Toddler See, Toddler Do - Week 2

This week has been such a busy week, Leo has been on form and been his usual cheeky self. He has learnt new words 'Pop' and 'Bang' and been putting them to use. We have been popping bubbles in the bath, and shouting 'Pop, Pop, Pop!' Leo thinks this is the best game! Leo has also been slamming lots of doors. Cupboard doors, living room doors, kitchen doors and even the front door. Each and every time he is squealing 'bang'.

He is completely right though, bubbles do go pop and doors certainly go bang!

Leo has been dancing more recently, he has been dipping his knees and rocking for a little while now, but this week his little dance routine is being performed more and more! It is the greatest little sight!

I have come home from work at lunch times to see Leo toddling out to meet me from the car, all of a sudden he just looks so grown up. Like a proper little boy. Of course I think I notice this more because I am here less, and the changes are more obvious when I return.

Another development in Leo is his temper. He is becoming such a little monkey. If he does not get his own way he will throw things across the room, after purposely picking them up just for that reason. Leo will make as much noise as he physically can, and when that is not enough he will enlist the help of an object. His latest trick is standing up in his cot and reaching out for his rocking chair. He will then slam it as hard as he can into the wall, which in turn shakes my wall and knocks many items off my shelf. This gives you and idea of just how forceful he can be...

Leo is really perfecting the art of temper tantrums, and I know that it is going to get worse before it get's better.

Just today Leo cried his little eyes out when I had to leave to return to work, not because he was throwing a tantrum but because he wanted me. Granted he was tired and needed a nap, but he just wanted Mummy cuddles. I really wanted to stay and just spend the day with him.

I am certain he knows that I am not here as much as I used to be.

I wish I could be...

What has your toddler been up to this week? Feel free to link up and tell us all about their antics!

Another Year Older...

Today is my birthday and I find it hard to believe that another year has come to a end, and yet another one is beginning. Time seems to fly these days, and it is apparent in many ways, shapes and forms. 

I booked the day out of work and decided the spend it with my little Leo. Leo's Granny invited us to the Cotswold Farm Park for a day out in the countryside, and we happily obliged. 

The initial part of my birthday morning was spent opening cards and checking my emails on my shiny new iPad (Thanks Luke!). Then it was time to take the short drive out into the countryside to see all sorts of animals. 

We have been to the farm park on two occasions prior to today's visit and it is safe to say that today, Leo has had the most out of his experience. He has toddled everywhere and touched everything he could possibly touch and taken in everything as he has made his way around.

For the first part of our day out we didn't even get the pushchair out of the car, we let Leo make his own way around and it was only after lunch when I thought he may be getting tired, that we got the pushchair out of the boot. He was not impressed by this and kept trying to get out.

We met baby Rabbits, Chicks, Ducklings, Lambs, Kids, Piglets and even Donkey's. Some of them we even managed to get up close and personal with. At certain times throughout the day they have staff members get the babies out of their enclosures and allow the general public to come and have a cuddle. I have never stroked a piglet before but it was amazing. The highlight of this experience for me was the member of staff gently patting the piglet up and down, after we have always told Leo to be gentle. He looked completely awe struck when the women patted the little piggy like a drum. After this he kept giving her the most cheeky smiles. I half expected Leo to have a go at patting the pig on the back...Luckily he did not catch on.

Leo and I even gave a lamb a bottle of milk. Leo thought it was great helping me hold the bottle and laughed when the lamb looked all around to find more milk. 

Leo played among the hay bales despite the 'Please do not play on the hay bale' sign. He had a great time, although he did flinch the first time he felt the rough straw against his soft skin. For a moment I thought this may put him off, but of course this did not happen.

We even had a little play on the play equipment, Leo having the time of his life going up and down on the see saw.

Now however, after a great day. Leo will not go to bed. You would have thought he would be completely tired and ready for bed. In my opinion he is now over tired and fighting sleep at every corner. Daddy and I just sat down to a yummy takeaway that we believed would be between just us two, Leo had other plans and sat with us scoffing prawn crackers. Leo is now back in bed and again.... Not sleeping.

Leo has just discovered that if he stands up in his cot and reaches out, he can hold the rocking chair, and then push it into his bedroom wall as hard as he possibly can. So hard that I have had all sorts flying off my shelf. Please join me in saying...

GO TO SLEEP LEO!