Darcy at 5

Hello Glitterbugs!

If you followed my blog last month and read this or this post, you will know that my little girl, Darcy, turned 5 in April. 

I wanted to write a post all about her character and mannerisms as a way to document and remember all the little things she was into and also, one day, she might read this as an adult and smile- Hello grown up Darcy, if you're ready! 

(Thank you so much Courage & Kind for this darling silk dress, Darcy loves it)

Five years old, I think, is my favourite age. I remember saying that specifically about 4 months old and hoping it would never end so I'm thankful that this, 'favourite age' thing doesn't wear out. I'll probably say it for everything haha. 

Darcy is a gem. I know any mother would say that about their child so perhaps she's downright awful to everyone else but I don't think so. 

Where do I start? I'll begin with all the little tiny things I want to cherish forever and then move onto the big character stuff. 

Darcy likes little things, she always has. She likes tiny weeny toys that she can clutch in her hands for long periods of time. She likes the brushes you get with My Little Ponies or the accessories that come with Sylvanian Families. Tsum Tsums too are high up on her light of 'good things'. When we were in Seattle this January, I gave her $10 to choose whatever she wanted and she was straight over to the (Anna & Elsa) Tsums. She likes putting things in bags, boxes, tins and baskets. I'll very often find an assortment of random treasure in a handbag or envelope- not always all her own though I'm afraid, a lot of my bits and pieces go missing too! haha. She loves the trampoline and I'm regularly treated to grand performances that she's spend a long time perfecting upstairs. I always make sure to give big, big claps! 

Fussy eating is the bain of my life. I don't think there are a lot of foods that Darcy specifically hates but quite often she'll just decide that she doesn't want to eat something. I have worried and continue to worry that she doesn't eat enough. I offer and offer but mostly she'll take a few bites and say she's done. She eats really well at school with her classmates but at home, she's like a little bird. However, if I were to give her an endless supply of puddings, she'd more than manage. She has a sweet tooth!

Talking of teeth, none lost yet. I have something really special planned when she looses teeth so I'll keep you posted on that. I would hope that if her first tooth fell out whilst she's with her Dad that he'd somehow find a way to share that with me but right now, we are keeping things very separate which is a shame. 

Separation-wise, Darcy seems to be handling everything so, so well. As you know, we share 50/50 and are still both flexible with changing days here and there if needed. I tell Darcy often that Mummy and Daddy love her and when she says, 'I love Daddy', I say, 'I love so much that Daddy loves you' and she seems to really like that. Sometimes she sends texts to each of us from our phones (a great big paragraph of emojis) and we respond with emojis too. We've talked about having 2 teams, a Mummy & Darcy and a Daddy & Darcy team and she loves having 2 bedrooms. I try to be quite honest with Darcy, she has a lot of questions. She knows I have a new man in my life and I've told her he is kind and handsome and funny. As yet, she still hasn't met him but when the time is right, I'll introduce. I feel nervous about that (I'll perhaps write a separate post because this is meant to be all about her). 

Darcy has a huge social group! I've mentioned a few times about my mummy groups and how Darcy and I both love having them. I've made friends with a couple of Mama's on my street and from there we've all met each other's friends too and formed a nice circle of support and fun. Between all of us there are about 15ish littles so Darcy is never short of a friend to play with after school or on the weekend. I don't let her 'play out' (on the street like I did when I was little- I worry about weirdos) but I do let her play in my neighbour friends gardens or have her friends over here to wreck her bedroom (it's amazing how much destruction little children can cause in under an hour). Last night we got back from playdate number 1 with some of the school Mama's and their littles (that's my other Mummy Group) and went straight into playdate number 2 for strawberries and waterfights in a garden with the local littles. Life for Darcy is full of love and friendship and socialising, just as it should be. 

