointment with my Perinatal Mental Health Worker. This was a good meeting as she said she was pleased with my progress and we sorted out me being discharged. Not long after this I also had a guy come to check that everything is working fine with the gas, so it was a pretty uneventful day really. But the next couple of days would make up for that because we were approaching my Nannie's Birthday. So the Wednesday Mum, Hal, Nannie, Nora and I all went to the Castle Carvery for a little celebration, and we gave Nannie her present (it was this family tree style photo thing, and she loved the pictures of Nora), also got to enjoy a delicious carvery. After parting ways, mum took us for a quick shop around Roys, where we got Nora this cute little push along monster car, she really enjoys playing with the fake string hair it has. The Next day Nannie came to collect Nora and myself from the flat and took us to her house. Here she had a whole houseful of family members to celebrate her birthday. Nora enjoyed the mass of attention she got. She was also trying to support herself sitting whilst looking at building blocks her second cousin was passing to her. Friday 25th Mum and Dad came for a visit to
try and help me sort out a cooker and a washing machine, we didn't really have much luck, but Nora was being cute giving them hugs and kisses so that made it all okay.  Another weekend, another chilled time with Dean and Nora, but it wasn't completely chilled as Dean decided he wanted a McDonald's for breakfast, so I ceased this opportunity to go to ASDA and get some Wellies as winter is coming.

Sunday was a little different however as at 1pm a car containing Amy, Paige and Emma came to pick Nora and myself up so we could go and collect pumpkins! I remember pumpkin picking with the group last year and it was a really nice time (distracted me perfectly from the drama that was going on) it was also the time I first told Emma I was pregnant, so to go back a year later with that baby was really good. So we managed to get to the place (despite Amy getting confused on a round-about going around it 3 times) and waited there for Siobhan her sister and nephew to arrive. Whilst we waited we took some pretty cute pictures at the booths. I was disappointed that the tractor had gone though. Once everyone had arrived we headed onto the field, which was cold, but not as wet as I thought it would be, and everyone went straight into choosing pumpkins. I got 3 because they were pretty cheap, besides it was Nora's first Halloween I had to go all out. After we got the pumpkins, we decided to carve them at mine (so this meant a panic run to ASDA to get the right equipment) but safely at mine we all started carving and listening to Emma's Halloween Soundtrack. It was a really nice time, and I was very pleased with everyone's creations. I don't think I really did much on the Monday because Nora and I were all funned out. So we shall skip to the 29th when mum decided she wanted to go in Smyth's Toy store. Oh my god that place is incredible. When I go in places like that I like to think about the Al's Toy Barn scene from Toy Story 2. We got Nora some toys, and a new cot mattress, as she is getting too big for her Moses basket :'( After this we went to the Copper Beach for a little carvery. The next day was a crafty day, as I was making cute Halloween decorations with Nora. I really wanted this Halloween to be special, because last year I went through one of the toughest days of my life so I wanted to replace that memory with some great ones. And I got some really nice ones. So first I got Nora kitted out in a kitten onesie, and
even painted whiskers on my face to join in with the fun, and we headed into the city so I could get some cat ears from Beaujangles to complete the look. When then had a quick stop at the library to get some new books before heading to the doctors as Nora had a spooky injection. She was really smiley and happy until the needle went in her leg. But after a cuddle she was back to her usual self and was happy for her Auntie and Nanny to come visit. After that Dean came round, like he usually does, and we all decorated these gingerbread pumpkins. Super cute!

So that was my crazyish October, and I'm sorry it probably made no sense, but I try and write these around looking after a baby so please forgive me. To be fair I doubt anyone really cares, I mainly just write these for myself to look back on and be like, oh yeah I remember that day... Anyway... See you when I see you!

Tuesday 5 November 2019

So September.

Hey, so this month I have been nowhere near as organised as I was last month, because it has been crazy and you are about to find out why. I'm a little worried that I have made this post sound more interesting than it is probably going to turn out to be, so please do not follow the hype just because I am likely to disappoint. Anyway here goes.

Okay the actual first day of the month was pretty uneventful, so I've already broken the whole idea of the month being crazy. It was pretty much just Dean, Nora and I chilling at my flat. The following day was a little busier, I planned to go to the bank to sort an account for Nora, and before I went decided to take her to the library for a treat. It was really nice in there, and I enjoyed reading the book 'Worm loves worm' which made the lovely statement of how it doesn't matter how weddings have been traditionally a bride and a groom, and things go a certain way, because the most important thing is that they love each other. I think Nora also liked her time looking at books, and we even took a few home with us. We particularly liked Maisy's Bus as it reminded me of my own childhood.   However, we didn't have much time to settle at home as we got ready to go out for a meal, which was rather special as it was us meeting Dean's family properly. We went to 'The Oak Tree' where I've never been before, but was highly intrigued by the 2 for £10 menu. They also had a good selection of vegetarian options which I was pleased with, I chose the vegetable lasagne, wasn't the best, I got confused by the inclusion of chickpeas. But I had a really good time getting to know more about Dean's life, as sometimes I feel we are very orientated around me. Plus Nora was very well behaved out, when usually she becomes very needy when I am trying to eat. The following day was pretty relaxed trying to have a bit of a tidy, I also want to say my mum came round to visit, but in all honesty I don't really remember. That evening though I met Maddy in Jarrolds as we discussed wool colours (I know super exciting), before heading to Tesco to collect supplies for Bake Off! Not that we were going to have a bake off, but to get snacks and drinks for her, myself and Amy to watch it. We also bought Amy a birthday cake as we were planning on giving her presents (yes I know Amy's Birthday was like a month beforehand, but she went on holiday and this was the first opportunity I had to present her with the present). We then settled at my flat, chatting and cooking as we waited for Amy, then once she had turned up there was more chatting and cooking. We then provided Amy with her gifts, had super long gossip time, before ultimately watching the bake off. There was some more chat as Dean arrived, and then Maddy and Amy had to go as they had work in the morning. It was then I realised we never got out Amy's Birthday cake, so Amy if you are reading this. I am sorry. The 4th September was pretty routine, hanging out with my daughter, we
also had a health visit, which went really well. Onto the Thursday which was a really cute day. We got the bus down to Horsford so that I can see Sebbles. Well he wasn't the only reason, we also went out to see my Grandad as Nora is a bit more alert and smiley now I thought it would be good for him to see her like that, following this was the traditional meal out with mum and Hariette where we went to the hungry horse. Here I had 2 interesting phone calls which was going to make the following week very interesting, you'll find out if you read on...

