VBAC woes and advice

Written by Suburbanmummyuk on Saturday 7 August 2010

So I’m on this journey again, the one where women in my position have to fight for what we want when we give birth to our children.

So far I have been told I was insane for wanting a VBA2C. I for obvious reasons refused to see that ob again.

Happy Birthday Jakey! (or Seven Years Gone)

Written by Gerard on Wednesday 4 August 2010

I have hazy memories of the day Jake was born. Most of it centers around me, in the afternoon, walking out of the hospital to a nearby KFC to get something to eat. Bizarrely, I can't remember whether he was born at that point or not, just that the darkening skies chose that point to open. As I returned to the hospital, lightning flashed across the sky above the building, and heavy, warm rain started to descend on me.

Tourist train in Torrevieja

Written by Gerard on Wednesday 28 July 2010

This is the lovely tourist train that goes along the coast of Torrevieja. You get on at the markets on Paseo de la Libertad and it'll take you on a tour up right up the coast to the replica Moorish tower near La Mata.

Along the way, you'll see all the gorgeous beach regions, some of the backstreet bars and eateries along the way and some of the fantastic activities the coastal area has to offer.

Torrevieja: Cyclist hitching a ride up a hill

Written by Gerard on Wednesday 28 July 2010

When we took a trip on the tourist train around the coast of Torrevieja, there's a hill that leads to a replica of a Moorish tower - this cyclist gave the kids a giggle as he held on to the back car of the train and let it pull him up the hill!

La Casona restaurant, Torrevieja

Written by Gerard on Wednesday 28 July 2010

Allow me to share with you a picture of La Casona restaurant in Torrevieja. After taking the cute little tourist train around the coast of the city, we returned to the Paseo de la Libertad and had a lovely pizza-based lunch at the outside tables, shaded from the scorching hot afternoon sun.

Yes, there was a minor mishap when my Spanish failed me and I somehow ended up with a beer instead of a Fanta, but I take full responsibility for not communicating my needs well enough.

Spain: Stranded in Alicante!

Written by Gerard on Thursday 22 July 2010

We just got back from a two-week holiday in Spain. I'm planning a full write-up of some of the stuff we got up to on holiday, but first I want to share the biggest disaster of the holiday.

We'd hired a car for the fortnight. Driving in Spain is pretty straightforward, and I really enjoy being able to go further afield from wherever we're staying. Renting a car is the smart thing to do, and we've done it about four times now.

Connections, Reconnections

Written by Gerard on Sunday 4 July 2010

It's been a funny old week in our house. We're got a house guest, we've had a very uneventful 10th wedding anniversary and we've attended an old friend's wedding.

Incidentally, for those of you approaching a 10th wedding anniversary, you'll be pleased to know that it's known as the "tin" or "coal" anniversary. Nothing more prestigious that that. Sorry.

The Summer Holidays Have Begun

Written by Gerard on Wednesday 30 June 2010

Yes indeed, the Summer Holidays have officially begun.

Do you remember when you had that last half-day at school? The teachers are busy tidying things up and the classroom looks bare with all the posters and paintings taken down and sent home. Instead of lessons, there's a video to watch or you just idle about chatting with the handful of other pupils who've bothered to show up.

Now we're dealing with the last day of school from the other end - we're the parents now. And that means getting the kids ready to go into school in plain clothes. No lunches, just a light snack and some sweets for the classroom party. Gifts for the teachers if you're feeling especially thankful toward them.

Colonoscopy

Written by Gerard on Tuesday 29 June 2010

You know how old stand-up comedians used to start their routines with "A funny thing happened on the way to the theatre..."? Well, a few weeks ago, a funny thing happened me in the airport. I took a quick trip to the bathrooms and was alarmed to discover quite a lot of blood on the toilet paper when I was finishing up. (Oh yeah, this post might ick you out a little bit.) There was more blood on the bowl, the sight of which made me the tiniest bit dizzy. Nothing like being in an airport, on your own and bleeding profusely from the back passage to cause a mild panic.

Cycling with Rachel

Written by Gerard on Sunday 13 June 2010

I had quite a Rachel-centric day today. Rachel's our 8 going on 18 year old, a very knowing, witty and fun little girl to be around. She's definitely picked up my sarcastic streak, and had a great knack of using it to comic effect.

First off, I came down to start breakfast with the kids. We're trying to be better about getting up on time on weekend mornings, because the kids often slope downstairs and stuff themselves while we sleep. I mentioned in passing that I was going for a cycle, and Rachel invited herself along.