After the dust from the court hearing settled, it was a simple case of getting on with life as best I can.

The follow-up meeting with the schools hasn't happened, the social worker couldn't make herself available, I'm hoping for a new date in the next few days.

My daughter's been waiting for her last swimming lessons for over a month so that happened today. It was plain that she has lost some confidence. She also wouldn't stop talking, perhaps a defence mechanism? Her lack of respect for her mother is growing however, just small remarks but each one adds to the last.

Her oldest cousin (on my side of the family) has invited both my children to their school summer fayre next weekend. I'll pick her up from school on Friday for a train ride here. My son has decided he wants to accompany her, he has a vested interest as it is his birthday next week and he wants to go shopping for his pressie.

He asked for the whole day off school (I had negotiated a day earlier in the year but he failed to take advantage). This time I suggested a half day and have asked his school for permission. No response yet.

It would only be a two night stopover but at least it's two nights. It would also be the first time they have both stayed here for three years, further evidence for social services that I can cope.

I have, however, written to my solicitor and asked if he can contact social services and have the social worker replaced. No response yet.

It was father's day today. I wasn't expecting anything but when I returned home there was a huge card waiting for me. I'm told my daughter bought it unprompted two weeks earlier with her own money. She never does that sort of thing so it really touched me.

So I plod along, waiting for the court hearing in 9 weeks time, as well as the detailed report (and the necessary interviews). There's a meeting too. Then the summer holidays.

In the meantime it's business as usual.

Topsy