A story

Once upon a time there was a Mummy of 3 children. This Mummy felt like she often asked her children to do the same thing, over and over. One of her instructions to her eldest child was "Don't leave the chair in the kitchen. Put it away when you have finished with it."
This Mummy didn't think it was too unreasonable, considering that she had tripped over this chair numerous times. But the eldest continued to leave their chair in the kitchen.
One day while Mummy was doing homework with the eldest, she decided to go check on the youngest who had gone very quiet. She was greeted by this greasy faced little girl:



The Mummy's eyes moved to this...



... then she gulped and peeped into the margerine container and was horrified to find this:



This Mummy's stomach lurched at the thought of how much grease and oil would be in her little one's tummy. So in true Aesop style she performed an emergency stomach pump and threw her eldest over the bridge to be eaten by trolls....

.. I'm kidding. She laughed her head off and grabbed the camera quick smart so she could document this for future opportunities to embarass.

Ahh he's a classic!

I'm laughing.

That boy of mine is hillarious!!

Ok that boy of ours... is that better dear heart?

EJ was told it was time to feed the dog. We hear the gentle thumps of feet running on the tiles at full speed. He decided to hit the breaks a bit too late, he fell down, and kept sliding along the tiles - true baseball style. He came to a halt - then he said in true Skipper and Daz dryness/sarcasm...

"SMOOOOOTH!"

:)

Ahhh he's a funny boy!

Etsy Spree.

Last week I joined up with BLOG THIS which is an Aussie blogging community. Every few weeks they come up with challenges to blog. This challenge was: you have $200 to spend at Etsy - what would you spend it on?

So here is my picks.

This wreath - my Christmas colors are blue and silver, and I think this would look so lovely hanging on my front door.



This apron - it's so me!! I love aprons! I love pink! I love THIS apron!


This would look amazing on my craft room wall - something to signify that it's a place designated for creativity!



And finally this clock for my bedroom - which I am slowly converting to a romantic/shabby chic look.



Though Daz may go mental at the "TICK TICK TICK" - but I still think it looks lovely - and it's MY spending spree, so I can spend it on whatever I like!! :)

This all up comes to just under $200. That was a pretty painless shopping spree. I wonder when they will deliver?? :)

An end of an era.

Almost 13 years ago I joined our church. A few years later I married and he called my church home as well. A few years later again, childred were born - and were dedicated there. (Similar to christening for those who are unsure of the term) A decade of serving and ministering in some capacity. Today was our last service.

As of next week, we begin at another church for the greater benefit of this family. It was sad, but I know we have made the right decision.

It depends how you look at it..

Today I had a rather interesting insight into EJ.

His speech therapist has suggested that we try and teach EJ the concept of "Who". She thought "who says" would be a good game for him to play in the car.

So I put my edumakation hat on and ask E brightly "EJ, who says 'meow'"?
There was silence.. then a "WHAT are you talking about?"
"Who says meow?"
"What are you talking about?? YOU said it!"
"No EJ, WHO says meow?"
"YOU DID!" all said in a tone of voice of "DUH MUM!"
I thought... hmm... this isn't working. So I said "Ally says meow. Charli says woof. Who says woof?"
EJ sounded exasperated, "What are you TALKING about? WHY are you saying Woof?"
I tried one more....
"EJ who says oink?"
A little voice pipes up from behind me "PIG!" says 22 month old Milly.

I laughed and gave up. I'll try again another day.


EJ sees life so differently - I can't wait to see how this develops in him.

Tuggin the heart strings.

EJ has developed seperation anxiety. He cries and hangs onto me for dear life whenever I am about to leave him. No matter who with. Even my Mum, whom he adores!! Yesterday when I was leaving him at kindy, he clung to me, "Don't leave me! Don't leave me Mummy!" I hugged him, cuddled him, reassured him that I was coming back, showed him on the clock when that was going to happen, kissed him - and then allowed the teacher to peel him off me while I left.
"MUMMY! MUUUUUUUMMMMY" he screamed after me and tears formed in my eyes as I walked away from him and out of the door. I tried my best to hide how upset I was from the teacher and receptionist and swallowed that huge lump and blinked back my tears. I let them fall when I left the building!! Then I had to suck it up because I didn't want Milly to see me crying!

