I remember the tween/teen years and being so preoccupied wondering
about other peoples lives. How they seemed to be having such fun, lots
of friends and being happy. Watching them live their lives, comparing
it to my own. Ugh. I really would love to go back in time and smack
myself up the head.
I just didn't have the confidence then. The
feeling of pride and joy in my own life and following my path, instead
of trying to jump along behind others.
Well, screw
that. 33 years is a damn long time to feel confident and stand tall. I
don't want to drag it on further. I don't want to watch others take a
leap of faith, while I watch and feel a tinge of jealously mixed with a
scowl. That is what is was back then. Instead of seeing others make
their own path and saying, wow, good for them, I would feel it wasn't
fair. Why can't I do that.
Pretty easy answer I have for that, now.
You can.
You
don't have to be or act a certain way to be mature. And besides, mature
is just a perception. Add a few drinks and even so called mature people
are trying to do the macarena with their high heels kicked off.
The
more I ponder, the more I feel this is a not very swift process. And
I'm ok with that. I'm quite happy with getting to where I am now. I'm
trying hard to not think too much about the past. It's done now, no
changing. But I will remember it, and remind myself of it when need be.
I imagine I will finally get there around 70, when I have earned the right to say exactly what I want to whomever is near me.
Maybe a bit of a mixture between Nan from the Catherine Tate show and Dor from Gavin and Stacey.
Between now and then I am sure it will be quite liberating. And fun.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Monday, 5 November 2012
There is no such thing as "The Talk"
I have friends who became parents as teenagers, and others who had their first at 40 and older. There are pros and cons to any age, and after meeting many parents I strongly feel no one is ever 100% ready and knows it all. How could you?
No matter our age, when it comes to parenting we are always learning. Some things we are confident with, others we fumble through. I know at times Hub and I have been thrown a hardball, and whispered to each other out of earshot of the kids "What the F*%! do we do here?!"
Our latest whispers were about our eldest son. Our guinea pig baby. He is heading to high school next year and lots of changes are happening. He is still young in some ways, yet becoming more mature in others.
I am seeing this time so differently from when I was younger. Watching my son I see this next journey going forwards a little, then back a bit, then forward again, then back. This is quite painful, for Hub and I, but also for our son. Hard on us as we have been through it and know the angst, uncertainty, questions. Wanting to help him as much as we can get through it.
Hard for him as he is the one who has so many changes, questions, feelings and yep, hormones!
Hub and I have always been open and honest with questions our children ask. We also try to answer them in a way that is child friendly. We always use correct names for body parts. This has always been important to me. Silly names for penis, vagina, testicles, breasts etc can make a child feel shame, add embarrassment and make discussing them more difficult.
I want them to be knowledgeable about what their body parts are, how they work and why. I want my boys and girls to be educated about both the female and male bodies.
The learning starts very young. And as they get older they throw a question here and there. You have a little chat, and that is enough. Other times they won't settle for a sentence or two, and they keep talking and asking questions. At times when I am answering a question I just know that the answer I am giving is going to lead to more questions, you can see it in the way they are looking back at you. Seeing their minds tick over.
There is no such thing as 'The Talk' and it only makes it harder by calling it such. In truth it us hundreds of little talks. Some may be just one question, answered, then followed by "So what's for tea?"
Some are one question that leads to more, and a discussion, and others can be a few hours worth. Often these talks are conducted while doing an activity.
Those who know me know I hate stereotyping when it comes to boys and girls. So it's quite a big deal when I say that for most boys, talking about their bodies, puberty, sex etc is easier when conducting an activity. Shooting hoops, hiking, bike riding, cooking, and a favourite here, doing the dishes.
Going out one on one so you can chat in the car is also a great one.
Here is the kicker. Keeping calm and not showing if you are freaked out. Some people are great at being calm and are not embarrassed or nervous about taking to their children about anything. This is wonderful.
I am getting there, but it is taking a lot of work. I know by the time our last child is asking bigger questions I won't blink an eye. The older children paving the way for the younger ones.
By keeping calm, and showing your child their questions, thoughts and feelings are important, they will then feel confident and assured they can keep coming to you. Open dialogue is very important. With some children, they can close right up if a parent freaks out and shows signs of stress. I know for some parents this can be hard. How our parents talked with us about puberty and our bodies makes a big impact on us, and how we are with our own children.
Some of us were just given a book to read. No questions, just, here, read this.
We can make things better for our own children though. With courage and the will to help them through how we wanted to.
It can help to think back to how we felt, and try to remember what we feel could have helped us. Be that for our own kids.
It's not all easy though, life never is all the time. And telling our children that we are doing our best shows them we care, and even if we don't have all the answers, we will help them find them.
This is where all the talking, being as honest as you can, all through their childhood pays off. They have grown up coming to you and talking about what is important to them. It is all bog stuff to children. We need to listen to it all and let them come to us. When their questions get tougher, and more complicated, they feel safe coming to us, as they have done all along.
Children need us to be their parent. To be a soft place to fall if they need. To help them through this journey and let them know it will be ok. We know it will, they don't yet.
I'll let you know how we fare on the other side in a few years time. Fingers crossed!
No matter our age, when it comes to parenting we are always learning. Some things we are confident with, others we fumble through. I know at times Hub and I have been thrown a hardball, and whispered to each other out of earshot of the kids "What the F*%! do we do here?!"
Our latest whispers were about our eldest son. Our guinea pig baby. He is heading to high school next year and lots of changes are happening. He is still young in some ways, yet becoming more mature in others.
I am seeing this time so differently from when I was younger. Watching my son I see this next journey going forwards a little, then back a bit, then forward again, then back. This is quite painful, for Hub and I, but also for our son. Hard on us as we have been through it and know the angst, uncertainty, questions. Wanting to help him as much as we can get through it.
Hard for him as he is the one who has so many changes, questions, feelings and yep, hormones!
Hub and I have always been open and honest with questions our children ask. We also try to answer them in a way that is child friendly. We always use correct names for body parts. This has always been important to me. Silly names for penis, vagina, testicles, breasts etc can make a child feel shame, add embarrassment and make discussing them more difficult.
I want them to be knowledgeable about what their body parts are, how they work and why. I want my boys and girls to be educated about both the female and male bodies.
The learning starts very young. And as they get older they throw a question here and there. You have a little chat, and that is enough. Other times they won't settle for a sentence or two, and they keep talking and asking questions. At times when I am answering a question I just know that the answer I am giving is going to lead to more questions, you can see it in the way they are looking back at you. Seeing their minds tick over.
There is no such thing as 'The Talk' and it only makes it harder by calling it such. In truth it us hundreds of little talks. Some may be just one question, answered, then followed by "So what's for tea?"
Some are one question that leads to more, and a discussion, and others can be a few hours worth. Often these talks are conducted while doing an activity.
Those who know me know I hate stereotyping when it comes to boys and girls. So it's quite a big deal when I say that for most boys, talking about their bodies, puberty, sex etc is easier when conducting an activity. Shooting hoops, hiking, bike riding, cooking, and a favourite here, doing the dishes.
Going out one on one so you can chat in the car is also a great one.
Here is the kicker. Keeping calm and not showing if you are freaked out. Some people are great at being calm and are not embarrassed or nervous about taking to their children about anything. This is wonderful.
I am getting there, but it is taking a lot of work. I know by the time our last child is asking bigger questions I won't blink an eye. The older children paving the way for the younger ones.
By keeping calm, and showing your child their questions, thoughts and feelings are important, they will then feel confident and assured they can keep coming to you. Open dialogue is very important. With some children, they can close right up if a parent freaks out and shows signs of stress. I know for some parents this can be hard. How our parents talked with us about puberty and our bodies makes a big impact on us, and how we are with our own children.
Some of us were just given a book to read. No questions, just, here, read this.
We can make things better for our own children though. With courage and the will to help them through how we wanted to.
It can help to think back to how we felt, and try to remember what we feel could have helped us. Be that for our own kids.
It's not all easy though, life never is all the time. And telling our children that we are doing our best shows them we care, and even if we don't have all the answers, we will help them find them.
This is where all the talking, being as honest as you can, all through their childhood pays off. They have grown up coming to you and talking about what is important to them. It is all bog stuff to children. We need to listen to it all and let them come to us. When their questions get tougher, and more complicated, they feel safe coming to us, as they have done all along.
Children need us to be their parent. To be a soft place to fall if they need. To help them through this journey and let them know it will be ok. We know it will, they don't yet.
I'll let you know how we fare on the other side in a few years time. Fingers crossed!
Friday, 13 July 2012
18 years in the making.
As I get older, I get more comfy with me and just how important people are in my life who really care and still want to be part of my life. Those who mind don't matter, and all that. It is true. People who matter, don't mind. They embrace and love you just as you are.
Hub is certainly one of them. To read about all that we both like and are passionate about, some would just not be able to figure out how the heck we could still be together after 18 years. We just click. It is really the only explanation I can give. I often hear about couples who have been together forever, and they always get asked How did you make it together. Mostly the reply is hard work, with some saying, don't go to bed angry, as well as we always had our own hobbies, and on and on.
While I do agree that they all do make a difference, I also feel that for some of it, it's is just how things work out as you get older. We are so different now to 5, 10, 18 years ago, but we still have something there. I can't explain it as well as I can feel it. I love how we work. I love how so often we can just look at the other person, start saying a sentence, and before we have finished the other person knows exactly what we are going to say, and what we mean.
We have also come to a point in our relationship that we have ironed out a lot of crap and stuff that just does not matter. We have been through much more than most couples ever endure in there whole lifetime together, and a lot of that was in the first 10 years.
Something kept pulling us back, and we'd get through.
We have learnt what we need as a couple, and also as individuals.
