Tag Archives: kids

Dear DorkySon…

April 3, 2013 By in Family Tags: , , , , , , , , 13 Comments

Painting The Rainbow Old Jack's Boat

Dear DorkySon.

Now you are four!

Didn’t we have a grand old birthday weekend? A night in a lovely hotel on Friday, and a walk round central London on Saturday. We saw the duck boat on its way to the Thames but decided it was too cold to get on one ourselves. You gave a big cheery wave and a hello to every policeman that we saw, but didn’t like watching the guards changing over outside St James’ Palace because you thought their guns and big heavy boots were too scary.

Then home, for your proper birthday; far too many presents from all your generous family and friends – including this wonderful painting of Old Jack’s Boat by DorkyGranny – and so, so much food.

It amazes me, that tummy of yours. It seems you can always fit a little more in… especially if it’s roast potatoes or chocolate cake on offer. But then seeing you constantly running around – climbing under one thing and jumping over the next – it’s no surprise that you need a lot of energy to fuel the engine. Continue reading →

1,2,3… Lego Duplo Number Train Review

March 6, 2013 By in Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 8 Comments

Lego number train

Here are three of DorkySon’s favourite things in the world.

  1. LEGO
  2. Trains
  3. Showing off how well he can count.

I don’t say yes to many review opportunities, but when I was asked if we’d like to try the new LEGO DUPLO Number Train, I could not reply to the email quickly enough. DorkySon loves DUPLO. He will be four at the end of the month. He has some ‘big boy lego’ too. He likes his catamarans and his quad bikes if I’m there to help him, but DUPLO is the stuff he can really get to grips with on his own.

“Yes!” I said. “Yes, we’ll do it! How soon can we do it? Can you deliver it now?”

Continue reading →

Once upon a time…

May 18, 2012 By in Family Tags: , , , , , 19 Comments

DorkySon has always loved us to read stories to him. As long as there’s a cuddly grown-up and a book nearby, he’s the happiest boy in the world.

A couple of nights ago, DorkyDad and I were a little surprised to suddenly find that the storytelling roles had reversed.

“Sit on the floor Mummy.” said DorkySon. “Sit down Daddy. I’m going to tell you a story.”

We did as we were told, and sat down on the carpet. DorkySon sat down in front of us and took a deep breath.
Continue reading →

Live in the Now: September

September 4, 2011 By in Family, Scotland Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Pink blossoms on a blue background with the slogan 'live in the now'

Happy September!

The nights are drawing in, and there is a chill in the air. DorkySon’s windows have that sweep of condensation on them when I open his shutters in the morning (he points at it and tells me we need to call the window cleaners), but I love this time of year. The trees are all turning to autumn colours, and some evenings the final moments of sunlight are just magical. Best of all, the city is getting quieter, hunkering down in preparation for winter. The purple cow, the street perfomers and the visiting luvvies have all gone into hibernation. Continue reading →

Mummies Can’t Get Sick

June 17, 2011 By in Family Tags: , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

white mug, glasses and box of tissues on a bedside table, implying sickness

This was originally published as a guest post on the excellent parenting blog Are We Nearly There Yet Mummy? Thank you to Laura for giving me the opportunity to borrow her readers for the day! 

The DorkyBoys are sick. It is truly a pathetic sight.

DorkySon has created a little triangle of activity to make sure everyone can see how sick he is. First he stands in a corner of the room, swaying slightly and sucking his thumb. Then he walks slowly round my desk, trailing his hippo lovey along the floor behind him and occasionally fixing me with a somewhat baleful look. Finally he comes over, puts his head in my lap and sighs. I rub his hair, give him a sip of juice, and send him on his way to start the whole routine again.

DorkyDad isn’t a whole lot better. “Can I have a lemon tea?’ he croaks at me from the sofa. “Can I have a painkiller?” he whimpers. “Do you think I’ll be well enough to play golf tomorrow?” he asks, sticking his bottom lip out slightly. “Why don’t you Google ‘head cold and golf’ for me…?” Continue reading →