20 minutes later, Mum and I were ordering a coffee from a cafe and my phone rang - it was the receptionist at the kindy - my heart started pounding - oh no! He didn't settle down, he's having a meltdown! He's crying and can't be consoled! And me, his evil mother walked away from him when he wanted me to stay with him. I ignored his pleas of "Don't leave me!" and walked on out the door.
"Mrs Skipper, we just wanted to let you know that EJ has settled down and he's really happy playing now."

You know that feeling of when you have been holding your breath under water for ages, and you come up for air? That's how I felt!

This morning, a repeat performance happened. He cried, he wrapped his arms around my neck and pressed his cheek against mine, "DON'T LEAVE ME!!!" I peeled his arms off him, told him I loved him, and that I WILL come back... then walked towards the door. I turned back... and saw his lovely teacher scoop him up into a cuddle and distracting him - his tears were slowing down. He was going to be just fine. THEN I waltzed out of the door.

What is it about these kids that makes it so hard for me to leave them?

Shattered...

.. me. I'm exhausted!! 4 hours sleep last night... and I am getting an average of 6 hours nowadays. I NEED 8 hours to functioned.

I'm not the only one who is shattered.

My lovely Ikea wall unit door is shattered. My darling son decided to test the theory of WHY we shouldn't swing on doors. My catch yell of the month has been "STOP SWINGING ON THE DOOR! YOU WILL BREAK IT!!"

So... I went to the loo, after promising the kids a DVD this arvo. I heard a pop, a tinkle and then screams from EJ and Milly. Milly came running to me - HOW she didn't not shred her feet I will never know. EJ was paralysed and just screaming "MUMMY! MUMMY!"

I walked into the meals area, a good 10 meters away from him, and I see a chunk of glass on the floor next to the table. What the??? I look up and see glass all over the tiles, spread from a massive pile near where EJ was standing. The glass was "popping" like popcorn, creating MORE of a mess and spread. Since when does glass "pop" like that???

So... I scooped up my barefooted baby and my screaming son, brushed them off as best as I could, checked for injuries, and shut them up in the bedroom. Then the clean up began. The glass spread through the house, because Mop came out to see what was going on, and trod in it (she had shoes on thank goodness!) I even found chunks in my bedroom from the stuff that had stuck to my shoes!! Clean up was difficult!! Unfortunately my HUGE pile of clean washing was sitting next to the wall unit, and was COVERED in glass. It was in my endeavour to shake the glass off the clothes that was my downfall - I hidden chunk sliced my finger open and very quickly blood was dripping from my finger and onto the floor. I managed to stop the bleeding, and pressed on. Thankfully Daz arrived home and he finished the clean up while I fed the kids and put them to bed.

Seriously, if any child swings on a door again, I will make them scrub my floors with a toothbrush every day of their natural lives.

Poor Moppet

Poor Mop is unwell.

For 5 days she has been quite flat, feverish and cries if you so much as look at her wrong. Today she complained her throat was really sore. I looked down the back to find pus and all manner of grossness. Then she vomitted... So I whipped her down to the doctors - and she has a throat infection. So she is on AB's - the first of the "season" - which is a miracle in itself! We have managed to escape the traditional winter viruses and colds - but she is more than making up for it now!

It was rather annoying at the doctors though - you don't make appointments, you go in and wait your turn. So we did. And we waited and waited. I was watching people come and go.... even the person who was before us in line at reception was long gone.... hmmm... 2 hours in I'd had it. They had said it would be an hour wait. But 2 hours???? I asked at reception how long it would be. She fumbled around looking for Mop's file. She muttered something about it being "lost" and she promptly put us back in the line - at the very front!! So within 10 seconds Mop was called. 30 seconds later we were in his office and he was checking her out. 2 minutes later we were sent on our way with a big fat perscription for a kick butt AB. 2 minutes..... 2 hour wait for a 2 minute look-see. Hmmm....

On the upside, I got to do some research for my assignment due in 4 weeks.

