I had a chat with my sister today and she pointed out something I hadn’t realised. In her words, this has been thr “soggiest start” to the month. So this is my third year doing the 10,000 steps a day for Cancer Research fundraising. Last year, we battled literal feet snow but somehow this inconsistent rainy weather is making the challenge harder to do good walking outside. For some reason, walking in a snow drift was easier!

What a grey day!

Anyway, I digress. This info was useful as I reminded myself that people are raising children, going to work, running businesses, having surgeries and treatments while fighting cancer. I am pretty sure Wee Daftie and I can take a bit of rain. I mean I am Irish and we do live in Scotland…

So we needed to pull up our welly boots and get to it.

See? A tiny bit of blue!

Aside from the general beauty of this country, one of the most magical things about Scotland is its ability to host all the seasons in one day. Even within one hour. Take today for example. The morning was pretty crap so we had a pleasant morning of pottering around, reading books and making biscuits. (Bickets)

She may have missed with most of the flour but that is okay. It’s not like baking is a science or anything…

After lunch, I looked out the window and say a glimmer of hope. The teeniest crack of blue sky and the rain had (sort of) stopped. Sort of. So I bundled us up, slung her on my back and off we trundled.

We made around the corner before the hail stones hit.

Enjoying the grey skies, the gale force winds and hail.

Thankfully two things happened. One, they stopped after only a few minutes. And two, she was not bothered. We have had some bad experiences with horrid weather (specifically wind) but she just dealt with it, while singing VERY LOUDLY as we walked.

It’s okay, we made the bus. The driver was a bit of a diva though.

Pottering, baking, a huge walk in the rain and some puddle jumping got us over our target. Good times, hail or no hail.

This is how you do the washing up, by the way. We have all been doing it wrong.

This past week of fibbing weather forecasts is getting a little tiresome. It wasn’t actually terrible in the end, just one big shower over lunchtime so we could have had two outside walks but instead we had one this morning and I did a Leslie Sansone video to top the steps off.

Look what we found while walking!

The morning was pretty bright but brutally cold in the wind. It was extreme sunglasses and scarf weather. When the wind was down, it was actually pretty warm but good lord did we both nearly knocked off our feet the second it got blustery. We started off the walk with Wee Daftie in her trike and me pushing her along.

It ended with her pushing the trike, and small bit of shopping, home.

Hilarious, stubborn and vaguely useful. That’s my girl!

Now. Don’t get me wrong. I love being a Mammy. I adore my Wee Daftie. She is clever, funny, energetic and also incredibly annoying. Like seriously irritating at times.

I only have myself to blame as I myself am also incredibly annoying but some days she really outdoes herself.

See? Look at that face. Annoying.

I’m not talking about her being naughty or misbehaving. In general, we muddle along well with things. I think I’m strict enough and she listens well enough that we kind of know what the other one wants and what the other expects. It’s not perfect but it works for us. I am literally talking about her general personality wearing me out today!

Obviously, I say this in jest and with love but her inquisitive nature and chatter can be exhausting sometimes. Today was one of these days where she was my absolute shadow and I could do nothing without her at my heels. Which is cool. But also quite awkward when I need to pee or open the oven or get dressed or hide from her.

Look! We drew Olaf!

I think what made today so brilliantly draining was just the sheer volume of questions she kept asking while reading books. On a normal day, we can get through a large number of books but lately, thanks to a Thomas the Tank Engine box set, we have been reading a ridiculous amount. I am not complaining. I love books. I think it is invaluable to read with kids and she genuinely enjoys being read to or by “herself “. However, when she is asking, “Whass sazz?!” on every page, on every picture, on every book, it can get a little tiresome. Part of me gets bored of answering the same questions, part of me doesn’t appreciate my reading rhythm being thrown off.

But everytime she pulls a face or laughs or answers her own questions or tells me to “Read properly” or to stop singing or stop dancing, I am reminded how fun she is…and how annoying I am too so I can be too mad about it!

I also know we won’t always have the relationship we have now forever so when she asks yet another question, I just take a breath and hope I know the answer!

Happy International Women’s Day!

