Daddy’s Birthday – Gurdwara, Farm n Food!

Hello All,

Hope you’re keeping well!

Thursday marked Preetam’s 31st birthday! His first as a daddy so we had to make it special.  All he’d asked for was a family day and wasn’t too bothered about what we did as long as Arjun was happy. I could appreciate this as that’s exactly what I wanted for Mother’s Day – I wasn’t bothered about materialistic gifts – especially as we have the most precious gift ever now, I just wanted to spend quality time as a family as we don’t often get to. We decided to opt for something pretty chilled out and it turned out to be a really nice day.

Arjun gifted his daddy a homemade superhero card – because that’s  exactly what he is to him! The way he looks at him, smiles at him, and how his face lights up when he enters the room is so special and so touching. He is completely besotted with his daddy. We made the card using both a footprint and a handprint – for those of you that read my blog posts regularly will know I’m a sucker for crafts!

I wanted to get Preetam something special from Arjun this year and as I know Preetam often struggles to be apart from his son when at work (like most parents do!) so I went with some Hand on Heart jewellery – personalised hand print cuff links with a little message that read “so I’m always with you x” on the outside. Preetam LOVED them. They were perfect. I would strongly recommend this company if you’re after a sentimental gift to give.  The process was quick and easy.

We started the day off a little later than we usually would as we thought it would be a good idea to let Arjun have his morning nap at home so he was well rested for the day ahead.

We started off by going to the Gurdwara as we do all birthdays. Going to the Gurdwara always puts me in a great mood! Arjun loves being at the Gurdwara too. He spotted his Nanaji from far who was busy doing a school tour of the Gurdwara.

Going to the Gurdwara yesterday reminded me of the first time we took Arjun when he was born – the sun was beaming through the ceiling to floor windows just like it was that day. I remember being in so much pain that day from my c section scar and barely being able to move, when my little boy was still sort of a stranger to me at only a few days old. I remember feeling apprehensive about becoming a mother, how I was going to cope. I remember feeling tired but also energised walking in to the main darbar (main hall where Guru Granth Sahib Ji is) – the same feeling I get every time I’m in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh scripture and 11th Guru.  It’s crazy that almost 10 months on, most of those fears I’ve overcome.

It was really nice starting the day off by thanking the almighty for all our blessings – it was always Preetam’s dream to be a daddy by the age of 30, he technically was but he just hadn’t met his son this time last year! Birthdays are always a great time to reflect and to be thankful for all that we’ve been blessed with.

As it was Arjun’s lunch time, we decided to have some langar which is food prepared by the sangat (those that have also come to the Gurdwara) who have partaken in sewa (selfless service) at the Gurdwara which is available to everyone and anyone. Daal (lentils) is one of my least favourite things but for some reason at the Gurdwara it’s one of my favourites! You can taste the love in the food at the Gurdwara.

After the Gurdwara we visited Odd’s Farm in High Wycombe which I’d strongly recommend. There is so much to do there for children including feeding the animals, soft play, an outdoor play area and mini golf as well as a train ride! We didn’t get to do everything as Arjun is a little small for some things.

He loved seeing the animals and watching Preetam and I feed them. His favourite animals were the lambs, goats and the rabbits. He found it hilarious when the goats and lambs jumped up on to the fence for food! He was so sweet with his daddy – without Preetam even noticing, Arjun would sometimes just be staring at his daddy smiling as Preetam was busy looking around. It’s so cute and heart melting seeing him with his dad – words can’t even begin to describe their relationship.

He also loved the swings and squealed with excitement as his daddy pushed him. He tried some of his daddy’s Solero ice cream and his reaction was hilarious – he kept going back for more though!

After the farm, we decided to stop off for an early dinner at Harvester. We picked Harvester as it’s a child friendly place to eat and their vegetarian options are great as well as it being quick and easy. Arjun gets his dose of veggies through the salad bar as well as his dose of his favourite thing ever – bread! And for mains he had mashed potato with peas. He enjoyed his food and showed his enthusiasm by banging on the table – great table manners!! 

When we got home, the three of us cut a little cake for Preetam and spent the evening chilling and watching movies in bed! It was a really nice way to end a chilled out family day. I was completely battered from my nasty sore throat that just hasn’t shifted coupled with my terrible hayfever!

On Saturday we had a small family BBQ with Preetam’s family and my family to mark Preetam’s birthday. It ended up being a little breezy but we had lots of fun food and cake! Arjun also got to experience his first ever BBQ menu – his favourite were the potatoes obviously! We rounded the day off with a Nutella and Ferraro Rocher cake! Delish!



All in all Preetam had a great birthday  and we spent it how he had wished. 🙂

I remember planning Preetam’s 30th last year – I was in my third trimester and feeling pretty heavy.  I’d planned a day out in Windsor where we started off with breakfast at the Chocolate Theatre Cafe. Although Arjun hadn’t entered this big world this time last year, I still wanted him to be a part of the celebrations so I had arranged for us to go to a pottery cafe to decorate an ornament for Arjun’s nursery – Preetam painted a dog resembling Bruno and picked a tractor for me. After that, we had a picnic on a boat. I remember talking about Preetam’s next birthday and how it would be with a baby – I can’t believe it’s already come and gone! How time flies!