Friday was also a pretty good day, Hariette and mum came to visit us at the flat and we walked across to 'The Golden Star' for lunch (Yes I am fully aware of how much I have eaten out in September so far, do not fear it's only going to get worse) Nora was being super cute when taking pictures, and very much enjoyed standing on the table. Other than that it was a pretty chilled evening, with a late night walk to Tesco, I love these little trips because Nora would look so amazed at the world in the dark. The next day was pretty chilled, Maddy came over to hang out with myself Nora and Dean. This is when we decided to finally consume the caterpillar cake. Dean opting to hold it like a burrito and attack it, Maddy and I just peeling off the chocolate layer. Then for the evening Dean, Nora and I went to Pizza Hut, for a cute little date, Nora was being exceptionally cute. Then we went on a little shopping trip around Morrisons. I got excited by the random giant balloons. Sunday was then pretty chilled around packing up for the very exciting week ahead, HOLIDAY!!! Which you can read all about in  this handy little post. But before we could head out for our holiday fun, first I had to view a flat. I turned up and there was only one other person there to view it. So it was looking good, however, she was higher up in the queue than myself and she wanted it. The same happened when Dean and I had to travel back for a viewing on the Thursday. Which was a little annoying as it disrupted our holiday.

Once back from our holiday it was the usual kind of thing, seeing my mum and Maddy and Dean. Sunday was a little wander around the city and a trip to McDonald's where Nora was enjoying having raspberries blown on her tummy. Monday was very exciting, as I had yet another flat viewing. When I turned up there was a few people, so I wasn't feeling so hopeful. But by some miracle I was told I was... 2nd in the queue, so I knew it was going to be the same as the week before. However a miracle really did take place as those in first didn't want it! So I ran out to my mum and told her that I had to make a quick decision. And now I have a new flat! Woohoo! Nora has her own room and there's so much space! So very excited I began planning in my head the decorating of this new place and made a mental list of all the things needed to be done. Which began getting a bit stressful. But anyway, that evening when chilling with Nora and Dean, I managed to get her first proper laugh out of her. It was just the cutest. The following day was just a chilled time at the flat before Maddy came over to watch Bake-off, and planning things for the new flat. Wednesday 18th was a busy sorting out day. First was going to city hall to sign paper work and collect the keys to the new flat, then it was just hanging out with Nora before I had to go to a GP appointment, where I was given the sad news that my doctor was leaving the practice. So I was put in a bit of a stressful mood, as I really liked my GP. Anyway after that I then met with Maddy when she finished work and we took the bus down to the new flat, where she very kindly helped to measure for ovens and carpets and curtains, while I began to lose my mind on the phone to British Gas. Honestly moving is very stressful. Dean then met with us and we had a quick look around Carpetright before it closed, and a
little look around curry's before I realised that things are not as simple as they seem, and jsut went into a stress bubble. Luckily I had something to look forward to the next day as I planned to go bowling with Amy and Paige. Nora and I walked down to Riverside after just a boring day really, and then met the group at Chiquitos, where I had a delicious enchilada and we all had a good catch up. We then bowled, taking it in turns to entertain Nora, and then began the arcade quest. Collecting tickets galore, in the hopes of getting this toy Dumbo key chains.

The following day Dean took a half day at work, so in the afternoon we could try and sort out things for the new place. This mainly involved collecting pain from Johnstones, which they provided me with way too much choice, I did manage to restrict myself to only 3 colours though. And then I managed to order carpet to be put it which was able to happen a lot sooner than I was first told which was really good. However, it made me panic a little as dad said I should really want the painting finished before it gets put in. So pretty much the next week was a crazing painting nightmare. But I managed to have some amazing help from Dean, my mum, my dad, and my sister. They also helped to treat me which eased the stress. So on the 21st Dean took Nora and I to the Castle Carvery for a delicious roast dinner. Then on the Sunday we had a little shopping spree
in the city to buy equipment that might help. The 23rd was just a sorting day at the flat, before Hariette came for a sleepover. I think it was some much needed bonding time for her and Nora. Mum joined us the next day to help paint (mum taking the main job of looking after Nora) and treated us to a Zaks meal, because Zaks is just amazing. And then just painting painting painting.

Well there was a cute little trip to the library on the 27th. Where Nora looks so grown up when looking at books on her tummy.  Then finally our carpets where fitted and the new flat started feeling more like a home. And that's it really. Just a panic trying to sort out the new flat, which is why this is being posted in November. Now I have to try and remember what I did in October. Wish me luck. Sorry if this didn't make any sense, I think I've tried to rush it to get it finished. Anyway see you when I see you!