Tag: london

I’ve Had Enough

LagosMum15 Comments

You know me – you know I like to have a good whinge now and then.

Well, now is one of those times!  Sorry – it’s going to be a long one!

When I was expecting V, I chose my ob/gyn based on the fact that the clinic was right next to school.  It meant I was able to go straight for my appointments after the school day and then head home.  I had been to this clinic several times prior to being pregnant – when LagosDad and I were doing all our fertility tests, etc.  So I was happy to go back there.

On the other hand, my parents and in-laws, and LagosDad actually, didn’t want anyone to know about the pregnancy until I was in my 2nd trimester.  So if no one is meant to know you’re pregnant, how are you meant to ask advice on which doctor to see?

Anyway, so I made my choice and was quite happy.  I went there at about 7 or 8 weeks to have a blood test to confirm.  Then the doctor saw me at 10 weeks for an ultrasound.  At 13 weeks I was referred to Crestview Radiology Ltd for my nuchal scan and I had to go back there for my 20 week anomaly scan.  The clinic didn’t have the staff or expertise or machinery or whatever else to do it in-house.  And that was fine.

Before 13 weeks I had to pay each time I saw the doctor.  The consultation, the blood test, the scan – all was charged separately.

After 13 weeks we paid about N120000 ($750) that included all appointments, medication, scans and antenatal classes every other week until week 32.  At 31 weeks I collected my ‘Fit-to-fly’ letter and left for London.

The only problem I had throughout all this was the waiting times.  It didn’t matter what time I made my appointment for (usually afternoon because I was at school until 2pm), I always had to wait about an hour to be seen.  ALWAYS.  It didn’t bother me too much at that time because I wasn’t rushing to do anything.  Work was done for the day.  I didn’t have a kid to rush home to or to pick up from nursery.  Nothing.

Now this time round…  I came back to Lagos from Dubai at 9 weeks.  We delayed a couple of weeks because I’d had some bleeding and was advised to see a specialist before travelling (more on this at another time).  So we came back mid-week and a couple of days later I started bleeding again.

I panicked and called a friend and asked her who I should go see.  I had kind of mentally decided that I wouldn’t go back to my previous ob/gyn as I’d initially only chosen him because he was near school.  My friend recommended another doctor.  I called his clinic and couldn’t get an appointment for two weeks!  Not knowing what to do, I called my first clinic and they told me if I came right away they’d let me see the doctor before the 1st appointment of the day (10am).

Perfect.

I went there and was kind of glad to be there.  I know the layout, how it works, etc.  It sounds silly – but the ‘not-knowing’ about things worries me!

I waited an hour before seeing the Dr.  After all the initial paperwork stuff – DoB, LMP, EDD, etc. I showed him the reports I’d brought with me from Dubai – including ultrasound pictures (which the Dr in Dubai told me were necessary so that any other Dr could see what had happened).  He did an ultrasound.  Everything was fine.  He gave me a picture and told me to ‘add it to my photo album’.  Then I had a blood test and he told me to book in for my nuchal scan and to see him again in four weeks.

I paid for the consultation, the ultrasound and the blood test.  Altogether, it came to about N36000 ($220), I think.  I don’t remember, exactly.

A few days later I received an email from another doctor at the clinic asking me to call them as they had my blood test results and weren’t able to get in touch with me.  I realised that I’d changed my phone number around the time of V’s first birthday and hadn’t updated my records.  Anyway, so I called them and everything was fine.  I explained to the doctor that my phone number had changed and I could I update my records while speaking with her.  She said to just wait until the next time I came in (for my nuchal scan).

When I booked my nuchal scan, they told me it could only be done on a Tuesday as they had someone who came in to do it and that I would have to pay N35000 ($215) I was surprised that they didn’t refer me to Crestview again, but it had been four years and things do change!  So I was booked in on February 18th at 6pm.  It was the only (and last one of the day) slot left.

I couldn’t wait for this day to come round – it was only after this scan that we were going to start telling people that we were expecting!

