We're visiting Super Papou in Greece - with Yaya and Dimetres, but without Mummy. You and your sister are having so much fun. Today we ate lunch with Hella in Loco Bus and went to the play area, which had a bouncy castle, a ball pit and a toddler climbing frame. Maybe I'll post some pictures later.
Seeing Super Papou and Minnie sitting next to each other, I imagine Super Papou being Minnie's age and sitting next to someone of Super Papou's age - who would have been born in 1833!
I wanted to tell you two funny stories from today.
You made up your first joke. You made a string of spaghetti out of Play-doh with Dimetres this morning. You put the spaghetti on your nose and said, "Look! Bolog-nose!"
Dimetres laughed so much that you kept on going - you put the spaghetti on your eye and said, "Bolo-eyes!" then "Bolo-ears!" and so on.
Later, in the play area, you were having fun in the toddler climbing maze, which was full of little padded rooms with net walls, and slides, and ball pits. At one point you shouted, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!"
"Yes, Penny?" I said. I couldn't really see you in there, but I could hear you well enough.
"I'm a stuck princess!"
"Oh, really?" I said. "Will you be stuck a hundred years and grow old in there?"
"No!"
I laughed to myself, and went back to chatting with Yaya.
Then five minutes later you started crying. "What's wrong Penny?" I asked.
"I'm a stuck princess!"
"You're really stuck?"
"Yes!"
So I ventured into the child-sized climbing maze and found you. Sure enough, you were totally stuck! You had unzipped a netted wall, snuck behind the maze and zipped it up again behind you - but the zip was only on one side! You were huddled into a tiny space, smiling at being rescued. I know you like pretending to be a princess, but it was very funny to hear you refer to yourself as one in that situation!
Also, soupcases.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Medical options
Minnie's medical status is constantly evolving. No doubt in a few months' time things will have changed and we'll have forgotten what decisions we were wrestling with, so I thought I'd capture where we are right now, for posterity.
Min is healthy, having fully recovered from her various medical problems last year, except for two threads: her deafness and her pyruvate kinase deficiency.
As far as her deafness goes, we had 11 appointments put into our diaries in the two months leading up to Christmas to go through her assessment for cochlear implants. We're halfway through them as I write this, and Em and I reckon it's reasonably likely they'll recommend that Minnie should have an implant in her right (profoundly impaired) ear, while her left (severely impaired) ear should remain aided.
As much as we'd prefer not to install a piece of kit into Minnie's skull, the benefit to her hearing and speech is potentially huge. Her ability to develop speech is greatly helped by the small amount of hearing in her left ear (she can hear low frequencies with only mild impairment), but right now, Min has never heard the high-pitched consonant sounds like 's' and 'sh'. With an implant while she's still small she could learn to interpret and use those sounds quickly - and she has a chance to be talking normally by the time she goes to school.
The other thread is her pyruvate kinase deficiency, which means that her haemoglobin count gradually reduces over time - she becomes anaemic and a bit yellow. She's been having a blood transfusion once every six weeks to top her up and keep her healthy.
Next year we are going to try and wean her off blood transfusions - extend the gap between transfusion by an extra week each time. The idea is to test whether her body can maintain her haemoglobin count at a reasonable level. She will certainly be anaemic by normal standards, but if she can still grow and be healthy and have energy then she can give up the transfusions.
A normal Hb count is about 11-13. Min has gone down to around 8 before each transfusion - and that's pretty much the lowest that the haemotologist would be comfortable with leaving her at. If she could maintain at 9 or more and still be healthy and have energy, that would be ideal. But if she maintains at less than 8, she'll definitely have to go back onto the transfusions - probably every four weeks, indefinitely - and she'll need chelation as well.
Regular blood transfusions mean that iron builds up in her blood and can eventually lead to organ damage. Chelation (which is basically a pill once a day) counters that, but can have side effects including the loss of her precious remaining hearing.
