Six comes too soon
A birthday
A wise man once told me; time is like hot bólí when you’re hungry. While you’re waiting – it appears to take forever. However, the minute it’s here, next minute it’s gone.
As young parents, this time analogy is apt watching all our kids – especially you.
In your case, I can distinctly remember when we realised that the ‘signs’ were persistent and couldn’t be ignored any longer. We rushed down to Kings College hospital, and after what seemed like an eternity (even though it was only a couple of hours), you were here. All the memories (and anxiety) I experienced on that fateful day, feels very fresh and recent even though it was six long years ago.
And I do remember everything. We packed and repacked the overnight bag at least a dozen times. I had two packets of Haribos. Your mum brought magazines. The wait wasn’t easy. I know because I still ran out of sweets and had to make two trips to the vending machine right beside the reception.
From that sunny and eventful afternoon, a lot has happened. I would say some days have been great, while some days – downright scary. More importantly, every single one of them has been eventful. In all, it feels like time has come and gone in no time – just like hot boli.
One unintended benefit of being born in May is that it’s usually around mid-term school break. It means when your special day knocks, we have the opportunity to spend more time together as a family.
For your sixth birthday, we went down to Sandbanks, Poole. And while I’m sure you’re aware your mum is a superwoman, she really shines when it comes to planning a family vacation. She snagged a delightful Airbnb in Canford Cliffs, which was perfect as the apartment was in pristine condition and only a few minutes walk away from the local beach.
Poole also happens to be only two hours drive away from us at Hitchin, so we decided to leave some days before your big day and also make use of the May bank holiday. The following pictures tell the tale of the trip and of course, your birthday. Enjoy.
The trip started smoothly and everyone was in high spirits. You also insisted on wearing your ‘I AM 6’ badge which was given to you by your classmates just before the school break.
We got there in good time – and since checking was some hours away, we decided to check out the action at the beach and had a stroll to explore.
When we finally got the keys to our apartment, one of those ‘scary moments’ happened. Your mum and I left you and your brother in the living room, and we both heard the loud crash. Then the immediate silence. Before you scream out like a banshee.
“I was playing with my little brother, and he pushed me too hard, so I fell on the table,” you said while crying in pain.
Thankfully, it was only a superficial cut and all back to normal the next day. We went out to the beach with friends.
Also, worth noting that at this point in your life – you’re really into football. You go to football lessons on Saturday, football camps whenever you can, and generally play it at any chance you get. Matter of fact, at one point before the trip, you asked if we could instead stay at home so you wouldn’t miss your football practice. Yes, it’s that intense.
The surprising aspect of being on a beach in Sandbanks during a Bank holiday weekend is expecting everywhere to be crowded, and finding out it’s not. A gift no one was anticipating.
Much later in the evening, we had a celebratory birthday meal. Your sister has also recently started feeding herself and it’s always a messy joy to watch.
The next day, we hopped on a ferry and got some more sand time. Of course, you also took your ball along with us, and we played until I was too tired to keep up 😂.
In total, we spent four nights in Sandbanks before we made the journey back to Hitchin. And a cake was waiting for you courtesy your nanny.
And that was your Sixth, my son. By the way, you’ve got a joint birthday (with one of your best mates) party coming up later in June. It promises to be good.
