First published on writerscafe.org.  Apologies to anyone who read it there. BABY FINN GOES SHOPPING. (Abridged version.) Baby Finn was on holiday at the seaside with his Mummy and Daddy and his Granddad. They were all staying in a BIG caravan near the sea in place called Devon.           One morning  Finns’ Mummy said. “We need to go to the supermarket and buy some more food.”            At the supermarket Finns’ Mummy placed him into the special seat on the shopping trolley. Finn liked the shopping trolley. Finns’ Granddad pushed him around and made car noises. “Brmmm brmmm brmmm.” Finn liked the car noises. After a while, Finns’ Mummy said, “Finn are you hungry?”          Finn nodded his head and said “Yah.”           Finns’ Mummy said, “Let me see if I can find you somet...

Apologies to anyone who read this story when it was originally published on my writing site,  www.writerscafe.org/madenglishman FINN AT THE BEACH    Baby Finn was on holiday at the seaside with his Mummy and Daddy and his Granddad.    They were all staying in a nice caravan near the sea in place called Devon.    One morning, after breakfast, Finns’ Mummy said. “Let’s all go to the beach today.” It was a lovely morning a nd so everyone agreed this was a good idea. The beach was very nice with lots of soft clean sand to play in and at the end of the beach there were some rocks. In the rocks were little pools of seawater full of interesting things. Finn liked the sand. Finns’ Daddy liked the rock pools.  Finns’ Granddad liked to play on the sand too and he was soon busy building sand castles. Finn liked the sand castles and liked to knock them down with his little red spade. Finn and his Granddad laughed. Finns Mummy took...

I'm not going to give a blow by blow account of grandsons' first year. He was adorable of course but it was full of spilt food and smelly nappies.  I think everyone who met him fell instantly in love with his totally infectious laughter.  He certainly takes after his dad in that respect, who, at that age, was always smiling and giggling too.  So much so I called him "smiler", I still do on occassions even though he's now in his 20's. I've started calling Finn "Little smiler" and he seems to like it. When he was a few months old, and could recognise people and respond to voices and faces, was one of the most emotional and beautiful times. Seeing him sitting on his great granfathers' knee laughing as my fathers songs brought back such powerful memories. The two of them had an immediate affinity which was clear to anyone watching them. Sadly this bond and loving relationship was too short lived, my  father passed away suddenly last Ja...

I remember it so clearly, the first time I heard that I was going to a Grandfather. Granddad as I am now happy to be called. It was a Sunday, much like any other, and my son and his girlfriend had invited me to spend some time with them in their new flat. When I walked in through the door I knew there was something going on. My son was all smiles and Raven was curled up on their sofa looking a bit giggly.  My son made coffee and then sat down next to Raven. "We've got something to tell you." He said.  Now, I know my son, and as he looked at his girlfriend my heart started to race. "You're going to be a granddad." he said. I looked at Raven and she smiled and nodded. I had a thousand thoughts going through my head and  I wanted to jump and down and shout I was so happy,  but I managed to keep a reasonable cool. I knew this wasn't a planned pregnancy but as I looked at them both they looked so happy so I just said. "Really?" They both nod...

Welcome. This is my first blog attempt so please be patient and allow a few mistakes. My idea is to write short episodes about the life of my grandson as he grows from a toddler to a child. Sometimes it may be a little mundane and at others it might make you smile or even laugh a little. We all know how funny and interesting babies and toddlers can be, whether they are being good or getting into mischief. So here he is, the hero of my stories. Ladies and Gentlemen, May I introduce to you, BABY FINN. Cute little fella ain't he.