We returned yesterday form our Christmas holiday in Dorset, the guys have come back with us, although Matt has just left to return to Bedford. Ian will travel back to Sheffield tomorrow.

It was lovely to spend time with Ian and Matt and the extended family. Our days leading up to Christmas were filled for some, with shopping and long walks in the countryside. I did venture out on Monday to the local town of Dortchester, but after that I was hit down by 'the lurghi.' Whether it was flu or not I don't know, but it certainly knocked me for 6 and nearly a week down the line I'm still feeling very week and lethargic. I did manage to get up and participate in celebrating Christmas day, with a few breaks to return to bed to gather my strength! Other members of the family were struck down at various times in the week, though so far those closest to me have remained well.

It's 3.58am and I can't believe that I'm wide awake. I'm not sure what is causing my insomnia of late? So much seems to go buzzing around my head in the wee small hours and along with Steve's snoring, sleep is denied me and this is someone who can usually sleep big time. Perhaps I am a big kid getting excited about Christmas or actually getting excited about seeing first my son Ian and then a few days later my other son Matthew. Do these feelings of attachment ever leave a Mother?
Today will be my last day at work before my long awaited holiday, firstly a baby clinic and then our team's Christmas lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Stubbington. My secret Santa present is wrapped and ready to go.
I think It's time to try some Horlicks, hopefully it may live up to its claim and encourage me to have a few hours sleep. Goodnight.

It has been a couple of weeks since I posted anything here. Were now well into December and I'm counting down the days until our Christmas holiday in Dorset. This time next week we will be spending the first evening in our holiday cottage with some of the family, by this time I'm sure we will be opening the first of a few bottles of wine for the week. Not all of the family will arrive on Saturday as work commitments mean some of the 'children' will come at different times in the run up to Christmas.

Sadly Tacy's step father died suddenly a few days ago, so Tacy, Mike and their children will break away on Monday to attend Bob's funeral. The time when families come together to celebrate a special birth, must be more poignant for those whose loves one has died.

Today I have been putting up a few decorations, as were away for a week, we decided that we wouldn't have a Christmas tree, but nevertheless the house is looking quite festive, with candles and tinsel.

Last night we went to Elaine & Brian's house where they hosted an early birthday party for me, we had a lovely evening with our friends, how lucky I am to have such wonderful new friends. I can't believe its a whole year since my 5oth which I celebrated wonderfully with tea at Claridges.