Cos women be strong, yo!

Today was just a regular Friday for us. Big walk to Monkey Music, little walk to the shop to buy the yoghurts I forgot to get yesterday, a bus home, lunch and then a big chat with Nana and Papa(p).

The rest of the day was spent reading hundreds of books, playing some kick-a-ball and fish fingers dip-a-b. (If you didn’t grow up in my household the last sentence may sound odd. Oh well. Delish!)

Is there something on my face?

So, aside from the fact that we absolutely smashed steps and had a jolly time doing it, nothing much else happened. So why not use today’s blog to give thanks for women?

And I am very thankful for this little fashionista.

Women are excellent. I know many amazing and inspirational women from across the globe. I have friends from childhood, friends from university, internet soul sisters whom I have never met, Mammy Mates, work pals, sisters from other misters and, obviously, my own family of heroes.

And what do all these women have in common? Absolutely nothing. Well, naturally there are plenty of similarities but not one of these women is the exact same as the next and that is the beauty of it. What makes us different is what makes us unique. What makes us unique brings us together. What brings us together, makes us stronger.

But the strength we all have is different and the one thing I really want to instill in my Wee Daftie is to trust her own strength, her own resilience.

Strength is not necessarily being tough or challenging, it is also being supportive, being kind, being patient, having a sense of self. Being able to be vulnerable is one of the strongest things a person can do. Some of the strongest ladies I know are also the most sensitive.

I have no idea what path she will take or what her natural talents will be but I really would love her to own her strength and I hope I can help nurture it.

Seven days done and over 70,000 steps in the bag. In the sock. In the shoes? Well they are done and we are feeling good!

This is how good we feel.

On our final walk of the day, she decided to stay behind me, hold onto my bag and kind of push me along. It was so funny and I looked like an absolute nutter as I kept laughing out loud at seemingly nothing in particular. This one older woman threw proper shade as we skoodled past.

Anyway. So our day began not as soggy as predicted but very busy. We had some friends come over this morning. There is a small group of us who meet up on a Thursday morning and we usually take it in turns to host. As the littlies get less little, they absolutely start to interact more, play more, talk more and it is totally darling. It also feels easier to have people over. The kids can muck about and get on with things while us Mammies can (almost) have proper uninterrupted chat. Almost.

I definitely feel like I’ve found some good friends, some true kin, so it makes it all the more special when you see – though more likely hear – our small humans getting along.

Hanging out with her other best buddy, Doggy Handbag.

We managed to clock up a good heap of steps, cleaning, baking and getting ready for everyone coming over but still needed to get outside for a bit.

I had a couple of things to pick up from the supermarket so I continued the theme of getting as far away from where I live to do the simplest of errands just to gain steps.

So after lunch, off we went for a walk, a bus, a walk, a couple of coffees, a shop, a bigger walk (where we “entertained” other pedestrians) and finally a bus home. Steps hit before we reached the front door, which was fabulous.

Wee Daftie went shopping twice today. The second time was for my shoe…

Another successful day today and a better forecast for tomorrow, weather wise, is setting us up for our onward trajectory and I am so excited to keep going!

My little bookworm. Love.

So the weather forecasts seem to be fibbing to me at the moment. The prediction for today was 100% rain. All day. I had preliminary plans for a big walk with one of my Mammy Mates but we decided to err on the side of caution, cancel our plans and reschedule for another day.

It was barely damp today.

However. The rain overnight and the dampness in the air made for a super paddling jumping atmosphere so we made the most of it and had a splashing good time!

It is scientifically proven that if you want to toddler to walk further than they might normally, just tell them to go puddle jumping! She probably would still be out there if I hadn’t dragged her home.

We headed off for soft play this morning and, like the other day, headed for a bus stop further away than normal. This did a few things for us. One, more steps which is part of the challenge and more steps means more donations, which means more money for a good cause, right? Two, lots of fun to be had running and jumping through puddles. And three, in all honesty, I like to know how far she can and will walk. I am are she walks more than another tiny person her age might but she still always surprises me with her stamina and determination.

