Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.

So they arrived. Their flight was 2 hours late and Clare's dad was picking them up and bringing them here so he had to hang around the airport for a while. But anyway, Clare brought Emma up the stairs and I met them and Clare pointed to me and said 'who's that?' and Emma smiled and said 'Auntie Ali!' And pointed to Granny and said 'who's that?' 'Granny!' and went running into the arms of Granny...I swear my very emotionless somewhat heartless mother was almost in tears at being greeted that way. It's all well and good to know you're Granny & Auntie Ali and to hear her say it over the phone but to hear her say it "live" is really amazing.

We went into the house and Emma (having had only 4 hours sleep the whole journey over here) immediately ran for the toy box that we'd filled for her. Pulled everything out and played very happily. I absolutely loved when she'd pick something up that needed to be taken out of the packaging or pushed to work and she'd say 'Auntie Ali do it'. I think it's that feeling that she knows I'm Auntie Ali that makes me a tad bit emotional. When you go through life feeling forgettable and get overable it's nice that a not even 2 year old recognises me, remembers me and wants me to play games with her.

Got lots of cuddles and giggles and noticing the difference in her from November. I was beginning to feel like I didn't really have a niece, y'know that abstract feeling you get when someone's far away.

I've already taken some pictures but I'll probably post them all in one fell swoop later on.

xx