8 months

Junior is two-thirds of the way through his first year already - how time flies!


This time last month we were about to leave Norway.


Photo by Dad


When we returned to London, the weather improved (of course), so we spent a lot of time enjoying being outdoors. We took S to Longcross Test Grounds to drive fast cars (his birthday present from last year). He got to drive a Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. I wasn't jealous, though... I got to drive a VW Polo Zipcar to and from the test grounds. Ahem.









We have been hanging out in local parks...

















 ...and going to softplay to allow Junior a chance to stretch his arms and legs without fear of hurting himself (or the flat) too much. He is crawling, pulling up, and beginning to climb, so keeping him safely occupied at home is a daily challenge.


 


We tried a music and movement class, but Mr Wiggly had a hard time sitting still. He crawled around the room sucking all the musical instruments and distracting the other mums and babies... We might try again, but for now I prefer to give him unstructured playtime.





He has been enjoying his baths now that he can sit up. He sucks on his rubber duckies and splashes the water (and me).





Nap time is evolving, as well. We moved him into his own room and proper cotbed, and he has made the transition quite well.


Robot and circuit board bumper, and sleep sack made by Grandmamasita


The rest of the month, we have had Olympic fever. We watched the torch relay as it went up Haydons Road in Wimbledon.









We had a visit from a friend who has been volunteering at the beach volleyball venue.





We have been watching the competitions.





And we went to the live screen site near the foot of Tower Bridge for a picnic.





Despite initial skepticism and annoyance at not getting tickets for the swimming events, I finally felt excited about London2012 during the Opening Ceremony. With a squirmy eight-month old, I'm now glad that I didn't have to sit in the Aquatic Centre to feel like part of the action. The Games have been a great success and it has been fun reading tweets and following the BBC coverage. I hope it continues for the Paralympics next month.