Pronouncement Day

Such a wonderful day today. CC's name is officially now Southall. What a happy day! The children didn't go to school so they could be part of it. We went to a family court where a most lovely judge did the official business with the perfect mixture of ceremony and informality. He commented that he had never seen so many people attend a Pronouncement before (there were ten of us plus the happy family). He gave CC a teddy bear and told her she could name it after him; 'my name is Richard, but my friends call me Ricky' he said. Apparently it is unheard of for a judge to let you know their first name, let alone their nickname! We were all so happy and excited, I think he got caught up in it! These events are such a happy thing for a Family Court and just before Christmas perhaps especially so. The court is also apparently the only one in London where children are given a toy if they have cause to go there - they are paid for by the staff who all contribute on a monthly basis to buy them.

We went back to Woolwich by train, a beautifully sunny, frosty ride on the DLR on across the river. It was a spectacular day, freezing cold but so bright and sunny. Nibs and Nick had hired a private room in a lovely old pub in the Royal Artillery where we had Prosecco and lots of fabulous food. They had even put out lots of toys and the four children played with them and made a terrible racket and lots of mess, but it was lovely. Betsy is the oldest and fits into the big sister role. CC already adores her (it is mutual!) and hugs her legs all the time and always wants to sit on her lap.

Lovely speeches, toasts and spending time with some of my all time favorite people on a really special day.

When we got home, Betsy said that aside from Christmas and Birthdays, it was the best day of her life, which both moved and amazed me.