FINALLY! Spring!!!

Spring has finally decided to grace us with her presence. Beautiful 30 degree day here! I am sitting her, listening to birds chirping, dogs barking, neighbours chatting - the air is warm, balmy and still. There is a distinct promise of an approaching summer.

Bring it on baby!!

I LOVE summer...
- it's Christmas
- it's warm
- BBQ's
- Crisp, cold white wine.
- it's my birthday
- we can do more outdoors - and quit being cooped up inside all the time!
- summer clothes are lighter and just so much nicer than heavy horrid winter garb.
- swimming, iceblocks, icecream, salads, stone fruit, LONG school holidays
... and the list could go on.

If I could imagine Heaven, I reckon it would be one eternal summer!

Now I REALLY can't wait for summer..

This weekend we made a big purchase. A very big purchase. A swimming pool!!!

Part of EJ's therapy is swimming - but it makes it very hard to do that when the local pools are indoors in very large echoey buildings. I couldn't bear the thought of taking all three kids swimming there, and having to try and keep an eye on them all. I could wait for Daz to help me, then I am restricted as to what times I can take the kids. Outdoor pools are far and few between around here. But my biggest concern was, what if he starts melting down? What if he cracks it and I have to drag him out kicking and screaming. Not only will his banshee screams draw every pair of eyes in the place to us, but I may have to make my exit in just my bathing suit. Oh the HORROR! I am not very confident in my body - and the thought of anyone looking at me filled me with such panic.

We do have family members with pools, but I didn't want to take advantage of them and their swimming pools. So we looked into getting our own. It will be better for EJ to swim in his own environment anyway, and he can go in at any time and if he chucks a wobbly, we are 3 meters away from the house.

So Daz and I did a bit of shopping, Daz did a ring around, he did a stack of research and then today zipped into Clark Rubber and made the purchase. We are now proud owners of an above ground pool. We will put it in the ground in a few years time, when we can afford to. But for now, it's above. So over the next month or so, we will be starting to process of council approval, setting it up, fencing and whatnot.
We were quite lucky, the pool we bought was last season's stock - and we got an amazing deal. Mr Clark Rubber chucked in alot of stuff - I think Daz only had to buy 1 thing! - which was a measly chemical kit! :) We did quite well I think and I am stoked.

I am happy because now I can swim instead of walk for exercise. My fybromyalgia is finally not going to stop me or hinder me at least from exercising.

I am looking forward to lazy summer evenings, having a BBQ and then swimming all night. It's going to rock!!

Spring planting...

This week I've been busy planting out my freshly dug garden (thanks Daz!) So far I have three potato roots in, 5 strawberry plants, 10 tomato seedlings, basil and parsley. I have a selection of lettuces and chives coming. This weekend I plan to plant our brand new lemon tree and some shrubs to go in our front garden bed.

I love spring!

I look forward to Tomato soups, baked potatoes and fresh herbs in my cooking - not to mention strawberry sorbet - all from my own garden!

Ok I'm now officially beside myself....

As you know, I am absolutely nuts about Christmas. Completely and utterly nuts. I have this friend, Donna, who feeds this craziness with her own craziness, and between us both we are like 6 year olds bouncing on the bed, waiting for Santa.

I think it's infectious, because now Mop is starting to get excited! :) I'll have her be a Christmas nut like me before long!! :)

73 days to go!! :)

Today I will be making another stack of Christmas presents, along with table decor for my very posh meal that I will be making my family this year. My brothers and their families will be elsewhere this year, so it will be our crew, my parents and grandparents. A nice little intimate gathering - where I can really go crazy and make it super-dooper special.

As of 1st December, the online Christmas Carol radio station will be on! I'll be humming along to all my favourites - even though most of them sing about snow, reindeers and Santa - all three items that don't even factor into our Christmas. But oh well.. they are still fun.

