Family News July 2011

It appears we are all making progress in our own ways.

I am over the self criticism and feel less of a frump and failure in all I do. This is partially down to my weightloss, finding my exercise mojo and taking out my frustrations by bringing in exercise once again. Exercise is a great stress reliever and can help dissolve feelings of inadequecy as I've been feeling of late.

Last night I had one of those horrid nights I couldn't for the life of me get to sleep. We'd been out with the kids until 9.30pm and though I quickly fell asleep around 10.30, Liam awoke crying as he had kicked off all his bed covers. I covered him over and my brain went into overdrive. I just tried to go back to sleep but just about everything went through my head.

One thing in specific on my mind was my next driving lesson. It started as a sort of "how bad will I be this week" feel but with the confidence beginning to grow in me, I managed to turn my fears around and I am now looking forward to Saturdays lesson and what I can get out of it. I know I just need to be a little braver but I want to do it right. No-one puts more pressure on me than I do myself. I aim high and I expect to do things right first time. When I don't I just get angry with myself.

By the time James woke crying - saying he needed a clean nappy - I returned to bed to find it almost 4am. Then I was up with Liam at 7. So not the best nights sleep for me. Probably as I slept 11 hours the previous night. I also have a little cold beginning. Pah!

Hubby is thinking of trying for a new position at work. New jobs are being made available and he's considering trying it to help him progress up the career ladder quicker. It's better money, maybe longer hours but the overtime could be very good financially too. It's his choice and I support whatever he chooses to do.

I think it's also been around 4-5 months now since he quit smoking. I am very proud.

Matthew has only 6 more schooldays left as  a year 2 student. Another year is gone!!!

James is winning the potty battle. Today we've had two successful uses of the potty (including a number 2!) and it's lovely to see his confidence building with each time he tries and manages to go. It's almost like he wants to skip the potty stage. We have a step for him to stand on at the downstairs toilet and he loves to stand on there and pretend to wee like daddy. We have had some funny scenes where James has wanted to use the toilet but his body hasn't been ready and he will just stand there for up to ten minutes. He wants to do it and in time he will. It's just our job to encourage him and praise him when he does get it right.

Liam is saying more and more little words and we are letting him walk around much more. He likes holding my hand when we walk round shops and outside areas. He's getting to be a real little independent walker. He's fine around the house but feel that he needs a little more freedom when we are out.

My little boys are growing up!