When playing with older children, Darcy loves to observe and be led but when playing with her peers, Darcy is assertive with her ideas. It's almost like in the wild where there is an alpha lion and she respects that but then when everyone is on a level pegging, she gives leading a go. I hope this develops both ways because I think there is something to be said for having the courage to be in charge but then something valuable about knowing when someone else can do it better. 

Sometimes, Darcy is unsure of her own abilities. Before trying something new she needs a lot of encouragement and reassurance. She's not the first kid to jump into the ball pool and it took a lot of praise and cajoling for her to believe she really could buckle up her own seat belt. With time I think she'll grow in self-believe but until then, I'll carry on nudging warmly. 

Screen time is a big thing for my girl. She's loves it! If I would let her watch TV/play on my phone all day, she would. I'm breezy about her watching films (we often snuggle up together for movie time) but I'm a lot stricter about the phone and limit it heavily. Her current favourite app is a Palace Pets game where you groom all the animals and add accessories to them for the Princesses. 

Travelling is another thing Darcy enjoys. This summer I plan to take her to Seattle to visit the Bitsandclips and Matt will be taking her to Orlando for DisneyWorld. She's a lucky kiddo. Before the year is out I'd really like to try DisneyLand Paris with her and I'm looking into Disney Cruises. I'm sticking with the Disney theme because it feels like something we could easily do just the two of us (not booking any holidays with her and bf yet, although him and I might be going somewhere soon yay) without me freaking out or feeling super lonely. When she's older I'd also like to take her to New York for a Mummy & Me trip! 

All in all, I'm really happy with how Darcy is growing up. She's gone from an easy baby, to a fun toddler to a really great child and I'm thrilled to be her Mama! I have lots of plans for our summer so keep your eyes peeled for those or check out my instagram!

Toodlepip!

xx

Darcy at the Farm

Aloha Sprinklerinos, 

Last week Darcy and I were on the hunt for adventure whilst she still enjoyed the Easter Break and it came in the perfect package of a playdate with some of our friends at a local open farm. 

I took my camera to make a little vlog that you can watch HERE and I *tried* to take a few pictures but quickly gave up! The farm was super busy, I was socialising with the other Mums, looking after Darcy, being chief bag & coat holder AND vlogging, so taking beautiful family photos fell by the wayside but I still wanted to share the couple I did get and talk about the morning.

It was bloomin' lovely! I've never been one for places like that but this one was more of a learning and play facility than an actual stinky farm yard. There was in indoor soft play zone for the children to go gaga in (there were about 8 littles and 4 Mama's all together so Darcy had plenty of friends!), a very sweet animal barn where you were able to go inside the pens and touch the animals (Darcy wasn't too keen on this but I had a good stroke of the fluffy things and wanted to take them all home with me), tiny peddle tractors, donkeys, swings/outdoor playsets, picnic benches, bouncy castles, duck ponds and a cafe- quite a lot to keep you entertained. 

I like that you could go for half an hour (it was about £12 for both me and Darcy) and just do one thing or you could take some nibbly treats and spend the whole day there if you really felt like it. Lots to do for little busy people and plenty of benches for Mama's to watch from! 

(I shared this one on my insta, look at the wind in her hair!)

I'm definitely going to go back in the future with my big girl camera and take some beautiful photographs because I really cherish the high quality ones I've taken in the past. I might need to take a friend to help me out but that just adds to the fun I think. 

I'm always on the look out for fun things to do during the school holidays so please do leave any suggestions you have in the comments below and I'll be sure to check them out!

Toodlepip!

xx

Darcy's Princess Party!

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Prepare yourself for a very photo heavy post (aka the very best kind) because at last I have selected the Birthday Party photographs I'd like to share on the blog. I'm excited. Thankfully on the day my friend Zoe drove up and if there's one person I trust with a camera- it's her! I had so so many to choose from but narrowed it down to this small selection. I plan on printing these, and the ones I didn't share, and displaying them all in an album for Darcy to flick through and enjoy whenever she fancies it.

