My Inner World

The last few months, I have been increasingly fatigued. So much so, that I even go for quick naps in my car on my lunchbreak. I get mad dizzy spells, and am constantly thirsty. I can easily drink 3 liters of water a day and still want more!
Some of you may already be having the same idea as I am: Diabetes. They are the classic signs and add to the mix that I am one obese Mamma....
So, considering that I have to take extra special care now, I am going to see my Doctor today. Have him confirm the pregnancy (As if the two pink lines would lie, but it's mandatory that a doctor confirms it) and let him draw some blood.

Here's hoping it's not, but if it is, I'd rather just know. There are loads of people that have to cope with much, much worse!

Wish me luck.

My Works for me Wednesday this week, covers Good Manners.

When Munchkin answers a question, I want her to say "Yes, Mamma" rather than just "Yes." We also insist on "Please" and "Thank You". The latter is very common here, the former? Not so much. My MIL asked me why I do that. Well, it was something that was hammered on when I was a child. For me, it's good manners. We don't ask her to call us "Sir" or "Ma'am", but neither did we play marbles together in the playground and she should be aware of the difference. When she doesn't hear us properly, she says "Pardon?" rather than "What?".
Lately, I find that there is a severe lack of manners in children and parents alike. And I think it's a shame.

When I was a kid, if I would walk in to the sitting room, and there would be an adult sitting there, I had to go over, shake the person's hand and introduce myself. (This could take quite some time, say at a birthday....)
If we went out for a meal somewhere, it was normal to be polite to the waiter/waitress. "I'd like a *insert yummy dish here*, please."

There is a certain formality in the Netherlands. This can seem a bit cold but at the same time, it's also a safety net. A comfort blanket. If you know the rules, you will be able to handle yourself in company. You will be able to carry yourself well and with confidence.
I never received etiquette lesson's as such, but I am very happy that my parents gave me these basic skills.
There are lots of tools to help you. Even Barney teaches manners and you can get books on the subject.

But, the best way to teach manners, I think, is to have good manners yourself. There is a difference between what's considered good manners in Ireland and what's considered good manners in The Netherlands, but we are finding the golden middle-ground.
When Paddy and I have good manners in our every day life, it will be normal for Munchkin too. And I think that's what's key. To make it so normal, that it's an automatic thing for her. We say "Please" and "Thank you" to each other, including Munchkin. Treat each other with respect.
She will not be having a cotillion or a debutante ball anytime soon, but she will have the basics. It's one of our gifts to her.

Teaching good manners, by having good manners - Works for Me!

Right, here's a doozy for you. I am pregnant!

We decided to try for another baby on the weekend of November 4/5th. Started trying the week after and on November 23rd, 4 days before TOM was due, I tested positive. I can not believe how lucky we are!

Paddy was in a slight state of shock. He never in a million years expected us to be successful so quickly. The shock kind of over-shadowed the joy for the first few hours.
My MIL was so surprised, she didn't even congratulate us. When I asked her how she felt about it she said "If it's to be, it's to be." It was like being doused with ice-water.
My best friend, had to have an abortion the day before I found out so she was understandably not ecstatic about the news. She and her husband did not want the abortion, but there was no choice.
My own parents were very, very happy. Munchkin told them through the webcam and it was lovely to be able to see their faces.

I have to say, I am delighted about expecting another baby, although I do not "feel" pregnant yet. It's very early days and a lot can happen before August 5th. What I am feeling a bit blue about, is that a few people's first reactions were so luke warm. This baby deserves to be just as welcomed by everyone as Munchkin was

I am sure that everybody will come 'round though. I don't know what their problem is, and frankly I don't (well, shouldn't) care. Because that's exactly what it is, their problem, not ours.

God(dess) willing, we are going to be parents again, and I couldn't be happier!