Reflections of a River Engineer

Blogging from my phone

2011-02-05T19:54:00.001Z

This all seems really easy from my new phone.

Now to explore some other apps.
Any recommendations?

May half term

2010-06-05T18:54:00.004Z

We all had a lovely few days earlier this week in south-west Scotland at my parents' caravan in Kippford.

The boys had great fun playing in the sea, building dams on the beach, exploring, finding sticks, and generally messing about and being boys!

The time away was all the better for Mrs DHG finding out the day before we went away that she was no longer being made redundant! They may look at it agin in March, but she's safe till then. A great answer to prayer - thanks!

Here are a few photos:

Messing about on Rocklciffe beach

Good friends as well as brothers!

Jobless

2010-05-15T09:20:00.004Z

Mrs DHG, that is.
Her head teacher turned up on our doorstep at 9.40 yesterday evening to deliver the dreaded brown envelope.
9.40!
a Friday evening!
At home!

Redundant from the end of August.

The words are ringing round our heads at the moment.
Why us?
What does it mean?
Is there a chance of a reprieve?
Where is God in it all?

It's too early to know what the outcome will be - there's a final hearing in a couple of weeks where Mrs DHG can make comments and ask for other things to be considered - but I suspect it's a done deal. It's simply a case of there being too few children in the catchment of the school, and too many teachers able to teach science.

I'm sure God has a plan - and most likely (definitely?) something even better - for her and us - it's just difficult to make any sense of it at the moment.

So we'd appreciate your prayers for us over the next weeks and months, as we seek to find God's will for us. And your prayers for Mrs DHG as she battles with feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence.

Thanks.

A week in the North York Moors

2010-05-05T18:50:00.008Z

Here are a selection of photos from our week away in the North York Moors National Park.
We stayed in a huge house and met up with good friends and their 3 boys aged 7, 6 and 4. As you can imagine, chaos reigned until around 8 every evening... but it was great fun and something we'd definitely do again!

Cuthbert running to see the lifeboat at Runswick Bay...

Cuthbert spinning at the excellent playpark in Danby

Dibble climbing the cargo net - "I did it! Oh yeh!"

Is it the Polar Express? Or the Hogwarts Express, perhaps?
Sadly not, but almost as exciting!

Dibble throwing stones into the wee moorland beck

Running through the 'tube', as it became known!

Looking south from Scarborough Castle on the bleakest day of April!
It really was cold!

Roly poly down the banks at Scarborough Castle proved to be a major hit!
What more do 6 boys need than a grassy bank?

Whitby piers

McGrew and Dibble trying to get soaked by the waves (and succeeding spectacularly!)

Cuthbert and Dibble waiting excitedly for the steam train at Goathland

Dibble is three!

2010-04-05T20:18:00.004Z

Happy Birthday Dibble!
Three yesterday... and apparently off to Africa on Sunday as Tearfund's youngest volunteer!

That probably needs some explanation...

Last week, Dibble joined some of his friends in a 24 hour swimathon to raise money for one of Tearfund's clean water projects in Uganda. Not that he actually swam non-stop for 24h, but he was there at the start and finish, and managed about 20 lengths altogether, though 15 of those were aided by hitching a lift on the back of Mrs DHG's costume!

But he managed to raise over £300 for the project - well done Dibble!

Anyway, this evening, while settling down into bed, the converstation went something like this:

"Dibble, you've had a busy day today - you need to go to sleep now and get lots of rest ready for tomorrow."
"Yes, daddy. I go to Africa"
"You're going to Africa? When?"
"I go to Africa on Sunday."
"I see. Are you going by yourself?"
"No, I going with doglet"
"Right, so you're going to Africa on Sunday with doglet. Why?"
"I going to bring them some clean water to drink!"

There's not a lot you can say to that!

History maker

2010-03-31T20:44:00.001Z

Do you have a curly tail?

2010-03-17T21:00:00.003Z

Dibble was telling his Grandpa all about 'Story Party' yesterday, and recounting the exciting story he'd been listening to. It was all about a farm, and Dibble had been given a cuddly pig to look after during the story.

Grandpa asked Dibble if the pig had a curly tail.
Dibble replied 'Yes'

Grandpa then asked Dibble if he had a curly tail too.
Dibble replied 'No, I have a willy!'

It took a long time for Grandpa to stop laughing!

Question of the day

2010-03-15T20:07:00.001Z

Dibble asked me this after tea this evening...

"Daddy - why do you have two legs?"

Answers, please!

Newcastle Maker Faire

2010-03-11T20:31:00.002Z

We're planning on going along to Maker Faire on Saturday. The Discovery Museum and the Centre for Life both have loads of cool stuff going on...

... like Racing power tools, challenging the world’s fastest Rubik’s cube solving robot, making your own 3D glasses, getting your photo taken by a six legged robot, dancing with a robot made of recycled bottles…

Fun fun fun!

Proud parents

2010-03-10T21:48:00.004Z

McGrew and Cuthbert's parents' evening tonight.
They're both marvellous, according to their teachers.
Particularly McGrew.

Those of you who know about education these days will know that children get set targets at the start of each year - these are generally two sub-levels above the level they are working at the end of the previous year.

We're now half way through the year, and McGrew has blown the targets out of the water.
Since September, he's moved up 4 sub-levels in his reading (now at 2b), 3 sub-levels in writing (now at 1a) and 3 sub-levels in maths (now 2c).

Mrs DHG struggled to hold back tears of joy when his teacher told us.

The government target is for the average child at the end of Year 2 to be at level 2b in each of the three subjects. So McGrew has already achieved that in reading. And a level 2b in maths and writing is well within his grasp.

In a term and a half, McGrew has made up more than a year.
It is truly fantastic - and we've made sure McGrew knows how proud we are of him.

Well done McGrew!

Beyond consequences

2010-03-09T21:42:00.004Z

For a few months, we've been looking for some guidance and help in new approaches to parenting McGrew and Dibble. The traditional 'Supernanny' approach just isn't working!

Some professionals have pointed us in the direction of the 'Beyond Consequence Institute' and in particular one of their books - Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control.

It was the subtitle that really caught our eye - 'a love based approach to helping children with severe behaviours'.

A love-based approach!
'Is not all parenting love-based?', you may ask... That's what I thought.
But cctually, many of the traditional approaches seem to be based in fear:

If you don't do this, then such and such will happen.
If you do x, y and z, then you will get a star on your chart.

