Learning, developing

This weekend there was a change. At the ice-skating with cousin K on Saturday, you skated all by yourself and better than  before, trying to go backwards and even doing a jump or three.
Then we went to Finsbury Park and you climbed to the top of the two climbing frames.
Today you swam well and then we had a roller-skating practice, at which, similarly to the ice-skating, a new confidence was apparent. Along with the football we played, this has been a great weekend for physical development and learning. Proud of you, son.

Rock Trumps

We play games every day. Junior versions of Scrabble and Cluedo, Uno and more. You've enjoyed "top trumps" since we got our first pack - "toff trumps" a marketing gift from a company - and then I bought "wonders of the world", "London", "tallest buildings" and now we have about 15 or 20 packs. You asked about tree ones a while ago and I couldn't find any.

After we bought a 'modern artists' pack at the Tate, we made an individual card with you as an artist to go in it. Yesterday you suggested we should make a pack.

You have given me a little family business idea, son.

Our first joke

You know your animal sounds. I ask you "What does a lion say?" and you say "Raa". "What does un gato say?" "Miaow", un perro, a horse, una culebra, a sheep, una cabra, a fish, a dolphin, un lobo, and a few more, with sounds I have thrown in for your bath-toy turtle ("Oh no" (he's a pessimist)) and crab too. Yesterday, I asked what Baby Rock says, and suggested "down" (still one of your favourite words, though "big" and "small" are having their moment). So today when I asked again, you answered "down" and caused a laugh from your parents.

What Price Fisher?

You are enjoying the plastic additions to your possession collection.

First Xmas

As an atheist who is anti-commercialism, Xmas (I have petulantly refused to write "Christ"mas for several years and don't buy cards to send with the word on it) poses problems now that I have a son. How do I treat this time of year? Yesterday was relatively easy and even next year it might be possible to just kop-out of really dealing with it, but I have to come up with a strategy both you and I are happy with.

Yesterday, you got presents from your Nanny & Grandad, Cousin Yvonne and family in Australia, Maki in Singapore and books from me and your mum. The Koala got the most stares and the keys that also travelled half the world made you laugh, continuously. Nanny & Grandad gave you a bowl with spoons for when you are on solids (very useful), your first stacking blocks and a set of teethers. Maki sent you a cute little yukata.

Five weeks in

I love being your dad. My routine at the moment involves waking at 7 and changing, feeding and rocking you to sleep before I go to work. When I return, I get to hold you and feed you again, normally. You are so gorgeous and all your little noises (including your tearless bawling) cause me smiles and laughs. I love this time with you and love the idea of being with you as you grow, son.

Firsts

This blog will undoubtedly be full of firsts though admittedly this is not even the first entry about firsts. On Tuesday this week I felt you kick for the first time (your mum had obviously felt that before) and today we received your first clothes, which Aunty Bao bought for you.
Meanwhile, your mum, despite being sceptical at first, has started to call you "Rock", her favourite of my suggestions so far.