Saturday 13 February 2010

Pushover? Moi?

A couple of weeks back one of our new neighbours invited us over for a cup of tea. It was a lovely gesture, all the more so because recently arrived and basically camping in our new home, such civilised events as actually sitting down (on chairs!), drinking tea (from proper cups!) and eating cake (home-made, no less!) were something we had got out of the habit of doing.

Her children got on well with ours, and the afternoon was marred only by a pushing incident when one of them got a little too physical with Boy #2. Just a one off. Nothing to worry about. But still. I'm a mum, right? So I made a mental note to keep a weather eye out in the future when said child was around.

A couple of days back, a few children came over for a playdate, and this child was among them. I resolved to keep an eye on Boy #2 and make sure the boy in question didn't pick on him. Nothing more, just observe from a distance.

The child's behaviour was, of course, exemplary, and mid-way through the playdate he walked into the kitchen where I was putting together a casserole for a dinner party (just call me Abigail). He sniffed the air. I watched him, narrowly. 'You can't put one over on me, sunshine...I've got your number.'

And then he turned to me and said "Smells good. You must be an excellent cook."

And I, cold hard woman that I am, melted, and said in reply; "Thanks. Would you like another biscuit?"

See? I am definitely no pushover...

8 comments:

  1. It must be something programmed into us mothers for I am the same always watching out for un-ruley children. Unfortunately because our little prince is so advanced for his age he is sometimes a little too rough for his own good.

    I feel that maybe I am the one being watched at times too!

    Glad you enjoyed your tea and cake and settling in well.
    xx

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  2. Another little charmer then ;-)
    Seems to be quite the social merry-go-round over there in Moscow PM, what with all these play dates and dinner dates! Glad it's going so well.

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  3. Thanks Kate (I haven't forgotten about that thing I'm doing for you, btw - it's just a on the back burner for the moment until I can get to it. Sorry for the delay).

    Sharon, it is busy, rather. Sometime soon I'll get round to a post about it - I know it's not most expat's experience.

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  4. Ahh. Little boys can be so charming. The boys have some delightfully well-mannered friends...if only I could say the same for them.

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  5. Ahhhhh! I too keep an eagle eye out for those children who might Do Something. Because sometimes they do Do Something and I'm glad I was watching at the time! Hope you continue to find nice new friends and more home made cake...x

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  6. That boy will go far!

    Just been catching up on your last few posts and I'm finding your new life in Moscow quite fascinating. Not sure if that's what you'd call it though!

    Hope you get your laptop fixed because I wouldn't like to miss another instalment!

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  7. That's boys for you! Even when they aren't you own...I'd be a push over too...

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  8. He'd got you sussed, I reckon...

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