In the garage, under lock and key, is where the kids Christmas presents are stashed. They never go in there, so can't see the big Makka Pakka (which Milly will want immediately if she saw it), the Wii games for Mop and the huge train set for EJ. Mop and Milly don't have their big gifts yet, we are still looking about for ideas. Over the next 2 months I am going to try and find stocking fillers that are appropriate for them. We always put new underwear in there - so that will be the easy part. Then it's small nick nacks, like hair ties, toothbrushes - I'm thinking a torch for EJ... Lots of thinking... lots of fun!! :)

Ahhh I love Christmas!!

Righto, I am off to paint my pine-cones I have collected for my centerpiece this year!

Boys!! ARRRGHH!!

Seriously, what is wrong with playing nicely and properly??? Would it kill him to actually sit down and play with his train set and cars on his cute road mat? Why does he have to fling it at the walls and on top of the cuboard. Would it kill him to have some imaginary boy game (whatever they play) with his beloved Teddy, instead of flinging him up on the hook of the curtain rod - or worse still try knock out the air conditioning vents? Would it kill him to ride his bike, play with the chalk, play with the dog, jump on the tramp, swing on the swings, climb the climbing frame, go down the slide - instead of throwing absolutely ANYTHING he can get his hands on over the fence - to the neighbours rather large dog??
Why do you have to rip up the grass, throw stones in the water feature at the fish, seek out and destroy everything you possibly can?

Why?? Because he is a boy. And he is my boy. And I love him to pieces. But geeze I am not looking forward to bothering our neighbours... YET AGAIN... and retrieve whatever it is he has thrown over this time.



Beware - he may look innocent... but it's all an act I can tell you!! :P

Lady in waiting..

May as well call myself that. LOL

EJ saw the Occ. Therapist today, and we are now back on the waiting list for actual treatment now. He should be seen around January, which is not too bad in the grand scheme of things.

Today I have been given a load of techniques to try to help him cope with sensory overload. So I will be implementing these immediately.

So waiting for the psychologist and OT now...

At least Speech Therapy is happening. :)

October Long Weekend

How perfect was our weekend? On Friday afternoon we packed up our caravan and headed to North Beach on the Yorke Peninsula. We had lots of lazy sunny days and lots of relaxing. Mop found herself a group of girls to run around with. She rode her bike around the caravan park and played on the play equipment with them. We barely saw her! That's ok, she had a wonderful time. EJ and Milly played on their bikes in front of the caravan, and Daz and I sometimes pulled up our seats and watched them, while sititng in the sunshine.
We caught up with friends on the Saturdays night and endured a Webber roast - I seriously have to buy one of those for Daz!! :) We played games, chatted and had a wonderful time.
I attempted the annual Christmas photo shoot on the beach, but didn't have as much luck as I would have hoped. You can see those photos on MY CRAFT BLOG

Daz managed to read, I did some scrapping and web design. (I am trying to revamp my domestic guru website.)

It was so relaxing and we really enjoyed ourselves!!

Next getaway is lined up for the second weekend in November. :) Looking forward to it very much

It's coming!!

The terrible twos I mean.

Milly - my placid, gentle, obliging little girl had a MASSIVE tanty in the shops today. Mummy won naturally, but my goodness she was stubborn and defiant!!

School Holidays - day one!

I had forgotten how much I love school holidays. I love the sounds of all three of my kids playing together. I love the sounds of Mop's imaginative games with her Polly Pockets. I love the dull roar of their advancement into the kitchen when it's food time. I love that Mop can do alot of the "mothering" for me and keeps both kids happy and entertained. Considering I have an extra child at home, I have less work!! I've managed to have a shower, clean out Milly's room to make it a bedroom (last lot of baby stuff left the house to the shed today *sob*) and do a big tidy up - without being pestered, disturbed or whinged at!! I love it!!

Today EJ had an appointment with the speech pathologist. She has been in consultation with the Occ Therapist and together they are sorting things out. EJ is still in the process of being asessed with his speech. They say his "content" is good - but his grammar isn't good. He has trouble putting things together correctly and doesn't understand alot of stuff, because he doesn't understand grammar. But they can work on that, so it's not exactly life threatening!! LOL
They are trying to get this assesment out of the way - then refer him on to a community health place that do speech therapy AND Occ therapy at the same place. The OT told the speechie that EJ did what they call "Sensory avoidance" - which means refused to touch or play with things that he didn't like. Interesting. I'll find out more about that on Wednesday when we see the OT.

