Page 82 of The Bad Mother's Diary

She’d brought me a pint of Guinness on a silver tray.

Then she told me about an old boyfriend of hers, Brian Tuck, who went off with her best friend on Christmas Eve. Worst of all, she’d already bought his Christmas present – a Lovett-green jumper. But she said it all worked out for the best. Because the shop took the jumper back. And then she met Dad.

‘But what about Daisy?’ I sniffed. ‘Nick hasn’t even seen her.’

Mum said, ‘Kids accept life for how it is. We should learn a thing or two from them and stop crying about what can’t be changed.’

We looked at Daisy, sleeping in the cot.

She did look very contented.

Maybe Mum’s right. I mean, Callum doesn’t have a dad and he’s the happiest little boy there is. Perhaps because of all the Coca-Cola he drinks, but still …

Tuesday August 18th

When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining.

I looked at Daisy – all smiles, throwing herself at the travel-cot netting.

I thought again about Althea counting her blessings.

And I counted mine.

I have a beautiful healthy baby.

I have amazing family and friends.

I can help myself to Guinness and salt and vinegar crisps whenever I want.

I told Daisy, ‘Let’s open up those curtains and welcome the day.’

When I did, this old man jogged past in running gear. He was probably seventy years old, but he was bounding along.

I said, ‘Do you know what, Daisy? I’m going to run that marathon. I’m going to train and I’m going to finish it.’

I stuck Daisy in her pram and ran all the way to the woods and back again.

And for the first time in ages I saw the sunshine.

Wednesday August 19th

‘Song and Splash’ with Althea today.

It took ages to get Daisy into the car with her swim nappy, swimming costume, water wings, rubber ring, rubber duckies, baby goggles, snacks, nappies, wet wipes, stroller, rain cover, change of clothes, teething ring and warm jumper just in case.

When I parked at the sports club, the car cut out. It wouldn’t start again, but I was so late I ran into the club.

Then I found a text message from Althea:

Can’t get Wolfy out of the bedroom. He’s wrapped himself around the cot leg and won’t let go. Don’t want to upset his power centre by being too brutal. Sorry baby cakes. See you soon. Kisses!

Considered going home. But Daisy looked so happy to be in the shiny, posh sports centre I thought – sod it, we’re here now.

Wore the new black-sequinned swimming costume Althea bought me yesterday.

Even before we got into the pool, Daisy had eaten two sequins.

In the swimming pool, I noticed three more stuck to her face.

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