Matthew Oakes's Diary
The Latest Trials and Tribulations in the life of
Matthew Oakes (aged 2 years)


Saturday, 2nd February 2002
All excited today. Me and mummy are going upto my nanna and grandads 'cos we are off to York in the morning for a couple of days with my Uncle Mark (my mummy's twin brother).

Wednesday, 6th February 2002
Got back from York yesterday. Oh what great fun I had. I was asleep for most of the time travelling there (not that I need the beauty sleep, but hey! got to catch a few naps whilst one can) The hotel was lovely, ideal for my little hands to go a wondering, just like a new little play gym it was, I was into everything! We had a lovely meal in the hotel, I had the Dolphin Platter, basically scampi and chips but tasty nonetheless. Mummy let me stay up really late and I tried my hardest to get a pint down me (without anyone watching) but I was sussed. Come ten o' clock I was usually so tired so I'd settle myself on the couch in the lounge. My Uncle Mark drove us back home today. Can't wait for the next time, hopefully be sunny Spain!

Sunday, 10th February 2002
Been a quiet week. Went out for Sunday dinner today so my belly is nice and full now. I ran my mummy and daddy ragged in the restaurant, got to keep them on their toes somehow. Bless, they went out last night for a few drinks (or several) so they were a bit delicate this morning, I wish I hadn't of been so naughty now.

Thursday, 14th February 2002 heart
Bit dissapointed today. No valentines cards, not even 1! You would think my mummy would of at least sent me one (anonymously of course) but hey I guess those are the breaks. Next year, I'll be able to talk so I will drop subtle hints to all that will listen. Off to bed now diary to try and sleep off the sorrow of my broken heart :-(

Sunday, 17th February 2002
Daddy came home late last night but he made sure we had a good day today. We all went off to the park this morning, of course that would of been me for the day but mummy and daddy thought otherwise, they were waffling on about it starting to rain. I was a bit ambitious in thinking I could go on everything by myself and fell a few times but mummy was there to kiss me better. After the park, we went off to get some new shoes for me, I was more interested in the toys but I got some new engines for my Thomas collection as well as the shoes. It was then time for some grub but the first place we went to never had a high-chair and I think mummy and daddy realised I would of got up to no good if wasn't put in one (honestly, what do they take me for). We then went for a drive to pick one of my daddy's mates up and we got home about six o' clock. A good day all in all.

Friday, 22nd February 2002
The weather has been really lousy this week: rain, rain and more rain! If I have to watch another repeat of Bob the Builder I'll....! It's kept me and mummy busy with the web page though. Mummy was up until all hours so when I woke up at one o'clock this morning, I climbed out of my cot (oh yes!) to give her a hand. But she soon put me back to bed! I dont think me deleting a file helped matters much. I think mummy is going to have a word with daddy this weekend about converting my cot into a big boys bed (Yaaay! I'm grown up at last!)

Tuesday, 26th February 2002
We had a good weekend. Mummy and daddy did indeed convert my cot to a bed and finally daddy put all my baby stuff in the loft ('cos I ain't a baby anymore, I'm a little man) and then we went out for our usual Sunday dinner (Ooo, I am drooling at the thought of it!). I am coping quite well with my bed (eventually) I took the mickey out of mummy on Sunday night though 'cos I was just getting in and out of my bed and going out my room. My mummy ended up shouting at me 'cos she was hiding by the bathroom in the pitch black to see what I would do, of course I bumped into her, patted her down, realised who or what it was and ultimately said "Hiya Mama". Although I heard a stifled laugh, she managed to tell me off. I won't be doing that again!