If weaning Minnie off transfusions doesn't work, that'll be disappointing, but transfusions are still more appealing than the other option, which is to try and cure her. The cure for pyruvate kinase deficiency is a bone marrow transplant, which requires chemotherapy, which would almost certainly leave Minnie infertile. We are not willing to make that decision for a one-year-old. Better to continue with transfusions until she's old enough to be part of the decision - and maybe by then medical technology will have progressed enough to provide us with more alternatives.
Thank goodness for the NHS.
Min is healthy, having fully recovered from her various medical problems last year, except for two threads: her deafness and her pyruvate kinase deficiency.
As far as her deafness goes, we had 11 appointments put into our diaries in the two months leading up to Christmas to go through her assessment for cochlear implants. We're halfway through them as I write this, and Em and I reckon it's reasonably likely they'll recommend that Minnie should have an implant in her right (profoundly impaired) ear, while her left (severely impaired) ear should remain aided.
As much as we'd prefer not to install a piece of kit into Minnie's skull, the benefit to her hearing and speech is potentially huge. Her ability to develop speech is greatly helped by the small amount of hearing in her left ear (she can hear low frequencies with only mild impairment), but right now, Min has never heard the high-pitched consonant sounds like 's' and 'sh'. With an implant while she's still small she could learn to interpret and use those sounds quickly - and she has a chance to be talking normally by the time she goes to school.
The other thread is her pyruvate kinase deficiency, which means that her haemoglobin count gradually reduces over time - she becomes anaemic and a bit yellow. She's been having a blood transfusion once every six weeks to top her up and keep her healthy.
Next year we are going to try and wean her off blood transfusions - extend the gap between transfusion by an extra week each time. The idea is to test whether her body can maintain her haemoglobin count at a reasonable level. She will certainly be anaemic by normal standards, but if she can still grow and be healthy and have energy then she can give up the transfusions.
A normal Hb count is about 11-13. Min has gone down to around 8 before each transfusion - and that's pretty much the lowest that the haemotologist would be comfortable with leaving her at. If she could maintain at 9 or more and still be healthy and have energy, that would be ideal. But if she maintains at less than 8, she'll definitely have to go back onto the transfusions - probably every four weeks, indefinitely - and she'll need chelation as well.
Regular blood transfusions mean that iron builds up in her blood and can eventually lead to organ damage. Chelation (which is basically a pill once a day) counters that, but can have side effects including the loss of her precious remaining hearing.
If weaning Minnie off transfusions doesn't work, that'll be disappointing, but transfusions are still more appealing than the other option, which is to try and cure her. The cure for pyruvate kinase deficiency is a bone marrow transplant, which requires chemotherapy, which would almost certainly leave Minnie infertile. We are not willing to make that decision for a one-year-old. Better to continue with transfusions until she's old enough to be part of the decision - and maybe by then medical technology will have progressed enough to provide us with more alternatives.
Thank goodness for the NHS.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Signing the Alphabet
We still don't know many signs. But Daddy did a sign language course many years ago, and the alphabet stuck. So he signs the alphabet to you and your little sister.
You get lots of the signs right, and it is funny watching Minnie try to. She loves it!
You get lots of the signs right, and it is funny watching Minnie try to. She loves it!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Fireworks Night!
You both loved Fireworks Night this year. We met up with Alex and his parents, Malcolm and Margaret, and wandered up through Brockwell Park.
In all honesty the new ticketing system and big fence were not handled brilliantly, and I felt bad for you having to stay up so late when they said they were delayed (from an intended 8pm start!)
But you both stayed up and were amazed at the crazy sparkles and colours in the sky. It made us both laugh to see you both reaching up, as if you could touch the twinkles with your fingertips.
In all honesty the new ticketing system and big fence were not handled brilliantly, and I felt bad for you having to stay up so late when they said they were delayed (from an intended 8pm start!)
But you both stayed up and were amazed at the crazy sparkles and colours in the sky. It made us both laugh to see you both reaching up, as if you could touch the twinkles with your fingertips.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Acrobatics with Min
Your sister has learned to do acrobatics with Daddy, almost exactly 2 years after you learned to. And she also wants to do it again and again and again and again and again ...
