Wordless Wednesday: Im an Auntie!

Leo & The Cotswold Farm Park

With a lovely day upon us, Leo, Granny and I decided to make the very most of the fair weather. We decided to pay a visit to the Cotswold Farm Park, and take in the sights and sounds of the farm.

I decided that instead of taking Leo in the pushchair, I would carry him. I did not want him to miss a thing as there is so much to see and do. This was the right decision, as soon as we arrived in the petting area and he saw all of the baby animals. Leo was in his element.

We walked around stopping to take in each enclosure. Lambs, Kid's, Piglets, Bunnies and Chicks.  All the enclosures are so open, and almost encourage little hands to pet the animals, and more often than not, you will receive a loving lick or suckle, rewarding you for the loving attention.

Leo's child eyes were amazed. His face was glowing and the excitement took over for the both of us. The area was so hands on, allowing us to hold a baby Chick, although Leo seemed more interested in everything but the Chick. I on the other hand was very tempted to slip the little baby into the changing bag and bring him home with us. Of course the sensible head on my wise shoulders knew that this was not the best idea, and reluctantly handed the little birdy back.

You can go into the Rabbit enclosure, where there are some very large bunnies roaming! Being the naughty Mummy that I am, I put Leo down so he could have a little look around at his own level. He grinned at me and gave me his approval. He had a little crawl and sat down to admire the big rabbit that was situated right next to him. Of course he then needed a good dust down and a vagarious hand wash, but a little experimental learning, never hurt any one!

We got the opportunity to feed the Kid's a bottle. They all happily raced to get to the milk, and at times there were 3 or 4 Kid's trying to get to the teat. The baby Goat's really know how to down a bottle in no time at all. I found myself wondering if they could teach Leo a thing or two. They all made it very apparent that it was time for their Milk, their little cries becoming very vocal. As if they knew that it was lunch time.

Feeding the Kid's and holding Leo at the same time, proved rather tricky. The Kid's are very strong and don't half pull at the bottle, thus resulting in a jerky arm movement, while trying to hold a baby in the other arm. It must have looked like we were doing a wacky version of the Mexican wave. An all round good experience for myself and the little man. I did have to try and keep the bottle away from Leo, as I could see him eyeing it up and if I was not careful, he would have been more than happy to give it a go!

I didn't get the chance to take too many photos what with having Leo in my one arm and the camera in the other, apparently grabbing the camera with both his hands is a great new game. Each time I tried to relinquish his tight grip and asked him nicely to let go...What did he do? Yep...That's it. Roared with laughter. I was getting lots glances with big smiles from all around, they wondered what I was doing to get such a chuckle, the only answer I could provide was...Nothing, he was just being his cheeky, mischievous, lovable self.

If you have ever been for a day out at the Cotswold Farm Park, you will know all about the fun that can be had on the Bouncy Pillows. If you haven't, I recommend you pay them a visit, if for nothing but the Bouncy Pillows alone. Bouncy Pillows are not trampolines, and they are not bouncy castle's! They are however a lot of fun, for children and adults alike. Today Leo had his first little bounce. To say he enjoyed it would be a under-statement.

With my supervision he crawled happily all over it. He had it all to himself until a little girl came hurtling on. The little girl was having a wail of a time, and Leo loved to watch her, she then fell down and giggled. Leo laughed hysterically like she had just pulled the funniest stunt ever. It was completely un-expected but just put a huge smile on my face.

The Three of us had a lovely day in each others company. Leo loved the animals and of course the Bouncy Pillow. We will have to return later this Summer so Daddy can see Leo enjoying the Farm. I think this experience will be even greater, when Leo is toddling around the place on his two little feet.

Laura

xx

Leo Signs 'Milk'

Last week I posted about my clever little boy Leo,  and how I was pretty sure he had signed his very first sign.

Now I am confirming that he can officially sign for his Milk.

I started to implement signing just last month, with one or two signs but the main focus being on 'Milk'. It has not taken long to get Leo to use it, and in the right context. I think that the biggest surprise is, how quickly he has picked it up.

It felt like such an achievement seeing him doing it himself. Asking me, his Mummy for his bottle, with the use of his little fingers.

The way I have gained an understanding with Leo, is by preparing his bottle and placing it on the table. I always say the word 'Milk' while doing the sign for it, by being repetitive and consistent, we have achieved an actual sign!

Tonight he was signing 'Milk' and we rewarded him with his bottle. We took the bottle away and a few moments later, the sign for 'Milk' was there again for all to see, and there was no mistaking it. Witnessed by Daddy, Granny and myself.