There were a lorra lorra littles at her party but I'm reluctant to post pictures of other people's children because I know how upsetting that can be if you've not been asked or have specifically said you're not OK with it. So, some of these shots might look a bit like it was just me, Darcy and one or two kiddos (the ones who's Mama's I have permission from) but I promise, it was chaos, haha!  

As part of Darcy's party package she had time playing with all her friends in the soft play zone and then time in the Princess Room. Here she is hanging out (literally) with her friend 'Harby'. Harby and Scarlet are twins and she absolutely loves them. Lucky for me, I rather love their Mummy so it's playdates all round!!

Two beauties. I was so happy that Zoe made the trip up to see us and share Darcy's big day with her. She's been there since the beginning and will be there to the end. 

Below is Darcy having a little Marilyn moment on the toy that blows balls into the air. Slightly blurry shot but I'm just in love with that little face she's pulling. Pure mischief. 

All the excitement of soft play aside, we skipped off to the Princess Room and entered an enchanting world of party food on cake stands atop mushroom tables, tiny speckled stools for the littles to sit on and gorgeous murals all over the walls. It was beautiful. Everything a little girl would want in a party I think. I wished so much that my Mother could be there to see it, I know she would have loved every detail. 

Also in the room were rails upon rails of absolutely gorgeous dresses (and knight-wear for the few boys we had) for the girls to try on. There were staff on hand to help anyone that needed it and they could try on as many as they fancied- Darcy went through about three different selections! <3

Even adults need to try on a tiara here and there, yanno? 

Just secretly wishing my wardrobe at home looked this whimsical. 

My Knight, Dad, ha. I'm so grateful to have had my Dad be such a huge part of my life. He's been so wonderful offering so much help, advice and support these last few months and in the face of real struggle, he's there to soothe. I'm so glad Darcy has him too.

When you're this gorgeous a Princess, everyone wants a snap!!

Available to the children was a glitter tattoo artist which a lot of them loved! If I'd have had time I probably would have asked for some pretty designs too!

Ever seen a grown man with a tiara being attacked by a bunch of unicorn waving five year olds? Now you have!! Quite the action shot there!!

These woman, ooof I love them! You might be interested to know (I always am when I see people that heavily pregnant!), 3 days later, Clare gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Awww!

As promised last week, more pictures of the cake of princessy dreams!

This is the incredible cake I ordered Darcy. Two tiers of angel sponge, pastel icing with edible glitter and a custom made 'Darcy' figure. In yellow icing it said, 'Happy 5th Birthday Darcy'. I hope to order her a special cake every year.

And there we have it, a small selection of some of the gorgeous snaps from Darcy's 5th Birthday Party. I don't know how we'll top next year because this was so great! If anyone is local to me (Northamptonshire, UK), the event was held at The Hub and the caked was from Gardners Bakery in Kingsthorpe. 

Until next year, that's the last of the Darcy birthday posts but don't worry, it's mine in a couple of weeks so if cake and celebrations are your thing- stick around!!

Toodlepip!

xx 

Motherhood at 5

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Earlier this month, my tiny baby turned five. An entire five years of living. Half a decade. 

When I look back, 5 years feels like nothing but also a lifetime. So much has changed. 

Over her birthday I thought about the day(s) I was in hospital bringing her into the world, the hopes I had for her future and the things I learnt during that time. I found delivering Darcy the hardest thing I've ever done. No ifs or buts, child birth and the postpartum recovery can be very rough. I think about it every year and feel little pangs of panic and trauma but each year she gets older, it feels a bit easier. This was the first year I felt really unsupported in those feelings but I know in time I will grow and strengthen and they won't feel so painful. Life is funny isn't it? You have to do the hardest thing you can ever imagine to get the best thing you can ever imagine. She is the best. 