Friday, November 21, 2014
Hospital
I am writing this on Friday 21st Nov as Minnie is under general anaesthetic, having her hearing tested as part of an assessment to see whether she is a good candidate for a cochlear implant. It is not particularly invasive, but she needs to be still for the test, and toddlers rarely stay still.
She has had a few GAs in her time, and I always cry when she goes under.
Coming back into hospital pulls up so many feelings. I feel helpless as a parent as I can't take her place as she goes through all her tests and procedures. I feel frustrated at the whims of fate and the random statistics that landed her with her condition. And I cry. Mostly because there is nothing else I can do to help.
Except try my hardest to be a good parent, and show Minnie that she can thrive and take strength from this adversity.
And know that she is one of the lucky ones.
Coming into the Evelina Children's Hospital, I see children dealing brilliantly with much more debilitating conditions than Minnie's. And when I see them, I am inspired by their strength and quietly grateful that our load is as light as it is.
The NHS is amazing, and Minnie always seems to be looked after by the smartest and most smiley people.
Sometimes I speak to Penny about being a doctor, but maybe Minnie might be so inspired by the amazing people she sees, maybe she might want to be.
Or not ... and I am grateful that she will hopefully have all those choices open to her.
There are lots of appointments to see if she is a good candidate for a cochlear implant (or 2!), we should find out what the team recommend early in the new year.
There are lots of appointments to see if she is a good candidate for a cochlear implant (or 2!), we should find out what the team recommend early in the new year.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Terrible Twos
Mummy here, to declare that your sister's terrible twos started on Thursday 20th November, at age 21 months and 6 days. Well, they started for me anyway, and I am pretty sure yours started at the same age.
That's what we get for having feisty, wilful, confident girls ... and in the long term I wouldn't have it any other way.
So what happened? Two things ...
1 MY Banana!
M asked for a banana. I started to peel it and offered it to her. She shrieked and pushed it away. I offered her a fresh one, and she happily peeled it herself and ate it herself.
2 You can't take that!
I took something away from Minnie, probably my phone, and she had her first whingy stampy-feet tantrum. Actually stamping her feet, she was so cross.
So we are in that place again, and it will get worse before it gets better. I hope it doesn't last too long though!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Computer Game Nerds
We are, indeed we are.
Although neither Daddy or I play as many as we used to (especially Daddy), we do remember that we developed our relationship under the watchful gaze of Super Mario (on the Nintendo Gamecube?).
Every now and again we plug the Wii in and indulge ourselves in the wonder that is the world's most famous Italian plumber.
Daddy even downloaded a very old game a little while ago, 'Super Metroid', which he enjoyed playing very much.
I wonder when you will be ready to play on the Wii with us ...
Although neither Daddy or I play as many as we used to (especially Daddy), we do remember that we developed our relationship under the watchful gaze of Super Mario (on the Nintendo Gamecube?).
Every now and again we plug the Wii in and indulge ourselves in the wonder that is the world's most famous Italian plumber.
Daddy even downloaded a very old game a little while ago, 'Super Metroid', which he enjoyed playing very much.
I wonder when you will be ready to play on the Wii with us ...
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Autumn Bowl
We have started a new family tradition, having an autumn bowl.
There is nothing quite so joyous as seeing nature in all its patterns and colours flung around you. Although Autumn is cold, it is refreshing and crisp, and swooshing your bewellied feet through the fallen leaves is a delight.
So we bring some of Autumn's bounty home, and place the leaves, pinecones, conkers, acorns, wood and other weird and wonderful bits and pieces in a lovely wicker bowl.
The bowl has become bigger and bigger, and even has a couple of bumpy colourful gourds in now.
Occasionally a little spider climbs out of the bowl to investigate, but we don't mind!
There is nothing quite so joyous as seeing nature in all its patterns and colours flung around you. Although Autumn is cold, it is refreshing and crisp, and swooshing your bewellied feet through the fallen leaves is a delight.
So we bring some of Autumn's bounty home, and place the leaves, pinecones, conkers, acorns, wood and other weird and wonderful bits and pieces in a lovely wicker bowl.
