Paddle pool

It was 35 degrees (Celsius) today. Fortunately I finally bought a paddle pool last week.

I think it would be stating the obvious to say that the kids like it.

What you can do

If you are feeling as horrified and helpless as I am in the face of such horrible events, then may I suggest that you donate some money to the Red Cross?

Many people already are, which is great, but I am sure that more is needed. My understanding is that cash rather than things are needed at the moment, because there simply aren't enough people available to sort through the mountains of donated stuff already received for the time being.

Another option would be to donate some art or craft to this fundraising auction - or to encourage another artist that you know to do so.

Finally, Coles are donating all of their profits on Friday 13 February to the bushfire relief. While this is clearly a PR exercise of sorts, it may also raise a considerable amount of money and so you could consider doing your shopping at Coles on Friday too (if you live in Australia).

UPDATE: More options for helping out include donating to help the wildlife affected by the fires; offering a bed to people made homeless by the fires; and bidding on some handmade goodness (with proceeds going to the Red Cross) or making something of your own to auction off for the cause.

No cuddle. I can swim.

My baby-girl swam in the pool all by herself today. I can't believe it!

Lily absolutely loves the water and so when we were both getting very hot while mucking about in the garden I suggested that we go to the pool.

"Yes. Pool. Now," she replied.

So we had a traumatic 15 minutes while I gathered our stuff (swimmers, water, food, towels, pool card) and applied sunscreen (actually, Lily can't get enough of sunscreen - the trauma here was when I refused to keep applying more and more and more). A certain little person was just desperate to get to the pool and to get there NOW and there were lots of tears...

We arrived at the pool and I decided to buy Lily some floaties (inflated arm bands) and then we got changed and got into the water.

At first Lily was a little hesitant - wanting to stay tightly held in my arms as we moved about in the water. However, once we spent a little bit of time up the shallow end where she can touch the ground with her feet, she started to gain confidence. She started jumping up and down and moving out into the pool, deeper and deeper. I was a little concerned and stuck close.

Soon she was out of her depth and could no longer touch her feet to the ground. I reached out to hold her, but she pushed me away and said, "No cuddle. I can swim." And she did. Well, she kicked her little legs and stayed afloat anyway. I was so proud of her! As was she.

She did it again and again and again.

Now we just have to work on blowing bubbles and using her arms to move forward...