Misbehaving

The summer-like weather continues, temperatures around the 21-23 degree mark, the sun still intense enough to feel it might give you a bit of colour if you sat in it for long enough.

Despite this, it still feels damp in the flat, though the windows aren't steamed up any more so at least we can see the outside world.

This morning I put on a shirt then had to blast it with the hairdryer until it felt dry enough to wear, which is a bit miserable. Then I took Ella to Westfield at Bondi Junction because I needed to exchange the pyjamas that Santa brought (because Santa thinks my arse is even bigger than it really is and had selected pyjamas of clown-like proportions - how will I ever recover?). Ella charmed me into letting her walk, but once she'd got out of the pushchair she started misbehaving, especially in Pumpkin Patch, where she waded through racks of clothes saying "ooh this is nice" before discarding the items onto the floor. A burly shop assistant followed me round the entire shop with an expression that said "buy something or get out". We got out.

After that she tried on three hats in the Cancer Council (awful name for a shop they sell sunscreen and beach suits, that sort of thing) and banged on the pet shop window, waking all the puppies from their slumber. Then she threw herself on the floor and refused to walk any further so I had to strap her kicking and screaming into her pushchair.

We had lunch in the food court next to a group of British and Irish mums who all had children the same age, all complaining about the terrible twos. I wanted to join in but had to content myself with eavesdropping instead. I envy the people who have proper support networks, especially when Ella's having one of those days.