Yes, I have changed this column title, post-epiphany it seems rather appropriate. and even more so with the approaching new year. But we’re not quite there yet, oh no. Yes, it’s Christmas and I am once again sick. Great. Still what better time to curl up on my sofa with the girls and chocolate cake?

I admit I’m quite proud of my girls, despite the terrible temptation of a bauble covered Yule tree the little angels have not climbed it, pulled off all the decorations (just half of them instead) or nommed the presents. This is their first Christmas and it’s been a memorable one, even if Ceri decided I just had to get up and open presents at 7am. Good girl.

My mother turned up at nine, bringing the Christmas dinner with her as I sounded so sick last night she wasn’t sure if I’d have the energy to go back to hers. As it happens, while I didn’t feel too bad this morning, collapsing on my sofa post meal has been about the only thing I’ve been able to do. So I’m in hibernation mode for the next couple of days. I mentioned having chocolate cake right?

We’d been invited to my brother’s this morning to open presents although I’d opened some from my uncle and would-be aunt this morning (some gorgeous red cushions that I adore and a beautiful handmade photo frame) but had a pile of presents for my family. I spent quite a bit this year, especially on Immie but did so sensibly by buying gifts over a period of time and getting themcheaper online (aren’t I smart?). Poor little Immie’s not a well bunny today (indeed she gave me this cold via my mother) but she perked up enough to play with her present from the Parental Unit. Doesn’t she look cute, even if Cheryl has to hold her up?

Actually I managed to make my mother cry. In a good way, honest. I created a photobook of Immie’s first six months and got two copies printed from Apple. She knew I’d created it but believed I’d only done a copy for Chris and Cheryl. I could hardly not give her one now could I and they were all amazed by the awesome quality and design. Unfortunately it kind of stole the thunder of the Immie calendar my brother got me. Mum also gave me the talking alarm clock I’ve really been wanting, a lottery ticket (normally she does scratch cards) and a copy of the tab (the £44 I owed her for things like groceries and cider) with a note at the bottom saying said tab had been wiped out. Nice.

I got Immie a Natwest piggy bank (which was quickly christening by my mother as I totally forgot) that I was given when I went in to sort my house insurance and two books, one of which Cheryl has kind of fallen in love with. She spent an hour carefully opening all the little pages and such. I’m not sure Immie’s going to be getting her hands on that any time soon. The other one is aimed at her when she’s a little older but I’m determined to make sure she a) loves reading and b) gets to know lots of interesting things.

So the rest of today is going to be spent – once I’ve moved Ceri from my spot on the sofa – curled up with a box of tissues and large amounts of water. I have enough food to see me past the end of the world and am quite looking forward to the excuse to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Plus Doctor Who is on tonight – yay!

Now, where’s that cake?