Tonight, once again, it hit me like a train. The terrifying extent to which I love that little girl.

I got home from work and she was crying inconsolably. Rob had been trying everything and she wouldn’t quieten down and she was so distressed. So I picked her up for a cuddle and gradually she calmed down and snuggled into my shoulder (this is very unusual, normally daddy is number one! And while this may give me the occasional pang, I realised tonight that being number one is a frightening and awesome responsibility I’m not sure I always want!) And as I held her I felt like I never wanted to let her go, ever ever ever. Like I never wanted to leave her again. She is the most precious thing I have ever known, and I would do anything to stop her from feeling hurt, or feeling sad.

I have been planning a couple of holidays for next year – Rob’s and my honeymoon, and a trip to India with Lorna – both for about ten days. And I think it’s important to do these things, to continue with my life outside of being a mum, and do the things that have always made me happy. But tonight I feel like Elsie is the only thing that matters. The only really important thing in the whole world. My beautiful beautiful beautiful girl.

More of those pics. Don't know what went wrong the other evening but it wouldn't work.

We have had a really lovely day at home together today. We did an activity with Ruth and Thomas this afternoon - water play with coloured ice cubes. It was very messy and marvellous.

I love this one.

I have been most remiss at blogging (or indeed not) lately. Must try harder. Life has been so bloomin' hectic. But I must - Elsie is so amazing at the moment, so interesting and changing every day, now more than ever it is important to document everything for posterity.

Last weekend Rob took some fantastic pictures of Elsie with the camcorder on still images mode. They are brill. So, hot off the press - here they are!