First Birthday

Lucy's first birthday was the wettest bank holiday on record. Is that possible? While I saw no signs of Noah or his Ark I must say I am impressed with the 'shower proof only' gazebo that was erected to house the party goers who stayed for 7 hours (more of an adult party although Lucy loved it) and the happy clapping baby who relished all the attention.

We even manged to BBQ for almost 30 people so never let the weather put you off. But perhaps let the clean up the next day put you off. Wet grass and mud clumps throughout the house is not great. Especially when you realise the clump is actually your dog.

The weather shows no signs of improving while this time last year I was sat in my hospital bed like a zombie in c-section pain with a fan quietly buzzing across me. My brand new baby had done her first crap and while the midwife was kind enough to check for it she was also kind enough not to change it. I don't relish giving birth again in an NHS hospital but even my most painful memories are content ones.

I am very lucky. If I wasn't me, I would wish I was...

Bottle of the House White

Picture it - I am dressed in a bright blue floaty skirt that makes my arse look like a trifle, white vest and hot pink hoody with silver flip flops. I am pushing my baby along at 6.30pm after convincing her she was not tired enough to sleep (which she was.)

The ultimate Chav mama.

Why? To the off-license I go. It was a beautiful evening. A drink was in order but how guilty can you feel hiking your baby into the offy when it is hot and muggy and past bedtime? I felt like a fool as I browsed the chilled wine section until a bloke pushing a baby in a pushchair strolled in 30 seconds later. Can we do this? Is it OK? It sure is. We chose, we paid and we left. Both babies were happy as Larry to be in the air conditioned off license. Potential play group venue I say.

OK. Maybe not. But sometimes it is OK to still be an adult and not just a parent.

And who was Larry that he was so Happy? Great guy.

Lost Baby Madeleine

I have deleted the Madeleine post because there is a website set up now with far more information. Keep looking and pray/hope for her safe return.

Goodbyes and Goldfish

Blair announced his Adios today. I remember when I found out he came into power I was slurping on a big bowl of cereal with a mega headache due to a hangover after a night at the student union. Did I really care? Nope. The D-ream song echoed in my ear from the night before anyway. A decade later as he announces he is leaving I am slurping on a similar bowl of cereal, still not caring and still have a headache but this time it is because a baby is screaming in my ear. And not because she is unhappy. Just because she has learned how to scream and likes it.

My brain hurts...

The reality is once you have a family whatever happens outside your bubble is just not as important as it once was. Although - perhaps what should have once been important never was for me so the lesson is lost.

Certain things really do get me though - the Important stuff - a missing child in Portugal, terrifying, the thought of it being my child creates waves of unspeakable fear. The Daily Mail reader stuff - a bin collection ONCE every two weeks? I recycle where I can to free up room in my bin for the dog crap, dirty nappies and kitty litter that fills it in seconds. The thought of it all sitting there for 2 weeks as I pass breathing in a mouthful of flies is not a pleasant one. The Home Owner stuff - slugs, slugs and more slugs destroying my expensive attempts at an instant garden by eating my ready bought beautiful, expensive flowers. A tip - slugs don't like Busy Lizzies or Gardenias or women named Kate squashing them like a madwoman.

To counter balance all this madness in my life I purchased a BiOrb. I have added one fish so far - my daughter named him Eeeeeeee. So E he is. I also have a rather fancy LED light for it that goes from daylight to sunset to moonlight to sunrise. I just don't have time to watch all those experiences...

...but I am sure the fish really appreciates the finer qualities of LED lighting.

Monday's child is fair of face...

I almost moved blogs. This blog was complicated to administer.

OK.

I forgot my password and was slightly alarmed when I tried to retrieve it the email had been sent to my AOL account. I don't have an AOL account...At least I don't think I do. Heck I may just have another blog aside this one in a crazy youthful type move anyway. If youre lucky you may find out what it is.

Anywho to pick up where I left off...

I have a baby. Almost not a baby anymore. Nearly a year old. I don't know where the hell endless bottle feeds and nappy changes went but they are gone. Having said that, I could just have a hungry and damp baby...

I am still tired. Always tired. I can't imagine Lucy getting up after 6 even when she is 18. She is that kind of person. A morning person. Is she really mine?

There was a programme on the BBC about the state of maternity care in the UK at the moment and it basically made me cry. I thought I had a bad time but the reality is I was lucky and so was my baby. I am sure a majority of the time all is fine but for that seemingly growing minority where things have just not been up to scratch my heart goes out. Despite my experience I had a healthy beautiful baby. To imagine otherwise is painful beyond words and to see it in Panorama is depressing.

On the up side, Lucy has been entered into the Baby of the Year competition for Essex along with 987 million other little folk. I am confident we can jig the results so she wins given all the family and friends that are potential voters. I must point out that I am not a pushy mother though. No way.

She can crawl and wiggle about now. She cannot sit still for more than 1 second. Even when I am changing her nappy.

Those cream carpets were a mistake.

Barry Scott and Cillit Bang why can't you do carpet stuff,eh?