This weekend we gave into the weather and finally got Dexter his first ever paddling pool. Having trialled him 9 months ago in an unheated swimming pool in Portugal, we weren’t too sure if he’d take to it, but I was so worried about the heat we couldn’t resist giving it another go.

As he’s outgrown his swimsuit, first up we went into town on the hunt for some swimwear. With all the high street shops now making way for their Autumn Winter ranges, there wasn’t too much choice. We ended up getting him some tiny Joey Essex style trunks that show off his finely toned physique (no nappy because we’re hardcore). Forget first shoes and first teddy, it’ll be these hopelessly dinky bad boys that will be making their way into his memory box.

When we first popped him into the water he wasn’t convinced. In fact, for the first 20 seconds Dexter displayed some expert gurning. However, before long he was splashing around with all the enthusiasm of wasp in a pint of Coke. He didn’t seem to mind the water splashing up into his face or poured onto his head - a marked improvement on bath times. In fact bath times can sometimes be so traumatic that Dexter’s tears turn the bath water salty enough to accommodate Nemo!

For a child that hasn’t even fully mastered a sippy cup, he also surprised us by lifting one of his stacky cups to his lips and drinking from it. Obviously we had to put a stop to this given he’d been in the pool for a good half hour and by then, it contained unknown quantities of sunscreen, midges, and possibly even wee… but good effort Dex! Mummy and daddy now have renewed hope that someday soon you’ll be wielding your own cutlery.

The paddling pool experience was ultimately cut short by Dexter’s insistence on biting the inflatable walls of the pool. Knowing just how sharp his little fangs are we didn’t want to risk him popping it and having a full on tantrum when the neighbours were enjoying a family BBQ. Given Dexter seems to having a few problems understanding that “No” doesn’t mean “Yes son, go for it. This is absolutely a game and we’re enjoying it every bit as much as you” we whipped him out of there pronto.

When we finally plucked him out, stripped him down and dried him off, Dex was so shattered that he began to nod off in his highchair. A quick kiss and a nappy change and he was tucked up in his cot dreaming about becoming the next Tom Daly (at least this is what I’m hoping). All in all it was the best £3.00 we’ve ever spent and will make this summer heat far more bearable for our little dude.

Linking up, once again, to Coombe Mill’s fabulous #CountryKids (Click on the badge below to see what other children have been up to this week). And if you like what you read here… check out Dexter’s other #CountryKids antics!