Day 166 - Birthday list

"What would you like for your fifth birthday sweetheart?"

"I'd like some sparkly shoes."

"Sparkly shoes?"

"Yes, glittery, sparkly ones....and I really, REALLY want a fluffy toy puppy that moves."

"But you've got that fluffy Zhu Zhu pet puppy thing that moves..."

"NO mummy, I want a fluffy toy puppy that moves, with LEGS and a LEAD and a CARROT."

A pup-it?

I 'm linking up with 'Out of the mouths of babes' at Yummy Mummy? Really?

The Gallery: Action

Pedal power!

A special moment last week...the stabilizers came off and after a morning of wobbly attempts, she got it!  
When I look at this photo, I can hear her squeals of delight - she was one happy bunny.
The best bit was her dad was there to see it. And he's a lot more patient than me.....
We had smiling, steering and no pedalling: smiling, peddling and no steering.  We also had a few of minor tumbles, hence the grassy route. 
But she was so determined. 
I love that about her.  
I also love that she learnt to ride a bike in her velvet dress. My girl doesn't do trousers. Sometimes I can't believe she's my daughter.
Now we need to find a bike with a bit more style....
Watching her, hurtling along (not necessarily in the direction she planned) there was an ever so tiny flicker of sadness, because she's my baby, and it was one of those moments when it hit me just how fast she's growing up. 
Another step along the path: another milestone passed.


This week's Gallery theme is Action.
(The link up has been postponed)

Day 152 - Back to life, back to reality

When I opened my eyes this morning, I was on my own...again.
He left in the middle of the night while everyone was sleeping.  I don't know if this makes it easier - any time is hard - but there was no moping about all day; no long drawn out goodbyes, and I hate the goodbye bit. We woke up and he was gone.


I had that split second of calm before reality crashed in. Just as gloom clouds were gathering, the nine year old popped his head round the bedroom door and asked if I was OK.
'I'm fine sweetheart.' And I will be. Fine. I don't want them to see me down.  I know that how I'm coping affects them. I want everything to feel as normal as possible. 
Then the youngest came in and practically dragged me out of bed to look at a big black and white cat in the garden. Life goes on. Kids are great dwelling deterrents.


We had a fantastic two weeks with him, but things don't click straight back into place; it's always a little bumpy at the start. Just takes a while to get into the swing of being together again - no matter how desperately you've been looking forward to it (or dreaming of handing over the kids and heading for the hills....)  For months he's been concentrating 100% on work and I've been running the show back here, so we both have to find a comfortable in-between place.  As usual we found it - and then he had to leave.


Anyway my plan is to run round the horrible old 'pit of despair' so fast, there's no chance of me falling in. Busy is good. And saturday mornings are always hectic - never thought I'd actually be grateful for that. 
If the kids let me, I'm going to spend some time in the neglected garden later. I always find a bit of digging and chopping helps. 
But looking a little further ahead, I'm going to add to the list of things I planned to do during the last 5 months, but never quite got round to. It's an opportunity to set fresh goals. Well, that's how I'm looking at it. 
So I'm going to do more running and kettlercising; I'm going to see if I've got what it takes to do some radio work; I am going to take more photos and try to write some poetry; I'm going to go camping with the kids...and maybe further afield in the summer holidays.
OK, so it mightn't all happen, but these thoughts are helping at the moment. Because it's rubbish when he goes.

Day 150 - Keeping it real

I was woken up this morning by the youngest prodding my arm and hissing in my ear...


"How many days now mummy?"


I felt my stomach tighten and swallowed hard,


"One day sweetheart - Daddy goes in one day."


She frowned and gave me that withering, don't-you-know-anything look,


"NOT THAT mummy! How many days til I start SCHOOL DINNERS?"


Wasn't sure whether to be relieved or ever so slightly concerned.

Day 137 - The Gallery: At Peace

Homecoming

Back together

Complete

At peace

The Gallery theme this week is 'At Peace'.... which is how I felt the moment before I took this.

Day 136 - One More Sleep!

GREAT excitement here....We've gone for an Easter choc/chick themed Welcome...

                                     If he's late, we can always play with it or eat it.

A sweet Welcome Home