The bowl has become bigger and bigger, and even has a couple of bumpy colourful gourds in now.
Occasionally a little spider climbs out of the bowl to investigate, but we don't mind!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
From Cargo to Companion
For so many years, I have taken you with me to shops and around on my daily adventures. As a small child you have been attached to me for your wellbeing and your simple cares, whether nappies or toilet visits, food, drinks and of course to be loved and looked after.
With Min-Min on the journey too, I have found that I have avoided shops, high streets and complexity completely, taking you both out of temptations way. Instead, we go to parks and places where you can have fun, explore and be yourselves, rather than feel restricted in an adult world of tasks and function.
But things have changed over the past couple of months.
I have realised, my bright sparkling Penny, that you have become the most wonderful companion. You have always been interesting to talk to and full of genuinely thoughtful insights. But now, I desperately want to take you out with me if I am going into West Norwood or Brixton, so we can chat and look around shops and learn about the world together. Daddy is often happy to take Minnie, so we can have some time just the two of us. Quality time.
Of course, it helps that nappies and tantrums are no longer a factor. But you are starting to feel more of a like-minded companion to travel through life with me ... and I love it! One day, your sister will also be big enough to join us on these trips, and we can all explore the world together :)
With Min-Min on the journey too, I have found that I have avoided shops, high streets and complexity completely, taking you both out of temptations way. Instead, we go to parks and places where you can have fun, explore and be yourselves, rather than feel restricted in an adult world of tasks and function.
But things have changed over the past couple of months.
I have realised, my bright sparkling Penny, that you have become the most wonderful companion. You have always been interesting to talk to and full of genuinely thoughtful insights. But now, I desperately want to take you out with me if I am going into West Norwood or Brixton, so we can chat and look around shops and learn about the world together. Daddy is often happy to take Minnie, so we can have some time just the two of us. Quality time.
Of course, it helps that nappies and tantrums are no longer a factor. But you are starting to feel more of a like-minded companion to travel through life with me ... and I love it! One day, your sister will also be big enough to join us on these trips, and we can all explore the world together :)
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Lullabies
Sometimes, when you go to bed and can't sleep, you sneak out of your bed and ask me to sing you a lullaby.
When you first asked this, I wasn't quite sure what to sing. So I decided to go with 'Away in a Manger' (AKA 'The Jesus One'), 'Silent Night' and 'Edelweiss'.
You enjoy them very much, as do I. We cuddle up, and you watch me tenderly, listening intently. You always ask why Jesus is asleep on the hay, to which the answer varies in length, depending on how keen we are to get you to bed. You also try to sing along, which is also lovely as you can really hold a tune.
On other occasions you categorically ask me not to sing along to songs... which is less good!
When you first asked this, I wasn't quite sure what to sing. So I decided to go with 'Away in a Manger' (AKA 'The Jesus One'), 'Silent Night' and 'Edelweiss'.
You enjoy them very much, as do I. We cuddle up, and you watch me tenderly, listening intently. You always ask why Jesus is asleep on the hay, to which the answer varies in length, depending on how keen we are to get you to bed. You also try to sing along, which is also lovely as you can really hold a tune.
On other occasions you categorically ask me not to sing along to songs... which is less good!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Signing with Minnie
Although we went on a baby signing class when Minnie was young, we agreed that it was not a priority as she should have sufficient hearing with her hearing aid to get on ok.
As it happens. a few signs have stuck.
More (pointing to the middle of your palm)
Eating/food (closed fingers to the mouth)
Drinking/drink (fingers as if holding a cup to the mouth)
Finished/all gone! (hands together, then apart)
It makes me want to learn a few more, as she also uses the words when she uses the signs, so it does help her speech acquisition. I have downloaded an app, so let's see how we get on ...
As it happens. a few signs have stuck.
More (pointing to the middle of your palm)
Eating/food (closed fingers to the mouth)
Drinking/drink (fingers as if holding a cup to the mouth)
Finished/all gone! (hands together, then apart)
It makes me want to learn a few more, as she also uses the words when she uses the signs, so it does help her speech acquisition. I have downloaded an app, so let's see how we get on ...
