After our visit to Christophers on Monday 22nd March, we had two quiet days at home, then on the Thursday we were planning to go to the butterfly house, but that particular day they had three groups of some 30-60 schoolchildren coming, so we decided it would be wiser to postpone the outing. 
Massimo’s Granny was due to come and spend the day with us so staying at home wasn’t a hardship. Granny came loaded with a paddling pool and 300 coloured balls. The ball pit was put up as fast as our puff could blow up the pool and Massimo has been enjoying kicking the balls out for Jasper and Horace to chase after ever since!
The next day we were back at Christophers, this time it was just with Justin, myself and Massimo. In the morning we went for a swim, but after lunch Justin’s father and Mal came to visit. Later we left the little man in the capable hands of Marina whilst we went into Guildford in search of a new car seat as he had outgrown the last one. Halfords did not have our choice in stock, but Daisy and Tom’s did. They also had a very cute pair of shoes which we just had to buy! 
He has been wearing them every day since and they have proved to be a very effective way of keeping his socks on, a thing that will please Sheila no end as she struggled with this particular problem when she was looking after him. I’m sure these will be in evidence in a photo somewhere along the line!
The snake incident happened on this Sunday. Monday was spent at home. The physio came to visit in the morning and the afternoon was spent quietly.
On Tuesday (30th March) we finally went to the London Butterfly House (www.butterflies.org.uk/) at Syon Park, Richmond. Massimo was quite grumpy that day but other than that we had a great afternoon. As you can see we went with Maz and Maddy. There are so many butterflies that it is really only a matter of time before one lands on you – first Massimo, then me, and it got so attached we couldn’t get rid of it!
On Wednesday we met Madeleine for coffee in the morning and rested in the afternoon. On Thursday Chase delivered a bubble tube, a projector and a disco ball. These are on loan for a month and Massimo is rather enjoying their presence. Claire arrived later to look after Massimo and brought some fibreoptics for us to play with too! 
Good toys that are keeping adults and children amused. Claire spent a lovely 6 hours with the little man, whilst I took Nonno (my dad) out for lunch and I came back to find the two of them curled up on the floor, bubbles, fibreoptics and music all on the go whilst Claire read every book of Massimo’s she could lay her hands on.
Friday we were back at Christophers, this time we took Tatie Lucy with us. She had fun with Massimo on the swing and in the pool. 
Justin also went into the ball pit with the little man and we tried out one of the many special chairs they have lying around the place, with some success we feel!
In the last week we have been to Christopher’s twice more, on Monday with Maz and Maddy and on Thursday with Nonno. 
On Tuesday we ventured off to Caterham where we caught up with another of our neonatal friends, Dylan. On Wednesday Justin’s aunt Sandra came to visit and we went off to make Tommy and Lizzy’s wedding gift from Massimo. All will be revealed after the gift has been safely delivered.
Friday was Good Friday and we were down at Granny’s and Brian’s for lunch. There was a very good gathering as Dan and Emilie 
(Massimo’s cousins) were over from France and Sandra was there too. Dan and Emilie spent many hours playing with little Max, except when they were enjoying Granny’s pool.
Saturday was spent with Nonno as he was due to leave the following day to spend a little time with his nephews in Italy. Easter Sunday was spent at Grandpa’s and Mal’s, another family gathering with Dan and Emilie, Tatie Lucy and Marco and Uncle Jamie. Easter Monday has been spent at home recovering!
