Jumping bean, a day in our neighbourhood

We played lots today. Being at home and in the neighbourhood is so simple but also my favourite.

I’ve been thinking about our time together all week. For lunch, I thought I’d give the Asian style tofu a go again, as you liked it last time when Olivia made us lunch.

Your mum dropped you off which, I was really happy about because we’d have as much of the 11-4 as possible. She was with a woman, I don’t know who and how well you know her. To avoid issues I don’t ask, I’m not able to even ask who you’re spending time with.

Together at home

You make your way inside with increasing familiarity, there are a still a few parts that you don’t remember like navigating inside the building, but once inside your home I’m pleased you know your way around and immediately roam like you’re the boss. This usually means exploring the balcony, an obsession equal during winter or summer! I make sure to wipe down the balcony so you can explore freely and not get too mucky from the dust and spiderwebs!

Once settled, I wanted to get a few bits from my bedroom so you followed me in and ran around to the curtains to play and hide. Your joyful face while you hide and I overreact to you revealing yourself is exactly what I thought being a dad would be like. Olivia joined in and we entertained your game, or perhaps you were entertaining our reactions.

We jumped about in bed including me helping you do a rolypoly. I remember when you were too delicate to hold leaning over and now you’re the one jumping wildly!

A local afternoon

After your nap we went to the coffee shop nearby, for a snack and babyccino. These little things are the weekend’s dream. Having fun in the warm weather and making the most of the local amenities.

Hard at work with your watercolour book

Still with lots of energy I thought it would be best to go into the courtyard where the shade kept us safely away from the sun and minimal time would be lost travelling around.

Our last games of the day

A delivery box about your size became the last game of our day. It’s true what they say about fancy toys. Sometimes kids are more interested in the box than the toy.

One Izzy safely delivered

Ahead of your mum collecting you, I went through the routine of ensuring you had a fresh nappy for the journey home, a good sip of water and was full of kisses.

Listen through the podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BMtOdxWb3g4Xzl1BaG9pA?si=q2ro2ZQ2RW-dCC0gnPz0pg

#dad #dadLife #dadTime #daughter #family #familyCourt #father #fatherSRights #fatherhood #missYou #parenting #preciousMoments #timeTogether #timeWithDaddy #withYou

Rail replacement for our winter day

I’m on my way back from a day with your adorable little face.

The plans to visit grandma and other friends in the Big City were cancelled because the direct trains aren’t running. Your mum refused to drive so I went to River Town instead.

Tickets to see you

Your mum messaged me at 8:30am to confirm the day was going ahead, as I asked her to, because I needed a bit of time to prep your lunch. Over the last few days, you’ve been unwell with a cough and rash. Both are still present, however now they are mild.

I really hope you get past these constant sicknesses, it’s starting to worry me a bit. As long as your mum takes you to the GP, all I can do is trust you’re being looked after suitably. If I dare to ask, your mum shuts me down with threats of accusing me of harassing her. I’m in a horrible position.

I now have access to your GP records but that won’t cover every time you’re sick so I can’t know if your mum is just making excuses. I’m kept in the dark and we’re kept separated.

Our day together

I had originally planned to visit grandma and have lunch with her before visiting Market Street. As the plans changed, in the morning I got ready and cooked you a prawn, cream, spinach and mashed potatoes meal.

I anticipated Wagamama would have highchairs and like other chain restaurants, would be family-friendly. Yo Sushi last week they were great.

You were a little unsettled and didn’t eat much so I had to use the various backups which were successful. You were very keen on cheese today and kept asking for more until you finished everything I had! ‘Moor’, ‘moor’. It’s adorable hearing you speak, I’ll try and get a video of you saying ‘more’ soon.

I tried to go for a walk along the canal but it started raining so I thought you would be better off at the library. It was busy with various families and a little reading session was on, I tried to have us join, but I think you wanted to monkey around and release some energy.

Less reading more throwingI can understand why dads grow their beards now!

I used an opportunity to video call grandma and then there was little time for anything else as it was getting dark and generally a miserable day. The greatest brightness was absolutely your lovely expressions and sweetest way of playing with other kids.

It breaks my heart that you fall asleep and I disappear for a week or longer at a time

I miss you already so much sweetheart.

Listen through the podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/55R3GStllcw9x6sAxZ224K?si=cTlelgtDQAO3X7_P8UR3hg

#blogging #dadLife #dadTime #Diary #emotions #familyTime #fatherTime #fatherSRights #fatherhood #journal #kids #life #littleGirl #memories #missingYou #myGirl #parentalAlienation #relationships #timeWithDaddy #visitingYou #winter #writing