So – come the 18th and LagosDad left work early to come and pick me up.  We arrived at the clinic and I was told, ‘Oh – didn’t anyone contact you?  We’ve had to move some of the scans until tomorrow because there were too many booked for today.’ They then went on about how my phone number wasn’t working.  Yes, true.  But if they could email before, why couldn’t they do it again?  They gave us an option of two times – either one was fine with me, but LagosDad had meetings all day and had to move his schedule around.  We took the 1.30pm appointment.  I was so disappointed.

We went back the next day in plenty of time.  And we waited and waited and waited.  It was 4pm before we were seen.  Why did we have to wait so long?  LagosDad kept complaining and the receptionist kept apologising.  When we finally saw the sonographer he also apologised.  I think he arrived late from wherever he was before.  In fact, I know this is true.  LagosDad saw him arrive when he popped out for a cigarette.  I didn’t particularly like him very much.  It irritated me that he kept leaning his arm on my leg while doing the ultrasound.  But anyway, at least everything was ok.  He booked me in for my anomaly scan for April right then and gave me the first appointment of the day (10am) so that I wouldn’t have to wait.  One of the doctors called me the next day to apologise.  I appreciated that.

At my booking-in appointment I paid N20000 ($100).  I thought this was a booking-in fee so I didn’t question it.  I couldn’t (and still can’t) remember how the payments worked last time.  A different doctor saw me this time (after I waited an hour) and I went through all the same questions I’d gone through at 9 weeks.  Previous pregnancies, LMP, EDD, etc. etc. etc.  Didn’t he look at my file?  He gave me some iron pills, calcium pills and some anti-malaria medication and told me to come back in four weeks.

I made sure that I booked the first appointment of the day (10am) for my next appointment.  And yet, I still had to wait an hour to be seen.  I just don’t get it??  I wasn’t asked to pay anything this time and thought since I’d paid at my booking-in appointment they would ask me for a lump sum, or for payment at week 32 or something.  The doctor didn’t do an ultrasound – he just used the doppler thingy.  This was the appointment where I told the doctor about my pain, by the way.  He told me to book an appointment to see him in four weeks.  I was disappointed that he didn’t do an ultrasound, but then thought it was a good thing that I’d at least heard the heartbeat.

When I went to book my next appointment, the receptionist told me that the anomaly scan would no longer be there, but at another clinic nearby.  She said someone would call me the day before with the address and directions, etc.

It was about two or three weeks later when I started panicking about not feeling any movement – so I took myself off to Crestview and had a scan.  The receptionist asked me what kind of scan I wanted – I told her I just wanted to check everything was ok.  She said that would be N10000 ($50).  They were quick and efficient.  I was happy.

On Tuesday I went for my anomaly scan.  The clinic sent me a text message the night before (at midnight) giving me the address and directions.  We got there five minutes late (no thanks to LagosDad).  As soon as we arrived the security turned on the generator.  Clue number 1 that no one was there.

This clinic was brand new (it’s been open since February)- and it was totally empty except for one nurse.  She asked if I’d been referred from XX clinic, I said, ‘yes’.  She took all my details (even though they already had them all on file).  She wrote everything down on the tiniest scrap of paper and then took my blood pressure.  We then waited about 40 minutes for the sonographer to show up.  He hadn’t arrived yet.

When he did arrive, he went upstairs to set up.  When we followed he started asking me all the same questions again.  I figured this was because all my details were on his computer, which the nurse was trying to start up and he was trying to waste a bit of time.  Then she couldn’t find my file.

He told me the scan wouldn’t take long – probably only five minutes.  I looked at him and said, ‘Only five minutes?’  I was a bit annoyed.  I’d waited so bloody long and he wanted to take only five minutes?  For an anomaly scan?  I don’t think so.  He realised this and said, ‘But you know, it could take longer.  Maybe five minutes or maybe one hour.  It depends on what I find.’  He then went on to drag everything out – repeating himself and just generally wasting more time.  I was not impressed.  There were no air conditioners on anywhere – apart from in the waiting area, and I found the sonographer to be disorganised and a little unprofessional.  He did that whole leaning his arm on my leg thing again!

We said goodbye when they finally finished and went downstairs.  We said goodbye to the nurse at the desk as well and left.  No one asked for any payment and I didn’t ask if I was meant to pay.

