5 months: where did the time go?

5 months family portrait

This month flew by at a speed I can barely fathom. Where did the time go?

At the start of the month, Hugo had a very important visitor. His Grandfather came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. We all had a lovely time. My dad and Hugo spent some good quality time together, going on walks along the beach or to the supermarkets where they both quickly became very popular amongst the salesgirls and I had a chance to spend some glorious hours by myself.

Time alone is becoming something I am getting a little bit used to since Chris' hours at work got cut back a little due to a sluggish economy and not enough work in the office for everyone to be kept busy. Although it's not ideal from a financial point of view, we were quick to see the positive sides. Chris is able to spend more time with us and on his own with Hugo which, in turn, allows me to make up a part of the shortfall with the work I have started do again.

In other news, Hugo continues to charm the ladies,

Aloof with Lian

inquisitive with A-Caz

And funny with Maya and Vanessa

And we just can't get enough of that photobooth!

Meanwhile, winter in Newcastle continues to be absolutely stunning and impossibly mild with most days in the twenties. I usually lament the fact that I only ever get to wear my winter coat a handful of times but this year, I am barely even wearing jumpers, let alone jackets. It looks like my beautiful leather gloves will have to wait until Christmas in Nice as well!

Putting his newborn days very much in the past, Hugo is becoming very active. His quick little hands are constantly grabbing at everything: toys, hair, faces, necks etc... He also loves to suck on his toes at every opportunity and spends most of his time in the bath with a foot in his mouth. He also seems to be getting sort of close to being able to roll over on his own. A few days ago, he grabbed Chris' hand and pulled himself over.

Lately, he has also started laughing. Not just smiling and making little sounds but real bursts of laughter. It is adorable and quite addictive, although it can be hard to predict. It seems that it happens most often when something surprising happens like if I suddenly take a toy away or if I start talking to him.

Hugo's napping is still a bit of a challenge but we are finding ways to deal with it without spending the entire days stuck in a loop of trying to make him fall asleep. I suppose I am getting used to this particular aspect being more difficult than most other things with Hugo. Some days, it gets me down but I am usually able to remain clear headed and optimistic if I've had a little bit of precious sleep. The Odyssey continues...