And Mia makes five!

This last pregnancy seemed to last forever,  I now understood what friends had meant when they said their second and subsequent pregnancies were less enjoyable, more of a chore, a means to an end.

In truth it was probably my healthiest and least complicated of pregnancies, once over the initial twelve weeks un-certainty that automatically go along with a history of miscarriage like mine.  I was sick and tired enough to be reassured that I was actually pregnant but not un manageably so, I didn't suffer with SPD as badly as I had previously (although I have to allow a little credit for that to our lovely new mattress and the fact I wasn't stuck behind a desk three days a week) and I didn't get any more then the usual coughs and colds.  It was however hard work!  Keeping up with family life, keeping the house as dog hair and gerbil dropping free as possible. Molly's social and school bits and all Max's appointments not to mention running around after, bending and lifting a solid little eighteen month plus old and daily dog walks.  All pretty full on with out the growing bump which despite however many people telling me on a daily basis how tiny I was.  It was still there and concealing an average size baby and very much physically a hindrance.

Your first pregnancy you almost enjoy all the discomfort, it's all new and wondrous a novelty almost, you are able to give yourself so much more focus and time to try and make things easier.  I think due to the time and heart ache in between my first and second it allowed me to feel all that again second time round.  This last however as I said felt more like a means to an ends and with absolutely no opportunity to slow down or concentrate on just being pregnant.

Please don't misunderstand, every time I felt the movement however uncomfortable I still felt the magic.  Having lost so many in the past I still felt that relief and wonder when my belly did it's alien impersonation.  My favourite time was the evening when the kids were safely tucked up in bed their daily needs having been met, all the dinner clear up and preparation for the next day all done and I could sit or lay and take time to just be pregnant ! 

Towards the end of my pregnancy the usual excitement and eagerness to meet our baby set in, along with a longing to physically be my self again, at the same time there was a tinge of sadness as I was acutely aware that this was probably the last time I would be pregnant and experiencing the magic of growing a new life and I felt guilt at wishing that special time away.

Time ticked on and much to my surprise having been early with both my previous labours I found my self thirty nine plus weeks pregnant ( the most pregnant I had ever been) and booked for an induction on the following Monday.  We decided that weekend much to some of our families concern rather than sit at home waiting and whittling to travel to a family wedding instead, I had a dress and had been looking forward to wearing it and seeing family members

not to mention supporting the bride and groom as they promised to love each other forever.

We took all the necessary, car seat, hospital bag, pregnancy notes etc, just in case!  It was a lovely day, Molly and Max loved seeing all their cousins and the bride looked stunning, it was an invaluable distraction.

Monday came and Simon and I headed off to the hospital leaving my babies with their nanny at home to wait to become a big brother and big sister again. 

I had heard so many horror stories of inductions, the waiting the boredom followed by stronger pains etc that I was more nervous then I remember being either time before.  I was however pleasantly surprised that within ten hours I was in established labour with just the first stage of induction,  managing with out any drugs, certain that at the next examination they would be able to break my waters and as happened twice previously it would all be over soon after.  (having laboured for a day Molly came with in 20 mins of my waters going and Max came 4 hours after my waters went with no previous labour pains)  However every heavily pregnant woman in the local area decided to have their babies there and then and the labour ward decided that they were too busy to promote my labour to progress any quicker so would not be breaking my waters ready or not!!!  I was furious as this meant that I would be in pain for longer which meant I would be more tired when it came down to actually giving birth and then more exhausted to go home to three children!!! 

Was it any wonder that inductions led to more need for drugs / intervention / surgery etc  They start women on a path and then try and tweak the circumstances to suite them!  They also sent Simon away home! So I was left contracting every few minutes on my own convinced that if my waters were to go of their own accord that there would not be time for Simon to get back to me and he would miss the birth! ( I remember threatening the midwife on the ward at this point that if that did happen I would take her name and give it to the baby so when they were old enough she could explain to them why their daddy was there for their brother and sisters birth and not theirs!)
I took the decision at this point to have some pain relief,  I am sure I would not have needed it had they broken my waters as planned but I was acutely aware that I had already been awake since five in the morning and that I could be there a while yet and needed to rest if I was to have any hope of having the strength to give birth naturally.

