Taking off on the water in a seaplane
B and Little Miss take it all in their stride
The colours!
One equipped little girl
One happy Mum
17.3.10
Jaw dropping
We have been having way too much fun lately
Taking off on the water in a seaplane
B and Little Miss take it all in their stride
The colours!
One equipped little girl
One happy Mum
Taking off on the water in a seaplane
B and Little Miss take it all in their stride
The colours!
One equipped little girl
One happy Mum
3.3.10
Dear Future Self
Dear Future Self,
This letter is to remind you that your children love you. In fact it feels right now that they can’t get enough of you. But just in case they are the kind of horrible teenagers who only grunt and groan at you and can’t stand to be seen on the same street as you, remember that right now they adore you.
As a 6 year old, B wants you to play with him, sing to him, read him stories and do up his buttons. And Little Miss at two and a half simply can’t get enough of you, she comes up to you and says at least every day if not every couple of hours, “I want you.” As she cuddles you she pats you gently on the back. Your kisses heal every little hurt she has. She loves you to do her hair, complete puzzles and dress up the dollies with her. And both of them absolutely love their backs to be gently scratched.
Remember most importantly how lovely it is to walk along the street with your little children holding each one’s hand. How proud you feel, it’s a wonderful feeling. “Look at us,” you think, “a little family devoted to each other.” I don’t know what your teenagers are like, but I am guessing they don’t want to hold your hands anymore.
But don’t get too sentimental I am sure you are enjoying some of your own space and time, perhaps you don’t have to remind them to go to the toilet anymore, wash them, choose their clothes and don’t have to tell them which room of the house you are in. You can probably go out at night with their Dad without having to organise a babysitter. Organise a haircut anytime you want, go out to dinner without having to take bags of entertaining play dough, textas, toy cars, teddies and drawing paper. In fact you are gaining back most of your own life aren’t you?
I hope your teenagers talk to you. Make sure you are making time for them and giving them plenty of opportunity to tell you things, without you butting in with a lecture. Please remember to really listen to them. Encourage their independence with your trust. Take pride in your young adults as they gain their independence. Remember that inside those alien teenage people in your house are those loving little children. Your children who right now in 2010 can have their every need met by you.
With love from your present self
xxx
PS I hope there has been a major breakthrough with wrinkle creams so you’re not looking too old.
23.2.10
Good advice
1. Have fun.
2. Change own behaviour and this will change the child's.
3. Never ever ever argue with a child, they will always win.
4. Act rather than talk.
5. Catch children being good and give positive reinforcement.
While taking note of these I couldn't help picture a stressed out teacher escaping to the toilet for a bit of a break, reading these words of advice to come back to the children with a new perspective.
Image is of a potty toy we will NOT be purchasing.
"Modeled on a grown up loo, this potty features a fully functioning seat and lid and offers great encouragement with fun phrases, music and sound effects. There’s even a realistic flushing sound when handle is pulled. Great sound rewards for a ‘successful’ visit too."
15.2.10
Great Expectations
“Is it my birthday yet?” B asks each and every morning
“No, not yet. Lets mark the date on your calendar and you can cross of each day.” I come up with a mechanism for him to measure the time and stop him hassling me every day.
As we get close, only a week to go. B seems to be bubbling over with excitement. We have to talk at the dinner table every night about the plans for his party.
“How was your day B?” We ask him.
“Good, can we talk about my party?”
“It’s at a gym, with foam pits to jump in, big trampolines to jump on, huge foam mats to tumble on, balance beams to walk across and a basket ball court to play ball games on.” I say.
“Will there be a cake?” He inquires.
Oh my God, I forgot about the birthday cake, a week away it’s too late to order a custom one, I hope he just wants an ice cream cake. I try to hide my mistake and just ask him,
“Yes, you can have an ice-cream cake?"
“I would like a pirate ship cake” he states
“The gym place does ice cream cakes, you don’t want one of those?” I ask hopefully.
“No, a chocolate pirate ship cake with cannons” B says.
Before it gets too elaborate I stop asking. But I am thinking, what the hell!
The next afternoon after school I look on the internet with B at Pirate ship cake pictures. Dad takes and interest and we come up with a simple plan. A slab of chocolate cake will be bought and cut into a rectangle and triangle, to make a basic boat shape. Sails cut from paper will be added and attached to satay sticks. I feel myself get slightly anxious at the thought of this, but Dad promises to help. It will all be fine. I say to myself.
B has invited 15 friends. He was particular about who he chose, they had to be people he talked with or played with. I was surprised he didn’t want to invite the entire class. The RSVPs start rolling in. B’s excitement is growing. He is finding it hard to sleep through the night. He wakes up and wanders into our room and asks,
“Is it my birthday yet?”
