Do not pass begin...

Go straight to the zoo that is your home.

Last night was the first night that I have entrusted the care of my precious child to anyone other than a family member. Leanne- Christopher's teacher babysat him for the first time.

I had a work function. So I scrambled out of work a bit early to fetch Christopher from his Gran's. Then bath him because I am so paranoid about other people bathing him. No-one does it as well as mom. Trying to get ready myself. Leanne arrives. James shouts that Christopher refuses to come out of the cupboard. I shout back that maybe he is not gay. Leanne and I go through to his room and manage to convince him to get out of the cupboard. Start giving her a tour and run-down of the "routine". Who knew it was so involved. Then my friend Veta arrives at the gate to drop off my Christmas tree.

My brand new Christmas tree- the first one I have ever bought and really gone to effort to decorate that I was so proud of. Until Christopher persisted in pulling at the baubles on it until it fell over on him. There was a thump and two little feet sticking out from the fir and pinecones. This was when hubbie was locked in the one side of the house and could not get out because the key had broken off in the lock. I was trying to get a locksmith on the phone. After finally getting through had to put the phone down because there was an almighty howl from beneath the Christmas tree. Rescue son. Get back on phone. Thump!!! Wail!!!Two little feet sticking out from under the Christmas tree. Gees son. I've got a short memory but I think you take the cake. Weren't we doing this like half a minute ago? Please leave the baubles on the tree for just a mo so I can get someone over here to free your dad.

Anyway- after his tussle with the tree the top broke off and hung at an annoyingly unstraight angle. What do they say- pride comes before a fall...After this major digression- Veta is at the gate to drop off the Christmas tree which I am told is now like new again. Yay!!! James is on the phone with a client and gesturing to me to please look after the savage. Run outside. Quick conversation with Veta about her friend's child who was in a bad car-crash and had a crushed pelvis. Back inside. Mascara. Lipstick. Back to Leanne to try and finish off the "routine". James asking if he can go off now. Yes dear. Christopher has scrambled up the couch and is jumping up and down on the arm grinning at me. Fish him off and admonish him that this is not necessarily best practice if he wants to keep his noggin intact. Back to "the routine" with Leanne. Christopher grinning at me manically and jumping up and down on the couch arm...again.

Finally, pull out of the garage after kissing Christopher goodbye. What a relief that he was happy to be left with Leanne- but also I feel all the paranoia and nerves about leaving him with someone other than his Granny or his daddy. Pray for his safety. Phone Malcolm my work colleague to say- sorry running late- will be there as soon as I can.

Sms comes through. You better get here as soon as you can. I know no-one here. I phone him and instruct him to make friends with the barman. He is trying to find one but all there is is a lot of waiters walking around with drinks on trays.

Anyway. We have a wonderful night. One of my client's 25th anniversary celebrations. I relax after getting this sms from Leanne: " Hi Kristy..your little boy is peacefully sleeping. We had dinner which he ate all of it, then we played for a bit and he started to fall asleep while I was reading a book to him on the couch, so I gave him his bottle and put him in his cot. Everything is fine...you just have a great time and see you when you back..xx".

Then later: "Hi Kristy. Just to let you know I'm home, James came home just after 9. Everything went smoothly, u have a very good and content little boy! it's a pleasure babysitting for you!Jst a reminder that 2moro is individual and class photo day! See you tomorrow nite at 5.45pm."

So after arriving home and checking on my little angel- fast asleep and content in his cot, I feel like Leanne is worth her weight in gold. Tired today and going for round 2 as James and I are going out to dinner and to see the Blind Side with friends tonight.

Do not pass begin...go straight to the zoo.