Yesterday Natalya and I went to the local harness racing club day with friends. Natalya loves to watch the horses. She had a great day especially when her name was drawn out of the childrens raffle for first prize- a bicyle that she wont be able to reach the pedals on until she is about 6. She is now 14 months old.

It was quite hot and I had taken her trousers off for a bit to keep her comfortable. When they called out her name I just grabbed her and her jeans and ran down to the announcers area. I had to ask them to wait a minute while I put her jeans back on before her photo was taken.

I held her on the bike seat and she reached forward to hold the handles - pleased as Punch.  The guy from Healthways - the sponsor shook her hand for the photo. I hope I can get a copy of it, it will be a real classic.

My friends had to bring the bike home in their car for us. Haydon was at home and Natalya was very keen to be wheeled around on it when they got it out of the car.

I still can't believe she won a bike!

Yesterday it was a black spider on Natalya's nappy out of the clean washing basket.

Today it was a red back spider on her towel out of the linen cupboard.

I saw it just after I had layed her on the towel so I quickly killed it with my bare hand. Luckily I didn't get bitten. Guess it is an example of a mother protecting her child.

Spiders I warned you yesterday stay away from my daughter and her things!

I just got one of my daughters peapod nappies out of the clean washing basket to put on her and found a large black spider. I am not sure if it had a red spot on its back as I was too busy squashing it.

I like spiders but not potentially poisonous ones on my daughters clothes. Be warned spiders- if I find you on my daughters toys or clothes you will be killed immediately.

Yes I know spiders can't read but I feel better now after blogging about it!

The last few days Natalya has been scowling and frowning at people. This evening at dinner my brother Chris complained that she was giving him the 'evils'. She is 14 months old. Is this just a stage most kids go through? I hope so and I hope the wind doesn't change direction!