After nights of interrupted sleep, on the eve of his birthday he gets up at 2am, and at 4am. We are not amused.
At last the big day arrives. But we are exhausted. Our anger at being woken up at night by an excited child is hard to hide. We go out for breakfast and B unwraps his presents with energy. We eat and drink lots of coffee. B’s mood settles, he has lots to look forward to today. However with a full belly (jam and multiple croissants) B takes a seat on his older cousin’s lap and just about nods off to sleep. This is in the middle of a really noisy busy restaurant at 10am. We can’t believe it. His day is finally here and he goes very quiet and rests! All those great expectations.
At home we make him take a real nap when Little Miss goes for one, and he obliges. A new child awakes, a lovely 6 year old who doesn’t cry at the drop of a hat, scream out for no reason or throw his new toys across the room in frustration. This 6 year old is keen to help, listens carefully and is eager to rise to the expectations of a six year old boy.
The time has come to construct the cake, it has been cut, wrapped in cling film and frozen so it’s easier to ice. Surprisingly, Dad met the cake challenge face on and with a sharp knife, cut what can only be described as a sculptural masterpiece of a ship, all from what was a simple slab of cake.
A ship book is retrieved to check and compare how real ships look. Our pirate ship cake has three decks, and balustrades. We start gluing it all together with icing. The kids watch on in anticipation and get to taste the icing. It soon becomes apparent this is a one person job, I am elbowed out of the way as Dad takes over.
Little pieces of chocolate are sliced up to finish off the balustrades. Fruchocs are glued on the deck as cannon balls. Cadbury caramellos are positioned as cannons. Elaborate weathered black sails are cut and erected into position. The deck is lined with its wooden planks and the wooden sides of the boat are marked out with a fork. Who would have thought that Dad could do this? I state my surprise and he confidently says, ”You can do anything if you put your mind to it.” I love realising there are still surprises in someone I’ve known for 20 years.
We and the cake set sail for the party. The gym party gets everyone jumping, all the kids just love throwing themselves into the foam pit from a trampoline or a diving board. They jump so high on the huge trampolines their little legs are like springs. Parents watch on with worry. The lights are turned off so they can play hide and seek in the dark. What was a room filled with crazy running and jumping children turns into a silent and empty space.
The last child is found wedged in between a mat and a wall. Game over, lights on, music off, it’s time to eat cake in the party room. Everyone wants a drink and they want it now. The Candles are lit, the cake makes it’s entrance.
“Wow” the people say.
“My Dad is a master cake maker” Says B.
Happy Birthday to you we sing. Then we all eat the cake.
Later that night I ask B,
“What did you think of your Birthday?”
“It was too good Mum.”
“No, not yet. Lets mark the date on your calendar and you can cross of each day.” I come up with a mechanism for him to measure the time and stop him hassling me every day.
As we get close, only a week to go. B seems to be bubbling over with excitement. We have to talk at the dinner table every night about the plans for his party.
“How was your day B?” We ask him.
“Good, can we talk about my party?”
“It’s at a gym, with foam pits to jump in, big trampolines to jump on, huge foam mats to tumble on, balance beams to walk across and a basket ball court to play ball games on.” I say.
“Will there be a cake?” He inquires.
Oh my God, I forgot about the birthday cake, a week away it’s too late to order a custom one, I hope he just wants an ice cream cake. I try to hide my mistake and just ask him,
“Yes, you can have an ice-cream cake?"
“I would like a pirate ship cake” he states
“The gym place does ice cream cakes, you don’t want one of those?” I ask hopefully.
“No, a chocolate pirate ship cake with cannons” B says.
Before it gets too elaborate I stop asking. But I am thinking, what the hell!
The next afternoon after school I look on the internet with B at Pirate ship cake pictures. Dad takes and interest and we come up with a simple plan. A slab of chocolate cake will be bought and cut into a rectangle and triangle, to make a basic boat shape. Sails cut from paper will be added and attached to satay sticks. I feel myself get slightly anxious at the thought of this, but Dad promises to help. It will all be fine. I say to myself.
B has invited 15 friends. He was particular about who he chose, they had to be people he talked with or played with. I was surprised he didn’t want to invite the entire class. The RSVPs start rolling in. B’s excitement is growing. He is finding it hard to sleep through the night. He wakes up and wanders into our room and asks,
“Is it my birthday yet?”
After nights of interrupted sleep, on the eve of his birthday he gets up at 2am, and at 4am. We are not amused.
