Ted’s Active Firsts

Ted’s just turned one and he’s still managing to surprise us with the things he can now do. He’s much like his brother in that he likes to be pretty physical. Despite him being the second child I find that all of his ‘firsts’ are still very magical and will be the fondest of memories to treasure in the future.

When Ted first started getting active, we didn’t think he’d be as much of a daredevil as Toby was but as he’s becoming more active, we couldn’t be more wrong, it’s like he’s trying to prove a point. My heart literally skips a beat every time I find him climbing on something. Take this rocking chair for example. Seemingly harmless until..

Teddy loves toys that he can’t yet play with; such things include Toby’s Jamm Scoot, Toby’s Thomas Scooter, the ottoman that holds all the toys and the TV unit. Wait, those last two things aren’t toys, and they’re certainly not climbing frames young man…

Most babies like to know how things work, but Ted likes to try and work out whether he can get on top of it or not. We all know that anything within reach is considered a toy, a trophy or a triumph to have gotten hold of and it’s no different when the children climb on things either. They always want to get higher, test their limits and usually come down with an almighty crash (good job mummy or daddy are always there to catch them from such dizzying heights!).

I think being active is so core for kids. I get cabin fever at the best of times, but unfortunately I feel so let down by the weather at the moment, so it’s no wonder both of my boys are like caged animals if we don’t get out. So I’ve made a deal with myself. Whatever the weather, unless it’s really bad, we’re going to try and get out at least once in the day – even if it’s just to feed the ducks, feel the grass in the garden under our feet, watering flowers, going for a walk somewhere, or out on the bike, I’m going to keep these boys active. And along the way, I’ll try and take a picnic to make sure we don’t have to come home for dinner.

The outdoors are great for lots of ‘firsts’ with babies and toddlers, but if you can’t get outside there are lots of things for them to experience for the first time. Swimming is a great one, babies love swimming and we’ve been taking Ted since he was around seven or eight months.

Another good one is indoor soft play. I know it’s not for everybody, but we have our local gymnastics club open most mornings and they have a huge indoor area with all the gym equipment, rather than those caged mazes the kids usually run amok around in. These crocodile rockers are one of Ted’s favourite things and this was the first time he ever went on one. His little fascinated face, he’s so pleased with himself.

So there we have it, some of Ted’s active firsts – he’s not showing any signs of stopping either! Next he’ll be running circles around me, probably after he’s finished wrestling with his older brother! Boys!