Jabs

So my beautiful brave boy didn't bat an eyelid at his jabs today. "My vaccinations didn't hurt, mama. Well, the second shot hurt a bit, but not much!" His sister, on the other hand, screamed the house down because a stranger (lovely nurse) was holding her (right next to me). Another day successfully juggled, negotiated and managed. Now to check whether 1772 has any significance - boy's falling asleep mutterings.

The end of my daughter's first birthday

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." Charles Dickens

Except it's February. A beautiful day, nonetheless. Kids now asleep and peace reigns again.

One year ago

One year ago exactly, I was still in labour. In a few hours, we would be moving to an emergency c-section. I still remember the moment she was pulled out and I saw her little face and I thought, "Oh, another one!" By her second day, she'd started to take on the more delicate pointy features that distinguish her from her brother.

I remember those first few days in hospital, the heat of the ward, my naked nappied baby lying on my chest 24/7, sleeping, feeding, the multiple migraines on the third day heralding the arrival of my milk, the yummy hospital meals, especially the apple cake and soya custard, ooh and the custard creams - a healthy snack for a new mother!

I remember my son's shyness, confusion and very mild fear as he visited us, climbing carefully onto the bed with us for a snuggle. The contrast, now, to his rough, loving play with her.

I love how they are together: both running around the sofa at top speed before bedtime, both strong, wilful, independent, tough, laughing, playing, pushing, hugging, grabbing, funny, fun loving, loving. "They're both rather active..." says my tired mama!

My little girl, a year old in just a few hours, such a little person, yet such a strong character - knows her mind, bright, perceptive, socially aware, shouty, desperate to be a verbal part of our world already, funny, very very loving, affectionate. Happy birthday my beautiful baby. I'm so glad you joined our little family. 😍 😘

The great sock pile

What a great day! I found a whole heap of never worn socks at the back of my drawer AND my daughter only woke twice. I feel 7 years younger, though I have a horrid feeling this may be the calm before the storm because yesterday I spied a second molar trying to push through (and armed myself for the night by dosing her with ibuprofen and paracetamol). Still. At least I have some non-holey socks. 😀