At last the big day arrives. But we are exhausted. Our anger at being woken up at night by an excited child is hard to hide. We go out for breakfast and B unwraps his presents with energy. We eat and drink lots of coffee. B’s mood settles, he has lots to look forward to today. However with a full belly (jam and multiple croissants) B takes a seat on his older cousin’s lap and just about nods off to sleep. This is in the middle of a really noisy busy restaurant at 10am. We can’t believe it. His day is finally here and he goes very quiet and rests! All those great expectations.
At home we make him take a real nap when Little Miss goes for one, and he obliges. A new child awakes, a lovely 6 year old who doesn’t cry at the drop of a hat, scream out for no reason or throw his new toys across the room in frustration. This 6 year old is keen to help, listens carefully and is eager to rise to the expectations of a six year old boy.
A ship book is retrieved to check and compare how real ships look. Our pirate ship cake has three decks, and balustrades. We start gluing it all together with icing. The kids watch on in anticipation and get to taste the icing. It soon becomes apparent this is a one person job, I am elbowed out of the way as Dad takes over.
We and the cake set sail for the party. The gym party gets everyone jumping, all the kids just love throwing themselves into the foam pit from a trampoline or a diving board. They jump so high on the huge trampolines their little legs are like springs. Parents watch on with worry. The lights are turned off so they can play hide and seek in the dark. What was a room filled with crazy running and jumping children turns into a silent and empty space.
The last child is found wedged in between a mat and a wall. Game over, lights on, music off, it’s time to eat cake in the party room. Everyone wants a drink and they want it now. The Candles are lit, the cake makes it’s entrance.
“Wow” the people say.
“My Dad is a master cake maker” Says B.
Happy Birthday to you we sing. Then we all eat the cake.
Later that night I ask B,
“What did you think of your Birthday?”
“It was too good Mum.”
10.2.10
Food face #5
I think this food face has pretty eyes, a curl in her hair and a lovely big pasta smile. Something is going on with her upper lamb lip though.
27.1.10
True Blue
A summer ritual
Pack the car full with boogie boards, fold up seats, sun shelter, inflatable boat, towels, esky (containing water, mineral water, a couple of beers, a punnet of strawberries, peaches, grapes, apples, a greek style salad, vegemite sandwiches, barbeque shapes and mixed nuts) Don’t forget your hat, and where's the sunscreen? And kids, bring your spades.
A short drive later
We look with anticipation, is there any surf today, how busy is it?
The road changes to soft sand. Where will we make camp?
Park at the end where there’s no through traffic
But the surfs good here
We marvel at how much stuff people bring with them to the beach
Look they have a barbeque
Wow, they have 3 big sun shelters put together
Some families just have their car
Others have tarpoulins doing tricks
A simple umberra there or just a towel parked next to a car
I love checking out each little home by the sea as we drive by
Here’s a gap
Just a bit further up
We finally stop
Up goes the tent
Unfold the chairs
Admire your view, suck in the sea air
Feel the sand in your toes
Lather the children in sunscreen, implant their hats
Dad pumps up the boat
Mum fusses over chair and towel placement
Children are excited moving fast they dig the sand
Enter the water, ahh it’s so warm we can’t believe it
Our cares are washed away, we are refreshed
The water is clear as glass, little white fish dart from our feet
Clamor in the boat
Dad rows
Here comes a wave
Weeeeee we smile
It's magic
I feel like a real true blue Aussie doing this
We leave really chilled out
Pack the car full with boogie boards, fold up seats, sun shelter, inflatable boat, towels, esky (containing water, mineral water, a couple of beers, a punnet of strawberries, peaches, grapes, apples, a greek style salad, vegemite sandwiches, barbeque shapes and mixed nuts) Don’t forget your hat, and where's the sunscreen? And kids, bring your spades.
A short drive later
We look with anticipation, is there any surf today, how busy is it?
The road changes to soft sand. Where will we make camp?
Park at the end where there’s no through traffic
But the surfs good here
We marvel at how much stuff people bring with them to the beach
Look they have a barbeque
Wow, they have 3 big sun shelters put together
Some families just have their car
Others have tarpoulins doing tricks
A simple umberra there or just a towel parked next to a car
I love checking out each little home by the sea as we drive by
Here’s a gap
Just a bit further up
We finally stop
Up goes the tent
Unfold the chairs
Admire your view, suck in the sea air
Feel the sand in your toes
Lather the children in sunscreen, implant their hats
Dad pumps up the boat
Mum fusses over chair and towel placement
Children are excited moving fast they dig the sand
Enter the water, ahh it’s so warm we can’t believe it
Our cares are washed away, we are refreshed
The water is clear as glass, little white fish dart from our feet
Clamor in the boat
Dad rows
Here comes a wave
Weeeeee we smile
It's magic
I feel like a real true blue Aussie doing this
We leave really chilled out
20.1.10
Summer loves
The children and I have really been enjoying summer. It has been unseasonally hot, but it's just such a beautiful time of year. I am just loving the following things...
