Wednesday 17th October 2012 – 'Too Big?' (291/366)
Country Kids: In The City
The very title of this post is an oxymoron, but as I live on the outskirts of Cardiff it's very difficult to ignore all that it has to offer. I also know that Coombe Mill's intention with this linky is to encourage outdoor play away from electrical devices. So I'm going with it.
The weather's been relatively sunny this weekend but I can feel the turn in the air; it's been less of a t-shirts and shorts weekend, and more of a trousers and cardigan time. It also feels like we haven't done very much over the weekend, but having gallivanted around the country for the past few weeks it's been nice to just stop and relax.
On Saturday we took The Boy over to Roath Park so he could practise his scooting and bike-riding. Unforunately he was a lazy monkey and wouldn't ride properly which resulted in him being removed from said bike and mummy getting cross with him. He had a fantastic time on the longest slide in the city anyway, and while he started out cautiously he soon built up his confidence!
He was also fascinated by the listening funnels (don't know what they're really called) on the climbing frame, and the cargo net which six months ago would have given him a challenge proved too easy now.
On Sunday we popped over to Cardiff Bay to have dinner at Pizza Express and then give The Boy a chance to scoot around. He is so confident on it and really loves going as fast as he can. I know given time he'll be the same on his bike. We also taught him how to use the brake on his scooter because at the moment he does this funny little galloping hop to stop. It was fantastic to see the sheer exhilaration on The Boy's face as he steamed past the couples and families walking along, and a sense of pride came over me when I saw them smiling at his enjoyment.
And no trip to Cardiff Bay is complete without a turn on the carousel.
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Saturday 25th August 2012 – 'Childhood' (238/366)
Thursday 29th March 2012 – 'Swing' (89/366)
Sunday 19th February 2012 – 'Scoot!' (50/366)
Sunday 15th January 2012 – 'Parklife' (15/366)
Weekend (In)Activity
We've had a terrible few days; The Boy is teething again and this time it's bad. Probably the worst it's ever been in all fairness. He is suffering unbelievably; chewing his gums, bright red cheeks, not eating, runny nose, doesn't even want to drink milk, high temperature, screaming in pain at night and not able to sleep easily, and of course the de rigeur nappy situation!
This weekend we had such great plans. Yesterday we were going to sort out the garden; adjusting some steps which are too big for him to manage without falling down, mowing the lawn, trimming the hedge, pegging the washing out and playing. We managed to mow the lawn. The Boy felt terrible and needed constant cuddles or nursing.
Today we were going to go to Margam Park, near Swansea, for the day allowing The Boy his morning nap in the car on the way there. After the most horrendous night's sleep that we have ever had, that idea was scrapped. We managed to nip out to a beautiful country park which trails through woodlands, meadows and ends up on the beach. Unfortunately though The Boy didn't want to get out the pushchair and when he was coaxed out, he wouldn't go back in or walk. The poor thing wouldn't even really play with the football apart from for the inital 30 seconds.
On the way home, we tried to tempt him with his favourite park. Surely the slides and swing would enable him to crack a smile? We managed ten minutes of play before again 'up-py' was the request. The poor little chap is suffering so badly, it breaks my heart. The only thing for it was a trip to Nana and Grandad's; pure magic! He giggled and laughed for the first time all day!
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Fun in the sun!
Work this week has been a bit here and there, I've done a fair few half days due to a meeting and a hospital appointment. I'm normally due to work all day on a Thursday but I had the afternoon off which was brilliant because it has been gloriously sunny and hot here all day with a stunning blue sky. I'd say I sauntered out of school, but that would be the biggest lie ever; I near-enough ran (aside from the fact that I don't run!) and pegged it home as fast as I could.
Lunch consumed for both of us, we trotted off to meet a friend across town in a lovely Victoria park. I was running late and my feet were killing me already (never a good sign), so we ended up catching the bus.
The Boy has never been on a bus before and thought it hilarious. A little perplexed at first, but he soon started chatting to all the old fellas and dears, making lots of new friends.
Once we'd got to the park, The Boy and his friend, Little Miss Cheeky, had great fun racing around amongst the daisies. Little Miss Cheeky is 6 months older than him, but they adore each other; she refers to him as 'My (name)' and he just points and grins at her. She's also the youngest child of my oldest, recently reacquainted, friend which is great that we have more of an excuse to spend time together gossiping.
As you can see, Little Miss Cheeky is going to lead my boy astray in the future, but it's ok because we've already agreed that they're allowed to marry each other. I can think of worse in-laws than your best mate!
Following the hijinks in the hedgerows, The Boy and I went down to the beach where he had his first ever ice-lolly all of his own! He likes ice-cream, but everytime he's had it in the past he's squirmed and complained because of the cold. This time I bought him a mini-milk which he did manager to hold quite well, but I wolfed my cone down and popped his rapidly melting lolly into the cone which was a massive success!
We then had great fun playing 'stop, go!' on the pier making all the little old ladies coo in delight. He even investigated his shadow a little bit more.
Oh, and I got sunburn! It's April for goodness sake!
Thursday 17th March 2011 – 'Stairs' (76/365)
The Boy has been slow to learn how to deal with stairs. He crawls up and down them, he can walk up them holding onto our hands but not independently. Coming down them is a big area for development; he hasn't worked out how to bend his knee and lower himself. Today we went to the park and this was big progress for him! Even if he did want to take two steps at the same time!
