At bed time Ian reads a chapter of Winnie the Pooh while Audrey gets into her pyjamas and has her last feed before bed. She can't understand all the words yet, but she likes the sound of his voice, and the time with Mama and Dada together. It's good, I think, to set aside time to do quiet, everyday things as a family, and to view that time as special - sacred, in its way. It's times like these that strengthen our family. In the future we'll look back on thousands of bed time stories and long to recapture just one moment of it. I try to be really present and in-the-moment, and savour every second.
Since getting so much steadier on her feet, Audrey is loving playground time. At the weekends the three of us get wrapped up (because goodness it's been cold) and tramp through the playing field by our house to get to the little children's playground.
There are so many different swings, slides, climbing frames, bouncers for her to play on.
Audrey loves to watch the bigger children playing. I feel like it inspires her - she wants to crawl and walk and chase after them, to do what they're doing.
I work hard to really internalise the idea that time spent with family is never wasted. Always precious.
Her sleep has been especially difficult lately, with lots of early morning waking. Possibly a growth spurt, possibly teething, possibly something else entirely. Ian and I help each other out and cope as best we can with the bone-deep exhaustion that comes after an unsettled night followed by a 3am start to the morning. It's tough sometimes, but the most worthwhile things usually are.
It can't be easy, you know, learning to walk.
Taking those big, unsteady first steps. Holding on tight.
Cheeky little madam.
Safety. Growth. Nurturing. Fun. Family time is important in so many ways.
Let's make time for each other.