Fresh raspberries (especially Nana's)
Little legs in shorts
Just a light sheet covering me at night
Salads, but I have to expand, recently we have eaten caesar salad, tandoori chicken salad, lamb with yoghurt and garlic dressing salad, chickpea, roast pumpkin and spinach salad, any salad with sticky balsamic dressing, chicken and mango salad, and any Asian style salad.
Sun bleached blonde beach hair (particularly on the kids)
Entering cool fresh crystal clear sea water
Home grown tomatoes that taste real (particularly with basil)
Sporting bare feet
Feeling the rush and power of catching a wave
Being outside everyday
My husband's seawater kisses
Warm juicy peaches
Cool shade
Sand between my toes
Sun kissed skin
The smell of someone elses BBQ
No socks
Eating alfresco
Cool showers
And particularly time all together on holidays
Fresh raspberries (especially Nana's)
Little legs in shorts
Just a light sheet covering me at night
Salads, but I have to expand, recently we have eaten caesar salad, tandoori chicken salad, lamb with yoghurt and garlic dressing salad, chickpea, roast pumpkin and spinach salad, any salad with sticky balsamic dressing, chicken and mango salad, and any Asian style salad.
Sun bleached blonde beach hair (particularly on the kids)
Entering cool fresh crystal clear sea water
Home grown tomatoes that taste real (particularly with basil)
Sporting bare feet
Feeling the rush and power of catching a wave
Being outside everyday
My husband's seawater kisses
Warm juicy peaches
Cool shade
Sand between my toes
Sun kissed skin
Catching a cool breeze
A mouthful of sultana grapes
The smell of someone elses BBQ
No socks
Eating alfresco
Cool showers
And particularly time all together on holidays
19.1.10
More good stuff
Some more good stuff that happened on holiday that is too good not to make a record of.
The scene:
We are lying in bed early Christmas morning, Little Miss lies in her cot next to us with her Christmas stocking left by Santa, as she reaches in and pulls out the contents, we were more than a little surprised by what she found.
She states,
"Ringlets” as her hand pulls out a colourful bead necklace.
“Snappers” as she reveals a pair of children’s scissors. I am sitting up looking to watch this unfold.
“A book for drawing” she wisely states
“Santa Ice cream” Dad sits up with a “What the?” But she grips a Chocolate covered marshmallow Santa.
We are looking at her in anticipation as to what will be revealed next.
“I found a frog” as she brings out a foiled covered chocolate frog
“Space shooter busy bee” she states as she holds a yellow wooden toy bug with wheels. We are now in fits of laughter. Nice descriptions I think and wonder if its just a little early for her to find the right words, but I reach or a pen to write them all down anyway, then I hear,
“Christmas, Father Christmas” and I look to see Little Miss sitting up in her cot surrounded by her loot eating up some chocolate.
Now that is Christmas bliss.
NOTE: We don’t have any scissors in our house anymore. From 25/12/09 they are now know as snappers.
The scene:
We are lying in bed early Christmas morning, Little Miss lies in her cot next to us with her Christmas stocking left by Santa, as she reaches in and pulls out the contents, we were more than a little surprised by what she found.
She states,
"Ringlets” as her hand pulls out a colourful bead necklace.
“Snappers” as she reveals a pair of children’s scissors. I am sitting up looking to watch this unfold.
“A book for drawing” she wisely states
“Santa Ice cream” Dad sits up with a “What the?” But she grips a Chocolate covered marshmallow Santa.
We are looking at her in anticipation as to what will be revealed next.
“I found a frog” as she brings out a foiled covered chocolate frog
“Space shooter busy bee” she states as she holds a yellow wooden toy bug with wheels. We are now in fits of laughter. Nice descriptions I think and wonder if its just a little early for her to find the right words, but I reach or a pen to write them all down anyway, then I hear,
“Christmas, Father Christmas” and I look to see Little Miss sitting up in her cot surrounded by her loot eating up some chocolate.
Now that is Christmas bliss.
NOTE: We don’t have any scissors in our house anymore. From 25/12/09 they are now know as snappers.
12.1.10
Boring
I can’t help but feel daunted by the next few weeks of school holidays. With Dad back at work and the grandparents overseas, I feel I am flying very solo in the main parenting role. At two and a half Little Miss is relatively easy, amusements are simple, brother B is her idol that she follows everywhere, and she does and plays as he does. But the boy himself is another story. After the last few action packed weeks away his expectations are high. Every day he wants something to be planned and organised.
"What are we doing today?" He inquires first thing over breakfast cereal.
