I do like to be beside the seaside

Yesterday, we went to the Brighton Baby Expo. And here’s what we did…

In summary:

Wake up, mass excitement, car, train, bus, stadium, bouncing toddlers, Mister Maker! Surprise Numberjack, more bouncing toddlers, Baby London, Hot Milk! (Bras4Mums) Buggy Tug, MAM, bouncy castle, rabbits for sale, Grubby Bubby, BundleBean (best gadget of the day for me by far!), La Leche League, Close Parent, Cheeky Wipes, Karen Rao leave, train, beach, sunset, Chinese, dessert mmmmm, bus, train, extremely overtired toddler, screeching, car, and BED.

And now in more detail:

The Wee Man has recently developed a bit of a liking for Mister Maker. He also likes trains, bouncy castles, and the beach. So of course when the opportunity arose to combine all four in one day, by attending the Brighton Baby Expo, it was an opportunity not to be missed! (and of course there were plenty of mummy and baby gadgets to keep me entertained as well…)

Getting up nice and early, we were out and in the car ready to without any complaints, tantrums, screaming fits or refusals to put on shoes for once – in part due to the Wee Man being very excited at the prospect of ‘the Maker’, and also because the Other Half was not participating in our adventure, which he was unspeakably relieved about. Instead the role of joint chaperone had fallen to Auntie Tooie, who is far more interested in all things baby.

Arriving at the train station, we had just missed a train, which was another opportunity for excitement for the Wee Man as he witnessed two ‘SUPER trains’ (express trains) whizzing through the station. Further excitement ensued when we reached Haywards Heath and there was a replacement bus service running. As many parents with toddlers no doubt know, buses are also *amazing* and the combination of car (with roadworks and diggers – oh, oh, its an ORANGE ONE MUMMY!!!) train, then bus proved too much and the Wee Man fell asleep in his seat. Bubby D was not so bothered about anything and slept the entire way (brilliant!).

Arriving at Falmer, we were a little concerned whether we were in the right place as, aside from some other mummies and pushchairs, there was no signage to indicate that anything was actually going on. After walking through several doors which all turned out not to be the entrance, we finally hit on the right one and we were in.

Straight down to the stage area, and we navigated through the throngs of proud parents and impatient toddlers who were watching the fashion show, and waited for Mister Maker to appear, saying a quick hello to Brighton Mums on the way. (Who kindly gave the Wee Man a tiny cupcake with glitter on it, yay!)

Luckily we didn’t have long to wait. Even better, he was accompanied by a Numberjack! The Wee Man happily joined in with the singing, dancing, shaking, stick clacking and cloth waving.

He even managed to get a photo with ‘the Maker’ although as it is on Auntie Tooie’s camera, we have yet to see the full result…

Then it was my turn – gadget time 😀

Auntie Tooie escorted the Wee Man to the bouncy castles and animal exhibition (although strangely the animals were for sale and so many had since ‘disappeared’) as Bubby D and I trawled the stalls.

First stop – Baby London. They managed to talk me into a subscription with their wily offer of JoJoMaman Bebe vouchers (I do so love JJMB stuff, but sadly I’m not made of money, sigh…) and excellent local listings. We also got a free Benjoy snack which the Wee Man will be pleased about when I get round to giving it to him – he loves those things!

Next, one I’d seen on the twitter feed and definitely wanted to visit to ogle the Hot Milk! bras – Bras4Mums. Some minutes later I came away with a wonderful new bra and pants set, hurrah. They aren’t the cheapest but well worth the money – so comfortable, supportive and pretty 🙂

On to MAM for a teether for Bubby D who’s begun that telltale dribbling, then Buggy Tug to pick one up for the Maclaren. Grubby Bubby had a great idea – colourful, waterproof covers for highchairs and car seats and extra long bibs. The car seat covers were sadly not compatible with our BeSafe iZi otherwise I’d definitely have got one – and I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for news of one that is compatible. (apparently coming soon…)

Then – the answer to what I’d been moaning to Auntie Tooie about on the train just that morning – something to cover Bubby D’s legs when she’s in her Close Parent Caboo. The Bundlebean! Waterproof, snuggly and versatile, she’s loving it so far and so am I. I’m sure I’ll be writing more about it soon once we’ve used it for a while.

A quick wave to Close Parent, Snoozeshade, Cheeky Wipes and the La Leche League, and a look at Karen Rao’s great felt pictures (I’d run out of money but will be getting one next time I have some money!) and we were done! (Oh, and I also witnessed Auntie Tooie getting me the silvery iPhone holder I wanted from MiaTui, but I’m not supposed to be remembering that ;))

Back to the train, and off to the beach to meet Uncle Brett. Wee Man was happy to watch the sunset and stamp around on the pebbles. He also insists the pier is in fact a large boat and loved staring at all the bright lights and funfair rides.

One Chinese restaurant meal later (with the biggest selection of desserts I think I’ve EVER seen) and it was back to the bus/train/car. Sadly this didn’t go quite as smoothly as the trip down, as an overtired Wee Man screeched and squealed all the way home (never have I seen a train carriage empty so quickly…) and Bubby D was prevented from sleeping due to the aforementioned Wee Man antics.

It may have been a long, tiring day but definitely a day worth doing!