There is nothing more I want to hear about than motor bikes, and nothing more Hub wants to hear about than pregnancies, birth, breastfeeding, babies and where that all is politically and amongst mothers I am supporting. (Yes, sarcasm there)
But what I know we do like, is that we both have things that while they might not be overally important to us, our partner has such passion for them.
As we added each baby to our family, I feel we grew closer also. It would seem we grew closer due to the way others saw us. from baby number four onwards, each time it was "Oh wow, are you crazy?! Don't you have a TV?! Haven't you been fixed yet?!" Hmm yes charming.
But we would just smile at each other, smile at the children and know that we were in this together.
It's always nice to be crazy with someone else.
This is one area that I feel strongly about. Having 'all those children' is not always songs and strolls through the mountains. It can be bloody hard work. And what makes work easier is when the team work together. This is how I feel about Hub and I. We were reminded recently about how many others see us. They tell us that we make it look easy. And when I thought about it more, that is how organised chaos is meant to look. The people in the background running around, doing this and that, coming together to quickly chat about what's happening, what needs doing, what are you doing, etc
But, in a nutshell, no, It is NOT easy. It is hard work. It is sacrifice, and then more sacrifice on top. Doing more than the other person at times, and doing jobs you'd rather not do. It is going without so something else can happen. Working out ways to make money and meals stretch. Doing the budget despite hating it. Doing whatever needs doing regardless of whether you have a penis or vagina.
I know there are families who would never run their house how we do. I know men who would never change a nappy, do washing or cook a meal. I know women who would never chop and stack wood before getting the fire on, or fix the toilet or maintain the car.
And that is ok. We are all different. Our families are all different and need different things.
Our family needs parents who can jump in whenever something needs doing, regardless of what it is. I like how we work, and how it makes us stronger together and as individuals.
For me the added bonus is our children seeing their parents do jobs around the house with no gender stereotyping. They have sat with their Dad and made bracelets and necklaces, as well as moved a couple of tonnes of wood with me while chatting about legos, of course!
We have a lot of fun and happiness amongst the crazy too, or else there wouldn't be 7 munchkins.
We are crazy, fun, weird, eclectic, head turning and most of all, happy.
For whatever reason, through it all, something inside has kept us together. I have no clue how it works for others. I have no clue why other couples separate or stay together.
I only know for us, there is a chemistry there that has been constant. A skip of our hearts for each other.
I have often said that no one else would get us, or be crazy with us. We are quite a pair, and I am so glad we found each other.
Hub is certainly one of them. To read about all that we both like and are passionate about, some would just not be able to figure out how the heck we could still be together after 18 years. We just click. It is really the only explanation I can give. I often hear about couples who have been together forever, and they always get asked How did you make it together. Mostly the reply is hard work, with some saying, don't go to bed angry, as well as we always had our own hobbies, and on and on.
While I do agree that they all do make a difference, I also feel that for some of it, it's is just how things work out as you get older. We are so different now to 5, 10, 18 years ago, but we still have something there. I can't explain it as well as I can feel it. I love how we work. I love how so often we can just look at the other person, start saying a sentence, and before we have finished the other person knows exactly what we are going to say, and what we mean.
We have also come to a point in our relationship that we have ironed out a lot of crap and stuff that just does not matter. We have been through much more than most couples ever endure in there whole lifetime together, and a lot of that was in the first 10 years.
Something kept pulling us back, and we'd get through.
We have learnt what we need as a couple, and also as individuals.
There is nothing more I want to hear about than motor bikes, and nothing more Hub wants to hear about than pregnancies, birth, breastfeeding, babies and where that all is politically and amongst mothers I am supporting. (Yes, sarcasm there)
But what I know we do like, is that we both have things that while they might not be overally important to us, our partner has such passion for them.
As we added each baby to our family, I feel we grew closer also. It would seem we grew closer due to the way others saw us. from baby number four onwards, each time it was "Oh wow, are you crazy?! Don't you have a TV?! Haven't you been fixed yet?!" Hmm yes charming.
But we would just smile at each other, smile at the children and know that we were in this together.
It's always nice to be crazy with someone else.
This is one area that I feel strongly about. Having 'all those children' is not always songs and strolls through the mountains. It can be bloody hard work. And what makes work easier is when the team work together. This is how I feel about Hub and I. We were reminded recently about how many others see us. They tell us that we make it look easy. And when I thought about it more, that is how organised chaos is meant to look. The people in the background running around, doing this and that, coming together to quickly chat about what's happening, what needs doing, what are you doing, etc
But, in a nutshell, no, It is NOT easy. It is hard work. It is sacrifice, and then more sacrifice on top. Doing more than the other person at times, and doing jobs you'd rather not do. It is going without so something else can happen. Working out ways to make money and meals stretch. Doing the budget despite hating it. Doing whatever needs doing regardless of whether you have a penis or vagina.
I know there are families who would never run their house how we do. I know men who would never change a nappy, do washing or cook a meal. I know women who would never chop and stack wood before getting the fire on, or fix the toilet or maintain the car.
And that is ok. We are all different. Our families are all different and need different things.
Our family needs parents who can jump in whenever something needs doing, regardless of what it is. I like how we work, and how it makes us stronger together and as individuals.
For me the added bonus is our children seeing their parents do jobs around the house with no gender stereotyping. They have sat with their Dad and made bracelets and necklaces, as well as moved a couple of tonnes of wood with me while chatting about legos, of course!
We have a lot of fun and happiness amongst the crazy too, or else there wouldn't be 7 munchkins.
We are crazy, fun, weird, eclectic, head turning and most of all, happy.
For whatever reason, through it all, something inside has kept us together. I have no clue how it works for others. I have no clue why other couples separate or stay together.
I only know for us, there is a chemistry there that has been constant. A skip of our hearts for each other.
I have often said that no one else would get us, or be crazy with us. We are quite a pair, and I am so glad we found each other.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
I blame the kids
So easy to do hey?
No time, can't lose the baby weight, house a mess, spew on my shoulder for 12 years, hmm last shower?
Last time I blogged? ;)
So what's new?
Busy is the word at the moment, basically. I've opened this blog a few times over the last couple of months, but get side tracked so easily. Someone needs a drink, someone needs to be tucked into bed, again, someone 'forgot' their homework due tomorrow and needs help, someone looked at someone else and war has broken out, someone always needs something. But hey, that's my job right?
I said to apwool recently, I don't what the heck is going on, but it feels like I have less time now that the kids are in school. It's crazy. I'll come home, have breakfast, do some washing, cleaning up, play with the girls, feed bubs amongst it all, and then bam, it's 2:45 and time to get ready for pick up.
Where are my hours in the day with 4 less children? All the time I was going to have, to do, I dunno, stuff!
I must admit it's kind of fun too though. The 3 little girls and I have some fun times. We go out sometimes and 'do lunch' at our 'our cafe' as the 4 year old calls it.
We can pop out and get shopping. But, and it's hard to believe I'm sure, it's actually harder with just 3. They are such monkeys, with so much energy in one spot! With the others I at least have a couple helping get the shopping and a couple keeping an eye on the tornadoes.
The kids are still loving school. This makes me feel better. I don't know many parents who are 100% convinved every thing they do for or about their kids is right.
So much is done with some doubt, of should we shouldn't we, should they?!
The longer the kids are in school, and the longer they still remain happy and eager to go makes me feel this is the right path for now.
They do have great teachers, and it is a fantastic little school.
Miss 7 has been seeing a speech therapist for her tongue thrust and it is going really well. She needs help with a few sounds, but is coming along brilliantly.
She is a lovely woman and has gone above and beyond to help her and us.
The 'Baby' is now 6 months old. Damn time going so fast. She is such a lovely baby. I could hold her all day if the others didn't want things. Like food, water, blah, blah.
She smiles and laughs so much and is just a delight.
I have no idea how, but we seem to have very little size zero clothes. She has been in them for a while now, but has worn out at least 3 all in ones, as they were from the 2 monkeys before her.
What better reason to get her some new things, just for her.
I can still carry her on my front, but not for much longer. I'll need to jog the memory on some back carries with my wrap!
We have had a few birthdays lately too. Our eldest turned 12. Seriously don't go there. It is both amazing, and wow! for me to think about. I know people bang on about it, but I remember so clearly his birth day. His smiles, giggles as a baby, riding a bike for the first time. You get what I mean. And here he is, 12 years on this earth. 12 years of being the guinea pig baby, which he continues to be. I feel at my most, best, greatest, worst and everything amongst, with him. He paves the way for the others.
I am not the same parent with him as I am with our last, and really that is how it should be, and it's ok.
I've learnt what is really important along the years, and babes.
I am very proud of our son and while sometimes I want to grab him and say WTF were you thinking?! more often I am cheering him and thinking how awesome he is.
He has decided to go to high school next year, which had me with many sleepless nights thinking about which one for him to go to.
Together we went to 7 open nights and school tours, and thankfully in the end we both liked the same one. It was important to us that he see them all and get a feel for just how different they can be.
Apparently his classmates said Hub and I were 'cool' because he got a say in which school, where their parents all told them where they were going.
So another big change!
Our number 3 son turned 6. His birthday is always bittersweet for me. His birth was the most gentle of all the kids, which I am very grateful for. I can't think of his birth without thinking about his Nevus and what a huge change swept through our family that day. The blur of the first few days of all the normal new babyness, amongst the overwhelming feelings, worry about his health, scared that he was ok.
Those first weeks were so intense. And what a journey we have been on, what he has been on!
Now 6 years later, he is such a happy, cheeky boy.
He has also had another surgery this year, at Easter. His scar line that is through his scalp was re done to be thinner, and it turned out really well. He also had more Nevus removed from beside his eye, and his eye lifted a bit so he can see better again.
Hi is such a trooper, taking it in his stride and truly being so brave.
