Time for a bath?

06.01.12.

Dexter indulging in another of his preferred pastimes: having a bath. Primarily, bath time is daddy's job. Bath time with daddy in charge is heaps of fun: lots of splashing and playing; 'engine' and generic vehicle noises that only dads seem to be capable of making; and most importantly, a gentle and considerate approach to hair-washing.

Bath time with mummy at the helm however, is a somewhat more perfunctory (and some might say punitive) experience. If I am in charge, it is generally because daddy is late home from work. Given that I have been at work all day too and probably have a gigantic mountain of marking to tackle, I just need to get it done.

Bath time with mummy in charge generally involves: the stripping off of clothes with scant regard for eyes, ears, limbs; being 'dunked' and 'sloshed', whilst only being allowed to play with one of a vast selection of bath toys; and no consideration for gentleness with hair washing, which generally involves Dexter crying when he sees the 'jug of doom' looming towards his head.

I like to see it as character building.

Cruising

05.01.12.

It is only in the last few weeks, that Dexter has started pulling himself up to his feet and attempting a mini shuffle around. I believe this is referred to as 'cruising' - something which conjures up images of George Michael videos, circa 1998. He is a particular fan of the stairs, as this is often the best vantage point for viewing the cats fleeing in terror from him as he pursues them with grabbing hands and loud Pterodactyl noises. We really must invest in some stair gates...

The Box

04.01.12.

Ah, Dexter engaging in what has to be his favourite activity: watching television. Like his mum, Dexter has had an unhealthy relationship with the tv from a very early age. I don't feel bad about this for three reasons. Firstly, I loved television as a child (and still do), but was always a voracious reader (and still am, particularly now I have joined the Kindle club). Secondly, my boy goes to nursery full-time, where there is no tv, but in its place, a lively and stimulating 'curriculum' (really), which ensures that Dexter is involved in all sorts of creative/messy play which I would never do with him at home. Thirdly, I am a slack mum.

Current favourite programmes are 'Waybuloo' and 'In the Night Garden'. Worryingly, he has also developed a love of Bruce Forsyth (he does not feature in either), and television coverage of motor racing, fuelling daddy's vicarious ambition that Dexter will one day be a champion Formula One driver. Daddy is obviously hoping for a life of luxury, hanging out on expensive yachts and associating with Pussy Cat Dolls. Hmmm.

Hey Macarena!

03.01.12.

Dexter got lots of new toys for Christmas, a favourite being this rotating, musical, flashing 'drum'. He's really grasped the idea of hitting it to activate it (oh good), and spinning it round. It has a range of 'tunes' it plays, which when you spin it quickly, speed up. My favourite is a particularly demented version of the 'Macarena'.

Goggles

02.01.12.

Last day of the holidays for me today. A chilly one, but we decided on a quick scoot into town. Dexter assumed his usual position: asleep. He looks like a tiny member of 'Oasis' in his parka, or a real-life character from 'South Park'. Either way, when he is all tucked up, hood on, dummy in, he draws giggles from passers-by as we just seem to be pushing round a giant pair of eyes.

Happy New Year!

01.01.12.

The first day of the new year and the whole family spent it in their pyjamas. Dexter has an enviable collection of onesies; I fear in adult size, I would struggle with the poppers.