{Things To Remember} And then he was Five

We’ve just returned from a week away at my parent’s cottage in Sussex where we wiled away our half term break. It was one of the toughest weeks I’ve spent with the kids in a long looong time! I couldn’t paint this one in a rosie tint even if I wanted to. Mostly because birdie was so sick which, I discovered today, was a double inner and outer ear infection and hand foot and mouth! Poor lamb, she really hasn’t been herself, clinging mostly to my hip or her granny’s and taking to day napping again. Thankfully a course of antibiotics prescribed this afternoon should have her back to her sunshiney self again soon.

While we were away, Roo turned five! It doesn’t seen conceivable to me that he made me a mother half a decade ago. He slowly made his way into our lives after a long 28 hour labour, 9 months of growing and a good while of wanting and wishing and hoping before that. I’ll never, ever forget that feeling as he was placed onto my naked chest, purple and wrinkly and bleating like a seal pup. Euphoria rushed through my veins as I held the weight of him against me, studied his tiny face, his curled hands, his pink body, watched his chest rise and fall and took it all in – he was the one who had grown inside my belly all those months.

My weakness for nostalgia runs high in February being the month I birthed both my children. I’m no good with their birthdays but this one was easier than those that had come before. The shift from 4 to 5 less of a leap and more of a gentle nudge. He had an amazing day, taking his new bike out for a spin and going to see a movie with his daddy and I, just the three of us. It was a gentle reminder to make time for more one on ones with the children.

I am so in awe of the kind, sensitive and funny boy he’s bloomed into. I had no expectations for what my kids would be like, yet I feel like he was always destined to be mine and that we are beautifully in tune with each other, as mother and son. He is full of affection, compassion, humour and warmth. I couldn’t wish for more than that could I!

Here’s to Roo, Happy five my darling, I can’t wait to see the adventures we take together this year.

xxx