Milestones for Angus and Sean

A big day for Angus today as he graduated from pre-school nursery at Pentland then went on to spend the rest of the day at Fairmile Nursery, which was also his final day. He said he felt proud to be going on to P1 and certainly didn't seem in the least bit sad. He's enjoyed his time at Fairmile and made lots of friends there, as well as been very popular with the staff. Only last week though, he was climbing over the safety gate from the back garden when I went to collect him so it's fair to say he's outgrown Fairmile!

At Pentland he'll only be moving a short distance into the P1 corridor. There's a big intake this year and he'll be part of a "tag team" class of 40 which will have two teachers. His graduation today was attended by Sharon and Linda and Angus was reportedly very pleased with himself, his chest puffed out as he received his certificate dressed in his robe and mortar board. Sean saw him too outside, so the biggest and the smallest got to pose together before one leaves Pentland and the other starts.

Last week Sean had his three transition days up at Firrhill High School and loved it (apart from the one or two disruptive influences in his class, trying it on even in the three days they were attending). There's not many from Pentland in his class, 1A2, but he said he made friends with someone from Bonaly and someone from Craiglockhart so I'm sure he'll find peers of a similar mindset to his soon enough. He enjoyed the classes, especially making pizza in Home Economics! The earlier start is going to be a challenge however, and he's going to be tired after the later finish. He also had a busy Tuesday this week, with his P7 leavers' trip to bowling and to the cinema to see Godzilla, then to Mhairi's for an after-school party, then back to the schhol for the P7 leavers' disco and finally over to Portobello to join Finn for the last half hour of the gymnastics class. Finn was showing off his "front summies" into the foam pit while Sean was doing back somersaults off the vault and practising his walkovers. "Why walk when you can cartwheel?" seems to be Sean's motto at the moment.

Rowan got his 15m badge at swimming last Saturday (and was a bit miffed because the rest of his class got their 25m badges, but he doesn't work hard enough to be hones, he's more interested in mucking about) and Angus was delighted to get his 5m badge as he powered his way along the pool with no armbands. He's very close to being able to swim all the time without them. We did more swimming in the afternoon, as I took the four lads to Dunbar swimming pool where the slide (with timer) and wave machine are big favourites. Sitting in the shallow end where the waves were breaking was adjudged to be the best option. We picked Sharon up from doing a show in Ballencrieff and headed to the East Sands at North Berwick for the midsummer evening. It was dry but a little cloudy, but that didn't stop us having a fab time on the rocks, cooking up a barbecue tea and watching the tide come in and the sun slide down. It's great being able to take the whole family out later now that Angus is five and less reliant on an early bedtime (though he did have a nap to sustain him earlier in the day). The boys found a new sweetshop in Dunbar to rival Sugar Mountain in North Berwick and were pleased with a rare haul of sweets - as a rule Sharon and I don't buy them and to the boys' credit they don't usually pester us to. Sean does have a sweet tooth though!

So it's been a busy end to the summer term. I golfed with Scott and Steve at Braids last night, a definite blast from the past, before we had a drink in the rarified atmosphere of the (jacket and tie) New Club on Princes St. Steve is now a member. Far removed from when we first met at St. Andrews thirty years ago, but Caldwell always had the social-climbing pretensions!

Welcome to 2014

Sharon headed up to Kirkcaldy on Hogmanay for the funeral of Mary Flaherty, who died a few days ago aged 93. Mary was the cousin of May Coen, Sharon's gran. Sharon got to meet a lot of second and third cousins she'd heard a lot about and enjoyed doing the Irish family thing which she misses, being domiciled in Scotland. Although she was able to "facetime" Marie later now that Marie and Michael have an iPad courtesy of their children. As it was yet another grey day, and I wasn't feeling the best, the boys had another day indoors, a bit of high jinks here and there, some eating and mostly playing electronics.

We didn't make a big thing of them staying up for the bells, we just let them be and saw how it went. Angus did not flag one bit as the minutes and hours ticked by. Had we all sat down and watched TV, I suspect he would have flagged, but he was in tip-top form. If anything, Rowan was the one getting weary and teary as 1030 came and went and we enjoyed a nachos supper. Finally we asked them all to get dressed up for an outdoors walk and so, with the weather pleasantly calm and the temperature reasonable, we drove to Braid Rd, parked, and set off up Braid Hill with a number of other families. Angus insisted on being the torch bearer (after Sharon had piggy-backed him for a stretch) and led the way up the path as the twinkling lights of Edinburgh were revealed to us through the broom. We got to the top with ten minutes to spare and surveyed the stretch of the city, identifying the castle and spotting a fireworks display off to the east somewhere, which seemed to have gone off in advance of midnight. Angus kept asking how long to go and wanted to do a countdown when suddenly the fireworks exploded from the castle and, simultaneously, from Calton Hill. There was a fine display of all sorts, including smiley faces and Catherine wheels and flowery starbursts and, after a slight delay, we could hear the booms too. It was eleven years since we last climbed Braid Hill on Hogmanay with a seven-week old baby Sean in our arms. Now, with Angus four and a half, we finally had children old enough that we could return. We had a family happy new year hug and then made the descent back to the car, home and then into bed. Needless to say, the boys went to sleep pretty quickly, but Angus was up at 0720 on New Year's Day. Not for him, these long lies!

