LUKE'S 3rd BIRTHDAY

It was a difficult decision deciding where to take Luke for his 3rd Birthday outing. For his 1st birthday we went to Blue Planet Aquarium, then last year was Chester Zoo, this year we decided on Knowsley Safari Park. For the first time in 3 years, the weather was actually kind to us, which may not have mattered too much as we were sitting in the car. The animals were not shy and the lions enjoyed themselves a bit too much in front of us, we didn't know where to look!!

The baboons were especially funny and luckily didn't break off the aerial or wing mirrors. We probably had about 5 baboons on the car at one point and Luke thought it was hilarious. There is a 'monkey friendly track' which takes you in a jeep but we thought it would be a nice surprise for Luke to see them climb onto the car.

Luke's favourite programme at the moment is 'Fireman Sam'. He is forever putting fires out and now has most of the Fireman Sam books and accessories. Last year, it was Thomas the Tank Engine but I think Fireman Sam is staying with us for a bit longer yet.

PARTY DAY

After a month arranging it, Luke's party day had arrived. We had a very excited little boy who was open to bribery at every opportunity! Although Luke is nearly 3, he still needs an hours nap or he gets very narky, so Mark was sent out for a long walk to get him off to sleep, while I finished all the last minute preparations.

We hired Nantwich Methodist Church in Hospital Street, which has been recently refurbished so I was a bit dubious about holding a painting party, in case of a major disaster. Each child was given their own money box to paint, piggy banks for the girls and dinosaurs for the boys. The set included 6 paints and a paintbrush and real value for money. All the children were so well behaved throughout the whole party, all sat down to play pass the parcel and most danced with me. I was quite grateful for that, at least I wasn't doing 'Agadoo' on my own!

Luke really enjoyed the day and was thrilled with his Fire engine birthday cake, made by his Nannie. We are so lucky to have so many lovely friends and he really does appreciate that. I get booked to do the entertainment for lots of parties, but I felt a bit of pressure for my own son's party, but I'm happy it all went so well.

Not sure how I will top it for the next one, best start planning for it now!

PARTY PARTY!

Luke will be 3 a week today, I really can't believe how quickly it has gone. I have been busy arranging his party which will be held at Nantwich Methodist Church in Hospital Street on Sunday. As most of the children are the same age as Luke, we decided on a painting party. Its a good job the parents will be helping out!

I'm out on Saturday night in Manchester celebrating my friend's Hen night so I think I'd better stick to the soft drinks, I don't fancy entertaining 20 children with a hangover.

Luke is at the age where he understands about birthdays, so I'm hoping he will enjoy his party. I've asked most people not to buy him a present and to donate money to Caudwell Children's Charity, there will be a charity box available for people to donate. He has so many toys, books and clothes that he really doesn't need anything else. I've taught him that he can make other children happy by giving money and some of his toys and he seems to understand this.

STARSTRUCK

For some reason whenever I see famous people I always get starstruck and yesterday was no different when I met Alex from Cbeebies. It was at Sandbach Transport Festival. He genuinely is a nice chap and naturally good with children. He even told me several times how gorgeous Luke was, which was very sweet, although I must admit, he did look quite adorable in his fireman hat and sunglasses.

Alex is running the London Marathon in aid of 'Caudwell Childrens Charity', they provide Treatment, Therapy and Specialised Equipment for terminally ill and sick children. I also support this charity and donated the money from both my Baby Fairs last year to Caudwell. Good Luck Alex, I'll be watching next week!

After the excitement of meeting Alex, I was booked to do Facepainting at Nantwich Town Football club. It was the last game of the season and they wanted to promote it as a family event so invited me along. They won 4-1, it was my first ever live football match and I enjoyed it immensely, the atmosphere was fantastic. Maybe I was their lucky mascot!

I'm being invited to some more home games in the Summer so come on Nantwich Town!

ANOTHER PLAYDATE

Luke and I had another playdate on Friday, with Ali & Isaac who we met at Cronkinson Farm Baby Group, when our little ones were just a couple of months old. We usually just have a play round at each other's houses but thought we would venture out of Nantwich, have lunch and a cheeky glass of wine.

We took the 11.06am train from Nantwich to Crewe, the boys were very excited waiting for the train. It was a 10 minute walk to the Brocklebank pub on Weston Road from Crewe Railway station. They have a play area which is free with a ball pool, spiral slide and lots of opportunity for the children to climb. The outdoor area is equally as good and the sunshine helped again.

We had lunch (2 meals for £9) and had planned on getting the 13.26 train back to Nantwich. However, we were very relaxed as the boys were playing so well and the wine was going down nicely! The next train was 15.26 but we were able to keep them both entertained to get the later one.

I recommend the Brocklebank if you want a nice pub meal and a great play area for the children. We had a lovely day and Luke hasn't stopped talking about it.

PLAYDATES

I love being a Mumprenuer, I really do have the best of both worlds. Luke gets to spend time at nursery with other children and learns such a lot (he learnt to count to 10 in French and German without my knowledge!) and we also get to spend more time together than if I was in a regular job.