Maybe this doesn’t sound all that irritating to you.  Maybe you’re thinking, ‘What’s she complaining about?’  But it’s all annoyed me.  But yesterday is what annoyed me more than anything else.  Maybe it was just the icing on the cake.  I was ready to have a full on tantrum.

I had a 10am appointment at the clinic.  The cashier asked me to pay N20000 ($100).  I paid and then asked her what I was paying for.  She said that I have to pay N20000 each time I want to see the doctor.  I told her that when I was coming to the clinic before I paid a lump sum at the beginning and why didn’t I do that now?  She said, ‘Oh.  It’s because you’re nearly at the end.’  Am I?  Really?  I told her I was only 21 weeks.  She said, ‘Ok, would you like to pay the N120000 then?’  I told her no, I didn’t.  But I wanted to know why it was never an option.  Why didn’t anyone mention it to me before or give me the choice?

To be honest, I think I’ve spent less this way.  But I’m wondering if I’ve received the same quality of care I would have if I’d have paid the lump sum.

I had my vitals taken and then waited an hour to see the doctor.  I walked in and saw my file on his desk.  And he always inputs everything in his computer while talking to me.  Or is he actually on Facebook or playing Solitaire?  He asked me when my last menstrual period was and then picked up his calendar to calculate how many weeks I am.  SERIOUSLY??  ISN’T ANYONE READING MY FILE???  HOW MANY TIMES WILL HE ASK ME THE SAME QUESTION WHEN THE ANSWER IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM???  No bloody wonder my blood pressure was elevated!  He asked if I had any complaints.  *snort*  Told him of the pain again  and said I felt like I was being ripped apart.  He told me to buy a pelvic support belt.  Finally – advice!  I asked him if I would find one easily and he said, ‘Probably not.’  Great.  Thanks.  Again – no ultrasound – just the doppler.  I was out in five minutes and made an appointment for four weeks’ time.

I realised that he wasn’t doing any ultrasounds because I’d not paid that N120k.

But you know what – and LagosDad agreed – I’m not going back there again.  In four weeks – or whenver I feel like it, I’ll go to Crestview, pay half the amount, wait half the time and get better service.

There’s only another couple of appointments to go until I leave for London, anyway.

And I can’t wait.

I’ve had enough

 

 

 

 

More Confusion

LagosMum3 Comments

Before V was born, I did a lot of research on which pushchair to get.  I know I’ve written about this whole pushchair thing before – but this has a different point.  I promise.  Bear with me!

The one I really wanted to buy was the Bugaboo Bee.  But after discussing with LagosDad (read after LagosDad said ‘no’), he we decided that it was too expensive.  If we lived in London, or somewhere else where we’d get regular use out of it, then it would have been fine, but alas…

Anyway, so we bought the Mamas & Papas Urbo.

It looks great, doesn’t it?  There are a number of irritating things about it though.

1. It can be rear or forward facing, which is a real plus point.  However, to fold it down, it needs to be forward facing.  That means taking the baby out, turning the seat round and then using BOTH hands to collapse it.  What to do with the baby?

2. As mentioned above, you need two hands to fold it down, which is inconvenient.

3. It’s heavy.

4. It’s quite wide when folded.

Anyway – so that’s the one we bought.  And it was used very regularly until we came back to Lagos when V was twelve weeks old.  After that it wasn’t used again until he was six months old and we went to India and then London.  And after that, it wasn’t used until he was eleven months old (for one week) and then at fifteen months.

When V was 27 months, we went to Dubai for the Christmas holiday.  I didn’t take the pushchair with us.  I figured he was old enough to walk.  I, stupidly, didn’t take into account how much walking there is to do in the malls.  I also, stupidly, didn’t realise that we don’t really walk anywhere here.  Everywhere we go is by car.  So he wasn’t (and still isn’t) used to walking for long periods of time.

After having to carry him every five minutes, I went out and bought a cheap, lightweight buggy from Mothercare.  I left it in Dubai and we’ve used it each time we’ve gone back.

