Reasons to be cheerful

Great news from my most recent checkup - Mr Cancer is still in retreat, and the specialists don't really know why. I do though - it's because my immune system rules, and I have you to fight for, young man. And fight for you I shall.

I am feeling better today than I have in weeks, and feel like you can bet on all sorts of Daddy-shaped memories now. A weight has, at last, been lifted.

You're also sitting up, and have been for a few weeks. You're into everything, and have now been real longer than you were imaginary. Well done, you. You are almost sleeping through (you get more sleep than Mummy or I, but that's fine), and you love your food. I have never seen anyone cast as many amorous glances at cauliflower and broccoli as you do, you massive wierdo legend.

'Tis nearly Christmas, and the house is a happy, forward-looking place today. This time next year, we may well be chatting about it.