The countdown

Aaliyah has been very good of late. However, yesterday she was back to her old tricks. No, there was no biting involved thankfully, but she did hit Tara in the face yesterday at Angels soft play party and blooded her nose with no remorse. Anyhow, she was uncontrollable on our way home in the car. This morning her foul mood and screams did not dissipate, so I was forced to play my ‘Trump’ card (nothing to do with the US president, honestly). I pretended to call Sindy our nanny and cancel her sleepover tonight (John away for the night and I have to be at an event later), I then called the fabled ‘Mrs Snodgrass’ and asked if she could fill in for Sindy and do the sleepover. All of this archived with Aaliyah listening on. She said that she would be delighted to step in and finally meet our Aaliyah! My plan was set. I texted Sindy who would usually let herself in with her keys and I asked if she would ring the doorbell instead! Of course I explained the scenario. She agreed and here I sit with the children. The countdown is on – 15 minutes and counting. Tara was the most intrigued as she has been asking when ‘Mrs Snodgrass’ is arriving every half an hour! Tara kind of realised that the character is one of fiction, but she is not completely sure. I gave in a bit earlier and told Tara first, then Amritsar that I had decided to cancel  (keeping the mystery alive) and Sindy was coming after all. The little ones however are oblivious. Aaliyah is starting to show a certain nervousness, awaiting the sound of the doorbell. 10 minutes and counting. I’ll fill you in as to the conclusion of my little charade later. He he he!!!

I am now sat on the train and Sindy is driving home with the children in preparation for bedtime.

Earlier, the doorbell rang – it was 5.15pm. Tara, Amritsar, Thor and Caleb were eagerly loitering around the front door in the entrance hall. Tara couldn’t contain herself ‘Aaliyah, Aaliyah’ she was calling ‘Mrs Snodgrass is here for you’. ‘No, I don’t want to come to the door – NO’ Aaliyah shouted. Tara was giggling as she swung the door open. Caleb and Thor both pushed their way forward, falling on top of each other. They picked themselves up, a little dazed. ‘Sindy, Sindy’ they exclaimed, completely expecting to see Cecelia Snodgrass standing there in her green tweed two piece suit and spectacles. Amritsar and Tara were laughing and Aaliyah was still hiding behind the sofa. She exhaled and smiled. ‘Did my little joke work Aaliyah – are you now prepared to try a little harder to be a good girl?’ ‘Yes Dadda, YES’ was her reply. She looked bemused and a little sheepish – no doubt happy that the days waiting ordeal was over.