Thursday, 28th February 2002
Went into town with mummy and her friend, Aunty Sue. Oh and what a start to the day it was! I wreaked havoc by crying on the way to the bus stop, at the bus stop and on the bus. Even sweeties couldn't console me! Mummy tried everything to comfort me but I was determined to live upto my Oscar Nominee performances and I was NOT giving in. When we got into town, mummy took me straight into the changing unit and found that my 'distress' was caused by having a very red and irritable posterior! Aunty Sue thought it might of been because I was teething or something I'd eaten hadn't agreed with me ... Well I certainly never had a Vindaloo the night before and I tell you what, if that's what it's like after eating one ... I'm sticking to Chinese! Bless, mummy wasn't to know, she only changed me just before we left the house and I was A OK - must remember to choose my 'moments' more carefully though, I could feel eyes burning the back of my head on that bus (as if they don't remember what it's like!) Anyway, after having a clean bum, I soon settled down for the day, had a sleep and a nice lunch. Mummy even bought me a new Bob the Builder cup but I don't think she quiet knows yet that I can get the top off with my teeth! .... oooo fun and games are in store.

Saturday, 2nd March 2002
Jumped off table. Gave mummy heart attack! Fall cushioned by washing. Mummy moved table. DOH!

Wednesday, 6th March 2002
Been busy round the house this week, helping mummy with her chores. Been to the park (I won't bore you with the details - a parks a park!). My mate Connor came round to see me, we had a game of cards and a couple of whiskeys'(well not really, mummy wouldn't approve if we finished it off! tee-hee) I just showed him my toys and discussed the prospects of a new playmate 'cos Connor's mummy, Aunty Caroline, is expecting another baby in July. The more pals the better! and my new cousin is due in April too....

Friday, 8th March 2002
Wont be making any entries over the next few days Diary, me and mummy are going to Manchester to see Nanna and Grandad cos daddy is working in Greece this week so we thought we would go for a visit. We are travelling on the train... now theres a story in the making, surely!

Wednesday, 13th March 2002   train
I surpassed myself on the train Diary! I was very well behaved, the only hiccup being when we were coming home yesterday when the back wheels of my pram got wedged underneath between the train and the platform!!!! ... very eventful, I of course thought it was rather fun, but when I saw the colour drain from my mummy's face I decided to stop cheering! It took three guards to get it unwedged.... totally agree with mummy that public transport do not really cater for the travelling parents! Apart from my life and death situation, the few days at nannas and grandads was pleasant and it was nice to see my cousin Thomas and my friend Jessica again.

Thursday, 14th March 2002 paint brush
Mummy was getting my stuff ready to go to a playgroup this morning to come down and find I had done a lovely mural all over her wallpaper with nothing less than a black ball point pen!!! Needless to say we did not go to playgroup 'cos mummy was knocking up all sorts of concoctions to try and remove my artwork ... to no avail. Oh well, move over Van Gogh, here comes Van Oakes!, my picture is here to stay. I think mummy will be more careful as to where she leaves potential art tools lying around in the future.

Sunday, 17th March 2002
Went to Wales today with mummy, Connor and Aunty Caroline. We went to a big outdoor market which everything under the sun including a toy I wanted and when I couldnt have it there and then, I threw a big paddy for all to see! Mummy wasn't to impressed but she wasnt embarassed 'cos she said to Aunty Caroline "All kids seem to go through this stage". I think it was for the benefit of everyone watching my performance! I soon forgot about the toy though and it was a good day. We went to Connor's for our dinner too.

Friday, 22nd March 2002
Been to playgroup a couple of times this week. Went into town with mummy today, she was going into alot of toy shops for some reason. ???? . Daddy can't get home this weekend 'cos he has had to go to Italy. - its a good job if you can get it! Aunty Pauline, daddy's sister, is coming up tonight from Gloucester, can't wait to see her! Right, better get to bed Diary, mummy said its a special day tomorrow.

Saturday, 23rd March 2002 balloons
Whey-hey! I'm 2 today! Woke up this morning to find loads of presents. We all got changed after I had a play with my new toys, and went to Chester Zoo. We met up with Connor, Ryan and Charlie. Brilliant day seeing all the animals and having a play with my friends. Came back home and mummy and Aunty Pauline made some sandwiches and goodies for us all. It was a good day but I'm really tired, so off to the land of nod Diary.