(Thank you so much to my friend Zoe for taking these pictures. I plan on printing some for the house)

Watching Darcy enjoy her day and feel so special was magical. This is a beautiful age. I love that we can talk about fairly deep things, I love the way her mind ticks over and mostly, I love that I can feel our bond deepening. I'll always be her Mother and I'll always love her but honestly, I adore this child. I know we'll be friends when she's an adult. We have similar personalities and I feel like very often I can understand her emotions and thought processes not just because I'm her Mummy and care giver, but because my mind works the same way too. I just get her. 

When she was born I optimistically hoped that our life would be that of the classic family and we'd all eat croissants in bed on a Sunday morning and laugh over dinner each night (and yanno, other non food based activities haha) and all be merry and bright. As you know, life didn't pan out that way and we are now a team of two, Darcy and Louise, on life's big adventure. 

I thought that as I went from parenting team to solo Mama that I would flounder. I thought I would fall short and not be able to give the nourishment that is required. A lot can change in a year. I feel like this has been my best year of Motherhood and that I've truly found my footing with it. When I walk past the Yummy Mummy's at the school gates, I don't feel inferior or like I'm pretending to do an OK job, I feel equal. I am doing a good job. 

(The gorgeous dress Darcy wore for her birthday was from Mothercare and these gifts are from Alfie and Zoe)

I always knew I would love being Darcy's Mother but I didn't always know I would love Motherhood. Does that make any sense? You can love so much to care for your own child but sometimes the role of Motherhood can be a title you don't want to take. It bands you in this big club of navy and white striped tops, sensible handbags with enough space for a bento box, endless chats about who's had what sniffle when and the constant arranging of meet ups at garish soft play centres. For a while I mocked this elite group and steered as far away from it as possible. And then, something changed. 

(Sneak peak of the incredible cake I ordered from the cutest bakery near my house. I'm obsessed with the colours, the glitter, the details. I'll upload the photos of her party soon and show you it more!)

(This is definitely being printed, framed and hung somewhere)

I realised life in the group is better. Motherhood is a privilege. Being with other Mother's is a joy. Their children play with your children, social development heightens, your calendar is filled, your happy memories are plentiful. Darcy loves all the fun we have with her little friends. We go to farms, have parties, have friends over for dinner, go swimming, play in the park and more. She does all these things with children her own age and you hear nothing but giggles and chatting and sweetness. 

For me too, Motherhood has been a saviour. It has been support and kindness and inspiration and motivation. I even have a penchant for a navy and white striped tee. What can I say? They're stylish AND practical haha. 

I made Darcy but Darcy has been the making of me. She has taught me a new kind of love and allowed me to find a new kind of strength. I walk with my head high and my heart full and one day when she's big enough, I will tell her how she made my life complete. 

For now though, she is five and I will let he be that. 

Happy Birthday Darcy, my sweet baby girl. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Simple Pleasures

Aloha Sprinklerinos, 

This weekend we celebrated Darcy's birthday (the actual day is tomorrow) with a magical Princess Party for her and all her friends. Zoe and I took a billion photos but it's going to take me a while to edit all through them so give me a little bit of time please, this Mama is going to be busy!

A few days before the party, I did something pretty out of character and I thought it might be fun to talk about it. I joined a Health Club! Say whhhhaaaaaa?? 

I think it's fairly obvious that I'm not in the best physical shape and don't lead the healthiest lifestyle. I've been wanting to put a bit more effort into my health for a while and when I found out that some of my YummyMummy friends were members of a really nice Health Club in my town, I figured it wouldn't hurt to go and check it out. 

I was quite nervous so asked one of my sister's to come with me for a looksie but I was happy with everything, joined and we've been 3 times so far! I signed up both me and Darcy so that we have somewhere fun to go, rain or shine and because we know a few friends (and their Daughter's) who are members so we should have lots of people to play with. In my membership I have access to everything (gym, spa, pool, classes, restaurant etc) and in Darcy's, since she's probably not desperate to go and press some hard weights haha, she has access to the pool with me and can go in the children's club whenever I book her in. She also really likes the sweet potato fries and soft play area in the restaurant!

