I've done some pretty cool things, but nothing's as cool as creating our family
When I started writing this blog I resolved to write something every day.
The purpose was to see whether I could manage to write anything that people were vaguely interested in. Write in a style that was legible, readable and even slightly entertaining.
And to test myself to see whether I can write regularly while retaining those aims.
Read MoreThere were a number of things that made us both nervous about adopting a little girl. How would she relate to an all male household? How would we help her through the very different journey through puberty she would experience? How could we ensure she had sufficient and appropriate feminine influences?
This morning I am forced to face one of my greatest fears. What are we going to do about make up?
The thought of it makes me anxious. I can feel my heart rate increasing as I consider the implications of the conversation I've just had.
Read MoreLadies and Gentlemen. I give you J's bedside table.
I feel this tells you a lot about him.
The books? One autobiographical. One aspirational.
Which is which?
Read MoreKaren, who writes the excellent Just Good Enough Mum blog tagged me to complete this questionnaire. Never one to shirk a challenge here we go:
Read MoreOh God. I'm not funny today.
I've tried to be funny. Really. I have. I'm just not.
I've sat in front of the screen for exactly three hours. Nothing. Humour free zone!
Read MoreThe concept of Easter - it's tough for a child isn't it.
Why does the date move about?
What have eggs? And Chocolate? And Bunnies? And Chicks? And Chocolate Eggs, Chicks and Bunnies, got to do with Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection?
Read MoreThings always come in threes don't they?
Three things have stopped me blogging for the last couple of days and will stop me doing so for the next few as well.
Read MoreI always thought I was adopted.
No, really, I did.
Until I was about 15.... Oh, OK 37., I was quietly certain I was the long lost scion of a minor European royal house.
Read MoreI thought I was pretty good at negotiation.
I've had a successful business career. That involved negotiating with people. I have been very active in politics, a borough councillor, a parliamentary candidate, a candidate for police commissioner. All of those roles involved negotiation. Lots of it.
Nothing prepares you for negotiating with a toddler though. Oh No.
Read MoreSadly, I have to announce that J and I have not been sleeping together for the last week.
Read MoreEver been in charge of a toddler?
If you have you will be used to the one questioning word they use. Incessently.
Read MoreI was reminded this evening by a very funny throw-away comment on twitter about an incident I'd thought was long forgotten.
Read MoreThe transition in our daughter once she had her feet under the table was remarkable and deserves it's own post over on the adoption pages. Suffice it to say, it has been a bumpy, enjoyable, frustrating, amazing ride.
One thing we hadn't anticipated was her very. No. VERY firm opinions on what she wears.
Read MoreI was going to write a blog about Grumpy Deaf Grandad today. But then today happened and I thought an update on my attempt at cooperative parenting would be more appropriate.
Read MoreDear Children
I wanted to write you this note to explain the word co-operation to you.
Cooperation is what happens in families. Particularly in the morning. When Dad has already left for work. It's how families work. It's how they ensure certain family members get to play on the X-box or iPad regularly.
Read MoreMy Dad lives in a sheltered housing development.
The development comprises a number of bungalows, very pleasantly situated around a central lawn, shared as a communal garden by the residents.
Read MoreThat Peppa Pig. She has A LOT to answer for.
I have to admit she has been my saviour on more than one occasion. Providing distraction and entertainment while I have taken urgent phone calls, answered emails in a timely fashion and finished much needed household chores.
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