January 18, 2015 by Elliotandme

Siblings {January}

So we’re into a new year, and a new series of Siblings posts. Looking back I can’t believe how much life has changed since the very first Siblings post, last January.

It’s still so clear how much our two little guys love each other, over and above the rest of us. They light up in each others company and love to laugh together.
I’m really looking forward to watching their relationship grow this year. It’s a big year for us – Elliot will start school in September and I’m not entirely sure that I’m ready for that, though I’m absolutely 100% sure that he’ll be ready, if he’s not already!

Another exciting development is that I’ve finally given in and bought a DSLR, so have lots to learn. Hopefully the photos around here will start to look much better soon! The next problem is to get the two of them to stay still long enough to take a good photo. These two are so active all the time, that the perfect picture only lasts for a millisecond! Any tips gratefully received.

December 31, 2014 by Elliotandme

Alexander at 1 – a New Years Eve round up

Dear Alexander,

You are one, my littlest boy. 12 months and a few days have passed since you came into our lives, on a very peaceful Monday morning. You have remained peaceful throughout (most of!) your life so far and you are honestly a delight to be with.

You continue to develop at lightening speed, crawling way before your brother did and no doubt you will be walking before he did too. We bought your first shoes today and you promptly showed them off by walking holding my fingers for ages.

Some of the best things you are capable of at the moment are kisses and cuddles – you’re so affectionate to everyone. The ladies at your nursery are as smitten with you as I am. The best person by far in your eyes is your big bro Elliot. Long may that continue. I can see you being best of friends forever.

I love you my giggly cuddly little man. Nothing makes me happier than to see you smile.

Lots of love, forever,

Mummy xxx

December 17, 2014 by Elliotandme

Siblings – December

Bit late but here’s my little boys in December. It’s a busy month in our house. Birthdays for both boys (4 and 1), nativity plays and birthday parties all before Christmas even arrives.

Coupled with a stubborn virus that seems to be just passing from one of us to another, round and round, it’s been a hectic month full of tissues and coughing.

I also started back at work which is going well. Everyone seems to be slotting into the routines fairly well. That’s not to say we won’t all be glad of two weeks off to recharge and have fun as a foursome over Christmas though!!

Anyway, was hoping to get some festive pictures this month, but since we haven’t even got our tree up yet (can’t mix Christmas and birthdays!) I’ll have to make do with a few little pics of a nice quiet time amongst the chaos, bath time:

I’ve loved taking part in the Siblings project this year. It has really brought home to me how quickly time passes. Back in January I had a newborn and a three year old, and now my youngest at 1 has such a little personality growing. It’s been great watching them both get to know each other.

You can see all my previous Siblings posts below, and check out this month’s linky over on Dear Beautiful

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October – oops!
November

November 10, 2014 by Elliotandme

Siblings – November

I told myself this month’s siblings post wasn’t going to start with any of the normal “how is it November already?”, “OMG it’s nearly Christmas!” or “can’t believe how fast this year has gone”, but seriously….it’s gone so fast we’ve missed a month! Apologies for lack of October post – it only got as far as a draft…

I go back to work next week. Not next month, or in a couple of weeks, but next week. 6 days away.

I feel like I’m at the end of one chapter and about to turn over a crisp new page to a whole new one. A ‘working mummy of two’ chapter. Come back soon and see how it goes?

In the meantime, the change in the season has happened and I’ve been busy getting the boys settled into their new routines of nursery/preschools etc. (it’s so complicated we have a whiteboard installed in our kitchen!)

The boys have spent time playing together, enjoying each other’s company for the most part (when there’s no train track around that is!)

The relationship blossoming between them is amazing to watch. They genuinely seem to love each other. How cool!

I’ve also been really listening to the lyrics of several songs we had just been hearing previously. Below is one that seems to fit perfectly with the colder weather, and my desire to wrap up my boys and keep them safe and warm at all times.

And we will keep you,
We will keep you
Little one, safe from harm,
Like an extra arm, you are a part of us<

Laura Marling, Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)

So, life is about to change, see you on the other side!! Hopefully the boys will still be as smiley…

See my other Siblings posts below, and check out this months linky on Dear Beautiful:

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October – oops!

October 20, 2014 by Elliotandme

Today – my day with my littlest

We’re reaching that part of maternity leave that seems to be full of lasts and firsts.

It sounds rather dramatic and sentimental, but today was the last day (ever?) that I get to spend the entire day with my youngest son, on our own, before I go back to work next month.

We went to our last (ever!) Saltbox music group and I managed to hold it together enough not to blub at the point where all the babies just sit in awe of the bubble machine (why do I find that really moving? I’m clearly weird!) We’ve really loved those classes, have done them for months.

We celebrated our last class by having coffee and cake with a friend. Mmm chocolate cake on Monday morning – the best way to start the week!

Alexander and I then had a walk (well I walked, he slept!) and then lunch at home.

This afternoon I thought we should mark today in a small way, by doing some canvases of Alexander’s hands and feet. We got some kits for Christmas last year and have never got round to using them. Turns out it’s really easy so not sure why we didn’t do it until now. It’s nice that my sentimental brain will be able to look at them in the months to come and know we did that on our last day together.

So, my beautiful giggly little Alexander, thank you so much for the past 10 months, I’ve had a ball. Hope you’ve loved it too. I know you’ll love nursery and I’m so jealous of the ladies that get to spend their days with you while I’m at work.

Love you littlest one

Mummy xx

Some pics of our day (sorry there’s a few!):