Please visit my Birthday Page designed by "Grammie" from Life's Riches.

Friday, 29th March 2002
Been to playgroup a couple of times this week. The weather has been glorious so I have also been helping mummy in the garden ... must say, I have already got a tinge of bronze to my skin! Roll on summer! Daddy came home last night (we haven't seen him for a month!) We are off visiting family this weekend in Gloucester and London.

Monday, 1st April 2002
I'm back! What a fab few days I have had. On friday, on our way to Gloucester, we stopped off in Kiddeminster for Severn Valley Steam Railway. We had a journey on a really old steam train (just like Thomas). It was great! you should of seen my little face when I saw all those choo-choos'! Mummy took a few pictures. We stayed at Aunty Paulines that night and Grandad Cliff came to see me, It was ace seeing him again! On Saturday we drove down to London to see daddy's little brother (also called Matt) and on the Sunday we all went to Godstone Farm - wow what a day! I saw all the farm animals and they had play areas from heaven, I have never had so much to do, climbing over bridges, playing in sandpits, sliding down slides ... Ooo I wish we lived closer. We drove home tonight and 'cos I didn't have a sleep in the car on the way back, I am off to bed to dream about the choo-choo's and the "adventure" playground!

Sunday, 7th April 2002
Lets see.... I went to the park a couple of times last week, I also went swimming. It took me a little while to get used to it but I really enjoyed it - I think mummy was hoping that I would take to it like a fish to water (pardon the punn) cos i am like a loon in the bath, but that swimming pool is a bit more overwhelming than a bath puddle! Anyway, I look forward to the next time.

Sunday, 21st April 2002
Thought I'd best make an entry Diary, so I can relieve my fans of getting over anxious as to why I haven't bothered writing for a while! Not really been upto much apart from the usual. Mummy hasn't been very well this week so I have been looking after her with the help of Nanna and Grandad 'cos we have been to see them for a couple of days - in fact they were looking after me while we all gave mummy some peace and quiet. Bless! they did a good job and all. I'll be sure to update you Diary when I do something mad, naughty or exciting - which no doubt will be very soon! heh heh

Monday, 22nd April 2002
My new baby cousin Ben was born this morning weighing in at 7lb7! Congratulations Aunty Sara, Uncle Mark and Thomas    

stork

Tuesday, 1st May 2002
My daddy was home last week for a few days and we were out nearly everyday. We went to the beach, the zoo and a couple of times we went to a place called the Derby Pool near the sea where they have this big ball pond and this assault course especially for kids. I showed no fear and jumped straight into it! Great fun! Aunty Caroline took Connor, Connor's friend Hannah, me and of course mummy there today, we didn't want to come home! But I am worn out though! So I am off to watch Robot Wars (its my fav programme at the mo) and then off to bed.

Saturday, 18th May 2002
Oooo I've been busy busy busy these last couple of weeks. That busy in fact, I can't remember what I did! Nothing much that stands out I wouldn't say but mummy has certainly been keeping me occupied. Mummy has also been decorating the dining room so I have given some of my expertise on the matter just to help her long a bit - even had to show her how to climb up the ladder! She soon learnt and told me there was no need to show her again. Uncle Mark, Aunty Sara, my cousins' Thomas and Ben are coming down to see us tomorrow. Can't wait cos we haven't seen baby Ben yet. I'll get mummy to take some photos Diary - saying that she is a bit slack in putting them up these days - I'll have to have words!

