When I was a child we existed in a largely technology free world and spent much of our time outdoors. Whether it was playing games, skipping or attempting cartwheels, we were always active. Much has changed since the days of flares, big hair and sounds of the disco but a recent study has revealed some shocking statistics.
Something amazing happened last summer. POD swam on her own for the very first time. She was wearing armbands but that didn’t matter because it meant she finally believed she would stay afloat. On holiday two months earlier, she’d insisted we purchase not just armbands but a rubber ring as well because she was convinced she was going to sink. Neither were particularly suitable as they restricted her movement but she refused to go in the pool without them. Thankfully we managed to ‘lose’ the rubber ring fairly swiftly and in the days that followed POD built up her water confidence.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s drawing, colouring or sticking, POD thoroughly enjoys creating. She loves modelling too although she does get a little frustrated if it hardens! Thankfully Plasticine has launched a Softeez range which is super easy to mould and doesn’t go hard.
We have a pet! Alright it’s not an actual pet but Lil’ Mouse Crumbs could just as easily be. From the Character Little Live Pets range, he arrived with this rather superb Mouse Play Trail. POD is already besotted with him and he’s perfect for the kitchen table too as there’s no mess. It’s also a lot of fun to watch him scoot round the trail making sounds like a real mouse as he goes.
The Doves have always been huge tennis fans. A highlight was certainly being at Centre Court for that epic game between Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet way back in 2008. Murray not only came back from being two sets down, he went on to the win the match and secure a place in the quarters. As well as continuing to watch at home, we used to play tennis regularly too. Before POD came along in 2010, we’d be on court several times a week all year round. We even took two Mark Warner Holidays so we could improve our game and play tennis most of the day. POD’s arrival, and a rather spectacular wrist break, saw a six year hiatus but 2015 was the year we finally got to dust down our rackets. Picking up the game we love was a superb feeling but even better was seeing a four year old POD on court for the very first time.
POD always enjoyed playing with a supermarket till at her grandparents house. Much hilarity ensued when she shouted “clean up on aisle 3” down the pretend microphone! POD’s excitement levels were almost stratospheric when she received the touch-sensitive Supermarket Till from Casdon though as its digitised and has a working calculator.
POD has been involved in a couple of plays at school since she started in September. First came a nativity which saw her take on a convincing role as a King and sing with two others. She had the most splendid costume, king-like as you’d expect but with a Cleopatra style collar and shiny crown. It was a polished performance from everyone, all credit to the school for pulling it together and ensuring the children had such a great time. Last term saw POD take on the role of octopus in an adaptation of Rainbow Fish. Dressed in blue leggings and a blue top, with stuffed legs stitched onto it, POD had even perfected a deep octopus voice! It was quite something to see the children sign as they sang too. She seems to relish performing so when the opportunity arose to do a two week trial at Stagecoach, she was really keen.
We’ve always encouraged POD to explore her creativity and the three years she had at nursery certainly helped fuel that. She adopts the same level of enthusiasm for painting and colouring as she does crafts with her newly discovered written skills adding depth to the creations that adorn her bedroom walls. Being an independent little thinker with a fantastic imagination, we were keen to see how she got on with a Shaker Maker.
Now aged five POD usually tells us about any bad dreams if she remembers them clearly enough. The last one she had was quite vivid in that she recalled being on a pirate ship with Peppa Pig and everyone was being chased by a nasty witch. She didn’t seem overly concerned she was on board a pirate ship but understandably got upset about the witch. Thankfully the chasing was a one off although like everyone she does have bad dreams on occasions.
There have been lots of discussions around pets in the Dove household over recent months. POD asked for a dog several times a day in the lead up to her Christmas Day birthday. Thankfully we didn’t crumble as she received a rather splendid toy one that barks, walks and has a lead so she’s happy. One of her best chums getting a real puppy was the icing on the cake. POD loves cats too and there are plenty in our road for her to chat to. She knows she’ll never have one of her own, as we’re allergic to them, but that’s what makes the Pet Parade Play Garden from Flair a little bit special. And it’s provided POD with the opportunity to perfect her rather superb miaowing skills!
