Small victories.

Yesterday, we took on a brave trip and went all the way from Muswell Hill to Regents Park via tube, bus, feet, mama's back,mama's thigh, you get the picture. The bravery was within the decision to leave behind our pushchair: the anchor of any journey, a safe harbor for tired feet or uncontrolled tempers. 6 hours. Marvelous sun, glorious weather. We said hello to the canal boat people, they showed us around the boat. BOT mama. BOT. come in. thank you.
Strolled through the park, laid in some mud, played catch/throw/take the ball away with a lovely pair of hip youngsters in cool shades, and sweet smiles who were generous enough to let us borrow their baseball ball. Went to one playground, closed, went to another...in the midst of it all Kolya managed to have a nap on my shoulder after negotiating away from the idea of napping on the pavement instead. Incredible achievement. Brave boy. Brave mama.

Today, we took a second trip without a pushchair, but we decided to up the difficulty level by also leaving our nappy behind. dressed in yellow shades, purple leggings with japanese shorts atop, we took a stroll to the Alexandra Park, around the palace, into the palace, towards the ducks, into the playground, swings for 10 minutes, more ducks, on mums shoulders, go go go, clap clap clap, ahoi, and back through the park, home home home. safe. dry. amazing!