Lake District!

A week of firsts.

Sunday saw Asher's first Wainwright (Loughrigg). Monday his first boat trip, on the launch from Ambleside to Bowness. Today was my and Noah's first night out since Asher was born. We went to Zeffirelli's to see the Alan Partridge film (very funny - and the cinema was most charming).

We have also paddled in Rydal Water (declared my favourite lake as of today), enjoyed games and hilarity at the cottage and visited Daisy's cafe for lovely cakes. The plan for tomorrow is to take the bairn up the Old Man of Coniston.

In short we're having a lovely holiday (though honestly not without patches of extreme grumpiness on my part as Asher is teething and has a cold, resulting in a significant net loss when it comes to parental sleep). But it's beautiful, the weather is lovely and we're having a great time. More details (well, photos) on our return!

Asher's first castle?

Yesterday me and Ash had a day out with my dad. We went to Glastonbury and climbed up the Tor (it was hot!) and found a cafe for lunch. Asher generally enjoyed it I think, although for some reason he was NOT keen to be wrapped on my back and screamed every time I tried it. Fine when I carried him on my front though. Weird.

Afterwards we drove to nearby Nunney, where there is a small moated castle. Asher's first castle, I think. He was interested primarily in the other child visitors (he loves watching other children), but was also quite delighted when I stood near the wall and released his arms so he could touch the stones. We did this several times, eliciting a huge grin on each occasion.

Then it was time to come back for dinner. Asher enjoyed his chilli and nectarine so much that we had to rush him over to baby bathing. We were a bit late but the kind helpers allowed us to give him a bath anyway. Unfortunately, in the rush to get there, I kind of forgot to bring him a clean nappy or any clean clothes. Fortunately he rather enjoyed being carried back across the site just wrapped in a towel!

Asher's list of things to do in a tent

1. Crawl past the big pile of toys on the floor. Who wants to play with toys?!

2. Head for the door. There's a lovely little puddle that has dripped onto the floor.

3. Lick the puddle up.

4. Object to Mummy's silly suggestion about playing with toys instead of licking the puddle.

5. Crawl right through the door. There's grass outside! Grass! EAT IT!!!

6. Wonder why Mummy keeps moving you away from that delicious grass. Find some slightly drier grass on floor of tent. Eat that instead.

7. Give passers by an angelic smile.

Things get in-tents...

This is what Asher looks like when he's "going to sleep" in the tent. Squeals of delight ensue. We're having to reinforce his pop up travel cot to stop him rolling it right over. He's wriggling round and round, giving us such huge grins.

I don't know how any of us will get any sleep tonight.

But I think Asher likes camping!

Ready to go!

Asher in the car, all packed and ready to set off for Soul Survivor!

How to earn Uncle Points

In fact there are lots of ways to earn uncle points, including giving the baby awesome Christmas presents, whooshing the baby and singing silly songs to make the baby laugh.* But one good way is to carry Asher in the sling whilst I make omelettes for tea and take him into the garden on a cat hunt. Thanks, Uncle Thom!

*Another way, which I am particularly keen on, is getting takeaway for Mummy and Daddy... ;)

Daddy's home!!

Al Fresco Dining

Having tea outside at Uncle Thom's house!

Yes, I used the wrap to tie Asher to a chair. Much easier than trying to eat a baked potato with him wriggling on my knee.

Thanks for dinner, Thom!

Sugar Loaf

Today we took Asher up his first ever mountain! Mynydd Pen-y-Fal, or Sugar Loaf, in the Black Mountains is 1955 feet (596 metres) tall. So a little mountain... but a mountain nonetheless.

Dad, taking this photo: "It's like trying to take a portrait of Zaphod Beeblebrox"

I carried Asher on my back in the sling and it was pretty comfortable, although the straps were making my shoulders ache a bit by the time we were finished.

Baby's First Stile

We walked slowly up through the trees. It was very tiring for me! I haven't climbed a mountain since before Asher was born and although wearing the sling doesn't feel the same as carrying a heavy load I did feel a bit like I'd gained 20lb!

When we came out into the open Asher gazed around in delight, occasionally cooing at a passing sheep. He really seemed to enjoy being in the proper countryside. Hooray!

The final ascent was much steeper than it looks here...

... but we made it!

We all had an excellent time and Asher was shrieking with delight, both atop his mountain and on the way home.

His Grandma and Grandad were very proud of him - and so was I.

Now... how long until he starts walking up things by himself?

Bristol

Asher makes himself at home at Grandma and Grandad's house...

Evening out!

Saturday night was my first ever evening away from Asher. After dinner, bath and his bedtime routine I cycled to Sidney Sussex for the evening reception of Tim and Liz's wedding. Asher was left in the very capable care of his grandma who did an admirable job, reassuring me by text that all was peaceful. Indeed I felt sufficiently relaxed about the situation to dance every dance at the ceilidh - and I had a great time. I also really enjoyed walking home under the stars. I haven't seen stars for months!

When I got home Asher had been awake for a few minutes but Mum was doing a wonderful job of keeping him calm with cuddles and shushing.

My first ever evening out as a mum! I deem it a success :)

Asher Splasher!

Today it was HOT!

We tried to go to the zoo but it didn't quite work out. So instead we walked to Cherry Hinton park. It was lovely! We had a picnic under a shady tree, and then Asher had his first ever paddle in a stream. He seemed to enjoy it! The water was very cold but he didn't seem bothered - he just went "ooooh!" a lot and 'walked' about in the water (with me firmly holding onto him at all times, of course).

Today's photo was taken by the stream, after I had dried Ash off and changed him out of the very wet nappy!