The elephant on the tree

Decorating our little Christmas tree last week was probably one of the best things that's happened to me all year. I say little, it's actually just about as big as it possibly could be, touching the ceiling so that our Christmas robin is perched on the side of the top branch rather than very top. Breakable decorations have been placed high up (out of little arms reach) with safer things at the bottom. A long standing tradition in our house is to buy a new tree decoration each year. This usually is something I find very hard to do, as I can never decide on just one! This year I wanted to get something Arlo would love, and when I saw this in a local shop I knew it was the one - a little pink elephant. Hand-stitched and made from bright pink silk, he's pretty fragile (there's already a bit of stuffing sticking out the trunk due to some rigorous cuddling endured when Arlo first spotted him) but I hope he'll become a tree stalwart that we hang up every year, reminding us of this Christmas. The year Arlo loved elephants, understood who Father Christmas was, and gasped at the tree every morning like he was seeing it for the first time. The year I got butterflies in my tummy just thinking about his face when he opens his presents (which may or may not also be elephant related. Clue: they are). I hope elephants really don't ever forget, because I want to remember this Christmas forever please.

Friday I'm in love... with a Christmas gift guide for a little animal-lover

I'm finding it a little tricky to find the perfect Christmas present for Arlo this year. I don't want to go mad and get him loads of stuff, I just want to find one great thing that will really make him smile on Christmas morning. One thing's for sure - it will have to involve animals in some way or another, because this boy is animal-mad. A few of the things I've been eyeing up over the last week or so include: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

This was the week that...

Source here

• I got a new haircut that channels the queen that is Peggy Olsen and I've been wishing I was as cool as her
• Adele spoke about parenting and got it SPOT ON (when does she not?) 
• I wept along to Suffragette at the cinema (if you haven't already - go see it!)
• I read Caitlin Moran's words of advice to her 13-year-old daughter. Wish someone had said this to me twenty years ago. Bookmarking this now for Arlo in another ten years or so 
• Arlo discovered the joys of black crayon. On the walls, shelves, floors...
• I rediscovered my love for this album which is as brilliant as it is short 
• I read this article about how virgos are misunderstood and nodded along a lot 
• Arlo and Alex both got new Doc Mart boots and I lusted after a pair too

Long days and short years

Sept 2015

Sept 2014

It's easy not to notice time passing you by. Weeks whizzing past, months coming and going, new years on the horizon (IT'S ALMOST 2016 FFS!) Then sometimes something stops you. I snapped this pic of Arlo on the beach about a month ago, while we were trying to squeeze in the final paddle of the year (it was chilly, but we did it!). It reminded me of some pics I took a year or so ago in the same spot, and I dug them out to have a look. Such a difference. This boy is getting so big. So clever. He knows more words now than I can count. He's a dab hand at a jigsaw. He sings songs all day long. And he's got a cracking sense of humour. From a squidgy little pudding a year or so ago, stretching up to try and reach a door handle, to a proper boy now, opening doors and climbing and figuring all kinds of stuff out on his own, this boy is grown. Sometimes the days feel very long indeed, but it's times like this I'm reminded that the years are short.

Where we walked this weekend #5 - the beach picnic edition

We've been having some  productive old weekends round here lately, I honestly don't know what's gotten into us. The morning after the clocks went back, because we were all up even more ridiculously early than usual, we found that we had got ourselves ready, had breakfast, mowed the lawn and made a batch of banana oat muffins all before 9am. I'm aware this makes us sound like we've really got our shit together, but in fact this is the OPPOSITE of what our weekends usually look like, when it takes circa three hours just to coordinate getting all three of us out the door and ready to do something. So wanting to make the most of the extra hour, we got our wellies on, made a thermos of coffee, packed up the muffins and headed for a beach picnic (was toying with calling it a beach-nic, but I don't think that really works, so I'll refrain). The sun shone, Arlo chased seagulls, we contemplated a paddle (too cold) and then sat on the slipway, with tin mugs of coffee and a muffin, and just felt a bit bloody lucky to live in this lovely place, to have Sundays to ourselves, and to get an extra hour of family time every once in a while.

Where we walked this weekend #4 - the beach edition

We spent a nippy but sunny hour or so on the beach this weekend, strolling, paddling, drawing in the sand. Our little tradition of a walk each weekend is becoming one of my favourite parts of the week because we get to visit a different bit of the island each time. This time it was a far away corner we haven't visited since Arlo was a teeny tiny bundle in a baby sling. This boy's getting so big lately I feel like I can't keep up, it's like we're on fast-forward. If anyone can remember where I left the remote please tell me. I wouldn't mind pausing for a bit and staying as we are for a while.

