Leo Visits The Office...

Today was a day all about preparation, and I finally wrote my letter of intent to return to the office. It is something I have been meaning to do for a while but have pushed back and back, as though writing the letter and handing it in...Made my return to work more real and something that was really happening.

My official date to return to work is Wednesday 25th July 2012.

I took my little man into the office with me to hand deliver the already late letter to HR. Of course Leo was centre of attention, and suddenly decided he was going to play shy. Which we all know he is not.

I was very excited to show off his new words but after shouting 'Bear' all the way there in the car, he was suddenly silent and refusing to say a word. I am sure everyone thought I was telling little porkies or that the maternity leave was slowly making my mind boggle.

I have now booked my holiday allocation that will take me through until July 24th 2012, and will leave my bank account looking fresh and full - ready to be spent of course and boy do I have some big plans!

Filling out the holiday form took me longer than it usually would, Leo managed to turn a 2 minute job into a 15 minute job....I guess that is why you don't take babies to work with you!

Sitting at my desk sorting it all out with a little monster crawling around and opening all my desk draws up before crawling off to marvel at the printer. Along the way he found his reflection in the rather big plant potts scattered around the room, so of course he stopped and gave himself a little kiss. My boss even commented on how having Leo around was similar to having a office pet, Leo even had the stripes to match as he was donning his Tigger outfit.

With all the room completely side tracked with Leo's presence, I made a point of telling them that when I did make my return in July...They need not worry as I would not hide Leo away in my hand bag and it would just be I - Laura returning full time.

They all seemed a little in awe of my little guy, and sat intently watching him eye up his next target. Once Leo had settled into his new surroundings he was very happy and any shyness that he had brought into the building with him was not leaving with him. He never did show off his new words in the office, he waited until we were just getting back into the car to leave and growled right into my ear. Little monster....

So that is it, I am officially returning to work full time and the date is in the diary. This Mummy is not going to know what has hit her when that date eventually gets here...

Maybe they would not notice if Leo does come along? Although after seeing him run wild in there today... I think they would probably suspect something was not quite right...

Laura

xx

Leo Meets The Jungle

Just last month, I told you all about Leo's fascination with his view from the lounge window, and how he would love to be outside playing with his Aunt & Uncle. With the grass always being too wet for him to crawl on, I grabbed a chance for him on Sunday when the Sun was shining high in the sky and the grass seemed dry enough for Leo to give it his first test run - crawling style.


I took out a sheet in the hope we could both sit on it comfortably and also avoid any grass stains...Of course I should have known that this was inevitable and it was just moments after sitting down, that Leo crawled off into the grass. At full Leo speed.


He found all sorts on his travels of the garden, a football, slide, trike and line pegs, ...You name it. Leo located it. He swiftly inspected his new surroundings, the new playground and jungle that he could not wait to explore.


Grandad was out taking full advantage of the Sunny weather. As usual the slightest bit of sun and he has his shirt off and his hot pants on (except that they don't look hot!) I warn you now...In advance, just in-case he crops up in any photos this summer! The problem is when the Speedo's come out...I assure you, I will refrain from shooting any photos and make sure to cover Leo's eyes while shutting my own!


Grandad was enjoying guiding Leo down the slide and pushing him around on the trike, Leo was happily lapping up all the attention and obviously loving being outside, playing in the fresh air and sunshine.

Leo loved every moment. It was a taster of what we can expect this Summer, we will be spending a lot of our sunny days out in the garden or down the local park by the river. It is going to be so different this year having a baby on the move, compared to last year where we were hiding away from the heat with our newborn baby boy. I can see us paddling in the pool with Leo and making the most of every moment in the sun, with BBQ's, picnics, days out to the beach and just showing Leo all that is around him to enjoy. I know that this Summer...Is going to be the best yet.

Leo will be getting Christened in the next couple of months. I have held off, waiting for the sunshine to make an appearance. We are lucky enough to have a very generously sized garden, and my plan is to hire the biggest bouncy castle I can find (It can be done, I have done it!) and holding a big reception party at home for my gorgeous little Lion, with close friend's and family. It is sure to be one big shin ding!'


The thought is to plan it all for the bank holiday in May. The planning will be starting very soon, so we are now in the market for the perfect Christening outfit.


Luke and I turned 21 in August 2010, and we decided to hold a joint 21st in the comfort of the garden. It was decked out with fairy lights in the trees, Bamboo garden candles to light the way. We put up a Gazeebo to house all the drinks, and a paddling pool to keep the cans cool (A great idea, I know!). I located the biggest and beastiest bouncy castle. It filled the garden to the brim! All our guests thought it was amazing, and everyone enjoyed the lovely weather and the free drinks. When it got dark we let off Chinese Lanterns to mark our Birthday's and partied on into the night! I am very much looking forward to planning Leo's Christening, it really will be one to remember!


I hope you all enjoyed the lovely weather, and here's hoping that there is plenty more to come! Below are some of my 21st photos!

Laura xx

Stand by...We have a crawler!

At 7 and a half months, Leo... up until last week has shown no real sign of moving. In typical Boy style, Leo would like everything to come to him. He would roll over and that was it. He would reach...He would grab...and when he couldn't get what or where he wanted to go...He would scream to the high heavens.

Last Monday (6th Feb) all of a sudden...Leo could pull himself up on to his haunches. He has been strong enough to be PUT on his haunches for weeks, where he would rock. Monday...he could do it all himself. As the days have gone by, Leo has become stronger and stronger.

This is footage from throughout last week, I just find it hard to believe how quickly he has developed on the crawling front!

Right this minute, he is rolling and crawling around on the living room floor and I am trying to get some updated footage!

I know now he can move, he is going to be causing a whole new lot of trouble. I am already saying 'No' and having to jump up to go and stop him pulling books of the case....going near the fireplace (looks as though the fire guard is going up this week!)

His momentum and strength is gaining every day. It wont be long before I have a little shadow following me around the house! I guess he now just needs to get a better sense of direction and maybe a sat nav!

Well done little Leo and enjoy your new found sense of mobility! Just pretty please...don't start climbing just yet!

When did your little ones find their all fours and start to move?

Laura xx