Baby + 227

It's the World Cup and it is clear that my seven and a half month old could not care less.

I have been a World Cup afficianado since 1986, when I can remember the heroics of Lineker and Beardsley, and the evil genius of Maradona. The games were televised late in the evening, of course, because it was in Mexico. As a special treat I was allowed to stay up late. However, I can remember that for the game against Poland I could not rouse myself, despite Dad coming into my room and trying to persuade me to get out of bed. As England scored 3 goals I was sad to have missed the action. I do remember spending a lot of time in the park emulating the teams of '86. I also remember trying to watch the final through a crowd of people on a cross channel ferry.

I have tried to interest my daughter in the tournament, but she is really only interested in the flickering light of the television, so does not care if it is Togo v France or Springwatch. I imagine that until she shows an interest in televised football there may be many interruptions to World Cup viewing - how many fathers catch ten minutes "here or there"?

The urge to crawl remains strong, but as yet there is no forward propulsion. There will be a time when I shall look back on my daughter's stasis fondly, I am sure.