Bye Bye 2013 - it wasn't all bad...

I'm sat here doing a bit of post Christmas analysis. We're very lucky, and have had probably our best Christmas ever in terms of Mini and his enjoyment of the season. We had a very quiet Christmas with just Christmas Day with family at my sister in laws, although all the weekends leading up to Christmas were packed full! We had our elves here, we visited friends and family, we spent time in A&E, we saw a pantomime, we went to see Santa, we had family visit us, we went to parties, we roasted chestnuts, we built gingerbread houses and we went to Church.

Since the big day we've spent most of our time at home, building Lego, playing Yahtzee, doing puzzles, making airbrushed pictures, teaching Dollop how to use her Mobigo console, changing batteries, painting nails, putting sparkly gems in hair and just relaxing.

In the last 7 days, we've had one semi-meltdown (from Mini at least, there have been rather a lot more tantrums than that from Dollop). That's a new record. I can't recall the last time we had such a long period of regulation and normality. It feels to the NC and I that perhaps Mini has undergone a period of maturity, and he's certainly going through another physical growth spurt...perhaps they go hand in hand? He's been happy, affectionate, helpful, fun, polite, great company and has been a pleasure to have around. We've found a nice mix of playtime, chores and relaxation. It's all just going well!

Don't get me wrong, we had a few wobbly moments including a couple on Christmas day but cuddles were enough to soothe them away.

We've also had a few 'I'm bored' or 'What can I do?' moments, but in all fairness I think that's because he's been a little overwhelmed by all the presents and at his age I'm sure I reacted the same way.

But I won't get complacent because I know these times (although shorter in the past) have been before, and disappeared quickly. After all, we have more anticipation and excitement on it's way as the new school term begins...at the new school, and Mini's birthday is in early January. Then the end of the month is the anniversary of Mini moving in (and another anniversary too), and no matter how quiet we are about that, he can sense it's not the easiest time.

Anyway, now we're about to begin a new year and I am more hopeful this year than I have been in the past - hopeful that I can fight some of my demons, and that we can get more help and support for Mini, and that we can move forward as a family. For now, goodbye 2013 you weren't the worse year we've had but let's hope things are better next year, see you on the other side!