It was like being in a cool band where she was the lead guitarist and I was the drummer; Freya brought the melody, excitement and showmanship but I provided the beat for her to follow. I was looking forward to getting back to that over the Christmas holiday – the first proper break she’s had… Continue reading Parenting: Will I Always Be One Beat Behind?
I longed for this day. During that first year when, on top of the huge changes that motherhood brings, the reflux, intolerances and sheer exhaustion of never sleeping in more than 10 minute snatches brought me to my knees, I thought 'One day I will get me back, when she goes to school.' What I… Continue reading What I realised about Freya starting school (it’s not you, it’s me).
My list of parenting fails began within hours of giving birth when the hospital midwife announced, a little louder than strictly necessary, I felt, that I'd put Freya's nappy on back to front. Even then I remember thinking: "It's only going to get worse." And I was right. This week, though, I might have met the level cap for parental… Continue reading Thanks for the heart attack, CBeebies.
At three years and nearly eight months old Freya definitely seems to have climbed aboard the rollercoaster taking her from being a toddler to a child – and what a wild ride it is. Sometimes she seems so grown-up, especially when she’s in her school uniform, racing into nursery without a backward glance. I always… Continue reading Freya, Freya, Quite Contrary (Why Didn’t I Name Her Mary?).
After The Rain 