Up With the Lark

I don't know how she does it.

During term-time you can guarantee that, come 7.30am, The Princess is still dead to the world, far away in Dreamland with Prince Charming, and I have to be the Bad Guy and wake her up.

I have to virtually prise her out of bed with a crowbar and chivvy her along constantly to make sure we leave for school on time, because she's just soooooo tired.

Then there's school holidays. While not officially taking the week off myself, I was looking forward to a few days without the alarm relentlessly blasting me awake at 6.45am. Not to mention stealing some extra time under a warm, cosy duvet with a cup of tea and the latest copy of Autosport.

No problem with The Boy, of course. He's 16 - enough said. Always a good sleeper, it would take a bomb under his bed to move him before 11am during the holidays - and even then I'm not convinced it would work.

But The Princess? I don't believe the little madam ever made it past 7.45am before she was up and about, talking to the cats and singing. And as soon as she got the slightest hint of movement from my room, her little face would appear round the door with its usual cheery grin.

And that's why, although I was exasperated at her not taking the opportunity to sleep in while she had it, I couldn't be cross with her. That smile would melt the hardest heart - never mind one that's biased to begin with.

Ok, forget the tea and quiet reading time - let's have a cuddle instead!

Can A Leopard Change Its Spots?

A slightly different tone this time as I've got something on my mind.

Yesterday, I heard a story on my local radio about a support group for new mums. The organisers were looking for mums who'd been there, done that and bought the t-shirt to lend the benefit of their experience to those just getting to grips with the parenthood thing.

It made my ears prick up. I had terrible post-natal depression after The Princess was born, and this sounded like something that could help save other women from the same experience.

Granted, I wasn't sure how I'd fit it in, what with looking after my own family, trying to run a business and have a life, but I wanted to try. Until I heard the spokeswoman, and realised it was someone I used to work with. Someone who had turned out to be not much of a friend, without going into details, and with whom I didn't really want any contact.

Part of me says it was all a very long time ago, let bygones be bygones, and put aside any negative feelings for the greater good. Part of me says no, it's unlikely she's had a personality transplant and stay away.

So I haven't called. I'm telling myself I don't really have the time, but I know that's not the real reason. I do think I've made the right decision - but I also feel guilty in case I could have helped somebody.
Am I wrong - could the leopard have changed its spots?