"Nothing, staying home" I reply.
I am eager to get back into a normalish routine. After living out of suitcases and being relaxed about the “routine” I need to get a grip on this parenting life again. And after being away, I really want to stay home. The washing is at crisis point (Little Miss sported a pajama top the other day, then had to wear B's huge pajamas to bed) plus the housework sadly beckons.
I am liking that little Miss is having a regular daily one and a half hour sleep after lunch. The better she sleeps during the day the better she sleeps at night. Plus I am making sure I use this time to spend one on one with B, but part of me wants him to get bored. I want him to use his own imagination and be inventive. I think it is important for him to not be entertained with activities all the time. He needs to learn to find his own way, to make up his own games, to use his brain, to be active in his own entertainment and not just a passive audience in someone else’s ideas.
Given some time with the TV off, B rediscovered old forgotten toys, an obstacle course is made for his bike, drawings are done and he wants to make biscuits. We do this together, he eats way too much icing.
I am telling myself it’s ok for him to get bored, he has to learn that life is what you make it.
11.1.10
Food face #4
Big nose food face made from, carrot, capsicum, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, baby spinach leaves, rice and steak.Good stuff
A conversation that happened on holidays that was far too good not to mention.
The scene:
We are driving in the car from Launceston to Hobart in Tasmania. Tasmania is blessed with lots of wildlife, so unfortunately lots ends up killed on the roads. As we pass a large kangaroo in the middle of the road.
B asks, "What was that?"
"A kangaroo that has been hit by a car" I state matter of factly.
"Why isn’t anyone stopping to help it?" B inquires with a worried tone
"Because it is dead, its probably been there a while."
"But shouldn’t someone help it?" His compassion is beautiful
"It can be too dangerous to stop on a main road."
"That’s not very nice. It needs our help."
"There are people who help injured wild life as lots of animals get hit by cars on roads."
"People should stop for them." B remarks
"It's not that easy it can be very dangerous to stop. A driver may have to choose between crashing into another car with people and children in it or hit the animal. It all happens very fast."
"The animals shouldn’t cross roads. There should be fences all along the roads to stop them." B's brain is ticking away with ideas to solve the problem.
"The road makers can't build fences as that would cost too much, and the animals might need to get across to the other side." (What else could I say?)
"Everyone should build fences all along the road, not just the road makers." B believes in his community.
"But then some people might build really bad fences that might be dangerous and fall down, where some others will make great fences, it would all be different. And then the animals couldn’t cross the road at all." I feel like a pessimist with that statement.
"Even dogs?" B has had an idea that a dog would be good for us
"Yes," I state, "All animals would be stuck either side of the road."
"Can we get a dog?"
"When you are old enough to help me look after it. A dog needs to be walked everyday. You would need to feed it as well. Do you feed your fish everyday?" I try to remind him of responsiblity.
"No, you do though." He remembers
"Exactly, and a dog also does poos that are large and smelly and need to be picked up and put in a plastic bag then put in the bin.Would you want to do that?"
"No, but that’s just like my sister."
"Yes, exactly." We laugh at the accurate comparison he recognises between his sister's nappies and a dog's business.
Great Roo photo from here
The scene:
We are driving in the car from Launceston to Hobart in Tasmania. Tasmania is blessed with lots of wildlife, so unfortunately lots ends up killed on the roads. As we pass a large kangaroo in the middle of the road.
"A kangaroo that has been hit by a car" I state matter of factly.
"Why isn’t anyone stopping to help it?" B inquires with a worried tone
"Because it is dead, its probably been there a while."
"But shouldn’t someone help it?" His compassion is beautiful
"It can be too dangerous to stop on a main road."
"That’s not very nice. It needs our help."
"There are people who help injured wild life as lots of animals get hit by cars on roads."
"People should stop for them." B remarks
"It's not that easy it can be very dangerous to stop. A driver may have to choose between crashing into another car with people and children in it or hit the animal. It all happens very fast."
"The animals shouldn’t cross roads. There should be fences all along the roads to stop them." B's brain is ticking away with ideas to solve the problem.
"The road makers can't build fences as that would cost too much, and the animals might need to get across to the other side." (What else could I say?)
"Everyone should build fences all along the road, not just the road makers." B believes in his community.
"But then some people might build really bad fences that might be dangerous and fall down, where some others will make great fences, it would all be different. And then the animals couldn’t cross the road at all." I feel like a pessimist with that statement.
"Even dogs?" B has had an idea that a dog would be good for us
"Yes," I state, "All animals would be stuck either side of the road."
"Can we get a dog?"
"When you are old enough to help me look after it. A dog needs to be walked everyday. You would need to feed it as well. Do you feed your fish everyday?" I try to remind him of responsiblity.
