Poor Birdie. For reasons unknown, she got bad ears. We finallygot a referral (and subsequent appointment) with an ENT at the local hospital. This after her ear drum burst in April and has yet to heal.
The entire experience was just a bit odd as an expat. The hospital wings seemed to be pieced together in a haphazard way. We entered through the instructed wing door and walked along a corridor for a while. Then, there was a large open area with what appeared to be an information desk of sorts along with rows of chairs like you'd find at the local DMV. There were people scattered throughout the seating and no one to be seen at the desk. I did notice a scrolling billboard that was instructing people with ticket number 8 to head to room 3 (or something along those lines). I stared blankly at a woman in the seats and she pointed to a black box that spit out tickets. After I procured my ticket and sat back down, I noticed a smaller sign with an arrow pointing to ENT something or another. On a whim, I decided to see if that was where we were supposed to be instead...
We found the door into the ENT area and again walked past an empty desk to a section of chairs facing a moving billboard. Again, looking around blankly, a gentleman walked by and told us to have a seat because there wouldn't be anyone in until 9 am. Strange... my appointment was supposed to be at 9 am. A few other people trickled in - of all ages - which I found a bit odd since I was 99% sure we were supposed to be seeing a pediatric ENT!
Alas, we finally were called back by an audiologist for a hearing test. First thing to note - Wren was asked to sit on my lap in a chair placed in front of a desk with a laptop. No soundproof booths here. The audiologist tried to get a pressure reading - but both ears failed. No surprise. We couldn't get readings in NYC either. Then Wren was given headphones and asked to move bears from one bucket to the other when she heard a noise. Good thing it was Wren and not me doing the test - because I could see the audiologist pushing the button on the keyboard and then looking directly at Wren??? Ugh. Apparently she passed almost flawlessly - which means once again we have NO idea why she's so freaking loud. I keep being told she can hear just fine!
Back to the waiting room before seeing the ENT. I don't remember her name - something Greek. :) She had a good look and said she wanted to use a small "hoover" to remove the tubes (that were sitting in the canal) and some of the extra gunk that had accumulated to get a better view. Wren was a champ. We got to see the tubes and oddly enough, the tube in her right ear was an actual tube (this is the ear that had issues during the second round of tubes in NYC) and her left ear had more of a grommet looking thing.
Essentially, both ears still have perforated ear drums, the right ear is slightly worse than the left. And, there's not really much that can be done when the child is so young. There are some patches that can be done to the ear drum where the doctors use a small piece of cartilage from the ear itself and then hope the ear drum reforms around the patch... but they don't recommend the surgery for someone as young as Wren. The surgery has a fairly high success rate in kids closer to age 8-10. That seems like a life time away.
In the meantime, we're supposed to get a call for custom ear plugs to be worn in the bath, around sprinklers, when swimming, etc etc. The doctor told us not to keep her from any of the normal kid activities -- but I admit I'm a bit weary of the swimming! If the ear infections continue, then we'll have to consider doing the surgery sooner rather than later -- but for now, it's just a wait and see.
Boo.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Cinema
Today was hot. Funny how my definition of hot has changed. It's mid 80s. But -- when there isn't air conditioning anywhere, it seems really freaking hot!
So, in search of an indoor activity that wouldn't be overly crowded, we headed to the cinema for the kids' second ever real movie experience. Movie tickets are insanely expensive. For the three of us, it was £26 for a 3pm showing. That's $45! For one adult and two kids?!? Good grief. No wonder we normally wait and watch things at home!!
But, we saw How To Train Your Dragon 2 in 3D and the kids loved it. I loved it. It was rather fun. And, we got to ride the bus there and back. Always an adventure to be had!!
So, in search of an indoor activity that wouldn't be overly crowded, we headed to the cinema for the kids' second ever real movie experience. Movie tickets are insanely expensive. For the three of us, it was £26 for a 3pm showing. That's $45! For one adult and two kids?!? Good grief. No wonder we normally wait and watch things at home!!