Luckily enough my waters did not break on their own but my labour progressed quite quickly the pethidine I had didn't touch the pain (although I did feel less aggrieved after having it lol) I tried the usual tricks of birthing balls, baths etc but I was quite quickly begging the midwife for more help, at this stage they did decide to move me to labour ward and I was allowed to call Simon back to me,  While I waited for both Simon and to be moved another lady on the ward who was there for problems in her pregnancy came and sat with me and saw me through a very lonely scary half hour,  I didn't get her name but I will never forget her kindness and will always be grateful for her company in that time.  I did see her the next day when fetching my dinner on the ward and was able to thank her I am pleased to say.

Anyway time blurs here but Simon arrived and I was moved to the room where I was to have my baby,  there was gas and air hooray and although again it didn't take any pain away it did help me cope with it and relax a little!  The midwife looking after me then broke my waters and bang at 4:25am 31st May 2011 Mia Rose Elliment was here ( I was right about how quickly after waters) !!!!!!

A head full of dark hair just like her sister when she was born but that was all that was similar, she had a completely different look about her then the other two, So tiny, so perfect and I felt so complete.  That rush of love and protectiveness is almost addictive.  She came straight up onto my chest and I just adored her, I let the midwives get on with whatever they needed to and just gazed and wrapped my baby up in my love.  In those moments I was acutely aware of how lucky I am, how much I loved not only my baby in my arms but my two babies at home, and Simon, Simon who has given me everything I've ever wanted it's like I've loved him a truck load more with every birth.

After a while and as I came down from that initial rush I did have a moment of guilt and shed a tear or two as I started to examine her, Simon said it was only natural and that I shouldn't feel badly but I think I always will I cried as I checked the palms of her hands, the space between her toes, her eyes, the size of her ears!  I was looking for features of Down's Syndrome not because it would have mattered  if they were there but because I needed to know to deal with it as soon as possible if necessary.

There were none, she is not like her big brother in that way. Just as perfect as him and their older sister.  Her challenges are going to come from some other direction. :-).

We woke Molly with an early morning phone call to tell her she was a big sister again.  Her sleepy excitement was infectious.  Both Nanny's and Uncle Paul were woken too but I don't think any of them minded :-)

We couldn't get over how different to the other two she looked, this had taken us both by surprise, Simon said to me "she looks like someone but I can't put a finger on who"  .
We had some time to ourselves while waiting to be taken up to the ward and I had a shower as I was doing that I think Simon was spending some time staring in awe at his newest daughter, taking pictures.

He then came to me in the en-suite eyes swollen with tears holding his phone.  At first I panicked but he quickly said "my brother's nailed it". when I asked what he really broke down as he read his brothers message, a response to a picture Simon had sent.  " she looks like Dad first thing in the morning before he put his glasses on" That's who she had reminded Simon with out him realising and as with the births of all his Grandchildren there was a moment of sadness that he never got to see them and that neither of his Grandsons or Grandaughters will ever know their Grandad Pete.

There was a day or so in hospital for some precautionary monitoring due to blood types (all is well) So Molly and Max first met their Sister on the ward later that day.

My heart grew again having all three of my children together.  That feeling of completeness hasn't left me yet.  It was only beaten the next night when I was in my own home Molly and Max asleep in their beds and Mia beside me in her moses basket. 

Two weeks on and we're all settling in to being a family of five,  Mia has slotted in perfectly it's as if she has always been here.  Max is adorable with her although you never know when that gentle stroke is going to turn into a heavier pat or a grab to squeeeeeeeze and love ha ha.  Molly is smitten with her little sister, cooing and ahhhing over every little movement and outfit.  The two of them seem closer too, as they are both in the same position now with some one else stealing a bit of Mummy's attention.

