We're on a new schedule Isabel. Didn't you get the memo?

Last week, after reading yet another baby book, I thought I'd introduce a daytime routine.

Baby books hover around new mothers like mosquitos, ready to bite you with yet another theory on bringing up your baby, as soon as you're a bit careless with the repellant. And this one got me just as several other mummies had been promoting the joys of a routine (and their babies were behaving like little angels of course just to prove them correct).

'Okay, Isabel. This week we're on the Tizzie Hall baby

whisperer theory', I explained to her (this book suggests that you should always explain to babies what's happening, as they're only pretending to not understand, a bit like cats). 'We've got a new routine!'. She looked at me suspiciously (it was either suspicion or she was just frowning at the pretty pattern on my shirt, but I'm going with suspicion).

I've been telling myself that the routine is entirely for Bundle of Joy. Little babies are supposed to like structure and predictability. And it'll help with her daytime sleeps (which are often non-existent). But if I'm honest with myself, the routine is probably as much for my benefit as for hers.

I've never thought of myself as a strict routine kind of gal. But it's kinda nice to be able to plan your day (day-planning being one of the first things to go when you're a yummy mummy). The first time she had a 2 hour day nap on this new routine, I didn't know what to do with myself. I could actually start something and finish it. The 40 minute day nap thing is like being with a learner driver who's just figuring out the clutch. Stop, start, stop, start, stop, start. So, by the end of the day, I've usually started half a dozen tasks and finished nothing. I've half cooked dinner, half drunk a cup of coffee and half cleaned the bathroom. The problem with this is that I've never liked doing things by halves. I like to finish the things that I start, even if it's only cleaning the bathroom.

So, full steam ahead then on implementing a routine. Unfortunately, the only problem with baby books is that the baby hasn't read them. We've made progress but she's not exactly 'on' the routine yet. I'll have to keep you posted as to whether these routine things really work .........

Life in the pram lane

Pram pace. It's my new speed setting when out and about. It's slightly faster than old age pace but slower than the pace of most Londoners. 

Isabel,  4 months

For starters, we go nearly everywhere by bus. Tubes have too many stairs, which are a little difficult with a pram. So I am now a dab hand at scooting up the bus aisle, with one hand on the pram and one hand swiping my oyster card through (can I put that down in the special skills section on my CV?). Then there's the constant stops whilst out and about. Usually a feed or two and a few nappy changes. Sometimes, it even involves going completely out of my way, simply because I know a particular shop has a baby-changing facility.

And the final thing is that it's generally pretty difficult to walk in a straight line down a busy london street with a pram. All the constant zigzagging really adds a few miles. Plus I usually wait at the crossings now instead of nipping in front of oncoming cars (I don't think those london cabbies would hesitate in running me down). Definitely adds a bit of time.

Of course, I could adopt more aggressive driving tactics. Is it considered rude to run people over with a small child? Does seem like it could get me into trouble. Especially with all the rioting youths about London these days. Although if you give me a few more years of this yummy mummy job, who's to say that I won't be happily mowing people down left, right and centre. I've certainly seen a few of these mums around.

It may seem like I'm complaining. But I'm not really. It's just means I have to factor in a bit more time whenever meeting anyone or going anywhere. And besides, it's nice to live life at a slightly slower pace. What's all the rush about anyway?