Ella's 9th birthday

 

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

A few weeks ago we celebrated your cousin Ella's 9th birthday with a party at her house.

 

To start the party we did shirt tie dyeing, which Matt you loved as you seem to enjoy any and all craft (which I'm so grateful for). You then joined the big kids in an awesome water bomb fight followed by a cling wrap ball game like you'd played at Christmas (I'd made this one too). You did so well at both of these, even won a few prizes by ripping away layers of cling wrap with your wig and tutu on!

 

We then played musical bobs and statues and you and Harry were so cute dancing and trying to beat the big kids, who were very sweet to let you continue to join in when you were both very obviously out. Afterwards we sung happy birthday to Ella and had an awesome jelly cake that your nanna had made and a ice cream sundae buffet was enjoyed by all.

 

It was a really fun night celebrating your beautiful cousin Ella. She has always looked out for you two and I hope you know just how special she is.

 

Love you,

 

Mum xxx

 

 

Off to the zoo again!

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

At the start of the month we headed to the zoo for some nice family time. It was a beautiful day and the zoo itself was really quiet. We managed to get there relatively early and enjoyed looking at the reptiles and penguins to start.

 

We then headed to the playground and spend a good portion of the morning near the water area. This made your dad and I laugh as when Matt was little we'd come to the zoo and he'd be more interested in the plant life than the animals.

 

Eventually we moved on from the water area and headed to the Asian rainforest area. We were really lucky to get a close up with the komodo dragon when its keepers were walking it around its enclosure.

 

After the zoo we also went for a swim at the local pool and Matt you showed your dad how you have learnt to go underwater at your swimming lessons. We are really proud of how much you have learnt in less than a term and how your confidence in the water is growing every week. Toby, you also love just splashing around with me while Matt has his lessons.

 

Love you boys,

 

Mum xxx

 

A thank you to Matthew

 

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

Being the oldest kid in my family, I never realised what a gift an older sibling can be. Matt, I would credit you with being one of the major reasons why I haven't suffered from post natal depression during this maternity leave. You play a large part in my support system, and you're only 4. You care deeply for Toby and will always help me with him when asked, and often when not. Toby, you adore Matt and I'm pretty sure you're reaching so many milestones early because you simply want to keep up with your big bro.

 

Nobody makes Toby laugh as much or as easily as you do Matt, and it makes my hearty sing. Two kids has not been doubly or triply hard, like I was warned, not by a long shot. And it's because of you, my beautiful Matt. Thank you for all that you do to help your mummy with 'your baby' (as you refer to him), it is so very appreciated.

 

Love you both,

 

Mum xxx



 

 

Alllll the milestones

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

February has proven to be an exciting month in Toby's development! To start with, you have been sitting unsupported since about five months old (with a few face plants). We also took a swim together at the local aquatic centre, which you loved. We then started you on solids, and a banana was your first food, but you have come to love watermelon more-so, and you grab my hand while I'm holding a slice and keep it nice and close to your mouth so you can suck up the juice. At the playground we put you on a swing and you liked being slowly pushed back and forth (although you are just happy to be doing anything outside, as you often scream until I put you in the pram and take you for a walk).

 

The most amazing thing I have seen you do (before you're even half a year old!) is stand up and hold onto the couch by yourself, almost to the point of cruising. It is amazing to watch such a young baby show such strength in his legs and hold himself up for over a minute at a time. I know there's often no correlation between early milestones and later milestones like walking but it wouldn't surprise me at all if you walk early, purely because you are simply so motivated and determined Toby.

 

It has definitely been a great month in terms of watching our little baby become a little boy.

 

Love you two,

 

Mum xxx