Number 2 son turned 10 in March, and had a huge pool party. He told me he invited about 16. Imagine the fun we ended up having with 25!
He is such an old man, this man child of ours. Hub calls him the man child as he is huge, basically. At only ten he is already nearly my height of 5ft 6. He is gentle, kind and loving. He will definitely be a gentle giant, like his Dad.
In all seriousness, any girl who tries to hurt him, I will hurt them.
He adores little kids, and especially our baby. Every morning he comes in our room to say good morning. And every day after school he gives her a cuddle and says that he missed her. Such a sweetie.
He has his moments though, let's not make it all gooey. It's few and far between I must say though.
Hub and I also had our birthdays. The big 33, haha! It's quite funny really, 33. There is NO denying you are in your thirties now.
Hub and I also celebrated 18 years of being together. Wow! Children one through to six had a sleepover at the grandparents house, and were thoroughly spoilt by the way. Hub and I had just bubs and 30 hours to go wild! Not really, haha We did have a good time. We were able to go shopping and get much needed jackets for us both, have a lovely meal at our favourite pub and also visit my Nanna for lunch.
It was much needed. Our last day out together was many years ago. Back then we couldn't even blame all those kids!
We will be making sure the next time is not as long away. I do love our family, but it's sure nice having time with each other, being able to hold a conversation with no interruptions.
What's next. The house, ugh. Don't go there. With the rain and cold weather not much clearing can be done. But, we are still working on getting paperwork and planning stuff done. I'd rather scoop my eyeballs out and boil them to be honest. It's such a pain in the arse.
I know I will be grateful when it's all done and we are in, but it feels sooooooo far away.
Now for some venting. It's about crap on facebook. Of course!
I've noticed lately quite a lot of homeschooling memes. Some are cute and funny, but some are just frigging rude. One saying outrght how schooled kids are always planning for 'real life' all through their schooling. Oh but homeschooled kids are living ;real life' and how happy they are.
So the 5 odd years my kids were homeschooled they were in the real world, but now they are in school they are not?
I know, don't take it personally. Whatevs. But you know what. I don't know anyone who has kids in school that was ever so rude about home ed kids. Some things that are said are mostly from ignorance, and lack of understanding.
I find it insulting, and a lack of maturity to find home edders talking so poorly of school. Not all schools are the same. Not all home edders are the same.
I'm in a unique situation of being a trained teacher, and have done the school thing and the home ed thing. It serves no child to have them see or hear one being based by the other. One is not 'better' then the other. Not every family can afford to home school. And sadly, not every child should be in a school they are stuck in and not doing well.
I have heard with my own ears a woman talk so poorly of ALL schooling it made me feel sad for her. She was so set in her 'facts' that all children should be learning out of school, she could not see past the end of her own nose. She didn't seem to care about children from a family that was struggling, a single parent family, or even a child who shock horror, went to school, liked it and went on to do exactly what they wanted.
Life is not that black and white. We can't forget, and I tell people constantly this, school is only part of a child's real life. There is so much out there for them to learn and discover and create out of school.
Home Ed can be fantastic. I really enjoyed being with the kids, going out during the day, activities, camps and chatting with other Mums.
If it is a possibility for you, or if you are already doing it, brilliant!
It really is a fortunate position to be in, if your child needs it.
A student teacher recently asked my son about home school. We discussed it in the car as a family. My second son said they are just different, great stuff and not so great about both. We talked about pros and cons and had a pretty good discussion about both. I liked hearing their point of view.
I liked that their answers were different too. Reminding me that each child needs and sees things from their own point of view.
It does not help anyone to bag anything as a whole, especially if that anything is a child.
We all do the best we can for our children. Some are breast fed, some are in disposables, some have solids at 5 months, some sleep in the family bed, some go to the local school, some to a prviate school, some school at home, some unschool.
All are loved.
I have more rants. Mostly all parent related actually, but I'll save them. Too much in one post is not good.
On a happy note! Hub swears bub just said Dadda when he walked in the door and said hello to her. Meh, time will tell.
No time, can't lose the baby weight, house a mess, spew on my shoulder for 12 years, hmm last shower?
Last time I blogged? ;)
So what's new?
Busy is the word at the moment, basically. I've opened this blog a few times over the last couple of months, but get side tracked so easily. Someone needs a drink, someone needs to be tucked into bed, again, someone 'forgot' their homework due tomorrow and needs help, someone looked at someone else and war has broken out, someone always needs something. But hey, that's my job right?
I said to apwool recently, I don't what the heck is going on, but it feels like I have less time now that the kids are in school. It's crazy. I'll come home, have breakfast, do some washing, cleaning up, play with the girls, feed bubs amongst it all, and then bam, it's 2:45 and time to get ready for pick up.
Where are my hours in the day with 4 less children? All the time I was going to have, to do, I dunno, stuff!
I must admit it's kind of fun too though. The 3 little girls and I have some fun times. We go out sometimes and 'do lunch' at our 'our cafe' as the 4 year old calls it.
We can pop out and get shopping. But, and it's hard to believe I'm sure, it's actually harder with just 3. They are such monkeys, with so much energy in one spot! With the others I at least have a couple helping get the shopping and a couple keeping an eye on the tornadoes.
The kids are still loving school. This makes me feel better. I don't know many parents who are 100% convinved every thing they do for or about their kids is right.
So much is done with some doubt, of should we shouldn't we, should they?!
The longer the kids are in school, and the longer they still remain happy and eager to go makes me feel this is the right path for now.
They do have great teachers, and it is a fantastic little school.
Miss 7 has been seeing a speech therapist for her tongue thrust and it is going really well. She needs help with a few sounds, but is coming along brilliantly.
She is a lovely woman and has gone above and beyond to help her and us.
The 'Baby' is now 6 months old. Damn time going so fast. She is such a lovely baby. I could hold her all day if the others didn't want things. Like food, water, blah, blah.
She smiles and laughs so much and is just a delight.
I have no idea how, but we seem to have very little size zero clothes. She has been in them for a while now, but has worn out at least 3 all in ones, as they were from the 2 monkeys before her.
What better reason to get her some new things, just for her.
I can still carry her on my front, but not for much longer. I'll need to jog the memory on some back carries with my wrap!
We have had a few birthdays lately too. Our eldest turned 12. Seriously don't go there. It is both amazing, and wow! for me to think about. I know people bang on about it, but I remember so clearly his birth day. His smiles, giggles as a baby, riding a bike for the first time. You get what I mean. And here he is, 12 years on this earth. 12 years of being the guinea pig baby, which he continues to be. I feel at my most, best, greatest, worst and everything amongst, with him. He paves the way for the others.
I am not the same parent with him as I am with our last, and really that is how it should be, and it's ok.
I've learnt what is really important along the years, and babes.
I am very proud of our son and while sometimes I want to grab him and say WTF were you thinking?! more often I am cheering him and thinking how awesome he is.
He has decided to go to high school next year, which had me with many sleepless nights thinking about which one for him to go to.
Together we went to 7 open nights and school tours, and thankfully in the end we both liked the same one. It was important to us that he see them all and get a feel for just how different they can be.
Apparently his classmates said Hub and I were 'cool' because he got a say in which school, where their parents all told them where they were going.
So another big change!
Our number 3 son turned 6. His birthday is always bittersweet for me. His birth was the most gentle of all the kids, which I am very grateful for. I can't think of his birth without thinking about his Nevus and what a huge change swept through our family that day. The blur of the first few days of all the normal new babyness, amongst the overwhelming feelings, worry about his health, scared that he was ok.
Those first weeks were so intense. And what a journey we have been on, what he has been on!
Now 6 years later, he is such a happy, cheeky boy.
He has also had another surgery this year, at Easter. His scar line that is through his scalp was re done to be thinner, and it turned out really well. He also had more Nevus removed from beside his eye, and his eye lifted a bit so he can see better again.
Hi is such a trooper, taking it in his stride and truly being so brave.
Number 2 son turned 10 in March, and had a huge pool party. He told me he invited about 16. Imagine the fun we ended up having with 25!
He is such an old man, this man child of ours. Hub calls him the man child as he is huge, basically. At only ten he is already nearly my height of 5ft 6. He is gentle, kind and loving. He will definitely be a gentle giant, like his Dad.
In all seriousness, any girl who tries to hurt him, I will hurt them.
He adores little kids, and especially our baby. Every morning he comes in our room to say good morning. And every day after school he gives her a cuddle and says that he missed her. Such a sweetie.
He has his moments though, let's not make it all gooey. It's few and far between I must say though.
Hub and I also had our birthdays. The big 33, haha! It's quite funny really, 33. There is NO denying you are in your thirties now.
Hub and I also celebrated 18 years of being together. Wow! Children one through to six had a sleepover at the grandparents house, and were thoroughly spoilt by the way. Hub and I had just bubs and 30 hours to go wild! Not really, haha We did have a good time. We were able to go shopping and get much needed jackets for us both, have a lovely meal at our favourite pub and also visit my Nanna for lunch.
It was much needed. Our last day out together was many years ago. Back then we couldn't even blame all those kids!
We will be making sure the next time is not as long away. I do love our family, but it's sure nice having time with each other, being able to hold a conversation with no interruptions.
What's next. The house, ugh. Don't go there. With the rain and cold weather not much clearing can be done. But, we are still working on getting paperwork and planning stuff done. I'd rather scoop my eyeballs out and boil them to be honest. It's such a pain in the arse.
I know I will be grateful when it's all done and we are in, but it feels sooooooo far away.
Now for some venting. It's about crap on facebook. Of course!
I've noticed lately quite a lot of homeschooling memes. Some are cute and funny, but some are just frigging rude. One saying outrght how schooled kids are always planning for 'real life' all through their schooling. Oh but homeschooled kids are living ;real life' and how happy they are.
