Ruby and I wanted to make the most of the weather today and decided on a stroll along the seafront, then a quick trip to town. We stopped in one of the little shops along the beach and bought her a shiny windmill for her pram, I was surpised by just how much she loved it! Her little face fixed on it the whole way along the promenade, smiling with fascination the whole time.

When I was pregnant, I pictured these early days with Ruby, I had a truly romantic view of this time. Today was one of those precious days that I had imagined. We did not do anything out of the ordinary but somehow it has just been perfect. We got up (later than usual) had a quick cuddle and breakfast before spending some time on the playmat. She battled hard to turn onto her side to reach her toys and even enjoyed her tummy time this morning, her little legs fighting to propel herself towards the toy in front of her. She tried to sit up, she tried to bite everything and she tried to play with all of her toys at once! We laughed, cooed and chatted and had a thoroughly great time. We then got dressed and took ourselves to the beach and a quick meander through the shops, before heading home for a nap (although she is refusing to sleep and is currently in her chair chewing on her dress and making very happy cooing noises in my direction). We will have a peaceful afternoon now, with a book and some quiet time before Daddy arrives home later. I feel warmly nostalgic for these days that I know will pass so quickly, the memory of each day already tinged with sepia in my mind. I love being with Ruby. I love the little personality that is just beginning to emerge. I love being her mum.

Another favourite photo. Nick and Ruby sharing her favourite book 'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers. She smiles every time we read it. I think it is the penguin that she likes :)