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Carrots and Other Bounty
Lots of fruit and veg have grown in our garden this year, it has been a joy to cultivate them and to eat them! We have grown figs, apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, plums, courgettes, tomatoes … and most amusingly carrots!
We have planted more seed now ready for (hopefully) another batch in winter … fingers crossed!
We have planted more seed now ready for (hopefully) another batch in winter … fingers crossed!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Board Game Day
In August we had a board game day and, while you slept, your sister was being particularly cuddly and cute:
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Bugs and Creepy Crawlies
You have no fear of insects, and you are particularly keen on going hunting for spiders and snails in the garden. I hope you keep your curiosity and interest in such things.
We also found an interesting bug whilst out walking one day, it looked a bit like a cricket!
We also found an interesting bug whilst out walking one day, it looked a bit like a cricket!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
August Days with the Grand Generation
We went to visit every single one of your grandparents in August, all 6 of them! They all love you and your sister so much.
We saw Gramps and Marion on their boat:
We visited Grangrad and Granny in Spalding:
We went to see Yaya and Metris in Brighton:
All fantastic fun :)
We saw Gramps and Marion on their boat:
We visited Grangrad and Granny in Spalding:
We went to see Yaya and Metris in Brighton:
All fantastic fun :)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
A Tent for Two
I have been planning this for ages, and finally found the time and inclination to make it for you both. First, you opened a shop in it, and now you and M just like playing inside and outside of it. I love that you like it as much as I do.
Next step is so make a waterproof and cushioned floor mat so it can go outside properly!
Next step is so make a waterproof and cushioned floor mat so it can go outside properly!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
My Writing Girl
You are so good at writing, you can even write your own name now. The nurse was very impressed that you wrote your own name on your bravery certificate when you went for your pre-school jabs. And only 3 years and 4 months old.
I was very proud :)
I was very proud :)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
The Godparents
A while ago, we went for a walk with both of your godparents in Dulwich Park, and Granny joined us too.
It was a lovely day, walking in the sunshine and stopping off at the Crown and Greyhound pub for a much needed lunch.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Words Minnie Says
Depending on what you read, kids should know around 6-10 words by the time they are 18 months, otherwise it could be an indicator of a problem.
We expected Minnie to take a little longer, we consider her generally to be about 2 months behind (the time she spent surviving in hospital, rather than growing and developing), and of course her hearing impairment will mean she has to work extra hard to get her speech right.
But as she approaches 18 months, she is astoundingly managing to keep up.
She says:
Eh-oh (hello)
Bye-bye
Mama
Dada
Ball
Bear
Book
Ook (look)
More
More
She also sings along to Twinkle Twinkle and Wind the Bobbin Up, chats away merrily to herself in a very 'speechy' kind of nonsense, and I could swear she said 'flower' when we were taking a stroll around the garden the other day.
So proud of my fiesty little Minnow :)
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Sharing is Kind!
The most wonderful thing about the above video is that it is just an excerpt, you had already been sharing your lolly with your little sister for a few minutes before it was taken, and you also let me have the remainder of it when you decided you wanted to go and bounce on your trampoline.
You really are delightful and very kind.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Grangrad's visit
Grangrad (although you have sometimes started calling him Grandad now) took you to see the largest ever gathering of Routemasters at the weekend.
He had a couple of stories to tell from when he was looking after you. In his words:
1
Yesterday morning Penny seemed calmly excited about the prospect of going to Mini-Stars.
M was a bit upset when Charlie went outside to get the bike and trailer ready so I picked her up and stood in the front doorway with her so that she did not crawl into the front garden.
P seemed quite concerned for M (who had vommed earlier). P turned to me and suggested I take M into the lounge to play. I accepted P's suggestion and it worked!
P is learning about distraction tactics!
2
On Saturday P and I used the lifts at KX / StP underground station. As you perhaps know, level 0 is street level, -1 is ticket hall level, -2 is interchange level , and -3 is platform level.
