One

It's been a while since we last updated our blog so forgive the long entry but there's lots to catch up on. Yesterday we celebrated Ben's first birthday with a family lunch and a lovely afternoon party for him and some of his friends. Our house is now crammed full with new toys and books - Ben is pictured above with his new rocker, Stanley Snail. It was a special day for all of us, and felt like a milestone for Mummy and Daddy too - we've survived the first year, spurred on by Ben's beaming smile and boundless energy! Our 'graduation' as parents was marked by the challenge of the first birthday cake, which we were pretty pleased with for a first attempt. Ben has been entertaining us by roaring like a lion on demand for a few months now (inspired by his favourite bathtime book), so a lion it had to be...


Following that theme, Mark took the afternoon off today, and we treated Ben to a birthday trip to Twycross Zoo. Here he got 'up close and personal' with his roaring friend - far from being frightened (as he was of the giraffe) he actually started giggling when the lion began to exercise his vocal chords, and then he had a go at roaring back!

Of course, we thought Ben looked more at home with the primates... this photo makes us laugh.

Our celebrations have been mixed with sadness, as we have been coming to terms with the loss of Debbie's Grandad, and Ben's only Great Grandparent, last weekend. We are so glad that he got to meet Ben and see him change over the last year. Ben may have had a bad day last time we visited, but he cheered up enough to roar like a lion, much to his Great Grandad’s amusement. Grandad was fantastic fun, a big tease, and had a great sense of humour, but he was also warm, generous and devoted to his family. We will miss him so much.

Snow?!

We were a bit surprised when it started snowing as we were driving back from Shropshire on Sunday and even more surprised when we looked out the window a bit later on to find a winter wonderland in our street. But as we wondered whether we ought to get that winter coat for Ben, the snow began to turn to rain and it was all gone by the morning.

Fireworks

Last year Ben enjoyed the Kenilworth Castle fireworks display bouncing around in his Mummy's tummy. This year he was able to see the fireworks in all their glory. He seemed to be enjoying himself despite being up well past his bedtime.

Walking and reading

Things never stagnate with a baby in the house. One moment they are sitting quietly, reading their books:
... the next moment, they are on the move!



At the grand old age of 11 months Ben is changing every day and looks more and more like a little boy and less and less like a baby as he practices standing against anything in sight at every opportunity, opens kitchen drawers and cupboards and has a go at climbing the stairs.