So the 5 odd years my kids were homeschooled they were in the real world, but now they are in school they are not?
I know, don't take it personally. Whatevs. But you know what. I don't know anyone who has kids in school that was ever so rude about home ed kids. Some things that are said are mostly from ignorance, and lack of understanding.
I find it insulting, and a lack of maturity to find home edders talking so poorly of school. Not all schools are the same. Not all home edders are the same.
I'm in a unique situation of being a trained teacher, and have done the school thing and the home ed thing. It serves no child to have them see or hear one being based by the other. One is not 'better' then the other. Not every family can afford to home school. And sadly, not every child should be in a school they are stuck in and not doing well.
I have heard with my own ears a woman talk so poorly of ALL schooling it made me feel sad for her. She was so set in her 'facts' that all children should be learning out of school, she could not see past the end of her own nose. She didn't seem to care about children from a family that was struggling, a single parent family, or even a child who shock horror, went to school, liked it and went on to do exactly what they wanted.
Life is not that black and white. We can't forget, and I tell people constantly this, school is only part of a child's real life. There is so much out there for them to learn and discover and create out of school.
Home Ed can be fantastic. I really enjoyed being with the kids, going out during the day, activities, camps and chatting with other Mums.
If it is a possibility for you, or if you are already doing it, brilliant!
It really is a fortunate position to be in, if your child needs it.
A student teacher recently asked my son about home school. We discussed it in the car as a family. My second son said they are just different, great stuff and not so great about both. We talked about pros and cons and had a pretty good discussion about both. I liked hearing their point of view.
I liked that their answers were different too. Reminding me that each child needs and sees things from their own point of view.
It does not help anyone to bag anything as a whole, especially if that anything is a child.
We all do the best we can for our children. Some are breast fed, some are in disposables, some have solids at 5 months, some sleep in the family bed, some go to the local school, some to a prviate school, some school at home, some unschool.
All are loved.
I have more rants. Mostly all parent related actually, but I'll save them. Too much in one post is not good.
On a happy note! Hub swears bub just said Dadda when he walked in the door and said hello to her. Meh, time will tell.
Friday, 2 March 2012
Ch-ch-changes
Some I like, some I don't. The last 6 months have been quite full on. AND, kids wanting to give school a go, new baby, trying to get the planning stage of the new house off the ground. I'm tired just thinking about it.
School has been going for a month now. It's, ummmm, interesting. ok let's just say I am having a much harder time handling it, than the kids. It's hard to let go of something that has been your domain for several years. Let go of being the one to plan and write up the kids syllabus, sit with them, be there through the day to discuss their work.
They are all liking it so far, which is the one thing I am focusing on. It is after all, about them. Damn kids, growing up to be just how you want them to be. Speaking their mind, determined, strong, wanting to give new things a go.
So what we have, is 3 little girls home with their Mumma. Oh what fun that is! No seriously it IS fun, but it is also tiring. I haven't had 3 little ones with me since I had my first 3. Miss 2 is so smitten with her baby sister. She loves her, wants to kiss her, squeeze her, lay on her, share biscuits with her. I have never had to work so hard to protect one of my babes.
I miss the kids a lot during the day. It was busier, louder and more crazy when all 7 were here, but I still miss it.
Life changes whether we want it to or not. I am not ready for so many changes that have happened, and are soon to happen. I have to just hold on and hope for the best at times. Hope that our decisions will turn out ok. Hope that we have the strength to see if something is not working and change or tweak it.
Growing up still sucks, at 32.
School has been going for a month now. It's, ummmm, interesting. ok let's just say I am having a much harder time handling it, than the kids. It's hard to let go of something that has been your domain for several years. Let go of being the one to plan and write up the kids syllabus, sit with them, be there through the day to discuss their work.
They are all liking it so far, which is the one thing I am focusing on. It is after all, about them. Damn kids, growing up to be just how you want them to be. Speaking their mind, determined, strong, wanting to give new things a go.
So what we have, is 3 little girls home with their Mumma. Oh what fun that is! No seriously it IS fun, but it is also tiring. I haven't had 3 little ones with me since I had my first 3. Miss 2 is so smitten with her baby sister. She loves her, wants to kiss her, squeeze her, lay on her, share biscuits with her. I have never had to work so hard to protect one of my babes.
I miss the kids a lot during the day. It was busier, louder and more crazy when all 7 were here, but I still miss it.
Life changes whether we want it to or not. I am not ready for so many changes that have happened, and are soon to happen. I have to just hold on and hope for the best at times. Hope that our decisions will turn out ok. Hope that we have the strength to see if something is not working and change or tweak it.
Growing up still sucks, at 32.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Nevus Camp and Conference
Back in October 2010 I posted about the Nevus Camp and Conference. A camp and conference for families and children who have a Nevus, or are touched by someone with a Nevus. In our case it is our gorgeous, cheeky 5 year old son.
Well it is that time again when we start to fund raise to make this even happen, especially for the children. It is a brilliant camp and the children have so much fun together. They get to talk birthmarks and everything that goes with it.
The parents get to laugh and cry with each other about their journey. We ask each other questions, compare notes and talk about life in general.
Here is a pic of a few of us trying to get all the kids in one pic. Such happy, beautiful children.
I really cannot express what a wonderful event this is. As a parent it is so wonderful knowing other parents, chatting to them and just makes this aspect of my life that bit less lonely. Other parents who understand the tears, frustration, countless hospital visits, the beautiful person that is our child, a child who is so much more than a birth mark and dots all over their body.
All the parents and members of Nevus Australia are raising money in their own ways to make this next camp happen.
It is being organised for Melbourne, from October 4th until the 7th.
As I learn about what is happening in each state I will post here so people can spread the word and help us raise enough money.
So if you are able to please donate, even a few dollars, it truly all adds up! Visit the Nevus Australia website to donate and learn more.
Here is a pic of our gorgeous boy with his grown up Nevus buddy who he met for the first time at the last camp. It was so wonderful to meet Andrew and his wife, and hear him talk about his life and journey into adulthood with Nevus and everything that comes with it. Andrew is an inspiration and I am so glad us and so many families met him.
I would also like to add a big thank you to all the people who donated for the last camp. It happened because of you! We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.
Here's to the 2012 Nevus Camp and Conference!
Well it is that time again when we start to fund raise to make this even happen, especially for the children. It is a brilliant camp and the children have so much fun together. They get to talk birthmarks and everything that goes with it.
The parents get to laugh and cry with each other about their journey. We ask each other questions, compare notes and talk about life in general.
Here is a pic of a few of us trying to get all the kids in one pic. Such happy, beautiful children.I really cannot express what a wonderful event this is. As a parent it is so wonderful knowing other parents, chatting to them and just makes this aspect of my life that bit less lonely. Other parents who understand the tears, frustration, countless hospital visits, the beautiful person that is our child, a child who is so much more than a birth mark and dots all over their body.
All the parents and members of Nevus Australia are raising money in their own ways to make this next camp happen.
It is being organised for Melbourne, from October 4th until the 7th.
As I learn about what is happening in each state I will post here so people can spread the word and help us raise enough money.
So if you are able to please donate, even a few dollars, it truly all adds up! Visit the Nevus Australia website to donate and learn more.
Here is a pic of our gorgeous boy with his grown up Nevus buddy who he met for the first time at the last camp. It was so wonderful to meet Andrew and his wife, and hear him talk about his life and journey into adulthood with Nevus and everything that comes with it. Andrew is an inspiration and I am so glad us and so many families met him.
I would also like to add a big thank you to all the people who donated for the last camp. It happened because of you! We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.
Here's to the 2012 Nevus Camp and Conference!
Friday, 13 January 2012
Sweet, Hand Made gifts for my Squishy
These two gorgeous felt creatures were made by the mother of one of the big boys friends. She makes all animals and creatures and they are just divine.
So far they have been a huge hit with Miss 3 and Miss 2. They love playing with them in the dollhouse. Mrs Mouse and Mrs Rabbit can talk, didn't you know!
I love them, and am hoping she can teach me one day, when I have spare time, ha!
These crochet Mary Janes. Oh my! They are just adorable. A dear friend of ours, Indi, hand made them lovingly. I look at them and think how cute they are on her little feet. Then I can't help but know she will grow out of them. Damn babies!
I do so love hand made gifts. I am amazed, inspired, in awe and a tad jealous too with such gorgeous hand made gifts. I would so love to be able to create beautiful things for others.
One day. Did you just squeal April? Yes, one day we will sit together and I will actually get beyond two rows of a beanie :)
So far they have been a huge hit with Miss 3 and Miss 2. They love playing with them in the dollhouse. Mrs Mouse and Mrs Rabbit can talk, didn't you know!
I love them, and am hoping she can teach me one day, when I have spare time, ha!
These crochet Mary Janes. Oh my! They are just adorable. A dear friend of ours, Indi, hand made them lovingly. I look at them and think how cute they are on her little feet. Then I can't help but know she will grow out of them. Damn babies!
I do so love hand made gifts. I am amazed, inspired, in awe and a tad jealous too with such gorgeous hand made gifts. I would so love to be able to create beautiful things for others.One day. Did you just squeal April? Yes, one day we will sit together and I will actually get beyond two rows of a beanie :)
Friday, 6 January 2012
Thursday, 5 January 2012
A few extras, encore from the people.
So there have been some questions around the changes our family are taking on this year. More specifically that the older children are heading into, dun dun da!!!!!! School!
As I have said since we begun, nothing is set in stone. We take life at is comes and adjust, change, and go with what is best at the time.
No, I don't believe for a second there is a 'best way' when it comes to school or learning. The are pros and cons for any path we choose. I know parents with children in school who believe school is the ONLY way for children, all children. I know parents of homeschoolers who believe the same about homeschool.
