1st Birthday Party

First thing we did was to set up the garden. Rob put the gazebo up and I put out all the table, chairs and toys.

The Challis family arrived nice and early which was great as they helped to watch kids and to set things up. Thanks guys xxx

Leo woke up from his nap and I dressed him in his party outfit which he looked super cute in.

Then all the guests started to arrive and we all sat in the garden playing, chatting, eating, drinking and just generally chilling out.

As I was quite busy trying to chat to everyone, Charlotte and my Mum kindly took loads of pictures for me. Here are the results.

I bought Leo a cake from Marks & Spencer and it was in the shape of a lion. I loved it and decided that this would be Leo's theme from now on, lions.

We took the cake outside to sing but the wind blew the candle out and some of us started singing before everyone was ready so it was a bit disorganised but still good.

People started to leave not long after 5pm but there were a few stragglers that we just couldn't get rid of ;o)

We continued to chill out in the garden for a bit before putting the boys to bed.

Leo was shattered and crashed straight after his bath.

Rob and I then spent the evening clearing up. It took quite a long time but the house and garden ended up being tidier and cleaner than before.

Party done but still have to do the actual birthday, which we had a whole day planned for.

1st Shoes

The couple of weeks before Leo's birthday were really hard as both kids were ill at one point or another. Leo started it with such a high temperature (already posted about) and then Ellis seemed to get it too. I got him dressed ready for school on the Tuesday and he just cried and cried. I realised that he wasn't up to it. He spent the whole day laid on the sofa with his rabbit. He took himself off to bed in the morning for a nap and then was falling asleep in front of the telly in the afternoon so he had another nap. Poor thing.

The only good thing about Ellis being poorly was the fact that I could spend time with Leo uninterrupted. I was able to be really patient with him at feeding time and his appetite seems to have returned after not being very well.

We recently bought a new high chair which we are in love with!

Wednesday Ellis was feeling a bit better so we went to our music classes as normal and did a big food shop ready for Leo's birthday party. We also bought a gazeebo to help with getting a bit of shade in our garden which is quite a sun trap.

On Thursday I dropped Ellis off at school and then went to the shops with Leo. He napped for a bit but when he woke up I took him to get his first pair of shoes which Nanny and Grandad George were buying him for his birthday. He was okay getting his feet measured but once he had shoes on he wasn't so happy and was rooted to the spot.

He soon got used to it though and his lovely smile returned.

Unfortunately the sandals pinched his ankles so I ended up taking them back. Still need to get him some but I'm going to wait for a bit.

Leo likes being active. He loves climbing, jumping off things and exploring.

We picked Ellis up from school and put him to bed after lunch. Leo messed around for a bit before he went up too.

Then it was time to go to my Mum and Dad's for dinner. Ellis played inside but Leo and I sat out in the garden.

Friday was a busy day. We did our usual classes and in the evening Rob had to tackle this!

We had a visit from Auntie Nicky, Megan and Elin too who wanted to drop off their present and cards for Leo and I.

Once the boys were in bed I went food shopping again to finish off everything we would need for the party the following day. It took ages to get everything half sorted and we didn't get into bed until late. It was going to be a tiring day.