Monday, 9th June 2002
Hi there Diary. Sorry for not writing for a while but we have been rather busy. Been to loads of places visiting people when Daddy has been home and when me and mummy have been together we have been to playgroup, the park, the zoo and seeing my little buddies. We had a little scare with baby Ben a couple of weeks ago, he had suspected meningitis and of course we were all on edge until he had got to a safe period - glad to say he fighting fit now. Phew! It was Connors 2nd Birthday on Friday. We had a great time, his mummy, Aunty Caroline had a bouncy castle there for us, me and Connor were running round like a right pair of loons, chasing all the little girls (heh heh). Aunty Pauline came to see us yesterday and we all went to the park, I think I nearly gave her a heart attack cos I climbed so high on this rope thingy majigy and she just about reached my tippy toes to grab me back. She went pale! Also had my hair cut and for some unknown reason to mummy I had a crying fit whilst my hair was in the process of being styled. My mummy was laughing at me 'cos I was watching myself crying in the mirror but doing different poses at the same time - all for effect you see! Anyway, enuff waffle Diary, I'll catch you later!

Saturday, 15th June 2002
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY! COME BACK ANOTHER DAY! - infact make that NEVER! As you can guess Diary the weather here as been absolutely dreadful. We haven't really been able to go out. It's kept mummy busy with the website tho! regular visitors will notice changes being made. Ooo there's mummy piping up in the background telling me to let everyone know "it should all come together soon" - whatever that means, for what to come together Mother?! - Oh nevermind! Anyway, went into town today and mummy bought me this splendid toolset! Eeee, I've had ago at mending almost everything in the house, including the TV that broke this week but mummy said altho I was doing a good job, that we should leave it to the professionals - CHEEK! I'll remember to overcharge her should she require my services as a builder in the near future!

Sunday, 24th June 2002
We went up to Nanna and Grandad's last Wednesday. We got the train up there and I really enjoyed my little self - Mummy was keen to get off but I wanted to go and have a word with the driver to see if I could have a go at the wheel!
Me, Mummy and Grandad went to feed the ducks on Thursday .. as Grandad passed me the bread, I ate it instead of giving it the birdies - waste not want not!
On Friday, we went with Nanna into Bolton town centre for a nosey round and went and had something to eat ... and in the middle of it all, I lay down on the floor informing mummy dearest that I was need of a nappy change - i think at any other time she would be happy to oblige but I think she was a little concerned it was on the restaurant floor and promptly took me to the toilets in a fit of laughter.
On Saturday, Uncle Mark, Aunty Sarah, Thomas and Ben took us to this big park with a little animal farm and loads of rides - whey hey! now that was fun! Me and Thomas went on 2 train rides and I went on this curly wurly slide all by myself and after queing up in an orderly fashion waiting for my turn I slid down that slide as if I was on some rollercoaster ride, waving my arms in the air like there was no tomorrow! I was sorry to leave as you can well imagine - definately be going there again. Grandad and Nanna dropped us off home this afternoon. See you soon Nanna and Grandad!

Thursday, 4th July 2002
HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY TO ALL OUR AMERICAN VISITORS!
Was mummy's birthday on Sunday so we had a BBQ, some of mummys friends came and some of mine too! The rain stayed off for a bit while daddy cooked the food but it soon came back!
We went to have a look at my new pre-school yesterday, it was brilliant! Mummy couldn't get me out of there! Glad to inform you though, that I start going once a week for a month in September and then three times a week in October - roll on school days!

Sunday, 14th July 2002
Mummy hasn't been to well, so apologies for no recent entries (I can't do everything by myself - yet!)
We have been out in the garden, doing a bit of pruning when the weather has been nice and walks upto the park.
On Saturday we went into Chester, what a beautiful city, I have been there before but when I was a little baby, so many things to do and see!
Today was absolutely brill! We got the train to New Brighton for the annual Wirral Show and especially with it being a glorious day, there were so many rides to go - quite overwhelming for a little fella like myself! - decisions, decisions!
Mummy spent a little fortune but she said it was well worth it after seeing my tiny facy light up.I went on every choo-choo ride there was and loads loads more! Can't wait for next year!

