Mummy - she says.

That looks like you (pointing to a picture of Humpty Dumpty).

Oh? I say - trying to remain serene.  You mean the way he is smiling?

No - she replies.  The big and round and round.

Ah.

Mummy - he says.

Daddy’s hair looks much blacker in this photo - was this taken on your honeymoon?

Yes - that was quite a while ago now

And you look a bit skinnier don’t you.

Um, yes….

You  know there is an exercise machine I saw on the TV, that can make people with big tummies do lots of exercise and they become really skinny by doing lots of exercise.  You could do LOTS of exercise and get skinny.  That would be great wouldn’t it.

Um, yes…

Out of the mouths of babes.

Next Saturday I’ll be turning 40.  Eeek!  and Arghhhh.

I have been told that 40 is the new 30, and you’re only as old as you feel and all that.  I’m trying not to to be anxious about it, and I don’t think I’m decrepit, or obese or anything, but there has been a certain amount of
‘coming to terms’ with my physical self and deciding to be at peace with my form as it is in a relaxed and (it must be said) indulgent state over the past few years that has lead to a bit of creep in weight gain, and I was surprised to find that perhaps my children may like me to be thinner.  At 40, indulgent habits are hard to break… and considering a lifetime of denial isn’t as appealing to me as perhaps it should be.  I’ll be working on that…

We are going to be away for my birthday, which is very, very exciting and will be gloriously distracting from the big turning.  Destination Port Douglas and immersion in beach, rainforest, natural wonders and our own little family.  I can’t wait.

And there’s packing and planning to be done.  And thinking, and perhaps less eating….