We are starting to adjust to this change in churches. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal to some, but it is a very big deal to us. We are still somewhat in a daze about it, but moving forward to make the necessary changes.

We are looking forward to this weekend - we are going to have a long weekend in one of our favourite areas on the Yorke Peninsula. I plan to do our Christmas card shoot (one of them) while we are there - if the weather is fine and lighting conditions are good. :) We are going to catch up with some friends for dinner and generally chillaxing with the kids. We are looking forward to some time away.

Mop's report card came on Friday and we are very proud of her acheivements. She has scored very high for all her academic areas - she just needs to work on her social areas. We are working on things as we can. Last term I told her that if she changed a certain behaviour, she could have any toy she liked at the end of term. Her teacher said in the report card that it had - so off we went to Target and she bought a Princess sort of Polly Pocket thing. Her teacher said she is producing high standard work and is a keen contributor to class discussions - in other words opionionated!! LOL. We are very proud of her and we love to see that she is doing so well and is very happy there.

EJ got a little report as well from his kindy. Apparently they have been focusing on coordination and physical activities. That's probably why EJ can suddenly throw and catch a ball!! :) He starts having full days at Kindy as of next term. Will be interesting to see how he goes with that.

Milly Moo got more than just a little sick with her teeth - she got that roseola thing. Poor love. I got her out of the bath and saw this rash which got progressively worse as the days went on. Yesterday it looked awful!! But then magically by 5pm it all had dissapeared and she is back to her happy self. Poor tike. I was horrified at first, thinking it was measles or something - but then I remembered that my other two had it around the 18 month mark as well - and it was pretty mild in the grand scheme of things. Isn't it funny how you automatically assume the worst?? When all goes quiet - I think... HMMM, whose being naughty? When Mop screams after falling off something, I automatically check for broken bones!! When does this paranoia and pessimistic outlook dissapear? I'm optimistic in most other areas. LOL

Well I better shoot off. This house won't tidy itself, and I better make the most of the quiet while Milly sleeps, and E and Mop play quietly at the other end of the house!

I know I shouldn't laugh....

.... but I can't help it!

Milly is a little drama queen. It's soooooo funny!! If she doesn't get her own way, she has the BEST sad face. She turns on the water works and.... WAAAAAHH!!! That works a treat for her soft ol Mum who starts crying too!!

Today Milly came up to me and kicked me - a stunt I think she learned from her rough tough big brother. I glared at her and told her very sternly that it was very naughty to kick. The expression on her face was CLASSIC!! Her lip dropped, her eyes went down to her feet, she started sniffing theatrically... now wait for it.... wait for it..... she squeezed her eyes shut tight and sniffed more. AND SHE SQUEEZED ONE SOLITARY TEAR from those big baby blues!!!

Keep it up babe, and you will get snapped up by Bold and the Beautiful! You will give Brooke a run for her money with that one tear!

I ignored it (though was killing myself laughing on the inside) and walked away from her. She followed me, sniffing loudly. I grabbed the camera to try and capture it - though she eased up at bit by the time I got it.



She's a funny little girl.

I also snapped this picture yesterday during naptime. She has been unwell with her eye-teeth coming through. Poor mite. But she loves this bunny, and is usually sleeping on top of her. Though today, Bunny's ear made the perfect eye mask.

Because a change...

... is as good as a holiday!!

What do you think of the new layout??

In honour of embracing change!

*Snort*

Sometimes EJ's speech problems can create little smirks and sniggers from yours truly.

Yesterday I was sewing a dolls quilt up. I had a doll laying next the sewing machine. E came over:
"What are you doing Mummy?"
"I'm making a doll blanket for this baby."
"Oh.... Mummy is making babies."

*Snort*

Tonight I wanted to finish before helping him do his buttons up. He protested loudly "But it will be October!!" Hmm... not that slow. LOL.

What a funny little dude he is.

Trying to grasp this week....

This last week has left us reeling. Decisions had to be made, adjustments had to be made - and it's a bit hard to get a handle on it all.

