Diary of a slightly mad, single mummy...

This week I thought I would jot down some of the weird and wonderful things my one-year-old daughter has been up to. (Please tell me this behaviour is normal?)

Summer thought hugging my leg as I attempted to walk around the house a few days ago was hilarious. And I thought it was too – until she took a bite from the back of my thigh.

Earlier this week my mum’s dog licked Summer’s hand. Summer returned the gesture by licking the dog’s tongue. I give you permission to cringe.

It seems Summer is a very clever girl as she has now figured out that she can slide her body under the safety gate to get into the kitchen. In one hour she had slipped under the gate 23 times.

I’m sure a part of the reason why Summer is so mischievous is to get a reaction from me. This week she stood on the sofa (where she can reach the computer) and pulled at the screen almost knocking it to the ground. I pulled her away and she immediately ran back and did it again. After eight rounds of the naughty chair (which doesn’t work as she runs off laughing, and with me chasing her it turns into a bit of a game), she stood on the sofa with one hand touching the screen, looking at me smiling.

The moment she noticed I acknowledged her she laughed and pushed the screen. Everyday we seem to go through the same routine, but with a different item. Yesterday she was continually slamming the cabinet door and the day before she was taking the picture frames from the window ledge.

Summer loves Mickey Mouse, and for those who have children, in particular the Clubhouse Hot Dog dance from his show. As soon as she hears the theme tune she wiggles her body. It’s so cute.

I was cleaning my bedroom earlier this week when Summer started playing with my makeup box. I was amazed when she opened the lipstick and put it over her lips. Twice she has returned to the box, ignored the hundred or so other products, and put the lipstick on.

Summer thought hugging my leg as I attempted to walk around the house a few days ago was hilarious. And I thought it was too – until she took a bite from the back of my thigh.

A certain Fisher Price bouncing zebra also has a lot to answer for. Summer now bounces on everything - including me, pulling at my skin as if it’s horse’s reins.

This week I have had to find a new home for my books that I usually have on display, as, for some reason, Summer has developed a fascination with moving them. She takes them off the shelf, stacks them on the sofa, and then puts them back on the shelf. She did it continuously for an entire afternoon.

Lastly, I love the way when I say “one”, she automatically says “two”. Clearly I have a child genius in the making - a mischievous one at that.

For more information on Laura visit www.laurapauley.com.

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