Joint party

What day. From jolly and happy to the saddest of sad.

The blip is Ella and Nathaniel’s joint party which was at a brilliant pool in Byker. That’s a poor area of Newcastle and the pool is a very well-used, busy resource at reasonable prices. There were public areas for soft play, swimming and gym. They also rent out one swimming pool with inflatables etc for groups, plus an upstairs room for party teas. You could pay them to do party food or provide your own. To save money daughter did food in bags (there had to be gluten free, halal etc) for 36 children. No wonder a few of the parents there told me they think she is wonderful. A stressful job, husband working nights every weekend and she has lots of children round at her house and did this. One other mum said she was a teacher too and we agreed we’d go home after a stressful day at school and shout at our own children that we’d had a day of naughty children so stop it! But daughter is incredibly patient. She does not get that from me. #2 daughter is like me and my dad - high maintenance and stressy.

Anyway the children had fun. Top left is Ella with her best friends since reception class. (At that time Ella wanted to be a Muslim like them. When we asked why she said they got better school dinners. Her mum said she could have halal dinners if she wanted but she’d have to wait to till she was grown up before she could make a decision on religion). They are twins. Imman on the right got full marks for all her SATS and is Matilda in the school show. (Ella didn’t get a part but was so excited for her friend). They are both such nice girls. The only boy she asked is Daniel. I had an interesting chat with his dad who born in Aberdeen but is of Singapore Chinese origins. He is in a pipe band and has a kilt. He plays lots of instruments and gave Ella an ocarino for a present.

Nathaniel only asked boys but he did say he has a girlfriend now called Ailsa. So far Ella shows no romantic interest in boys or girls.

During the party I had a message from Bev, an old friend, to say she had sad news and wanted to talk. She rang in tears as soon as I got home. Her daughter gave birth in the car on the way to the hospital. Her husband couldn’t find a place to pull over at first in Bath and the baby wasn’t breathing. Freya gave her baby mouth to mouth till the medics came and they took over to no avail. The baby girl looked perfect. I can’t think of anything more horrific that could happen to anyone really.