Simon has been wonderful, recognising my needs for things to be organised and done a certain way and just being the most generous supportive I've ever known him.  I am so lucky to have some one who is just bottom line my other half, we are a team and at the moment I don't think there is a championship we wouldn't win.xxxxxxxxxxx

I am the luckiest Mummy in the world but yes I am done NO I do not think an even number is necerssary lol xx

Mia completes my perfect little family in a way I only dreamed.

Life is good so why stress?

I am getting a little cross with myself because the fact that stress is currently limited in my life is worrying me!  Life is good,  kids are thriving, pregnancy is going well, financial pressures aren't as heavy, yet I am waking in the night wondering when things are going to change.

Even though Molly has just been confirmed a place at our chosen middle school instead of taking a deep breath and being pleased worrying about the next milestone secondary school!  Contemplating all things from catchment areas for good schools (us living in prime catchment of what I consider the complete opposite of a good school) to the issue of her social development and what if we can't get her into the secondary schools we want and she ends up having to o local and start again socially all because of the decisions we made when she was four to send her out of catchment.

Being entirely at ease with Max and every thing about him all the things that are the same for him as well as the differences, loving him so completely with such pride and fierce protectiveness and utter acceptance of his condition and all that it brings with it.  Instead of enjoying that, having moments of complete panic and fear that I never want to feel differently.  At the moment he is a child, utterly adorable and so full of character that even his tantrums make people (including me) say ahhhhh I fear of ever wishing he was different, of not feeling the utter peace and acceptance that I do now when maybe he is a not so cute a teenager or adult throwing a similar tantrum.  I doubt that day will ever come but it still terrifies me.  He deserves that fierceness and unconditional love I feel today forever with out faltering and with out condition or if onlys.

Not to mention the fears of my impending labour and the birth of our newest baby, can I possibly be lucky enough to have an third uncomplicated delievery and healthy newborn?

These are only brief moments and I feel it prudent to point out that hormones may very well be a factor in their depth.

I counter these with spring afternoon walks to the park with Molly and a friend after school.  Where we enjoy breezy sunshine and little girls show of their new found confidence in their climbing abilities.

Little boys scream and giggle with delight on the swings. To death defying heights too quick for the camera.

Loving the dog having been scrubbed and primed and preened now roaming the house like a fluffy walking air freshener.

Still enjoying regular weekends with Daddy at home if only to have a Sunday late morning snooze.

Being spoilt for Mothers day with love and sentiment, my new bracelet adorned with a charm from each of the pieces of my heart.  A fourth picked ready and waiting the safe arrival of the next bundle.

Looking forward and beginning to prepare in earnest for the arrival of the third and probably final addition to our family.  Starting to get excited about the tiniest baby grows again and reminiscing when the other two could ever have been that small. Making 'to do' and 'to get' lists.

Like I say we all have ups and downs, ebbs and flows in life and I am learning to flow and enjoy the ups because undoubtedly the ebb and downs will come again but then I will have the memory and thought of these times as well as the love of my beautiful family to see me through those tougher days and out and up again!

So for now I feel no shame fear or guilt from shouting from the rooftops.

LIFE IS GOOD

The Pregnancy Closet

There was that moment again, that instant where most people feel excitement and joy and I just felt, scared, nervous.  The only difference this time when I wee'd on that stick was the added shock that it had happened so quickly.  We had agreed to set limits this time, boundaries so it didn't become too central a purpose in our lives for too long.  It was decided that if we weren't successfully pregnant by the end of 2011, my thirty second birthday then we would draw a line under the story and move on with our family as it is.  Which by the way we were and are both more then satisfied with.  This time limit was set for a number of reasons.  Part of which was that having enjoyed a larger age gap between our first two children and all the benefits the five and a half years bought we both  liked the idea of a closer age difference between Max and a younger sibling and not wanting the gap between Molly and her youngest brother or sister to be too great, also my age although I know I am by no means old many of my friends having not started having their children until my age or even older and there are many benefits to being an older parent I just felt having started my family in my early twenties why put my ageing body through it much later. Lastly and probably the most significantly not wanting to go through the years and loss' we did waiting for Max.  If I'm honest I expected maybe one or two loss' and maybe to take a while to fall which I accepted as what must be and why we started trying so early however within two weeks of taking the leap there I was in a friends new kitchen staring blankly at those windows on the test and those two little lines!

