Happy birthday Harry! (Toddler Stage in general)

Member Name: mummy2harry

Product:	Toddler Stage in general
Date:	17/03/09 (223 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: He's gorgeous, fun, loving and all mine!

Disadvantages: NONE

It is my wonderful boy Harry's 3rd birthday today... Happy Birthday Harry!! I can't believe that this little whirlwind of love, life and fun has been in my life for 3 years, yet at the same time it's like he's never not been here. It's amazing how such a small person can become absolutely everything to you and invade every part of your life, and the older he gets, the more joy he brings to our lives. Harry is certainly not a baby anymore (although he'll always be my baby!) and we're well and truly into the toddler stage. It's the most fascinating, rewarding, and exhausting stage so far, and I'm loving every minute. So in honour of my son's 3rd year in this world, here's a little about my toddler Harry.

Harry Benjamin arrived on March 17th 2006, 7 weeks early and was the best early present I've ever had. Since his birth, he's changed my life completely, but in the best way ever. I am a stay at home, which I feel lucky to be able to do, and I am able to enjoy every moment with him. Harry is, and has always been, a curious child. Ever since he's learned to talk, its question after question, sometimes to the point where I have to answer "just BECAUSE!" when he asks the same question 20 times in a row! But I love watching him learn about his world, finding everything from a leaf to the clouds fascinating, and a never-ending enthusiasm and energy for life.

To me, Harry became a toddler when he began to walk just after his first birthday. He quickly became steady on his feet and there was no stopping him. Already it felt like I was losing the baby stage, but I had no idea how it would feel when all that had gone! He was a keen walker, so much so that we soon had to stop using the buggy because he really hated it, he is so independent. He seems to love shopping, although he very suddenly gets bored and then you really know about - it's literally shop til he drops with him! He loves making conversation with shop assistants, and they equally love chatting with him. He can be shy, but more often than not will have a chat with people... we definitely need to reinforce the "stranger danger" message to him I think!

Harry began creche in September 2008 at 2 and a half years old. I felt that as an only child a couple of hours a week mixing with other children and learning to be apart from me would do him good, and it certainly has. From his first session he's loved it, and never cried for me to stay with him. I go off for my 2 hours peace knowing he's happy and safe, and in return I get lots of pictures and cuddles when I return to pick him up. The staff say he's very chatty and inquisitive, but also helpful and friendly and for me that is fantastic. Knowing he behaves well there bodes well for the future, and he starts Nursery school after Easter, so only a few more weeks! He's really looking forward to it, we've bought his jumper and bookbag and he's dead proud of them, it's so sweet. School is coming in September 2010 but I'm blocking that out because I can't bear the thought of it yet - its too soon! I'll be one of the mothers sobbing in the playground, I'm terrible.

As with all toddlers, Harry is rather partial to the odd temper tantrum which isn't a pretty sight but its something all parents go through! He does like to get his own way so when he's stopped from that, he likes to let you know about it. But most of the time, he's the most lovable, fun and caring boy you'd ever want to meet. Meal times are also fun and messy - he likes to feed himself which can be a right mess, but watching the concentration it takes to co-ordinate his little hands is fascinating and amazing to watch. In fact, lots of things fascinate me about this stage - potty training has been one of them. He picked it up in just a couple of days, and now loves being a big boy and using the "big loo". Not putting nappies on reminds me what a big boy he is now, and that he really isn't a baby anymore, it's sad but at the same time I am proud of how grown up he is becoming.

Harry has lots of favourite things to do but at the moment, he loves going to feed the ducks at the river, do loads of puzzles on the sitting room floor with Mummy, and watching Fireman Sam with his daddy when Mummy is at work! But most of all, he loves books and I am proud of that. We have a bedtime story every night and often have a few stories throughout the day as well. He loves 'Alfie' stories by Shirley Hughes, as well as Peppa Pig, Noddy and Fireman Sam stories so he does like a variety. Harry is a bit of a budding cook as well, he loves making fairy cakes, helping me cook any type of dinner, and luckily he's a good eater as well. I love my little helper in the kitchen, and I think its good to encourage children to help in the kitchen as well, because they then won't get curious about things they shouldn't be touching like knives and the oven because they'll know what they are for.

He loves playing with his 4 cousins as well, one is only a year older than him so they are close and have a real love/hate relationship! Watching him play with them though makes me happy, it's nice he has family that he is close to and enjoys being with. He really is a family boy, he loves his mummy and daddy, and his grandparents too. He has a kitten, Magic, who he adores and is forever chasing the poor thing around the house for a hug! He likes doing his dinner and putting it down for Magic, or Madge as he calls him!, and watching him wolf it down! He's an active little boy, and when we went to stay with my parents for a week, he went for an hour long walk twice a day with my dad and his dog, and he loved it! He brought us back shells and stones from the beach, and seeing his red cheeks from being out having fun in the fresh air is fantastic, I only wish we lived much closer to them as living near the beach permanently would be great for him.

The toddler stage is completely fascinating and fun, but a real wake up call to us parents that the baby stage is at an end and our children are growing up. Toddlerdom often includes your child becoming very independent and enjoying doing things themselves, growing like the clappers and outgrowing clothes and shoes far too quickly, and lots of fun and laughs for everyone too. Yes, there are the tantrums and inevitable naughty moments as with all children, but they are far outweighed by the sheer joy and love they give you. Nothing beats Harry running up for a hug and saying "You're the best mummy in the world" or snuggling up for a story, and it makes me feel so lucky I have been given this amazing human being. Harry is my pride and joy, and I love being a mum more than anything. I just can't believe that 3 years ago he was just a tiny baby in an incubator... it really does go too fast.

I feel like Harry is somewhat famous here on Dooyoo, so I hope you join me in wishing my special little boy a Happy 3rd Birthday!! Love you Haz!

Thank you very much for reading!

Summary: Happy birthday my beautiful boy