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.
This summer has been glorious- a slower way of life for us all, al fresco dining when the weather allowed, a week in Spain, good times in the garden growing our own produce (hello runner beans and strawberries galore), inventing games, painting (in the garage with newspaper on the floor of course-I've not gone totally insane)...just being happy, b
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.
If you've found my blog through some explicit adult only Google search (!) let me start by pointing out that, sorry, it's not that kind of post.
Today is about my kids sleeping in my bed-both kids, a fair few times a week.
We call it 'Musical Beds' here, are you familiar with this 'game'?
It's been practically tropical in Yorkshire over the last few days with highs of 25, so with the sun beaming above us, we made our way to Stockled Park for a magical little Saturday.
I'm so incredibly proud and besotted with my boys Oliver, 5 and Alexander, 2, so this post is first and foremost for them: my darling sons, so they can one day reflect on the blog and know how loved they are and how much they enrich mine and my husband's lives.
With Father's Day not far off, on Sunday June 21st, I'm starting to plan how I'll be spoiling the 2 main (grown) men in my life - my husband of 10 years, Peter, and of course the one and only Papa G.
I hope I'm not alone in admitting I can't stop buying my kids toys. I've become THAT parent. Before kids, I was all for, 'don't spoil the children yet to be born' but well, life is hard and when supermarket shopping needs to be done or peace restored from bat s**** crazy shouty kids, sometimes toys and yes manipulation, is the only answer.
OK so let me explain, ever since I was a teenager, or a tween even (isn't that word odd?!)-when I was a tween and that term hadn't been invented (thankfully), I realised I had a bit of a lovely bond with kids, I connected with children and adored playing with them. I did play with dolls pretty late so I suppose they were an extension of that!
Juliet is a GP, mum to three children and a health writer. She also has her own running club, runs marathons and fundraises for charity.
With a regular column in Women’s Running, a growing online following and plans for a book, Juliet is one inspiring, wonderful woman.
As you get older and perhaps a little wiser (or in my Dad's case, sillier, much, much sillier-it can go both ways) you start to realise what really matters in life.
I think having kids can do that to you, that whirlwind of new love for the kid you made merged with the mammoth overwhelming weight of responsibility (no more spontaneity in life is pretty sobering) and puts everything that came before, and after it, into sharp perspective.
You don't need to have a kid for this I should add. Yay for being wiser without having to actually use your cervix! Life experience, travel, pets, nurturing plants, charity work, whatever it is that takes you out of yourself, can be enlightening,
It got me thinking about all the tiny touching moments that make up the bigger picture, the intricately woven happy-making little things I reflect on right before I go to sleep or if I'm away from my kids, missing them madly, or my zone out to more joyous times when I find the children fighting over toys/films/my affection and I need a happy place pronto.
I love working with me&i and have collaborated with them for years now-they're a seriously cool, super-fun, vibrant Swedish brand for kids (and ladies too), that really embody that retro vintage vibe for modern families everywhere.
Look at the bright kids line below-bursting with funky prints, truly happy-making fashion for kids of all ages.