We had a lazy morning, a light lunch and then headed to the Patersons along with the Fletchers, Alison and Phoebe and one or two others, for a pleasant late afternoon of chat and good food served up by Wendy while the boys played out of sight and almost out of earshot. Welcome to 2014, the year when our building work will be finished!

The Bear

"Dad. I have a question for you. I don't like eating worm spaghetti." Angus regularly interjects into our conversations with "I have a question for you" or "I want to tell you something" in a conspiratorial tone, followed by a remark that has little bearing on whatever is being discussed. Usually "the brothers" as he refers to him, are quick to point out that "that's not a question, that's a statement", a point lost on Angus who is generally playing the conversation card just to avoid doing something that he doesn't want to do, like eating up his dinner. "Your dinner is dee-lish-us!" is usually a subterfuge for not eating said dinner. Not that his appetite is in question: it's usually us that have a problem getting him to stop.

Unlike "the brothers", Angus pays little heed to the rules of the house. Hence, he comes down at ten to seven on school mornings and switches on the telly in the playroom, or helps himself to fruit or leftover biscuits in the kitchen or refuses point blank to get his shoes on or go to bed. "But I'm not tired!" is the cry if you try to put him to bed at his usual time on a day in which he has had a nap, the dilemma being that if you didn't allow him a nap he would be unbearable for the remainder of the day.

Angus is taking an increasing interest in letters and numbers and slowly but surely our youngest boy is leaving toddlerhood behind and becoming the big boy he desperately wants to be. He's reverted to wet nappies at night however, so that's one backwards step, but given how long it took the others to shake the night-time habit, we could be waiting a while yet before we can finally cross nappies off the shopping list for good. Angus has a ferocious temper when things don't go his way. He will yell and bawl and get himself worked into a real state if he isn't getting telly or feels he has been denied or wronged in some way. Door kicking and foot stamping and tears of frustration do test our patience to the limit at times. But he is our burly wee boy with a devilish twinkle in his eye and we love him.

A sleepy little town

I was long overdue a visit west so I headed off on Friday with Rowan and Angus in tow, after the usual morning spent packing, to see Dorothy in Paisley en route to heading over to Millport. Dorothy was looking well, having passed her 80th birthday last year. Rowan and Angus were suitably well behaved, although Angus did nearly knock Dorothy over when he rushed at her as we were saying goodbye after a walk across Brodie Park to the playpark. Rowan was delighted to discover Dorothy's Nintendo DS. That kept him occupied for half the visit!

We did a brief tour around Glenburn by car. The last of the tenements have now been removed from Grampian Avenue meaning that the landscape of my childhood is now a very odd one, with strings of terraced houses separated by broad green spaces. At least they have grassed over the gap sites but it is fascinating to see the path from Skye Cresecent shops standing in isolation where once it cut between tenements and lock-ups. I asked Rowan if he would find it strange to come back to Swanston Terrace with his children to point it out to them, but that someone else would be living there. I could see him coming to terms with the idea until he gave one of his sage nods and agreed "that would be weird."

It was chilly on the ferry across from Largs to the Cumbrae Slip. Angus was excited as we docked and the door laid down to let us drive on to the island. We came over Ferry Road which affords a lovely view down over Millport to the Wee Cumbrae and beyond to Bute and Arran. Dusk was approaching as we arrived at our rented flat, 24 Stuart Street, top floor above the Ritz Cafe. Having lugged the stuff up the stairs (the wee two aren't renowned for their ability to shift baggage, although Angus can manage a fair weight in his muckle paws) we went for an evening stroll along the deserted prom and threw some stones in the sea at Newton Beach. There was some snow clinging to the slopes of Arran's mountains and the profile of the Wee Cumbrae was as familiar as ever.

After dinner and telly I finally settled the boys down. They were sharing a double bed while I was in a sleeping bag on the bed settee. Millport was like a ghost town, a fact echoed by the lonely caterwaulings from the George Hotel karaoke as the evening wore on. Saturday dawned grey and grim, with the last remains of a band of rain lingering over the Firth of Clyde and a stiff breeze blowing. We had a late breakfast, watched the seals on the Eileans through the binoculars, then eventually wrapped up and battled our way along the sea front to Kames Bay. The boys ran about the crazy golf, were curious about the Crocodile Rock and had to be warned off the rocks which were slick with algae and rain. We cut back along the back streets "It's a sleepy little town" declared Rowan. He decided that one dwelling "looked like a vampire house" just before a curious wailing rose on the air from it. Rowan's eyes widened and we scuttled on!

