This week’s sunshine has seen us all heading outdoors to enjoy a myriad of garden activities. Tall Boy has been digging in the soil, watering the garden (and himself), playing with his water table, blowing bubbles, kicking his football, and generally loving the fresh air.
Now he’s almost two (I can’t quite believe I’m saying that already) he’s able to get so much out of trips and adventures that I find myself constantly seeking out new inspiration.
I am feeling really excited about Christmas this year. The tree is up and the house is already filled with mulled wine, mince pies and chocolates. Tall Boy has been wearing his Christmas jumper this week and I think he has an idea that something exciting is happening, even though he doesn’t understand it yet.
This weekend all eyes will be on SW19 for the Wimbledon tennis finals. Whilst British hopes of glory have ended, it’s still a perfect excuse to sip Pimm’s and munch on strawberries. If you want to watch the action it seems to me like heading out to a big screen offers the best combination of following the match and keeping the whole family entertained.
Parenting is easier outdoors. I think it has something to do with the kids having space to let off steam without risk of damaging the furniture. Or maybe it’s just that everything seems better in the sunshine.
I have taken part in the Great Manchester Run every year since 2008 with only two exceptions. In 2010 I was training for a marathon just a few weeks later, and last year I was heavily pregnant with Tall Boy. On both those occasions I have been out to support the runners and cheer them across the finish line. It’s the largest 10K in Europe and the atmosphere in Manchester on race day is electric. The city buzzes with the excitement of a beehive, you can actually feel it.
This week I’ve been speaking to Nikkita, who runs Hartbeeps baby and toddler classes in Manchester.
We talked about the juggling act required to run your own business whilst looking after a little person, being a parent in Manchester, and of course, all things Hartbeeps.
Keep reading to find out more about Nikkita and the baby group that rocks to it’s very own tunes.
Whatever the age of your own children, there are times when you need to entertain a kid from a completely different age group. Your go-to activities are unsuitable and you find yourself having to think of something a little bit different. This happens to me fairly frequently when my nieces and nephews come to stay. They don’t live in Manchester so I can’t help but want to show them what fun there is to be had in and around the city.
There’s something about seeing a big top standing proud in a field. It announces to all who pass that the circus is in town; an event for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the things I’ve found hardest to get used to since Tall Boy came along is not being able to do things for me without having to plan ahead or arrange childcare. Most of the time it’s easier if he comes with me, which inevitably limits the options.
Luckily, Manchester parents are well taken care of. If you know where to look, there are lots of things you can do to remind yourself of life BC (before child), where your baby is made to feel welcome too.
Having a baby makes finding time for yourself difficult but, if you are lucky, you can manage a walk round the shops while they sleep in the pushchair.
Of course things don’t always go to plan. When it comes to babies; screaming wake-ups, nappy changes, and demands for food are part and parcel of any trip out, so when they stay asleep until you are in a convenient place to solve their problems you can’t help but feel like you’re winning.
