energised by endorphins

On Wednesday Hugo was in an abnormally fractious mood. I couldn't seem to make him happy and he was gnawing away at his fists and anything within mouthable distance, so I put it down to teething.

I was in a foul mood too. I was just simply fed up. Adi was off work and I felt like I needed a break too. 

While Hugo was napping I took the opportunity to de-weed our strawberry patch and pick some strawbs. The endorphins and sunshine instantly lifted my mood but I was suddenly brought back down again when Hugo woke. 

On the one hand, Hugo being difficult made me realise just how wonderful he is the majority of the time, but for some reason his timing was off and I just felt like my mood was rubbing off on him and vice versa. My mind was spiralling and I just needed to go!

So I flew. I just got up and left (Adi was with Hugo!) on my bike, which I had last ridden a whole 13 months ago on the day I told my parents I was expecting Hugo!

And my god did it feel good. As much as I like walking, I'm always wanting to go faster so I can discover more and take more in. To have the wind in my hair and freedom was incredible! I cannot wait until Hugo is big enough for a bike seat.

I cycled with nowhere in mind and ended up finding a perfect circular route via St Aidan's country park (I think RSPB are definitely no longer running it because they've taken the signs down - a huge shame).

I returned home a different person. 

It is rare that when I have the chance to exercise I want to because I'm so tired, but I need to remember to try and take any chance and go, because it felt so damn good. 

Plus, I have a Bermuda body to think about, but more about that later!

life lately - sunshine and smiles

I noticed a huge change in Hugo this week with lots and lots of smiles. Because of all of the groups we've been going to I had lots of new songs in my head so I was singing constantly! The more singing I did, the more smiles I got, so Hugo was incredibly smiley and responsive to me :)

It had been sunny all week but by the weekend the weather was incredibly hot and it was the first time Hugo experienced proper heat. He was a bit hot and bothered and over tired as we'd packed so much in but coped remarkably well.

Here's the other bits from this week:

My friend Frankie popped over on Tuesday evening with the new man in her life Tom. They are making plans to move to London this summer which is kind of odd, as we're switching places. I'm really envious at all the possibilities that lie ahead of her as she makes the move. London was home to some of the best years of my life and all the advice I could offer is enjoy it. It's probably not forever, so you just have to go with it while you can. It's a shame that one of my friends is leaving Leeds as I arrive back, but on the upside Frankie won the award of the most visits to our home (hotel) while we were in London, so I'm sure I can pay her back!

Adi was off on Friday and the sun was beaming so I took him along to St Aidan's for a picnic. It was his first visit and apart from lots of midges, I think he appreciated it like I did. Because of not working I've had the opportunity to do so much more than him which feels strange. I want to fill him in on all of my experiences and take him to the best bits. 

It was lovely having some quality time together, but it was short lived because we were heading off to help Adi's brother and sister in law move house. The weather wasn't ideal (sweat inducing) but better the sun than rain I guess. We emptied the van and cars pretty quickly and were able to use the van to move some garden furniture to ours which was a bonus before Friday night fish and chips.

Sunday was spent with my sister. It was so good to have some time just the two of us (well with Hugo too). Since moving away from London we do less as friends and more as sisters with other family members/ husbands around. While that's great too, it's sometimes good just to be the two of us. We went to Temple Newsam which you can read here, and came home for a BBQ with Adi. I also developed hayfever. I blame the beautiful blossom.

(16th - 18th May)

where I live - stumbling upon St Aidan's

My mum and I went for a walk along the river recently, crossed over the bridge, opened a gate and discovered an RSPB nature reserve 'St Aidan's'.

Having just moved to the area I've done tonnes of research online to get to know what's around, but nothing had come up about St Aidan's so it was quite a shock!

Situated on the old mining site, there is now a haven for birds and wildlife. The sound of squarks is quite incredible and yet it feels so peaceful and tranquil, with swans and ducks swimming in the reservoir and birds coming in to land. 

Although the RSPB have a visitor centre and signage, it's not currently run by the RSPB as there is a dispute about the land. Luckily for us, that means that it's relatively unknown and yet we can still access it at any time of day as it is an open space. It's literally a 10 - 15 minute walk from our house, so I'll be going along regularly for walks and eventually bike rides.

Mum was absolutely buzzing at the discovery. Being a massive lover of nature she was excitedly telling me the names of birds and was thrilled that her grandson would be so close to such a fantastic spot!

I'm looking forward to exploring the whole site as we only saw a tiny bit of it. I'll also take my camera down - water makes such a great focal point for sunsets. It's right by my favourite cafe too - win!