http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php Copyright 2026, John Fereday john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) en-US SPHPBLOG 0.8.4 http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry120417-125720 Bakugan brawl! If I spent my time updating your news and not flicking expensive and complex pieces of plastic around to a rule book built in China, I might have more time...

Much has gone on since the 6th birthday party. TheO has now started his Summer term at school after the family break in Gozo. Learning to compute mathematics and tell the time comes with a parental cost. No longer 'in a minute' when I really mean twenty , 10 Cola bottles when there are only three, ten Euros and only ten Cents. I must take care in what I now promise! It is really amazing to watch him grow and develop, expanding his thought process which he regrettably demonstrates by negotiating the return of Cartoon Network. (as if)

Louyn coming along leaps and bounds! Words are still coming slowly but now more frequent and unexpectedly. He'll shout 'PASTA' when he sees spaghetti for dinner. Easter was nightmare in this respect as he only said 'CHOC' every 2 minutes or just 'MORE' He is also getting bigger, heavier to carry and too strong for the in-laws to deal with when it comes to running away and stealing 'Figola' from larger children.



Boys at Calypso Cave, Gozo...no longer a cave since it collapsed last week eh!]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry120417-125720 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:57:20 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry120109-140615 Sporting a makeshift Zelda Link costume, a fab time was had by all, rounded off with Sean and the Puppet Show!



Happy Birthday little man!!]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry120109-140615 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:06:15 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry111130-090632
TheO is now coming to the end of the first term at school. His travels to class on the private bus have educated him in single finger hand gestures and the prolific work of Slim Shady. It really good to know that he gets a broad education!! Growing ever faster and turning into quite the young man. He is already showing the subtle signs of rock stardom. Currently demanding the entire range of Lego Hero Factory Villains and Heroes and awaiting deliveries from Santa. Very excited to be spending the holidays in the UK visiting 'Mum.'

]

TheO models for the next 'gig'

Louyn persists still with long conversations that nobody really understands. Seems to understand much of what is going on, but maintains his legible embargo! Massively into The Wigglels, performing all the actions and gestures but a little afraid of the Octopus! We have worked out that his shouting is merely the mimicking of Donald Duck. Well that's alright then! Luckily the outlaws didn't have Goofy cartoons! Perhaps some high end BBC dramas are necessary to rectify this!



Speech on the slide...]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry111130-090632 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:06:32 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110927-140113
The last few weeks of the summer were rounded off with a short break in the South of France., staying in a chalet just outside of Frejus., the camp site boasted several swimming pools, water flumes and daily children's animation. Perhaps I could revisit Melville's classic and make some headway. Sadly, the only animation was 'daddy' following orders and tracking Louyn round the deep end. The organised fun and games had finished the week before. The family also managed a visit to Monte Carlo to see how the affluent live and a visit to the Aquarium, as well as a trip to Nimes!

TheO just emerging from the Spiderman infatuation. I remain nervous as I await the next big thing. As DNA modification by Spider was not possible, much to the little lads disappointment, downloading Super Hero Squad seemed the only way to break the lull. Job done! The 5.5 'age' has brought with it the confusion of emotions, an evolving minefield of 'feelings' and 'thoughts' that need to be dealt with in all their complexity. It has been suggested that I play more roughly with my first born, dressing as Dr Octopus might be a good start. This I dismiss totally, preferring Electro as an arch villain!

Louyn continues to grow but refuses to talk about it. Infact he doesn't really talk, it's just garbling. The lights are most certainly on, but he seems to be using some kind of scrambling device to communicate. Perhaps I expect too much for a 2 year old. Sure that he is getting there, I await the moment he instructs me to stop feeding him Baileys



Sugar time...

]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110927-140113 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:01:13 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110905-162051 Spiderman, this led to the acquisition of a Spiderman Game for my Nokia N8. Big mistake! Ever since this 'bad move' I am constantly harassed for use of my communication devise, asked to 'help' at difficult levels and subject to reprimanding by the good lady for spoiling the potential grey matter in the developing child. It has also fueled a latent infatuation with the web spinning Super Hero to the extent that TheO now dresses as Spiderman most days, demanding anything spotted bearing the Marvel heroes image. Plates, posters, even Spiderman perfume. It wouldn't be so bad if the latest addition didn't also squeeze in a request for Pingu, an emergency calming measure to engage and distract from boredom when restaurant time was needed. I can now only use my phone as an alarm clock. This I hear most mornings ringing in TheO's room, despite having left it next to my bed. Mmmm!



Not even Angry Birds can distract the web slinger!

