Phil’s been home for 3 months now after being away for 7. It’s been a hard readjustment for us all – especially as this house has been a germ fest and then of course, I found out I was pregnant. When he left, it took a few weeks for Little Legs to really get he wasn’t coming home – remembering of course, he goes away a lot. We saw him for two weeks in that seven months, and she was like his shadow. She adores him. When his ship came in she was delighted, excited and totally in love with him. But she has held a little something holding back, a little bit of trust or security – something I can’t put my finger on was missing. She always wanted me if she was tired, hurt, ill or just wanted a cuddle. She didn’t like Phil getting her dressed, or helping her with little tasks toddlers need help with. Until this week that is.

Twice, in the last seven days, I have been in London for the day, so Phil was her only option. And it’s what they both needed. The bond is back. She now calls for daddy, is happy for him to comfort her and the other night, I went in to my room to find that she had sneaked out of her bed and in to bed with him. We don’t normally allow it, but he couldn’t resist her. Understandably. I came in to her asleep with her arms round him. Their bond is back.

Post submitted for The Gallery : Bond.