Just what I've always wanted

12 June 2006 The Birthday Girl opening her presents on her actual birthday...

The truth is I always find it a little stressful when Saffron has to open her presents in front of others; I find myself worrying that one day she'll just look up at the kind gift-giver, furrow her brows and say "What were you thinking?". Or maybe that's just me projecting my negativity onto my sweet innocent three-year old.

Thankfully for now, Saffron is more inclined to gasp in delight, open her eyes really wide and exclaim "I like it! I'm so happy!", topping it off with a huge smile that makes you feel really pleased with yourself. Perhaps that explains why she keeps receiving presents even when it's not anywhere near her birthday. Relatives, friends, friends of friends, friends of relatives, relatives of friends (you get the picture) all seem compelled to shower her with an endless stream of gifts. Occasionally Saffron will, after saying her thank yous, offer what she thinks is constructive feedback: "But my mummy won't like it; she only likes grey colour."

Before you think I'm inflexible and controlling, I'd like to set the record straight: mustard, leaf green, aubergine and deep red are also acceptable.