Firsts

As the Isle of Wight waves the last few Bestival-goers off the island today, with them go the last dregs of summer. It's been grey and rainy all day and I've resigned myself that Autumn is upon us. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to welcome Autumn, it's probably my fave season of all actually, but before I do, I want to stop for a second and think back over the Summer that was. It was really a summer of firsts. Not necessarily those big, monumental firsts that fill the first year or so like first words, steps, sleeping through the night (we're well beyond all those baby milestones now. Sniff.) But lots of other things that were just as memorable. Some things I'm only just realising now were pretty monumental in their own way. Like:

• Our first potato printing experience (for both of us!) 
• The first time Arlo got stung by a bee (I was scared, he survived).
• The first time I had one of those haircuts that just seems to go right for once. For about two weeks until it grew out.
• The first time I thought to myself "maybe we COULD have another one and the world wouldn't end and we might all survive"
• The first sentence "Daddy and baby on the beesh" (he means beach, but still)
• Our first taste of the terrible twos. Tantrums and all. Some of my very lowest parenting points I would say. Punctuated by some of the best stuff ever. I guess that's how they design this parenting stuff, so we don't disown our own as soon as they turn two.
• The first time I've been genuinely happy to see a poo. Because it was in the potty of a child that isn't even really being potty trained. He just chose to do it one day in his potty. How mad is that?! I'm thinking this my be my karma for all the very many very sleepless nights.
• The first proper family holiday. More of those please.
• Our first whole night away, just the two of us. Many more of those too please. 

Many things to remember. And many more to come. Ideally more of the potato painting times and less of the tantrum times to come please, although I sense there'll be plenty of both. Autumn, we're ready for you now.

Back to school

I'm not sure you ever really lose that 'back to school' September feeling at this time of year. Tomorrow is my first day back at work for over two weeks and it feels like a lifetime since I was last in the office. Just like lots of teachers and school kids this week, I've been getting myself prepared for the first day back tomorrow. When I was eleven years old, this ritual used to involve fastidiously packing and repacking my pencil case, laying out my uniform at the bottom of the bed, and setting my alarm (and by that I mean an ACTUAL alarm clock, not just a phone setting) a good 30 minutes earlier than was actually necessary. This time round, getting prepared basically means making sure various electronic items are charged and ready to go, but the essence of the ritual is the same (and I've planned out my outfit in my head at least - don't think I'll ever stop doing that).

While last week I was dreading going back to work and our holiday coming to an end, I have to secretly admit that (whispers) I'm actually looking forward to it a bit. It's been wonderful to be off, but it's been long enough. We've been lovely and lazy, but I need a bit of drive now. I have space in my mind to fit in some other stuff. I can't wait to get on the train and read my emails and get back into everything, safe in the knowledge that Arlo is happily playing with all his little mates at the childminders. I know it will make me happier, and will make our next day together even better for having missed each other a bit. That's the thing - there's nothing like a bit of time apart to make the time together feel really special.

So bring on the working week please - after all, the sooner we get to it, the sooner the weekend will come.

Dressing Arlo - is it Autumn yet?

As I write this, I'm looking out of the window to see a lot of rain. A LOT. We're in Wales. The first three days of our holiday have been absolutely gorgeous weather - perfect sunny beach weather with not a cloud in the sky - so I guess the law of averages would say that we're due a rainy day. It's got me thinking of Autumn, which is just round the corner. Judging by these clothes Alex picked up for Arlo (all from John Lewis, in case you're interested), he's thinking of Autumn too. Of wooly jumpers, Autumnal colours, and needing long sleeves rather than short ones. is it Ok to admit I can't wait?

Out of office

This boy...  some pics of a grey day we recently spent roaming around our local cemetery. It's very pretty and car-free which makes it a good place for Arlo to explore, so I hope that doesn't sound too weird a hang-out spot! Arlo's love of animals has spread into his clothing and he has some real favourites that he always asks to wear, including this tee covered in little jungle animals - wrestling this off at the end of the day for bath time is not fun!

In other news, I just put my out of office on, as we're off on our holidays this weekend. Two whole weeks off work. Two weeks straight of looking at this face. Lucky. Not sure how much blogging that means will be happening around these parts, I'll just be doing whatever feels right. For me, 'whatever feels right' probably includes things like: reading magazines, having brunch, going to the beach and generally just having a bit of a lounge at every opportunity. For Arlo, 'whatever feels right' will most likely be wearing this animal tee shirt for two weeks straight. But each to their own.