The Doctor I saw was very supportive and did not question my request to be referred to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) for early scans she set it up straight away for me.  The midwife even called me the afternoon I'd been to see the Doctor to set up an appointment and support even though the pregnancy was so new.  Gratitude at the support overcoming the sneaky suspicion that their going beyond was not only as a result of my miscarriage history but of the circumstances of Max's birth too.

We managed to put it from our minds, not think about it for most of the two weeks we had to wait for my first appointment with the EPAU.  The fact we had chosen not to tell any but my closest friend  and her husband ( who also happens to be Simon's close friend) helped as it wasn't a topic for conversation in front of others or more importantly Molly.  I was quite pleased with how relaxed I was managing to stay. Until the Sunday morning before my scan, after enjoying a mooch round the local bootsale with the aforementioned friends  we were queueing for a hotdog or bacon stick when I felt my heart sink.  I had felt myself begin to bleed,  I then had to whilst trying not to let Molly know or to seem alarmist communicate to Simon what was going on and make my way to the disgusting plastic sheds they pass off as public toilets to sort my self out and assess the severity of the bleed.  Knowing there was nothing I could do that would change what was happening and although aware that it was not enough of a loss for it to be over holding little hope of any other outcome.

We spent the next three days in a state of anxious waiting.  All the the time expecting the bleeding to progress, worsen, a pain to start, new to this scenario as almost all my previous loss had resulted in surgical removal (ERPC) Torn between the urge to curl up in a ball in bed and wait for the scan on the Wednesday which would undoubtedly confirm my fears, (obviously not a viable option with energetic seven year old with a busy social life and a demanding one year old to attend to) and the instinct to distract myself with shopping and friends and well life.  As is my usual I chose the latter and as the days passed the bleeding slowed to nothing and a glimmer of hope returned with a very positive result on another pregnancy test I couldn't help but take, the right hormones were still present.

Finally the day arrived after a disturbed nights sleep.  Molly was collected by a friend ready to be deposited at school.  Max coming along for the ride, although my only confidant so tuned into my needs and without being asked had arranged care of her own children so as she could meet me there and look after Max for me allowing me to focus on what was going on with out worrying about Max and of course so I was not alone if what I truly expected was to be the truth.  Simon and I had already discussed and decided that as this was the path we had chosen and his boss was not aware yet he would stay at work until a real need arised ie, more surgery etc.
Then....... I could not believe it........ there it was, a little tiny bean with that unmistakable blink blink blink of a beating heart!

So there I was, so far so good, all was well and we were at the start of another two week waiting game for another scan, I was wiped out, sick, stressed but hopeful.

Big questions had been raised however by the wonderful midwives on the EPAU, decisions had to now be made.  To Screen or not to screen?????
It would never be a question of anything more then knowledge for us as a family to take that wonder away, my fear that as we no longer can live in the "it'll never happen to us mentality" that the pregnancy and birth might be tainted by a constant worry of what might be. Meeting both my babies was so magical, precious moments and that last thing I want is to miss that with this child as I'd instinctively be looking for ' features' the bonding moments of that first cuddle ruined by guilt.