I believe these are extremes and personally disagree. There is no one size fits all when it comes to children. They are all different. They all learn differently, process information differently, play differently. You get the picture.
Yes, I am sad. But I am also excited. I am also proud of my children who have chatted with us about their lives, what they want at the moment, and how they see their future. We wanted our children to grow and always speak up for themselves, think outside the box, and strive to be who they want to be and to head towards where they want to go. This character building can also be frustrating, but as parents we have to remind ourselves what we see as good qualities in our children that they will carry through and build on into adulthood.
I have no idea what this year holds for us. At the moment we are only looking at term 1 and seeing how it unfolds.
Nothing is locked in.
Yes, it has been hard. I loved the thought of the children all being homeschooled into their teenage years and us continuing to go put and exploring while others were 'stuck in school. I would day dream about when they would go to University, get an apprenticeship, or a job, travel, follow their dreams.
But this is not about what I want. I still imagine my daydreams happening, but on the path each child wants to take. Not what I want them, or hope for them to take.
Honestly, learning and growing up never ends. It still sucks at times. We are always building character, whether we like it or not.
If we can get through schooling, no matter where or how, and the children are happy with their path, then I know we have done good.
Fingers crossed hey!
As I have said since we begun, nothing is set in stone. We take life at is comes and adjust, change, and go with what is best at the time.
No, I don't believe for a second there is a 'best way' when it comes to school or learning. The are pros and cons for any path we choose. I know parents with children in school who believe school is the ONLY way for children, all children. I know parents of homeschoolers who believe the same about homeschool.
I believe these are extremes and personally disagree. There is no one size fits all when it comes to children. They are all different. They all learn differently, process information differently, play differently. You get the picture.
Yes, I am sad. But I am also excited. I am also proud of my children who have chatted with us about their lives, what they want at the moment, and how they see their future. We wanted our children to grow and always speak up for themselves, think outside the box, and strive to be who they want to be and to head towards where they want to go. This character building can also be frustrating, but as parents we have to remind ourselves what we see as good qualities in our children that they will carry through and build on into adulthood.
I have no idea what this year holds for us. At the moment we are only looking at term 1 and seeing how it unfolds.
Nothing is locked in.
Yes, it has been hard. I loved the thought of the children all being homeschooled into their teenage years and us continuing to go put and exploring while others were 'stuck in school. I would day dream about when they would go to University, get an apprenticeship, or a job, travel, follow their dreams.
But this is not about what I want. I still imagine my daydreams happening, but on the path each child wants to take. Not what I want them, or hope for them to take.
Honestly, learning and growing up never ends. It still sucks at times. We are always building character, whether we like it or not.
If we can get through schooling, no matter where or how, and the children are happy with their path, then I know we have done good.
Fingers crossed hey!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Year of big changes!
2012 brings with it some major changes for our family.
The best one, and biggest we have ever done in my opinion, is our house. A home we have dreamed of for years. I have only mentioned it here now and then mainly because, well, to most it is a very boring subject. A topic only hose who are building or renovating or dreaming can really understand.
So, lucky you, I will save you from going on about types of wood, foundations, ceiling height, windows, paint colours, straw, render and sooo much more.
I have a big list of things that need to be done for the planning stage and how much we need to save for said planning stage, grumble. We meet our draftswoman early in the new year to finalise the plans and then things will get very exciting! For me anyway, I love this stuff.
So yes, a big house to fit us all with room to fling a child around.
Another big change is the older children heading off to our local school. Huge news really. I am still coming to terms with my feelings. On the one hand I would love to make them do what I want. But you can't control someone and preach about their autonomy at the same time.
Children grow up. As they grow their view and understanding of the world grows with them. The children you wanted to always voice their opinion, have their feelings heard, now have those!
I have felt it may happen one day. One, two or more would want to give school a go.
I know for me growing up, when I was not allowed to do something, I wanted to do it. Foods I couldn't have, I wanted them. Told not to do something, I did it. Always testing boundaries and pushing for things I knew I could do, or would be ok with.
My determination and lure to seeing just how far I could go, or see what I could do, has certainly been passed on to the children. I want to embrace that, as much as I can while I remind that pesky inner voice that they are growing up and I have to continually let go a bit more each time. They have minds of their own, different ways of seeing the world.
Don't get me started on how the 2 eldest boys are the same shoe size as me now and VERY close to seeing eye to eye with me.
I have also never seen schools/institutions, as the enemy, like some home edders have told me.
Maybe it is part because I went to Uni to be a teacher. Part is also certainly because I and Hub both went to school, yet here we are challenging the world and views from the moment we got together at only 15. I am here and who I am because of my past, and the journey along the way.
In a nutshell I want my children to know that we are here and supporting them through their life and the direction they want to go in. For 2012, it will be a combination of school and still some home edding. Yes, you can combine both. I know too well there are gaps in what children want to learn and what they are exposed to at school.
Maybe that is the teacher in me, trying to make sure the children are well rounded, with awesome grammar and hand writing!
As you can imagine we have talked about school a lot over the years, and especially in the last few months. I was very pleased to overhear the older boys talking about going to school and how they are excited to go but how they are glad they know they can always go back to home ed if they prefer.
I love that they know they have choices and that their parents are following their lead and supporting them as they grow up (way too fast!)
What also helps is how family orientated this school is. There is around 70 students across the 7 grades. I have spoken to many parents about teachers, the principal, the school in general etc. I also put the school through the wringer so to speak when we visited each time the kids had went. In the last 2 months they have spent a couple of hours in the classrooms getting to know the teacher and other kids. They went 4 times and each time they would tell me everything that happened, who they spoke to, what they did, what they liked, what they were not sure of.
I am very pleased the school were happy for them to do this, as it meant the children could see for themselves for deciding for certain about going next year.
Don't worry, I'm not kidding myself it is all sunshine and lollipops! There are pros and cons no matter what we do. The key is the support they have and the ability to keep open dialogue with the children and us about their lives. Communicating with the teachers is also very important to me.
So we will see what Term 1 brings come Feb next year.
I will be home with my 3 little women and must admit I am a little excited too. I have no doubt there will be a lot of play dough happening and lots of cutting and pasting. A big favourite at the moment.
Miss 3 already has big plans for us. Lots of baking, going to the park and watching Dora. Yay, I think!
The best one, and biggest we have ever done in my opinion, is our house. A home we have dreamed of for years. I have only mentioned it here now and then mainly because, well, to most it is a very boring subject. A topic only hose who are building or renovating or dreaming can really understand.
So, lucky you, I will save you from going on about types of wood, foundations, ceiling height, windows, paint colours, straw, render and sooo much more.
I have a big list of things that need to be done for the planning stage and how much we need to save for said planning stage, grumble. We meet our draftswoman early in the new year to finalise the plans and then things will get very exciting! For me anyway, I love this stuff.
So yes, a big house to fit us all with room to fling a child around.
Another big change is the older children heading off to our local school. Huge news really. I am still coming to terms with my feelings. On the one hand I would love to make them do what I want. But you can't control someone and preach about their autonomy at the same time.
Children grow up. As they grow their view and understanding of the world grows with them. The children you wanted to always voice their opinion, have their feelings heard, now have those!
I have felt it may happen one day. One, two or more would want to give school a go.
I know for me growing up, when I was not allowed to do something, I wanted to do it. Foods I couldn't have, I wanted them. Told not to do something, I did it. Always testing boundaries and pushing for things I knew I could do, or would be ok with.
My determination and lure to seeing just how far I could go, or see what I could do, has certainly been passed on to the children. I want to embrace that, as much as I can while I remind that pesky inner voice that they are growing up and I have to continually let go a bit more each time. They have minds of their own, different ways of seeing the world.
Don't get me started on how the 2 eldest boys are the same shoe size as me now and VERY close to seeing eye to eye with me.
I have also never seen schools/institutions, as the enemy, like some home edders have told me.
Maybe it is part because I went to Uni to be a teacher. Part is also certainly because I and Hub both went to school, yet here we are challenging the world and views from the moment we got together at only 15. I am here and who I am because of my past, and the journey along the way.
In a nutshell I want my children to know that we are here and supporting them through their life and the direction they want to go in. For 2012, it will be a combination of school and still some home edding. Yes, you can combine both. I know too well there are gaps in what children want to learn and what they are exposed to at school.
Maybe that is the teacher in me, trying to make sure the children are well rounded, with awesome grammar and hand writing!
As you can imagine we have talked about school a lot over the years, and especially in the last few months. I was very pleased to overhear the older boys talking about going to school and how they are excited to go but how they are glad they know they can always go back to home ed if they prefer.
I love that they know they have choices and that their parents are following their lead and supporting them as they grow up (way too fast!)
What also helps is how family orientated this school is. There is around 70 students across the 7 grades. I have spoken to many parents about teachers, the principal, the school in general etc. I also put the school through the wringer so to speak when we visited each time the kids had went. In the last 2 months they have spent a couple of hours in the classrooms getting to know the teacher and other kids. They went 4 times and each time they would tell me everything that happened, who they spoke to, what they did, what they liked, what they were not sure of.
I am very pleased the school were happy for them to do this, as it meant the children could see for themselves for deciding for certain about going next year.
Don't worry, I'm not kidding myself it is all sunshine and lollipops! There are pros and cons no matter what we do. The key is the support they have and the ability to keep open dialogue with the children and us about their lives. Communicating with the teachers is also very important to me.
So we will see what Term 1 brings come Feb next year.
I will be home with my 3 little women and must admit I am a little excited too. I have no doubt there will be a lot of play dough happening and lots of cutting and pasting. A big favourite at the moment.
Miss 3 already has big plans for us. Lots of baking, going to the park and watching Dora. Yay, I think!
