Wednesday saw Mum and I head to Leeds to surprise my gorgeous cousin Georgia for her 21st Birthday. Georgia had no idea that we, or her folks and brother, would be turning up to the Alchemist in Trinity, Leeds, to celebrate her special day with her.
Oh the wonderful weekend, where did it go? It feels so long ago now and it's only Tuesday, and I'm missing running through russet fields at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and breathing in that crisp autumnal air, squinting at sunlight filtering through the trees.
I literally can't believe my baby boy, Xander turned 3 on Sunday, my charming, loveable, second born son is simply growing up too quickly and I'd like it to stop, STOP I tell you- I want him to remain my baby always, and I suppose he always will be just that, my littlest, youngest love.
On Saturday, my eldest son, my floppy haired, bright eyed Oliver turned 5. I actually can't believe I'm typing this out-5, it sounds so, well grown up.
So those reading my blog last week will know, it was a pretty rubbish time for myself and Alexander. A lot of tears were shed (by us both).
The nursery induction was hard going, which is inevitable but it was worse than expected, Alexander was beside himself and despite another session with me, he just wasn't settling, my toddler wasn't ready.
It's funny how things can work out just when you need them to...I was feeling a bit down in the dumps that I'd not seen some of my closest London buddies for what feels like forever when I received a text from my male best friend Will that he'd be in town for an anesthetist conference pretty much round the corner from where I live in Yorkshire-yay!
It's what we'd been gearing up for all summer...trial days at the end of last term were enjoyed (mostly making play dough cookies and playing in the sand pit), teachers had visited us at home (manic hoovering followed by a friendly chat with us both) and then finally, FINALLY Oliver was embarking on the biggest milestone of his little life yesterday-starting school!
I cannot believe Alexander is 16 months already, time sure is flying! I feel like I'm enjoying every second with this little one too. I found first time-motherhood tougher, a foreign world in many ways, a shock to the system (amazing too of course) but I'm a seasoned pro with my second son now!
I found myself scribbing away after dinner on a dog-eared bit of paper (simultaneously trying to watch XFactor on Catch Up), all the things Alexander can now do, aged 1.
For a start, my eldest son Oliver has pretty much (for now at least), got over his most recent bout of jealousy towards his younger brother Alexander, and dare I say it, they're actually playing well together. I even caught Oliver kissing his little wee sibling last night. It was what womb-stirring dreams are made of.
I can still refer to him as my baby right? My little darling Alexander is 1 today (Happy 1st birthday baby Alexander-I'm still calling him baby!) and I really can't believe it. I feel a little emotional and might have had a little cry. It actually feels like yesterday I brought him home from hospital, all thick black hair and chubby cheeks.
So little Alexander, nearly 1 years of age has definitely got my curls-big bouncy, terribly cute ringlets of loveliness that paired with those deep brown eyes will no doubt melt a few hearts when he's older. "No, don't leave me, never marry" I wail! Thank goodness he's Greek so will live with until he's at least 30. Phew.
Aw, soft focus pictures of our boys together kissing and cuddling, Oliver our firstborn and heir looking lovingly at his younger brother, our darling baby Alexander. Bless.
Fast forward a year. Oliver realises his brother is sticking around for more than just the photo opp (and he's loud, confident and wants to play with his toys). Like forevs. The adoration is still there, sure it is. But from Alexander to his older brother. A spends his days gazing at Big Bro brimming with love and admiration.
