Here's to 2012

Technically The Life and Times of The Working Mum turns one in January, although that could be argued as I posted once, and then I disappeared off the face of the earth...well... so to speak. I thought I would share some of my favourite posts of the year, as a way to finish off 2011 and kick start 2012.

It really has been a whirl wind year, but it has been truly eye opening and amazing. I would not change a thing, but part of me wonders if I am ready to let go of 2011, as so much has happened and I am now a completely new person. I am a Mummy.

I do look forward to 2012 and all of the excitement that comes with it, as so many firsts are still to happen.

My very first post the Life & Trials - Debut  talks all about the reservations I had in regards to my pregnancy, and the questions building up about financial matters. Looking back I needn't have worried as much as I did. If only I could have foreseen all the amazing things that were going to happen in 2011.

The next post I wish to re-visit with you is my walk through pregnancy and all that comes with it. I wish I had appreciated my new found curves while they were there, as I was one of those women who was constantly thinking how I resembled some sort of blubbering whale...but looking back I have very fond memories of my Leo bump.

After a pregnancy there is always a birth, here is my Birth Story, I have to put my hands up and admit that I did have a very straight forward labour. I like to think that is why Leo is such a good baby. I had a water birth and wouldn't change it. Leo is my little water baby.

Back in October I came across Milas Day Dreams, Leo and I teamed up and produced our own attempts of the fantastic originals! Coincidentally we named them Leo's Day Dreams.

Keeping in with the creative streak, for Halloween we even attempted to carve our own pumpkins! By we...I do mean I.

Back In November, all I could think about were Christmas Time Traditions and how I could make Leo's first Christmas one to remember. I loved all the feedback given by readers and I am happy to share that I will be implementing a few into future Christmas's.

I like to think that readers see Leo growing up through my posts, and I have shared many of Leo's firsts with you all, he first rolled over back in November and when he laughed his first hearty chuckle earlier this month.

So there we have it, a re-cap of some of my fondest memories of 2011, I hope you enjoy having a flick through.

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I will be back in 2012 with many more adventures that Leo and I stumble upon.

Technically on the 20th January 2012, The Life and Times of The Working Mum turns one!

How will we mark the occasion?

Happy New Year all!

Love Laura & Leo xx

Leo's First Christmas

Dear Leo,

This Christmas was your very first, the tree was ready and your stocking was hung, awaiting the many presents that Santa was bringing in on his sleigh. My excitement must have rubbed off on you, as there was no way you were going to sleep. Despite my greatest efforts you were awake until gone 10pm on Christmas Eve.

I tried explaining how Santa just would not come until you rested your head and closed those brilliant blue eyes of yours, but still....you just would not sleep. I have to admit, you were lovely company and the giggles you provided were a real treat on every ones expectant ears.

When you finally went down, Daddy and I ensured that Santa would have a glass of milk and a well deserved mince pie. After everything was in place we all made our way to bed.

Even I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve. It was like being a child again and the excitement was alive in all of us...and I swear that in the early hours of the morning....just after you had awoken for a bottle...I heard the sleigh land with a thump on the roof and a clutter of hooves dancing along the roof slats, a few moments later I heard a thud down stairs! I can only imagine that Santa had just clambered down the chimney and was now delivering your many presents!

I settled you back down and again retired to bed, only to be awoken early on Christmas day, 7am in fact and it wasn't long before the rest of the family made their way downstairs to the masses and masses of presents that had appeared under the tree!

Santa had indeed been in the night and it looked as though his work shop had exploded in the front room! There had never been more presents than their had been this year. We all sat and helped you open your stocking.....before you proceeded to fall asleep on Daddy's new gaming bean bag for what felt like forever...

Leo you had woken up so early that you were still too sleepy to even consider staying awake, when you did finally wake up...your Aunt and Uncle had done a Taz Manian Devil type of hurricane around the Christmas tree, and the living room was now covered in wrapping paper. I looked over at the tree and realised that the majority of what was left...was all yours. Santa must have seen what a well behaved baby boy I have, and rewarded accordingly.

We helped you open all your presents....you were a pro at getting into your gifts. Although it has to be said...you would have just been happy with the wrapping paper. Although I expect next year when you are running around...this will all change.

Leo, you were supposed to have your first taste of Turkey and Christmas dinner, but just as dinner was served up, you let me know that you were ready for yet another...nap! So I took you up to bed and tucked you in, there was no fight put up from you and you fell asleep...instantly. Missing the entire lunch festivities.