After lunch we walked round to West Bay to see May and James. Alison was there too. I hadn't see her since Dad's funeral, over sixteen years ago. May broke a couple of ribs last week but is still looking well and James still has his spark of humour despite being pretty much housebound these days. He's getting more deaf and his lungs and heart aren't great but he still had a smile on his face. Rowan read most of the time but then he and Angus took to wrestling on the carpet in the hall which was not conducive to a lengthy visit.

Fortunately they had a diversion just a few doors away. The Best girls, Emily and Rachel, were staying with their gran, Lorna, at number 15. Rachel is in Rowan's class at school and Finn is in the same class as Emily. It was dry overhead but still overcast, damp and cold, but the boys and girls had a great time playing in the West Bay play park. We went inside for some indoors play while I had a cup of tea and a chat with Lorna. Angus and Emily went down to the little beach then the girls showed the boys an old World War II cannon on the edge of the playing field. By now, Rowan was running about without a coat on, despite it being cold. It was an enjoyable afternoon with no rush to go anywhere or do anything other than play.

As it started to get dark we bade our farewells and walked back round to our flat for tea and telly. Angus was much quicker to get to sleep after a day of fresh air and no naps! Rowan continued his reading rampage, piling through Beast Quest books at a rate of one an hour or quicker. It's great to see.

Sunday morning was a marked contrast to Saturday, the sun dancing on the sea as the tide began to recede from its dawn high water mark. The flat we were in had a lovely view across the Eileans in the bay to Hunterston (well, power stations do spoil a view somewhat) and down to Portencross. The chairs by the window were just the spot for a leisurely cup of tea. I packed up and washed up then we went a short distance to the rocks below the crazy golf. Rowan impressed by climbing the four to five metre wall that I once froze on as a teenager (I climbed it before Rowan, just to prove to myself I still could!) then, as I was taking a photo of him, I felt my feet slipping away on the rock. I tried to re-adjust but had to step on to wetter rocks and more seaweed. My legs went from under me and I sprawled on my back. I was fortunate that I landed on a flat, but damp, rock. How I didn't break my camera, my wrist or crack my head or damage my back I don't know, although I suspect I did sprain a thumb as my hand is rather tender today.

We packed the last of the gear in the car, the boys had an ice lolly from the Ritz Cafe, we wandered around the block and up the Old Pier, then got in the car. I drove the long way round to the ferry, up the west coast of Greater Cumbrae with its views across to Kilchattan Bay, Arran and Kintyre beyond. Rowan was disappointed not to see Indian Rock (I think it was overgrown) but was singing lots of songs about Pooh Bear and was in a great mood. Angus was also pretty lively. I think they enjoyed their "venture" as Angus called it. We missed the 3.30 sailing so I drove up to the Glaid Stane at the top of the island. It's a fine point from which to view the Firth of Clyde: north to Inverkip and the Holy Loch and Kyles of Bute and south to the Wee Cumbrae and Arran.

From there we were homeward bound, crossing on the 4pm ferry and arriving home at 5.45pm in time for tea. A great wee break "doon ra' wattir!"

December downs

Angus hasn't been very well the last few days, barking his way through the night on Saturday as a bad chest cold took hold. Sharon kept him off pre-school yesterday and today, with the result that he missed his Christmas party and carol concert, which was a shame. He also had a nose bleed today, possibly as a result of all his coughing, and that freaked him out a bit, not being used to the sight of his own blood! Angus has fairly been singing recently, in the car and the house, and it has been lovely to hear. Little Donkey, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I'm a Little Snowman and the Christmas nursery staple, When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney, have all been wheeled out again and again.

Sean learned a life lesson yesterday. He was taking part in a class bake-off with two of his classmates and had made a Yule log. I left him into school in the morning, really excited, sure he had a great chance of winning. When Sharon picked him up at home time he was utterly crestfallen. In a blind tasting he had only received two votes and was stung by some of the negative comments such as "sickly" and "I couldn't eat any more". Sean has a competitive streak, which is good, but doesn't take defeat well and struggles to take positives from criticism or feedback. There were some positive remarks such as "well presented" but Sean can't see past the brickbats. I had a chat with him on the drive back from gymnastics and reminded him he had to think why he did baking. Was it to be competitive or was it for the fun of picking a recipe, finding ingredients, learning the technique, eating the results and sharing them with his family? And to learn how to take on feedback. Not to react right away but to think about it and to consider later whether there was anything he could improve on. In 20 months' time Sean will be starting high school. It's important we arm him with the tools he needs to cope with life and make sure he feels he can talk to us. As someone said, if you want your children to talk to you about the big things when they grow up, make time for the small things when they're small, because to them they are big things.