What ever the result of any tests there would be no further choice we would make. Given a diagnosis of Down's or anything else for that matter of course we would continue with the pregnancy to not would be like us choosing between Molly and Max and saying that she is more important or valued then he which is in no way the truth.  Both my babies add equal value and purpose to my life I could never choose between them.  I have to emphasise that I in no way judge anyone else facing this choice, it must be a gut wrenching decision no one would take lightly and will always be with them.  Statistics do disturb me of positive D/S diagnosis there is a 95% termination rate.  I truly believe that that if people were more aware of the joys and triumphs and achievements as well as the undeniable challenges this statistic would be lower.  I do still believe in choice and repeat I do not judge nor envy anyone who makes that choice informed.  We find ourselves blessed to have the most 'informed' of choices No choice.

So our dilemma, to go through the risk of miscarriage and the stress of testing just to know for knowings sake? An attempt to preserve a moment of meeting untainted by the question?  I don't think so.  We toyed with the idea of not finding out the sex, introducing a bigger question for the moment of birth?  Then we realised it didn't really matter we will fall in love and adore and feel the magic of meeting our child whatever they bring with them and knowing that has helped me to know that I all being well will enjoy this pregnancy with out fear (other then that of any expectant mum) and look forward to the excitement and pride that comes along with the discomfort of late pregnancy.  NO SCREENING xxxxxxxx

That decision being made the weeks between the first and second scan didn't drag too much.  I couldn't help but be fearful, painfully aware as I lay on the couch of every twitch on the sonographers expression, sure I saw a grimace but then she turned the screen and there was the little bean with the flashing blink blink blink of a heart beat again. So far so good now to wait another two weeks.

Ten hours later however and I was spotting again. Could I not even have a couple of days to be excited with no worry?

The following weeks were filled with terror again as I became so ill with a bug which hit us all in the family over a 4 day period. On top of more spotting and horrible morning sickness.  At the next scan however all was perfectly well with the little wriggling bean and I dared to look forward to two weeks on and finally sharing our exciting news with our friends and family and most importantly Molly moo.

I think I have caught up with myself now and have already posted on the experience of our twelve week scan.  Molly was thrilled to find out she was going to be a big sister twice over and we have been showered with love support and excitement from all angles of our family and friends.

I have to add that we were not strong and at twenty weeks we found out which flavour baby we are expecting....... I won't post it publicly here incase there is anyone reading who would like a surprise in June but if you know me personally and would like to hear pink or blue then message me and I'll be happy to share, if you don't have any other means to contact me then comment on this post and we'll find a way to communicate xx

baby number three at 20 weeks :-)

Neglect

I have neglected this blog and for that I'm sorry,  it's been at the bottom of a very long to do list that combined with illness and tiredness it just fell off the radar for a bit.  It never left my thoughts though and sometimes that was like an added pressure.  I had to remind myself why I started it in the first place and that was to record a piece of me for sometime in the future lest I forget who I am today.  For me to vent and I have found that sorting my thoughts and feelings into words and putting them on the screen has helped quiet my mind in more hectic and stressful times.  So if I disappear for a while and there are gaps between posts please don't think I have abandoned my self council, I need this it is mostly a source of comfort there are just times where life gets that bit too busy for added pressures.

The weeks that have passed since my last post have been filled with Wham tributes and dancing like I hadn't in forever to celebrate a friends 30th.

Cuddles with her Beautiful Son who makes me smile every time I think of him.

Poorly Baby girl so disappointed to have to miss school and cookery club, Daddy however making it up to her with the creation of 'the worlds best chocolate rice crispies cakes' (Official title haha) Licking the bowl even Max having a little scoop of the spoon.

xx

Max and Molly's relationship growing he even climbing up at her on the sofa and crying for her attention after a little bump.

A long awaited addition to the household!! 10 years I've been waiting and finally it has happened. I HAVE  A DISHWASHER and I was as excited when that was being plumbed in as I was a 10 year old girl with her first computer.

Snow and then more snow and all the trials as well as fun that it brings.  Preparing for the coming festivities struggling with the Christmas spirit but finding pockets of it here and there in putting up the tree and attending amazing school productions where my little angel was a star and then there was a drama performance too which was punctuated my little brother's and cousins shouting from the stands to the point that Moo had to say "shhhhhh Harry" from the middle of the stage.