Penny of course spotted and recognised the numbers alongside the push buttons inside the lifts, but was mystified when the lift went down when -3 was pressed.
I leave it to you to explain to her the concept of "minus" signs!!!
He had a couple of stories to tell from when he was looking after you. In his words:
1
Yesterday morning Penny seemed calmly excited about the prospect of going to Mini-Stars.
M was a bit upset when Charlie went outside to get the bike and trailer ready so I picked her up and stood in the front doorway with her so that she did not crawl into the front garden.
P seemed quite concerned for M (who had vommed earlier). P turned to me and suggested I take M into the lounge to play. I accepted P's suggestion and it worked!
P is learning about distraction tactics!
2
On Saturday P and I used the lifts at KX / StP underground station. As you perhaps know, level 0 is street level, -1 is ticket hall level, -2 is interchange level , and -3 is platform level.
Penny of course spotted and recognised the numbers alongside the push buttons inside the lifts, but was mystified when the lift went down when -3 was pressed.
I leave it to you to explain to her the concept of "minus" signs!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Meaningful Milestones
Your little sister Minnie has learned to walk.
It has taken her a little while, she has been a very speedy crawler (unlike you) so she didn't see much point in it till now.
And it has been quite emotional for me (Mummy).
When you reached your milestones we were of course very proud, parading all your new tricks to the world and declaring you (slightly tongue in cheek) as very advanced. But we barely even thought about the prospect of you ever NOT hitting any of them, you just did them automatically and there was never any need for intervention. Indeed, the challenge with you is figuring out how best to encourage you so you fulfil your potential, as you are so bright and eager to learn.
But with Minnie, none of these milestones were ever guaranteed. I remember sitting in the hospital with Daddy a few days after Minnie was born. It was the evening and we sat opposite the beautiful prospect of Big Ben in the Riverside Lounge. It was quiet and empty as it was late, and Granny and Grangrad were kindly looking after you while Daddy had some time at the hospital.
We sat, and we had the most heartwarming discussion. One of THOSE discussions, you know. We declared how lucky we were to have each other, as a solid foundation as rough times had hit us with a thud. How lucky we were to have you, our spark of joy in the darkness. And how lucky we were to have our friends and family who rallied round so valiantly.
And we talked about the brutal realities. About how we would manage Minnie no matter what, however broken she was. But also being honest with each other, agreeing that what scared us most was not losing her, but for her to be left alive as a mere shell of a person. Unable to move, feed, feel happiness, independence or to properly live. But that, even if that happened, we would manage.
So with every milestone, I remember that conversation. I see her smiling with elation that she is taking her first steps, I hear every babbling word and grab onto it with glee, I love that you play together so joyfully now she is bigger, stronger and becoming her own person.
And despite all the clinics, transfusions, blood tests and hearing challenges, they are simply nothing compared to where we might have been, had fate not cut us some slack last year.
We are so lucky … and every milestone really is a miracle. I adore you both.
It has taken her a little while, she has been a very speedy crawler (unlike you) so she didn't see much point in it till now.
And it has been quite emotional for me (Mummy).
When you reached your milestones we were of course very proud, parading all your new tricks to the world and declaring you (slightly tongue in cheek) as very advanced. But we barely even thought about the prospect of you ever NOT hitting any of them, you just did them automatically and there was never any need for intervention. Indeed, the challenge with you is figuring out how best to encourage you so you fulfil your potential, as you are so bright and eager to learn.
But with Minnie, none of these milestones were ever guaranteed. I remember sitting in the hospital with Daddy a few days after Minnie was born. It was the evening and we sat opposite the beautiful prospect of Big Ben in the Riverside Lounge. It was quiet and empty as it was late, and Granny and Grangrad were kindly looking after you while Daddy had some time at the hospital.
We sat, and we had the most heartwarming discussion. One of THOSE discussions, you know. We declared how lucky we were to have each other, as a solid foundation as rough times had hit us with a thud. How lucky we were to have you, our spark of joy in the darkness. And how lucky we were to have our friends and family who rallied round so valiantly.