"No, you do though." He remembers
"Exactly, and a dog also does poos that are large and smelly and need to be picked up and put in a plastic bag then put in the bin.Would you want to do that?"
"No, but that’s just like my sister."
"Yes, exactly." We laugh at the accurate comparison he recognises between his sister's nappies and a dog's business.
Great Roo photo from here
8.1.10
Christmas Holiday
Holidays with kids aren’t real holidays. Not like holidays where you get to relax and unwind and think about yourself and your wants. No, holidays with kids are just about transferring the work to another location. A location you might not have any control over.
At best holidays with kids can be fun and adventurous and at worst this can be a nightmare of no one’s needs being met. Meeting up with B and Little Miss’s twin boy cousins and their parents at Nana’s house was the plan. The kids were all in hyper drive with the excitement of it all. It was a shock for the hosts and they kept their brave faces on as best they could. Routines went out the window as sleep only happened when everyone crashed from sheer exhaustion.
The courageous hosts made a few little comments about the washing machine getting a work out with at least two loads a day (the record was 5) and the dishwasher ran twice a day, but there was enough plates, chairs and beds for us all. Parenting styles conflicted and children stated, “But that’s not fair,” and asked “Why?” and “Why?” and “Why?” again. Eating was an issue for one whereas sleep was for another, one went to bed really late, where as one woke up with the birds. Discipline took on different forms. But the children were having the time of their lives and loving every minute.
Nana’s usual Christmas routine was completely shot, she usually gets to enjoy the labours of another, but this year she and her husband hosted a Christmas Eve dinner for 8 children under 6 and 9 adults. It wasn’t surprising that she announced, “I don’t do cooking on Christmas day”. Instead we ate left-overs for lunch then took the whirl wind of us to the beach. The beach was relaxing, allowing us to spread, seek solitude, walk, create, explore and swim. The beach all to ourselves, we were all happy there.
Like Weddings, Christmas holidays bring the best and the worst out in us.
There was;
Happy hellos, brotherly conflict, a meeting of minds, hidden adult tears, hysterical laughter, children’s tantrums, pure childish play, amazing wild life, too much food, someone who drank too much, inspiring conduct, embarrassing behaviour, a broken lamp, clever workshop creations, an electric conversation, an iron that blew up, a very messy floor, an unwrapping present fenzy, beautiful fresh morning raspberries and sad good-byes.
A really happy Christmas.
At best holidays with kids can be fun and adventurous and at worst this can be a nightmare of no one’s needs being met. Meeting up with B and Little Miss’s twin boy cousins and their parents at Nana’s house was the plan. The kids were all in hyper drive with the excitement of it all. It was a shock for the hosts and they kept their brave faces on as best they could. Routines went out the window as sleep only happened when everyone crashed from sheer exhaustion.
The courageous hosts made a few little comments about the washing machine getting a work out with at least two loads a day (the record was 5) and the dishwasher ran twice a day, but there was enough plates, chairs and beds for us all. Parenting styles conflicted and children stated, “But that’s not fair,” and asked “Why?” and “Why?” and “Why?” again. Eating was an issue for one whereas sleep was for another, one went to bed really late, where as one woke up with the birds. Discipline took on different forms. But the children were having the time of their lives and loving every minute.
Nana’s usual Christmas routine was completely shot, she usually gets to enjoy the labours of another, but this year she and her husband hosted a Christmas Eve dinner for 8 children under 6 and 9 adults. It wasn’t surprising that she announced, “I don’t do cooking on Christmas day”. Instead we ate left-overs for lunch then took the whirl wind of us to the beach. The beach was relaxing, allowing us to spread, seek solitude, walk, create, explore and swim. The beach all to ourselves, we were all happy there.
Like Weddings, Christmas holidays bring the best and the worst out in us.
There was;
Happy hellos, brotherly conflict, a meeting of minds, hidden adult tears, hysterical laughter, children’s tantrums, pure childish play, amazing wild life, too much food, someone who drank too much, inspiring conduct, embarrassing behaviour, a broken lamp, clever workshop creations, an electric conversation, an iron that blew up, a very messy floor, an unwrapping present fenzy, beautiful fresh morning raspberries and sad good-byes.
A really happy Christmas.
16.12.09
Ready to go
We have shopped, wrapped and packed, so are off on holiday. The Chapter Forty household is visiting family interstate for Christmas. The kids are so excited. B has made several calendars to count down the days and sleeps till we leave. B has packed and repacked his suitcase everyday and his carry on bag is waiting by the front door, ready to leave. Little Miss asks just about every hour, “Going on pink plane now?" (Everything must be pink at the moment) I don’t know what I’ll say when she see the white plane. Pink sunglasses might help. The expectation of fun is in the air. So we are primed and ready for a family adventure.
