Just scabby now!

We’re all through the worst, and at the end of a really difficult week, with smiles and hugs all round. Mouse is feeling less itchy and more his toothy, cheeky self; I’m totally wiped out and fighting off an ear infection but just so grateful that we got through in one piece. The doctor has pronounced herself well satisfied with Mouse and his progress, and that I’m not doing anything she wouldn’t have, so I’m glad.

Chickenpox is not a big deal, I realise; but it is if you’ve never brought a child through it on your own before. A truism, but trust me; it would never feel so challenging a second time around. That’s what’s so momentous about first-time parenthood; everything is new-minted, full of wonder and of terror.

Part of the satisfaction is knowing that I’ll never have to go round this particular buoy again; been there, done it, on to the next thing now.