Things I'm thankful for... the weekend away edition

We did some really good weekending this weekend. It was so good I forgot to blog, or even think about blogging, one of those ones. It reminded me of all the things I'm thankful for, and in a week that's also been a bit mixed and had some not great things happen I feel like it's more important than ever to be thankful and remind myself of all that's good - for me, that list includes:

• Old friends. The really comfy ones. Where you chat, or not chat (and that feels totally OK and not-at-all-awkward) and it's easy and comforting and you remind yourself why they're such good friends and that you really bloody need them around to remind you who you are and what's important.
• Cake. Because really and truly the hunk of carrot cake pictured above saved me from a terrible hangover on Sunday and for that I am eternally grateful.
• The sun (who has since departed) for making everyone altogether more happy.
• My trusty Saltwater sandals. For going with everything and being just so comfortable that I never want to take them off because all of my other shoes all of a sudden feel just too warm and stuffy.
• Arlo's brain cells. Bear with me on this, but after a particularly difficult week, where we cursed the 'terrible twos' and wondered who'd come and swapped our usually sweet and caring boy with an irrational, tantrum-throwing goblin child, something's clicked and the Arlo we know and love is back. Not only is he happier and more rational since the weekend, he all of a sudden knows loads of new words, so I'm putting it down a developmental leap that was going on in his brain that he's now worked past. Yay for brain cells!
• Having a bit of a think. Was so interested to read this collection of thoughts from atheists sharing how they find meaning in a 'purposeless universe' - I was struck by the reoccurring themes running through them all as they listed the things that make their lives meaningful - friends, love, learning, teaching, being creative, enjoying the simple things. SO true, and all things to be thankful for. Today and every day.

Out to sea

I managed to sneak a few pics of Arlo through the gaps of the big wooden boat he was 'driving' at the park last week. It was a grey day but the view made up for it - I'll never get tired of looking out over the sea from this little row of green beach huts. A calm moment in a month that was anything but calm. Planning on filling the rest of the summer with more moments like this.

The barrenness of busy

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life" - Socrates. I saw someone post this on Instagram yesterday and it's been popping into my head ever since. I reckon he was on to something. This last month has felt very busy, and now I come to think about it, it's felt a little barren too. Lots going on, but not so many things that I actually want to remember. Many things happening, but few lasting memories. Alex and I have both had very busy work months - he's been working weekends to make up time on a big job that's just been finished, and I've had a lot of long days in London which have seen me creep out of the house before anyone wakes up, and creep back in again to find everyone tucked up in bed already.

So July's felt like a bit of a hard slog, but I'm so hopeful for August to come and be all kinds of nice to make up for it. Alex's big job is now finished, so he gets his weekends back, and we're both on official count down to our holiday at the end of August - two whole weeks of not very much stretching out in front of us, not very much 'busy', but more 'lazy', which I think are the best times of all.

Today was our first family day together for weeks, and we made the most of it. I'm writing this on the sofa next to a little boy who's snoozing away, totally knackered after a morning spent on the beach. Considering we live on a little Island surrounded by beaches, we hardly ever go. I plan to rectify this from now on, because we had so much fun today. Buckets and spades were purchased. Sandwiches got sandy. Body parts were buried in the sand. Lots of giggling happened. All the good beach things.

Then this afternoon we hung out with the type of friends that crossed over from the 'friend' category into 'family' years ago. Friends with lots of kids that all became a little gang of pals of various ages, with Arlo the littlest trailing along behind them, trying to keep up. More giggling happened. And some swimming. Also a below-par attempt at completing the Observer cryptic crossword. And now we're home and Arlo is snoozing and we're making burgers. Beat that July, you long-and-fairly-boring month! And hello August, very happy to see you, let's make this month less busy and more lazy please. Because that's when the best stuff happens.

Same time, same place

When you have a little person in your life, parks become a pretty big deal, and when you find one that works, it can become your favourite place to be for a little while. I never quite realised this PB (pre-baby) but not all parks are created equal. You need the right 'stuff' for your child's height/ age otherwise it can be a veritable death trap filled with things too high and too open and too easily fall-off-able. So for this reason we have had a favourite park for the past couple of months, with the right combination of things for Arlo to feel challenged but not on the verge of breaking his neck if he takes the wrong step.

It's become a little routine of ours to visit this park most days when I'm off work - and while Arlo plays, I like to snap away. I hadn't realised how much until earlier this week when I scrolled through iPhoto and found reams and reams of shots taken at this park. Enough for me to realise it's become one of our favourite places to be. It's the mundane everyday, but it's a very happy little everyday place for us. Just looking through these pics from top to bottom has made me realise two things: that this boy doesn't stop growing, and that he has a nice line in snazzy trousers. Long may our happy routine in crocodile trews continue.

Pretty in print

I like to try and bring back a memento from each holiday we go on - it's not always particularly linked to the trip itself, but just something bought at the time, that I always remember it by. For example, on one pre-baby city-break to Bath, we bought back a butter dish. In Corfu, it was a pot stand. No correlation to the nature of the trip, just things we liked at the time. 