It all hinges on fear of what will or won't happen. And for our boys, more fear is the last thing they need. They've had fear in bucket loads in their short lives already.

Beyond Consequences approaches it differently, based on the principle that all negative behaviour arises from an unconcious, fear-based state of stress. And in children who have experienced significant trauma, the unconcious state of stress is high most of the time. It's had to be that way for them to have survived in the past.

So instead of consequences, Beyond Consequences suggests that we respond to negative behaviours with love, reassurance, calm, soothing and an understanding that in the moment of the behaviour, the child is highly stressed, full of unconcious fear and unable to regulate themselves.

We've been trying (and often failing) this approach for just a few days now, but already the results are amazing.
Much more calm.
Much less stress - not only in the boys, but also in Mrs DHG and me...

I'll let you know how it goes!

I'm back

2010-03-09T21:20:00.002Z

Here I am.
Back.
With a new look to the blog.

I hadn't intended to be away so long - but days turned into weeks into months, and then suddenly it's March! Sorry.

Life in the DHG house has been interesting since I was last here.

Mrs DHG has gone back to work part-time.
Which means Dibble has been going to nursery 2 days a week - and loving it (charming the staff most of the time with his singing, jokes and antics).
Which means we all have to be much more organised - particularly when it comes to meal times!

McGrew is coming on in leaps and bounds - academically, emotionally and socially - though he is having some wobbles - at home and school. Lots of insecurities, routed in his past trauma and fear are coming to light in interesting ways. Taking the oddest things from around the house to stash in his room have become almost daily occurrences - but more on that another day!

Cuthbert is also doing very well academically - his reading is fantastic and improving every day. But he too is having wobbles, again routed in past trauma and fear. He often struggles when things don't go exactly his way - sometimes resulting in up to half-hour long tantrums - not easy to be on the receiving end...

But through all the challenges, we are constantly reassured that God is with us - and ultimately we know that love will drive out all fear - and so we keep on loving.

Ruby party

2009-11-02T21:26:00.002Z

We all has a fantastic time at my mum and dad's ruby wedding anniversary party on Saturday. It was great to catch up with so many extended family and friends of old and share in such a wonderful happy celebration.

And it was great for McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble to meet many of their family for the first time. And for family to meet them.

Highlights had to be:

Dibble running around the dance floor trying to trip people up in the middle of a Dashing White Seargent

Dancing a Gay Gordons with Cuthbert - 'can I twirl yet, daddy?'

McGrew running at full pelt onto the dance floor and then dropping to his knees to see how far he could slide

All three boys' politeness and confidence among so many unfamiliar people

Cuthbert and McGrew asking to go to bed because they were tired (hard to believe, but true! - Cuthbert lasted till 10 and McGrew till 11!)

So, congraulations to mum and dad - and here's to many more years!

How to be miserable

2009-10-09T20:57:00.001Z

Thanks to Antonia for finding this...

Autumn collage

2009-10-06T20:04:00.001Z

by Dibble.

No sterilisers

2009-10-04T19:44:00.004Z

A momentous day today for McGrew...
He rode his bike without his stabilisers (or sterilisers as he insists on calling them!)

I remember clearly the day I rode my bike without them for the first time, with my dad running behind holding the seat... and then without my knowing, he let go, and I was away... until I realised and promptly fell off!

And so it was today, with me running along behind McGrew, holding his seat, and then when he was on course, I let go and watched with pride as he kept going...

'Look straight ahead McGrew...
Keep peddling McGrew...
Keep your head up...
Well done McGrew!'

Happy memories!

Weekend away

2009-09-27T19:27:00.004Z

Mrs DHG, McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and I have just returned from a fantastic weekend away with our church family. We hadn't been away like this with the boys before, so we were a wee bit apprehensive. But we needn't have been. It was such a lovely time, being with those we love and cherish and who love and cherish us.

This 'church weekend' takes place every couple of years, with the past few being held at this beautiful place near Whitby. The weather couldn't have been better - warm September sunshine from dawn to dusk all weekend.

The food was grand (let's face it, just not having to prepare, cook, serve and wash-up for 48 hours was a blessing in itself!), and the accomodation was really quite comfy! All five of us were sleeping in the same room (another first!), but in actaul fact the room was almost split into two with the bathroom in the middle - so it felt more like having a small apartment! We all slept extremely well, and thankfully the fire alarm at 5.45 this morning didn't sound in our building, so we slept through the roll call and visiting fire engine! There is a rumour circulating that the prayer coordinator was trying to boost numbers for the 8am meeting! He strongly denies this!

The teaching was both encouraging and challenging - a timely word from God, brought to us by this man, speaking straight into many of our church situations and things we're working through as a body. The teaching was from Titus, and focussed on:

authority in the church (what should we expect from our leaders / what should they expect from us as congregation?);
believing (have we lost our impact as Christians? / do we really believe that Jesus is Lord, no matter whether others accept that or not)
belonging (what does church community really look like / how can we nurture and encourage real community, involvement, getting stuck in when people are so busy / how does consumerism impact on how people feel about church);
transforming (it's all about people getting to know Jesus / having grace to understand that we're all a work in progress / not expecting people to conform to our understanding of what a believer looks like, says, acts).

Yesterday afternoon we had time to relax - the DHG clan together with another family (boys aged 7 and 3) headed to nearby Grosmont where we boarded, according to Dibble, 'Percy' (this owing to the colour of the engine pulling our carriages!) 'Percy' pulled us up what I have been reliably informed is one of the steepest gradients in the world frequented by steam engines (1 in 49 by all accounts!). Dibble was enthralled by the clickety clack, the guard's whistle and green flag, the smoke and steam. And the ice cream at Goathland (aka Hogsmeade for you Harry Potter fans / aka Aidensfield for you Heartbeat fans!).

So - a really good weekend. Very different (more dipping in an out of things, running after boys, playing at the playpark and wiping noses) than previous church weekends.
But a real blessing none-the-less.
It really is a privilige to spend quality time with family.

Aim Lower, Think Smaller, Give up

2009-09-21T18:53:00.001Z

I found this last week... lots to think about!

Election results unclear

2009-09-16T20:56:00.002Z

There may well have been a formal announcement at school, however this hasn't been conveyed to the DHG household.

McGrew has given us a number of different accounts, some of which have him winning the election, and others where one of his classmates has been chosen.

Mrs DHG and I suspect that McGrew has been unsuccessful in his first foray into the political arena, however he may be holding out for a recount. Vote rigging scandals, perhaps?

