My baby girl is growing up, I’m a proud father

It was an unexpectedly big day, little things changing as you grow, make a big difference.

Big girl

You’re now eating well, so rather than cook something at home and struggle to find somewhere to warm it up (many places don’t like doing it because of allergies and things like that), I had decided to give a restaurant’s kid menu a go. This along with you no longer drinking formula means you’re basically a big girl now.

I also feel like you can understand me. We communicate together you cooperate, you signal and ask me for things and help me get you ready.

You’re no longer a baby, a potato. You’re a real little person with preferences and a unique personality. I absolutely adore it, every little thing you do is my favourite. I’m completely in love with you darling, every cuddle is the best.

Going up to Wagamama from the Antarctic outside

A little present

At work, Jane kindly gave you a little bus. You enjoyed taking it out of the box and moving it around. Luckily I recorded you opening it for the first time and the big smile you had. I sent it to Jane passing on your thanks.

Happy with your present, a toy bus

We also spent a while at the history museum, it was nice to see there were still areas to explore. We’ve been there many times now, and I assume will need to keep going back to stay away from the bad weather.

Your smiles are the most heart warming‘You may sit on this bench’I take you around in the buggy for you nap. I keep moving because it seems to help for sleep better and we keep on lots of layers to defend against the cold!

Hometime without you

I’m on the train back to the Big City, tired from the bitter cold. It was -1°C most of the day. People around me are sick and I don’t feel great. But we had a lovely day. This will be a huge boost for the week ahead. I will go to sleep tonight with a huge smile on my face.

I love you so much sweetheart, you’re my first thought in the morning and last at night.

Listen through the podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AA764j1HkSP70qv0o6B5a?si=Gk-HWbE6Tqu1SY5IfPEHPg

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It’s -3 and freezing

I’m on my way to River Town, again. Your mum said there were problems with the trains this weekend so she wouldn’t travel to the Big City. We had agreed to switch locations recently but she hasn’t honoured that agreement. The trains are fine, I’m on one now.

Outside home, the coldest morning of the winterView from the train, somewhere between Lakeside and Serene Walks

‘Baby it’s cold outside’

The weather has dramatically turned for the worse. It’s now -3 during the day! I’m very concerned about what this will mean for the coming months. Being outside bouncing between museums and shops isn’t nice – we should be home.

Considering the extreme weather, I asked your mum to bring you to the Big City. So we could spend the day at home with family. Grandma, Clive and Pluto were keen to share some festive time with you. Your mum has a car, which is used regularly, so any issues with the trains shouldn’t impact the journey. Your mum refused and insisted I travel to River Town, which includes us doing a half-hour walk to the centre in freezing weather.

I’m trying to create happy moments together, but these days are really hard. I’m worried our time being made so difficult will result in you not wanting to spend time with me.

Your mum drives to the station to drop you off, then goes past as I push your buggy to the centre. Neither offering a lift or agreeing to meet at the centre.

Our day

I cooked your meal, an old favourite of salmon and sweet potatoes. The mashes and things that I’ve made for you recently don’t seem to take your interest so I’ll try this meal which you enjoyed in the past.

I think Nando’s will be one of the first chain restaurants towards the centre and although we haven’t been before I expect they will be little-one-friendly.

It’s become difficult to find good eateries for you as River Town is touristy and has lots of shops. Combined with bad weather this means most places are packed and less welcoming for us.

After lunch we can go to the shops and a museum.

I have my Christmas jumper on and I bought you a new musical toy.

Keeping warm

I picked you up at Nero across the road from the station, we were wrapped up to the max and I went on to Nando’s as planned.

You were asleep and I can understand it could be confusing to wake up in a new place. You woke surprised and got upset. Sometimes I feel you don’t remember me. I was able to settle you quickly, but the moment really hurt. It’s hard to know you don’t wake up and feel happy you’re with your loving dad.

Now you were up and comfortable, I could finally give your beautiful little face some kisses and get on with our day.

You loved your new toy. Both for the noise you could make, plus the feeling of the bells on your skin.

After eating we went around the corner to the shopping centre. It’s nearly Christmas and it was extremely busy. At the department store there was a Santa and his helper photo scene. I hoped you would enjoy the costumes but you hated it!

I’m so sorry, this was meant to be fun! I gave you lots of cuddles afterwards.

The rest of the day was a struggle. It wasn’t easy keeping you warm because naturally you wanted to be out and about but also, when in the buggy, wanted to hold your hands outside! I tried to find places between the station and the centre to minimise time outside but it was still far too cold.

We played here during the summer

Next week

As your mum isn’t letting us have Christmas together, she agreed to me seeing you in the Big City both days next weekend. There are train strikes on Saturday so I hope she will be driving and not cancel.

I’ve asked her to share details so we can make the most of our time, but she refuses. Everything is dictated and she doesn’t share info so it’s difficult for me to make plans.

I’d simply like to make things more comfortable for you. Depending on where you’re travelling I could adjust plans to minimise your travel time but I’m kept in the dark. All this seems to serve is to make it harder for us.

Thinking about our future

It’s almost Christmas, I’m hoping next year will be better. Perhaps we can have a snowfight next December.

Listen through the podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IILL79TCe0DPgF5zK5ICC?si=zaHsusCJTLeam-gAkxbKqQ

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