The biggest thing that's happened is our sharing of the news that we are expecting our third baby in the early summer.  Excepting family and friends congratulations and revelling in their excitement for us.  I will be posting about this separately there are weeks of thoughts and feelings to share that I was unable to at the time because of our decision to wait to tell until we had successfully made it through the 1st trimester.

If I'm truly honest with myself although this pregnancy was planned given my history I wasn't expecting it to go so well so quickly.  The nerves are now kicking in and I find myself asking questions like "how am I going to manage to meet the needs of two such young children with out falling short for the big one?" Have I been selfish as it was me not quite ready to draw a line under the baby phase of our family?"

Still in my heart of hearts  knowing this is right for all of us and as hard work and tiring as I'm certain it will be I'm even more sure of how magical our lives will be with another soul to Love and be loved xX

Blerghhh

I'm going to keep this post short as I do not feel it will be too sweet.  It has been a tough couple of weeks, tiredness, sickness and a little sadness seeming to come all at once.

A quiet half term rounded off with the whole family hit by a vicious bug.  Max being the first to suffer followed a day or so later by me then Shortly after Molly who was so bitterly disappointed that she is no longer in the running for the 100% attendance certificate at school as she had to miss the first two days of half term, finally as we're all beginning to recover Simon.  No need to go into details but it left us all drained and a little miserable.  Thank goodness for my Mum braving the germs to come and help me care for the babies while Simon was at work.

Then there was the sadness.  The loss of my mum's much loved 16 year old Yorkshire Terrier affected us all.  He was originally my pet, bequeathed to me by my adored Grandad, but as I grew and left home he remained my mum's faithful (if a little eccentric) companion.  Loss is always hard and for my family a pet is no different, they are as much a part of the family and the home as anything or anyone.  A constant leaving a gaping hole behind them. 


In all this though as usual in my blessed life there have undoubtedly been pocket fulls of pleasure.
Luckily recovered and bug free in time for Firework night, opening our home to family and friends and braving the drizzle to all walk together to a local display.  Both my babies entranced by the sparkling lights and neither bothered by the crackerbangs.

Then back home and feeling one of those absolutely contented moments as it is filled with people we care about, filling their boots with warming food I'd prepared and every one lending a hand in the sorting ,dishing and clearing up.

Not to mention of course that novelty of WEEKENDS, nope still not worn off :-)  Molly's room was the victim this weekend the three of us (well two of us and a little hindrance) attacking the clutter with a ruthlessness which has resulted in the room being the cleanest and tidiest that is ever has.  Well "father Christmas needs to see there is room for any new stuff doesn't he?" that's the line we used and was relatively successful.

I hope there will not be such a gap between this and my next post but I can never be sure,  and I hope more that it will be a predominately more cheerful share but again we'll see.

Welcome to November xx

Slowing things down

I sometimes find this merry go round of life can build so much momentum that we miss things in the blur of speed.  This last week or two I've found that my good optimistic mood has been threatened by missing out on the beauty of every day things as they blend together in the mixture of colour light and darkness as a result of that speed.

The solution,, to slow things down.  Take a day or two of just the bare minimum.  Basics, feeding bathing, hoovering, playing, walking, Loving.

Loving a surprise invite out of the blue from old colleagues for some spicy chicken and chat.

Loving Archi-bum un-prompted snuggling Max.

Loving wrapping Max up like like a teddy bear against the cold mornings.

Loving the 99p gloves found in a friends local shop just the right shade of blue to put a smile on Molly's face as wide as the sky.

Loving that I turned thirty last year and was spoiled with the ultimate coat and snuggly Ugg boots keeping me toasty in the recent cold snap.

Heart singing with pride with both babies achieving something new in the same day, Molly swimming her first 10 meters with  a back stoke worthy of a club swimmer (well in my opinion ;-) Max putting a ball in and out of a basket and then showing off to his Physio therapist all the things he can do since they last met.