Action shot! Actually, this was really funny. She spent ages getting further and further up the wall, selecting the next jumping point. To only then walk back down to a lower bit. Still though. Check her out!

Despite all the fun and puddle jumping, we did fall out a little bit today. In general, she isn’t the worst. She knows, as much as she at two and half, what we think is okay and what we don’t. Equally, she is also a toddler who has emotions that can be incredibly intense and irrational. We work really hard as a family, all three of us in the Daft Family Household, to work out the best path for us all. Of course we don’t always get it right but we’re also always going to try again.

Today’s blip was, despite plenty of warning, my stubborn wee madam not leaving the trampoline. And when I finally got her off, she ran in a slightly different direction than discussed. She wasn’t happy when I picked her up to put in the right direction. I think she was more caught off guard and surprised than genuinely upset but we had a wee timeout and a wee hug before heading home.

This was how we spent our afternoon. I think she has forgiven me.

Like yesterday, we accomplished a higher number of steps without taking a big walk than I thought we would. I wasn’t sure how soft play would track as steps seeing as it’s a lot more climbing and helping her climb than actual walking. Seemed to do the trick though and I really didn’t have much left to do in the house. Some kick-a-ball with Daftie and a walk with Leslie boosted me over the finish line. Huzzah!

Another day licked. Just like this plate. Dinner was tasty, apparently.

More rain tomorrow apparently. But they said they yesterday so we’ll see! Well on track and reaching our goals so what’s a bit of rain between Dafties?

I had grand notions of taking the same walk this morning that we went on Saturday but the weather was so grim that I decided it might be best not to. We had a huge day planned, out of the house all day, so the idea of starting that by getting soaked wasn’t one to relish.

Soggy, blurry, hoodie Dafties.

There are many things to love about living in Edinburgh. The history, the culture, the food, the hills, the grey buildings interspersed with dashes of greenness, parks and buildings hanging out together in harmony.

One of my personal favourite things is just how much culture and entertainment is available for free! Museums, galleries, big green spaces, libraries, even a city farm. And a lot of these venues have lots of free events for littlies and their wranglers. Which is useful for someone like me who has an energetic and interested wee thing who needs entertainment. Constant entertainment. So when I discovered that the National Gallery did an arts morning called Create for up to three year olds, I knew we had to check it out.

Look! A creation! (Not actually made today though)

We have been attending this event since last summer and it’s fab. It is really well organised, the volunteers are great and there is not only not only never ending supplies but also encouragement and interaction. It runs for two hours but as it’s drop in, we usually just turn up at the start and see how long she lasts.

We got the bus up to the Protrait Gallery straight after a good brekkie and had lots of fun painting circles, making telescopes, rolling balls down tubes and splashing paint…everywhere.

After we were all created out, we went for a random walk in the mild drizzle. We were off to see friends in the afternoon so I figured that we would stay in town, get some lunch as well as some walking.

There is a lot of joy to be had in just walking pointlessly with a toddler. If you have the time and nowhere in particular to be, it is fun to try and see what they see. It takes FOREVER but it can be so worth it. Especially when she likes to choose which direction we go or when she randomly starts trying to climb stairs or small walls. (See above)

And here we have a small human slowly peeling eyes, noses and arms from a gingerbread named George. Why give them names? Just feels cruel when you eat them.

After having a treat of lunch out, we took a couple more buses to visit our friends. I have met some fabulous girls in these recent Daftie filled years and I always relish our catch-ups. And today was no exception.

At the end of a long day with several buses, a bit of rain, lots of fun and a surprising amount of steps achieved we made it home in time for a snack and some stories before bedtime. I was only 1000 steps short when I got home so finished off the steps (and then some) with my pal Leslie Sansone.

More rain is forecast so I need to get my thinking cap on for steps in a less soggy environment for tomorrow!

Day Four, being written and posted a bit later than usual…despite the fact I had all my steps well taken by lunchtime. Pardon me as I humbly brag and pat myself on the back.

We had a really fun and full day today. It started with a big walk to a catch-up Monkey Music class. We usually go on a Friday but we missed a class so attended one of the other classes in the area this morning to make up for it.