But, we saw How To Train Your Dragon 2 in 3D and the kids loved it. I loved it. It was rather fun. And, we got to ride the bus there and back. Always an adventure to be had!!
Monday, July 21, 2014
Photo Management
For most of my adult life I've used a PC. A couple years ago, we switched my home laptop to a MacBook Pro. When that happened, all of my beautifully organized photos from Picasa went haywire. I blame my husband. Not sure why - just seems like a reasonable place to lay blame. :) Yes, I have Picasa on my Mac -- but I also have iPhoto. And I have apparently 12 copies of some pictures. 1 copy of others. And they are so disorganized it's making me nuts.
I decided to start tackling the issue so that I could update the blog more regularly with photos. I mean, it shouldn't be this difficult. Google now owns Picasa and Blogger. It shouldn't be so complicated to get a freaking photo of video inserted into my blog.
I'll keep working on it. Right now, I've been organizing my iPhoto pictures back into Picasa albums. Then, I'm trying to sync my albums with my web albums but it's not allowing me to upload any video clips. I mean, I CAN put them into YouTube (also Google) but why? I want them inside my web albums. Ugh.
Rant over. I'll keep trying. More photos and hopefully video soon.
I decided to start tackling the issue so that I could update the blog more regularly with photos. I mean, it shouldn't be this difficult. Google now owns Picasa and Blogger. It shouldn't be so complicated to get a freaking photo of video inserted into my blog.
I'll keep working on it. Right now, I've been organizing my iPhoto pictures back into Picasa albums. Then, I'm trying to sync my albums with my web albums but it's not allowing me to upload any video clips. I mean, I CAN put them into YouTube (also Google) but why? I want them inside my web albums. Ugh.
Rant over. I'll keep trying. More photos and hopefully video soon.
Quiet Week
Not much happened last week. Well, not much it terms of getting out and about around London. We went to the common almost every day. We had friends over for a play date.
Oh... and our refrigerator decided to stop working. Ugh. The fan had been making a bit of an unusual noise for a day or so. I'd even sent a note to the landlord letting her know there was a bit of an odd sound, but so far -- that was our only indication something was not on the up an up. Then, we came downstairs on Tuesday morning and blam-O -- no fridge. And it was due to be the hottest week yet of 2014. Seriously? On the upside, it appeared only the fridge was affected. The freezer was still going nice and strong. The silver lining because, as we discovered the fridge at about 8 am -- I already had a grocery delivery scheduled for 11 am that day!
Thank goodness for neighbors with coolers and ice packs and for our dear friends, the Verhilles. They were prepping to travel at the end of the week and had a relatively sparse fridge. And they live literally around the corner. I packed up my wheelie trolley and carted over a ton of food to their house. And the landlord (and her Dad) were quite helpful and had an under the counter fridge delivered that afternoon to tide us over until our main fridge can be repaired.
The good news - the part that failed is a common/known issue. The bad news - it's common and apparently the parts are on back order until who knows when. Boo.
So - a rather mundane post. Sorry about that. :) More soon from the birthday weekend, which was pretty calm too....
Oh... and our refrigerator decided to stop working. Ugh. The fan had been making a bit of an unusual noise for a day or so. I'd even sent a note to the landlord letting her know there was a bit of an odd sound, but so far -- that was our only indication something was not on the up an up. Then, we came downstairs on Tuesday morning and blam-O -- no fridge. And it was due to be the hottest week yet of 2014. Seriously? On the upside, it appeared only the fridge was affected. The freezer was still going nice and strong. The silver lining because, as we discovered the fridge at about 8 am -- I already had a grocery delivery scheduled for 11 am that day!
Thank goodness for neighbors with coolers and ice packs and for our dear friends, the Verhilles. They were prepping to travel at the end of the week and had a relatively sparse fridge. And they live literally around the corner. I packed up my wheelie trolley and carted over a ton of food to their house. And the landlord (and her Dad) were quite helpful and had an under the counter fridge delivered that afternoon to tide us over until our main fridge can be repaired.
