Living Arrows 16/52
April 29, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments
The second week of half term has been glorious. On a last minute whim we decide to head off to see our family in Norfolk. After catching up with as many friends as possible, we spent our third wedding anniversary together in Cromer. The sun glared down on us, the light was crisp and you loved all the seaside had to offer. The waves were constantly a surprise to you, you ran in and picked up stones and then shrieked as the cold and frothy water chased you back up the beach. You made your first sand castle and dug your toes deep into the sand before playing on the penny arcades and winning 100 tickets on your first attempt.
Those curious hands of yours are getting everywhere. You inspect everything with your eyes, then yours hand and then of course your mouth. You are pulling things towards you, wriggling around and kicking madly. I even found you in your cot having turned yourself around 180 degrees the other day, I was quite confused when I went to pick you up. You like all the different textures of things, especially the tickly softness of plants under foot and running through your fingers. You continue to be as cool as a cucumber 99% of the time but have started crying when you are very very tired. It’s a sure fire sign that you’ll be headed off to bed very soon.
Hurrah, the garden beds are finally filling out with lush foliage. Tulips galore in beautiful reds and purples as well as blossom and new leaves sprouting on all the trees. Here’s a snap shot of our April garden, including some nettles as well as a few unknown flowers, and possibly some pretty weeds…
I admit I do love how organic the rocks and plants are looking. The big garden bed has surprised me, after its stillness during the winter it just suddenly exploded into this fleshy mass of greenery. I think I’ll add some more winter plants to add some interest towards the end of the year, but I’ll enjoy what I have while I have it. Happy Easter to you, I hope the sun has been shining down on your garden too.
In your daddy’s arms is where you like to spend your time. He carries you round in the crook of his arm, and even has you sitting on his knee whilst he eats his dinner (one handed.) You two are bestest palls, he knows how to settle you and gives you a thousand kisses a day. When you smile your whole face lights up and your dummy just drops to the floor as every muscle extends into a gummy grin. Your happy disposition amazes us, you rarely fuss or complain you are just contented and we feel so lucky. You are now gently settling into 3 nap times during the day and we are trying to put you down in your cot so you can get used to your own room. Admittedly, at night we miss you when you aren’t snuggled up next to us in bed, but you soon return for your food.
Ah my little Evie you are so different to how I remember your brother I can hardly believe it. It reminds me how amazing nature is, all the endless possibilities that arise for character and temperament. They are right when they say no two babies are the same. You just love to sit up or be on your tummy, spreading out your arms and legs and determinedly holding your chest and head high. This week I felt the winds of change, you will no doubt be on the move in a month or two. Can it really already be time for you to start practicing those first moment of independence? You’re already grabbing for things and playing with your hands with purpose, what will be next?
Just as I was celebrating things returning to normal after the sickness bug, you managed to get conjunctivitis and pass it on to your sister. You have hated the eye drops and together with a bad cough, you have been rather irritable. No pre school and no trips out it’s not a surprise that we’ve been going a tad stir crazy with only the garden to explore. However this week you have been singing songs for the first time, you’ve started showing an interest over the last few weeks (in the past you shouted NO whenever I even started to sing a nursery rhyme!) This week we’ve had bob the builder on repeat and you love to say the words you know the incy wincy spider. Our battle to get you dressed continues but now you have decided you have a preference over what you wear, thes “botty jamma’s” are a favourite of yours.
We’ve been pottering about in the garden almost daily, peeking at the seeds to see if any have sprouted and keeping a check on the water levels. We’ve even had our first bbq, although we had to eat off a rickety old pasting table as we’ve not got a garden table at the moment. The above picture shows the progress I’ve made since Christmas on the front garden bed, the new trellace adds some much needed height and I must admit I’m pretty pleased with it.
You my darling are the only one who hasn’t been sick this week, you’re the smallest but clearly the strongest! Yesterday we spent time relaxing in the back garden for the first time, taking in the bright sunshine. We laid you out in front of us to try and stop the sun from getting in your eyes and you were happy to taking in the changes in light and the variety of noises. It’s Spring and it has coincided with your awakening, from a sleepy newborn bundle all cuddled up inside, to a baby adventuring out of her own cocoon more and more.