Out will go the sleep routine, out will go the good eating habits. In will come Daddy full time ("Yeah" hear us say) and in will come a Mummy answering yes a lot.
Can we go to a park? Yes
Can I have an ice-cream? Yes
Can we have pancakes for breakfast? Yes
Can I buy this thing? Yes
Can you play with me? Yes
Can I look at that? Yes
Can we have dinner at a restaurant? Yes
Well why not, isn’t that what holidays are for?
I will be back in the New Year to let you know how it all went...
15.12.09
Food face #3
Little Miss's happy dinner the other night got smiles all round. She’s a great eater and gobbled up the bread, cucumber, corn, carrot, red capsicum, broccoli, beans, and chicken schnitzel, in that order. Mayonnaise was also added to help it all go down.10.12.09
Christmas thrills
To my dearest B,
Seeing your face light up when Dad bought home some Christmas lights was priceless. When you nodded to Santa as he spoke to you with your very own special Christmas message over the computer, I beamed. With your excitement and pure passion you make Christmas come alive for us.
Thank you
Love from Mummy always.
PS Santa has a very worthwhile and special Christmas message tailored to anyone here
You have been a very good little boy this year. There have been a couple of moments when I was worried, but you have got it together and done very well. Your reading, maths and writing impresses me greatly and your art work is simply outstanding. Your school report was excellent. Well done. I am so proud of you.
Since your operation you really have changed. (Was it all that ice-cream and jelly you ate?) It must be better now to hear what we are saying to you. Your teacher tells me she only has to say something once, and you do it. At night time you sleep silently and deeply. One morning this week when it was raining outside you said to me "Oh Mum I've had a beautiful sleep"... then you added," I love the music of the rain." Well put little man, there's nothing like lying in bed listening to the rain on the roof. It's so cool you appreciate things like that.
Your kindness and love for your sister is just amazing. You both might squabble over a toy, who gets to lay in the middle, whose story is first, or who has the most food, but you show Little Miss so much tenderness. I love to see you caring for her. "I want my Blakey." she often states and I know exactly how she feels.
You are extremely excited about Christmas. This year we are seeing your cousins, Uncle, Aunty and Nana. You can't wait to see them all. It's a nice surprise that you have not been at all concerned about what you are getting for Christmas, you seem to be so excited by all the fun stuff we have planned. "Too much fun," was your comment when I listed off the weeks of activities we have organised.
Seeing your face light up when Dad bought home some Christmas lights was priceless. When you nodded to Santa as he spoke to you with your very own special Christmas message over the computer, I beamed. With your excitement and pure passion you make Christmas come alive for us.
Thank you
Love from Mummy always.
PS Santa has a very worthwhile and special Christmas message tailored to anyone here
8.12.09
Solitary shop
Dear Solitary shopper,
While you enjoy the solitude of entering the shopping centre alone. Please spare a thought for us mothers of small children.
We do not need your looks of disapproval nor do we need your
Shopping with a small child or children is very similar to the experience of unleashing hungry goats in a fruit and veg shop. It’s not going to be pretty.
I have a few rules that I abide to when going about my hunter gathering at the local supermarket.
1. I think of this exercise as a challenge to rise too.
2. I ensure small children are well fed prior to leaving home or have something to eat or drink from home. If I have to, I pick up something they can eat in store, strawberries or cheesy mite scrolls are good. (But its not very nice purchasing an empty package at the checkout though) Alternatively shop on food demonstration days.
3. I use bribery, I have often said “if you are good in the supermarket you can have a treat afterwards” But the treat is only available outside the supermarket, like looking in the toy shop or getting a bubbachinno. You also have to follow through with this and not give treats if they muck up.
4. I try to take a shopping list and remember it, not leave it in the car or loose it in my handbag and I try to only purchase what’s on it so I can…
5. Move the trolley as fast as possible to make the shopping trip as short as possible.
6. I don’t have any eye contact with Grannies, other mothers or lonely looking people; they only slow me down.
7. I do allow children to sit inside the trolley. Let’s admit it, the ride is fun and it contains them in one place.
8. I do make car and horn noises or sing the “wheels on the bus” song if necessary.
9. I do involve the children and get them to choose, count, select, load and unpack.
10. I try to have some come-backs to uninvited comments/parenting tips memorised. To the solitary middle aged woman who gave me looks with daggers as my 5 year old ran down the escalator then back up the wrong way a few times. I say “What are you? The fun police.” To the solitary young man who told me to “Take a chill pill Mum.” I reply “Didn’t your mother teach you manners?”
