Birthday update

Well, now that the dust has settled, I thought I’d fill you all in on Leo’s birthday shenanigans. The celebrations started on Friday 1 Dec with the arrival of ‘Gramps’ (my dad) from SA. Leo was very happy to see him, especially since he came baring gifts, his favourite being a stick of Biltong from granny. There was also a parcel of clothes from Nana.

Then, in the week of Leo’s Birthday, Bronson and I decided to take the Thursday and Friday off work to celebrate Leo’s birthday and spend time with my dad. The Thursday started early, like kids all across the globe, Leo some how knew it was his special day and wanted to start celebrating early.

He had a pile of gifts to open, especially since his Granny had left a present behind for him and his Nan had sent some gifts with friends. There were also gifts that had arrived in the mail from friends who couldn’t attend his party and another one from Granny Sharon in South Africa. We decided to spread the gifts over the day, so a few were opened in the morning. Leo got right into the gift opening swing of things…always peeking into the parcels before trying to extract the gift.

Later in the morning we met up with Valbona and Krtistella at the Christ Church play group, we were under strict instructions to attend as Leo had made a calendar the previous week that need to be collected and the group always sing for the birthday babies. Leo had a whale of a time playing with his mates and then he got to sit in the middle of the circle while everyone sang for him. (He was bouncing up and down and clapping hands for himself).

In the afternoon it was off to The Hub, an indoor play centre in Mitcham. Cinnamon and Rob (a family friend) met us there with Jake and baby Holly in tow. Leo and Bronson crawled all around the tunnels and played in the ball pit. Jake ran amok with the older kids and Cin and I enjoyed a rest and a cup of coffee…yum.



We took a very tired little boy home for a small sleep and then more present opening fun. It was a great day and an exhausted Leo was very happy to see his bed at 7pm.

Because of the huge amount of toy’s Leo received for his b-day, and knowing that more would be coming on the Saturday, ‘Gramps’ offered to buy Leo a toy box as part of his Birthday Present. So on Friday, we made a trip to Ikea to look for one. A very pregnant (and car sick) Deanne came along too. It was a first time visit to Ikea for my Dad, we don’t have anything like it in South Africa. We found the perfect basket, and poor gramps was put to work lugging the basket and Deanne’s flatpack coffee tables and shelves back to the car.

Then on Saturday it was time for the party, more of an adults affair then a kids party. We opted for a lamb on the spit and held the party in the garden of The Kings Head in Teddington. Bronson got up early to get the meat on the go, I sent his army mate Clint along to supervise the proceedings. Clint is a bit of a foodie in his spare time, and was also commissioned to make the basting sauce for the lamb. The boys also fetched the balloons and decorated the garden. I wasn’t there but apparently ‘Gramps’ refused to walk down the Teddington High Street holding the balloons, so it was left to Clint and Bronson to walk along with 45 balloons between them. Clint was also wearing an apron….must of made for a very interesting picture!

Anyway, everyone arrived to share in Leo’s happy day. It was great catching up with everyone and Leo had a great time playing with all his buddies. After some French onion soup, followed by lamb with French potato bake and veg, it was time to cut the birthday cake. Leo was very excited when everyone sang for him but then nearly ended up with a sore hand when he made a grab for the lit candle.

It was then time to dish cake out to everyone and for Leo to shovel several pieces into his mouth. We don’t really give him chocolate so he made up for lost time by consuming several chunks.

Finally, at around 4pm, he poor little man couldn’t keep his eyes open anymore, so I loaded up all the presents and a very tired Leo an headed for home. I had barely left teddington when Leo fell asleep in is car seat. He was trying to take his shoes off (yes, another baby boardroom decision I’m not the least bit happy with) when he fell asleep so ended up slumped forward in his chair…how cute!!!




A big thanx to everyone who came along on Saturday and made for such a wonderful day. Thank you for all the lovely gifts, Leo is a very spoilt boy! Also a small plug for Surry Spit Roast who supplied the rotisserie and meat, Steve from The Kings Head for allowing us to use the pubs garden and function room and Frank from L'Auberge for sorting out all the food. Then Christine at Caketoppers for making the birthday cake (on time, I was a bit late with my order). And Clint for making the basting source and looking after the meat.



And now the prep starts for Xmas…oh dear!!!