Autumnal

The day didn't start well. For the last few weeks we have had real problems with Princess at bedtime. She goes to bed then reappears several times crying and wailing with tummy ache/headache/feeling sick/lucky legs/sore throat/etc.

Last night I recorded the times as we are trialling a more routine bedtime. Due to term time clubs etc, 8pm is the earliest consistent bedtime I can do for her. So grown up shower about 7, calm down with no screens (including TV) downstairs, Smallest in bed at 7.45, Horlicks for Princess, tooth brush and bed at 8. Lights out with relaxation CD at 8.30.

Last night it all was quiet - until 9.30. Then 10.45, 11.41, 12ish, 12.26 and 6ish. At least there wasn't the 3am visit of the night before!

So I wasn't in the best of moods. Not helped by the revelation that Ally has lost his iPhone (can't you use "Find my phone" mum? Not when you lost it 2+ weeks ago...) and of course PMT.

Anyway, despite bollocking all of them, I was a very good mother and took them all to the beach for a picnic (except Bella who sloped off to hang around parks drinking, smoking and having sex with her friends). It took a bit of a push to get rid of Limpet Al when ClareClare arrived but eventually my threats of filicide worked.

The day improved massively then. And continues to go ok. Fingers crossed that Princess and therefore I get a good nights sleep...