Today was an important day for Arthur as it marked his first graduation. After Easter we will be not be going back to Jolly Babies, the brilliant music group we’ve enjoyed since he was only twelve weeks old: instead he will be taking his place in Music with Mummy.
We’ve both really loved this group, held in the beautiful setting of Lupton House on the outskirts of Brixham. It was one of the very first groups we started going to regularly, and through it we have made some firm friends. It’s run by Carol, who with her boundless energy has seen me through many a sleep deprived haze. She manages to keep the atmosphere relaxed whilst still getting through lots of musical activities – no mean feat whilst juggling tiny babies, newly mobile toddlers and gossiping mums.
Together we’ve sung old favourites and learnt new songs, all with appropriate actions. Arthur’s favourite seems to be Wind the Bobbin Up – I’ll catch him randomly doing the arm movements around the house, and suspect they’ll be making their way into his disco dancing moves for years to come…
Through the classes Arthur has discovered a whole range of percussion instruments, which he is just beginning to progress from tasting to exploring in a more suitably rhythmic way. He saw his first bubbles there, and it’s always been a highlight when the bubble machine has come out at the end of each term.
Arthur first learnt to play ball through one of Carol’s songs too, and has really enjoyed the range of cuddly creatures she incorporates. In fact he’s developed a bit of a reputation as a bear thief…
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that bubble, ball and bear were amongst Arthur’s first words, but that’s not all he’s learnt. The classes have helped him become more confident, to enjoy mixing with other babies and their parents. And also to help to nurture a clear love of music that I feel sure will continue to grow.
Although our next class will still be with Carol, in the same building, and will reunite us with friends who have already graduated, a big part of me is sad to be leaving Jolly Babies behind. It’s been such a big part of Arthur’s development so far, and the fact we’re moving on just serves to remind me how crazily fast my baby is growing up! I’m sure Music with Mummy will be fab too though – look out for more updates when we’re settled.
Thank you to Carol for the pictures charting Arthur’s journey in Jolly Babies.
Sophie is... 
Aww, I still sometimes miss the music groups mine used to go to as babies, its such a lovely activity for them to do! I’m sure he will love the Music with Mummy group just as much!
I’m sure he will too. Just weird to think about him growing up!
These sessions sound great. Always sad to leave a group you’ve really enjoyed, but I’m sure the next group will be just as wonderful #PoCoLo
It was a great group! But I have no doubt MWM will be too.
This sounds like a lovely group – pictures look like your little one is having a lovely time. It’s always sad to leave somewhere you’ve really enjoyed but fingers crossed, the next group will be just as wonderful. Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo
That’s lovely Sophie 🙂 Great to look back and remember all the things you have done together in the group. And I promise you, the next group will be just as much fun. Different, louder, busier, but the learning you will see Arthur experience will be a joy for you to watch! And fabulous songs that you can really use that beautiful singing voice of yours with too! Have a super Easter. Will be sharing this with HQ if that’s ok! xx
Glad you liked it! Arthur really has got so much from Jolly Babies. I’m looking forward to MWM now I’ve got my head round it – and I reckon Arthur will flourish in a new environment! Have a lovely Easter break xx
Aww! That sounds like a lovely group!! It’s always so sad to leave something you really enjoy x
It was lovely. But I know I’ll have to get used to things changing all the time as A grows up!
Aww i know the feeling. You have created a bond with them and goodbyes are always sad #pocolo
Hopefully our friends will be moving up soon too 🙂
The end of a chapter usually means the start of a new one but this doesn’t make it easy. It sounds like a wonderful class & sounds like Arthur had a great time. Thanks for linking to PoCoLo x
I’m looking forward to the next stage now – just hard to get my head round how quickly he’s growing up! x