Daddy love

Daddy love, originally uploaded by Soyy.

To the most
wonderful
exceptionally
loving
giving
husband
father
friend
son
brother -
Who is
always
there
any
time
any
moment
Who
could turn
anybody's
upside down
world
right -
Whose
smile
never fails
to
brighten
a morose
heart -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

First day

First day, originally uploaded by Soyy.

Today, Zak started reception class. For the first time, he would be eating his dinner at school, away from the family's supervision. Who wouldn't be anxious?

As he finally put on his shoes, tears welled up in my eyes. It just hit me then that my baby is finally going into the big world! He reassured me, bless him, that it was ok to cry, like mothers do cry in school anyway and I shouldn't be embarassed about it. I looked at K and wondered where the years have gone. One day, Zak was this chubby little baby who was so calm like his dad, easy to please, who whimpers instead of cries, and now he is a straggly confident boy, arrogant at times, but good natured and relaxed.

He was very enthusiastic about this whole thing. The family were more nervous than him. He just ignored all the fuss and the endless instructions. 'Don't forget to put on suncream before playtime.' 'Don't forget to keep drinking water.' 'Don't forget to put on your playshoes and remember to put back your school shoes in your bag.' 'Please be nice to your new friends.' 'Put on your hat when you go to the play area.' 'Don't forget your pullover.' 'Ask your teachers if you have problems.' 'My calling card is in your bag in case you need to call me.' etc, etc, etc.

One final group kiss and we gingerly and half-heartedly let him go to join his class. We waved at him, with a pretend-happy face, but deep inside, it felt like we were losing him, like we gave him to the world, feeling helpless that this little chap is now out there ready to face this hugely unknown world. He waved us off happily and turned to face his teacher who was already talking to them.

As I settled Lewis in his buggy, K suggested to go back again and look at Zak through the window. While mum & dad took Lewis outside, we peered at the window, smiling but crying inside, happy and sad, proud and reassured, that as he sat in the very centre of the class, he exuded confidence and happiness to be out there, creating his own little world. Just one more proof that we shouldn't really worry as he can take care of himself. He's a big boy after all.

Ticket to ride

A few days ago, K dugged up from his dad's garrage an old exercise bike. His dad probably bought it in the 90's but to me it looked like a remnant of the 1920's.

Anyway, K cleaned it up, brought it home and is now occupying a proud corner in the bedroom. It is supposed to be for ME, so I could get back 'in shape', as if I don't have a shape at all!

So after letting the boys play with it (they clocked up 420 miles pedalling with their hands), I found out it couldn't even be reset. No surprise there. It's 1920's remember?

And the bloody noise it makes... sounds like chainsawing a parched dry treetrunk with my thigh underneath.

closeknit

more photos here

We have a very small family but we're very close. Our boys, Zak & Lewis, bring us all the more closer together.

Every development stage is a big news to the family. The appearance of Lew's molar? Zak's funny one-liners? How little Lewis punched his big brother in the chest? What they ate for dinner? Everybody has to know.

Every day is a joy especially when spent with the whole family and there's nothing in the world we could exchange for this love. Nothing.

Sizzling hot

milk's gone!, originally uploaded by Soyy.

British summer is sizzling! Nothing beats the feeling of being free to roam around without clothes on.

Especially when freedom involves pouring 4 pints of milk onto the floor.

school holidays

Wooh, summer is finally here, or is it?


As soon as the sun peeped through the clouds, we donned our hats, slapped on some sun cream, and away we went to the hills, down willowy paths and trails around the Peak District, picking black berries and warding insects off our sandwiches.


Always a good fun time.

Zak & his Grandad, Jack checking the map at Lathkill Dale.