Other responses could have been, “Get your own life – I don’t need you in mine.”
“Thanks for your advice, actually I was thinking that your shoes don’t go with that top.”
“It’s ok, today they are medicated.”
“Actually, these aren’t my kids, I am not their mother.”
Solitary shopper next time you are drawn into the performance of a child in the supermarket. Keep your mouth shut, eyes averted and focus on your own freakin shopping.
With love
a Mother.
30.11.09
Dancing Girl
Dear Little Miss,
This term you have started going to Theatre Bugs. A dancing, imagining and singing thing. The teacher is in a tutu and it is similar to 'Play School' alive, with tulle. You love it. You love the singing, you love the movement, you love the music and you love props. The mystery box, the magic carpet, the wiggly woos and the fairy wings are lapped up and devoured.
It is so wonderful to be taking you to something just for you. As a second child you have had to watch on the side lines for too long. B has had all the fun. I have fed you all manner of junk to keep you happy during B's swimming lessons and battled with you to contain you in the straps of the pram, for you safety and my sanity. But now, at last it is your turn.
It is like you are finally free, in an environment so suitable to you and what you love. At last I get to see your face light up, watch you concentrate, interact and assert yourself.
You dance and sing, you know the words to songs already. You have quickly picked up the hand movements and actions. You are the star of the class, in my eyes.
Theatre bugs has become the highlight of the week. Not only do you get to sing and dance with your peers and a real life fairy teacher, but your Mummy gets to as well.
But let’s not forget the bonus of the Bug’s cafe that we go to afterwards. I have my skinny latte you a bubbachinno and a play in the kid’s corner. I love going to cafés with you.
These real life tea parties are one of the best things about having a daughter. I hope we will always share these little moments of life together over a hot brew.
What a star you are in my life.
Love always Mummy
xxx
This term you have started going to Theatre Bugs. A dancing, imagining and singing thing. The teacher is in a tutu and it is similar to 'Play School' alive, with tulle. You love it. You love the singing, you love the movement, you love the music and you love props. The mystery box, the magic carpet, the wiggly woos and the fairy wings are lapped up and devoured.It is like you are finally free, in an environment so suitable to you and what you love. At last I get to see your face light up, watch you concentrate, interact and assert yourself.
You dance and sing, you know the words to songs already. You have quickly picked up the hand movements and actions. You are the star of the class, in my eyes.
Theatre bugs has become the highlight of the week. Not only do you get to sing and dance with your peers and a real life fairy teacher, but your Mummy gets to as well.
But let’s not forget the bonus of the Bug’s cafe that we go to afterwards. I have my skinny latte you a bubbachinno and a play in the kid’s corner. I love going to cafés with you.These real life tea parties are one of the best things about having a daughter. I hope we will always share these little moments of life together over a hot brew.
What a star you are in my life.
Love always Mummy
xxx
17.11.09
Food face #2
Prepare to get sick of these. But the kids never tire and nor does their creator. Big and little food faces are made from sausage, capsicum, cheese, cucumber, cherry tomato, lettuce, and mayonaise.
13.11.09
Operation
My precious B,
You have battled with multiple ear infections, sleep apnoea, caused by kissing tonsils and hearing loss. So we finally took the specialist’s advice and agreed to have your adenoids and tonsils taken out, plus grommets put in. This was a hard and harrowing decision. It took us years.
You have battled with multiple ear infections, sleep apnoea, caused by kissing tonsils and hearing loss. So we finally took the specialist’s advice and agreed to have your adenoids and tonsils taken out, plus grommets put in. This was a hard and harrowing decision. It took us years.
It is now day 4 after the operation.I have cried with you and your pain. I have felt enormous guilt over what we have done to you. I wanted to be sick when I left you in the operating theatre. Your fingers had to be pulled away from mine. Leaving you alone, your life in the hands of strangers, my child, vulnerable and unconscious. I felt empty and at a loss. My heart has been broken by your silent suffering. You won’t eat, won’t drink and fight the medications. You are silent with pain.
However I have also felt relieved for your future. You can hear me know, your sleep is deep. You have made me astounded by your bravery, proud of your strength. I have loved saying yes to you, giving you ice-cream for breakfast and jelly whenever you want it. To indulge you has become my relief.
In days you will be back to your normal tricks. And I can’t wait. This journey with you has shown me a remarkable side to you, it only makes me love you more.
Always my little man
Love Mummy xxx
Image is a self portrait by B.
Food face #1
I have to find ways of making meals more interesting for my kids and for me to put together. This food face is made from carrot, cheese, snow pea sprouts, snow pea, cucumber, steak, corn on the cob, asparagus and bread.
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