The pool is lovely with sections for children filled with floatie toys, rubber duckies, watering cans etc, spa facilities and Darcy's favourite - hairdryers in the beautifully swish changing rooms. Yep, this kid was MOST excited by the prospect of blow drying her own hair. The entire time we were in the pool today she asked about it. Her specific requests were to have a shower with her goggles on, dry her own hair (the dryers and flat irons are GHD's by the way, yessss) and take a single cotton pad and ear bud from the complimentary beauty bar thingy. I obliged on all of her requests and she was thrilled. Literally more happy with that than all the playing we did in the pool (I pushed her 20 lengths on a floatie noodle. I want to work that number up in time). 

Naturally it's a bit tricky to take pictures in a pool- I feel weird taking a camera where so many people are half naked and there are lots of children in not much attire, so I took these snaps of Darcy loving life with the hair dryer instead, just on my phone. 

I love that Darcy and I have this new place to add to our list of fun things to do and look forward to increasing my fitness levels a smidge whilst spending time with this funny little thing I made! Right now our lives are about enriching them with the best possible experiences and spending as much time together as possible. We love being our team!

Do you take you littles to the gym or health club? What do they like to do there? 

Toodlepip!

xx

Mummy & Darcy Love To Match!

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I am LOVING being more involved with my blog this month. I know it's only been a few days but it's reminding me just how much joy I take from tiptapping away on my laptop and pouring my heart out a bit. 

This weekend was so perfect. My friends from London came up and I had Darcy so I decided to treat the city dwellers to fresh country air and good pub food. 

Before we sat down for lunch I let Darcy run about on the village green and since I had extra people, I asked them to take a few snaps for me. I will always take advantage of a free photographer haha! 

I love the way they turned out. I'm definitely that Mama who has no shame in co-ordinating mine and Darcy's outfits so I was more than happy to be a bit matchy on the navy dungaree set and my navy top. 

Moments like these are to be treasured. I love going on huge holiday adventures or having special days out but I really do think these little captured snippets of time are the jewels you remember and cherish. 

Darcy makes me feel lovely inside and out. She's full of energy and smiles and has the sweetest heart so it's a pleasure to be her Mummy and have these pictures on my blog. 

Big thank you to Asda who asked me to show off how Darcy and I like to #LookGeorgeous together. This was such a happy mini project to work on! Asda are actually hosting a competition where you can win a £500 voucher so your whole family can look gorgeous too. All you need to do is post a picture on instagram with the #LookGeorgeous hashtag! More information HERE. Closing date is November 12th. 

I'm making more of an effort to have my proper camera on me so hopefully this Autumn there will be a few more Mummy & Mini photoshoots to share with you, and yes, we'll probably be matching- let's hope she doesn't mind when she's older haha!

Toodlepip!

xx

#ad

Darcy's 4th Birthday

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It seems like 5 minutes ago I was sitting on my old cream sofas at about 8.30am in the morning, with a tiny newborn laying on a duckegg blue hand sewn pillow whilst I typed about my labour and delivery story to share on my blog. That post was written in 2 parts because in those days I never had more than quarter of an hour to myself and I was rushed off my feet learning the art of motherhood. 

I'm not sure I've yet mastered it but 4 years on, I feel relaxed and confident and very happy with how that newborn is turning out. 

Every year I try and get a picture of us all together at cake time. I love it. 

This weekend we celebrated her 4th birthday with family and friends and although you may have already seen this pictures on my instagram or twitter, I wanted to share them here too so that I can preserve the memories and also because you might not follow me there. 

The day started out slightly flustered because the house was a tip and I had no food in. The day before I'd gone out to do these errands but just after buying all the decor I felt really poorly and drove home to be near my own bathroom haha. Luckily it was just an afternoon situation and with a bit of rest I was fine again. 

