Well, 47 feels like a really high number doesn’t it?!

Anyway, this week has mostly been spent chilling out at my Mum and Dad’s over in Retford. We caught up with friends, and Sophia and Aidan met a new baby! We went to town, the splash park and church. We visited Isabelle and Rick and had a trip to the pub. This week, we also went to Sophia’s nursery and Crosby Library for rhyme and story time.

Milestones

Sophia graduated from nursery!

In the bath at my Mum and Dad’s, Aidan managed to take himself from sitting to standing! He wasn’t half proud of himself!

He’s also cut his fourth tooth, so food is getting easier to eat every day.

Speaking of food: Aidan devoured several bowls of coconut yoghurt mixed with Nathan’s homemade jam. He’s getting better at getting chunks off food, thanks to his new tooth. He’s had a good go on baby sweetcorn, mangetout and chicken.

Sleep. Not so hot this week. Staying somewhere else is always a challenge, and both children struggled with the change. That being said, I would find myself free for the evening an hour to an hour and a half earlier than I did last time I was in Retford! It’s progress.

What Sophia said:

We went to the rhyme time session at the library. We went out with our friends for brunch afterwards, but Sophia really wanted to choose a book to borrow. When we got to the car, she asked to go back and pick a book. I asked if we could come back another day, but she was adamant! Anyway, it turns out she was absolutely right. We had a lovely hour getting her a library card, picking stories, reading, colouring in, and feeding Aidan. They were both at home really quickly, clearly enjoying the quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Other observations

Sophia was wonderful at her graduation. Of course, nursery graduations are a bit daft. But seeing Sophia singing and dancing with her friends and hearing the lovely things the staff had to say about them all was so moving. After the little ceremony, we had a party! There was party food and the chance to play outside. We got pictures of her in the little green robes, as well as more relaxed ones of her playing in the garden she’s come to love and know so well.

Leaving nursery is a really bitter sweet thing. I remember when I first came across Treetops, days pregnant with Sophia, although I didn’t know it. I was working at the Good Shepherd foodbank when a car pulled up, and some tiny children got out, carefully holding tins. The staff wanted to bring the children and show them where the food was going to, instead of just taking it away. That’s the kind of people you want helping you raise your children!

Although the drive to Croxteth 6 times a week has been far from convenient, they have been such a big part of Sophia’s life. It’s certainly strange to think we aren’t going back.

Coming up: Sophia’s 4th birthday and pink and green party!

More next time x