I feel very proud of my clever little boy, and I look forward to adding some more signs to our belt over the next few months.

Well done Leo

xxx

Don't Take My Baby!

When you have a baby, the whole world and his friend want to come and visit you. Those first few weeks are non stop hustle and bustle, people in and out. As time goes by family member's cannot wait to steal your new baby away for the day...Or the night. The invite is only extended to your child. You, the parent are not invited. They want alone time with your baby, without you!

When Leo was 8 weeks old his Grandad and Grandma visited us at home. I was then told by his Grandma that they were going to be taking him out for the day the following weekend. The abruptness completely caught me off guard and I felt obliged to accept. By obliged, I mean forced up against the wall in a cut throat kind of situation. I was not expecting to be told they were taking my son out, I was not asked. It was an expected right.

I have never been very good at dealing with outspoken comments like this, and this time it cut deep. They thought they were doing me a favour, giving me a break, but it didn't feel like that. I felt like I had no choice but to let them take him. Like if I objected I would seem to be an over-protective parent.

The last thing I wanted was to be separated from my baby boy for a whole day, especially at 8 weeks old. What if they didn't feed him properly? What if he get's fussy on the bottle and they don't purserver? What if they take the bottle away and he is hungry? What if he wont stop crying? What if there is a car crash? What if he just want's his Mummy?

My worries fell on deaf ears and it soon became apparent that Leo was going out without me, and I wasn't allowed to go with him. Luke didn't understand my reservations and has a very relaxed approach to family members taking Leo for the day. I on the other hand just don't like being seperated from him, and at 8 weeks old am I wrong to have felt that way?

He did go out for the day from 11 through till gone 6pm, he was late coming home. I just wanted him back with me so I could get him bathed and ready for bed.

It seems that the world did not end with him leaving me for the day, but why should I have to give people this time with MY baby at 8 weeks old? Or 40 weeks old for that matter?

I write this post now, as the subject has yet again cropt up. His Grandad and Grandma wish to take him out for the day in the next couple of weeks, and I don't want him to go. The same forceful appraoch from his Grandma was applied 'We haven't taken him out in ages, we WILL take him out again'.

Oh will you now? Why don't you ask his Mother first and see how she feels before you automatically assume you have a God given right to take him.

I thought it would get easier as he got older, and I would get more relaxed. It seems I haven't and now I have a whole new set of worries running through my mind. What if he doesn't settle for them? What if he is upset the whole time? What if he doesn't get his two naps? What if he had an accident in their care? My worries go on and on....

What I am asking you is, what would you do in my position? Would you have let your 8 week old baby go off into the world without you? How would you handle the force applied in order to get you to agree?

Laura

xx

The First Mother's Day

This time last year, I was around 24 weeks pregnant with my gorgeous baby boy. As an expectant Mother with no material children, Mother's Day passed by with no real hoo ha. Luke didn't believe in buying me card's or gifts from my expanding bump, which meant that Luke narrowly missed Father's Day last year...with Leo arriving a few weeks later on June 27th 2011.

This year it is my FIRST official Mother's Day. We shall not be going out for lunch today, but next Sunday we shall be visiting Sollihull where Leo's Great Granny lives, we shall be meeting my Aunts and Cousins and having a big family gathering and celebrating a week late.

I have a almost 9 month old baby boy these days who I love to the moon and back, I know that my little Lion feels exactly the same way. Next year Leo will be at the age where he can make a card and that will be my favourite bit. Nothing beats a bit of art made by your child, and these are items that I will keep close to my heart for always.

I think Leo knew that today was all about letting Mummy relax, and this showed in his sleep pattern. After awaking at 11:30pm last night for a feed, he then slept through until 9am this morning. Luke was a gem and got up with him giving me a extra ten minutes in bed, and then gave me the opportunity to have a morning shower and get myself ready. This is always appreciated.

I have been treated to some lovely Mummy treats, after Daddy took my hints about the Moroccan Hair Oil, a little bit of encouragement is never a bad thing. We will spend the rest of our day relaxing and with Leo's Granny. I am hoping I will be able to get Daddy to swing for a cheeky Takeaway this evening.

 Leo is currently fast asleep and dreaming away his mid morning nap. I think when he awakes we will take a few snaps to capture my very first Mother's Day and mark the occasion. The weather today is not as I had hoped, no Sunshine. If we had been lucky enough to get some glorious weather today, I would have insisted on visiting the Cotswold Farm Park....I think we will leave it today and await some Summer Sun.

