Christmas break - philosophical thoughts

So...just got back from 10 days around the country visiting great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. It was brilliant to see MLA enjoying everyone's company and to see how much they enjoyed his.He has really seemed to have blossomed these last few weeks and it has been amazing to watch and be part of. I had a not insignificant birthday just before Christmas which meant that we went away for the night leaving him with grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts and by all accounts he had a whale of a time. It felt like a mixed blessing going away, on the one hand it was amazing to be able to lie in bed watching a film, but on the other I really did miss the pitter patter of tiny feet even though it was only for 24 hours, still it was excellent to get away and to spend some time just the two of us.

We didn't do a huge amount over the holiday, but really it was nice to spend some time and just "be," talking to people, walking and enjoying everyone's company. In a way this feels like a golden time, MLA is pretty easy and seems to be better company with every week that goes past, we are all healthy and this feels like a time to be treasured. A friend who has a three year old told me that he has now started going to the loo on his own and shuts the door when he goes, she said it made her realise that the stage when they are reliant on you is so fleeting, so I want to make the most of each and every moment.

I have another week before I return to work, so going to try and have some adventures this week, am thinking the Aquarium and possibly Whitstable if the weather holds...fingers crossed.

Luxury swimming

I can see that blogging could become addictive, although with Twitter and Pinterest to keep up with as well, there's also a danger that I'll spend so much time in front of this little screen that I won't actually remember to get out and have any real life adventures...

Had an excellent morning this morning - was gorgeous and sunny outside so took MLA for a quick run in the park, he found the iced over puddles pretty confusing, but soon got the hang of stamping on them, then threw everything in the car to get to David Lloyd in time for kiddie swimming. I've done the 12 days for £5 membership which is awesome, it's like having access to a really nice hotel. Everything was super child friendly, there's even a playpen in the changing rooms. MLA couldn't get enough of the swimming, I stopped taking him in the summer because he didn't seem to be enjoying it, but it seems that he's back into it again - he kept trying to jump in the water and even attempted some actually swimming...

Capital tots goes to the Farm

Am totally new to blogging, but everyone tells me that I should, so here goes...perhaps this can be an extension of my "dear son" letters that I wrote during the first year of his life...it just seems strange to be writing and expecting complete strangers to want to hear my thoughts...

Just had a farm-filled weekend, started off with Mudchute Farm on Saturday morning which was a brilliant day out - really good for all ages - babies, toddlers and older ones - it feels like a slice of countryside in the middle of London - you are almost close enough to touch Canary Wharf - felt slightly like we had more fun than MLA visiting Santa, but at least he's done it now...the food there is delicious - the cafe is run by Frizzante, and Italian company who also run the cafe at Surrey Docks Farm and the Canadian Brunch was superb...

Next up was Bocketts Farm on Sunday - it's my favourite out of town farm for children, because it's just the right size and there's loads to do keep all ages happy. It's the second time I've been in the middle of winter, and really want to go back in the summer time, but despite it being freezing, MLA seemed to really enjoy it. It was the first time he'd paid any attention to the animals and seemed quite taken with feeding the cows and sheep.There were also some newborn lambs which were gorgeous - wanted to take them home! I even think Bockett's would be an OK wet-weather option as there's quite a lot to do undercover - including a soft-play area...we finished up with lunch and a glass of mulled wine (for me) in the cafe and then MLA slept all the way home...bliss!