Leo Turns 7

7 years have gone by oh so very fast. 

Each year it feels like the world speeds up a notch and the years roll by even faster. Never did I imagine that the little baby I brought into the world all of 5 minutes ago (because that is quite honestly how it feels...) would grow up on me and turn 7 years old.

That little baby who used to wake me up multiple times a night for a bottle and a cuddle, now climbs right into bed next to me and curls up into a little ball. Every once in a while I will catch a glimpse as his beautiful face lights up into a sleepy smile. 

That little baby who couldn't speak a single word has amassed the wealth of a dictionary and now talks my ears off on a daily basis. 

It's pretty crazy to think about how far we have both come over the last 7 years, we are on this journey together. I make mistakes. Many mistakes but I think he knows that even when I do get things wrong, I am always trying my best for him, and for us. 

Like that time a few short weeks ago when I called him 'baby boy' in front of all his friends in the classroom, a term that is perfectly acceptable at home... But by no means in front of his friends. Boy did I get a stern look for that, but he didn't let it phase him and he rode out the short haul of taunts that flew his way, even if he did look a little red in the face. 

I promised to try and not do it again, but a week later I did it again... Sorry Leo.

We are at the age where everything has to be on his terms. The 50 kisses I used to get in the playground have dwindled, and these days I have to grab a stealthy kiss as you run off without glancing back at me. 

It's pretty incredible what changes over the course of a single year isn't it?

This year you really have become so much more confident in doing things for yourself, and I have struggled to stand back and let you shine on your own. You don't always need me to run in and fight all of your battles for you, you like to do these things for yourself. Just remember little man, your mother battleship is always there if you need to call her into battle. 

All you have to do is shout.

You didn't ask for much at all for your birthday, in fact the only thing you asked for was a Gameboy. You are so into your Nintendo items right now, and you have amassed quite a collection, and that is purely why you wanted the old console, to add it to your ever expanding Nintendo treasure trove. 

As we are sticklers for tradition we booked a table at Frankie and Benny's as we do each and every year. We celebrated your special day just as you wished, and judging by how much you thanked your Daddy and I over and over, it is safe to say you had a fantastic day.

You thanked me again and again, and when I told you that you didn't need to thank me as you had already done so, you simply said 'Thank you for everything Mummy', and those magical words simply melted me.

Happy Birthday beautiful boy, we are all so proud of the little man that you have become, and I know that this year ahead is only going to make us even prouder.

The things He Say's

This is a post that I have wanted to write for the longest time, when all of the children Leo's age were coming out with quirky sentences, Leo was still learning to put a few words together. He said things, and although the understanding was there, the language he gave us was some what restricted.

Today Leo is a talking machine, he comes out with so many hilarious and down right funny lines that literally resolve me to tears. I wanted to share a few from the last few months here, so that they are documented and not forgotten.

Scenario 1

Were in Lidl grabbing a few bits for dinner when Leo pipes up 'Mummy the Lidl Lion!' knowing full well that his Auntie has made up a story about there being a Lidl Lion, I told him 'I think someone has been pulling your leg little man'. He looked me square in the eyes, and he looked down at his leg before looking directly back at me and said 'Mummy no one is pulling my leg!'.

Scenario 2

Granddad likes to take Leo into the nature reserve behind the house most weekends, donning his wellington boots and jacket, off they march into the woodland together. Leo looks forward to these trips, because Granddad lets him get away with all of the things that Mummy wont. On this occasion they weren't gone as long as they would usually be, and I heard Leo's cries before I saw him. He was wailing, screaming and hysterical, repeating over and over how he has broken his hand. 'Mummy! I broke my hand, I broke my hand! I need a new body! This one is broken!'. I expected to see something out of a horror movie when I swept him up in my arms, only to behold a little cut on his hand where he must have fallen over. 'I need my blanket, I need my juice because I have broken my hand! I need a new body Mummy!'.

Scenario 3

Leo: Mummy it's almost Christmas! Santa will come soon!'

Me: 'It's a few months away yet little man!'

Leo: I am excited, Santa will bring presents down the chimney! 

Lots of new toys!' He might burn his bum!'

Scenario 4

I am not really sure where this one has come from, but out of no where Leo has started calling me a a 'silly drunk'. I was getting ready the other morning when I turned to that four year old of mine and asked him 'How do I look?' expecting a simple alright or try harder remark..Only when asked Leo responded 'You look drunk Mummy!'. Thanks little man!

Scenario 5

Leo started school a month ago, and of course at first it was exciting and new, but it hasn't taken long for him to question why he needs to attend... 

Leo:'Why do I have to go to school Mummy?'

Me: 'Well little man, it's so that you can learn to read and to write and gain life experiences so that one day you can get a job'.
Leo: 'A job? Get a job today? That will tire me up Mummy!'.

Me: 'No not today, when you are all big and grown up like Daddy. 

Leo: 'I want to be a racing car driver'.

Scenario 6

While watching old family videos

Leo: 'Where were you when the video was being recorded mummy?'

Me: 'I was behind the camera little man, recording you running around'.

 *Leo looks behind the camera* 

Leo: 'No you aren't Mummy!'

I love the little conversations and random bursts that comes out of Leo's mouth these days, and I look forward to capturing so many of the funny things that he says, because he really is growing up. His outlook on the world, his views and his opinions are all shining through, and the innocence that he exudes when he speaks is something really special.

Leo's Week Photos

Growing Up...

Leo changes in new ways every day, every week.

 When Leo was born, Daddy and I wanted to capture these changes in way's of a weekly photograph.

That is what we did.

These photos show Leo's journey. His journey of growing up...

In June on Leo's first birthday, we shared Leo's very first year in photographs. 

You can see Leo's weekly changes and my baby boy growing up, right in front of your eyes.

Each year on Leo's birthday we will be sharing one more year of weekly photos.

Here is year One, Two and THREE!

Leo Matthew - June 27th 2011.