Break for the border

It's funny having a small person who defines the old cliches "into everything".  Alice was quite sedate, as I remember.  Although famously late to walk, she was incredibly speedy on her knees.  We didn't have to do much childproofing as she didn't seem to get into much trouble.

Juliet is your archetypal "into everything" nearly toddler.  Drawers are opened, cupboards are ransacked, saucepans are banged.  Tupperware containers are foraged, plug sockets are switched on and off, logs are removed from the fire and room are snuck into with their doors closed stealthily behind her.

She is still talking all the time, but not articulating many words clearly.  Stu and Alice returned from an aborted swimming trip today (the swimming gear having been left by the side of the road by a tired father) and we're sure that Juliet said "Daddy and Alice!" but it wasn't really discernible to the non-familial ear.

This photo typifies the differences between them.  Alice smiles sweetly for the camera while Juliet makes her bid for freedom.

Spot update: still spotty.  Last minute childminder booked to take care of her tomorrow so that I can at least show my face at work on Day 1.