– 2:55 pm

I got in not too long ago (from football). The pitch was horrendous. I’m surprised the ref allowed the game to be played given how bad the grounds were – mud, puddles, the perfect conditions for a serious injury. Thankfully there were none. I played for less than ten minutes and strolled around the entire time, trying to do as little as possible, happily. You could barely move (let alone run) given how much mud got stuck under your boots. Also, it was Jimmie’s first game back since his injury. He scored with his first touch of the ball. You can imagine how happy we were to witness that. We won the game 10-2.

You and your mother are out meeting “Kostia and fam” as she put it. In fact, she literally just sent a photo via Whatsapp.

Speaking of your mother, she’s an incredible person. She really is. If there’s one person you should be most grateful for, she is that person. She puts you above and beyond all else. You should tell her how much you love her every chance you get, including today which is Mother’s Day. She deserves it and unlike me, needs to hear it said. I’m more of a, “if you love me, show me, pay a bill or pick up the hoover, save the words”. But she on the other hand is content with a hug and hearing the words uttered sincerely. Those are her love languages.

We had a great few days in Tenerife, caught a bit of sun and had some exquisite food. M.B. and Kabuki were different but equally delectable.

We couldn’t believe how much you’d changed when we got back. It certainly looked like you’d grown years in three days. I wonder if I’d recognise you if I spent a week away.

Since then, you’ve started sitting up and stringing more syllables together, da-da, ba-ba etc. But not yet mama. I hope that’s the first meaningful word you direct at anyone. It would mean the world to her. Besides, I don’t need you to say “papa” to know I’m your dad.

Interestingly, your grandad thinks even though you can’t say these words, you recognise who papa and mama are and can link the word to the person. While he was babysitting you yesterday evening, you went off on one and couldn’t be consoled. Liza and her mum went to see a ballet in Covent Garden. He reports that he told you “we’re going to see papa” and that calmed you down until he eventually brought you over. I make nothing of it. Everyone thinks you’re really smart (for your age). In comparison to the other kids from the NCT group, it’s clear you’re more developed but I’m just happy for you to be a child and have no impositions to make.