I imagine you are wondering where I have been of late. I’d like to tell you that I won the lottery and have been busy adjusting to my newfound wealth. I’d like to tell you that my husband whisked me and my daughter away on a round the world trip. I’d like to tell you that I have been out publicising my best-selling novel. The sad truth is I have been doing my best impersonation of Gina Ford. Routine rules in our house- sort of. I grew up as an Army brat, about which I have written before. I got used to being places on time and often five minutes early. Years of boarding school programmed me to do things at set times on set days. And a wealth of experience nannying has taught me that the smooth running of a house, not to mention the calm happiness of a baby has a lot to do with getting enough sleep at set times.
The down side to the introduction of an iron-clad routine is that babies take a while to realise that it is in their best interests, resulting in a frazzled baby and an exhausted mum. And unlike the nannying jobs, I can’t go home for a good night’s sleep at 6pm. How did I not see that one coming? Add the decorator, electrician, furniture delivery man and dog to the mix and I have had precious little time to eat, never mind write. Which is not to say I haven’t wanted to. In fact whilst I have not been typing I have had the laptop mended, and I have had the splendid chap at Nota Bene Consulting sort me out a swish new website with a swish new look, about which I am terribly excited. A few finishing touches and I shall be transferring lock stock and barrel, but all the old posts, recipes and a sprinkling of wit and charm should follow with me. In the mean time, I know that I was memed by Nunhead Mum…..I should get on with that.
Oooh. It’s a bit hard on the eyes.
Just taken a look at your new site. Love the logo! And you have my unbounded admiration for going the Gina Ford route. I do agree with you that babies need routine, but the whole sleeping in a darkened room thing at the same time every day was a step too far. Unless, of course, the one doing the sleeping was me. Boom boom!
Ah, I remember these days well. Routine is so important at this stage. It pays off in the long run, and you will sleep again. I promise.
@ Rosiero: not quite finished on the nes site as yet….keep checking in and I should soon have it a little easier on the eyes for you!
Yes, babies are terribly demanding! People keep telling me it doesn’t get any better. They’re right!!
CJ xx
ah Gina Ford…. remember how we tried it with Mr Naps-Are-For-Wimps? hope your daughter respects authority a bit better than our Milo….
(I’ve got a new blog, we are in Devon, Sami started school!)
Thanks all- I look forwrad to looking back and thinking this was the easiest bit;)
And thanks Heidi- was beginning to think you’d fallen off the side of the planet (much like me-blush!) My daughter is a huge fan of sleep and is a total nightmare if she does without, much like her Mamma. I have taken note of the new blog, now that you’ve gone all provincial x
Lovely Kelly,
I was a Gina Addict myself, and I feel I owe my survival to her. I love your new site too. Well done for achieving so much.