Sunday, 21st July 2002
A small step for man, a giant step for ME ....
Did my first wee wee on the potty today! Mummy was thrilled so best not tell her that I don't plan to make a regular habit out of it! heh heh

Monday, 29th July 2002
Well let's see ... Daddy came home for a week and we have been that busy, this is the only chance I've had to update you Diary.
We have been to the beach, been here and there, Daddy has done some DIY (mummy said we can't be having him sitting on his behind all week! heh heh) and we went to Gloucester for a couple of days
We went to go and see my Great Aunty Pat and Uncle Nick and I had a swim in their big pool, I was a bit dubious at first but I soon got my duck feet on.
We came home in Daddy's truck on Sunday night. Daddy strapped my car seat in and I felt like a king of a castle up there! Goodness knows what people thought when they saw me sitting on the right hand side (daddys truck is left-hand drive for the continent) they must of thought what a clever two year old driving that big lorry! heh heh
Anyway, daddy went off to work again today and me and mummy went upto the park, its been glorious!

Must congratulate Aunty Caroline, Uncle Max and Connor - little Caira arrived last week weighing in at 7lb 8oz - she came fairly quick and was born on the front seat of the car - mommy did not go into to much detail!

Sunday, 11th August 2002
I am doing surprisingly well on my potty (much to mummy's disbelief! Ha ha, I've showed her!)
I misplaced my favourite Engine, James, a couple of weeks ago and mummy, hoping I would not cotton on, bought me some more, including James! Aunty Pauline also came to the rescue and bought me my favourite red engine too! Bliss, I now have two James's (otherwise known as "George" by myself!) Editors Note (i.e. mummy): I have no idea why Matty calls James George but if you don't call him George he gets all huffy!... bless I now have 13 engines, 8 trucks/carriages, Bertie, Lorry and Harold!
Mummy and daddy bought me a little fish tank a couple of weeks ago but the two original fish (George and Mavis) went to fishy heaven. Mummy replaced them but two days later Mavis II died and mummy took her out the tank. That afternoon George II died but before mummy saw, I tried to get him out for her too! Ahem, I made quite a mess to say the least and the fish tank has now been banished to a higher level so my little hands can't get at them! DOH!
Anyway, the good news is we have got four more fish and hopefully this time they will survive. I have called them George (III), Mavis (III), Thomas and Percy!
Uncle Mark, Aunty Sarah, Thomas and Ben came to see us last week too... we had a great day!

Monday, 16th September 2002
Yes, I know Diary, smacked wrists all round for not keeping you up to date but I have been ever so busy!
Well I can't remember everything we have done over the past month, but I will tell you that we have just come back from our holidays in Alcudia, Majorca. It was fab! I became an accomplished swimmer in the process with a goregous tan to boot! I made some friends while we over there and I took a shine to a little german girl called Sophia. Every time I saw her I insisted on giving her a little kiss and a cuddle. Apart from me being a monster on the flight there and back - yep, 2 hours of constant whinging etc etc (only cos I wanted to have a wander round the plane and mummy wouldn't let me!) I was an angel and I was a little boy to be proud of!
Anyway, we also went to Rhyl on Friday and I rode on a gigi - mummy calls it a donkey and I went on ALL the rides! WOW!
Ill get mummy to put some new pictures up soon.

Tuesday, 24th September 2002
Guess What! I have started "school", well Playgroup actually but it is called the Early Years ... I am having great fun! I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Wednesday, 4th December 2002
Yes I Know! Slapped wrist for me (or should I say mummy)for not updating you Diary. Well I am doing splendidly. Been ever so busy with school and stuff! I am talking alot more now (not quite yet on the scale of my typing but getting there! ha ha.) We have been gallivanting all around England visiting friends and family.... ooo been doing loads! Anyway, its late Diary so Ill post some more when I hae made a life changing experience - for me or mummy I don't know which yet! heh heh

To Be Continued ...