The good news - the part that failed is a common/known issue. The bad news - it's common and apparently the parts are on back order until who knows when. Boo.
So - a rather mundane post. Sorry about that. :) More soon from the birthday weekend, which was pretty calm too....
Monday, July 14, 2014
Regent Canal
Another wee surprise tucked away in the middle of the city... I mean, it's not Venice -- but there's an actual canal. With cute little skinny house boats. And working locks. And some little coffee shops and a bar and restaurant every now and then...
The kids and I tubed up to Angel Station. (Our corporate apartment funny enough was just down the road way back when....) We first walked up to Chipotle for a treat! Nom, nom, nom! Then we tucked down a side street and found a gem... Regent Canal! We strolled, we talked to a swan, we popped into our favorite little £1 bookstore.
Then, it was time to tube it back home...and meet up with friends at the plastic playground to run some more! :)
The kids and I tubed up to Angel Station. (Our corporate apartment funny enough was just down the road way back when....) We first walked up to Chipotle for a treat! Nom, nom, nom! Then we tucked down a side street and found a gem... Regent Canal! We strolled, we talked to a swan, we popped into our favorite little £1 bookstore.
Then, it was time to tube it back home...and meet up with friends at the plastic playground to run some more! :)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Science Museum
It should be quiet. Most kids are still in school. Ha. The kids and I met up with Atticus's friend Edward and his little brother Jack (and the nanny, Minerva) and we rode the 345 to the Science Museum. The really cool thing about almost every museum in London -- they're all FREE.
The kids loved the water play down in the basement, all the interactive play bits - the pulleys and levers and slides attached to the play structure. I'm pretty sure they were loving the steam engines, the rockets, the floating globe, the airplanes and old cars too! There was a bit of interest in the "Who Am I" section that showed all our body parts but they were still a tad young I guess.
A short trip, but still fun.
Of course, we first entered the Natural History Museum on accident and saw an escalator that went up inside of a big Earth. That'll be another adventure this summer. Probably several adventures based on the size of the museum!
And -- my totally random thought from our time at the Science Museum? When you see groups of school kids from London -- it really is like looking at a real life version of Harry Potter. Seeing the kids all dressed in uniform and holding notebooks, it was all I could do not to look for Harry, Hermoine and Ron!
The kids loved the water play down in the basement, all the interactive play bits - the pulleys and levers and slides attached to the play structure. I'm pretty sure they were loving the steam engines, the rockets, the floating globe, the airplanes and old cars too! There was a bit of interest in the "Who Am I" section that showed all our body parts but they were still a tad young I guess.
A short trip, but still fun.
Of course, we first entered the Natural History Museum on accident and saw an escalator that went up inside of a big Earth. That'll be another adventure this summer. Probably several adventures based on the size of the museum!
And -- my totally random thought from our time at the Science Museum? When you see groups of school kids from London -- it really is like looking at a real life version of Harry Potter. Seeing the kids all dressed in uniform and holding notebooks, it was all I could do not to look for Harry, Hermoine and Ron!
Friends in the Neighborhood
There is a lot of movement in our neighborhood. House prices in the near vicinity are soaring so many long time owners are selling and those that can't afford to buy here (and honestly - who can?) are moving here to get into the local schools. Good luck with that last one - ha - we live practically on top of Honeywell Primary and can't get in!
Anywho - some of our current Parkgate school friends were being forced out of their current house because the owner wanted to sell. On the upside, they are now leasing a house that is almost directly behind our garden! The kids (and the adults) are pretty stoked to have such good friends literally around the corner.
So -- while the movers were moving boxes and furniture from one house to the other, I had an entire house full of kids! Wren and her friend Marc along with Atticus and his friend Chloe -- we painted, we colored, we lunched, we blew bubbles, we had a tea party, built legos, jumped on the trampoline, kicked the ball in the garden, watched a movie... it was exhausting, but good fun.