Monday, 19 December 2011
Latest and lucky last babe!
Our sweet baby girl arrived in a speedy, very intense and hard labour, just over a week ago. Hub and I both were swaying more towards our babe being a boy, and laughed when we saw nope, another beautiful baby girl had joined our family. Another not so little girl! She was 11 pounds and 58.4cm long. She still feels so tiny in my arms though.
Having her first feed, all snuggled up with Mummy and her fan club! The other children all adore her and always want to look at her and cuddle her. Miss 2 wants to eat her, or kiss her to death. She will hear her cry and say 'Ohhh baby sister!'
Master 5 asked me to take some pics with her. He has been very cute, just watching her, gently touching her hand. It is very sweet to watch him, especially as I would say he is the most energetic and on the go out of all the children.Our days have been quite slow and lazy, perfect for babymooning. Over the next week we will be getting ready for Christmas. The children are all very excited and looking forward to a day of fun at Nanna and Poppy's house.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A long time between drinks
The hours fly by so fast. The days and weeks too. Yet it also feels like time can drag by soooo slowly.
My head is still swirling with everything and more we have going on right now, but thankfully it is not overwhelming me or having me feel anxious.
I'm nudging 35 weeks now and flow between feeling zen about when the baby will choose her or his birthday, to just wanting it over and done with already.
This is normal for me, I have done it the last 5 pregnancies. I just try to remind myself baby knows the best day and labour goes so much better when it happens spontaneously.
I am feeling very heavy in the pelvis, especially since bubs dropped about a week ago. Yay I can breathe again, but ouch at the same time!
I am still asked if this is for certain the last baby. Even by people that know Hub had a vasectomy. Yes, it is! 100% it is. It has been 5 months since hub had it done, and I am more happy and content with the decision as time goes by.
I love and adore babies. They smell, the squishyness, holding them, their sweet breath. They really are lovely.
But I know my body and mind are ready for this last baby. I know what a strain my body has been through carrying such large bubs too.
I have also been told by others how they cannot fathom making such a decision. How it is so final. How it means no more, and they can't imagine doing it. This makes me laugh. As clearly, it means they are not ready. They do not want to close that chapter of their lives yet.
And of course that is ok. I was there once. Amazed at the women making final decisions about no babies. It means no more babies!!
And now it is my turn. My turn to feel 'done. For years I wondered, and was concerned too, if I would ever feel done. I would listen to Mums talk about how they just knew, and how they were excited for the next stage of no more babies.
I honestly did not get it. Of course I didn't get it. I wanted my window to stay open. I was not ready. It was not my time.
But now I am. And I laugh at how once I could never imagine being here.
I feel happy, liberated, excited and to be honest a bit sad too. Endings are always sad.
I am trying hard to enjoy the kicks and movements of this bellybabe. Knowing she or he is the last to grow inside my womb. The last baby, our little caboose!
The current little caboose continues to make me laugh, and brings so much joy to our family. I can't imagine, nor remember life without her.
I know I will feel the same when this wee baby joins us too.
Here is Miss 1 asleep in a funny place, as usual. All our children have been such great 'anywhere' sleepers. No matter where we are, if they feel tired they fall asleep. This was the last suitcase to unpack after a weekend away. She loves to help. By help I mean she will toss everything out of the case, clap her hands, smile and say 'All done!'
I must admit, if the older boys did this at nearly 2 I would more than likely crack it, sigh and tell them not to do that. Now, many years and babies later, I am more patient, but more than anything I see the funny side, and don't sweat the small stuff. I know how fast time goes by, how fast children grow. I choose to laugh. Life is much happier this way, for all of us.
My head is still swirling with everything and more we have going on right now, but thankfully it is not overwhelming me or having me feel anxious.
I'm nudging 35 weeks now and flow between feeling zen about when the baby will choose her or his birthday, to just wanting it over and done with already.
This is normal for me, I have done it the last 5 pregnancies. I just try to remind myself baby knows the best day and labour goes so much better when it happens spontaneously.
I am feeling very heavy in the pelvis, especially since bubs dropped about a week ago. Yay I can breathe again, but ouch at the same time!
I am still asked if this is for certain the last baby. Even by people that know Hub had a vasectomy. Yes, it is! 100% it is. It has been 5 months since hub had it done, and I am more happy and content with the decision as time goes by.
I love and adore babies. They smell, the squishyness, holding them, their sweet breath. They really are lovely.
But I know my body and mind are ready for this last baby. I know what a strain my body has been through carrying such large bubs too.
I have also been told by others how they cannot fathom making such a decision. How it is so final. How it means no more, and they can't imagine doing it. This makes me laugh. As clearly, it means they are not ready. They do not want to close that chapter of their lives yet.
And of course that is ok. I was there once. Amazed at the women making final decisions about no babies. It means no more babies!!
And now it is my turn. My turn to feel 'done. For years I wondered, and was concerned too, if I would ever feel done. I would listen to Mums talk about how they just knew, and how they were excited for the next stage of no more babies.
I honestly did not get it. Of course I didn't get it. I wanted my window to stay open. I was not ready. It was not my time.
But now I am. And I laugh at how once I could never imagine being here.
I feel happy, liberated, excited and to be honest a bit sad too. Endings are always sad.
I am trying hard to enjoy the kicks and movements of this bellybabe. Knowing she or he is the last to grow inside my womb. The last baby, our little caboose!
The current little caboose continues to make me laugh, and brings so much joy to our family. I can't imagine, nor remember life without her.
I know I will feel the same when this wee baby joins us too.
Here is Miss 1 asleep in a funny place, as usual. All our children have been such great 'anywhere' sleepers. No matter where we are, if they feel tired they fall asleep. This was the last suitcase to unpack after a weekend away. She loves to help. By help I mean she will toss everything out of the case, clap her hands, smile and say 'All done!'
I must admit, if the older boys did this at nearly 2 I would more than likely crack it, sigh and tell them not to do that. Now, many years and babies later, I am more patient, but more than anything I see the funny side, and don't sweat the small stuff. I know how fast time goes by, how fast children grow. I choose to laugh. Life is much happier this way, for all of us.
House plans are still in the making, just going very slow as we save for what needs to be done next. It is a longer process doing it this way, but it means things are paid for with cash upfront and then we don't have to worry about it again.
The builder is currently doing the final touches on another straw bale home not far from us, and then will be able to have more time for us. It has worked out well and we are grateful to find people nearby who can help us build our home.
Til next time!
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Life goes on
Whether I like or not, I have to keep going. Even with the crying, whinging, sooking, and complaining(all mine) the world just will not stop until I am feeling well enough to face it again.
Clothes need to be washed, folded and put away every day. Children want to read stories. They also want to go out and socialise and play, grumble. And what is with wanting to be fed more than once a day? sheesh!
When I look at this photo I sigh at all the washing Hub had done, ready to be folded and put away. But then I see him with some of the children reading another story that night and it makes me smile. Washing will always be there, the kids at this age will not. It is them that help me see how much life is worth living. I get out of bed each day because of and also for them, before I think of myself.
This chubby cheeked, smiling, happy baby is simply hilarious. She makes me laugh many times in the day and I am so thankful she is in our family. She has so much personality and character for a 1 year old and she loves to have us all laughing.
All she has to say is 'Mummy yook, Mummy yook' and I smile, seeing the excitement in her face at the latest thing she wants me to look at too.
Clothes need to be washed, folded and put away every day. Children want to read stories. They also want to go out and socialise and play, grumble. And what is with wanting to be fed more than once a day? sheesh!
When I look at this photo I sigh at all the washing Hub had done, ready to be folded and put away. But then I see him with some of the children reading another story that night and it makes me smile. Washing will always be there, the kids at this age will not. It is them that help me see how much life is worth living. I get out of bed each day because of and also for them, before I think of myself.
This chubby cheeked, smiling, happy baby is simply hilarious. She makes me laugh many times in the day and I am so thankful she is in our family. She has so much personality and character for a 1 year old and she loves to have us all laughing.
All she has to say is 'Mummy yook, Mummy yook' and I smile, seeing the excitement in her face at the latest thing she wants me to look at too.
Her big sister has me laughing just as much. At only 3 years old she talks so well and is very animated. If I do not here her over all the monkeys the first time she will say loudly "Mummy, I am talking to you!' and if I call her almost every time she replies with 'Just a second' Who knows where she gets it from hey. She has her own little bed, in the room she shares with her sister. They love being together and often I see them together on the same bed with the CD player and one of their read-a-long books, with the 'ding' each time you need to turn the page. I loved them when I was little. Except I had a cassette, remember those?
Very slowly, at snail pace, each day is getting better. I have had the odd day in there though that really sucked and made me think, Bugger, I thought I was moving forward. But looking over the months I can see the better, smoother days are outnumbering the low days. This is good. This is progress. My Hub, my children, my parents, and close friends make a huge difference in getting through. They are loving, caring, supportive, and help in any way they can. I truly feel that even if you don't understand what someone is going through, you can still empathise and support them.
'Til next time!
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Blogtoberfest
I won't be doing Blogtoberfest this year. I just don't have it in me, and I fear most days will just be a whinge, bitch or whine as I swim through this AND. I don't want to do that to you, or me.
However I will link you to {tinniegirl} where you can follow the wonderful blogs who will be participating.
Enjoy!
However I will link you to {tinniegirl} where you can follow the wonderful blogs who will be participating.
Enjoy!
Friday, 30 September 2011
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
I get it, but still don't like it
I get the stigma attached to depression. All the different kinds. They all still have the word depression in there.
Most people in society hear that word and have no idea what it truly means.
They may have visions of someone in a rocking chair, looking out the window with a Nanna's crocheted shawl wrapped around them. Rocking back and forth.