So, Matt came over to take my shopping list and grab all the food items and I set to work on the house. I tidied and hoovered and dusted and decorated and after about 3 hours it was looking great. Very party ready! 

We had decided on a Frozen theme because it's one of Darcy's favourite films (along with Cinderella) and I thought I could do a decent job decorating and co-ordinating to that. I taped blue, silver and purple crepe strips to the windows, scattered frozen glitter sequins eveeerryyywhherree, bought in balloons, hung paper pom poms, layed out lilac and silver paper plates/napkins/cups and my Auntie Judith made cupcakes with silver sprinkles. It all worked out so well. 

By 4pm everyone was arriving, coats were being thrown on the spare room bed, cups of tea were being made and Darcy was jumping for joy every time someone new came to the door. We invited mostly just family but also a few of our close friends, our neighbours and a couple of children from Darcy's nursery (who I think she was MOST pleased to see and immediately took them up to her room to wreck it!). 

Although Matt and I separated last year, we enjoyed the day together. It's hard to explain because most couples who split up don't get along but we decided not to be a Husband and Wife team, we never opted out of being a parent team. We love that team a lot. There's only 2 people in the entire world who know the joy of being Darcy's parent so we gotta stick together on that one! Also, we want her to always remember her parents treating each other with respect and kindness so a party all together just made sense. It was really nice. 

We did all the usual party activities - opened presents, chitchatted, served nibbles, laughed as kids went cray cray hyper, lit candles, sang 'Happy Birthday' and thanked people as they left. It really was the perfect day. 

This one is pinched from Zoe's insta account because just look how beautiful that wrapping paper is. It's from Oliver Bonas. 

Darcy loved it. She loves to have special things in the house like balloons or sparkles or magic wands and kept telling me it was her birthday party and she was going to be 4 and picking out wands for all her friends.

On her actual birthday (2 days later) Matt and I took her to a lovely nature reserve that has a kids park, then to lunch at Frankie and Bennies and then to the cinema to see Cinderella. That night she stayed at Matt's place (she woke up with me) and to celebrate on my own, I ordered takeaway. 

I vlogged both the party and the actual day so keep your eyes peeled for both of those very soon! 

It is so wonderful to share highlights of life on my blog again. Long may it continue!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Princess Darcy

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Darcy is 3 and 9 months and in love with all things Princess.

She wants to dress as them, twirl as them, be like them and over and over and over, watch them!

We are big big BIG on Disney in this house so I'll never say 'no' to a Disney film or five and are counting down the days to our next big Disney trip!

Something I think about a lot though are the implications of reinforcing the idea that being a princess is something to aspire to to little girls. She is only small and so to her, what I say is gospel and whilst her mind is so impressionable, it leaves quite an imprint. 

Whilst a lot of the early princesses were depicted as pretty with sweet singing voices but very much the damsel in distress waiting to be rescued, I have enjoyed that in the last decade or so, princesses have had a lot more about them. 

When I tell Darcy she is like a princess I tell her she is smart and brave and strong and kind. I want her to grow up valuing her mind and her ability to think and plan and solve or to love and give and care. I think it will be wonderful if she has long blonde hair and a beautiful voice for singing to woodland creatures and bluebirds that land on your fingers but I know it will be even better to have that alongside the aforementioned qualities. 

I allow and encourage Darcy to dress up and dance and pretend to be a princess, but as I do, I remind her how that being a princess means more than just a perfect face and swirling dress.

Next time you see a little lady and tell her she is a princess, remind her exactly what that means. She'll thank you for it one day. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Disney Teaser

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

This coming fortnight is shaping up to be crazy busy so I fear my blog may be a little lacklustre for a few days. 

To keep things ticking over and because I can't help but be a proud mama, here is one of my favourite snaps from our family holiday to Orlando last week. I have about eight million more but I'm editing bit by bit in the evenings so be patient my pretties. 

