This collection of photographs were taken at POD’s Christening yesterday.
The day started with POD running round the garden in her beautiful dress and pulling leaves off trees. The sun was shining at that point so we enjoyed a ten minute walk to the church where we met relatives and friends. Two of the godparents had traveled from Ireland and Cheshire the day before – we were slightly jaded as a result.
Our church is very relaxed, especially at the all ages service, with younger children given the freedom to explore without causing too much disruption. Like most toddlers, POD doesn’t enjoy being restrained.
She was impeccably behaved during the baptism itself, reacting well to having water poured on her head, turning to the vicar to say ‘again!’
After the baptism she stayed at the front, joined by friends, one of whom she goes to nursery with and who she skipped around with hand in hand. It as a lovely service just what we were hoping for as POD’s introduction to the church.
Following the service everyone headed back to the Doves for some food and drink. It was all too much for POD who slept for two hours that afternoon. It was truly memorable occasion and definitely a day to remember.
We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? on this blog and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse. If you fancy joining in, click on the badges below.
The flagship garden of the RHS is located in Wisley, Surrey. Even with a toddler in tow, it oozes peace and tranquility. Set in 240 acres, you can expect to lose hours while you take in its immense gardens, loggia and canal of waterlilies.
When I was on maternity leave, I visited nearby Stoke Park. It was a gorgeous day so we’d had a picnic while our babies shuffled about on blankets. POD had mastered the art of being on all fours and sticking her bottom high in the air. An unusual talent which led to a nearby mother commenting “Oh my goodness, look what that baby’s doing”. I can only presume she was impressed with POD’s new found skills.
With Daddy out for the day, POD and I headed to Stoke Park on foot. When I say on foot, she enjoyed a nice relaxing doze in her buggy while I attempted to push it over uneven pavement with 
wooden bridge across it. Incredibly peaceful and home to a variety of ducks. They hardly moved when you past them they were so comfortable with their surroundings. Stepping stones led to a pathway below where a large paddling pool was full of excitable children.
POD was so excited about being outside having had a few days indoors. She ran around giggling and pointing before attempting to make a bid for freedom over a wall. She smelt flowers, looked at birds and came across a bee on a Clover. Unsurprisingly she’s wasn’t a fan.
As new members of the National Trust, we’ve recently explored the Natural Play Trail at 
for another day. Not to say we couldn’t enjoy a nice relaxing meal in the restaurant before setting off to exploring the wider parkland.
An outdoor exhibition of giant photographs was on show in the gardens. It focused on the beautiful landscape and wildlife of New Zealand. POD was delighted to see a photograph of a goat – otherwise known as a moose. She learnt fir cones don’t taste very nice.
overgrown, covered in thick undergrowth and had a yew hedge of over 30ft high. That was until a National Trust employee came across it in 1971. Today, the garden is centred around a small statue in a circular pool, with clipped hedges and topiary.
Having discovered the wonders of 
Today we’re heading straight for Little Wix Woods in the hope the bluebells are in full bloom. POD is very keen to see the hidden fairies although she’d already declared “I don’t do magic” before we arrived. You’d never know she’s a fan of Ben & Holly.
A long path took us to a kissing gate *sniggers* into centenary woodland. To our left was the Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren, a children’s adventure play area with hand-crafted willow tunnels, domes, balance beams and a totem pole. Another kissing gate gave way to open parkland and Rookery Pond. A few minutes later we arrived at Little Wix Woods.
“Look Mummy Daddy, another one” she cried a couple of minutes later, arm pointing towards another fairy.
“bellyolly” have wands and shoes.
The Doves were craving some fresh air after a week cooped up indoors. Luckily for us we were greeted with a beautifully sunny day.
accustomed to her new surroundings.
long before we heard her shriek “Whatsatt?”. It was a tiny, yet perfectly formed, fir cone. Her face lit up with a huge smile when she realised it wasn’t going to eat her.
and leaves were added to an ever increasing pile. Her collecting came to an abrupt halt when she spotted a stream. Shallow enough to walk in, POD saw it as a giant muddy puddle. She trotted through the stream with her sunglasses on upside down. She likes to wear them like that.
kicking leaves as she went. Running in a little ditch full of leaves she tripped and fell. Instead of complaining, she let out the most enormous giggle. The leaves had cushioned her fall and she’d bounced as she tumbled onto her back. It truly was a magical moment, she found playing in the leaves hilarious.
mind when home, I think this was a sign she’d had a really great time.