It was a really fun class today and Wee Daftie was totally in the mood to make music. It has been an absolute pleasure watching her learn and improve the longer we attend these classes. What I find really funny is how she never joins in with the actions to the songs while actually in class but will do them at home. It’s not as if she is shy (she really isn’t) she loves playing with the instruments (generally when she’s meant to) but just will stand stock still for the whole song. It amuses me so much. I used to wonder if she wasn’t enjoying the class but then when I realised she got stuck in to everything else, I figure who cares?

Jumping for joy at the thought of music class! (Thanks for the amazing photo, Auntie Numbnuts)

After class, we met up with one of my oldest (in many senses of the words) friends I have in Edinburgh and one of Wee Daftie’s Official Unofficial Aunties for some walking, talking and as it turned out squirrel stalking.

We stopped and had a quick coffee before heading off for Inverleith Park.

We end up here quite a lot, if I am honest. It’s a fab park with lots of green hilly bits for running up and down. There is a small playground for essential swing and slide times. It is a haven of dog walkers for Wee Daftie to chat to. And it boasts a really great duck pond full of mallards, tufted ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and the occasional goosander.

We had a great time feeding the ducks and swans with the excellent bird food provided by my pal before heading off to the playground.

Trust me, she is going a *lot* slower than it looks!

Feeding the ducks wasn’t enough today though so we headed across the road to the Botanic Gardens on a search for some squirrels. The last time we were here, we made friends with some squirrels by feeding them nuts. Armed with more nuts and a sense of purpose, we set off on a Squirrel Hunt.

And we were not disappointed. We reckon that we saw six and chatted properly to three. Wee Daftie was such a superstar. From being brave and patient while holding out the nuts for them to shouting, “Squirrel! Where are you?!” I was super proud.

And all this before lunch? No wonder she looks so happy!

After befriending all the local wildlife and jumping in all the puddles, we took a soggy Daftie for lunch and a change of clothes.

We had another walk before getting the bus home. Auntie Numbnuts came with us, stayed for dinner and come grown-up chat after putting Wee Daftie to bed. Hence the late post!

Days like today definitely remind me how good life can be. Not only do I live close to a fab park and some Botanical Gardens, but we had great weather today and I got to share it with two of my favourites. And, even better, they like each other too! Probably even more than they like me 😀

See? No need for me in this pic.

It’s been a long, pleasantly exhausting day and I am very ready for bed. Need to rest up for another busy day of walking tomorrow!

Day Three in the bag!

So we headed off to the National Museum this morning for some fun and edumacation. It is one of our favourite places to visit. Wee Daftie especially likes the hot air balloons, the animals and the “song room”, as she calls it. I honestly cannot remember what they actually call the room but it’s a fab space for younger kids to explore, run about a bit, make a Chinese dragon dance a bit and make music with their feet.

She is a child who likes to wear her wellies pretty much all the time.

Our morning was sunny, bright and crisp with an horrendous windy wind so I wondered how she would handle it. We have a history of her getting reeeeeealllleeeeeee upset in high winds. I mean, no one likes being blasted in the face by cold wind but I had visions of us reenacting Mary Poppins.

Gorgeous morning.

I decided it was worth the risk and we walked to a bus stop a bit further away than necessary. Mainly for the step count but also for the fun of it all. She did a great wee job walking up by herself. I say walking, we ended up playing her favourite game of “Stop and Run!” This is when she shouts, “Stop!” So we stop and then, “1…2…3…Run! Go go go!” Followed by, “Mammy run. Come on Mammy!”

Now. Those who know we well know I am not a natural runner. I like being active, I played plenty of sport when I was a kid and I am not adverse to exercise. However. Running? Never been a fan. I do it. It’s good for me but not my first choice. When the toddler shouts at you to run though, you run!

We had a blast in the museum and made it home in time for a homemade pizza lunch as she insisted that she needed pizza today. Needed. Okay Queen. Still, I have a handy cheat’s recipe for a two ingredient pizza dough and topped it with plenty of veggies, cheese and bacon so we were able to have a fun treat lunch.