Should either of the families have to relocate to another country -- the kids are going to be crushed!!
Anywho - some of our current Parkgate school friends were being forced out of their current house because the owner wanted to sell. On the upside, they are now leasing a house that is almost directly behind our garden! The kids (and the adults) are pretty stoked to have such good friends literally around the corner.
So -- while the movers were moving boxes and furniture from one house to the other, I had an entire house full of kids! Wren and her friend Marc along with Atticus and his friend Chloe -- we painted, we colored, we lunched, we blew bubbles, we had a tea party, built legos, jumped on the trampoline, kicked the ball in the garden, watched a movie... it was exhausting, but good fun.
Should either of the families have to relocate to another country -- the kids are going to be crushed!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Tour de France - In London
Huh? The Tour de France is in London you say? That was my response too. Apparently, the Tour hasn't passed through London since 2007! So... I decided that since the kids were out of school and this was quite likely the only time we'd see the REAL Tour de France, we might as well look like the other million plus goofballs lining the streets and hanging out for hours only to cheer for 30 seconds as a peloton of bicyclists came hurtling past us...
After checking out the TFL's Spectator Information we were fairly ready to go. I made sure the kids went to the loo. I purposely did not pack any additional drinks and away we went off to the tube with our friends Kate and her daughter Heike.
After somewhat careful consideration, we hopped on the Northern Line and headed to Charing Cross. Then we walked through the Victoria Embankment Gardens and found a cozy couple of squares of pavement (that's UK speak for sidewalk). Then we waited. Then it rained. Then we waited and made friends with our new neighbors. Then we waited. Then the caravan passed through and the sponsor trucks threw out swaag kind of like Mardi Gras, but not really. The kids were excited though. They caught hats, keychains, a new sports kit bag, and CocoNut Water bottles. Then we waited. Then it rained. Then we waited. Then the peloton whizzed past us in about 30 seconds while we cheered madly. Of course, I don't have any of the cyclists on video because my phone chose that exact moment to turn itself off -- you know, the moment I pushed RECORD as the crowd started cheering. Ugh.
But, we did it. We saw the racers zoom past and it was good.
Then I took the kids to Pizza Express so they could eat and drink and go to the loo as many times as necessary before heading home. (Total trips - 3!)
Tour de France - check!
Seriously folks -- my kids have led a pretty privileged life thus far and they don't even know it! How many of you have gone to Christmas church services at Notre Dame in Paris? Gone to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Seen the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City? Crazy. I'm thrilled that life has been able to take us to so many great places thus far... let the fun continue!!!
After checking out the TFL's Spectator Information we were fairly ready to go. I made sure the kids went to the loo. I purposely did not pack any additional drinks and away we went off to the tube with our friends Kate and her daughter Heike.
After somewhat careful consideration, we hopped on the Northern Line and headed to Charing Cross. Then we walked through the Victoria Embankment Gardens and found a cozy couple of squares of pavement (that's UK speak for sidewalk). Then we waited. Then it rained. Then we waited and made friends with our new neighbors. Then we waited. Then the caravan passed through and the sponsor trucks threw out swaag kind of like Mardi Gras, but not really. The kids were excited though. They caught hats, keychains, a new sports kit bag, and CocoNut Water bottles. Then we waited. Then it rained. Then we waited. Then the peloton whizzed past us in about 30 seconds while we cheered madly. Of course, I don't have any of the cyclists on video because my phone chose that exact moment to turn itself off -- you know, the moment I pushed RECORD as the crowd started cheering. Ugh.
But, we did it. We saw the racers zoom past and it was good.
Then I took the kids to Pizza Express so they could eat and drink and go to the loo as many times as necessary before heading home. (Total trips - 3!)
Tour de France - check!
