job offers?!?!

Today I braved the local toddler group.  Is is only me who finds these 'gatherings' rather challenging?  Surely not.  I must admit we should have started going a while ago.  Little lady seems to be quite a sociable little thing (well compared to the other two) and seeing as she has no siblings close in age to play with during the day toddler groups and the alike really are a must.

But I really shy away from them.  It is quite scary to walk into a room full of women who know each other, who you dont know.  When eldest lady was a baby I remember clearly trying one such group and feeling like such an inept, socially backward individual I never returned after the second go.  When she eventually started pre-school she was ever so shy and timid I really felt bad that I hadn't tried harder.  But sitting on your own for a few hours when everyone around you is in a cosy clique really is soul destroying and confidence zapping.  Especially when you are new to an area so therefore don't really know anyone at all anyway.

I did throw myself into preschool life though, I joined the committee and that really was the turnaround for me.  I met quite a few friends that way, friendships that have grown over the years and friendships that have given me confidence again.  I slowly got my self esteem back.

Having number three with such a big gap in between though has made me feel like I am doing everything for the first time again.  Meeting new people, making small talk, hoping to find some mum similar to you so your child can begin to form a bond with their child (life is so much easier if you enjoy spending time with your playdates mum).  

Of course its also hard because so many children that go to toddlers are with their childminders.  And although lovely to talk to it's not the same.  They are not the ones who will be inviting your child to the birthday parties, inviting your child over for tea and wanting to arrange playdates.

And so its very rare to meet and make new friends when you are a mum.  

I tell myself I HAVE to go at least every other week for my childs sake.  Not for my sake.  Its not about me.

I already have super special friends.  And I hope that although all their kids are growing up very quick now, they will accomodate baba and me, have patience with us.

Children grow up far too quickly.

Only tonight I found myself epilating eldests legs after putting youngest down in cot.  A bizarre contrast.

However, at least I can now say 'I put baby to bed'.  Never used to be that easy.  And now we have an evening with the other two important children in our lives.  Tonight I taught them how to play clock patience. A very simple addictive card game.  They both managed to 'get it out' once! Achievement.  Makes it so much more enjoyable.

Of course the game was played with vintage cards.  What else?!

and finally, loving on Pinterest . . . . . . .

Happy Wednesday

xx