Last week I saw a few members of E's "team" who are helping him with his anxiety/sensory disorder. They have communicated to me that this will be a long term condition and that it's not going to go away or be treated in the next few months. He will get better, but slowly. It was also explained to me that his SPE is like the "world is screaming at him.". Poor kid.

This means that Daz and I have had to step back and look at our life and where we can make it easier for E and for ourselves. We've managed to avoid the shopping centres and other places with "drone". If we need to go somewhere like that together - then he stays with my Mum if she can have him, to save him from freaking out. My SIL has been picking my daughter up from school, because EVERY time we go there, it's such a trauma and he freaks out and then when it's time to leave, he's screaming and crying and carrying on.
Then there is church. We go every week - we are very involved there and we are often there from 9am - noon. And E can only stand it for so much, he can only stand listening to his Ipod and having his industrial earmuffs on for so long. Then usually about 2 hours in he starts whinging, crying, screaming, freaking out, hyperventilating. Then I would have to take him out, and sit with him trying to calm him down. The quieter place would eventually have it's desired effect, but that meant I was missing out on the teaching part of the service.

Now the quiet room I used for calming him down is being used for Sunday School - which is so good!! We definately need a place for the kids to go and learn in their own style, hang out with each other etc. Unfortuntaly E does not like the Sunday School teacher. He expressed this last week with a definate "I don't want to play with HER." - he has never expressed dislike of anyone before, and we don't take this lightly. He wouldn't even sit with ME in the sunday school room - he just wanted to leave. So we ended up sitting in the only place available... outside the toilets on a cold floor. The room was echoey, adding to E's distress and it was not a fun morning.

Usually by the end of the morning I am so irritated and tired and sick of trying to calm him down. My own irritation then contributes to his anxiety even more and we end up going home - him screaming and melting down.

This happens every week, without fail.

So this week we had to really evaluate this scenario and made the difficult choice of leaving our current church, and go to a place that had the facilities to cope with EJ. We resigned officially on Saturday night which was so hard. But first and foremost, we are parents, and what is best for our child is not going to a place that will cause anxiety. I have to protect him as best as I can until he is equipped to deal with this better.

Our new church, we have been going to every Sunday evening. They have a great Sunday school program, that EJ LOVES and speaks about all the time. They have a jumping castle, cars, DVD's, crafts, playground etc. They give the kids dinner and they are such great carers. E isn't exposed to adult "drone" - loud music and the lights going on and off. He is kept calm in a safe environment that he loves and we get to participate fully in the service.

Last night I had a chat to the co-ordinator of the junior Sunday School and asked about Sunday morning classes - it's very similar to the evening except they have lessons. Very suitable for EJ.

Even if Sunday School wasn't running, I have many quiet places I can take E to calm him down and make him feel safe and relaxed. And I don't miss out because they have TV links to the service, which means I can see what's going on and hear what's going on too!

Not only is this decision good for EJ, but Mop is going to have a ball too! She loves going to Sunday School there, and is very excited about going morning AND night! :) I am sure there are many positives about this move, but I have been going to my current church for almost 13 years running. All of my adult life. All of my married life. I feel like I am desserting my family. It feels horrid. But as I said, I am a parent first and foremost. I can't help it that he has a neurological disorder. I can only help him deal with it and make his world as pleasant as possible until he his ready and equipped to do it himself.

We will see the month out of our responsibilities - we will leave EJ at home where possible and then at the end of October we will officially leave, and start in our new church.

So that's what's happening. We are still in shock almost and feel like our world is reeling. But we will catch our footing and keep moving on - it will just take some time.

Another week and what have I got to show for it??

Well I'll tell you....

1. Milly is now in a Big Girl Princess bed... and she is not interested whatsoever in getting back into the cot. We've set it up in her room and we are gradually changing that room from the nursery into her own little space.

2. I've been working on a few creative projects, and have finally finished a project that has been a dream/idea for a few years. I put the words to "I love a sunburnt country" onto some of our photos we have taken of various places in Australia. I'm just about to send them off to get printed. I'm really happy with how they look. I want to hang them around our meals area as a conversational piece... not that we are lacking in conversation!!!

