SETTLING IN AND NEW ROUTINES

So, how are we getting on?

So far, so good. She's eating, sleeping and filling nappies just the way she should.

Her spirit is incredible, she's open to all new experiences, almost always with a smile or a giggle. She was a little intimidated by the dogs, for 2 minutes or so, within 5 minutes she was reaching for them and now she squeals in order to attract their attention and hopefully lure them closer enough to touch.

She greets the inevitable visitors with a grin, but Mum keeps a firm hold!

Her attitude is incredibly laid back, she rarely cries, she's grumpy for less than a minute upon waking up. She doesn't yet indicate her needs - for wet or dirty nappies or when she's hungry, but already her cries are changing. She now has a warning siren, used when anticipating something new but 'real' crying with tears happens rarely.

At the moment it's too good to be true - I'm worried that this happy-go-lucky child may change to a more stubborn or less satisfied child, but whatever she becomes I will always love her.

On Thursday I registered her with my GP. She examined her quickly and pronounced that A is happy, healthy and developmentally exactly where she should be. She told me that I am exceptionally lucky to have such a healthy, alert and gorgeous daughter. I know.

On Friday I was interviewed by Radio 4 for the last time - the programme that we are part of goes out a week on Monday. In the afternoon we went to visit school. The children were delighted to see her hair and make her smile. The staff thought she was lovely and that I'm extremely lucky, I agree. She sat on my lap during assembly and smiled and blew raspberries in front of the whole school - not in the slightest bothered by the noise or number of children.

Today I braved Waitrose, wearing A. She grinned at everyone and attracted quite a lot of attention! Grandad came to meet her this afternoon and she was her usual smiley self. Also this morning Sovereign came to assemble her 'park'. A took her first swing this afternoon and loved it!