Now – here’s the important bit.  As I wrote before, we’ll be spending the summer and some of autumn in London.

My mum asked me if she should send the buggy (with my sister).  I told her I wouldn’t need it, as I have the Urbo (which I’d like to sell so I can buy a new one.  So if you know anyone….?).  I’d misunderstood her.  She was asking if she should send it for V.

I told her not to send it.  He won’t need it, will he?  He’ll be four in September.  Do nearly-four-year-olds use buggies?  I’m hoping we’ll be within walking distance of the park/playground.  And we’ll be taking the bus or Tube everywhere we go…

Is it frowned upon to have a four-year-old in a buggy?  Does it matter if it is?  I’ve never seen ‘big children’ in buggies.

Maybe I should get hold of it anyway, in case?  For long days out like the zoo?

What do you think?

 

Summer in London

LagosMum15 Comments

I’m quite stressed out at the moment.  I have all these thoughts going round and round in my head – and I can’t do a lot about some of it.

Sorry – let me start from the beginning!

V was born in London.  There was never any question as to where I would deliver.  I lived in the UK for 15 years before I moved back to Lagos.  My parents had a flat there and there was plenty of space for LagosDad, me and a new baby.  Although, my parents did have to move into the smaller guestroom and we took the larger master bedroom (to fit the crib and changing table, etc.).

This time round, we decided I’d deliver in Dubai.  Because that’s where my parents are now.  I want to be with my mum.

We toyed with the idea of London briefly.  Very briefly.  But decided it might be easier in Dubai.

But, it’s really not that easy!

Here’s why.

1. We’ll be there over the summer – it’s very, very hot.

2. It will be Ramadan.  No eating or drinking in public.  I would have to stay home all day!

3. My parents’ driver is going on leave during Ramadan.  That’s ok.  I figured we’d manage.  I could drop V off at summer camp on the Metro.  Then I realised it would be too damn hot to even walk to the Metro station (17 minutes walk).

4. To enroll him in a nursery, I need proof of residency.  I’m not a resident there, and neither is LagosDad

5. My mum said there won’t be space for all of us in their flat, so we’d have to rent an apartment.  Where do you even start?

6.  I don’t know anything about the process of registering the birth or applying for a baby’s passport in Dubai.  However, from what I’ve read, it’s not a straightforward procedure.  And – ONLY THE FATHER CAN REGISTER THE BIRTH!

7. It is illegal for a single woman to give birth in the UAE.  I know this doesn’t apply to me – but I still find it unsettling.

8. I would probably only get a three-month visa for the nanny – but I’d need her there for four.  I know – it sounds ridiculous – but it was stressing me out.

9. Everything is so expensive there – I didn’t want to buy all my baby clothes there because it’s so expensive.  A pair of pyjamas for V costs about $28 in Mothercare.  ONE PAIR!

10. And lastly… I just found out on Friday that I actually can’t deliver the baby in Dubai because neither LagosDad or myself are residents there.

So my last six weeks of research – summer camps, nurseries, serviced apartments, visa requirements, buying online in the US and delivering to my sister-in-law, etc has all been a waste.

Now we are back to London.

And to be very honest – although I’m finding it stressful to start my research all over again – I am much happier.

1. Fresh air.

2. Taking V to Regent’s Park to play and feed the ducks.

3. Walking on the high street.

4. Selfridges.

I could go on.

I love the thought of summer in London.  But there are a few things I have to do.

1. Apply for the nanny’s visa!

2. Book in with a doctor.  I’ve emailed the one who delivered V – I loved him and would want him to deliver this baby.  I think I may have left it a bit late though.  Last time I booked in with him at 10 weeks.  Now I’m 16 weeks and I’m hoping that he’ll fit me in.

3. Find an apartment to rent for four months.  I’ve been looking – but we may have to make a trip to secure somewhere I think.  Or maybe I’ll ask LagosDad to go.  If you know of any two bed/two bath apartments for rent in St John’s Wood – please let me know!

It’s all very daunting – but I’ve got to do it!

Wish me luck!

Gloves

LagosMum3 Comments

I was talking to LagosDad about how sad I feel that V has not been to London since he was eleven months old and doesn’t remember anything about it.

