Playing away!

Today was forecast to be a warm(ish) & dry(ish) day, so I decided to take Luke out to the seaside after his Jo Jingles (music & dance) class this morning. Sometimes I think I’m just not making the most of my days ‘at home’ with him, and instead I end up spending my days with him in a stressed-out state.

I’m trying to get housework/cooking/shopping done, emails and phone calls answered, and as much work as he’ll let me do in the study, whilst at the same time attempting to deal with his practical and emotional needs. In the end, it just naffs both of us off and we both become tetchy!

I heard once that children are so enjoyable, but only when they’re your 1st priority. And although he is definitely my top priority in the great scheme of things, on a day to day basis, I’m ashamed to admit, he is just in the way (parent guilt trip kicking in again!)

Well, enough of that, for one day at least. And I devoted the whole day to him. Which made me so grateful that I am in a position to be able to do that.

We went to the seaside (yes, in November!), walked on the beach in wellies, splashed in the waves at the seashore, and collected pebbles (for painting/decorating at some point, of course!). Doesn’t it sound idyllic?

Well, perhaps I should tell you that Luke managed to walk alone for about 10 minutes, wanting me to carry him the rest of the time, or wanted to be in the trolley – he’s still getting used to his wellies, I think! And our trolley is not one of those multi-terrain things, so I ended up dragging him backwards, with front wheels in the air, across the sand to the ramp, to get him up on the prom as quickly as possible! With weighted-down nappy (/lunch/handbag/toy) bag hung on the handlebars aswell of course. Cut to a Mum out of breath and looking a right sight! Now do you get the real picture?

But it was a great day. Luke had a fun afternoon, I got my ‘fix’ of the sea, smell of seaweed and sound of seagulls (I find I need that from time to time, must be something to do with living on an island!) and I even managed to keep him entertained on the 2 hr journey home with a combination of food, water, milk, books, spotting the animals in the fields (until it got too dark), and then singing lots and lots of songs….the wheels on the bus…..aaagggh!!

So now I’m trying to get a few hours work done, but in good spirits, despite the time it says on the clock. A busy day tomorrow, four meetings, some for etk (entertainthekids), some for other things. So best go and make sure I’m prepared for them before I call it a night. The sea air has got to me too I think!

Kirsty