CHICKEN PIE

It looks totally underwhelming, I know, but I'm quite proud that we had a proper lunch made from leftovers from yesterday almost as if I'm a proper stay at home mummy. I hardly got cross at all about the mess on the kitchen floor. She had the idea of putting cheese in the pastry which, given I doubt she's ever heard of it before, was rather a good idea I thought. Of course she didn't eat any of it. She never eats we make a big effort cooking.

Painting the table pink was another of her ideas - possibly not quite as good as the cheese in the pastry. Apart from anything else, it is chipping off. It's the distressed look- it goes so well with mummy.

Next week is not likely to be easy. I'm busy at work and she has half term. I think she may well be with just babies at her minders. Most of her friends are going away with their parents. Her best friend is in Trinidad for the week.

I'M FEELING WOBBLY

The dentist said her teeth are starting to wobble.

She's only four. She's still my little baby. I'm going to pay the

tooth fairy to stuff 'em back in.

Most middle aged women complain they are invisible. I wish! They should try living with the relentless observations of a 4 year old.

Your bottom is really big, remarks little one. That's the last time I bend over to pick up toys for you, I think. "You should put on suncream to stop the sun giving you lines," I tell her. "You should have been more careful yourself," she says, tenderly tracing a big fat line down my face. "Your boobies shouldn't be down there, should they?" she asks me in the bath. "Breasts," I correct.

Happy birthday to a mother older than many grandmothers. I'm hoping I'll feel a bit younger in time.

A school where they curtsey when they meet you?

Is this a school I want for her? And, how would the boater stay on her hair?

I think I might be a bit lonely,

I said on the phone to a friend. Then I caught X's face, playing nearby with her toys. I put down the phone, "what"s the matter?"

"Why are you lonely when you are with me?" Her lip was trembling.

Oh, dear, oh dear, oh, dear. I feel dreadful. And it's not even true, I don't think. I'm not lonely, at all I don't think. I wish I hadn't said it.