Thursday - Friday

Thursday was lovely.  Had a leisurely morning, chose a baby present and an anniversary present for J&G, then picked up J and took her to one of our cousin's to meet new baby Amelie Sophia for the first time.  She is gorgeous.  I know that I'm supposed to say that but she really is.  She slept for the whole 3 hours that we were there and she opened her eyes for literally 10 seconds but I don't think that counts, she didn't even open her eyes for her feed.  I had a cuddle and she didn't stir for the whole of my turn, which I was glad of.  I always think babies will sense my inexperience but no, baby A comfortably laid in my right arm, her head in the crook of my arm and my right hand cradling her tiny legs while my left hand patted her tum.  She didn't even blink.  She was cool in her tiny outfit despite the warm afternoon, and slept peacefully while Mummy, Nanna, Grandpa, J and I chatted.  So lovely.  Days like this a rare.

I had an early shower and a quiet afternoon, it was just what I needed.

Friday is here and no Starbucks for me.  I slept late again, my body is so out of sync, I'm going to have trouble when I go back to work.  Anyway, I didn't get up until 7.45, no workout again due to nagging hip.  Picked up J just after 9 and we headed off to Manchester for a browse around the shops and had a gorgeous lunch at Wagamama's.  We had drizzly rain the whole time but it didn't matter, we didn't even put an umbrella up.

There are some visible scars of the recent riots on the city's skin.  Many of the shop workers within the city are wearing "I heart, (I can't do a heart symbol... I did try,)  Manchester" t-shirts, and shop fronts remain boarded up with some of the destruction still visible through the gaps.  The Arndale Centre has a post-it wall for anyone to leave a message of healing and love for the city.  The city will be just fine. 

People in general are good and have a love for and a pride in their cities  The unrest provided a brief window of opportunity for a small band of couldn't-care -less, lost individuals.  The city will be just fine.

I was home by 4.30pm and I had a relaxing few hours before catching up with friends.  I have been off work for 8 days already, it doesn't feel like 8 days but at the same time, my mind has already wandered to returning to work and I wonder how I'll adapt to going back.  I've had a taste of a normal life, staying up late, chatting to friends, sleeping until a reasonable hour.  I'm doomed.

I have been thinking of you since yesterday evening... more than usual I mean.  This morning, while I was drying my hair, I imagined you in your seat, waiting for the show to begin.  Hope all went to plan, hope that you're feeling better and that you had a wonderful 36 hours!

Saturday... tomorrow, is brunch with God Daughter, my youngest niece.  I've confirmed time and venue and my sister can make it too.  I haven't seen either of them in over a year so I'm looking forward to that. 

I'm here waiting on a text from a friend to tell me that the kids are in bed and it's okay to phone, such is life but friendship is worth it's wait in gold.  I can wait.