Extreme sunshine and new toy!

Our little pickle Max is growing and learning marvellously and he's such a delight. The past few days he's been trying really hard to say some words and chooses to repeat sounds; 'brum' is a particular favourite at the moment, and just today he's said 'mum mum mum' over and over which is very exciting and I'm hoping will soon turn into a 'Mummy'! I made a bet with Callum he'd say 'Mummy' first! Hehehe!

Last week M came over and read Max a story...

... and she also played with him and his new Chicco Walker. As he can't walk yet he using it just as a play station (not the console) sitting down.

He's already sussed the various parts and is very fond of the paddles on the left and right. The left one makes a 'boing' sound and the right one plays a little tune. He gets very pleased with himself when he makes the noises and will often turn to find me to check that I've seen him do it! Clever boy!

Where's Max?

Boo!

This afternoon Sally invited me over for lunch as Callum flew off to LA this morning (sob), and Max had a lovely time watching and playing with Jack. Jack is very lovely with Max and will often hand over his toys or pencils to involve him in his fun which is utterly adorable.

Max has techno-joy (note the Eddie Izzard reference) and likes holding my mobile phone a lot.

Towards the end of the afternoon both Max and I were getting unbearably hot (note the flushed face) so we left Sally to be with Jack and Alec, who flew home today after his work trip. If you click on this picture to enlarge it's a particularly pretty one of his eyes. They're an amazing colour - slatey blue with dark brown in the centre - and they've been the same for a while now so we think they'll probably stay this way. However they turn out eventually he will undoubtedly be gorgeous though.

Finally a little video of Max watching Jack play in the sun with his puzzle.

Max's Christening

Maximus Alexander was Christened on May 17th and we've been sent over a few photos from those with cameras on the day. We had a lovely afternoon celebrating it in Corpus Christi and the adjoining Keenan Rooms.

Max's Godmother, Pippa

Annointing with Chrysm

Symbolic white shawl

Lighting the Baptism Candle

Blessing of parents and godparents

Officially Christened! Hooray!

At the after-party in the Keenan Rooms

This adorable little chap is Archie, who loved running!

Having a cuddle with Pauline

Below are some photos of me opening presents. Many thanks to all the gift-givers for their presents and to those who contributed some monies for Max's Trust Fund.

A T-shirt and sleeveless pullover from Gunkle Peej and Mel

A travelling-inspired sterling compass from Godmother Pippa

A musical box from Mea

A handsome knitted cardi from Great Gran

A sweet wooden Christening box from Una, Dom, Jimbo and Emma

A baby Bible board book and first words book with sounds from M

A first crockery dinner set from Smart, Cara and the girls

4 brilliant T-shirts from Mum and Daddy Godfrey, Samantha and Dastan.

A keepsake set and 3 piece cutlery set from Scott and Lauren

A beautiful illustrated and anotated book of Grimm's Fairy Tales from Vas

This little creature (called Hot Dog) was made by Pete and has become one of Max's very favourite cuddlies. See below! :)

Thanks again to everyone for being there, for the presents and to Smart, Gordon, Alec and Daddy for the photos at the Christening.

Visiting Great Gran & May Bank Holiday Weekend

On Thursday last week, Sally and me and our boys went to Kew to visit Gran for the afternoon. Max and Jack were both gorgeous all day and we had fish and chips for lunch! Thanks Gran!

On our way to the park Max fell asleep and we met 2 lovely Canada Geese by the pond.

I'm not sure who had more fun; Jack or Sally and Gran!

Max eventually woke up from his nap to Gran's smiling face in the sunshine. What a nice way to wake up. :)

Max has started very clearly reaching out for things - and people - he wants. His spoon is one of his favourite things at the moment and towards the end of his meals I let him have it with some food on so he (sort of) feeds himself!

Max can now sit up unaided on the bed as well as the floor. He particularly likes sitting on our bed as if I face him the right way he can look at himself in the mirror, which he enjoys and I don't blame him... How gorgeous is he?!

Max was very pleased to see Daddy last week after his long trip away in Liverpool with work. Callum was just as happy.

On Sunday, we had lunch at Grannie and Grandad's and Sally and Jack were also with us. Max was fascinated by the polka dotted mat.

This gorgeous Yellow Submarine lyric top is from Aunty Samantha and Dastan which he's had for ages and now finally fits into! Thanks Sam!

A proud moment for Callum! Today he handed Maximus his golf grip training thing (I'm sure it has a proper name but I don't know it) and he held it like a pro!

Hopefully the next blog will have photos of Max's Christening which are waiting for from various family members... Hint hint! :)