Birthdays and looking back to a year ago

Four years ago my firstborn made his appearance in this world. He is the funniest, kindest, most loving, thoughtful, generous, passionate, feisty, brave, strong and bright little boy I have met. He sees things most of us don't see. He notices stuff others don't notice. He asks questions many are afraid to ask. There may be some bias here, but I am honoured to be his guide and constant love in this world. Here's to our beautiful son, Solly. 😍😍😍

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And a year ago: Our baby boy is three; no longer a baby, but a bright spark of a child who sees and thinks about everything. It's been wonderful to watch him grow - hard at times to bring up a wilful, determined, assertive child, with very strong opinions and feelings, but I'm so glad he came to us. He brings laughter and love to my heart every single day. Happy birthday little man, may this year bring you greater understanding of the ways things work, to lessen your frustrations and decrease your fears; and may I continue to improve as your guide in an often confusing world. Love you always. <3

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And he has learned so much this year. He is calmer, more thoughtful, more confident, stops more, takes a breath, notices others more, gives a hug when one is needed, helps people when they need help. Always proud.

Last day as a three year old

...and this is his choice of YouTube video. His father's son. 😂😍

Daddy with a body

Daddy

Logic of an (almost) four year old

S: why did you speed up then?
Me: to overtake the bus.
S: why?
Me: because it had stopped.
S: why?
Me: maybe to let someone off or on.
S: (pause) Why did you overtake it?
Me: because I couldn't go through it.
S: why not?
Me: because it's made of metal and metal doesn't go through metal.
S: why not?
Me: I'm pretty tired. (Mid migraine) Why don't you have a think and see if you know the answer.
S: (long pause) because they're not ghosts...?
Me: absolutely right. They're not ghosts. They're solid, not gas.

You can teach science anytime! 😍

Veli Losinj

Last day, Sunday, today. Morning playground; afternoon, last swim in the sea. Relief at kids being back home soon in their usual routine, and being a bit less crazy and a bit more sleepy. Sadness at leaving this beautiful place so soon after arriving...sadness at leaving my mama. Happiness and gratitude we have such a precious second home. We are so very lucky to have Croatia in our hearts.

Words

Littlest one has learned "me"!

Toddler's latest struggle

"Oh I can't wait, mama, I've got no patience!" [For the two minutes to get home]

I get that! 😍

Wisdom from a three year old

Three year old son: "Power from the mind."

Me: "Yes, it does come from the mind. Where did you get that from?"

Son: "From the power brick that I found in the woods a long, long time ago."

Me: "Ok..."

Into the Wild

Salt fish curry, plantain, onion pakoras, mango chutney, teas, cookies, coconut water, bubbles, bluebells, campfires, hanging hearts, dream catchers, trees, fields, green, picnic mats, camping food, chilli seeds, sunshine, bare feet, five rhythms dance, baby sling sleeping while dancing, baby sling feeding, shiatsu, shoulder rides, chickpea and spinach curry, chalk carving, trampolines, hay bale play, acoustic music, cosy tents, sofa and blankets, tea tent, cushions on the floor, appreciation, gratitude, all one, expanding boundaries, shifting comfort zones, freedom, laughter, friendship, love, simple pleasures.