First family holiday

Last November we went to Center Parcs for our first family holiday.  Gareth and I were a bit concerned as we would be sharing a room with Rowan.  He has had his own room since he was 3 months old, so we wondered how a sleep-over would work out. We had nothing to worry about and we all managed to sleep relatively well.  Although there was one morning where I had to slowly retract my foot from Rowan's reach, as he had woken up, grabbed my toes and started saying "mummy mummy" on repeat.  The photos were taken with my old camera so I'll apologise now for the poor quality.  Regardless of blur, red eye, over-exposure etc. I'm grateful that I have been able to record our family memories, so thank you trusty old camera!

Tree covered in Christmas lights.

Center Parcs really go to town at

Christmas

When I booked the break I hadn't realised that it coincided with the Winter Wonderland period.  There were lots of Christmas themed activities and decorations to entertain us, and despite only booking one activity (Santa's grotto for Rowan) we were not short on things to do. Rowan particularly loved the animatronic singing reindeer, and every morning the first thing Rowan said was "reindeer, reindeer."  There were real reindeer right next to these comical Rangifer tarandus but Rowan wasn't the slightest bit interested in them.  The zoologist in me was a little disappointed by my son's indifference.

 Rowan was mesmorised by the singing reindeer.  Every day entailed a visit to listen to

them sing

 Sorry real-life reindeer. Not today

We spent a lot of our time in the subtropical swimming pool which Rowan loved.  He adores water, and so he had a great time going around the children's rapid pool. Gareth even took him down the small water slide with him.  Gareth and I were able to go for a lone swim each on one evening, when we took it in turns to watch Rowan.  It was so relaxing swimming through the warm water whilst cold November rain dashed on your face.

The outdoor rapids. You can see the steam 

rising from the heat of the pool 

Looking at Santa's 'magic river' (blue and silver baubles

floating in a stream) 

Waiting to meet Santa. I had to turn the 

flash off to prevent the whole image being

over-exposed, so unfortunately it came out

blurry 

Inside the plaza. These are all real plants, 

and there were goldfish and koi in large

pools along the path

  We ended up returning home 1 day early as Rowan had started to come down with a nasty cold, but we didn't feel like we had cut the holiday short.  We all had a fun break, and enjoyed spending some rare quality time together.

 Awkward family selfie

 Tired Rowan (and tired Gareth!)

It rained for most of our holiday, but it

meant I could get this atmospheric misty

tree shot, so silver linings and all that 

Back to swimming

I recently realised that between illnesses and returning to work, I haven't managed to take Rowan swimming in almost a year. I couldn't believe it had been that long!  He really enjoyed it the couple of times we did go.  So last week I was determined to get him back to the pool whilst he's still at an age where he's more receptive to new experiences (he's already starting to get a little shy around strangers).  We arrived at the pool eager to rekindle our swimming sessions only to be confronted with a sign announcing the child-friendly pool was closed till midday.  Unfortunately, I wouldn't have the car in the afternoon so we had to drive back.
I tried again today and the pool was open as usual (hurrah!).  When we got changed I then noticed I'd forgotten to pack regular nappies with me.  I did have some spare swim nappies, but boy are they expensive!  Luckily the nappy he wore to the pool was still clean and dry, so I could put it back on again after.

We got into the pool, Rowan clinging on to me like a stubborn limpet, and I walked around with him to get him used to the water.  He did look a little anxious to start with, but soon became absorbed in people-watching shouting "baby!" whenever he saw a small child bobbing past.  When he got comfortable with being carried around I then held him vertically at arm's length.  He smiled, then sprung back into my arms (I'm certain I could have let go of him and he would still be stuck firmly to me!)
Eventually Rowan was happy to let me support his chest and stomach whilst he kicked his legs and wiggled in his version of swimming.  He was merrily 'swimming' like this yelling "bab!" [bath] at anyone in earshot. Occasionally he would stop to drink some of the pool water, then carry on.

We spent half an hour in in the pool, which I was very surprised by.  I was expecting Rowan to have a bit of a melt-down when we got in and have to leave quite quickly.  I had visions of doing weekly 10 minute sessions until he was comfortable.
Rowan seriously disapproved of the showers after our swim, but since I take him on my own there isn't really an alternative (i.e. palm him off to someone else whilst I shower).  Plus I wanted to get the chlorine off him as soon as possible.

I'm hoping to take Rowan every week, and I think it should be realistically walkable if I don't have the car.

I didn't have my camera or phone with me so there are no photos from today's swim, instead here's a picture of Rowan climbing in the fridge when I was cleaning it.

Swimming

We took Rowan for his first swim when he was 4 months old.  He took it all in his stride, and nonchalantly floated about in his inflatable chair like a contemptuous king.  Gareth pushed him around making motor boat noises, which Rowan thoroughly approved of.
Unfortunately, due to Rowan having a tummy bug (another first!) and a few other bits, we hadn't taken him swimming for 2 months.  This time he spent the majority of his time out of his inflatable chair, and enjoyed splashing about whilst being supported by me.  I was surprised when half an hour had passed and he was still happy, but ended the session there as I didn't want to push it.  I still haven't dunked him under the water yet, but I will do soon to help boost his confidence in the water.

Unfortunately, I couldn't take photos of him in the pool, but here are a couple of him getting ready.

Unimpressed thus far

Super cool swim nappy!

Unfortunately this one came out

blurry - babies don't keep still

(who knew?), but I still think it's a 

nice shot.