Christmas dinner was Turkey with all the trimmings...and we all tucked in, while you were busy dreaming little dreams in the land of nod.

With the day drawing to an end, you still had many presents under the tree and when we had finally opened all of them. I had to wonder where we were going to house them!?

• A Winnie the Pooh Walker...
• A Fisher-Price Amazing Animals Choo-Choo Train...
• A big Mickey Mouse...
• A plush Winnie the Pooh..
• A ball pitt..
• A giggling ball..
• A Fisher-Price Kick n Play Piano...

Just to name a few! There were more than we could ever play with in a day alone, well more than you could. I have to be honest and tell you...I played with all of your presents before you ever did. Of course I tried to involve you to the best of my ability...but the child in me called me on.

We popped over to your Grand Pops in the evening, so he too could see you opening your presents and marveling at the wrapping paper. Soon after getting you back home and settled for bed, down you went and off to sleep you went...

Your first Christmas was a lovely day, having you around brought so much excitement into the whole of Christmas. You were just turning 6 months old, but you knew something was going on.

My Christmas present from you was amazing...In the week running up to Christmas day, you were becoming so strong. Your back was getting straighter and whenever we sat you up...you sat for longer and longer! You are still a little shaky...but you are almost there! My little baby can sit up!

I remember last year (Christmas 2010) sitting and thinking what my life would be like next year....Last Christmas I was around 12 weeks pregnant with you and now you are 6 months old. Time has flown by. Not for one minute did I know just how amazing this year would be. I feel like we have both grown so much and I am so proud!

Merry Christmas bubba!

Much Love, Mummy xxx

P.S....

How were all of your Christmas's? Did you all get everything you dreamed of? Were your little rays of sunshine spoilt? I would love to hear all about it!

I was spoilt rotten, Luke presented me with the most amazing camera...so I guess it is just more of an excuse to take even more photos!

Merry Christmas all!!

P.P.S....I just wanted to share some more of my favourite photos from this Christmas.....

Leo and the Letter from Santa

Late last week while Leo and I were going about our day to day business, the most unexpected and most wonderful thing occurred. A bright and exciting letter fell through the letter box and landed perfectly on the rug below.

I soon realised that this rather exciting envelope wasn't for me....it was for my little Leo. The entire envelope gave me so many clues to who the letter was from. Santa had written Leo a letter and sent it in the post just for him!

I quickly opened up the letter and began to read the letter to Leo, there was excitement in my voice while I studied each word with amazement....and the letter read.....

Dear Leo,

It's your first ever Christmas, the most special yet,

I'm Santa, Father Christmas, I'm so glad we've met,

Bringing you tidings of joy and good cheer,

And a sprinkling of magic at this time of year.

Handing out gifts to girls and to boys,

Who are hoping for presents like books and nice toys,

I'll be riding my sleigh accross the world in one night,

With Rudolph's red nose as my guiding light.

I'll squeeze down the chimney, fill stockings with care,

Trying so hard to keep soot from my hair,

And when I've laid out all the gifts just for you,

I'll relax with a mince pie (maybe even a few)

So your first ever Christmas with toys of your own,

I'll be back next year to see how you've grown,

With more special presents from my sleigh up above,

From your family and friends, and from me with love.

Merry Christmas Leo,

Love from,

Santa

It was such a lovely letter, and gesture from a very busy man at a very busy time of year. Leo is quite obviously a bit young this year...but next...if he is on Santa's 'Nice' List...he may get another....and I am sure he will love receiving his very own post, from the man in the red suit.

I am keeping this letter safe, so when he is a bit older he can read all about what Santa said in a letter talking all about his very first Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all, and I hope you are all enjoying the magic that comes with this time of year!

Leo and The Santa Express - Cheltenham Santa Special Train

Dear my lovely Leo,

On Saturday 17th December 2011, your Daddy and I took you on a very special journey. A journey to visit Father Christmas for the very first time! You were coming up to 6 months old and not quite sitting up by yourself, but you seemed to enjoy the magical experience all the same, Even your Daddy seemed to succumb and enjoy every moment.

We started our journey to Santa's Grotto, at Cheltenham Race Course and amongst all the other families off to visit Santa, we all climbed on to the very distinguished steam train and went to find ourselves some seats. We managed to secure ourselves a private booth on the train for just us 3! Many other families on the Santa Express did not get this luxury, and for us it really did make the whole experience even more spectacular.

