The baby race

So much of the time now I’m back in the baby group world I hear people ask…

‘Is he sitting unaided?’ ‘Is he sleeping all night?’ ‘Is he walking?’ 

It can seem so important, but i wish I could say to all those other mums who are doing such incredible jobs raising little people…

It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t.

Albie only ever said one word …’clap’. 

But some how he has taught me more than listening to countless lectures. 

Albie never walked unaided…But somehow he’s moving mountains.

Albie had no teeth…but could still munch his way through a cheese burger!

Albie slept through the night about 5 times in total…but for him to wake up now would be my biggest wish.

And all the rest of the stuff-when he sat, crawled, rolled etc. I don’t actually remember at what age he did any of it. 

But I do remember how his fists would clench so tightly with excitement when we’d feed the ducks.

And I remember he would laugh for so long at his brothers til he almost had to catch his breath at the end.

Oh and I definitely remember his face covered in weetabix pressed into mine as he decided that’s the exact moment he really wanted a kiss. I of course never refused that beautiful filthy little face.

I don’t remember the dates because they don’t matter. It was all magical. Running his own race. 

Yes Albie never walked unaided. 

He always needed my hand, he never walked alone. And that’s quite a nice thought I think. I hope he can still feel my hand in his now. I hope he never feels alone. I’ll never let go. 

I’ve a lot of things to carry- little people, washing (mainly from the bigger people!), shopping…but without his hand in mine, I always sort of feel like my arms are empty, desperate to hold one more thing. To hold Albie.

There’s no need to rush, just hold hands.