Good Friday 2009

Most years we try to do the traditional walk up Rivington Pike on Good Friday. In 2005, Hayley and I completed the hike, even though Hayley was 5 months pregnant with Oliver. Last year's trip started and ended well but had a stressful middle section.

This year, with Lucy big enough to need the carrier, but with little chance that Oliver would happily walk the whole way, we decided that only Oliver and I would go. Lucy and Hayley stayed home for the last morning with Hayley's sister before she headed back down south.

The Good Friday walk is an important trip for me, not just because it is a tradition from my own youth, but because I got my love of outdoor pursuits from trips as a boy in the cubs, scouts or just with my family into the countryside. The chance to bond with my son like this, even so young, might perhaps give him a taste for the same.

Once parked up at the nearest car park to the summit, I carried the little man on my shoulders for the first few hundred yards, then when we reached a fork in the path he (not I) chose the steeper option, got down from my shoulders and proceeded to run as much as possible. I filmed this short clip on that section. (It gets interrupted by a dog at one point, hence the chaotic shots after you hear Oliver scream and I pick him up for a few paces).



Once back on the flat, I carried him again (filming another conversation along the way).

When we approached the final climb, once again the little man opted for his own steam and climbed all the steps up to the summit. I then filmed him touching all four sides, which is said to bring luck for the coming 12 months (not that you need to believe such superstitions to make them fun to do).



On the way down I bought him candy floss from one of the mobile retailers who were there for today's annual fair. A new experience for him, he had great fun with it once back in the car.



All in all a great morning. Despite worrying weather forecasts it was even perfect walking weather.

Looking at the little man as I took this picture of him leaning against the Pike, what I saw was my little boy growing up quickly. And how I felt was more than a little proud.



I'm already looking forward to next year when I hope all four of us might make it to the top.

Life in the fast lane

Now that the little lady is walking she toddles about investigating all she can and having lots of fun racing away from us on two legs instead of four. But all this gallivanting around can be tiring. How handy then that she can go to sleep at the drop of a hat!



Above she is pictured on arrival at Room 311 in the Bush Baby carrier. Being carried can be soporific. But not as soporific as the swings. Hayley gave Lucy a few gentle pushes on the swing at the park the other day. By the time Lucy's swing had stopped, Hayley noticed that the little lady had nodded off! So after a quick photo Hayley took her out and popped her in her buggy for a more comfortable snooze.

Five steps!

After taking her first step yesterday on her first birthday, Lucy this morning took up to five steps at a time after Hayley and I encouraged her to walk between us. She still seems un-nerved by the experience at times and would prefer just to be carried, but I suspect she could be walking much more by the time of her party next week.

Lucy's 1st Birthday

Today we celebrated Lucy's 1st birthday.



We kicked off with the little lady opening her presents at home, aided by her helpful big brother.



Later, Hayley and Oliver decorated the cake that Hayley had bought for her. Hayley then prepared a picnic while Lucy, Oliver and I played upstairs.



Then we all headed off to the park for a long and enjoyable picnic lunch with friends in the sunshine.



Oliver ran and played with his friends,


while Lucy crawled across the grass at high speed


or stood at the railings to the playground watching the older children.


After our sandwiches, she opened her birthday cards,


then we lit a candle on her cake and sang Happy Birthday. Lucy cut the cake,


then we all had a piece, Lucy demolishing a good portion of it herself.


At one point, Lucy stood up and then stood still unaided. At this point someone asked if she was walking. "No", we said. "She can stand like this but she won't take a step". Upon which, Lucy promptly took her first step! Maybe she had been waiting for an audience.


Despite indulging in ice-creams and ice lollies mid-afternoon, we all found room for our traditional Friday fish n chips when we got home.


After all the fun in the sun, a nice bath saw both our offspring settling quickly down for a good night's sleep. The end of a fabulous day.

First shoes

Lucy got her first proper Clarks shoes today. Her size is "3.5 G". The selection of colours available had a touch of the "Model T" about it: she could have any colour she wanted as long as it was pink.

Walking: it's the way forward

This morning before I left for work Hayley saw Oliver walk without prompting across the room for the first time. He was standing up against the coffee table and decided to go and see Mummy who was sitting against the sofa. But instead of dropping to all fours and crawling as he usually would, he walked the 4 or 5 steps across the room to greet her.

It's the first time he has decided to travel on two feet for a distance further than "diving" distance (ie two steps and a dive). Previously he has only walked this far when we start him walking with our hands around him then let go.

This evening he walked un-prompted and unaided across the kitchen from the cooker to the sink. He staggered slowly with his arms outstretched - zombie fashion! - until he reached the sink where Hayley was standing. She looked down at him open-mouthed with delight and told him how clever he was. He laughed, excited and pleased with himself.