This week has been really refreshing. Nick's at that wonderful age where he's exploring looking at everything. But he generally knows where everything is at home now so will, every now and again, return to me and put his head on me and try to hug me or climb on my back. I love it! I was a little upset when he started being really independent as, when I picked him up, he would push me away wanting to get down and go, go, go. He wasn't interested in me anymore and I still wanted to be able to play with him. But he's coming back to me now, wanting me again and I'm loving it.

Over the past few months, I began a search for all the different things I could do to captivate his interest and entice him to play but for the most part he would just want to be off exploring - his nickname at the moment is 'Little Explorer' or 'splorer' for short. Mind you he's had a few; 'Boss', 'Grizzle Bear' and 'Cuddle Bear' to name a few hehehe. The other day I put him on my back as I crawled around the floor pretending to be a horse. He laughed so hard and really cuddled me and squealed in my ear. It was so awesome, we had so much fun. Another game which he loves is sitting on my lap, facing me while I rock him singing 'Row, row, row your boat', 'Ride a horse to Banbury Cross' and 'Giddy up horsey'. He loves that too. Nick's becoming more interactive with me day by day and I'm really soaking it in, enjoying every minute.

I suppose this week has been especially fun filled because it's mostly been devoted to play. Monday we had a play date with Zach, who's a bit older than Nick, but they had a great time together all the same. Tuesday we went to playgroup for the first time - We're pretty new to the area and have been wanting to go for some time but I wasn't really ready to go before now. I was a little shy but watching Nick play so well with the others I came out of my shell. He even did a beautiful finger painting that's proudly on my fridge now. It's awesome!! I loved it when all the little kiddies sat down for refreshments and Nick sat down like all the bigger kids and enjoyed his sandwiches, fruit and water. I was so proud! Wednesday was another play day. We went to our weekly support group for behavioural development. We again had lots of fun, singing songs and playing with toys and the other kids. Then today we had a lovely day again, horsing around and laughing and singing.

I'm feeling more contented every day, really enjoying being a mum. It's definitely getting easier to know what Nicky wants and when. He's so easy and happy and loving and adorable. I feel I've been blessed with the cutest, most beautiful little boy I could ever have dreamed of having. He's amazing and I love him so much. Good night my beautiful little cherub!

's Nickysmummum