21.10.26

We’ve just had the most amazing visit to Australia. John went to Melbourne to see his Grandsons for a week,then joined me for my 2nd week in Sydney with my grandson. And my daughter and partner. Mustn’t forget them.

But the grandson was definitely the star of the trip. He’s almost 11 months old now

I’m gutted I won’t be around for his first birthday, which he’s going to be celebrating with 6 other birthday one year olds. Our timing couldn’t have been better though as my daughter is still on maternity leave for 2 and a bit weeks which enabled quality time together.

We’ve been swimming, we’ve seen Winnie The Pooh and friends, sculptures, had lunch at the new Sydney Fish market, been on a farm trip, to soft play, had lovely walks and a picnic where the tree bark was the favourite thing.

One of the 3 pink kitchen spatulas accompany each trip. Of all the toys and possibilities these are his favourite things.

We’ve played with him and his toys for hours and it’s been amazing just seeing new skills developing every day. I’m biased but he is just the cutest, brightest, content little boy.

We’ve done singing and dancing, stacking towers that are instantly knocked down but the funniest is when he copies facial expressions and we do mummummum noises whilst looking like goldfish.

We usually left their flat after bath and story time before he settled down for bed time.

Last night we stayed later and had a Chinese takeaway and lots of tears before saying our final goodbyes and went back to their friends flat where we’ve been staying.

Everyone warned me about this incredible love you have for your grandchildren. I confidently thought I’d be immune. I’m not a natural child lover, I loved my own of course.

I loved this little one from the first moment I saw him when he was 3 weeks old.I didn’t think I could love him more. Wrong. It’s indescribable.

This morning, surprise !!! He came for another goodbye before we went to the airport and waved and did love yous before Lauren’s partner drove us to Sydney airport.

I was so brave..until…John found a pink spatula in the back of the car.

Just writing this is setting me off again. I’m the person with the red eyes and the runny nose at the boarding gate.

Our flight is a little delayed. Do I run out of the airport now or stay for our next adventure?