Nathan want to the Orthotist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital today to be measured for shoes. We'd primed the lad for this visit, and he was exceptionally good throughout. He's chosen precisely the same style of shoes for his next pair, which should be ready in a couple of weeks.

Nanna came to visit and Nathan never stopped running about and shouting the whole time, except for a ten minute milk break.

We spent a quiet day at home with a trip to the park (Nathan slept through it) and a visit to the family across the road.

A few days ago the lad watched impressed as a friend ran about crashing into walls going Naaaaaaa... boink, Naaaaaaa... boink. Nathan's taken to doing the same thing, and he's getting close to being able to run.

Granny came to visit and Nathan got every toy out. He had a lovely day.

The lad's appetite hasn't quite returned after his illness. He still prefers milk to food.

We went to Silverdale road and Cintra park toddler groups today. Nathan was quite worn out.

We've bought him some magnetic lower-case letters and he takes them from the freezer door in the kitchen to his talking keyboard to compare them.

We went to Hickory Dickory Dock today. Nathan really enjoyed it. He was walking around, answering the teacher's questions and smiling a lot.

One of his friends, an older boy, has taken a proprietorial attitude towards Nathan. When our lad was asked to go to the teacher he froze. Dad was going to offer his hand but this little lad came up and did it instead. Nathan insisted that dad take him, but it was really sweet.

The really amazing thing was that Nathan managed to relate all of this to mum, without dad's help, when she came home.

Back to term-time schedule, and a return to Silverdale Road toddler group.

Nathan's walking now (he strolls around with his hands behind his back) and he's much more confident and independent. He's also enjoying it more.