We spent a lot of our holidays in London while we were growing up and I’d like V to have some of the same memories that I have.

I’ve talked to V about London buses, the Tube, London Zoo, feeding the ducks in the park and Hamleys.  He got quite excited about it and has now started asking me to take him to London (pronounced Yondon as he can’t say ‘L’ at the beginning of a word).

LagosDad mentioned that he had a couple of (European) work trips lined up in February.  I came up with the bright idea of coordinating and taking V to London at the same time for a week or ten days.  He’s overdue for a couple of check-ups anyway and although it will be freezing, we could have a nice time with just the three of us.

LagosDad said, ‘Yes, it’s a good idea.’  But we make a lot of plans and most of the time they don’t happen!

Now, what I wasn’t aware of while we were having this conversation – was ‘Big Ears V’ listening in.  He started saying that he wants to go tomorrow!

I told him I’d take him next year – and then had to start prepping him.  He’s not used to wearing coats, scarves, gloves, hats, etc.  In fact, he hates anything going round his neck or being zipped up to the top.  I think this is because the cord was twice round his neck when he was born…

Anyway, I said to him, ‘Listen V – I really want to take you to London.  But it will be very cold when we go.  So you will have to wear a coat and a scarf.  And gloves and a….’

He interrupted me, ‘No mama.  Wait.  See.  I can’t go there.’

‘Oh?  Why?’  I thought he was going to start making a fuss (already) about wearing all these extra clothes.

He replied, ‘Because I don’t have a coat or a scarf or gloves!’

I told him not to worry and that I’d buy them all for him.  He was absolutely thrilled.

A day later he overheard me on the phone.  I was telling a friend that going to London was a potential plan, but that things always change with us so I really didn’t know if it would happen or not.  I also told her that I’m not sure if I wanted to go there when it’s so cold!

V was in and out of my room during that conversation.  And once I hung up, he came back and said to me, ‘Mama, when we go to London who is going to wear gloves?’

I told him that he was.  And a hat and a scarf and a coat.  He was smiling from ear to ear.

I later overheard him talking to the nanny.  He said to her, ‘Yaya, ask me if I’m going to wear a t-shirt when I go to London.’  She asked him.  He said, ‘No!  Don’t you know it’s very cold in London?  I can’t wear a t-shirt.  I’m going to wear gloves!’

I really, really hope this plan works out!

London. In List Form.

LagosMum5 Comments

Ten days ago I went to London for a week.  I went and left V in Lagos with LagosDad, the nanny and my in-laws.  I have left him once before, and I thought that this time would be easier.  It wasn’t.  As it turns out, he was absolutely fine.  He loved spending time with LagosDad and his Dadi (paternal grandmother) and didn’t miss me at all.

It was great to be back in London – I’m glad I stayed with my cousin and her mum rather than on my own, or I’d have been really lonely.

To tell you everything that happened during the week would take forever – so I’m going to try and break it down!

WEDNESDAY

1. On arrival, go to departures to sort out return ticket.

2. Answer phone calls before leaving airport. a) I have a new nephew (hooray!). b) How does one work the TV and DVD player? c) Why does V keep pointing at his neck? (He wants to watch his giraffe DVD)

3. Get home and unpack.

THURSDAY

4. Leave home at 9.30am.  Run errands (change money, sort out BlackBerry service, post letters, collect passport application form, etc)

5. Hair appointment at 12pm.  Takes FOUR hours! 

6. Miss the time was meant to meet ex-colleague so she can counter-sign form/pictures for new passport because of extra-long hair appointment!

7. Go straight to Oxford Street and buy all Vinay’s crap.  Potty seat, pyjamas, toys, t-shirts, shorts, etc.

8. Meet cousin for dinner (lovely cousin who went home after work to pick up her car so I didn’t have to carry all packages).

9. Go to Sainsbury’s to buy Pampers for V.

10. Pack one suitcase with all bought that day.

FRIDAY

11. Leave home at 8.15am to get to old school in time for ex-colleague to counter-sign passport form/pictures for new passport.

