Haircut

I booked myself for a hair cut today and thought that it would be a good time to get Tilly's done too. After yesterday being so well behaved, I thought today may be the same. But the appointment was in the afternoon, combined with being taken quickly into the hair washing room and lots of people fussing over her, Tilly clammed up. She started to cry a bit and got really clingy. I ended up with her clinging round my neck whilst they were washing my hair. She wouldn't lift her head up and it made it very uncomfortable.

Thankfully, I'd brought a small packet of chocolate buttons to eat on my knee while they cut my hair. She was then very good, gooning at herself in the mirror throughout.

Emma cut Matilda's hair too. As she made the first snip, she got her colleague to get an envelope and they dropped it straight in for us to keep. It was only a tiny trim around the back. She did say that Tilly was not likely to keep her curls, which has made me quite sad. I wouldn't want to put her through having my frizzy mess but I do want her to have a few curls, they are so cute. As for the hair colour, she also thinks that she may end up being a little darker than she is but is not likely to go black. Richard isn't convinced. Only time will tell.

We went to the Big Tower (IKEA) for a drink.

Bribery at the W.I

I had been asked to speak at Earlsdon's W.I meeting about Beyond the Blitz. I knew I'd be there for over an hour and obviously with it being on a Thursday had to take Tilly with me.

I'd told Tilly about where we were going, that I had to talk to ladies and that she had to be well behaved. Only yesterday, Nicki was saying that many people's bad food habits come from bribes as children, if you are good, you can have sweets etc. So I bribed her with a trip to the park.

I took crayons, a puzzle book, a drink, raisins and crossed my fingers.

There were about 30 women there. This is the same group that wanted young mums but didn't want them to bring their children, so I was a little anxious that Tilly would misbehave.

We went and decamped in the corner and for nearly an hour, Tilly sat quietly on the floor, close to my leg, colouring in and doing her puzzles. Every so often she'd look up and smile. At one point she started to sing, which although sweet was not great timing (CD of the Blitz stories was being played). I put my finger to my lips and she stopped instantly.

In the end I was there an hour and half. Tilly was a little angel and I was extremely proud.

The chair of the W.I asked how old she was and commented how well behaved she was. They were quite shocked when they heard she was only 2 and a half. As soon as we came out, Tilly asked if we could go to the park.

I love my little girl. It is days like today when she makes me sooo proud.

Swimmmmmminnng

I'm amazed at Tilly's memory. We drove into Coventry and she can identify buildings with their function. Telling me where my work was, the swimming pool, the bells (Cathedral) and even the Herbert.

Today we went swimming. It was fantastic fun. Almost had to drag her out after and hour and 15 minutes. She went on the big slide about 45 times. I am still surprised, she'll go on it at all, if I'm honest I don't think I would! Even though she doesn't like getting water on her face in the bath, she doesn't seem at all bothered by it at the swimming pool. Which is good. She can also climb out of the pool by herself.

It was great fun. She was fascinated by the other little children, particularly girls of the same age in the pool. Peer pressure is a wonderful thing. Things that she wouldn't do first, she's see them do it and instantly want to copy.

We did however have a big bang, she was running and just as I was telling her to stop, she slipped backwards and went thud on the floor. My heart stopped and I felt sick. Thankfully she was OK, I think it was more of a shock. It also made her pay more attention to instructions.

The best thing about swimming is that she is totally knackered and needed a big sleep in the afternoon.

Big girls going to school

Look big girls going to school, would you like to go to school like them? NO Why? THEY HAVEN'T GOT A MUMMY OR DADDY WITH THEM

Oi Spare Bedroooommm

Where's Shoomi?
IN THE SPARE BEDROOM.
Call her then.
*shouts* OY SPARE BEDROOM!

Could she be a journalist?

Today we went to Bradford & visited the Bradford Film and TV Museum.

It was great fun. Watching Tilly's face as she appeared alongside the Tellytubbies was just wonderful. She started jumping and clapping. Just such a beautiful moment, almost magical.

She also had a go at reading the news. . .



Afterwards we went to see Arif, which was lovely. After we left, we said we had to get back to see Nicolas. Tilly said, "no, we already seen Nicolas."
Was great to see Nicolas too. Tilly quietly coloured in and had her tea. She made me really proud because she didn't misbehave. It is amazing how important it is for me for her not to be bad when people who don't have children are around.

Phoning Shoomi

*Picking up Mummy's phone*
I WANT TO PHONE SHOOMI
What would you say?
ARE YOU OK?