3. EJ has seen a speech pathologist AND the Occupational therapist and he coped really well there. They both had student helpers from various uni's and they played with him and made his experience fun and exciting for him. At least getting into the room isn't going to be so terrifying for him anymore. Especially if he knows that playdoh and sand tables are in the rooms!!

4. I've been spring cleaning. It's always a good feeling to get rid of the winter grime and throw open doors and windows and embrace the spring.

5. I got 96% on my test!! I have another one on Friday - I better knuckle down and study!! :)

6. Father's day was lovely. We did most of our celebrations the day before because Sunday is insane for us. We hung out with my family for a lunch and just relaxed. Daz got spoiled rotten with lots of gifts from the kids and I. He's now the yummy smelling man wearng Joop. :) Mmmmmmm!!!

That's it!! Not bad eh??

It's all happening!!

Hi peoples!!

A few days ago I got a call from a Speech therapist, booking Elijah in to see them. I am very happy about that!! So next week he sees the speechie AND the occupational therapist. I just hope this is the beginning of the end.

So what's been happening in this household?

Hmmm not much.

Milly is talking more and more. She says things relatively clearly, and soooo cutely! She can string 2 or 3 words together and is really quite a clever little cookie. She is growing up so fast!! It's almost time for her to start transitioning into a big girl bed. I've been collecting cute sheet sets and a quilt cover in preparation for the big moment.

EJ is EJ - he's happy enough roaming about the backyard, collecting caterpillars and picking sour sobs. He's getting better in a few areas - for example he can get dressed in the morning without chucking a huge fit. He knows he can do it and he gets on with it. It certainly makes it easier in the mornings. He also has stopped carrying on at dinner time. He sits, he eats and doesn't chuck a fit.
Last week, his school was featured on the news. The preschool kids were ushered onto the oval to go see the helicopter land and see the news people. EJ saw it coming as he was walking over and stopped dead in his tracks. Fear paralysing him because he thought he would have to get on the thing!! His teacher saw him starting to crack up, so she grabbed him and was able to comfort him, hold his ears so it didn't hurt them (he has very sensetive ears) and when he was calm enough, he was allowed to touch the helicopter. :) Nice work teacher!!
When he came out of school that day he came running out of his class. "I saw a helicopter!! But I cried." LOL What a cute!!
Yesterday I experienced something for the first time. EJ was on my lap watching the emoticons on my MSN window. Then he turned around and said "I love you Mummy." Awwwww..... SOOOOO lovely!!! He doesn't DO love much. He will cuddle and kiss, but he doesn't say "I love you." - and that's cool. I don't want to pressure him into it. Usually I cuddle him and say "Do you love Mummy?" and he says yes... or no.. depends what kind of mood he is in. But this time he did it, on his own - spontaneously. :)

Mop is flying through the school year at a crazy pace. She is totally acing her lessons. She is flying through spelling, reading, maths and whatever else it is she is doing. She is getting 100% for all her tests. I'm so proud of her. And she TOTALLY loves school. Next week she has some music evening at the school that she will be going to. I can't go, because E would not cope with the crowd. So I'll get Daz to video it for me. :)
She is growing up to be such a sweet dear hearted girl. She has started getting very cuddly too lately. She isn't much of one to give out hugs and kisses outside of bedtime or needing comfort. I'm getting LOADS lately.
What's in this family's water??

Daz is working hard at work and at home on all sorts of stuff. Being on the church board keeps him busy, as well as designing a home finance program to handle home budgets. Father's Day is coming up and I'm looking forward to a little spoil.. ok a big one. It's going to be a crazy weekend, so it will be interesting to see how it pans out.

Me... not much really worth talking about.
I have started spring cleaning. Getting everything very clean, rearranging where I can, redecorating where I can. I enjoy this time, it's like my motivation has woken up from hybernation and I feel like I can tackle any project that I come up with!!
Uni stuff is still keeping me very busy. I have a few results back from the assesments, overall I am pleased with it. I'm keeping my head above the 70% mark which is good. I am not over enthused about the topics at the moment. But that's cool. It will be all over soon. :) I can't wait to get into the real good psychological stuff... but must walk before I can run. :)

And on that note, must run off now.

