Let’s start with a couple of milestones:

We’re half way!

We have a six month old!

Aidan can sit on his own and is growing used to his highchair, so we will be in the throes of weaning very soon!

Being half way to 1 and half way through my leave feels strange, but so much better than last time. Last time, I was back at work already but had spent much of the last month crying about it because I just wasn’t ready.

Anyway, we’re in a much better place this time, thankfully!

This week we’ve been to: toddlers, the shop, the park, Tappy Toes, church and Lullababy.

On Saturday, Nathan and I had lunch out and a bit of a mooch, thanks to Nanny. It was our first time out just the two of us since before Aidan was born.

Other observations.

I’ve not gone this long without leading worship or preaching since I left Uni, which is over 10 years ago. What with that and feeling so much disappointment in the church of England at the moment, I’m feeling somewhat adrift. That Synod vote on Safeguarding left me feeling very let down, and I’m asking lots of questions.

So what I’m trying to say is that home life is pretty good, but vocationally, I’m a bit stuck. Not helped by the fact that I feel cut off from my own church community due to being on leave and wanting to give them some space. But being off with Aidan in itself is the most wonderful thing. I’ve made new friends, and I’m gathering a list of things to do when I’m back, so it’s not all bad. It’s just mixed.

What Sophia said:

Aidan is going through a very fussy sleep phase. He’s absolutely fine, as long as he’s being held, preferably no more than an inch away from his food source. In a pinch, Daddy’s shoulder will do, but the cot is a big ‘no no’.

When Aidan woke up for the third time in ten minutes, complaining about being in his cot, Sophia said ‘Oh Aidan, not again!’

I said ‘Soph, you were the same, and you still don’t like to go to sleep on your own and you’re three!’

Double standards, much?

More next time x