Loving a spur of the moment decision to book a last minute haircut , amazing how a half hour appointment can lift and lighten a dark mood.

Refuelling with a weekend spent visiting family, celebrating a milestone birthday of a cousin with fancy dress, laughter and dance.   

My favourite part of the weekend the next day, an early start with excited kids having been woken by slobbery licks from the dog, a relaxed breakfast followed by chilling on the sofa and may be 40 winks or two. Max the centre of attention adored by all his cousins.

 Molly idolising her older girl cousin chatting on the trampoline in between stunt like bouncing.

Loving Max getting into the spirit of his Dad's music helping him choose the next track.  

I'll jump back on that merry go round very soon but for now I'm enjoying just sitting back and slowing things downn. xx

Oh and for those having trouble commenting on this blog I have adjusted the settings so hopefully you should find it easier now xxx  Happy Half Term xxx

Nothing and Everything

Some days like one recently I feel like a Goddess of all domesticity,  Husband packed off to work in fresh clean (non-damp) clothes with a substantial lunch made having been woken in bed with his breakfast and a cup of tea ready for an early start..

Number one child fed, washed, dressed, hair done even time to write a note to a friend accepting an invitation to tea, painstakingly copied out all ready to be sent of to school in a relaxed mood with a kiss and a smile.

Number two child's snotty nose chiseled clean, bottle and snuggle given, nose wiped, down for a little play, nose wiped breakfast, nose wiped  more play then back into bed to catch up on a broken nights sleep.

Me cup of tea, breakfast, load of washing on, hoovered, mopped, tidied, dog fed, poo collected from the garden and a lovely hot soak while the baby slept, all before 9am!

Then there are the days that I barely manage to get dressed before lunch, where the simplest of tasks seem to be the biggest of challenges and I find myself in the middle of a supermarket trying to think what we want or need but unable to string two thoughts together feeling utterly over whelmed and the urge to burst into tears almost unbearable.

This last week or so since my last post as been a mixture of both these types of days. Nothing major going on but then all the more significant for that.  Enjoying the simple things like having a couple of days at home where Max can just play and be comfortable in our space.

Hearing from Molly's teacher how well she is doing not only in her learning but her sense of self, comfortable, confidant and always surrounded by friends.

The adoration that Max always looks at Molly with.  How much they enjoy a jammied snuggle

Shopping with my Mum and her inability to resist giving Max Iggle Piggle instead of waiting and adding it to the Christmas pile.  Of course Molly then had to be given something too, a hopping eating weeing Rabbit called Bramble should do!   I won't make too many noises though as there was also a rather interesting book purchased to share between me and my mum however you won't need three guesses who got to bring it home.

Snuggles with their dad, both my babies finding their little nook warm and scrubbed after their bath ready for bed, all on the reclining chair.

Meeting with new friends again, this time being welcomed into their home and sanctuary.  What was meant to be morning coffee turning into lunch.  Max and Sarah sizing each other up, comfortable enough in each others company to have a little shout and a poke.  I sense an important friendship building there.  Not just with the babe's but their mum's too, we met because we both have babies with special needs and seeked others to share experience and challenges with, but I feel we connected because we already share many similar outlooks but also differences, we spent a morning discussing our special babies all four of them! Schools, houses, food, biscuits and much more.  We agree that,,

"We are all the same because we are different"

I think my favourite of all the 'nothing but everything' moments this week or so past must be the weekend, the novelty of having weekends has not yet passed and the last one was extra special because of it.  An impromptu decision to eat out, giving friends a last minute phone call "we're going to eat" on the off chance they felt like joining us which of course they did.  Good food followed with a decamp to their beautiful new/old home for an evening of x-factor and good company.  The chuckle muscle got it's usual work out that night.  A new tradition forming perhaps now that bumcow brunches have had to go with Simon's new working hours.  Date made for the next morning and a mooch round the local boot sale including... yep you guessed it more food!

We are all there Max and Archi just hidden next to their Dad's