The last two weeks have been dominated by potty training in the Clark household!

Having tried, with little success on, a few previous occasions the time came where Michael and I felt that into the New Year we had to make a new attempt.

It has been stressful and we have had many moments of wanting to give up but slowly it is coming together. When I’m writing this we have, that is to say, Alfie has had 3 dry days. To say we are proud is an understatement, it is probably the final step that all the nursing, caring has been leading to. Alfie is no longer our baby he is a little boy growing up far too fast for our liking but it is his journey and we are privileged to be part of it.

Alfie was a very lucky little boy this year and was utterly spoilt by Santa.

He got his first bike a very cool red and black one with flames on the seat. Musical instruments, remote control cars, car mat and cars, scribble and draw Leapfrog, and from his Great Auntie Barbara a play kitchen. He has literally stood for hours making us all sorts of meals.

We had a great Christmas meal at Ian and Janis’ (Granny and Grandad Clark) which Granny Sheila and Grandad Dave also attended.

Needless to say everyone drank and ate too much (including Alfie!!) but what else is better than spending Christmas with family.

We were invited to a Halloween party today at Matt and Amanda Skiltons.

The kids all looked fab dressed up – we had cats, a devil, a spider, witches and Alfie went as “Franky Stein”. They all looked fab in their costumes.

Everyone ate and laughed too much.

Thanks guys, a great time was had by all.

Alfie, Granny Sheila and I went to Aberdeen to see Val and family.

It was great to see them all. Tracy managed to get a half day off work to see us and Nikki is just blooming with that soon to be a mummy look. It was lovely to be able to see her and Barry’s house and the nursery which will be in use in less than a week.

They took us to Hoodles Play Barn. It’s a cross between Jumping Joeys’ and Murton Farm in our area. Alfie had a ball playing on the indoor toys and even though it was freezing cold he dared to play on the outdoor diggers in the sand giant sandpit.

Thanks for a great day our guys! We all had a great time.

Can’t wait to go back up for a visit to see the newest member of the Low family very soon x x

Alfie, Michael and I are back from our holiday in York.

We had a really good time, the city is beautiful with lots to see and do.

As the train journey was 4 hours long we had to think of ways to entertain Alfie, so along with an assortment toys we made up a ‘station’ map and marked off each station as we passed them.

When we got to the hotel, Alfie was a big help pressing the buttons on the lift. The hotel had a swimming pool, and by the end of the holiday, Alfie could jump from the edge of the pool to one of us about 5 feet away.

On the first day, we got tickets for the open-top bus tour of the town. Although it was a bit rainy, we all had a good time.

We went to the Jorvik Viking Centre and DIG on the second day. Daddy visited Jorvik when he was young – a long time ago! We really enjoyed both places. Alfie especially liked DIG as he could use a trowel to dig for treasure. Alfie spent some of his spending money and got a Jorvik bouncy ball and a wooden viking sword.

Before we came home, we visited the National Rail Museum. Alfie and Daddy had a ride on a replica of Stevenson’s Rocket, and then Alfie and Mummy had a ride on a miniature railway. There were lots of trains to see and Alfie was excited about the Thomas and Chuggington toys at the shop.

We bought Grumpy Ian’s Birthday present at the NRM as he likes trains as well.

We all had a great holiday and packed a lot into 3 days, but it was just really good to spend quality time together.

Alfie, Michael and I are just back from the first part of our holiday.

We went to Peterhead to visit Michael’s brother Bryan and wife Morag.

We went into Aberdeen to do a bit of shopping on the first day and Fraserburgh and Peterhead the second. We had a lovely dinner in Slains Castle on Saturday and Sunday tea in the Crossed Keys (Peterhead).

Catching up With Bry and Morag was lovely, lots of baby talk as they are due in March.

Next part of our holiday is York in a couple of days, should be good fun.

Alfie has been somewhat transfixed with Disney ‘s Cars at the moment. So when the opportunity arose and I had the courage I took him to the Odeon to see Cars2 with Granddad Dave.

The film was really good and apart from one or two escape bids he behaved really well.

Alfie thoroughly enjoyed eating his popcorn and watching Mcqueen on the big screen.

Well that’s Alfie reached another milestone and got all of his teeth in!!

Finally, after about 6 weeks the pair to his top left tooth has arrived. The poor wee might was struggling with this one and had the most horrific teething spots across his nose and cheeks over the weekend and only by Tuesday of this week did I dare put my finger in to check in case (as he has been apt to do) bit me!

Well done little man – one more step overcome in growing up, (all too quickly for us ;()

Alfie has started showing signs of knowing when he has gone to the toilet.

In fairness it’s mostly after the event.

However, having finally had enough of  Alfie’s accidents whilst waiting for his shower – Mike decided to start putting him on the toilet with the insert.

Every shower night for the last 2 weeks Alfie has managed to go potty in the “Big Boy” toilet all by himself.

Watch this space as we now have a deadline for potty training as Alfie is due to start playgroup in October and needs to be dry during the day.

Way to go little man – we are both so proud of you x x

Alfie’s speaking is coming on in leaps and bounds at the moment.

We really do only need to say something a couple of times to him and  is trying to repeat it back to us.

The newest are;

Work; Handrail; Hey You; Okay; Taxi; Yellow;Una; Hello; Please.

Michael and I are so very proud of him – well done wee man!!