Then comes a peace

Mr Man returned home but life as a family had an extended definition until today. I heard a saying that visitors are like prawns, after 3 days it is time to throw them out, no matter how nice they are, and I think that is remarkably close to a reliable rule.

That said, for every private moment lost a special moment was gained. So, while Bear's second birthday present giving was not only interrupted but completely and thoughtlessly railroaded to the point where a dad stormed downstairs and banged things around in the kitchen, there was also much bonding with otherwise barely familiar relatives.

In fact, while the visitors were down to meet a Cub, it was a Bear who held most of their attention. Which, given how little she sees of most of them, is probably a good thing.

The Little Man is my Zen child; remarkably peaceful, balanced, and calm (let's skim over some punchy wailing last night as he got a bit out of sorts!).

He has received a few less presents and cards, which I suppose comes from the now-familiarity of the baby thing, but this has its benefits. Being able to buy him a special soft toy will be cute- Bear had a mountain of them so I felt too guilty to add to the sprawl last time. And on that note Cubster will have loads to pick through, much of it still close to new condition.

The house is quiet, we've turned the TV off and are pottering through our space, rediscovering a home. Bear sleeps, book on pillow as she's taken to doing, and Mr Man lies in blissful ignorance of the world in his bassinette.

Minh is curled up somewhere and Mao, of course, is doing ever-smaller circles around the room as he sizes up my lap. It is time to make some space and hang out with my fam.

Can't complain.