Sunshine on a rainy day

There's something extra special about getting a really warm spell of sunshine when the ground is still damp from the rain. Yesterday we walked through the park, and in the morning the weather had been misty and wet so we were prepared for another downpour. But instead we found ourselves shedding outer layers of clothes and dawdling along, making the most of the sunshine.

As we walked the ground dried up pretty quickly, but the stream was still swollen and fast. Audrey stared on in utter amazement at the dogs who jumped into the water to play, and got soggy when they ran out and shook themselves dry near her.

We love when owners let Audrey pet their cute dogs. She's quite reserved about it - she's not scared at all of the dogs, more shy of the people. She'll happily stand and stare and point at the doggies without ever moving any closer most of the time, but sometimes there'll be a little one that she can very gently stroke and coo over.

She loves to look at and pick the flowers - buttercups, daisies, cow parsley. She pinches off just the very top and hands it straight to me as soon as she's managed it.

But she also loves the bark from the trees, and leaves which have fallen. We carry them in the buggy while she walks and scatters them one at a time on the grass.

Walking along hand in hand with her is one of the best feelings I've ever experienced. I'm so proud, in that moment, and so lucky and happy, so content.

Being her mama is just the best.

Just keep grinning

Father's Day was really lovely and low key for us here. Ian had a bit of a lie in and some yummy pain au chocolat, some time to do his programming, and a gift of a photo book I made and had printed with photos I've taken of him and Audrey from throughout her life so far.

We went for a walk, and had yummy pizza for tea. It was just right.

Spending time every day just being together is so important for us. Things like eating together at the table, singing songs and nursery rhymes, playing games and making animal noises, playing with the musical instruments or the puppets.

Today we went along to the astronomy group of the home education network we belong to. It was such great fun, and Audrey had a good time playing with toys, watching the big kids in amazement, and reading her special library book about the solar system. Talking to the other mums felt really comfortable and fun, and the children were intelligent and interesting. A great bunch of people, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

I'm very busy indeed recently with some behind-the-scenes stuff which will keep me on my toes until the end of August, although the payoff should be that I have a lot more time after that. I'm utterly exhausted, in desperate need of a break. Looking forward.

For now we're enjoying the sunny weather in between the summer storms.

Settling back in

Phew, what a week it's been. We've been away at my dad's wedding this past weekend, staying with my sister in Leicester from Friday-Monday. We had an amazing time, and I will be back to make a super awesome Post of Destiny about our trip over the next few days, but for now it's just so good to be home.

I am exhausted. But this little lady always perks me up.

She has had another burst of exciting development over the last few days. She can identify so many of the animals in her My First Animal book ("Can you point to the tiger? How about the elephant? Where's the sheep? And the gorilla?") and she can baa like a sheep, moo like a cow, roar like a lion/tiger/dinosaur, buzz like a bee, quack like a duck and hiss like a snake when you ask her.

More first words: she said "Kate" while we were staying at Aunty Kate's house (after a truly epic amount of prompting from said Aunty). She also says "bird" and "BOO!" lately. The other day I was cleaning out the rabbits when she came up behind me, very gently laid her hand on my back, and when I turned around she grinned and said "boo" very sweetly to me.

Nothing is as graceful and beautiful as her sign for "rain" - I really need to film it some time. I'm so glad we did the baby signing, as Audrey signs all the time and it is definitely her main method of communicating. When she's tired, frustrated, sad, it's the easiest way for her to try to let us know what's up.

She is so gorgeous. We are so, so lucky to have her.

Back from Hiatus

Well, it's been well over a week since I last posted because we've all been really ill. Nasty, nasty cough that just won't go away and all the fevers and horridness that goes along with it.

We're just starting to get better now, so I thought I'd get back online and post some pics from just before we got so sick, enjoying the sunny weather.

Look at that smile. Audrey is coming on in leaps and bounds with her development, and every day showing more personality.

At nearly 14 months, Audrey loves to be a part of everything that's going on. She loves helping. She loves communicating. She sings the "row, row, row" part of Row Your Boat, and does the actions. She knows the signs for a drink of water, bunny, please. She understands how to be gentle, although she does still get a bit too enthusiastic with the rabbits and cats. She recognises friends.

I feel closer to her than ever lately. I feel like we're becoming friends. Sometimes she'll just spontaneously wander over to me and throw her arms round my neck for a big hug. Sometimes she'll take my hand when I know she doesn't really need to. When I cough, she pats me on the back.

Having a toddler is the most fun. I was scared of this stage in her development, because so many people talk about how awful it is, but I needn't have worried. It's the most fun EVER.

From the moment we wake up to the moment she goes to bed, she wants nothing more than to spend time with me and her dad. So much joy, from something so simple.

We've not been going out on adventures much at all this past week. I've just been too sick to even think about it. But we're off on a special adventure down to see Grandad Steve and Granny Mel for their wedding this weekend, and we're all really excited about it.

Here, have a quick video of Adorable Audrey before we say goodbye:

Good bye!