There’s been a noticeable change in the air lately – after a summer in which we’ve mostly been spoilt by the elements, normal service seems to be resuming as the warm weather seems to be packing its bags slightly earlier than we’d like it to and an autumnal chill has been apparent for a few days. There are changes in the air for us too. Yes, I know that’s an ultra-cheesy segue worthy of Sky Sports News at the end of the transfer window, but that’s just about where we are now.
Anyway, changes, yes. Dylan and Xander have both changed so much over the last few weeks. Maybe it’s because I’m a functioning member of the workforce again and certain things are more evident to me now I’m not with them for the majority of the week, but there have been some pretty obvious ones too.
First of all, Dylan is growing out of things like Peppa Pig – hooray! – and into things that bigger boys and girls like. He’s become pretty obsessed with both Spider-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I’m not sure how I feel about that really; although the cartoons are on channels that are supposedly appropriate to his age, they’re quite violent. Plus ‘new’ Spidey is a cocky twat and the heroes in a half shell now seem to be chiefly known as Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey which makes my blood boil. Needless to say, the campaign to own everything with images of both cartoons is well underway. Sigh.
Still, he’s getting much better at listening when we ask him to do things like tidying up and joining us at the dinner table and can now cycle in the right direction instead of backwards too, so he’s making some real progress. Just in time for school, which I think he’s going to love.
Xander, meanwhile, has been achieving milestones of his own. He’s getting the idea with potty training and seems to have reached the stage where he accepts that pissing in the bath isn’t cricket, so that’s good. His speech is coming on brilliantly too. He was already adept at making himself understood, but his vocabulary and ability to string sentences together have both kicked on massively. He’s also sort of sleeping through the night sometimes now. I know that probably doesn’t seem like a confident declaration on my part, but he’s been awful at night since day one and it’s a major relief that we all get a decent night’s kip now and then!
So it seems that he’s getting into more of a routine, which is convenient as… segue… he’s off to pre school in a few weeks’ time. Again, I think he’s really going to enjoy it and benefit from spending time with other children his age, so that’s great.
Maybe the summer has been a turning point for us all. To be brutally honest, the first half of 2014 was thoroughly shit; I found myself out of work, we had to abandon our plans of moving house and spent most of our savings keeping our heads above water. I’m cautiously optimistic that things are changing for the better at long last. Hurrah!
Comments
Glad to hear that things are looking up for you and that you’re having a good summer. As the dad of a sixteen month old, I can really appreciate what you’ve said about how quickly kids can change.
Author
Thanks Jonathan. Yes, it really is amazing how quickly they develop. Hope you’re having a good summer too. 🙂
That’s brilliant news that things are looking up, did another dead bird appear on your doorstep?
I know exactly what you mean about potential differences being noticed because you’re not there all the time now, if ever I was away for just a few days I would see things that my wife wouldn’t.
I’m glad everything is getting back on track and maybe that move will happen soon.
Author
Ha – maybe! Or perhaps it’s the good luck extending from the previous ex seagull? Either way, I’ll take it. 🙂
SO agree with your summation of the new spider-man.
Glad things are on the up, Tom x
Author
Thanks Sarah. Hopefully Spider-Man embraces the spirit of change too and returns to his old self!
Glad the second half of 2014 is looking rosier 🙂
Author
Cheers Tom, it’s about bloody time things improved!
Lovely post. I’m so glad things are looking up for you. Have to say I agree about Spiderman – my son has reached that age too – I never thought I’d hear myself saying how much I miss Jake and the neverland pirates…
#PoCoLo
Author
Thank you! I’ve never seen Jake and the Neverland Pirates, but am being subjected to Doc McStuffins as I type. *Gnaws off own foot*
Pleased that everything is going well! My main take away from your post is that the powers that be are changing beloved cartoons from my childhood – Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey – that has me raging! #PoCoLo
Author
I know, right? There should be a law against this kind of thing!
Glad to hear things are looking up and Hooray for no more Peppa Pig. lol x
Author
Thanks Kim! Having said that about Peppa, it has come to my attention that both boys now seem to like Doc McStuffins which is even worse!
Pleased to hear things are on the up. Especially pleased to hear the bath won’t need cleaning as often! Here’s to a much better second half of 2014.
Author
Cheers John. Yes, that’s definitely an added bonus!
I too notice the change in weather which is sad considering how much fun the warm weather is. Changes in our children are so inevitable but you dont notice it as much as when you have a bit of distance. #pocolo
Author
Thanks Merlinda. I actually think I notice more changes now I’m not around all day. With you on the change in weather though – not looking forward to it getting cold outside!
Great post – I find as my boys grow up, you do notice the differences…one day it’s Thomas and Peppa Pig, the next, it’s Ben 10, TMNT and Doctor Who… it’s a cliche but they do grow up so fast!
Enjoy these moments, as you only realise the special nature of sharing these moments after you get some time to reflect!
Author
Thanks Mike – they really do! I’m making sure I make the most of weekends and evenings now I’m working again. 🙂