Our private booth was kitted out with tinsel, and our window seats let us look out into the cold station, where we could see all the people hustling about and the conductors pointing everyone in the right direction. There was steam coming up from under the train like a thick fog which really did put a magic spin on a our imminent departure.

Leo you were so well behaved and I like to think that you knew that the whole day was about you, and introducing you to the magic of Christmas.

The train slowly started tugging along, and before long we had picked up speed and were jetting across country to go and meet Father Christmas. The whole train was alive with Christmas Cheer and we could hear families with young children singing carols and talking about how excited they all were.

We passed so many different scenes of winter wonderland, and by train was really the very best way to see it all. You could tell how cold it was outside but we were lucky enough to be inside a warm carriage, looking out of the frosted windows into picturesque settings fit for the North Pole.

It seemed to take us forever to reach Santa's Grotto, but we made it and after a very festive train journey, we were one of the first carriages to be invited off the train and go into meet Santa Clause.

We gathered up all our belongings and made our way off the train, we only had a little wait before we were called forward and onto another train. This new train was decked out in Christmas decorations, from it's roof down to it's wheels, and it was apparent to me....that this was where Santa was hiding.

We walked into a carriage and round a corner, then... there he was....Santa was sat at the other end waiting... waiting just for you Leo.

Your Daddy was the one to place you down on Santa's knee, he talked to you about Christmas fun and festivities, he explained that on Christmas Eve after himself and the Elves complete a years long job of making presents for children across the world, he gathers his 9 Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid,  Donner, Blitzen and of course Rudolph, to travel all around the world in 1 night. He explained how he stops at every boy and every girl's house bringing them presents...if they have behaved well throughout the year. Santa told us all how he parks on the roof and slides down the chimney with a sack of presents for each family. If the family have been kind enough to leave out a snack he will take 5 minutes out....sit down and enjoy the goodies, before making his way back up the chimney and off into the night to finish his rounds, before everyone starts waking up and seeing that Santa has indeed been in the night.

Santa then presented you with a present, you were none the wiser but it was a special moment for all of us. It was then that I vowed I would take you on the Santa Express train each year as part of our Christmas Time Traditions.

Our time with Santa was magical but had to be cut short to allow the other boys and girls to come in and meet the man himself. We left Santa to continue his work and made our way off of the train and along to get a hot drink and mince pie from the canteen that was provided, next year Leo you can too indulge in your own mince pie.

Then Leo, it was time to make our way back onto the steam train, and leave Santa and his many helpers behind, it was time to go home as there was so much more work that Santa and his elves needed to get done for the big night, which was now a week away!

You proceeded to fall asleep in my arms for the duration of the journey home, but you seemed to have enjoyed your afternoon, with all magic and wonder that came with it. Your Daddy and I really loved taking you and even though you don't remember your first visit. We do. We will always remind you and show you the photos. We will tell you the story of your first visit with the man in red for many years to come and we hope you enjoy it as much then as we did when we took you.

We love you Leo, Merry First Christmas and may it be filled with magic and happiness, now and for many, many years to come.

Lots of Love,

Mummy & Daddy xxx

Our Christmas Tree

Leo and I have been very busy recently as you would have gathered from our previous posts, but over the 12 days of Christmas we have been trying the Christmas spirit on for size! I am pleased to say....it fits us both very well!

On the first day of Christmas we scurried around the attic and found out the Christmas Tree and all of our vast decorations we own! We set ourselves busily to work and soon had the tree up and looking as a sparkly as any Christmas Tree should! We don't use real Christmas Tree's in our house, but I don't feel that this makes a huge difference, in fact it is rather nice not to have to go on the hunt for spindles that fall off everyday!

So here is our Christmas Tree for 2011, what do you all think??

Leo is enjoying having a bright sparkly object embracing the room, he loves to stare in wonder at the fairy lights twinkling and swiping at the bottom of the tree, working out what he can grab and pull towards him. It is all a mystery and no amount of understanding will clarify anything for him, but that is all part of the magic. He will enjoy himself all the same, understanding or not.

So lets see all of your Christmas Tree's!!

As I mentioned back in my post about Cristmas Time Traditions, we have got some extra special tree decorations this year...just for Leo. A special one personalised with Leo's name and another that will eventually have a picture of Leo pride of place, taken on his first Christmas!

Do any of you have any special baby tree decorations?

I think we are about ready for the big day now and it is fastly approaching! I have finished off the rest of my Christmas shopping and I am currently sat writing this post by the Christmas Tree, while the lights sparkle and Leo is playing happily under his play gym. Are you all ready for the big day?

