Who is Littlemummy? – My Childhood
This post first published in 2007, before I had any readers 
I was born in Swansea, South Wales on 18th February 1983 to my parents Lisa and David. My childhood may be described as ‘unsettled’ by ‘the experts’ but as a child you know no different and it all seemed like one big adventure to me.
My mother and father experienced marital difficulties from what seemed like the outset, the pressure of married life and children was too much for their young relationship, they divorced soon after my brother was born, my mother becoming the sole carer for us both. My father moved to Spain and contact was extremely sporadic until I was eighteen.
I loved being a ‘big sister’ and was very protective towards my brother, acting almost like his mother. I wanted to feed him, change him, play with him and would rarely let anyone get a look in, including his real mother, so I’m told. I enjoyed reading and quiet pursuits like drawing and practising spelling. I was a fan of school and liked playing teachers in my spare time. I think this love of learning and teaching is very much still with me today!
In my earlier years living in Wales I danced, tap, ballet, jazz and modern starring in a few shows including the Wizard of Oz at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.
At around six or seven we moved to Cardiff, and for a short while I lived in a bungalow with my own room with a sink (this was a big deal) and a secret garden. I remember having a hamburger and hot dog karaoke birthday party and my mother running her own childcare business. Of course, I was on hand to help out with childcare with all the extra children around.
At around aged 9/10 we moved to Glasgow in Scotland. We moved several times within the same 20 mile radius, eventually settling in a village called Bridge of Weir. This village was a kids paradise, places to explore, a huge park, a fantastic sweet shop and it felt so safe. My brother and I would play out all day. I have fond memories of hot summer days, bike riding, fishing with those ?1 nets, and in winter, sledging.
During my first few high school years I lived with my grandparents, my mum and stepfather were moving around a lot and it was decided that it would be more settled for me to live with my nan and grandad for a while. I loved my time there. I joined an acrobatic troupe and spent nearly all my spare time practising.
My teenage years back home weren’t easy. It was strange moving back home (Edinburgh) and events during that period didn’t really help much. I did a lot of babysitting at this time, probably a few nights a week on average. I also spent time volunteering at after school clubs with my mum (she ran several) and for my Duke of Edinburgh Award.
At fourteen I joined the army cadet force and met my now husband Alex… At that time I had dreams of being an Army Officer in the Education Branch. I felt that combining my love of teaching with my aspirations of passing out at Sandhurst the ultimate career. Of course all that changed when it dawned on me that I’d met my soul mate, and the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with… to be continued
I like the part where I read you met your husband. The rest cannot have been easy. There is one question from your own personal story I’d like to ask but I will do so privately and maybe when we know each other a bit better. (I am do remember reading this in 2007, so you did have readers then!)
I have read this before, I demand my money back. Please do not give me the look.
Great post by the way. xx
It wasn’t that bad overall Rosie, it taught me a lot very early on and it helped me figure out quite quickly what I wanted from my adult life.
I’m glad I had at least one reader back then, sorry for repeating myself
You’re Welsh!! Well I never! So glad you met Alex and now have the lovely Erin. A difficult story well told xxx
Crikey, I’ve committed an illegal blogging act and I’ve been caught, you two were definitely my only readers in 07!!
Your allowed to repeat yourself… I didn’t read it in 2007, but I also can’t wait for part 2!
Surely you knew that already DD?? Or am I missing the sarcasm
Where were you PippaD *taps foot, raises one eyebrow*
I only discovered you were Welsh when we were waiting in the queu for the Rapids at PA.
I want to know what Rosie’s questions was now.
Not that I’m nosey or anything.
Recycling posts now? Tut tut. Of course I never recycle recipes *cough*
Lovely story, Erica. Teenage years are shite, even without all the extra crap you seem to have put up with. Even though I know it I still can’t wait for the next bit
Lovely story, Erica. Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to the sequel. You’re an inspiration.
Thanks Helen, must be nearly coffee time
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