Anyway, if we become aware of any further robust information which sheds light on the results, you'll be the first to know!

Vote McGrew!

2009-09-14T20:41:00.002Z

McGrew has been nominated as a candidate in his School Council elections tomorrow.
This is the poster he's made to persuade his classmates to vote for him...

Election results will be posted here tomorrow!

Sunny days

2009-09-14T20:36:00.002Z

Blue skies and sunshine at Cragside on Saturday...

It's amazing...

2009-09-14T20:27:00.002Z

It's amazing what too much red food colouring can do...

5th place!

2009-09-06T19:20:00.004Z

The five of us and doglet (plus a good friend and her doglet, Rosie) went to one of our local parks today to 'Paws in the Park', a kind of open-air crufts for local pooches, all in aid of 'Dogs for the Disabled'.

We entered doglet in five categories including 'Best Condition'.
Amazingly, to everyone's surprise, doglet came 5th and received a pink rosette, much to Cuthbert's delight!
Well done, doglet!

Our good friend and her doglet, Rosie, did even better.
In the 'Loveliest eyes' categories, Rosie took first place against very stiff competition!
Well done Rosie!

X:Sited

2009-09-01T20:24:00.001Z

X:Site North East is coming soon...

"X:Site is a fantastic new regional event for children in school years 3-6 run by Scripture Union. The events are packed full of fun and excitement, a great place for young people to bring their friends and learn about Jesus at the same time.

The events take place once every 2 months on a Saturday from 6-8pm at All Saints College Newcastle.

The first event is on 3 October 2009."

Happy Birthday

2009-08-31T19:32:00.003Z

Happy Birthday Cuthbert!
5 today!

We've had a great family day out at Alnwick Garden - the boys loved jumping around in the fountains and got thoroughly soaked to the skin!

Lunch at the Treehouse was great, too - Cuthbert was enthralled with the magical fairy lights and the fact that the window next to him was pink! He couldn't quite get his head around the fact that they'd built a treehouse that you could sit in, with tables and chairs and a kitchen and lights and toilets!

His last words before he fell asleep were:
"Thank you mummy for today. It's been amazing!"

One year on

2009-08-26T20:33:00.006Z

"Happy birthday family" said Cuthbert to McGrew this afternoon.
And then they hugged each other, before we all went out for a celebration pizza.

I can hardly believe that this time last year we brought the boys home for the first time. In many ways, the time has flown by, but I can't actually remember what life was like before...

So much has happened.
The boys have come on in so many ways...
McGrew is so much more confident.
Cuthbert feels part of the family.
And Dibble can walk and talk!

And we're all smiling (well, most of the time!)

Into a big boy's bed

2009-08-25T20:39:00.003Z

Tonight was the night.
Dibble's cot has been turned into a bed.
Much to his excitement!

He got into it before tea tonight, rearranged all his teddies, threw them out of the bed, put them back in again, said "I go to sleep now" and giggled a lot!

We managed to get him out of bed for tea - but he was desparate to go back upstairs!
"I go to sleep. My bed."

He went off to sleep with no problems, but we'll see what happens in the morning!

Mixed feelings

2009-08-21T06:47:00.003Z

The 'credit crunch' is biting, and my employer is being forced to reduce costs.
The biggest cost being salary.
And so a number of my colleagues are facing the very real prospect of being out of a job.

I'm safe at the moment, and for that I am very thankful.
But my relief is tarnished with concern and thoughts for those who are facing redundancy.

And anxiety that more redundancies may follow in the months to come. Or maybe not.
I don't know.

But I know my God, and I know that He knows. And that's enough.

Stinky!

2009-06-28T19:03:00.002Z

I awoke (for the third time) at 7.30 this morning to some very mournful sounds from Dibble's bedroom.

On entering, the following scene lay before me...

Dibble standing in his cot, crying.
Dibble's pyjama suit undone to his waist.
Dibble's nappy half undone.
Dibble's index finger on his right hand a strange brown colour.

"Daddy. Nappy off. Stinky."

After a general cleanup of Dibble's finger and a change of nappy, I questioned Dibble on his actions so far that morning.

"Why did you try to take your nappy off, Dibble?"
"Poo. Stinky. No like."
"And why did you stick your finger in it, Dibble?"
"Stinky, Daddy."
"And what did you do with your finger after you put it in your nappy, Dibble?"
"Ett it. Stinky. No like."

Let's hope he's learnt his lesson, and doesn't try that again!

Congratulations

2009-06-19T20:18:00.003Z

Congratulations to my little brother and his fiancee on their engagement...
Fantastic news, you two!

Dibble takes the mic

2009-06-14T19:34:00.002Z

At church this morning, little Dibble was beside himself. He desperately wanted to go up to the front to tell the person leading the service something very important, but he wouldn't go himself. And Mrs DHG wasn't for accompanying him!

For 10 minutes he ran up the centre aisle, and then back again to get Mrs DHG's hand to try to drag her up to the front, but to no avail... but Mrs DHG eventually relented.

So little Dibble dragged Mrs DHG to the front. He then climbed the steps onto the stage (mid children's talk) and poked the leader's leg to get her attention, before speaking something into her ear. She then stopped the talk, picked him up and said, 'OK, you say it into the microphone!' Which he did, clear as day....

'Our God is a great big God!'

So, what can you do? Only one thing for it... the worship team struck up a few chords, and we all launched into an impromptu rendition of the chorus of that song - Dibble's favourite, in case you didn't know!

Not sure if this now sets a precedent for requests during the service? Perhaps not unless you're 2!

10 metres

2009-06-12T19:57:00.002Z

All of us in the DHG household are extremely proud of McGrew...
On Wednesday he managed to swim 10m on his own, no armbands. And he's got the certificate and badge to prove it!

Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness the athletic feat, but Mrs DHG was.
He tried once, and got halfway before stopping to hold on to the teacher. Mrs DHG thought he would give up, but no, he tried again - and got 8m across before sinking...

After a brief rest to gather all of his strength, he tried a third time - and got across. Helped not a little by Mrs DHG shouting encouragement from the viewing gallery!

By all accounts there were copious tears from Mrs DHG as she congratulated eldest son on his achievement... When asked how mummy was after his success, McGrew simply commented, 'She cried!'.

Well done McGrew!

Giving thanks

2009-05-10T20:39:00.003Z

We've had a lovely day today.
It's been the boys' dedication at church - where we've said thank you to God for bringing the boys into our lives, we've asked God to use them for his purposes, and we've promised to be the best parents we can be, bringing them up to know Jesus. With the help of a multitude of god-parents!!

