First Ever Xmas, and Rough Dates for the Palate Operation

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” ~ Burton Hillis

I remember the first year that I was absolutely certain that Father Christmas was not true, I was 8. That year I also managed to find my presents hidden in the wardrobe of my parents room and tore the corners off each one so I knew what I was getting.

It was the most horrible Xmas ever, I thought for a long time that it was because I had ruined the surprise by stealing a look a my presents. I have never stolen a look at any of my presents since and I'm now 32.

However, despite my deep love for Xmas (I love family & friends and think Xmas is a great time to spend with them all), it has never been the same. The magic was gone, the spark of my childhood was gone and it never made it way back.

That is until last Friday. Josh awoke at 6am, and thus awoke me and his mother, like the little alarm clock he is. I bounced out of bed with a spring in my step, which to be fair I never do, im a very grumpy person before any time in the morning where the clocks little hand points towards any numbers not in double digits.

Anywho bounce out of bed I did, and scooped up JJ and shook the wife. Its CHRISTMAAAAS!!! The magic is back ladies and gents. 

Im not sure if its because of the excitement of JJs first Xmas, or just because he's now around that everything is that little bit more magical, but either way its back.

JJ didnt have a clue what was going on, I mean I'm sure he had noticed the big fuck off tree with twinkly lights and stuff. He even seemed to enjoy it for a few seconds, but then he shoved his fist into his mouth, gurgled a bit to himself and all was forgotten. 

He had tonnes of presents, he enjoyed the wrapping paper more than the presents themselves, as is a little kings want, but it has to be said I have had great fun with his presents. It has never been, and never again will, be acceptable for me to play with a musical singing toy house....for now it is, lets enjoy it!

Anyway, basically we did all the things a little family should do, we ate drunk and were merry, more than merry, downright happy. 

JJ got to be dressed up as Santa and a reindeer, all was well with the world. 


He loves his ball pit and his walker, although he doesnt walk in the walker, he smashes the buttons on the front of it for now, but little steps.

The ball pit was a winner!

We also got a call from the hospital a touch before the Xmas break. Palate operation will be in March, unless there is a cancellation before hand in which case it will be sooner.

Wifey is worried about this one as all the chat on forums and such seem to indicate this operation is a bit of a bugger for the little nipper. 

Me? Yeah a little, but then I was worried before he was born and he proved me wrong, I was worried before about him sucking a bottle and he proved me wrong, I was worried before his lip op and he breezed through it. 

I imagine he will show me just how tough he is and show me yet again, once more that worrying is an exercise in futility. Xmas may be amazing and magical, but not as amazing as the toughness of these little kiddos.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year All.

Joshua, looking like Santa, and looking downright awesome.

Dribbling, Spinning, Drooling and Dragging

"If you were to open up a baby's head - and I am not for a moment suggesting that you should, you would find nothing but an enormous drool gland." - Dave Barry

We think the boy is about ready to start teething. I don't know why really, call it one of those parental hunches, spurred on by the fact the boy is dribbling like some sort of inebriated drunk staring at a hog roast.

I think there must be gallons a minute coming from his chops. He is now getting through at least 10 bibs a day, in fact he gets through that many they even have their own little hand washing schedule, we just cant machine wash them all in time.

Every picture I take, requires several re-posings because they all have little strings of baby dribble running from mouth to floor. 

Its now dangerous to lift him above your head. I have had baby spit drop onto my face more times than I care to count now. It happens in slow motion, and 9/10 the dribble finds its way into your own mouth, even though it was miles away before it fell.

In addition to the homing drool, he is ramming his whole fist into his mouth. Its kind of like watching that Anaconda eat the bloke in the snake proof suit, except my son is braver and actually goes through with it.

So yeah, I think its safe to say hes about to start teething.

In fact a lot of things are happening really fast. We have this toy for JJ which is like a mini musical center that he sits in. It has a big piano, glitter ball and "Record Deck" that when you do different things, like spin the big glitter ball, or pull the record players arm, sings out a lovely tune about counting up to three or your "ABC"s or other such balls.

JJ is 6 months old and a few weeks ago he would just sit in it, not doing much, he now spins the ball. Did you hear me? he actually spins it. On his own. Voluntarily.

If you are a parent you will understand the little stupid things you get excited about and this is one of them. He also loves playing with the record player, which requires a "pull". He does that too. The kid's a genius, absolute genius. Mozart, watch out.

X-Factor winner in 2031?

Lastly I think we are truly on the cusp of something great. JJ now has a firm grasp on the "Head up, knees down, whilst on belly" position. Solid as a little rock.

He positions his little legs and pushes into thin air at the moment, but that doesn't deter him. He has figured out that he can grasp the carpet and drag himself about by his hands. He only manages a few inches at a time, but its progress.... the boy is going to be mobile soon. 

He can also stand holding on to something, you have to position him there as he cant get up on his own, but those little legs are solid!

Joshua looking awesome