Page 78 of The Bad Mother's Diary

Pam gave us a long lecture about nutrition and pulled out leaflets about healthy baby food.

Then she told us to ring her if we needed anything else. Apparently health visitors offer a sort of ‘fourth emergency service’ and are always on hand if we have any worries or concerns.

Thursday August 6th

Pam forgot to write Daisy’s weight in her red book, so I gave her a ring.

There was no answer. I left a message, but she hasn’t called me back.

Saturday August 8th

Weighed myself today for the first time since the wedding.

When I saw the scales I couldn’t believe it. I thought Mum must have broken them.

But then I weighed myself at the doctor’s.

I’m EVEN HEAVIER now than when I had Daisy.

Blaaaaaaaah.

Monday August 10th

Daisy has had three twinkly pieces of glitter on her scalp since Brandi’s birthday.

It only shows up in direct sunlight, but I’m worried people will think I don’t wash her. Yet no matter how many baths I give her, the glitter just won’t shift.

I wonder if the health visitor noticed? Didshethink I never wash her?

Better ring and explain.

4pm

Rang Pam Fairy three times and left urgent voicemails. She still hasn’t rung back.

Tuesday August 11th

No call from Pam Fairy.

Mum laughed when I told her about the glitter. She said, ‘Health visitors are looking for neglect. A sparkly baby is a happy baby.’

Thursday August 13th

Althea phoned me at 6am to remind me to count my blessings.

She’s just been on some Buddhist retreat with Wolfgang. Apparently they had to count their blessings at 6am every morning and she reckons it’s changed her life.

Today her blessings are:

Her confident little boy who expresses his feelings. (No one else thinks it’s a blessing that Wolfgang expresses his feelings, which are generally anger and outrage. But a mother’s love is blind.)

Fabulous purple furniture.

The mystery flowers (weeds) that grow in her garden.

I told her I only had one blessing – Daisy.

I wanted to add, ‘And friends who know not to call before 7am.’

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