We were joined in church by our immediate family (though my lil sis couldn't make it because of work), good friends, McGrew and Cuthbert's head teacher and class teachers, our social worker for the past 18 months, and our fantastic church family. It really was a celebration!

The boys had asked if we could sing their favourite song during the service - all five of us were therefore made to stand on the stage to do the actions of 'Our God is a Great Big God' - Cuthbert had a fantastic time with the actions, and by all accounts his face was a picture!

We had lunch at home for family and god-parents, and thankfully the sun shone, so boys could play in the garden, expertly looked after by multitude of god-parents, while Mrs DHG and I had some grown-up conversation!!

A great day of thanksgiving and celebration!

Legal at last

2009-04-16T20:02:00.002Z

An epic day today.
McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble got a new name.
They're now legally Masters 'DHG'.

The day didn't go without its hitches, mind you!
We didn't get stuck in traffic.
None of us was ill.
We didn't get lost.
We weren't late.
We didn't break down.
We didn't get the wrong day....

... but the boys' social worker did!

Yes, as incomprehensible as it may seem, she put the wrong date in her diary.
So no social worker, no adoption hearing.

Thankfully she managed to organise one of her colleagues to come in her stead, and we had a very accommodating judge who agreed to wait. So instead of things happening at 10 o'clock this morning, it was nearer 11.15. And what a long hour that was!

But the boys now have lovely certificates, which they are so proud of. And the judge gave them each a tractor too! Dibble asked for the 'geen' one, and being the youngest, he got it!

So the end of one chapter of the boys' lives.
And the start of a new one.
With a new name.
Adopted into our family.
Forever.

Dibble's cake

2009-04-06T19:25:00.003Z

Is there no end to the talents of Mrs DHG?

Happy Birthday Dibble!

2009-04-04T19:36:00.002Z

2 today!
Many happy returns...

And thanks to all who made today so special for him - a very happy boy is now fast asleep, dreaming of fire engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, his new guitar (OK, it's a Ukulele), special colours all for himself, oh, and hitting Lynne with a big stick till it broke :o)

Adoption Order granted today

2009-04-03T13:54:00.003Z

Some fantastic news - we have just heard that the Adoption Orders have been granted today in court.

We now need to go to the final hearing together as a family in a couple of weeks - but this is really just a formality.

So as one chapter comes to an end, we can now focus on the future... and the boys can have absolute certainty that they are secure in our family.

The fort

2009-03-29T20:13:00.004Z

This has just appeared at the bottom of our garden...

Well - perhaps not just appeared!

After much toil (45 man-hours), driving wind, temperatures as low as 2 degrees, and with the help of Mrs DHG and 6 good friends, not to mention Nana and Bog for keeping McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble out of the way during construction, the fort is now complete and open for business...

All welcome to make use of it - just give us a phone to make sure we're in first!
And when we're not all on it, children can use it too!

Six months a daddy

2009-02-26T21:01:00.003Z

Today.
Half a year.
Six months.
Twenty-six weeks.

Here's to the next six months!

Martha and Arthur

2009-02-24T20:08:00.002Z

It would appear that young Cuthbert has been learning songs at school...
The latest one (as sung to us at tea time yesterday) goes like this:

Martha and Arthur
Martha and Arthur
Martha and Arthur
Come Lord Jesus, Come.

This prompted many questions among the DHG house...

Who is Arthur?
Why is he going around with Martha?
And what do they have to do with Jesus' return?

Goodbye Bugga Bugga

2009-02-16T22:06:00.003Z

Goodbye 'Bugga Bugga'.
Hello 'Piggle Piggle'.

A sad day indeed :(
But I suppose inevitable...
We couldn't have Dibble talking like that for ever!!

God in the bed

2009-02-15T20:51:00.002Z

The local grandparents were babysitting for us last night so we could go out - and on Valentine's day as well!! We had a lovely time: meal, wine, film...

While we were out, at bed time, Cuthbert had a lengthy conversation with Nana about God and where he was... Cuthbert brings this up a lot, but this has to be the funniest so far!

The conversation went something like this.

Cuthbert: God is everywhere, Nana
Nana: Yes he is.
Cuthbert: Is he is my bedroom?
Nana: Yes
Cuthbert: Is he in my bed?
Nana: Yes, he is
Cuthbert: Well, he'd better get down to the bottom, cause there's no room for him at the top!

Tchaikovsky?

2009-02-08T22:03:00.002Z

In the car yesterday...

CD: 'Half a pound of tuppany rice, half a pound of...'
Cuthbert: 'I know who wrote this!'
Me: 'Do you?'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, it's Tchaikovsky!'
Me: 'Hmm - good try, but I don't think Tchaikovsky wrote about rice, treacle and popping weasals!'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, he did!'

In the car today...

Radio: 'dum diddly dum dum dum dum dummmm'
Cuthbert: 'I know what this is!'
Me: 'Do you?'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, it's Tchaikovsky and it's called March of the Toys.'

Seems they are teaching him something at nursery after all!!

Mummy's work

2009-02-03T21:09:00.002Z

Mrs DHG said I had to post this video... and who am I to refuse?
I would like to point out that as of last week, I am now no longer grounded!!
Enjoy!

Awesome!

2009-02-02T21:55:00.004Z

So was McGrew's description of HMS Ark Royal when we visited her on Saturday.
I think Dibble enjoyed it too - he just kept saying 'wow, wow'!

She is definitely a fair size!

Happy Birthday me

2009-02-02T21:44:00.003Z

From Cuthbert...

From McGrew...

From Dibble...

And a lovely cake - thanks to the wonderful culinary skills of Mrs DHG!

Snowman

2009-02-02T21:40:00.001Z

Created by Mrs DHG, Cuthbert and Dibble.

Highlights of Christmas

2008-12-30T20:49:00.005Z

1. Christmas Eve
We put up the stockings. We set out a plate with biscuits, a carrot and a glass of sherry.
We looked on the internet to check Santa's progress.
They were so excited. It was just lovely to see the anticipation on their faces.
And the innocence that believes Santa actually comes down the chimney into our sitting room!

2. Ben-10
McGrew getting a Ben-10 watch from Santa - we're now safe from aliens, as they've all been annihilated in at least a 50 mile radius! He's hardly had it off his wrist.