12. Run errand for mum.

13. Shower/change and go to The Hoxton 🙂

14. Drink.  Unpack.  Register at BritMums Live.  Look around feeling awkward.  Meet some amazing people.  Drink some more.  Go for dinner.  Drink some more.  Go back to hotel.  Drink some more.  Pass out at 2am.

SATURDAY

15. Wake up late.  Oops.

16. Make it to The Brewery at 11am.  Oops.

17. Talk to people.  Hang around.  Talk some more.  Make new friends.

18. Have an amazing cheeseburger with even more amazing ladies.  And a drink, of course.

19. Pack.

SUNDAY

20. Laze.  Full English.  Chat.

21. Say goodbye and head home and unpack.

22. Decide to go out to Oxford Street, but too tired to focus on or achieve anything.

23. Go home and spend evening in front of TV with aunt.  Perfect!

MONDAY

24. Make appointment for new passport on time.

25. Re-take passport pictures as forehead was too shiny in last set.

26. Wander around Victoria for four hours – shop, eat, light a couple of candles in Westminster Cathedral and say a prayer for a friend in need.

27. Go home, change shoes and drop off shopping bags.  Head to Oxford Street.

28. Wander from store to store.  Try on loads.  Buy 3 pairs of shorts, 2 dresses and a few tops.

29. Lovely cousin goes home from work to collect car (again).  Dinner out (again).  Sainsbury’s (again) to buy LagosDad’s ham, cheese, sausages and cereal.

30. Go home and pack.  Until 3am.

TUESDAY

31. Wake up at 8.20am instead of leave at 8.20am.  Oops.

32. Take two buses, hour-long tube ride and a mini-cab to visit sister-in-law and new baby.

33. Number 32 in reverse an hour later.

34. Finish packing last minute junk and chill for a couple of hours.

35. Leave for airport earlier than necessary.

36. Wander around duty-free looking for gifts for LagosDad and fil.

37. Finally time to board.  

38. Pray the next seat stays empty (it did!).

39. Never been so glad to switch off phone and sit still for six hours.

40. Never been so glad to go home to my toddling monster!

Going Home

LagosMum1 Comment

My flight back to Lagos is in about twenty-five hours.  And if all goes according to schedule, I should be home at approximately nine o’clock on Monday morning.

NEVER before have I counted the hours to go back.  The thought of leaving London usually fills me with dread.  But this time, I can’t wait to go home.

I have enjoyed being in London.  And I achieved almost everything on my list of things to do!

The things I *didn’t* do: Find shoes for Vinay or myself.  And to be honest, I didn’t even look.

And I didn’t buy any clothes for myself either.  Again, I barely looked.  Trying on jeans was too depressing for words – so I decided not to put myself through that in multiple stores!

I arrived in London thinking about how relaxing it would be.  I would watch TV shows, I would sleep for as long as I wanted and I would just chill out (between various appointments).  I wouldn’t have to worry about not having electricity, the generator breaking-down or buying diesel. 

I caught-up on TV shows.  I’m all up-to-date with 90210 and White Collar; and started watching New Girl as well as season 2 of Hawaii 5-0.

BUT – I just couldn’t sleep.  I was up at six every morning (after waking up countless times during the night) wondering about what Vinay was doing.  Did he wake up crying inconsolably during the night?  Did Hub remember to get diesel for the generator?  Would he take him to the doctor on Friday as scheduled (yes, he did)?  Is he (Vinay) eating his meals properly?  Would there be power during the day?  Who would take the dog out during the day?

It’s been a bit lonely.  My sister has been at work every day and my parents aren’t here.  I love going out and about and just walking around, but it’s something I’ve always done with my mum.

I am so lucky that I was able to come to London. 

But for the first time, I missed Lagos and can’t wait to go back!

Flying Solo

LagosMum1 Comment

I did it.  I can’t believe I actually left V in Lagos and came to London for the week.

I was feeling absolutely fine about it, as I’d organised things for him to do every day.  BUT he started coughing a little on Friday afternoon.  And on Saturday he got a runny nose.  I thought it was just a teething issue, but wasn’t sure.  So we went to the doctor.  

