Happy Birthday My Boy

Today it's Nicholas' birthday. It's very hard for me to imagine that he is already 5 years old. Time sure does fly when you are having fun. I am loving watching the boys grow up but at the same time I often wish I could stop the clock. One thing I've learnt is that I should always enjoy every single day with them because I'll never be able to push rewind. Nicholas, my boy, you are the sweetest, kindest, funniest, cleverest little boy that I know. You make me so proud and so happy. I love you more and more every day. I am so glad that you are mine. Happy 5th Birthday!

taken this morning - foggy 5 degrees - I like his winter look

so pleased that his birthday has FINALLY arrived

even more excited that they're allowed to jump on the bed

now to try and make them stop to get ready for the day

For me no birthday post will be complete without a look to that very first day that this little person made me smile. I really enjoy looking back in time. I guess that's why photos and this blog are important to me!

Royal Albert Hall

Yesterday we had a special treat. We went to see Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall. The whole experience was spectacular - being in the world famous building, our seats way up in the rafters, the music, the singers, the dancers, the lasers, the fireworks, the balloons and the cannons - you just have to watch the trailer to get an idea of what it was like. This was something that neither the boys nor us will forget in a hurry!

What's on the menu?

If it was up to Daniel it would be toast and eggs. When I ask him what he wants to eat I know what the answer is going to be. He loves eggs whether they're boiled, fried, poached, scrambled or omeletted. I think this came from spending so much time with Gogo when she was here. Imagine how excited he is going to be when he sees Noa's chickens and their eggs!


Nicholas quite likes the food at school now. In the beginning he used to come home ravenous. The one day he asked if I would make him a sarmie when we got home so I asked him what he wanted on it. His answer was bovril, jam, cheese, salami, tomato, salmon and cream cheese and don't forget the capers. So in actual fact he wanted 4 sarmies. That happens seldom these days so I think he is trying the different food and getting used to it. It helps that we discuss the menu beforehand. He loves the fact that they get pudding EVERY day. I enjoy hearing his descriptions like pudding bread with jam on it (bread pudding), brown jelly (chocolate mousse) and spiral cake (swiss roll) and finally he has realised that custard is delicious (after 4 years of trying on my part). The other day he was playing 'resto-resto' and produced this menu all on his own!

(pumpkin pie, toast, oranges, fish, strawberries and ice-cream)

Saturdays

I've mentioned before that Nicholas is obsessed with football at the moment. The Fulham Football Club runs a football program for kids of all ages. It's a lovely setup - friendly and easy - and pay as you go. We decided that if it's not raining and if Nicholas is keen then we should seize the moment. So Saturday morning footy has become part of our weekend routine. We used to take Nicholas to the same classes during the World Cup last year when he was only 3.5 years old. Looking back makes me realise how he has grown and developed over the past year. We'll have to get him a new shirt soon!

Now that Nick's at school, and the sun sets soon after we pick him up, weekends are our only chance to go to the playground. So afterwards we always hang out in the awesome playground. It's got all sorts of different apparatus, not at all co-ordinated, and quite haphazard. The boys always want to try out each and every part. I must say, I like it that they are quite risky at times, but sensible. That's when I realise how much they're benefitting from going to the little gym!

Alice in Wonderland

I don't usually do posts about other children's birthdays but Phillipa is like family to us and Claire put on a fantastic Alice in Wonderland Party for her. What a great idea for a party theme. Claire's attention to all the detail was admirable and the entertainer was one of the best I've seen. The children had a really fantastic time. Well done Claire! Happy Birthday Princess P!

Habit

Mess is becoming a habit with Danny. This morning his friend, Ernie, came to visit. Ellie and I were in the kitchen for probably half an hour and when we went back to the lounge this is what we found. At least toys that we haven't seen for a while were rediscovered. I wish we had a separate playroom!

ChEEEEse

Daniel (excitedly): 'Mom, come quick, see what I made!'
Me: 'Oh, goodness me, what's that?'
Daniel (proudly): 'It's a huge mess!'
Me: 'I can see that!'
Daniel (urgently): 'Quick! Fetch your camera!'
Me: 'Great idea!'
Daniel (enthusiastically): 'ChEEEEse!'

I bumped my head today!

Daniel is an extremely independent little fellow. I guess I should be happy about that. But sometimes he tips the scale just too far. The other day we were leaving the leisure center after swimming and as usual he refused to hold my hand because he wanted to do it 'all by myself'. I'm not sure how it happened but he tripped and fell down the stairs. There was a lot of blood and a lot of screaming so I rushed to A&E. The poor little guy ripped his frenulem (that little skin between your top lip and your top gums) and had a huge lip (which was back to normal the next morning). The nurse assured me his teeth are fine. I hope she is right!

Nicholas used to be quite cautious but he has become much more physical and toughened up a lot since starting school. As if trying to compete with his little brother, he came home wearing a similar sticker accompanied by an accident report, a few days later. Apparently he and another little boy had a massive collision on the playground and they both had to pay a visit to the school nurse. He was fine though so I think they were just being cautious!

Fireworks

Donhead had their annual fireworks night last week. It was a great outing for the whole family. It makes a difference when everyone at an event like this has something in common. Nicholas really enjoyed bumping into and playing with his classmates. The glow swords and guns were a big hit with the kids and made the whole atmosphere jovial. The bonfire was huge and the fireworks were spectacular. So all in all I think it was a great success!