Hello Monday.

Mum life. It has been a heavy old week. Everything would have been absolutely splendid if Aidan would only settle into his childminders. Mind you, today has been pretty good for him. But the rest of the week has been tricky.

I’ve found it really difficult to concentrate on anything, knowing he’s so distressed. It’s just not like him. And although today has been much better – thank goodness! – much of my brain space this week has been taken up with worry about Aidan.

But here are some things I got up to. A visit to the Hub, toddler group, church council meeting, writing meeting minutes, organising my diary, a meeting with the other female clergy of the diocese, Tappy Toes, Rainbows, a meeting with the scout and guide leaders, the park, meeting of local clergy, Sweaty Mama class, sermon writing, breastfeeding mentor training and making social media posts.

Ministry is going well. I’m very blessed to have a team who are pleased to have me back and understand what’s going on with Aidan.

On Thursday, I collected Sophia from school because she’d been sick. Yesterday morning, Nathan had caught the bug or whatever it was, so I ended up doing the early service at St Giles before heading off to ASSF with Aidan.

At our communion service, we had a contingency plan in case Aidan didn’t want to be put down, like last week. I was going to say the prayers over the bread and wine (which I can do one handed) and then a member of the team was going to come and give out the bread. Thankfully, Aidan was happy crawling around and exploring, and I took the communion part of the service with him in the sling. I’d forgotten how lovely it is to preside with the weight and warmth of a child on my chest. There’s something about his need to be close to me that put me in mind of our need to draw close to God as his children.

Our day off was super quiet because Sophia was poorly. Aidan and I went out to the artisan market we like to visit. Other than that, we had a lazy day at home, avoiding the bad weather.

What Sophia said; ‘I don’t want to go to sleep, I want to read one more Bible story!’ How do I argue with that one?!

Highlight: the photos coming in today of Aidan at his childminders, having a good time, and not crying!

I’m especially grateful for wise and kind people who listened to me, lifted me up, and helped clarify my thoughts.

Coming up is our harvest festival at church!

More next time x