Last one in the system

Almost two weeks after his brothers re-started school, Angus followed them by having his first afternoon at pre-school nursery at Pentland on Tuesday. It was a bright, blustery day and he pestered Sharon all morning as to when he could get his pre-school uniform on. In fact, he has been talking about "school nursery" for a while now, eager to know when he is going and generally disappointed when he realises he is headed for Fairmile or to drop the boys off to school instead.

I arrived home from work to get him changed into his grey shorts, white polo shirt and red sweatshirt. It's only 14 months since Rowan last wore them before making the transition to Primary One. Angus looked undeniably cute and was beaming as he sat for photos on the stairs and on the front step. He did throw a tantrum over the choice of footwear however, insisting that he was not wearing shoes and that his penguin crocs were what he was wearing. We let him have his way (Angus gets his way a lot more than his brothers ever did). He's certainly the burliest child we've ever dispatched to nursery and he fairly fills his school clothes, although the sleeves on his sweatshirt did need to be turned up.

Linda was delighted to see him before he departed in the car with Sharon and I. We had to be let in the locked school gate and we were greeted by Rowan, running wild as ever on his lunch hour. Once let in, Angus dispensed with the formalities of greeting his teachers and made a beeline into the class to sit next to his pal Finlay and tuck into a snack straight away. Feed Angus and you'll have a happy child. We left him to it, Sharon more reluctantly than me as our youngest boy entered the system. It's six and a half years since we first took Sean up to the annexed pre-school at Fairmilehead Church. Another fifteen till Angus leaves. It seems like a long stretch but it'll be done before we know it.

Sharon went to collect Angus early, as he was only supposed to be in for a reduced time to "settle in." Needless to say he was not happy about having to go. They were being read a story at the time. Sharon asked on the way home what the story was about and the sarcastic reply was "My not know, wur took me away before the finish!" He also painted a picture - of his mum.

Trip advisor

The incentive trip to Dubai is growing ever nearer. Sharon has been increasingly giddy, debating the wardrobe and travel plans and keeping tabs on the temperature. It's fair to say it's going to be a tad warmer than here. As I write, the rain is battering down again on another cold and miserable May evening. Driest March on record, near enough, followed by the wettest April. Somehow I've managed to get two games of cricket in so far but it has been unpleasantly chilly.

Sean is really enjoying his gymnastics class and is doing his best to improve his flexibility. He's not far off doing the splits! The P5 show this year is on a Greek gods and Olympics theme. Sean has been practising hard but was distraught when Sharon told him she wouldn't be able to go. The date for the show was moved to a date that clashes with a meeting Sharon has down south.

Rowan has been along to his Tae Kwon Do class a couple of times now and looks fantastic in his outfit. His smile lights up the room when he's all dressed up. If he can concentrate on what he's being taught, this is something I think he could be good at. He lost golden time at school last week once more, for not behaving at Assembly. Getting Rowan to sit still and listen is never going to be an easy task. I only hope it doesn't count against him as, apart from that, his reading and number work and writing and drawing are coming on very well.

Angus had his hair cut last week. It's made him look like a real Coen, especially when he smiles. He's worked through the terrible twos but can still be very demanding on an off day and very determined to do things his way. The potty training isn't going particularly well. There are good days and bad days but he's generally too late in letting us know that things have gone awry.

Finn continues to confound. Getting him to do his homework can quickly escalate into a battle of wills. Trying to understand why he feels and acts the way he does is very frustrating. He's still getting regular night terrors, usually in the evening but sometimes Sharon has to get up to him in the night too.

Adrian was over at the weekend. "Uncle Aidy" was the centre of attention from all the boys and he started a Lego revival in the house. Given the weather outside it's just as well the boys have found something other than the iPods and DS to entertain them indoors.

Traprain tantrum

The boys had a good week off school. Sharon kept them well entertained and they did their part too, playing well together and even going into the garden now and again. Getting them to go outdoors at this time of year can be hard work. The unseasonably mild weather helped. Rowan was even running around the garden with no T-shirt on at one point. Considering he is usually the coldest of the lot, wailing and girning at the slightest drop in temperature or chill breeze (even though he has previously been warned to dress up appropriately), this was unusual. There were no requests to get the paddling pool out, which was just as well as it died a death last summer, shredded and mouldy and generally unloved. We'll see what this summer brings as to whether a further investment is advisable.

