KELLY BROWN Mum's the Word...Where did the time go? The little man is two years old today!

I don’t know where the past couple of years have gone, but they have absolutely flown by, and inched by at the same time.

There was a time, I can vaguely remember, when I couldn’t imagine what life would be like as a parent.

Being responsible for the welfare of a child, caring for them, loving them unconditionally and watching them grow from tiny babies all seemed like a magical scenario I would not get my head around.

Now I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without my lovely little boy. I can’t believe it was two years ago today I was having my first cuddle, first kiss and first feed with my munchkin. Like most mums my labour didn’t go as planned, but that soon vanishes when you fall in love with such a tiny and helpless little thing – even if they do keep you awake at night!

Then there is the first time your child clutches your finger, smiles at you and shares that first lovely laugh.

Looking back at the many, many pictures we have, it seemed a lifetime ago when I watched him struggle and persevere until he turned over on to his tummy for the first time.

Then I watched him learn to crawl using his slightly-amusing commando-style technique. Suddenly he was standing, dancing and walking.

And now Mr Independent is talking, climbing and running around like a little loony, having a brilliant time.

Those pictures tell a story which seems to have taken place in both a quick five minutes and over many, many years.

That tiny little baby I first brought home has long gone, but in his place is the most amazing little boy I could ever wish for, and I can’t wait to watch him grow over the next two years.

So happy birthday, my gorgeous, just don’t grow up too quickly.

* Sleep like a big boy

So far Operation Big Boy Bed is a huge success. In fact, it has gone so smoothly I’m certain something must go wrong.

After much effort on our part to get him excited, my husband and I transformed his cot into his big boy bed. He leapt on it excitedly and was desperate for his first sleep.

His first nap went to plan and he didn’t try once to get out of bed.

I don’t know if this will last, but I will certainly enjoy it while it does.

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