Thursday afternoon was spent playing with Dawn & Harry who has just turned 3, Dawn is also a Mumpreneur running 'Faerie Godmothers' a wedding planner business. Dawn and I had never met before we had our boys but my Mother In Law and Dawn's mum are old friends so it is nice that we have now formed a friendship and our boys too. We compared and discussed our 'spirited and defiant' little boys and it was nice to know we are going through the same experiences.

We went to the new play area in Willaston, it was our first time and we were very impressed. It was nice to make the most of the sunshine and give the kids plenty of fresh air.

THE PARK PRE-SCHOOL, WHITCHURCH

Wednesdays used to be my admin day as I have childcare for Luke all day. However, I was invited to run Tippy Toes classes at The Park Pre-school near Whitchurch. It was very different to how my other classes run as the children are the older end of pre-school and the parents are not supervising them.

It took around 3 weeks for the children to get used to me and my class but now they all address me as 'Miss Sharon' (which I find most adorable) and they look forward to seeing what comes next.

The Pre-school is set in the most beautiful surroundings and the outdoor area is fabulous. They provide children with a safe and stimulating environment in which they can gain and develop the necessary skills for their future through a full, well balanced curriculum, including the best aspects from Montessori and Mainstream Education.

I'm very proud to be part of their curriculum for this term.

For more details go to http://www.theparkpreschool.co.uk/

POLISH GROUP

Last year I was given the opportunity to run 'Tippy Toes' at Underwood West Children's centre in Crewe, in conjunction with the Polish Group. Now I don't speak a word of Polish and they speak very little English, there is an interpreter who translates but the first few sessions were a real challenge to say the least. I expected them to at least know the Hokey Cokey or Ring a Ring a roses but I was very wrong.

I have visited the group over 10 times now and as soon as the children see me they tidy all the toys away and make a big circle ready to dance. They know which props are for which dance and they all have a ball. They even know what to do for the Hokey Cokey!

After today, I have one more session with the group but I hope they will be booking me again in the future. Fingers crossed.

OUCH!

On Thursday, I met a friend for a play and then took Luke for a swim. So dinner was going to be an 'easy' option......Corned beef hash, which now looking back wasn't so easy!

I peeled the potatoes, put them on the boil and opened the tin of corned beef. I was getting the contents out and accidently sliced my thumb. It was a good job Luke wasn't in the kitchen as a few choice words did come out of my mouth!

I resisted going to A&E as I didn't actually think it was too bad, I was looking forward to my weekly Boxercise class and would have gone if I could've got my boxing glove over the plaster. It was only the following day, when I got a second opinion that I decided to take myself off to Leighton. I was given 3 butterfly stitches which wasn't too bad and bandaged up nicely.

No washing up for a week for me!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

The Backdrop at the Palms Tropical, Stapeley Water Gardens

I've really enjoyed the Easter Holidays but it has gone way too fast. Most of my friends have school age children so it is the time when I get to catch up with them all. Every day of the school holidays is filled with playdates.

We have been to the Palms at Stapeley, Playworld in Shavington, visiting friends at home and been visited. Its been hectic, costly but most of all enjoyable.

Luke never gets much time to chill at home but after some good advice I make sure I get home around 5pm for him to have his tea then a sit down and cuddle in front of the tv before bed. At one time, I was filling his days with all different activities and dragging him along to all my classes, when sometimes he just needed to relax. Now that Luke can voice his own opinion (at 2 years and 11 months!) I do give him choices and if he is insistent he doesn't want to go somewhere or do something I listen to him.
It is something I had to learn the hard way with some very difficult times but we seem to be a lot more contented. I'm hoping we've managed to find a happy medium now.

I LOVE YOU MUMMY

Anyone who knows me, knows that my Text message alert on my phone is Luke saying 'I love you Mummy' It melts my heart everytime I hear it.

From the moment he was born we have always told him that we love him and felt it was important for him to hear every day. He now says it back when we say it first.
This weekend he actually told me without me having to prompt him. I am such a proud, happy Mummy.

HAPPY EASTER!

Apart from it being a religious festival, Easter when I was growing up was all about receiving Easter eggs and it was the only time of the year my brother, sister and I were allowed to eat chocolate in the morning. Many children nowadays are being treated to Easter gifts like it is another Christmas receiving gifts as large as a Nintendo DS!

When Luke was weaning, I only ever allowed him to him naturally sweetened foods but he was introduced to chocolate by his Grandparents (my Dad!!) He instantly took an interest in it so we are careful not to have it in the house as much nowadays. This year I gave up chocolate and crisps for Lent so I have my own stash hidden away, I will be sneakily tucking in when Luke isn't in close proximity. We will probably be making rice crispie and cornflake cakes out of his Easter eggs which is still chocolate but mixed with cereal just doesn't seem as bad.
Happy Easter everyone and hope you have a good break.