Yesterday we set out for Traprain Law, a prominent hill east of Haddington, for a brisk Sunday afternoon walk. I had a good 90-minute hike around Torduff and Clubbiedean Reservoirs and up White Hill on Saturday while Sean and Finn were at golf and I was keen to get the rest of the family out for a walk. Sharon and I have told the boys we don;t mind all the Wii, DS and iPod play so long as it is balanced with fresh air and exercise. First hurdle was getting them ready and out the door. Then they all dozed off on the drive out (Sean had been at Alex's for a sleep-over on Saturday night). Angus then woke like the de'il himself, and launched into one of his spectacular non-cooperating tantrums. With Sharon's foot still not 100% and the climb round Traprain Law to the summit steep enough, no "liffeys" (lifts) or carrying were on offer. Angus didn't agree with that point of view and screamed, shouted, clung, sunk to his knees, was dragged, carried under one arm, cried, screamed and shouted some more until Sharon gave up half-way and took him back to the car. His performance continued on the return leg. I made it to the top with the big three. We admired the views then sheltered from the sharp wind in the cairn and mused on life as a Bronze Age dweller of the hill-fort. On our return, Angus perked up with a cheery "Hello boys!" and was right as rain thereafter, as though the forty-minute tantrum hadn't happened.

He can be a very stubborn toddler.

Micnic at Stirling Castle

Despite it being January, we've managed a couple of picnics in the last wee while. Or "micnics" as Angus was calling them. As well as "natto" for tomato. But aside from these amusing little variations - "please a somethin else?" is a favourite adopted by his "brudders" when looking for more food at the table - his speech is coming on very well. He can roll his R's better that Rowan. And interestingly, Rowan doesn't seem to be a "brudder" - whereas Sean and Finn collectively are. However, Rowan is included in the call of "come on boys, dinner time!"

Anyway, on Sunday 8th we joined the Patersons for a circular walk around the reservoir at Harelaw. Angus, to his credit, did very well, plodding manfully for 40 minutes of the 50 minute circuit, his finger in his mouth for the last while and eventually a request to be lifted was granted. Rowan was complaining within minutes of leaving the car. Admittedly there was a cold wind cutting across an otherwise mild day. Rowan doesn't do cold. Sharon was waiting back at the car with our soup and sandwiches which perked Angus up no end. He likes his grub!

This Sunday we took two cars up the M9 to Stirling on a cold and frosty lunchtime. We had the picnic first this time, to fortify ourselves for a Castle visit, making first use of the passes purchased for the boys' Christmases by Nana and Papa who were also in attendance. Rowan went into meltdown after his picnic, weeping uncontrollably that he was too cold (he had taken off his duffle coat as it was getting in his way when eating his soup and he refused to put it back on) and wailing all the way into the castle. His record at Stirling Castle is not good. On the first visit he had a similar tantrum towards the end of the visit, and last time he fell off a cannon on to his face.

With Rowan eventually subdued, we had a good wander through the newly refurbished parts of the castle before treating the boys to hot chocolate. The surrounding plains were draped in low-lying fog and our vantage point afforded some spectacular views.

Sean and Finn spent most of their savings last week with the purchase of an iPod Touch (4th generation) each. I spent Friday night setting them up and they barely lifted their heads on Saturday as they explored its setting and features, pausing only to ask me to download some free game or other. Rowan isn't too put out as he'll now get even more of the Nintendo DSi to himself. Angus, despite often sitting grasping a Wii controller if the others are playing on the Wii, isn't yet seduced by the digital world, although the speed with which he has gone from having no interest in TV to pestering us constantly - "my watch a movie?" - suggests he won't be far behind.

The wee two

From Sharon today: Angus is The Bear...who refuses to sleep! Couldn't get him down again today. "Angus no sleep, no rest in bed, ok?" That started from Sainsburys and lasted the whole way home. Talk about stubborn! He is currently sat watching tv with a blanket around him, and is looking sleepy so hope he dozes off for a few minutes even. [He didn't. Got so sleepy he had to have a bath before tea to waken him up. A similar thing happened on Saturday where he dozed off on the kitchen table waiting for his lunch. All these early mornings are catching up with him. If only he'd learn and stay in bed till after 7, which he did for once this morning.]

Got Rowan's brown glasses fixed this morning [a regular occurrence]. Angus also has worms, so have had that delight and the associated 4 dirty nappies already today.

This morning at breakfast Sharon commented on the sunflowers we have growing behind the herbs in our "kitchen" garden. Rowan announced it was "sunproof". When we asked him what that meant he said "it was protected from the sun, just like waterproof. Raincoats were waterproof to protect you from getting wet. And bulletproof suits protected you from bullets." It always comes back to superheroes with Rowan. He can be a bright boy at times but often hides it well by appearing not to listen. When asked how he was getting on in class, Mrs. Cooke replied with the enigmatic "his smile will get him far." True, but there comes a point where you see through the dimples and the twinkling eyes and he needs to concentrate, listen and act on what he is being told to do. Especially at swimming lessons, for example.

Rowan had Charlie for a play last week and was at Charlie's today after school. We're keen for him to develop new friends within his class. There's definitely a Gormley in him though, as he has no problem striking up friendships wherever he goes. Even at the Goblin Ha' on Sunday he was playing with a boy his own age. Long may his gregariousness continue.