Seriously folks -- my kids have led a pretty privileged life thus far and they don't even know it! How many of you have gone to Christmas church services at Notre Dame in Paris? Gone to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Seen the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City? Crazy. I'm thrilled that life has been able to take us to so many great places thus far... let the fun continue!!!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Northcote Fete
Our local high street had a 'Fete' today. Fete in French means party or festival. Apparently it's quite popular here. Instead of street fairs - there are fetes. No matter the name, it's good fun. Lots of food, lots of local artists and booths, tons of folks passing out helium filled balloons, tons of people...
Northcote Road Summer Fete
One of the local artists funny enough is our American friend, Margarita Dragon! Or, as we know her -- Garret. She owns Crown Chewels. She makes these beautiful teething necklaces for new mums. This was the first time I'd seen the necklaces in person. If you happen to be a good friend of mine reading this blog, and you just happened to have given birth recently... do not look at that link. :)
Of course, we managed to get some treats and wander in and out of a few shoppes. The kids got their faces painted, we kicked a few balls at the local games, we watched about two seconds of the Tour de France and Men's Wimbledon on a HUGE screen...
Next weekend in our block party. That should be fun....
Northcote Road Summer Fete
One of the local artists funny enough is our American friend, Margarita Dragon! Or, as we know her -- Garret. She owns Crown Chewels. She makes these beautiful teething necklaces for new mums. This was the first time I'd seen the necklaces in person. If you happen to be a good friend of mine reading this blog, and you just happened to have given birth recently... do not look at that link. :)
Of course, we managed to get some treats and wander in and out of a few shoppes. The kids got their faces painted, we kicked a few balls at the local games, we watched about two seconds of the Tour de France and Men's Wimbledon on a HUGE screen...
Next weekend in our block party. That should be fun....
Ex Pat Party
Since there are a fair number or Americans living Between The Commons -- we decided to throw a 4th of July party on the 5th of July. I know - not quite the same, but you work within your means!
We rented out the local One O'Clock Club - which is a location that's harder to explain than it should be. Let's just say it's a venue that's dedicated to kids mostly under the age of 5 - but they let the older ones in every now and then. Pot luck style - each family was responsible for something and believe it or not, it worked out fairly well. There was one rock star who created an entire Hot Dog Bar with every topping imaginable. There wasn't a grill on site - so we had to bring everything in - but it worked out fairly well. The biggest downside to our venue? No alcohol since it's normally geared towards kids. Bummer. 4th of July party without beer? But... we survived.
It was good fun to see old friends and meet some new ones. We waved some flags, ate well and the kids ran around and had a good romp.
I'm looking forward to our next big adventure with the Americans. Probably a Thanksgiving pot luck??
I do have a few photos of the party - but my media drive is now separate from my laptop and I've got the laptop disconnected from the drive so that I could type on the sofa. Dilemma. But - I'll upload the photos once back at the desk...
We rented out the local One O'Clock Club - which is a location that's harder to explain than it should be. Let's just say it's a venue that's dedicated to kids mostly under the age of 5 - but they let the older ones in every now and then. Pot luck style - each family was responsible for something and believe it or not, it worked out fairly well. There was one rock star who created an entire Hot Dog Bar with every topping imaginable. There wasn't a grill on site - so we had to bring everything in - but it worked out fairly well. The biggest downside to our venue? No alcohol since it's normally geared towards kids. Bummer. 4th of July party without beer? But... we survived.
It was good fun to see old friends and meet some new ones. We waved some flags, ate well and the kids ran around and had a good romp.
I'm looking forward to our next big adventure with the Americans. Probably a Thanksgiving pot luck??
I do have a few photos of the party - but my media drive is now separate from my laptop and I've got the laptop disconnected from the drive so that I could type on the sofa. Dilemma. But - I'll upload the photos once back at the desk...
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy 4th of July
It seems really odd that today is the 4th of July. To me, it's just the last day of the summer term for the kids at school. There was an end of term party, we passed out gifts to the teachers, we had a huge picnic in the common by the bandstand with friends...
But... today is the 4th of July. Stating the obvious, I know - but here in London, it really is just another day. Strange.