Having now experienced the joy of Disney through a toddler's eyes I can fully see why people spend thousands of pounds to go every year and will most definitely be returning as soon as I can. Watching Darcy (or 'Princess Ariel' I should say) wave at parade characters, delight in the little rides and show everybody her new 'pincess mermaid' dress just melted my heart in every which way. 

Have you experienced the Magic Kingdom? What was your favourite thing about it? Mine was all the little details. 

Toodlepip!

xx

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19 Years Missed

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A sad one today.

Today is the 19th anniversary of my Mother's death. After a 2 year battle with cancer, she slipped quietly away around 6.15am and made her journey up to heaven. I like to think of her up there with my Gran, Ginge the cat, God, Jesus and the angels, all relaxing and eating their favourite foods (no calories in heaven- woop woop) and nattering away about the good times on earth.

(This photograph of me and her sits in my lounge and watches over our family)

19 years is a really long time. Long enough to move on you might think. To an extent, you'd be right. I don't get cut up when I hear people on the phone to their Mum, I don't want to cry when I see Mothers holding their children's hands and I don't break down when I listen to my friends whinge about how hard the Mother-Daughter relationship can be. It's normal, I'm used to it.

What does eat me up is that it's Christmas and I'm a Mummy now. A Mummy to the most wonderful baby you'll ever meet, and my own Mummy won't be here to see the smile on her face when she delights in ripping open her presents, when she tastes her first piece of turkey, when she wears a colourful christmas hat from a cracker and when she falls asleep in my arms because the day has been so full of excitement and magic.

She'll never get to hold my baby in her arms and enjoy watching her grow. She won't get to spoil her like my Gran did with pocket money for sweets from the corner shop. She won't ever sing to her, tell her jokes, kiss her knee when she topples over or listen to me babble on over the phone about the new things she's done that day.

On top of the loss I feel for Darcy, I feel another layer of my own personal loss. It was hard not having her (or anyone) see me come last (haha I'm so lame at PE) in sports day. It was rough not being able to run up to her with my A-Level results in hand, saying, "I'm going to uni! I'm going to uni!", and it was heart breaking planning my wedding and living out the big day with a Mum shaped hole. But having a child and experiencing Motherhood from the other side is the hardest.

Mostly I'm fine, wrapped up in a world of baby groups, tiny pairs of tights and onsies, bottles of milk and mind numbing musical toys. But then there are they days when I'd love to call her and ask her over for a piece of cake and a chat about nothing. And I can't. I never will.

There is a poem I found a couple of years ago, by an unknown author that I think is lovely and very apt.

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway,

and memories a lane.

I would walk right up to Heaven

and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say "Goodbye".

You were gone before I knew it,

and only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness,

and secret tears still flow.

What it meant to love you -

No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me

to mourn for you no more;

To remember all the happy times

life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten,

I pledge to you today~

A hollowed place within my heart

is where you'll always stay.

This little inconsequential spot on the interweb is dedicated to Diana Jane Pentland, who was and is My Mother.

x

Zoella's Photishoot with Baby Glitter

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you may know, the ever beautiful Zoe of Zoella came to stay with me last week for a few days (have you seen our YouTube videos on my channel and Zoe's channel? my videos are a poopy quality because we filmed on my webcam so I could upload them really quickly but I'm now doing all videos in HD- hurrah!). Anyhoo, Zoe came to stay and we had a Hoot I tell you!

Whilst she was here, she very kindly took a few snaps of Baby Glitter with her oh so fancy camera and I LOVE the outcome so much that I want to share them with you. I was a bit unsure that you'd want to see them but I asked in her update (see below post) and the general consensus was 'Yes Please!'.

Your wish is my command.

I love this last one so much that I'm going to get it printed onto a canvass.

Thank You ZoeChummy!!

Toodlepip!

xx