Today started on a good note. I breezed in to Robyn's room as I usually do in a semi-conversational, semi-get-your-butt-ready-for-school way, and asked her what she wanted to wear today. "Something cuddly, like you, Mom", she replied, smothering me in a big sleepy hug.

Just three more days left for Robyn and Lauren to not get chicken pox and miss their Christmas concerts on Friday. I can't believe this is happening again. Chicken pox was storming through both schools the same time last year and I was terrified they would miss their concerts. Got away with it that time. Just hoping and hoping and hoping we're lucky again this year. Last year at Robyn's Christmas concert, in which she was the Little Teacup, I remember this intense and overwhelming feeling of gratitude for simply being my children's mother.

And I am so hoping Lauren enjoys her concert, and participates, and feels good about it. Last year she was overwhelmed by all the people and stayed attached to me or Peter for the entire thing. It was terribly disappointing as I had so been looking forward to seeing her on her day. At that stage I was very conscious of how much in her big sister's shadow she seemed to be. She always seemed to be tagging along to Robyn's play dates, Robyn's parties, Robyn's activities, etc, etc, etc. Two is an awkward age when you have a four year old sister. She's three now, and Robyn's five, and Daniel is seven months.

Maybe I should just go ahead and get them the vaccination. If we don't get the real thing this week, that is.