No thanks to TV and movies very little is understood or even accepted in society.
You might see me at one of the children's sports. Cheering them on. I will even be smiling and hug them after the game and tell them how well they played.
You may look at me and think, she looks normal.
Grr, that damn word normal. Who the fuck is normal anyway. Certainly no one I know. There is no such thing, in my opinion. Unless normal means 'human and alive.'
You may even bump past me walking down the street, and you say sorry. To which I will laugh and say 'no worries.'
Don't think there is a rule book with depression. Everyone who has it, is different. We are all here for different reasons, and we live different lives. We are all getting through in our own ways.
For me, I don't want to be treated in a special way. Just talk to me as you usually would. Show kindness, caring and respect as you usually do, and should to anyone.
Depression or not, we all have shit going on. Bills to pay, meals to make, things to worry about.
A bit of compassion goes a long way. Taking a big breath before opening your mouth goes a VERY long way!
For me I am taking one day at a time. I have a calendar with everything going on in our lives, but I am still looking at only what I have to do today. It certainly helps we are in school holidays at the moment, so we have a break from the kids activities for a couple of weeks.
The house plans still carry on. Despite everything going on with me, I know we need to keep things in motion. It's something to look forward to, along with waiting for our lucky last family member.
Most people in society hear that word and have no idea what it truly means.
They may have visions of someone in a rocking chair, looking out the window with a Nanna's crocheted shawl wrapped around them. Rocking back and forth.
No thanks to TV and movies very little is understood or even accepted in society.
You might see me at one of the children's sports. Cheering them on. I will even be smiling and hug them after the game and tell them how well they played.
You may look at me and think, she looks normal.
Grr, that damn word normal. Who the fuck is normal anyway. Certainly no one I know. There is no such thing, in my opinion. Unless normal means 'human and alive.'
You may even bump past me walking down the street, and you say sorry. To which I will laugh and say 'no worries.'
Don't think there is a rule book with depression. Everyone who has it, is different. We are all here for different reasons, and we live different lives. We are all getting through in our own ways.
For me, I don't want to be treated in a special way. Just talk to me as you usually would. Show kindness, caring and respect as you usually do, and should to anyone.
Depression or not, we all have shit going on. Bills to pay, meals to make, things to worry about.
A bit of compassion goes a long way. Taking a big breath before opening your mouth goes a VERY long way!
For me I am taking one day at a time. I have a calendar with everything going on in our lives, but I am still looking at only what I have to do today. It certainly helps we are in school holidays at the moment, so we have a break from the kids activities for a couple of weeks.
The house plans still carry on. Despite everything going on with me, I know we need to keep things in motion. It's something to look forward to, along with waiting for our lucky last family member.
Friday, 16 September 2011
What word makes people go quiet?
And for most of them they will nod there head, say quietly "Uh ok" and then make up some excuse to leave the room, building, state.
Depression. Most people have NO idea how to deal with the word, let alone how to them talk to someone who is going through it.
Phrases that start with "You just need to...."
"All you need is....."
"A friend of mine had a cousin who had depression and he took up.......... and he snapped right out of it. Maybe you............."
I would like to believe the majority of people say the above out of ignorance, and just not getting it.
Why else would they say "You need to do x, y or z and then it will go away"
If you were to look up Antenatal depression you would not see a picture of me. There is very little information out there for antenatal, loads on postnatal though.
Antenatal is through pregnancy, postnatal is after giving birth.
Nearly everything I have read about antenatal depression does not ring true for me. I did find one article that mentioned feeling blank/numb a lot of the time. This is a tick for me.
It also mentioned feeling tired no matter what time of the day it was and regardless of how well you were eating or taking care of yourself. Another tick for me.
They did all mention feeling teary at times, but then again this is something that happens to most pregnant women at some point. It did not mention the amount of crying though. I assume once in a while would be natural, every day would not. I fell into the every now and then category.
I found in the articles I came across a big emphasis on the first time mother, and also 'surprise' pregnancies.
Clearly I am not a first timer, and I was and still am very excited about our planned baby. This could be why I waited even longer to see my GP. I love feeling the baby move, am very excited about our last family member joining us and am not concerned at all about coping, or how things will be.
I think this is where more information about antenatal depression needs to be put out there. So mothers who already have a child/ren can get information for them too.
I am a strong believer in trying natural remedies first when possible. If 3 months goes by and there is little improvement you know it's time to seek out more professional help.
Which is what I did. I am very fortunate to have a great GP whom I have been seeing my entire life. Apparently when I was 1 years old I was sick and having a tantrum, and he helped calm me down. We have a long history basically, and I trust him, and he knows me very well.
We talked about my past pregnancies, life in general, big things happening at the moment and of course the children. I explained how if anything I am getting through the days because of the children. I get out of bed because of them. They keep me going. They are also actually not a burden like some people say, and certainly not causing how I was feeling.
They really are great kids and a wonderful help.
We spoke about hormones in pregnancy, and how each pregnancy is different. The hormones are not exactly the same each time. Every pregnancy and baby is different, and we need to go by what is happening with this pregnancy. I had noticed how annoyed I felt this pregnancy, in a physical way. It's hard to describe, but sometimes I feel like I want out of my skin. I am just annoyed all over.
I told him how I feel the hormones have wreaked havoc this time.
He talked about how he knows how I feel about medications and that I do prefer to try naturally first. I told him all the things I had been doing over the months. I know I am lucky that he knows a lot about natural ways and agreed with what I was taking to try and help.
Then we moved on to medications. He explained to me the different types and how they work, and what is safe/not safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
He gave me a prescription to start the next morning, a low dose. Also to see him in 2 weeks again.
We then chatted about seeing someone to talk to told me about a few women he highly recommends for mothers. So we are in the process of getting to see one of them too.
He said that while he would rather I was not going through what I am, that he is very pleased I came to see him.
So now I am still taking my supplements, along with my prescription. I am glad I am able to keep taking the supplements, as I know how important they are for me to have.
And that is where I am at. A post I have found very hard to write, but feel important to get it down, and press publish before I chicken out!
Depression. Most people have NO idea how to deal with the word, let alone how to them talk to someone who is going through it.
Phrases that start with "You just need to...."
"All you need is....."
"A friend of mine had a cousin who had depression and he took up.......... and he snapped right out of it. Maybe you............."
I would like to believe the majority of people say the above out of ignorance, and just not getting it.
Why else would they say "You need to do x, y or z and then it will go away"
If you were to look up Antenatal depression you would not see a picture of me. There is very little information out there for antenatal, loads on postnatal though.
Antenatal is through pregnancy, postnatal is after giving birth.
Nearly everything I have read about antenatal depression does not ring true for me. I did find one article that mentioned feeling blank/numb a lot of the time. This is a tick for me.
It also mentioned feeling tired no matter what time of the day it was and regardless of how well you were eating or taking care of yourself. Another tick for me.
They did all mention feeling teary at times, but then again this is something that happens to most pregnant women at some point. It did not mention the amount of crying though. I assume once in a while would be natural, every day would not. I fell into the every now and then category.
I found in the articles I came across a big emphasis on the first time mother, and also 'surprise' pregnancies.
Clearly I am not a first timer, and I was and still am very excited about our planned baby. This could be why I waited even longer to see my GP. I love feeling the baby move, am very excited about our last family member joining us and am not concerned at all about coping, or how things will be.
I think this is where more information about antenatal depression needs to be put out there. So mothers who already have a child/ren can get information for them too.
I am a strong believer in trying natural remedies first when possible. If 3 months goes by and there is little improvement you know it's time to seek out more professional help.
Which is what I did. I am very fortunate to have a great GP whom I have been seeing my entire life. Apparently when I was 1 years old I was sick and having a tantrum, and he helped calm me down. We have a long history basically, and I trust him, and he knows me very well.
We talked about my past pregnancies, life in general, big things happening at the moment and of course the children. I explained how if anything I am getting through the days because of the children. I get out of bed because of them. They keep me going. They are also actually not a burden like some people say, and certainly not causing how I was feeling.
They really are great kids and a wonderful help.
We spoke about hormones in pregnancy, and how each pregnancy is different. The hormones are not exactly the same each time. Every pregnancy and baby is different, and we need to go by what is happening with this pregnancy. I had noticed how annoyed I felt this pregnancy, in a physical way. It's hard to describe, but sometimes I feel like I want out of my skin. I am just annoyed all over.
I told him how I feel the hormones have wreaked havoc this time.
He talked about how he knows how I feel about medications and that I do prefer to try naturally first. I told him all the things I had been doing over the months. I know I am lucky that he knows a lot about natural ways and agreed with what I was taking to try and help.
Then we moved on to medications. He explained to me the different types and how they work, and what is safe/not safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
He gave me a prescription to start the next morning, a low dose. Also to see him in 2 weeks again.
We then chatted about seeing someone to talk to told me about a few women he highly recommends for mothers. So we are in the process of getting to see one of them too.
He said that while he would rather I was not going through what I am, that he is very pleased I came to see him.
So now I am still taking my supplements, along with my prescription. I am glad I am able to keep taking the supplements, as I know how important they are for me to have.
And that is where I am at. A post I have found very hard to write, but feel important to get it down, and press publish before I chicken out!
Sunday, 4 September 2011
I need to Pee
Yup, no such thing as TMI on this blog.
"Needing to go to the toilet is very common at the start of the first trimester and end of third trimester. You will more than likely have a break in between."
BULLSHIT!
Why do so many 'information and advice' articles and books say this? Ask 50 pregnant women and I guarantee those who had that nice break are in the minority.
Telling women this sets us up (ok me) to whinge and complain even more. This pregnancy I have not had a break AT ALL. All day at least every half hour, all night it stretches to every hour.