I feel very privileged that Luke has given up a day out on his Pitt Bikes to spend with Leo and I. I know it was a very hard choice, but I am very sure he made the right decision :-))

Are you all enjoying your Mother's Days? What are you doing to mark the occasion if this is your first?

I just want to wish you all a very happy Mother's Day, and put a very special shout out to some amazing Mummy's and Mummy's to be.

Vikki at Mummy's Cheeky Monkey

Nicola at Life Through My Eyes

Gemma at Always A Mummy

Rachel at Mummyglitzer

Chloe at A 20 Something Mum

Bryony at View From The Lounge Window

If you haven't already, make sure you stop by and have a read of their Mummy Journeys. They are all unique but hold your captivation from the first word you read. Share the Mother's Day love and pop by to say 'Hi'.

Laura xx

Saturday is Caption Day!

I bring you a new Saturday ritual to 'The Life and Times of The Working Mum'.

Saturday is now Caption Day.

I will provide the picture and you provide the quirky caption.

 Here is this weeks photo.... I am sure this will inspire some witty captions!

So have a think... And leave your Caption's below!

Laura xx

Leo & The Photoshoot...

Well everyone we are finally there, we have hit the Friday mark once again and the weekend is upon us!

I can hear you all breathing a sigh of relief while kicking off your shoes, putting on your slippers, popping open that bottle of wine, and making yourself comfortable in preparation for Mother's Day this Sunday! A day where we Mummy's should all get completely spoilt and pampered.

For Luke, Leo and I today has been a very special Friday, you see today we have been on a family photo shoot! We have done our hair and some of us have applied our make up, and we have addressed our paparazzi. This post is all about taking photos. Whether we are behind the camera lens or taking photos of our boy.

When Leo was born we were in receipt of a truly special gift that we will treasure forever. A baby photography package which gave us 3 individual shoots for us to redeem over a year, capturing different periods of development in Leo's ever changing features. The end result will be a triple frame, with a picture from each shoot pride of place.

Today was our second shoot, which we have been putting off for a time when Leo could crawl. And boy...Can he crawl now! So after my trials and tribulations of finding the perfect outfit to wear, getting Leo and myself ready for our pictures. My little family were ready to say 'Cheese'.

Leo took a little convincing to smile his toothy smile, but when he did smile he filled the room with his presence. I am sure Leo's personality will shine through in each individual picture. Luke and Leo wore almost identical shirts for the photos which I think added a lovely touch, and really demonstrated how Leo was a little Mini Me of his Daddy. They took a few photos of Daddy and Leo, Mummy and Leo and then shots of Leo doing his own thing. We have a lovely variety!

I am very excited to see the end results. I have used the same photographer's for years and always love the finished images. Our next session will take place at Leo's next big milestone. Walking.

Luke had booked the day off work to spend with us, so we decided that after the shoot and a long nap for Leo. We would visit our local Wacky Warehouse so that Leo could be introduced to soft play for the very first time.

Leo absolutely loved it straight away, Luke and I regressed and were soon in the ball pool with him. This enabled us to quickly retrieve Leo when he vanished underneath the surface of the ball ocean. It seems that now he is on the move, this is the perfect habitat for Leo to be, he can play without risk of crawling into a wall and bruising himself...again.

I thought I would take my camera and get some arty shots of Leo playing amongst the balls and capture Leo's very first visit, but the staff had other ideas. It looks as though Soft play areas are now yet another venue to be added to the list of where 'you must not take photos'.

I completely understand the reasons behind it, and I respect them, but why should I not take photos of MY Son. I would never take a camera to the public swimming pools as I can see the worry that may occur there, but really? A soft play area!? You wont be able to take pictures at the beach in the future for fear of snapping someone elses child!

I have read that in some places at Christmas, you cannot sit your child on Santa's lap for a photograph anymore. The company's wont allow it in case parent's complain and turn the once fun Christmas tradition into a negative point, that ruins it for everyone else. How can we be coming to this?

I know that this guideline is their to protect the children, but it is a silly guideline. If I wish to take a photo of my Son, playing happily in a ball pool to stick in his scrapbook. Then I shall.

I left my fancy camera in the bag and brought my phone along with me. I got some lovely snaps that I feel I was entitled to take. Look for yourself. Lovely aren't they!?

What are your views on taking photos of your child while out and about? Do you feel it is a God given right to take these photos of your children? Or do you think that I should have respected the guidelines and not taken photos of my son?

Laura & Leo xx