A special surprise

POD’s second birthday was on Christmas Day. We decided to do something different and postpone the main present giving.

Through the generous help of family we were able to purchase a playhouse for her. With December not the ideal time for outdoor play, we decided to surprise her when the weather improved.

That way she could enjoy her playhouse rather than gaze at it through the window.

The playhouse comprises of a house on stilts with steps leading up to it on one side and a slide on the other. There’s also a swing attached. Perfect for a toddler obsessed with climbing.

The plan was for the playhouse to be installed while POD was at nursery. The idea being she didn’t see it until the next day when she’d be able to play on it for as long as she liked. It didn’t quite go to plan. The two chaps installing it were still beavering away when she returned from nursery.

The obligatory “hello man” was shortly followed by “look anodder man” and “what’s man doing?”. I’d love to say POD waited patiently for it to be finished but like any toddler she was itching to be set free. Once the house was stable she was off.

Here is a short video of POD exploring her playhouse for the first time.

The following day POD was up the steps, in the house, down the slide, up the steps, in the house and down the steps. This was accompanied with cries of “Not Mummy Daddy house, my house”. We altered the big girl swing so she could sit on it herself and she’s adapted to it like a duck to water.

An old Habitat rug was put in the house along with cushions, a blanket, a chair and her wooden kitchen. She’s spent ages in there with her dollies, serving them plastic onion and courgette. Every now and again she’d come out, say “I come out of my house” before disappearing with “I go in my house”.

Initially POD tried to brain herself jumping off the swing when it was still moving but she’s got the hang of it now. Even asking Daddy to push her really high – so much so it almost looks like she’s in the sky. She has the most infectious giggle when she’s on the swing, I love hearing her laugh like that.

She’s already climbing the steps of the playhouse at great speed and finding different ways to go down the slide; like backwards on her tummy. Napping in the new house has proved fruitless despite the hopeful signs “I need a sleep Mummy, put blanket on”.

POD absolutely loves her new playhouse, she wants to be outside all the time now – even when it’s raining. She came close to squealing when she first saw it she was so excited. Such an amazing moment – no doubt there will be many more to come.

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse. Click on the badges below to find out more.