Author: Andrew

The Beach #1

Today was Benjamin’s first visit to the beach.

We are staying at the Gold Coast in Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, which is very close to Surfers Paradise Beach. Initially Belinda took Ben out into the water where he proceeded to make a few noises (not keen apparently). Then some friendly passers by stopped to offer Ben some encouragement. I took over for a few minutes and got Ben into the sand and water (still not keen it seemed). We finally escaped with Ben running in the air.

Aunty Claire suggested that a first beach experience might be like a “cat on wet grass”. I think she got it pretty close.

The last shot is of the pram (Bugaboo Bee) on the beach. It is not very well suited to the soft sand but we persevered anyway. Oh yeah, Belinda found a little bucket and spade for Ben which we are going to go back and try out tomorrow.

Watching

As new parents we are constantly monitoring and comparing Benjamin’s “progress”. In this modern day environment there is such a volume of information readily available that offers guidance or advice on what/when/how a child “should” develop. In addition there is the advice of friends and family who have been through it all before.

Ben loves to read his booksIt is so easy to get hung up on measuring your child’s current progress against these standards and expectations.

Our most recent observation was Benjamin’s mobility (or lack of, according to expectations). It seems that there is such a wide range of “normal” for when, how or even if a baby will start to crawl (some start at six or seven months, others skip straight to walking). Up until Ben’s first birthday he was moving around only a little. Since he turned one he has taken off but he is still not crawling in the traditional sense (he commando crawls on his belly mostly).

As I said it is easy to get hung up on these milestones that are perceived as important. I am sure there are plenty of things that Ben does perfectly well before “time” that go unnoticed.

We have learned to just watch and encourage in the knowledge that these things will all happen in good time. We are certainly enjoying watching Ben as he discovers and develops. It seems every week or even every day at times, he is doing something new (well it’s exciting for us anyway).

A Star

Belinda tells me that today Benjamin was “a different kid” at playgroup. Today he took off and got mobile with the other littlies but ensured to stop and put on his best smile for the mums on several occasions.

At the end he was exhausted and came home for a big sleep.

We think he was showing off or maybe he is a little star.