Growing up

Slowly but surely, whisper it, we're leaving babyhood behind. As Angus has outgrown each range of clothes - 3-6 months, 6-12, 12-18 - they've been packed away for the last time. Last week, Paul O'Sullivan took another batch of them across the water to Ireland for their next role. The real nappies, which we stopped using some time ago as they were decidedly flat rather than the fluffy items we purchased over eight years ago, and of decreasing watertightness, also went to a new home at the weekend. The high chairs are slowly being replaced by normal chairs in the kitchen and beakers with lids are now the exception rather than the norm.

All these little markers indicate our little boy is fast growing up. A few words are entering his repertoire each week, but he's in no hurry to converse; quite happy with pointing and urging as it gets him most of what he requires. Angus has moved up into the next room at Fairmile nursery and doesn't seem out of place. They love him in there. He's very helpful at tidying up and insists on doing it before moving on to something else. His brothers are finding him a handful. Tonight he battered Sean on the head with a toy and he frequently rips Finn and Rowan's glasses off and flings them away, unless he wants to try them on himself, usually upside down. It must be odd for him seeing his three big brothers wearing glasses and wondering why he doesn't. More often than not he just does his own thing and doesn't worry about what they're up to but he does love to join in for a dance.

At 21 months, Angus is weighing in at a hefty 16.1 kg, at the top end of the weight chart, and he's about 87.5cm, just above the 75th centile line. He's no slip of a boy and has retained his strength, especially in his grip. When I was lifting him into his cot this evening he grabbed the end rail with first one then two hands and I couldn't tear him away. I had to put him in, standing up, then prise his hands off the end rail.

The other lads' tale of the tape is as follows: Sean 28kg and 132cm (4'4"); Finn 25.5 kg and 124cm (4'1"); Rowan 19.9kg and 106cm (3'6"). Finn is closing the gap on Sean, slowly. Rowan is still the smallest, relatively (around 68th centile), but not by that much and he has put on weight, which was a surprise given his wiry frame. Suffice to say our grocery bills are only going one way at the moment, and it isn't down.

Near miss

Following my hospital visit I took an extra day off work to recover my strength, having had no food for an extended period of time. It was a glorious day, part of a tremendous week of mild weather which put all thoughts of snowdrifts far behind me as I got all the bikes out of the garage and spent a considerable period of time getting the tires pumped up and various saddles and handlebars tightened.

I had Angus for company as Sharon took the other three to their swimming lessons after school. You have to keep an eye on Angus to make sure he doesn't wander out on to the pavement and road and he was watching me from the edge of the driveway as I was talking to Sandy and Fae across the road. A few minutes later, once I had returned to the tire pumping (using the automatic pump running off Sharon's car battery), there was a loud bang and I looked up to see Sandy's Audi on our side of the street. The handbrake hadn't been on properly and the car had rolled out of the drive, across the street, arcing slightly downhill, and crashed into Bob's wall just a yard or so down from our boundary, knocking a couple of the top stones seriously askew and breaking the mortar and moving the supporting blocks beneath. It was just a few yards away from where Angus had been standing minutes before and had happened so quietly that if you had been facing the wrong way you wouldn't have known it was coming.

The car itself was remarkably unscathed and, thankfully, so was Angus. The boot was open as Sandy had been in the middle of unloading some plants when it rolled away. It just goes to show how close you can be to completely unforeseen tragedy.

Angus says ta-ta

Angus hasn't been particularly forthcoming with his words. Given his physical prowess - running, climbing, speed and strength at grabbing and throwing - it's not a surprise that he doesn't feel the need to focus his mind on using words to communicate. He has two parents and three elder brothers to translate and vocalize his needs.

However, his enunciation of "ta-ta" in a soft little voice last week was met with great acclaim at the dinner table. He's not been in a hurry to repeat the feat unprompted. And he may not feel the urge (we hope) to compete with the constant babble that eminates from Rowan's mouth. But it was good to hear him speak. His other word is "baw!", generally accompanied by a round-arm hurling action, and he did respond to my "book" with a "boo" the other night.

For now, he's content to ease himself into the world of words and we'll just have to make do with his urgings and pullings and pointings until he decides that vocabulary is a more efficient means of communication. Then, we'll no doubt be tired of hearing the same things over and over again (cue Rowan: "Can I watch TV?").

Incey-wincey spider

Those of a squeamish disposition may want to stop reading now. The other day, Sharon found Angus pulling the legs off a spider. This didn't do the spider any good. Having removed Angus from the scene of the kill she then found him back there, licking the dead spider on the floor!

I suppose we shouldn't encourage him to snack on food scraps from the floor, but it saves us having to sweep up...