Now she is getting bigger and older, I’m still trying to get her to join in with food prep. A lot of time we do things for the fun of it but I absolutely believe it’s better for everyone, not just kids, to know where food comes from and how to make it. She is really good at sprinkling cheese…aaaaaaand eating sneaky handfuls when she thinks I’m not looking.

Finished off my steps today with one of my favourite Leslie Sansone videos as Daftie Bear and I had a lazy afternoon of drawing, reading and listening to rock music. Probably too full of pizza to do anything else…

She drew a moustache on my jellyfish! What a gal.

Day Two in the bag! On the slate? Off this to-do list? Something something.

I decided that we were going to head into town to buy Wee Daftie a new ball. She has a fab green one but sadly is on the slow deflating road to being a non-ball. It is virtually an ex-ball. I also decided, because I think I am a bit nuts, to walk us there.

Now. I do quite like where we live. In general it’s great. I am starting to realise though just how many hills there are leaving from the flat into town. And they are all up. Super easy for getting home, a little more strenuous for getting there. Still. I can’t succeed if I don’t try!

I had a little help with the dishes today. Not shown is the small river of suds under the steps.

We clipped into caboo again and set off for our pretty excellent uphill hike. It was infinitely less awful than I anticipated and helped greatly by Wee Daftie and her constant chat.

She has recently watched Cars 3 so every red car was, “Look! Mr McQueen!” Every yellow car was, “Loook! Cruz!” And if there was a powder blue number lurking about, she would bellow, “Loooook! Salad!” I think she means Sally but I am not gonna correct her. Far too amusing.

We also took turns in looking for and pointing out crocuses (crosusi?), daffodils and snowdrops.

This was after incline number one. We live by the harbour. Pretty, right?

As we are both walking this month, when we reached town, I unclicked the straps on caboo and let Wee Daftie loose while we searched for a new ball.

It took a while but we finally found the perfect ball, after pretty much visiting every shop on Prince’s Street. And look how happy she is!

It was a big and busy morning and a more laidback afternoon seeing as we smashed our steps in the morning. The weather isn’t looking amazing over the next few days so I might need to get creative with our wandering!

Not bad, eh? Not to be repeated anytime soon!

Well, it’s that time of the year when I drag my funny little idiot around to walk over cancer for Cancer Research for the month of March.

I did this challenge for the first time in 2017 when Wee Daftie was just 9 months old while a very good Mammy Mate was going through treatment for breast cancer. We did it last year as once didn’t seem like enough. I can’t do much but I can do what I can. I decided we would do it again this year again as my friend had another battle (which she won. She is fierce) and I also lost two of my regulars from work to cancer in the past 12 months. It’s such a shitty (sorry, Mammy!) disease but walking isn’t and raising money isn’t and my Wee Daftie isn’t so why not go for a hat trick?

Fridays have been Monkey Music mornings ever since my little monkey had been three months old so this year was probably the easiest start we have had so far. I mean, last year we started the challenge by walking through literal feet of snow so we already had a leg up due to the lack of whiteness to trudge through.

We hooked Wee Daftie into her caboo and walked and sang our way to class.

I love our sling time. There are plenty of times when she states (loudly) that she doesn’t want a caboo carry but the second we are out and walking, she is all singing, all dancing and very happy.

We play a lot of “Whass saazz?” when she points at stuff and asks what it is. Most of the time I can see what she is pointing at but often, well, your guess is as good as mine. Genuinely. Even in another country, you probably will have as much of an idea as I do!

Peek-a-boo!

She had me a cracker today though when we walked past someone cutting the grass and she cried out, “Like a swan!”

What?

Like a swan? When do lawnmowers look like white feathered creatures?

Then I remembered there is a silly song we sing that has the line, “Did you ever see a swan mowing the lawn?” Honestly, these toddlers and their minds. Nothing more confusing or hilarious.

Trying to fish her sharks from the bath. As you do.

Steps easily done today between our big walk in the morning, our wee trip to the supermarket, a jaunt to deal with the recycling and some washing. All that a big nap in the afternoon? We’re off to a good start! Long may it last. Day One done, 30 more to go!