Holden: 23 Months

Holden's 23rd monthly photo, taken on the 1st of every month.

Holden turned 23 months old on the 1st of January, New Year's Day. The first two weeks of December we were still on holiday in Florida with Graham's parents, sister and brother-in-law. I celebrated my 32nd birthday on the 3rd with a day in the sun by the pool then a lovely meal at night while we were staying down in Rotonda West. We moved up to Orlando on the 7th and spent the week enjoying the theme parks, the pool and fitting in some shopping. We went on the hot air balloon at Downtown Disney, had a day at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios & Epcot, then went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, all of which Holden loved. We also saw the 'snow' in Celebration, visited some of the resorts, and took Holden to see the Disney Santa. On our second last evening we had a gorgeous dinner at the Contemporary's California Grill to celebrate Graham's parents 60th birthdays and retirement. We also got to have a day by ourselves at Universal Orlando's two parks, while Holden stayed with his grandparents. We came home with large Mickey and Minnie Mouse soft toys and lots of things for Holden's Christmas and birthday. After we arrived home it wasn't long until Christmas. It was a busy week back at work, coping with the jet lag and getting the decorations up. I also had my Christmas lunch at work while Graham's dad babysat. Then it was time to celebrate Holden's 2nd Christmas. We opened Holden's presents at home then skyped with my sister and her family and my parents in Australia. Then we spent the day at Graham's parents with all his family, there were 14 of us for lunch this year. We were all spoiled again and got so many lovely things, Holden was very lucky and I think we will need to rearrange his room to fit everything in. We stayed over night until Boxing Day and visited my aunt, uncle and cousin before having dinner with Graham's parents, sister and brother-in-law. The celebrations continued on the 29th with Graham's mum's and aunt's 60th (they are twins) and his nana's birthday. On New Year's Eve we had dinner with our friends then went with them to the family firework display in our town, followed by a quiet evening in. On New Year's Day we were invited to my aunt & uncle's where we had lunch with them, my cousin and their friends, before we all went to my cousin to continue the party. We dropped Holden off at Graham's parents on the way so we could enjoy a later evening.

Holden's talking progressed so much while we were on holiday and he has loved having his nana, grandpa, auntie and uncle around for the two weeks. We had a brilliant flight over to Florida, and were lucky to have a spare seat beside us for Holden to use and BA also provided a sky seat which fitted where the bassinet usually goes and where he could have his nap. Once in Florida, Holden adapted really well, he went to bed as normal each night, and apart from the first morning when he got up at 5.30am, every other day he woke at his usual time.

This month, after our trip, we had a busy time with our final preparations for Christmas. In January, things will be a bit quieter as we plan for Holden's 2nd birthday and the arrival of my niece and nephew from Australia.

I'm going to take the same photos every month if I can, beside his bunny and standing beside his penguin.