Playdate At Jacob Ballas

Madison went to a playdate all by herself over the weekend!

A neighbour had organised a group outing to Jacob Ballas Children's gardens on Saturday, but unfortunately Chris was post-call ( hence STILL working! ) and I had appointments lined up in the morning.

BUT! A kind friend who was going volunteered to take Madison there with her daughter, and initially I wasn't sure. Then I thought, why not? Would be great exposure for Madison, and confidence building to be able to cope on her own.

She did great! Because it was so last minute, I didn't have time to prepare anything for Madison to take along because I was already at work. It turned out that it was a group picnic/playdate and I think most parents there brought some kind of food. The kids got to play in the sand pit and splash around in the waterplay area. Madison had a ball! There were 2 other girls of the same age that she really gets along with. The friend who took Madison there was really nice. She brought snacks and drinks for her, and helped to get her in and out of her wet swimsuit.

Saturday evening we were invited to another friend's place for her daughter's first birthday party. She lives in a condominium near the airport.

IT was an amazing place! The recreation area was HUGE, to say the least. There was a dedicated 25/50metre lap pool, several tennis courts, a basketball net, 2 or 3 free form pools with the works ( waterslides, fountains etc ) and a decent gym with several cardio machines and free weights. There was a cafe(!), dry cleaner, convenience store, video shop and beauty salon within the compound too! There were 5 or 6 apartment blocks, each probably at least 30 floors high. Maybe more. Felt really like a holiday resort. People EVERYWHERE.

Sunday we spent mostly at home. Took the kids to have a hit with the golf clubs on a grassy patch just outside the apartment, then shopping at Vivocity with Madison. I let her 'skip' her afternoon nap since it was a Sunday, but while we were driving to Vivocity I told her she could have a short sleep until we got there and she did! It was quite amazing. At home it could take an hour tossing in bed till she fell asleep! Anyway, she was quite out. So much so that she was literally HORIZONTAL while still strapped in her child booster seat. It was quite funny. I don't know how kids can sleep in such strange positions.

When we got to Vivocity, we decided to go to Starbucks for a seat and drink since Madison was still sleeping. Of course once our frappucinos arrived she promptly woke. And wanted to share, of course.

Was really quite fun shopping with Madison. She was well behaved in the shop, managed to pick out several outfits that she agreed upon, then go over to the supermarket for some groceries. She didn't ask to be carried, or throw any tantrums.

And the best part was she actually went to bed at a decent time! 930pm and she was OUT! Unlike the usual days when she gets a proper nap and then wouldn't fall asleep till closer to 10...