Playgroup

I finally got to take Harry to playgroup last week – and it made me realise just how quickly he is growing up.

Although I'd been desperate to take him since he started in September, I hadn't had chance until last week, so it was somehow appropriate that I managed to do it on his third birthday.

After taking a few weeks to settle in, Harry now loves going to playgroup and talks about the helpers non stop so he was quite excited when he found out that daddy was taking him for a change.

Walking to the door with Harry holding my hand and chattering away made him suddenly seem very grown up and I began to wonder where three years have gone.

Anyway, we walked into the entrance hall and Harry, obviously showing off in front of me by now, hung up his coat and bag. As soon as one of the helpers opened the door to the main hall, Harry turned to me, kissed me and, as quick as a flash, was running off shouting “bye” in my direction without so much as a look back. Talk about having a lump in my throat.

The following day, I was able to take Harry to the parent and toddler group at Chirk Infants School, which is where he will be going in September.

Unlike the playgroup, I stayed with him. What was most interesting was seeing Harry in a different environment. I'm so used to him being boisterous, noisy and cheeky around the house that watching him being (relatively) quiet and shy came as something of a shock.

I have to say the school and the extremely welcoming staff left me very impressed – which makes me feel a lot better about the fact that my little boy will soon be going there every day.

The magic of Christmas

I’ve always loved Christmas but now Harry’s on the scene, it’s better than ever. And despite the early start this year – Harry had us downstairs opening presents at half past six – there was something magical about Christmas morning.

Although Harry is a bit too young to understand what Christmas is all about, he definitely knew that something was going on.

We took him to the carol service at Chirk Methodist Church on Christmas Eve and he sat rapt while the vicar related the story of the Nativity. Harry sitting still for half an hour is quite remarkable in itself, and the occasion certainly added to the festive feeling in the Wright household.

On Christmas Day itself, Melissa dashed downstairs ahead of us and laid Harry’s presents out across the front room floor. His reaction when he walked in was brilliant. He kept shouting ‘wow’, before tearing into the wrapping paper, and shouting ‘wow’ again and again.

Then it was up to me to get the toys out of the packaging – which is easier said than done, especially with an eager toddler on your shoulder. One toy even had to be unscrewed from its packaging, which is surely taking security a bit too far.

Anyway, after half an hour or so, Harry had unwrapped all of his presents and, despite the array of new toys to play with, was only interested in one thing: unwrapping more Christmas presents.

By the time we’d visited the grandparents, Harry was exhausted. Needless to say he was fast asleep by half six in the evening, which at least gave Melissa and I the chance to catch our breath.

Of course, next year things will be different again and Harry will be even more excited. I can’t wait.

Happy birthday

Harry celebrated his first birthday on January 19 and, looking back, it’s been a remarkable 12 months for me.

This time last year, I was a nervous wreck. Harry was a few days old and had just come out of hospital, while I seemed to spend all my time making cups of tea for visitors who had come to meet our new arrival.

It was a steep learning curve for both Melissa and myself. As new parents, we were both sensitive to Harry’s every cough, splutter and gurgle. We worried about everything: had he taken enough milk, was he warm enough, was he too warm, did he have wind, and so on.

Of course we still worry about him now, but you do become – slightly – more relaxed about it all.

Despite the worries, though, those first few days at home with Harry were magical. In fact, the last 12 months have been magical – watching Harry grow and develop is awe-inspiring.

Take the last couple of weeks. Harry’s gone from a couple of faltering steps to walking practically all the time.

Anyway, Harry’s birthday fell on a Tuesday, the day he normally attends the parents and toddlers session at Chirk Methodist Church. We didn’t want him to miss out just because it was his birthday so I went along too. It was the first time I’d seen Harry interact with a group of other children and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

However, I was a little bit shocked when Harry marched in and plucked a dummy out of another baby’s mouth before popping it in his own. Still, I suppose it means he’s not going to be a shy little boy.

Everybody at the playgroup was extremely friendly and made me feel welcome – and Harry certainly enjoyed himself.

It was a great way to spend Harry’s first birthday. I’m sure the next year will be just as surprising and enjoyable.