The Eccentric American Mama in Cumbria

Cyril decided to dress himself today and insisted on wearing this hat.  Even though we're not your traditional religious family, we've dappled in buddhism, christianity and even contemplated paganism and witch craft, placing nature and peace above everything else, it's still fun to bring a little holiday cheer to your toddler. At first this was difficult for me, as I've always viewed holidays as a waste, and I still go back and forth as to whether or not I'm doing the right thing, but for now I've decided to keep it somewhat simple, purchasing items Cyril either needs or will actually use, and although there are 2 eggs with a chocolate inside, there are also eggs with raisins to keep that balance. Reading We're Going on an Egg Hunt As with Christmas I try to keep it to 3 gifts, something he wants, something he needs and an experience. This year the experience will be finding the Easter eggs around the house, I cannot wait to see his face light up...

Cyril's 1st birthday with his buddies, don't have any nursery pics yet! To say the transition to nursery has been difficult is a complete understatement. We've both cried at every drop off and the separation anxiety once we get home is exhausting. I've felt sad, guilty and have questioned my decision to send him all week. This guilt was not helped when someone commented that they didn't feel children should go to nursery if their parents aren't working especially if they're clearly not enjoying it.  I mentioned needing a break, and the response was, "You'll get a break when they're in school full-time." After the comment was made I briefly contemplated pulling Cyril out before one of my friends said that she's not working and she loves the time it gives her to spend alone with her younger son. And let's just lay all the cards out on the table, to those of you who think we're not working and are just lounging around drinkin...

Just a quick 16 week update because the sun is shining over here and in England you must take advantage of every sunny moment you get! On Saturday I had a lovely day at the spa while Josh took the boys for a hike. Unfortunately, we were unaware of how sick Cyril was when we set off. The hike was going really well until Josh turned around. At which point Cyril's fever must have kicked in because he screamed the entire one hour hike back to the car on Josh's back, nothing would calm him down. I was of course oblivious to all of this as I sipped my tiny glass of champagne next to a fire in the Wordsworth Hotel and Spa. I met the boys at Tweedies, one of our favourite pubs, as Josh finished his pint and then we made the journey home. By the time we got to our house Cyril was boiling and refused to be separated from me. I had to carry him everywhere I went until we finally settled him to bed. I should probably count my blessings as this is Cyril's first cold/illness this...

A lot happened last weekend. The bump turned 15 weeks, it was Mother's Day and we celebrated Cyril's 2nd birthday. I'll start with the bump ... This is a day late and we got in so late last night that we never got a chance to snap a bump pic.                              Total weight gain/loss?  I really am bad at weighing myself this time around, either I can't bear to see all of those chocolates in numbers or I just don't care. I would guess I've gained about 4 pounds. So far it seems to be just bump and thighs but if I don't get back to my exercises soon I'll be sporting some chicken wings as well. Maternity clothes?  Yes. I finally got my maternity jeans out of storage. Unfortunately I'm at that awkward stage where my regular pants aren't comfortable but my maternity jeans are too big for my baby bump so back to stretch pants, no complaints here. Stretch Marks?  No, but I'm ...

I guess it's time for a Cyril update, I think the last one I did was when he was 18  months. I'm not really sure what to say except I can foresee a future filled with trouble once he enters the teenage years. I realise I have a while to go but seeing how 2 years passed by in a flash I'm rather certain the next 11 will go very quickly. Why do I see trouble you ask? Example A: Cyril is already an adrenaline junkie. At home he regularly jumps into the air on the stairs anticipating I'll catch him every time. On several occasions I was thrown off guard and only just managed to throw everything I was carrying in the air and grab him before he landed 5-10 steps down. I wasn't too worried about it in England but when he did the same thing at my parents house his life flashed before my eyes as my super mama powers only just managed to grab him and brace myself before we both tumbled 20 steep and slippery steps to what would have no doubt ended in an ER visit, thank go...

Hobson in the gorgeous British countryside Hobson again, he loves England and all the sheep. I've been in America for a month now visiting family. On several occasions this week my mind has wandered down regret road and I've found myself wondering if we should have stayed in California. I've mentioned this to Josh before but he always shrugs it off and says there's no point in looking back, it'll only make you miserable, we made our choice and for now this is it. Thank goodness he has this outlook on life or we'd be a miserable pair, dwelling on the past. Usually this snaps me out of it but without my other half by my side, and the Massachusetts winter forcing me to stay indoors for 3 days with a bored toddler, I can't help travelling down memory lane so I've tried to come up with my list of the pros and cons for England. PROS: I can't believe I'm putting this top on the list as Josh loathes the NHS but there you ...