The doctor said he would be alright, especially since he didn’t have a temperature, but to put him on antibiotics since his tonsils were a little inflamed.  I told Hub right then and there that I wasn’t going to leave the following morning.  I couldn’t.

Hub was very reassuring and said to just go and that everything would be ok (I think he was trying to get rid of me).  The doctor decided to put his two bits in and said to go and that there was nothing to worry about.  So I went.

On Sunday morning I woke up and spent a little time with V.  I got ready and said goodbye.  Hub said they’d come downstairs, but I insisted they stay upstairs and watch the Wheels on the Bus (again).

I didn’t cry – but I felt wobbly and anxious.  I was felt ok once we started boarding.

Row 64, don’t you know?  They should have just stuck me in the toilet!

This is the first flight I’ve taken since July last year (the sixth flight) where I’ve been child-free and able to eat a meal and watch a movie.

I started watching ‘The Help’, but had to turn it off when I saw the little girl at the beginning and the tears started.  

Two movies, one sitcom, one meal and a packet of wine gums later and it was time to land.  I couldn’t wait – I was desperate to pee (I NEVER use the bathroom on the Lagos-London sector)!

I called Hub as soon as we landed and was (again) reassured that everything was fine.  They’d played in the garden and V was feeling much better.

And now I feel much better too.  

I’m in London for a week and I’m planning to make the most of it.  

If I don’t freeze first!

The Plan

LagosMum5 Comments

So…  Here’s the plan for my week in London 🙂

1.  Dentist appointment  (Yes there are dentists in Nigeria – but I prefer to go to the one I already know/have)

2.  Bank – Have to sort out ‘change of address’ for all our accounts

3.  Colour, cut and blowdry – Am thinking of getting highlights again – but making them quite blonde.  And possibly having my hair cut in a ‘choppy’ sort of way.  (Yes, I have a hairdresser in Lagos, but he always makes the highlights a bit too orange.  And I don’t want to see all the photos of his son from the last two years.)

4.  Eat at Arirang (Best Korean restaurant EVER on Poland street)

5.  Go to McDonalds

6.  Buy shoes for V (and me)

7.  Buy new handbag(s) and several pairs of shoes (in case you didn’t get that above)

8.  Have boozy lunch and gander around Selfridges with @NotSoSlummy and @MinistryofMum (at some point, I hope)

9.  Catch up on TV shows that I’ve missed (Internet here not fast enough to stream from sidereel)

10. Look into getting tattoo and where to put it

11. Get toys/games for V

12. Go to sister’s leaving drinks

13. Clear my crap out of apartment

14. Buy Pampers and nappy sacks (for V, not me)

15. Pick up some more breakfast cereal for V

16. Get doggy treats for Rolo

17. Try and buy some clothes for myself (but I’m sure everything will be wintery and I don’t need winter clothes)

18. Enjoy the Festive atmosphere

19. Freeze my butt off (bollocks – better find my coat and pray it still fits)

20. Miss my baby

 

It’s Nearly Sunday

LagosMum4 Comments

It’s nearly Sunday.  It’s nearly Sunday and I don’t know if I should be excited or sick with nerves…

On Sunday I am going to London.  I am going to London for a week and leaving my fifteen month old baby with his dad and the nanny.

I *know* I have nothing to worry about – Hub will take him to playgroup two mornings in the week (hooray Hubby) and I’ve arranged for him to spend the afternoons with a friend and her son.  

I *know* he’ll be absolutely fine…  Right?

So why am I going?

1. My parents have moved to Dubai and my sister is joining them in a couple of weeks.  They’re giving up their flat, which means I have to go clear all my crap out of there!

2. My sister and I have George Michael tickets for the 17th.  Yes, I know it’s been cancelled now.

3. I have bank work to sort out (nope, I don’t believe in doing Internet banking from Nigeria).

These are the *main* reasons I’m going.

I’ve got other stuff planned – eating at my favourite restaurants, dentist appointment, meeting old (and new) friends, shopping and other ‘frivolous’ activities and appointments.  

This will be my last trip to London until June and I know I’m going to have a good time.  

I think I’m also going to be a little lonely.