MUMMY TO THE MAX

Today is our moving day. I have been counting down to this day for months. The worry, the stress, plans, ideas and even money and love have gone into this move and I am hoping it really will go perfectly for us. For the next few days I wont be around much but I have scheduled a few posts which I will hope you enjoy.


What we are looking forward to:

Having stairs- For the last 2 years I have longed to run up and down stairs. I have longed to have that little bit of space separating Ben and I whilst he is sleeping in the day and whilst me and Maxwell want to play in the day. I want the opportunity to say to Maxwell "Stop climbing the stairs" - although this will really never happen as we have invested in 2 stair gates.
Having a garden- Most people take it for granted that they have a garden. I did until we did not have one. One of the most amazing things this summer is that Maxwell will have a garden. He will be able to play with his toys, we will be able to have BBQ's, we will be able to socialise with friends and we have a shed to keep clutter in.
Having our own driveway- For the last 2 years now we have had to carry a baby and toddler through the rain to our car.  We have had to walk down icy wet steps, we have had to stand hail, rain, wind and at times even thunder to walk to our car. This house is going to provide us with joy that there is a driveway and when it does rain, there is only center-meters to walk to that nice white door which will lead you to a nice dry house.
The Area- The area we are moving to is a better location than what we live in now. I can walk to catch a train to go shopping, I can walk and get a bus, I can walk to the local supermarket and most importantly I can walk to see my Grandad. I adore the area and although we are not so close so forest (It being at the end of the road) we are still extremely close to it and I am still looking forward to our wonderful forest car journeys.

Plans and changes in life:

Going out more- I am looking forward to going out more. This may mean walking to the local shops, visiting the local swimming pool or even going to more toddler themed groups with Max, I think the area will let me access all this and if not more. There is also the issue that I want to get skinny before August next year, so who knows... Maybe I will even take up a new sport.
Doing more activities with Maxwell- Whether these activities be cooking, crafting or playing out in the garden, I am really looking forward to it. I think this house will give us a little more room for Maxwell to burn his energy off everyday so there is more time for funner activities.

Not looking forward to:

Gardening- The garden is not the hugest garden you will ever see but it is big enough for Maxwell to have a lot of fun. The garden is pretty basic however I will still need to tidy the lawn, keep plants in shape and even maintain fences, trees and walkways.

Since having Maxwell I have never had to go anywhere long distance with him by myself. I have always had Ben or my family to hold my hand. Next week it all changes, we are going to London.
We are going for a special event which no-one actually knows about yet but I couldn't be more scared if I tried.

The train journey is for one and a half hours each way and we are going from Southampton to London. We also have one stop to battle with.
I have done it a few times before without Maxwell but add a baby, a pushchair and a changing bag into the equation anything could happen.

Things I am scared about:

1. Being late for the train - We are booked on to the 9 am train leaving Southampton, however when I rang South West trains up they told me I would have to collect the train tickets from a machine, I have no clue where the machine is nor how to even get the tickets. I think we will leave our house early.
2. The journey - I rang South West trains up to ask was it possible to travel with Maxwell in his buggy. Its small and lightweight and I can not see him sitting still for a hour and a half. I was told I would either have to collapse it which I really do not want to do or if any disable places are free I am able to put his pushchair here but if anyone disabled gets on then I will have to move. I was also told they were unable to reserve seats which is irritating. Has anyone ever experienced taking there children on the train in a buggy? Any advice would be great!
3. The Change of train - We only have 10 mins to change trains, will this be enough time? If not we will be standing around waiting for the next train to come.
4. London - I have a 20 min walk when we get to London to our destination. I am going to print a route off before we go however I hope we do not get to lost if not ill be jumping in a cab.

I have decided I need to take minimal luggage but enough toys, food for Maxwell to be entertained. I have already decided we can stop off at Pret a Manger for lunch as I have a gift voucher.

I am excited but also very nervous! Look back soon to see how it all went! Did we have a successful trip or not?