still here

not a lot of point starting a blog if you don't actually post anything...

i read a lot of blogs and it inspires me hugely; so many things I'd like to make, so many people's lives to take a look at, so many ways in which I would like to be better. But reading is NOT doing. I have a list of sewing jobs to do this evening, which I'm just about to go start doing, but first, a post.

And yet, what to say? On Mondays I look after my friend's little girl, which until a few weeks ago, meant 3 children under 3 (Freya turned 3 in October). We've had this arrangement since Freya and Sam were about 8 months (she has Sam on a Friday) and it has given us a whole day of free childcare to allow us to go to work. I took a break for a couple of months when Jack was born but basically it seems like it has always happened.

Safe to say, Mondays are the hardest day of the week. However, I have to say that today was a delight. There were no tantrums, no fighting, no weeing on my floor, all three children slept for an hour AT THE SAME TIME in the afternoon, and Freya called me Auntie Pam for the first time ever.

Until maybe 2 weeks ago, this little girl has only ever referred to 'Mummy', 'Daddy' and 'Sam' by name; all the other significant people in her life she refused to name. Actually pretty hard for the Grandmas and Grandads, and just a bit hard to discuss what's happening day to day if she won't tell you who she saw etc.

Still, it never really had any impact on me, although I know her mum found it infuriating and even concerning. Anyway, one day she decided to start and will now happily tell me about the hat knitted by Granny, and seeing Auntie Vicky. And today I was Auntie Pam (not really an auntie of course, but I think important adults in your life should have a little formality so we've always referred to ourselves as Auntie Eleanor and Auntie Pam). Can't explain why her saying it for the first time should make me feel so delighted though! It really did make my day.

Right, bags to make and jeans to hem.

Back soon.