So when we went on our first family holiday last month, I wanted to bring something back and actually, Arlo chose this one, which makes it even more special. In The Hambledon, aka my favourite shop, aka shopping heaven (you can hear me wang on even more about why I love the place so much here) Arlo woke up just at the end of our visit to point this print out to me. It has a raa raa (lion) sitting on an oo-ee (elephant), so it ticked all his boxes, and he spent the next ten minutes doing his elephant impression in appreciation. It's also covered in balloons which seemed fitting seeing as it was the day after his second birthday. He loved it, and so did we, so we took it home, framed it (Ikea do the perfect fine frame that is the ideal match) and here it is - hanging in pride of place in the spare room, which since its spruce up was looking quite bare and in need of some wall adornments (you can never have too many frames in my book).

You can also see it from Arlo's bedroom when you look out the door, so I like the fact that it's the first thing he sees when he wakes up in the morning and wanders through to our room to wake us up. This is now a thing, because he's now tall enough to reach the door handle and escape let himself out of his room when he wakes up in the morning. While there are plus points to this (e.g. I don't have to actually get out of bed to go and get him when he wakes up now, I can just squeeze him in with us and try and eek out a few more moments of sleep in the morning) it's been happening daily at 5am, which is a minus point that kind of out-weighs anything else. More sleep please.

Making new traditions

I love it when something unexpected becomes a bit of a tradition. Three years in a row we've gone with my sister to watch her other half play cricket on the village green of the sleepy little village we grew up in. The first year, Arlo was a tiny new-born that we all took turns holding and staring at, the second year, my sister had a new-born of her own, and Arlo practised taking wobbly steps, and then this time round we had two little toddlers running around and causing havoc. This year we: fed ducks, played in the park, ate animal biscuits and tried to join in with clapping the right players at the right time. I hope this is one that we do year after year - who knows what next few visits could bring?

Snapshots from holiday

A few pics from our first ever family holibobs last week. I didn't take lots of photos while we were away, and I don't have lots of words to go with them, except to say it we were in a very happy little family bubble for the best part of a week. We sang, we laughed, we explored. We had lazy days and (some) active ones too. We had really good eats. We forgot what day it was most of the time. We didn't really want to come home. It was all the things a holiday should be.

Back to life...

You know that thing that happens on holiday at some point when you start referring to your hotel room or apartment as 'home'? Well that happened very early on while we were on holiday this week. We had a little two-bedroom cabin booked in the middle of the woods, and after about half an hour of us unpacking, including Arlo covering the floors in train tracks and us filling the fridge with essentials (milk, prosecco), it felt just like home.

So, now that we're back home home, and back to reality - like both of us back at work next week, and needing to do about five loads of washing, and something in the bin smells really bad - I just want to say 'bye' to our temporary little home in the woods. Bye to a week where I didn't wear a watch because there was no need to know what the time was at any point. A week where a lot of laughing happened. Where it was more than acceptable to drink a bottle of prosecco a night. And hot tub relaxing happened on the regs. Sigh.

It wasn't exactly a jam-packed holiday, and we didn't do lots - some hours were whiled away watching cartoons on the sofa, we spent a lot of time drawing elephants, and wooden train tracks needed rearranging often. But whatever we did (or didn't) do all week, we were all together. One whole week spent just the three of us. We all needed it. And Arlo loved it. No-one had to leave, we didn't need to wave anyone off to work, or drop anyone anywhere for the day. It was just the three of us, doing whatever we felt like. So bye, and BIG THANKS to our cabin home in the woods.

HB AW

Well, another year has passed, this guy turns two years old today. We had a family get together yesterday with two cakes (one cake per year - I might regret making that a tradition as the years tick by!) and today we're off to Arlo's spiritual home, aka Peppa Pig World for a special birthday treat with just the three of us.

The trip to see Peppa et al is kicking off a week's holiday in the New Forest, our first ever trip away as a family. So if things are a little quiet around here, that's why. We'll be in a little cabin in the woods, finishing off leftover cake(s) and generally having a bit of a relax.

So Happy birthday Arlo, thanks for being the funniest and sweetest boy. I love you so much I'm willing to endure the Peppa Pig theme tune on repeat for the next six hours. That's pretty big.

Now we are one

Archie and Arlo share lunch

The birthday boy

"Happy birthday Archie!"

Tired on the train ride home 

This weekend we assembled at my sister's house on the mainland to celebrate my nephew Archie's birthday. We sang, drank, laughed, played and ate cake in the sun. Arlo was a little bit mischievous, taking over quite a lot of the present-opening duties, and a lot sweet, giving his cousin kisses and cuddles. TOP MARKS to my sis, who like me does not possess a natural affinity with baking, but made the most delicious Victoria Sponge this side of Osbourne House (that's a bit of an Isle of Wight reference for you). Happy birthday lovely Archie!