Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

Blog to Book - Fashionably Late

I am writing Fashionably Late, an irreverent guide to having children later in life. Did you become a mother over 35? If so, and you'd like to tell me your story please contact me at mail@motheratlarge.com.

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Chasing butterflies

At the weekend I took Beanie to a place called Butterfly World, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the city where we live. She has been talking about it ever since. Oh, that feeling of being able to do something that made her happy. Wonderful. Butterflies (Beanie calls them 'flies') fluttered overhead in an old greenhouse converted into a sort of tropical paradise. Followed us, pirouetted, swooped out of nowhere. Beanie stumbled towards them, hands held out in greeting. Trays of oranges hung from the ceiling. Butterfly nosh?

We threw money in a wishing well, inspected carp, goldfish and a catfish, eyed up iguanas, looked at terrapins and had a quick look at the reptile and creepy crawly section in a room at the back. Being there made my skin crawl. But Beanie and I both loved Butterfly World. Something alarmed me, though, as I bought my ticket. Sellotaped to the counter was an advert. It read: "For sale. A large python. £40 ono. Friendly and easy to manage."

Posted 11 March 2008 14:07

Activities Daughter Edinburgh Out and about

Comments

nmj said:

Hey Helen, I read your post and thought what a great place for my nephews next time they visit, but then I clicked on the website and saw THAT spider, so I am put right off ...

Posted 11 March 2008 14:31

Helen said:

Hi NMJ, don't let the creepy crawlies put you off! The wee boys might love them! And you can steer well clear of insects if you want. It's a fab place. I'd highly recommend a visit there.

Posted 11 March 2008 16:26

Helen said:

Hi NMJ, me again. Just re-read my comment and realised it wasn't quite right. There is no way to avoid the butterflies, which flutter around freely. But everyone likes butterflies, right?

The spiders/snakes etc are in cages. Thank God. We saw a huge python that was bigger than Beanie. They have snake handling sessions twice a day. Done under strict supervision but even so, not for me.

Posted 11 March 2008 16:31

Julie said:

I've been to Butterfly World - it was excellent - I'm not sure I live the sound of the snake though - YUK

Julie

Mio Destino

Posted 11 March 2008 17:37

nmj said:

hey helen, these boys are precious to me but there are limits! - i will happily hold their hands through the fluttery butterflies, but my sister-in-law will need to do the snake and - EEK! - spider rooms. i'm shuddering already.

Posted 11 March 2008 18:55

Helen said:

Julie, we obviously think as one on these subjects. Oh, and welcome to the site.

NMJ, I'm all for delegation when serpents are involved.

Posted 11 March 2008 21:56

Rosie said:

A large friendly python? You didn't buy it did you? We've been to a similar-type butterfly world, all very pretty but terribly hot.

Posted 11 March 2008 22:12

iota said:

Yikes!

Posted 11 March 2008 22:27

Helen said:

Rosie, no, we didn't. Not even tempted.

Iota, indeed.

Posted 12 March 2008 12:37

Mother at Large

Welcome to this site. It's based on my personal experiences of becoming a mother a little later in life. If, like me, you waited a while to have children you're in good company. More and more of us are waiting until our late 30s or even 40s to become parents. Some might even say we're fashionably late.

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About me

Mother at Large dreams of crossing the Pyrenees with her young daughter. For now, getting to playgroup takes all her energy. To find out more read her full profile.