This is when I get that feeling. But do I go straight away? Of course not. I am a grown adult who still tries to ignore it, cause, you know, it might go away. Ha!
Empathy to all the Mummas out there who know what I am talking about.
Here's to the last trimester!
"Needing to go to the toilet is very common at the start of the first trimester and end of third trimester. You will more than likely have a break in between."
BULLSHIT!
Why do so many 'information and advice' articles and books say this? Ask 50 pregnant women and I guarantee those who had that nice break are in the minority.
Telling women this sets us up (ok me) to whinge and complain even more. This pregnancy I have not had a break AT ALL. All day at least every half hour, all night it stretches to every hour.
This is when I get that feeling. But do I go straight away? Of course not. I am a grown adult who still tries to ignore it, cause, you know, it might go away. Ha!
Empathy to all the Mummas out there who know what I am talking about.
Here's to the last trimester!
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Absent, in a few ways
I haven't blogged much at all in the last 5 or so months. To be honest this pregnancy has been quite hard on me emotionally. I am very excited to be having another baby join us, and looking forward to everything that goes with it.
I feel the hormones this time are wreaking havoc inside my poor head.
The kids are great in the scheme of things. There is no one thing that is 'causing' my low feelings. I am also not low or down about anything much at all. I just feel down, in general.
This sucks. For me, Hub and our family. I would never choose to be feeling this way, I don't believe anyone would.
I have kept up with vitamins, making sure I get the nutrients I and bub need. It is bloody hard taking care of yourself with life and children needing you too.
I am not going through this because of 'all those children.' Those who think that do not understand the large family dynamics. The children are very good when I am pregnant, tired and needing extra help. The older children are wonderful with tidying up, folding clothes, vacuuming if need be etc.
Truth be told it would be much harder going through this without them. They are happy to read to the littlies or get them a drink.
I know I will get through this, and for the moment I am really just floating through the days. Doing what I can and trying to look after myself.
And no, I can't 'get over it' or 'just cheer up.' as some suggest. It doesn't work that way. If you think it does, you need to do some actual research and reading and maybe a lesson or two in compassion and empathy.
You might see me out and about with 'all those children' and think I have it together, am doing great, and wow even smiling and laughing. I do have good times and moments, amongst the numbness and wanting to just stay in bed all day and night.
Seeing me happy does not mean I am now better. It just means what it is, that I am happy in the moment.
You can't make yourself happy, or force happiness.
I have added a break from Facebook on my list of things to help. I had noticed a fair amount of negativity, sadness, anger and some things that were just depressing lately. I don't want to stop any of that completely from my life, as sometimes it is unavoidable, but by taking a break from Facebook I can cut some of it out.
My posts here will be sporadic at best for a bit longer.
I am ok but I am not ok. I am working on it in my own way and doing what I need for me.
I do appreciate thoughts being sent my way, cheers.
I feel the hormones this time are wreaking havoc inside my poor head.
The kids are great in the scheme of things. There is no one thing that is 'causing' my low feelings. I am also not low or down about anything much at all. I just feel down, in general.
This sucks. For me, Hub and our family. I would never choose to be feeling this way, I don't believe anyone would.
I have kept up with vitamins, making sure I get the nutrients I and bub need. It is bloody hard taking care of yourself with life and children needing you too.
I am not going through this because of 'all those children.' Those who think that do not understand the large family dynamics. The children are very good when I am pregnant, tired and needing extra help. The older children are wonderful with tidying up, folding clothes, vacuuming if need be etc.
Truth be told it would be much harder going through this without them. They are happy to read to the littlies or get them a drink.
I know I will get through this, and for the moment I am really just floating through the days. Doing what I can and trying to look after myself.
And no, I can't 'get over it' or 'just cheer up.' as some suggest. It doesn't work that way. If you think it does, you need to do some actual research and reading and maybe a lesson or two in compassion and empathy.
You might see me out and about with 'all those children' and think I have it together, am doing great, and wow even smiling and laughing. I do have good times and moments, amongst the numbness and wanting to just stay in bed all day and night.
Seeing me happy does not mean I am now better. It just means what it is, that I am happy in the moment.
You can't make yourself happy, or force happiness.
I have added a break from Facebook on my list of things to help. I had noticed a fair amount of negativity, sadness, anger and some things that were just depressing lately. I don't want to stop any of that completely from my life, as sometimes it is unavoidable, but by taking a break from Facebook I can cut some of it out.
My posts here will be sporadic at best for a bit longer.
I am ok but I am not ok. I am working on it in my own way and doing what I need for me.
I do appreciate thoughts being sent my way, cheers.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Things I have learned this week
~When you are building a house and call people in specific jobs, for example town planner, do not assume they actually know their job and can answer your basic questions. Lower your expectations from the beginning and expect to talk to a lot of people to find one simple answer.
~ Town Planning, generally suck. If you are lucky enough to find a person who can hold a conversation, speak fluently and coherently get down ALL their numbers and hold them around their legs and do not let go!
~ No matter how many times you think this time it will be different, it won't. What am I talking about here? Phone calls, when children are still within a 2km radius. No I am not exaggerating. I keep getting sucked in, damn it. Unfortunately we only have a phone attached to the wall at this house (how old fashioned?!). I keep meaning to add cordless phone to our shopping list. But really, I wonder if I keep forgetting because I remember back to when we had a cordless (before it was broken, sigh) and it really wasn't that much help. The kids would follow me, or hunt me out when I thought I was clever and had snuck away, or if I shut the door and held it closed with my foot they'd call out 'Mumma' in a sing song voice while kicking their feet against the door in rhythm.
Who knows what I will do!
~ I have a hatred so high for scary/horror movies, I am now convinced it will always be there, and I am ok with that. Hub and I watched a movie the other night, and while it was mild in regards to the horror genre it still had me sleepless all night after watching.
I told Hub no more. I'm done. Drama, Happy and Rom Com only for me, and kids movies too of course.
~ I will never get used to vomit. Ever. In the last week we have dealt with a lot of vomit. It's bad enough when I am not pregnant so you can imagine how much the stench affected me this bout of sickness. This time the second eldest woke me in the morning, telling me he had vomited in the toilet. I'd been up and down with his younger brother through the night so was a bit grumbly at being woken up for that. I told him no worries, just grab a bowl and hop on the couch and rest.
Soon after younger brother came in saying he wanted to use my toilet. I asked if someone was on the kids toilet. He said no, there is vomit in there.
So I got up and assumed he wanted me to flush it. Nup. There in FRONT of the toilet, on the floor, a huge vomit. Gah! Second eldest son obviously meant the toilet room.
Hub was at work. You know what this means. I was the only adult i the house. I had to clean it up. Damn. So I did. Sooking and whinging all the while.
Fingers crossed we are done with sickness for a while. All healthy and bright eyed again.
But I am sure some bug will find us within minutes of us having every sheet and piece of clothing washed, dried and put away.
~ I really, really, really want a laminator and a binder. They are up top on my homeschool supplies list. Seeing other home ed Mums show me how fun they are does not help the coveting.
I have heard they pop up now and then at Aldi. A couple of Mums have purchased them there and are very happy with their quality.
I remember when I was in school and we would type up our own stories and then bind them. It was so much fun, and I loved having my own 'Books.' I'm looking forward to doing the same with the kids.
~ Town Planning, generally suck. If you are lucky enough to find a person who can hold a conversation, speak fluently and coherently get down ALL their numbers and hold them around their legs and do not let go!
~ No matter how many times you think this time it will be different, it won't. What am I talking about here? Phone calls, when children are still within a 2km radius. No I am not exaggerating. I keep getting sucked in, damn it. Unfortunately we only have a phone attached to the wall at this house (how old fashioned?!). I keep meaning to add cordless phone to our shopping list. But really, I wonder if I keep forgetting because I remember back to when we had a cordless (before it was broken, sigh) and it really wasn't that much help. The kids would follow me, or hunt me out when I thought I was clever and had snuck away, or if I shut the door and held it closed with my foot they'd call out 'Mumma' in a sing song voice while kicking their feet against the door in rhythm.
Who knows what I will do!
~ I have a hatred so high for scary/horror movies, I am now convinced it will always be there, and I am ok with that. Hub and I watched a movie the other night, and while it was mild in regards to the horror genre it still had me sleepless all night after watching.
I told Hub no more. I'm done. Drama, Happy and Rom Com only for me, and kids movies too of course.
~ I will never get used to vomit. Ever. In the last week we have dealt with a lot of vomit. It's bad enough when I am not pregnant so you can imagine how much the stench affected me this bout of sickness. This time the second eldest woke me in the morning, telling me he had vomited in the toilet. I'd been up and down with his younger brother through the night so was a bit grumbly at being woken up for that. I told him no worries, just grab a bowl and hop on the couch and rest.
Soon after younger brother came in saying he wanted to use my toilet. I asked if someone was on the kids toilet. He said no, there is vomit in there.
So I got up and assumed he wanted me to flush it. Nup. There in FRONT of the toilet, on the floor, a huge vomit. Gah! Second eldest son obviously meant the toilet room.
Hub was at work. You know what this means. I was the only adult i the house. I had to clean it up. Damn. So I did. Sooking and whinging all the while.
Fingers crossed we are done with sickness for a while. All healthy and bright eyed again.
But I am sure some bug will find us within minutes of us having every sheet and piece of clothing washed, dried and put away.
~ I really, really, really want a laminator and a binder. They are up top on my homeschool supplies list. Seeing other home ed Mums show me how fun they are does not help the coveting.
I have heard they pop up now and then at Aldi. A couple of Mums have purchased them there and are very happy with their quality.
I remember when I was in school and we would type up our own stories and then bind them. It was so much fun, and I loved having my own 'Books.' I'm looking forward to doing the same with the kids.
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