3. Bugga Bugga
Dibble going to the front at church on Christmas Day to tell the pastor what he'd got for Christmas - he was clutching his new Iggle Piggle (which he calls Bugga Bugga)... we were all praying very hard he wouldn't say anything into the microphone when the pastor said 'and what is this, Dibble?'!!

4. Cuthbert at church on Christmas Day...
Cuthbert got a pair of fairy wings from Santa (a compromise with Mrs DHG, who was up for getting him the thing he'd put at number one in his letter to Santa - a Cuthbert-sized purple Barbie dress! - I vetoed this). He also got a dragon mask and hat. And a flashing rudolph nose. Put them all together.... what do you get? A fairy dragon, of course! I haven't laughed quite so much in church as I did during 'O come, all ye faithful' - which was accompanied by Cuthbert dancing a fairy dragon dance on the stage! Oh, yes!

5. Pride in my boys
Sitting so patiently at the table at their grandparents' house on Christmas day waiting for pudding. Behaving so well at the DHG annual extended family gathering on Sunday - so many new people to meet (2 great uncles, 2 great aunts, and 3 cousins once removed, plus some others too, as well as all the family they already knew). My littlest cousin was a particular hit - we've even had tears from McGrew because she's so lovely and he misses her so much!

6. Flashing red noses
Cuthbert came through wearing two of them - round his waist. It was very very funny, but I guess you had to be there!

7. Picking up leaves in the garden
McGrew and Cuthbert helped me pick up leaves from the garden. 'Helped' is perhaps the wrong verb, but they did try... they also threw them in the air and pretended it was snowing... they kicked them, stamped on them, stuffed them down each others' coats, and generally had a fantastic time...

8. Talky walkies
McGrew and Cuthbert's name for one of their presents.

9. Tale of Despereaux
A daddy treat with McGrew and Cuthbert at the cinema - though they were more interested in the popcorn than the little mouse saving the day!

10. Dibble's inability to say mummy
He can say 'daddy' (even at 4.30 in the morning!)
He can say 'McGrew', 'Cuthbert' and 'Dibble' (or very good attempts at them)
He can say 'doglet'
But point at Mrs DHG, and say 'who is this, Dibble?', and he laughs and says 'daddy'!
Mrs DHG is actually relishing the fact that Dibble calls for me in the middle of the night - though I maintain that he really means mummy!

'Twas the twenty-third day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:45:00.002Z

An angel for the top of the Christmas tree - made by Cuthbert using a paper plate and glitter!

'Twas the twenty-second day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:41:00.002Z

A Christmas tree by Cuthbert...

'Twas the twenty-first day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:37:00.002Z

A nativity scene coloured in by McGrew...

'Twas the twentieth day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:34:00.002Z

Cuthbert's hands make a reindeer!

'Twas the nineteenth day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:29:00.002Z

A beautiful snowman by Dibble...

'Twas the eighteenth day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:23:00.002Z

Mrs D and the boys made a huge iced mince pie for pudding - mmmmmm!

'Twas the seventeenth day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:19:00.003Z

Card hand-made by McGrew (using his hand and foot as a template for Rudolph!), for all his class at school.

'Twas the sixteenth day of advent...

2008-12-23T20:17:00.001Z

Wrapping paper designed by Dibble...

'Twas the fifteenth day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:47:00.003Z

We've had a veritable forest of Christmas cards puporting to be from McGrew and Cuthbert's friends at school... in actual fact a good 90% are written by parents of friends, with the friends having what would appear to be zero input to the card writing activities.

Mrs DHG felt that a more personal approach was warranted (and it also served as another advent craft activity!)

And so we have the beautiful card pictured above, which Cuthbert is going to present to his class tomorrow morning.

McGrew is making his tomorrow! Watch this space...

Putting the record straight

2008-12-15T20:44:00.002Z

Mrs DHG seems to have gained access to my blog.
I'll have to change the password so it won't happen again!

To put the record straight...

I was 'told' to sit with McGrew and be creative, having a pack of craft products thrown in my general direction. I think the outcome isn't too bad actually... though I did wonder at one point whether McGrew would have to walk round with his hands stuck together for the rest of advent!

Regarding Lent, I would like to make it known now that I intend to give up children for 40 days!!

'Twas the fourteenth day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:37:00.002Z

Mrs DHG here...

It has taken 14 days but DHG has finally succumbed. He sat with McGrew this afternoon and made this 'beautiful' (so says Cuthbert) garland.

He has now fully grasped the delight, excitement, wonder and pure pleasure it is counting down to Christmas with small children. He is now very keen to be home early from work to join in our glittery activities... well, for the next 10 days at least.

Shall we tell him that Lent has 40 days, and it is coming up soon?

'Twas the thirteenth day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:32:00.002Z

Today it was Cuthbert's turn to design Christmas wrapping paper.

As expected, he chose to draw a pink angel!

You should see what he's asked Santa for... the words purple, barbie and dress appear in the number one slot. I feel he is going to be sorely disappointed!

'Twas the twelfth day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:25:00.003Z

McGrew designed some Christmas wrapping paper today!

He's going to wrap all his presents in this, so if you're lucky enough to receive a parcel wrapped in this, you'll know it's from him.

'Twas the eleventh day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:22:00.002Z

Colourful paper snowflakes adorn our kitchen cupboards!
Has Mrs DHG run out of ideas?

'Twas the tenth day of advent...

2008-12-15T20:12:00.002Z

Paper snowflakes adorn our back door!

'Twas the ninth day of advent...

2008-12-09T20:12:00.006Z

A string of glittery hanging things...

...and bright stockings!

The kitchen's covered in glitter as well!!

'Twas the eighth day of advent...

2008-12-09T20:05:00.002Z

Home-made baubles greeted my return from work yesterday...

Methinks Rudolph has had too much of Santa's sherry!

And Santa's had a bit too much as well!!

Chocolate angel delight

2008-12-07T20:25:00.003Z

Warning!
Learning to use a spoon all by yourself is not compatible with angel delight!

'Twas the seventh day of advent...

2008-12-07T20:22:00.003Z

How lovely are your branches...

'Twas the sixth day of advent...

2008-12-06T22:40:00.007Z

The finished tree...
It's only been pulled over four times today by Dibble!

We all went to choose the real tree for the other room this afternoon as well. Two weeks ahead of our usual Christmas tree buying schedule... but Mrs DHG insisted. And the boys did get to meet Santa -they were so excited!

Decoration of the real tree is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

'Twas the fifth day of advent...