This year I treated myself and Luke to Thorntons Advent Calender's, there was a 3 for 2 deal running at the time and I thought it would be nice to put Leo's name on the third calendar....and eat it myself! So yes dear readers....I am eating two calender's! Only for this year I hasten to add...as next year...Leo will be able to eat his own!

This Saturday we have booked tickets to go on the Santa Express from Toddington to Cheltenham Race Course, I cannot wait to get a snap of Leo with the man in red himself! For now though I must get on with wrapping all of Leo's presents and getting them hidden out of sight, ready to sneak under the tree on Christmas Eve, ready for Leo to attempt to open (with a lot of help from me!)

Christmas Time Traditions

With Christmas almost knocking on the door, it has got me thinking about long running family traditions that complete your annual festivities.

For me it is important to spend Christmas at home with my parents, brothers and sister. Obviously this year...Leo is going to be joining in the festive fun, and I want to carry on my own family traditions and also bring some new ones into the equation.

Normally Luke and I have Christmas at our own parents home, and then meet up after we have had our Christmas lunch and exchange gifts. This year we have had to debate....who gets Leo? Obviously we both want to be with our baby boy and share his first Christmas with him, and watch him play with his wrapping paper, marveling at the joy in his eyes!

Luckily we have reached a compromise and we will all be spending Christmas at home with my family, and opening the house up in the evening for Luke's family to come and visit Leo and share the festive cheer. It is so hard to please everyone, but for me Christmas is only Christmas at home.

The last thing I want is to intrude on Luke's traditions with his family, but how do we meet each other half way without gallivanting all over the country?

Leo's presents have all been hand crafted in Santa's workshop and are safely wrapped, ready to be delivered to Leo on Christmas day in his very own personalised Santa's sack. His named stocking is ready to hang on the fireplace, and there is even talk of the glass of sherry and mince pie that will be left out for Santa to have a sit down and rest bite on his night time cruise.

We all have our own tree decoration in our house, one that dates back to our very first Christmas. To carry on this tradition I have purchased Leo some of his very own decorations. He has one with his name and also one specifically aimed for baby's first Christmas and allows me to put in a picture of him enjoying his big day! When Leo is of the age of being able to decorate the tree, we will do this together as a family. This is something that should be fun for everyone involved, and I will love sharing this task with Leo, I will lift him up high to put the angel pride of place on top of the tree for everyone to see.

When I was younger we always used to read 'The Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve, this always used to fill me with excitement, and I hope that this will instill in Leo also.

I grew up with all the belief in Santa, and I want Leo too as well. I want him to get excited about the man in red flying his sleigh through the night with Rudolph lighting his way to bring presents to all the girls and boys. I want him to believe in the magic of this time of year, for as long as possible. I am so excited about Christmas this year, and this is all down to Leo, It is a day truly all about children and having a baby, for me makes it so much more special.

Leo will be leaving out a carrot for Rudolph on the lawn, right next to his 'Santa Please Stop Here' sign, who knows maybe in the morning there will be hoof prints and a half eaten carrot...curtousy of Luke :-)

I have already told Luke that I want us to take Leo on the Santa Express train local to us, he seemed amazed that I wanted to do it this year...when Leo wont even remember it. This may be the case, but pictures tell a thousand words, and I shall be taking so many photos! Leo will have such a detailed childhood told through pictures and words, so he will be very aware of it, even if it isn't a crystal clear memory in his mind. I will tell the story to him.

I really want to get a picture of Leo with Santa this Christmas, I only hope this is still possible...with all the regulations these days, I have been told that children can no longer sit on Santa's lap! If this is what the world is coming to then how sad is that? If the innocence of having a picture taken of your child and Father Christmas is gone....then I am utterly lost for words! Unfortunatly I am determined to obtain this image and if I cannot do this on our exciting train journey, then I shall be on the hunt for a grandparent or two to play dress up!

I am currently planning some exciting activities for Leo and I to do over the 12 Days of Christmas and the run up to the 25th December 2011, consisting of baking, days out and other crafts! We are going to be in for a busy but enjoyable time.

So I have to ask, what are your family traditions? Do you carry on traditions your parents past down? Have you implemented your own traditions in order to add your own magic to Christmas?

I look forward to reading all about your traditions and may even take some of your ideas on board to add more festive fun to my list!

For more Christmas Time Traditions head over to Romanian Mum in London and read all about her festive traditions!

Now we just have to wish for snow!