Louyn progresses and is on the cusp of intelligent speech with an array of words (almost) added daily to the vocabulary! Perhaps Pingu is not the best linguistic role model to introduce, but certainly we get a very definable 'Honk Honk' whenever the little chap is feeling mischievous. At the terrible two stage, he does have some moments, but no more than his big brother did, or perhaps has! Currently very much into mobile communication devices, hitting things with a stick, drawing on walls and feeding the Rabbit using the 'scatter seed' method. Also, it must be noted that he loves to have his picture taken, despite the London sultry look.



A relaxed Lou hanging out!


]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110905-162051 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:20:51 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110711-110132
TheO has had massive adventures with a new inflatable boat! So large it barley fits into the car, the only option is to inflate at the beach. I am now verbally promised to six 'try dives' and a return visit to the gift shop to buy everything! My lungs act as compulsive negotiators! As the little lad falls off the side (of the boat) with mask and snorkel, mastered eventually, I am reminded of Cousteau. "Perhaps we name her Calypso" I remark. Too late, already under!

Louyn is inflating nicely despite his determined demand for a liquid diet! Whilst this could be a genetic demand, his is of a bovine variety. It seems to be problematic to get him to consume anything other than a liquid dairy derivative. However, close to talking, I'm sure he has requested I slip a scotch into his semi-skimmed! Such a determined and switched on chap. He is convinced that everything he says should be understood, looking at me with utter bewilderment, my face blank 'sorry, what was that?'



They were really having fun untill I requested a picture!]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110711-110132 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:01:32 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110605-130044
Louyn had a great day with lots of his friends to help him get through the mountains of Cup Cakes and other unhealthy fayre that toddlers love to indulge in! It did not however give him the inclination to smile for the camera, preferring to get stuck into a good cardboard box space station. Remarkable imagination or perhaps it wasn't a joss stick...



Two today!
]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110605-130044 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:00:44 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110531-125758
Much has occurred since the post below. A weekend in Comino for Tennis, the demise of Coco the dog and the final moments of the Hyundai Accent (a VRT failure with the cost of necessary repairs exceeding vehicle value) I know that we will all miss the Accent, the squeaky wheel, the constant demand for Oil, the lack of any suspension that gave it 'low rider' character and of course the collective appearance of living in trailer!

Both boys functioning well with plenty of uptime. Playing together and creating havoc en-mass. TheO now into Hexbugs and Battle Strikers in a big way. Not sure if it's a good idea to feed these infatuations, but it keeps him busy. His current demand is that he is to be a champion Battle Striker and for this reason he must have the whole set. I'm currently on the lookout for something that is singularly unique and does not have anything to collect, add to or come in a series.

Louyn is almost on the verge of making legible sentences. Sounding like a drunk local, I fear great demands on the way. He seems to have characteristics from the good ladies side of the family. He can be quite bullish and when flare-ups occur on the playground, he is the first to wade in and sort out the five year olds. Perhaps a black suit and tie would complement TheO's apparent body guard! Till then, we have a plastic pump action shotgun and a lolly pop!



Local posse!]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110531-125758 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Tue, 31 May 2011 11:57:58 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110420-135843
There is also the time factor to consider. The end of term has brought with it the holidays, Hooray! A break from very early mornings, runs in the car, packed lunches and the eventual pickup. This available time has now been taken up with trying to amuse two motivated children whilst chipping sandwiches off the TV screen. Thus looking forward to the start of the next academic term for normality and routine. The good lady has taken a short respite to care for the boys and take them on days out, whilst I sheepishly attempt escape citing work issues!

TheO developing into a big boy and conversing to extremities. Has been immersed into the world of Hot Wheels and the cartoon series spin off, Battle Force 5. Whilst the Pokémon phase seems to have eased, it lurks still, waiting for to be kicked into life by the merest of references!

Louyn has developed a determined characteristic! Demanding Bo (milk) and shunning his smiley face potatoes, he fortunately has a liking for Broccoli and redecorating! Most content with a pile of books or an empty box!



Boys together!
]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110420-135843 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:58:43 GMT http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110309-095414


Boys way off course...

Both humanoids growing like wildfire. TheO seems to be outgrowing clothing before he has even had time to try them on. Such rapid growth has created a leaner, more lithe being! Faster and far more difficult to catch! Currently taken with the old TV series 'Monkey' He has yet to comment on the terrible dubbing!

The latest creation remains an eating and expanding entity. Understanding requests and retorting with yes and no to most of these. Most of all enjoying creating total havoc in his brothers room and chewing Pokemon.]]> http://blog.johnfereday.com/index.php?entry=entry110309-095414 john@johnfereday.com (John Fereday) Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:54:14 GMT