2008-12-06T22:34:00.006Z

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
well - stickers on the patio doors (just as well Mrs DHG stopped short of the snow and stencils as she'd first promised!)

'Twas the fourth day of advent...

2008-12-04T21:11:00.003Z

Today's contribution?
A mini Christmas tree with a single piece of tinsel and a few decorations.
Oh, and I musn't forget the assortment of Christmassy cuddly toys which has appeared on top of the TV - a definite fire hazard if you ask me!

Mrs DHG maintains the tree is not yet finished. And that it looked much better before McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble stripped the tinsel off and proceeded to run round the house with it trailing behind!

'Twas the third day in advent...

2008-12-03T20:56:00.004Z

That's right. Paper chains today.
Shiny red, green and gold.
In our sitting room.
Lovely!

'Twas the second day of advent...

2008-12-03T20:33:00.004Z

Apologies to all of you who were waiting patiently yesterday for the next installment in the transformation of our home. Unfortunately Dibble has a bad cold and chest infection, and decided that he didn't need any sleep the night before last, hence Mrs DHG and I didn't get any sleep either. Bed beckoned last night more loudly than the PC I'm afraid.

But Mrs DHG was hard at work again with the boys yesterday - and this is what greeted me when I came home!

hmmmm!

'Twas the first day of advent...

2008-12-01T21:19:00.003Z

Mrs DHG seems to have had too much time on her hands today.
She has, together with my three boys, hatched a plan to transform our house into a magical Christmas wonderland.

Phase 1 of the plan now appears to have been successfully completed.
This is what greeted me as I returned home this evening from work...

A double-sided, coloured-in, surreal addition to our hall light fitting!
It even has wind chimes attached to the bottom, which jingle every time I walk past.

I shudder to think what Phases 2 - 24 of the plan involve!

Kissing gate

2008-11-25T21:07:00.002Z

We have a bit of a tradition here at famille DHG...

Whenever we encounter a kissing gate when out and about on a walk, the first person goes through, then kisses the person behind, who goes through, then kisses the person behind... and so on and so on until the last person is through.

We were out on such a walk on Saturday - clear blue skies, crisp frosty ground with a dusting of snow - a beautiful day. We came across a kissing gate.

Young McGrew sped to the gate and climbed up onto the bottom bar, his arms over the top bar, hanging on. He then proclaimed, 'I am the kissing gate!'

Under normal circumstances, this would be fine. He would get to kiss the entire famille DHG, and everyone would be happy.

But we didn't have normal circumstances. Oh no. As McGrew rushed to the kissing gate, he overtook a group of 5 other random people (random in the sense that we had no idea who they were, and still don't!).

Thus, group of random people is now between McGrew and the rest of famille DHG.
McGrew is the kissing gate.
Random people now need to pass through the kissing gate.
You can see where this is going, can't you!

McGrew exclaims again, to first random person, 'I am the kissing gate!' and offers his lips for a kiss!

First random person looks behind to Mrs DHG with look of some confusion / concern / bemusement. Mrs DHG just smiles and nods.

First random person is kissed by kissing gate McGrew.
As is the second.
As is the third, fourth and fifth.

We may have to ensure we are alone before negotiating another kissing gate!

Quarantined!

2008-11-19T21:18:00.003Z

Dibble is quarantined for 5 days, thanks to the varicella virus.
Thankfully he's not as bad as this...

Uncle Mitch

2008-11-11T21:29:00.002Z

Peacefully, at Stirling Royal Infirmary, on Friday 7th November, 2008, James Mitchell Currie (Mitch), aged 87 years, originally from Gretna, dearly beloved husband of Elspeth, devoted father of Jim, dear father-in-law of Laura and a much loved grandad of Melissa and Lucy.

I spy

2008-11-08T21:41:00.002Z

Playing I spy in the car on the way back from the bonfire and fireworks this evening (which was a great success - all the boys loved it)...

Mummy: I spy with my little eye, something beginning with 'r'
Boys: silence
Mummy: what begins with 'r' that we're just about to drive round?
Boys: silence
Daddy: Is it a roundabout, mummy?
Cuthbert: No, daddy. A roundabout begins with 'a'

Mummy (while driving): doubled over laughing, trying hard to keep the car going in a straight line!

A week in Argyll

2008-11-05T21:47:00.003Z

Sunset over Loch Melfort - view from our window

McGrew on the Easdale ferry looking out towards Mull

McGrew leading the way

The five of us on Melfort Pier (Dibble is in the back-pack!)

Mummy and her three boys...

Where is God?

2008-10-21T20:27:00.003Z

After praying with Cuthbert this evening, the conversation went something like this...

Cuthbert: If God can see what we're doing now, where is he?
Me: Well, God is special because he is everywhere at the same time.
Cuthbert: Is he in my bedroom?
Me: Yes, he is - but you can't see him.
Cuthbert: Is mummy God?
Me: No, mummy isn't God.
Cuthbert: Are you God, daddy?
Me: No, I'm not God.
Cuthbert (looking behind the curtains): Is God behind here? I can't see him. Is he outside the window?
Me: Well, he's everywhere all at once. And he loves you very much. And so do I. Night Night!

I'm sure there's a better explanation for a 4 year old...
Would anybody like to suggest one?

Thanks

2008-10-20T19:40:00.005Z

Today I thank God for...

...the sound of Cuthbert singing his version of the Lord's prayer at bed-time, getting words muddled up and missing a few out - just so lovely!

...Dibble's new shoes, his first solo steps, and the new words every day - favourites at the moment are 'noo shoos, noo shoos' and 'kok-lok' (new shoes and chocolate!)

...McGrew's certificate of achievement from school - for trying hard to learn his letter sounds - we're so proud of him

...the thrill and sheer excitement on all 3 boys' faces as we sat at the front of the metro and went through the long tunnel underneath Newcastle ('look, daddy - a station inside the tunnel!')

...the joy of trying to catch leaves with the boys as they blew off the trees in Jesmond Dene yesterday

For these, and many others, I thank God.

Struggles

2008-10-08T19:52:00.002Z

I've not posted on here for a while.
The days just seem to fly by and there just doesn't seem to be the time to get on here much at all...

The last couple of weeks seem to have been a bit of a struggle.
Don't get me wrong - there have been some fantastic bits too - but those seem to be out-numbered by ever more frequent episodes of struggle.
Lots of little things which mass together.

Doing the opposite of what we ask.
Refusing to do what we ask.
Ignoring us when we ask.
Tears when we ask.
Telling lies.