And we talked about the brutal realities. About how we would manage Minnie no matter what, however broken she was. But also being honest with each other, agreeing that what scared us most was not losing her, but for her to be left alive as a mere shell of a person. Unable to move, feed, feel happiness, independence or to properly live. But that, even if that happened, we would manage.
So with every milestone, I remember that conversation. I see her smiling with elation that she is taking her first steps, I hear every babbling word and grab onto it with glee, I love that you play together so joyfully now she is bigger, stronger and becoming her own person.
And despite all the clinics, transfusions, blood tests and hearing challenges, they are simply nothing compared to where we might have been, had fate not cut us some slack last year.
We are so lucky … and every milestone really is a miracle. I adore you both.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Jokes, Pythagoras and favourite things
You asked to learn some jokes, so I taught you a few, and you've been delighting all of our friends by reeling off such classics as:
After about a year of trying, I also finally managed to get you to be able to recite Pythagoras's Theorem, by putting it into a song. But you refuse to perform it. You sing it in the bath, sure, but in front of our friends you're suddenly shy.
Pythagoras had some special news
"The square of the hypotenuse
Is equal I swear
To the sum of the squares
Of the other two sides!
(For right angled triangles)"
If I sing any part of it wrong, you correct me like I'm being very silly indeed...
"Peppa Pig had some special news -"
"No! Pythagoras!"
"The square of the hippopotamus -"
"NO! Hypotenuse!"
And today I asked you, out of curiosity, what were your favourite things in the world.
- Two fish in a tank and one of them says... How do you drive this thing?
- What game do you play with a wombat? Wom!
- How can you tell if there's been an elephant in your fridge? Footprints in the butter!
- What's yellow and dangerous? Shark infested custard!
- Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side!
- Horse walks into a bar, the barman says... Why the long face?
- What brown and sticky? A stick!
After about a year of trying, I also finally managed to get you to be able to recite Pythagoras's Theorem, by putting it into a song. But you refuse to perform it. You sing it in the bath, sure, but in front of our friends you're suddenly shy.
Pythagoras had some special news
"The square of the hypotenuse
Is equal I swear
To the sum of the squares
Of the other two sides!
(For right angled triangles)"
If I sing any part of it wrong, you correct me like I'm being very silly indeed...
"Peppa Pig had some special news -"
"No! Pythagoras!"
"The square of the hippopotamus -"
"NO! Hypotenuse!"
And today I asked you, out of curiosity, what were your favourite things in the world.
- Your favourite place? Brockwell Park.
- Your favourite colour? Pink.
- Your favourite person? Uncle David.
- Your favourite book? Anything with boats in (although you couldn't name any in particular when pressed).
- Your favourite film? The Little Mermaid (it used to be Lion King, then I'm sure it was Tangled and/or Frozen for a while...).
- Your favourite food? Spaghetti (with butter and cheese).
- Your favourite thing to do? Play and eat.
- Your favourite toy? Björn (Although we'd got home by this point and you were losing attention - Björn just happened to be nearby...).
- Your favourite animal? Bears (This said with Björn on your shoulders).
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Two little artists
Lots of fun, let's do it again sometime!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Jon and Sofia got married
At the end of May, we travelled to Spain to be at the wedding of Jon and Sofia.
Your Daddy was Jon's best man, just as he was for Daddy 7 years ago. He made a great speech, and we had a fun time being treated to fantastic food (like roast suckling piglet and sliced jamon).
The sun shone, and everybody had a happy weekend, with lots of dancing, chatting and sharing fond memories. You even tried to swim in the pool, but found it far too cold (we did warn you, but you needed to try it for yourself).
Your Daddy was Jon's best man, just as he was for Daddy 7 years ago. He made a great speech, and we had a fun time being treated to fantastic food (like roast suckling piglet and sliced jamon).
The sun shone, and everybody had a happy weekend, with lots of dancing, chatting and sharing fond memories. You even tried to swim in the pool, but found it far too cold (we did warn you, but you needed to try it for yourself).
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