One year ago, the kids, Greg and I headed across town and up to Greg's office way up high at Worldwide Plaza in New York City. We smushed our faces into his huge windows overlooking the Hudson River. We watched a solid hour of fireworks explode over the Big Apple.
364 days ago. Time is such an odd bird. Sometimes it goes so incredibly fast -- I mean, seriously, Atticus will be 6 in two weeks! But at the same time, I feel like London is home and I can hardly believe we've only lived here a year. Life seems to work here. Yes, the weather is a bit unpredictable and the winter rains seemed to go on and on and on and on -- but for the most part, it's really great. Just see the earlier mention of hanging out in the park and common with friends and picnic blankets. The kids get to be kids. Running around, picking flowers, skipping rope, climbing trees, kicking a ball -- and I get to sit with friends in the shade and watch it all.
Now I'm home... the kids are sitting watching the start of How to Train Your Dragon while dinner cooks in the oven. The windows are open, the sun shines down, we can smell our neighbor's bbq grill, we can see bubbles floating up and over the fence. I don't know. I know it's not "home" but today's a good day.
I'll miss the fireworks and the big family bbq -- but we've got a big ex pat bbq tomorrow with friends. We've rented out a local center that's stocked with toys, has a huge garden with a splash pool, toys, etc. We're all bringing pot luck dishes and there should be close to 40 folks there! I'm looking forward to it.. we'll discuss the Macy's fireworks that we're watching on the telly. (Yes, telly... got to keep up with the Jones' vernacular around here!!)
But... today is the 4th of July. Stating the obvious, I know - but here in London, it really is just another day. Strange.
One year ago, the kids, Greg and I headed across town and up to Greg's office way up high at Worldwide Plaza in New York City. We smushed our faces into his huge windows overlooking the Hudson River. We watched a solid hour of fireworks explode over the Big Apple.
364 days ago. Time is such an odd bird. Sometimes it goes so incredibly fast -- I mean, seriously, Atticus will be 6 in two weeks! But at the same time, I feel like London is home and I can hardly believe we've only lived here a year. Life seems to work here. Yes, the weather is a bit unpredictable and the winter rains seemed to go on and on and on and on -- but for the most part, it's really great. Just see the earlier mention of hanging out in the park and common with friends and picnic blankets. The kids get to be kids. Running around, picking flowers, skipping rope, climbing trees, kicking a ball -- and I get to sit with friends in the shade and watch it all.
Now I'm home... the kids are sitting watching the start of How to Train Your Dragon while dinner cooks in the oven. The windows are open, the sun shines down, we can smell our neighbor's bbq grill, we can see bubbles floating up and over the fence. I don't know. I know it's not "home" but today's a good day.
I'll miss the fireworks and the big family bbq -- but we've got a big ex pat bbq tomorrow with friends. We've rented out a local center that's stocked with toys, has a huge garden with a splash pool, toys, etc. We're all bringing pot luck dishes and there should be close to 40 folks there! I'm looking forward to it.. we'll discuss the Macy's fireworks that we're watching on the telly. (Yes, telly... got to keep up with the Jones' vernacular around here!!)
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Oh hi... I remember you!
It's been a while. I know. But, the school year is coming to a close and I'm feeling inspired. Let's get back to blogging, shall we? I fell into the FaceBook trap. Posting too many half hearted attempts there and ignoring the blog.
I'm back. At least in theory.
At this exact moment - I have to go pack a picnic before I go pick up the kids. It's a lovely sunny afternoon and we're headed over to the bandstand with our school friends after pick up for a picnic in the park. Bring on the blankets, frisbee, maybe some water balloons???
xx.
I'm back. At least in theory.
At this exact moment - I have to go pack a picnic before I go pick up the kids. It's a lovely sunny afternoon and we're headed over to the bandstand with our school friends after pick up for a picnic in the park. Bring on the blankets, frisbee, maybe some water balloons???
xx.
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