I'm sure it will get better.
Just a wee bit difficult to see things objectively at times.

Needless to say, the 'thinking step' is getting a lot of use at the moment!
And we're not dishing up as many portions of pudding as we might.

Boys at Druridge Bay

2008-09-25T21:24:00.002Z

Much fun was had by all!

More pics on facebook if you're interested!

Muddy walks

2008-09-09T19:51:00.003Z

I went back to work today.
Mrs D picked McGrew and Cuthbert up from school, and then decided to go for a muddy walk with doglet and Dibble.

Here are the results...

They had loads of fun... but you should have seen the bottom of the bath once they were finished! I hate to think what the inside of the car is like!

Morpeth

2008-09-08T20:49:00.007Z

One of my ongoing projects at work is designing improvements to the flood defences in Morpeth.
This weekend saw the worst floods in more than 50 years in the town.
Hundreds of people have been directly affected. Homes, possessions and businesses ruined.

Even more reason to press on at work and make sure that this kind of thing happens less frequently.

First day at school

2008-09-04T19:25:00.003Z

All seemed to go well today.

McGrew and Cuthbert were both really excited to be going. Mrs D was a bit wobbly in the playground as first McGrew and then Cuthbert went in to their classrooms... they both seemed so little in their new uniforms and expensive shoes! Too young to be starting school, surely...

Cuthbert finishes at 2 for a few weeks, but even with the early finish, he was shattered this evening. We asked both of them how today went, but we haven't managed to glean much comprehensible information... other than they've both made some friends, though they can't remember the names. Oh, and McGrew had hedgehog and playgrounds for lunch!?

Mrs D and I had big plans for getting stuff done round the house today, but 2 o'clock arrived before we had time to blink...! There's always tomorrow!

Daylight robbery?

2008-09-03T18:10:00.003Z

We went shopping today with McGrew and Cuthbert for school shoes.

We found some.
We're now £60 worse off than we were!

I'd be grateful if anybody could explain to me how a wee pair of school shoes for a 4 / 5 year old can cost £30! Could it be the toy incorporated in the sole? Or perhaps the lights in the heel and the wee button to turn them on or off?

Is there anywhere you can get just a pair of black school shoes without gimmicks?

When I was young.... (no, I won't go on any more!!)

Happy birthday Cuthbert

2008-08-31T19:56:00.004Z

A great weekend has been had by all - first time meetings with Auntie J, Uncle M, Granny and Grandpa G - a trip to the local soft play - a fabulous Mr Tickle birthday cake made for us by good friends J & L - and everyone singing 'Happy Birthday' to Cuthbert at church (while he stood on the stage, arms folder, grin on face, all by himself - 'no daddy, I want to go up by myself'), and it was the first time we'd been to church together!

He's had loads of lovely presents which he's been playing with all day (thank you to all of you very generous people...). The biggest hit was a keyboard from Uncle M and Auntie C (thanks for that - but you forgot to include ear plugs!) which he plays while dancing in his seat - so cute! The bubble machine from Granny and Grandpa G has also been a great success in the garden - he runs round among the bubbles shrieking and dancing!

Seeing in your sleep?

2008-08-29T20:39:00.001Z

Me: 'Cuthbert, would you like your night light on tonight?'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, please, daddy. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to see when I'm asleep!'

Home together

2008-08-27T08:24:00.003Z

Just a quick update - we all got back safely yesterday late afternoon. It was an emotional goodbye for the boys, but the journey improved quite quickly with the distraction of Roald Dahl's 'The Enormous Crocodile' and 'The Giraffe, the Pelli and Me' on CD!

The boys settled really well last night, with all asleep before 8.30 (Dibble was last to close his eyes). Cuthbert was quite upset and wanted to speak to his foster carer on the phone to say night night - but after that, Mrs D sung him to sleep quite quickly.

Mrs D got up once in the night to untangle Dibble from his blanket, but an uneventful night otherwise. McGrew had a dry night, which is absolutely fantastic! Small heads popped round our door at 6 this morning, and we had a mummy, daddy, doglet, McGrew and Cuthbert bed cuddle for half an hour.

We're off to Nana and Grandpa's for lunch later, and perhaps a walk in the park with doglet too.

It's only 9.30, but seems more like lunchtime already!

Shoes

2008-08-24T19:38:00.003Z

A photo from our hall today...

We've had a great weekend - the boys have been with us most of each day, returning to a local hotel to sleep... we've played football in the garden ('mummy, try and save this'), run around the house playing hide and seek ('daddy, you come and find us now'), been to local parks to walk doglet and visit the playparks ('look how high I am, daddy!'), watched Peter Pan on DVD and eaten lots of yummy food. And McGrew and Cuthbert have earned lots and lots of stars for their star charts!

Back down to their foster carer's house tomorrow and then home on Tuesday forever!

First day at our house

2008-08-22T18:28:00.002Z

The boys visited us today for a few hours. McGrew and Cuthbert were so excited to see their new bedrooms, they ran round and round shrieking... normal house rules were suspended for a while!

Dibble was in his element, speed crawling from room to room and looking longingly up the stairs through the bars of the gate! He was intent on investigating every corner of every room, and seemed exceptionally happy!

McGrew spent quite a bit of time testing the boundaries, as we thought he would. But he was almost inconsolable when it was time for him to go, with real tears of distress at having to leave. It must be so confusing for them all. Having seen their bedrooms and their beds, but not be allowed to stay and sleep in them. But McGrew loves doglet - he gave her a huge cuddle and a kiss before he left, and told her that he loves her.

Cuthbert was his usual happy self, with only the occasional grumpy face when Dibble did a good impression of demolition man with the wooden railway track.

They're back tomorrow for the day - hopefully the rain will stop long enough to get out for a walk in the park with doglet.

Back home

2008-08-21T21:22:00.004Z

Mrs D and I got back home this afternoon - it's nice to be back, though a bit strange to be without our boys...

They come up tomorrow with their foster carer, and we get to see them for a couple of hours as they explore their new house and garden! Then we have them all day Saturday and Sunday (but not overnight), before they go back to their foster carer's on Monday.

Then we bring them home on Tuesday.
I can't wait!

Happiness is...