Angus is 18 months old

Finally, after eight months and nappies so dreadful we've decided to suspend real nappy operations for now, Angus has two new teeth. Two bottom molars have cut through. Not that the lack of grinders has stopped him from attacking his food. He is very adept at feeding himself with a spoon and now a fork and can even manage an open cup without spilling (too much). He now runs about, comes out with the odd word (generally "nana" while pointing at the fruit bowl) and is forever creating a mess, pulling books down in the playroom or scattering toys everywhere.

But he has a beautiful smile and a great nature, although don't cross him. If he grabs you with one of those powerful mitts, especially in the bath, you're done for, as his brothers have found to their cost. He loves books and I had a great half hour playing with shape sorters with him, something that I don't do enough. Angus still takes a bottle at bedtime and gives great cuddles and kisses, the former usually accompanied by an "awh!" and a patting of the back. He's generally sleeping better now, getting past 7am which is a relief. I was out at Lesley's today, having finally shifted my car through the ice and snow and Angus had a great time running between fish tanks. Rowan just watched the Double Deckers!

18 months old, Angus. Our baby is catching up with his brothers.

Angus the Intrepid

If Rowan is incorrigible then Angus is undoubtedly intrepid. Since his return from Ireland and taking to walking, he has been fearless in exploiting his new found ability. First were the turns, partly through necessity as his baby balance often dictated the direction he should be taking but he soon learned to adapt and avoid crashing into doors, walls and stairposts, most of the time. If only Rowan could learn that.

Next was walking sideways and then walking backwards. The latter is no great surprise, as he was already adept at crawling backwards, which has served him well in his many descents, as you shall read. When he walks backwards he gives a cheeky, twinkly smile as if to say, "Look at me, I know I shouldn't be doing this but I can!" The stairs proved little bother to Angus, even with our rudimentary stair gate. It was simply cast asunder as he manoeuvred under and around to achieve his goal of getting upstairs.

Finally there has been the climbing. His ability in this discipline is aided by his massive mitts. Angus has big hands and, allayed with his strength, he puts them to good use. Once he gets a decent grip on something he can generally haul his, not inconsiderable, bodyweight up on to the obstacle of his choosing. He was found this morning, after breakfast, sitting on the kitchen table. He is 15 months old. He evidently availed himself of the opportunity to grasp the seat of a chair, heave himself up and, from there, it was short trip on to the table. His brothers, engrossed in some Lego, didn't even notice.

A couple of weeks ago I spotted him using the small trampoline as a staging post to launch an attempt to grab the springs of the big trampoline and haul himself in there. He was successful. The boys' new "castle," now built and positioned where the beds used to be at the foot of the garden, was another challenge. Going for the third rung of the well-spaced ladder he finally slipped and found himself swinging from the rung, before falling to the bark below, via a clunk from the second rung. That seems to have dissuaded him for the time being, although he had previously climbed all the way up to the five-foot-high platform unaided.

Add to this: falling out the bath in Ardilaun at 13 months; going over the rail of his cot one morning at a similar age (the cot base was then lowered as far as it could go) and following that up by planting his face on the carpet after going head first over the end of Finn's bed, and it's a wonder he hasn't ended up in casualty yet.

Stepping up

Angus is now walking! He took a few steps on Tuesday for Linda and then Sharon and I had him walking (well, taking a step or two then lunging) between us in the kitchen. By Wednesday he was dancing with his brothers in the sitting room and drenched with sweat at his efforts! That boy knows how to sweat. Since then he's been standing up without the aid of support, tottering hither and thither and regaining his balance when he looks like tipping over. Today he managed to walk from the front door all the way into the sitting room and was mightily pleased with himself. He is currently sporting a couple of livid line bruises, one on his cheek and on on his leg, where he has toppled over against the console unit. Like his brothers, he'll just have to master the art of the toddle and make sure his face plants are on soft ground.

It's not all been good news though. His fifth tooth has cut through and his nappies over the last week have been dreadful. His bottom is all sores and scabs and he hasn't been sleeping very well. Sharon had a tough night with him on Wednesday, barely getting any sleep before her early start to fly down to Birmingham for the PC conference. Angus doesn't seem bothered by his sore bottom during the day, other than when he is being changed. His appetite is certainly undiminished. He can easily put away as much as Rowan, and generally more quietly.

Angus is One

I've fallen a bit behind with entries, June having been a rather busy month on the work, school and holiday month. But it would be remiss of me not to mention Angus's fine first birthday party. The morning was rather hectic as Sharon was helping out in the cafe at the School Summer Fayre, which I attended with Michael and the three biggest lads. Angus was at home taking it easy in preparation for his big day. The boys enjoyed the Field of Fun: bouncing on the castle, doing laps on space hoppers, kicking balls about and so on. They made sure they got their cakes but didn't see why they had to queue for lunch at the cafe when Mammy was serving! It didn't trigger a memory at the time, but as I write this I recall the slightly odd feeling I got when I saw my Mum working in the kitchen at Bushes Primary when I went in for lunch. More often than not she was at another school, so I didn't usually see her. Her complaint was always the week when she was on the dreaded "tin sink" which no doubt meant scraping out potato and pastry encrusted pots and trays.

