Tag Archives: parenting

Humility, and other liberations

April 12, 2013 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , , 4 Comments

Today’s super-duper awesome guest post is from an old university friend, Marina. Last time Marina wrote on DorkyMum – a brilliant piece called The Pot Plant Analogy – it turned into one of the most popular posts on the blog ever. I hope this piece on humility works a similar magic…

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Motherhood, for me, is an exercise in humility. And patience. And fortitude. And a lot of other virtues that would sound oppressive and downright creepy if they were being demanded by something less cute than a baby, or an enthusiastic nearly-three-year-old. But mainly, humility. The humility of admitting to myself just how much is outwith my control.

First pregnancy I read all the books, took hypnobirthing classes, and ended up with a 22 hour induction, epidural, and eventual 2 hours of pushing to deliver a 9lb baby boy who I was too exhausted to hold, let alone breastfeed in an aura of serene maternity.

Continue reading →

Just the One

April 8, 2013 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , , 65 Comments

Today’s lovely guest post moved me to tears. It’s by one of my very favourite bloggers, Sarah at Grenglish, whose blog you can find here, and who you can say hello to on Twitter here.

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‘Just the one’ we say when someone offers us something we consider delicious, indulgent and chocolately.

‘Just the one’ we might insist when someone tries to refill our glass with something chilled and bubbly.

It is a phrase that is used time and time again when we fancy a polite taste of something nice, but without actually scoffing the whole packet of biscuits, or polishing off the whole bottle of wine.

It is also a phrase that I have personally always struggled with, but never more so than when people ask me how many children I have, and I reply ‘just the one’. Continue reading →

Chalk and Cheese

April 5, 2013 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , 16 Comments

I’m taking some time offline over the next week or so, but to keep things busy on here I’ve invited some of my favourite blogging friends to write guest posts for me. Today’s is from Anya, who blogs as Older Single Mum and also as The Healer. You can say hello to her on Twitter here.

Older Single Mum

This is Aiden, a few weeks short of his fourth Birthday.  He’s a consummate comedian and puts the manic into maniac.

It struck me recently that he’s the same age his brother was when he came along and I can’t believe how different they are. Continue reading →

Dear DorkySon…

April 3, 2013 By in Family Tags: , , , , , , , , 13 Comments

Painting The Rainbow Old Jack's Boat

Dear DorkySon.

Now you are four!

Didn’t we have a grand old birthday weekend? A night in a lovely hotel on Friday, and a walk round central London on Saturday. We saw the duck boat on its way to the Thames but decided it was too cold to get on one ourselves. You gave a big cheery wave and a hello to every policeman that we saw, but didn’t like watching the guards changing over outside St James’ Palace because you thought their guns and big heavy boots were too scary.

Then home, for your proper birthday; far too many presents from all your generous family and friends – including this wonderful painting of Old Jack’s Boat by DorkyGranny – and so, so much food.

It amazes me, that tummy of yours. It seems you can always fit a little more in… especially if it’s roast potatoes or chocolate cake on offer. But then seeing you constantly running around – climbing under one thing and jumping over the next – it’s no surprise that you need a lot of energy to fuel the engine. Continue reading →

Live in the Now: March

March 18, 2013 By in Family Tags: , , 18 Comments

I know I’m a little bit biased, but I do think that DorkySon is one of the loveliest boys in the world.

We walked past a shop window the other day that had a huge Victorian doll’s house on display.

“Ooh,” I said. “What a pity we don’t have room for that in our house.”

“I know,” said DorkySon. “It’s such a shame. But come here and let me give you cuddle to take your mind off it.” Continue reading →