2008-08-19T20:11:00.005Z

1. your son running up to you in the park, throwing his arms around you for a huge hug, just because you're daddy
2. the expressions of sheer excitement and delight on your sons' faces as the train goes through a tunnel
3. your youngest son falling asleep in your arms
4. your eldest son calling Mrs D 'mummy, darling'
5. catching headlice from your children (!)
6. realising that star charts will get your children to behave impeccably in the car (so far!)
7. listening to your youngest son singing ‘Frere Jacques’ at the top of his voice on a swing in the play park
8. showing your middle son how to climb up the cargo net in the playpark, and then watching him do it all by himself
9. kissing your sons good night and telling them that you love them
10. being a daddy (this should perhaps be number 1)

Mummy and Daddy

2008-08-17T16:11:00.003Z

Things still going really well...

We took the boys to the farm on Friday with their foster carer - they loved the calves, particularly when one of them licked McGrew's tummy! McGrew and Cuthbert both climbed to the top of a wooden fort in the playpark at the farm, and then shouted at the top of their voices ' mummy, look at me!' - Luckily Mrs D had her sunglasses on, to hide the tears of joy!

Yesterday we went to the local park by ourselves and spent ages playing football, going down the slide (and reminding McGrew that you go up the ladder and down the slide, rather than up the slide!) and generally having fun. Then to the duck pond to feed the ducks and pick brambles on the way back to the foster carer's - though I've never know ducks to have been fed cherry scones before! One of the highlights of yesterday was both McGrew and Cuthbert shouting to me 'daddy, can I go on your shoulders?' - which of course they did, though one at a time!!

We ended yesterday by bathing the boys and then putting them to bed after reading them a story.... It's great!

Today, we were up at the crack to make sure we were with the boys for breakfast... then we took them out in the car ourselves to a maize maze! Despite losing McGrew for a few minutes, we did get them all back in one piece... And then lunch, which went better than we had thought it would - so well, in fact, that McGrew and Cuthbert were both allowed pudding for behaving so well!

We've three days left now before we go home, and the boys come up to see our house and get to know where we live next weekend.... The plan is they'll then be at home with us for ever from the 26th....

We can't wait!

First meeting

2008-08-14T08:58:00.003Z

We met McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble yesterday morning.
Words just can't describe how we felt.

They were so excited to see us - well, Dibble had been up all night being unwell, so he slept for most of the first half hour... but McGrew, Cuthbert, Mrs D, the SW, the boys’ foster carer and I all sat round on the living room floor playing snakes and ladders.

Cuthbert was the first to move towards Mrs D, sidling up and then ending up on her knee. McGrew then went round the back of Mrs D and stroked her hair for a bit!

The two older boys were really keen to show me their bedrooms, books and toys, and then we had to go out the back to be shown their bikes (I had to put their shoes on for them, as they seemed to have forgotten how to do it themselves!). Despite foster carer’s protestations, McGrew was adamant to show us he could ride without stabilisers!

Then we had some more time playing on the floor – both older boys becoming more sure of us, and wanting to sit on our knees. Cuthbert is very tickly!

Then Dibble woke up a bit, and started investigating. If there was an Olympic sport of speed crawling, Dibble would win gold in Beijing – guaranteed! He’s pulling himself up on furniture and using that to walk round the room – it won’t be long before he’s walking by himself!

Our time with them seemed so short – and after an hour and a bit we left – but we’re seeing them again this afternoon…

We also met the boys’ birth mum yesterday – it was a really helpful meeting – she gave us permission to be the boys’ mummy and daddy and said that she wanted the boys to be loved, and hoped they would fulfil their full potential. That is more meaningful then any court order. It was emotional, but I’m so glad we did it – and have a photo of us with her which we can show our boys in years to come.

We then met McGrew and Cuthbert’s teachers – it was really good to hear their thoughts on the boys – what they’re good at (McGrew loves investigations, and has excellent coordination, particularly in football!), and how they are with class mates and friends.

So – the planning meeting today (setting out the timetable for the next fortnight), then a couple of hours with the boys this afternoon, and the whole morning with them on Friday.

Let’s hope we get a wee bit of dry weather so we can go to the park!

Matching Panel says yes!

2008-07-30T13:34:00.003Z

The last hurdle has been cleared...

After what has been reported to us as a 'gruelling' panel - with our social worker and the boys' social worker being given a 'grilling' - the panel has recommended the match between us and our three boys: McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble.

So full steam ahead!
We meet them in two weeks.
But before that, a well-earned holiday!
And some champagne tonight!

Rooms are ready

2008-07-29T20:11:00.005Z

Dibble's room

McGrew's room

Cuthbert's room

* not their real names, in case you were wondering!!
To protect their identity online, I thought I'd name them after three of the firemen in one of my favourite TV programmes... Can you guess which one?!

Washing machine crisis

2008-07-24T16:53:00.003Z

Our washing machine has just died. Not slowly or gracefully, but in a cocophany of bangs and shakes, culminating in a shower of burnt plastic from its gut being dumped onto the nearly clean washing within.

Better now than in a month's time, mind you... and it's served us well for 11 years.

off to Comet I go...

What I learnt at the weekend

2008-07-15T19:48:00.006Z

I have learned that:

Mothercare staff are very helpful

There are hundreds of different types of push-chairs
Stair gates come in different colours, sizes and styles
Stair gates have extension pieces so they'll fit wide stairs

Mothercare store cards are called Mothercards
Mothercards are pink
Mothercards get you money off :o)

No matter how many different combinations are tried, it is impossible to get three car seats in the back of a Skoda Octavia...
Mothercare staff are very patient!

Having three boys means having to buy a people carrier
When compared to the cost of a people carrier, car seats aren't actually that expensive

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso comes in some very suspect colours, like 'anodised gold'
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has a panoramic roof so you can watch the sky (not while driving, of course!)
Our new car will be a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso... in anodised gold...

The panel - they say yes!

2008-07-10T15:38:00.004Z

Just back from the adoption panel - so excited!
We went in early, and were introduced to the 12 people round the table - a mix of legal advisors, medical advisors, adoptive parents, social workers from other agencies...

They made us feel really at ease, and then some of the panel members asked us questions they'd prepared in advance, having read our report.

There were questions on church and our busy-ness, about why we were thinking of up to three children, about how we and our church would value diversity, and about our resilience as a couple.

We left for them to deliberate, and within a couple of minutes, the chair person had come out to tell us that they'd said yes.

So we'll be approved to adopt up to three children - which is just as well, considering!

Next stop is the matching panel on 30th July... and before that, loads to do, loads to buy, and lots of effort needed to stop Mrs D spending all our money in Mothercare and ELC!