Anyway, back to the house and Sharon maintained the cooking tempo, putting the finishing touches to an array of curried dishes that she had mostly prepared the night before. After 3pm, the guests began to arrive. Paul O'Sullivan and his flatmate, the Fishers, the Valentines, the Fletchers and the Patersons: no baby friends for Angus, but enough people to spoil him and enough children to keep all our boys occupied. The sun shone in the afternoon and Angus sat out and devoured some corn on the cob (in fact anything within grabbing reach was in danger of disappearing down the gaping Angus maw) while his guests made merry at the bar on the back patio. Sharon's excellent spread of food was very well received (I did burgers for the children) just before the rain came on and we moved indoors. Sharon brought through Angus's cake to the living room where he stood next to the console and looked on wide-eyed at the chocolate cake with its single candle.

With the adults ensconced in the conservatory and the children thankfully doing their own thing in the playroom, the party went on well into the evening, only briefly interrupted by Angus's departure to bed. A fine time was had by all, although Sean, Finn and Rowan were predictably over-tired as they were put to bed after 10.30pm.

So, no more children under one in the Wallace household. Happy first birthday Angus, you were a smiling star all day!

A teetering step

This evening, Finn held up Angus who took his own weight and took one tiny teetering step towards me before falling into my outstretched arms. My baby. I am shaking my head as I type this, with a sense of disbelief. Where has a year gone to? Knowing Angus is my last, I am desperately trying to savour every minute of his "baby-hood", and almost want to freeze him in time. He is growing up so fast.

Mind you, they all are. You look at Rowan, with his amazing vocabulary. He can speak as clearly and competently as most P1 kids! He always has been 3 going on 13! Bless him, he got his pre-school booster jags today, he was such a star. The first one was ok, but the second one hurt him, mostly because he was trying to wriggle out of my grasp so much. He may be as skinny as anything just now, but he is very strong!

Finn had his French assembly this morning and was singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes en Francais, as he ably demonstrated in the playground while we waited for Sean to come out. He continues to delight and frustrate in equal measures! He cant seem to walk past me at the moment without slapping me "on the jelly belly" as he calls my stretchmark-ridden stomach!

Sean impressed me today with his efforts at cycling, after his cycling proficiency class at school. That was, until he lost control of the bike and steered straight into the side of a high wall, knocking himself to the ground. As ever, his cries of pain and anguish were most dramatic. Bless the boy, he doesn't do pain at all well!

Every now and again, I have to stop and think to myself how did I get to be nearly 40 with 4 lads, a husband and a house? Wasn't it only yesterday I was only 26, training like mad for rowing, enjoying a social life and living in a flat? Blink and you miss it! That's why you've got to enjoy the here and now. Really looking forward to Angus' wee birthday party on Saturday, and so so pleased Mam and Dad are coming over for it. Poor Angy is last in line, the novelty of it all has gone, but that's not fair on him and his first birthday is a really special day for him (and me!), so delighted his grandparents are coming over to spend the birthday with him.

Because he really is a special little baby boy.

Our boys are growing up

One year ago at this time Sharon could barely walk, almost crippled with SPD as the baby within her ground down on her pelvis with relentless weight. Now, that big baby is entering the final week of his first year. Soon we will have no more children under one. Angus is now the proud owner of four teeth, a room-warming grin when he beams his glorious smile, a healthy and varied appetite, a toffee-coloured shock of hair that is gradually filling in round the sides, a well-developed shout as he competes to be heard above his brothers, sturdy legs, a big round tummy and a long reach, as he exemplified on Saturday as he swung an arm on to the table and grabbed a freshly poured bowl of steaming tomato soup.

He burnt his hand and was lucky he didn't pour the soup on to his face. Despite me getting him straight under the cold tap, a nasty blister appeared next morning on his right index finger (fortunately not his sucking finger). However, he doesn't seem unduly bothered by it.

Angus has been taking his weight (13kg = 2 stone, just half a stone lighter than skninymalinky Rowan) with increasing regularity and managed a five-second unaided stand in the garden last weekend. I don't think he'll be walking by his first birthday but he's probably got three or four weeks to be the earliest walker of the four.

Life is so hectic at the moment that it's all too easy to feel as though we are stuck on a treadmill but if we're not careful we'll look up and all our boys will be grown up before we know it. Here's to our four boys: their smiles and laughs and silliness; their sulkiness and tears and tantrums; their attempts to learn, frustrations at failure and sudden inspirational insights. Our world would be quieter, more orderly and less stressful without them, but also infinitely less rich and rewarding.