They're both at the best possible age - how is that possible?

Both of the girls have been an absolute delight today, in their own very different ways. When you mention to people that you have kids they always ask "what age?" and no matter what age you say, the reply is always "aah, that's the best age, isn't it?" And as a parent obsessed with your children, you naturally agree. But every age can't be the best age, can it?

Well actually, it can. Emily is a little delight at the moment, compounded by the fact that she's not ill, and therefore in good humour. The first delightful thing she's doing is sleeping past 7.30am every morning, which unfortunately for her will mean she gets woken up by me next week when school is (hopefully!) open again. But it's lovely at the weekend. Secondly, she's recognising certain words - she can splash in the bath on request, and I'm sure she touched Pooh's nose today in direct response to me asking "where's Pooh's nose?". But that may just be my overactive parental imagination. She also lies her head on one side in a very winsome manner if you say "sideways faces!" - don't ask me how this one started, I have no idea. Her third new trick, as of a few days ago, is blowing kisses, which is adorable. Apart from her habit of doing it mainly at mealtimes, when each blown kiss is accompanied by a small shower of pureed something or other.

And Isabel, while being an over-emotional five year old, is also delightful. I felt terribly guilty this morning because after we'd driven to ballet and found it closed (bloomin' snow!) I made her dash through the Sainsburys car park at -1C with bare knees because I didn't want to drive home for warmer clothes. I think she forgave me after I agreed she could have a pot of strawberry custard. And after her knees had defrosted. Anyway, the first of her three delightful things was sleeping until almost 8am. The two of them are really in sync about this at the moment. Secondly, she invited Husbandio and I to play a game of Monopoly Junior which we all really enjoyed - we're finally able to play games with her that we enjoy rather than just pandering to a small person (Wii Sports Resort also falls into this latter category!). The only dodgy moment in the game was where she had the opportunity to stitch over either Husbandio or myself - a tricky situation for a little girl. Sensibly, she decided that siding with her mother was the best bet. And the third delightful thing has been this evening. Husbandio went out with some local friends for a boys' night, so Isabel and I curled up in our big bed with Nutella crumpets, cups of water/tea respectively, and a chocolate Santa, and we watched and chomped our way through Mamma Mia. Neither of us had seen it all the way through, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it in all its glorious trashiness. Isabel even cried at the bit where the mother sings a slow song to her daughter, the sensitive little thing. And neither of us fell asleep during the movie, making it a massive success. She's only just gone to bed now and it's past 10pm, so here's hoping for another lie-in tomorrow morning...!