Louis and Me

Louis stayed last night. Most thoughtfully, he decided to go to sleep before Carole and I sat down to our evening meal. It's a real joy when he stays. It seems so easy to understand how he lives his life. His presence is magical and he is a blessing. He loves to interact and play, eat when he's hungry, be changed when he needs changing, have a roll on the floor after lunch and a little excursion in his pushchair in the fresh air to watch the river flow. He is enjoying a little story before sleep time. I know that sleep time is approaching when he gives the signals - repeated yawns, the rubbing of his eyes or a vocal request in the form of a little moan of displeasure, usually when he begins, with some frustration, to assault the particular story book he's reading. The last occasion he stayed with us was on New Year's eve. He woke just before midnight!
This morning we paid a visit to a friend's ceramic studio to see if Louis' footprint plate was ready. He really isn't keen on the waterproof hood of his pushchair, preferring to feel the raindrops on his face as we walk to the studio. We were there last week. He was so fascinated by having the soles of his little feet painted! I realised how difficult it was too, trying to get a perfect footprint, but I think the right foot smudged one looks just fine -- and as I gave up 'perfection' a few moons ago, what does it matter? - anyway I think it represents Louis at his present age - full of beans and not being still enough for one of his more lively moments to be held still in paint! When we arrived, he was excited as ever and keen to have a look around the studio. He certainly seemed to enjoy meeting my friend and her two children (who were busy painting plates at the time).
This afternoon we enjoyed a family sunday lunch together, sharing news, plenty of laughter and lots of catching up. Just a lovely warm occasion. Louis slept for the first part of the meal but joined us later, full of smiles and completely interested in everything that was going on around the dining room table. Everyone, it seems has adjusted in getting back to work, some more than others. A busy month ahead with family and friends birthdays. As we said our goodbyes at the end of the afternoon, I finally managed to hand over over the potted-up amaryllis bulbs to family members, which hopefully will be in full bloom by late February. Time is flying!