November already

We went for weigh-ins yesterday. Daniel weighs 10,2kg and is 75cm tall. Emma is 8,45kg and is 71,5cm tall. They each gained 300g in the past month which is great. They also now get measured against a wall chart, standing up, so their measurements are a bit more accurate than when they were lying down on the bed.

At the moment they are eating like crazy, and virtually every day I increase the quantity of food they have. Lots of different sounds are also being made, with 'th', 't', 'b', 'bir', 'hi' and 'p' being added in Daniel's case, and a few less in Emma's. We have a row of pull-along plastic ducks that quack to the tune of twinkle twinkle little star, and she now quacks along with them, by making a ka, ka, ka noise, which is so funny!

Daniel has finally mastered the art of descending steps. But, unconventionally, and against the way we have been teaching him, he climbs down forwards. He has also discovered the virtues of cuddly toys, and often picks one up and gives it a cuddle. They each have a big teddy in their cots now, and often they will curl up on it or against it when they sleep.

On Monday I made a shocking discovery. I spilt all down my skirt at work, so had to come home to change. When I arrived, Norose was fast asleep stretched out on the couch, with a blanket over her head! The nursery door was closed with Emma crying in her cot. Daniel was also in his cot. I was so livid! We have not made a habit of leaving them to cry for long periods of time, as we both believe that it is not beneficial to them to do so. I decided not to talk to her then, as I was too angry. When I got home again that evening, I told her what I had found when I was there earlier. She was very apologetic, and promised that it would not happen again, but you know, as Steve says: we have actually now lost our trust in her. So, although we were originally going to wait until they were at least 18 months old before they went to creche, we have agreed that they will now be better off in a creche, so they will start in January. There is not much point in starting them now, as the creche closes in mid December and only opens again on 7 Jan. We will give Norose 1 month's notice at the end of November, but as I will be on leave from 22 Dec, she can leave then. I will take the first week off in Jan, and will look after them.

I still need to visit the creche I have chosen, but from what I have heard from other people and the owner, I am already quite happy with the sound of it. The owner sounds lovely, and has been in the business for 26 years. She also gives discounts to families with more than one child at her school, so we will actually end up paying about R1000 less than we currently pay Norose, per month! The fees also include all meals, which get prepared and cooked on site and all cleaning products except for nappies. We are both very disappointed in Norose.

Anyway, time for bed, again!

Munching a ryevita and singing

Happy Daniel

Our little funny face

Even happier Daniel

Seriousness personified