Plodding along, singing a song...

Not really singing... not much anyway... and nothing you would want to hear. LOL

So, what's happening in the life of Skipper?

Absolutely nothing.

Aren't you glad you read now? LOL

Ok let me think of something to tell you...

Ummmm...

No one is dead. Except the caterpillars that are loved to death by the little ones, and then left on the pavement, with their guts everywhere. Nice... I think Milly needs to be taught to be gentle - instead of giving them the death grip.

No one is sick - tho Milly is a bit of a snot machine because she has her eye teeth coming.

No is hurt - tho last week Mop looked like I have been beating her. She fell out of bed - HONESTLY!! - and she had a massive swollen bruise on her cheek, and then a few days later smacked her head on a chair at Mum's and had a blue egg on her forehead. Just in time for school photos!!!

It's nearly spring and this time of year I get very itchy - itchy to start new projects, decorate and clean madly. Spring cleaning starts next week, so that will take some of the itch off. Does anyone else get a bit crazy in the first part of spring?? Please don't tell me I'm the only nutty one...

This week in pictures

Our cherry blossom tree is in full blossom, welcoming spring in and chasing away the winter chills.







Every Monday I bake with the EJ and Milly - and I think they like it!! Now Milly grabs her little chair everytime I walk into the kitchen!!!





No picture - but Mop's bottom front teeth are wobbly!! :) She's gonna look sooooo cute with gaps!

Still alive

Hi all!
Just letting you know that I am still alive. I've been really busy lately and haven't had a great deal to write about.

Uni is pretty intense this semester. The assesments are coming in thick and fast. I have something due every week, and so I have to spend alot of time reading and preparing for those.

I'm sewing up a storm ready to sell a stack of stuff. I need to finish alot of stuff up today.

I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit - since I make alot of stuff, my Christmas season lasts for 4 months!! :) I've got lots of plans to make and create, so am getting excited.

I've got some fabric from the USA sitting here ready to chop up and quilt for my baby brother's first baby, and my best friend's second baby. Both such very dear little people and I can't wait to meet them. So I'll be madly working on that because both babies are due within a week of each other.

Mop is doing ok. She is loving school and has become very creative in the last few months. I went into her classroom to do some reading with the kids. I saw a group of them crowded around something on the table. I asked what they were doing - they moved aside to show me a box with a little scene on the inside and a book attatched to the box. The book was about the scene. I was amazed! "OH wow! Who made that???" They all pointed to MY daughter!! :) I was so proud!

EJ is EJ. He's getting better in some areas, but he is regressing something awful in others. Last week he was hanging onto the pole on the verandah, screaming because he didn't want to leave the house. He had a massive melt down at the school, so now of course he starts freaking out if I have to go do a school pick up. Thankfully I have my brother Pete and his wife to rely on and they are very understanding. Also I can drop him off at Mum's to go to the school. :) We have ways around things, but it's a pain. I am just eager for him to be seen and get him sorted out.
One good thing though, we have noticed his speech seems to be improving. This is good.

Milly is just adorable as usual. Smiling, laughing, talking heaps! She is saying short sentences now, usually having something to do with the moon. Obsessed she is with the moon. :) "Look! Moon! In the sky!"
We have purchased her a little bedroom set from Spotlight - a Disney Princess bed with a chair/desk and book shelves. Marked down to $150. This will buy us a bit more time to buy a big suite.
I'm going to buy some paint and paint the old toy box for her, and we will paint her room soon. When we get 5 minutes. She still is ok in her cot for now, and we will work on her room after we have done a few other big projects.

We pretty much have decided that Milly will be our last baby. EJ has high level needs, and I don't think I could cope with another little person to be responsible for. We are pretty 100% sure of it.. but we have decided to keep the baby stuff and not take permanent measures until that niggling little "but what it??" goes away. We have heaps of room in the roof to store it in.

Not much else to really talk about. Seriously, it's been crazy, but nothing worth mentioning.

Today is 27 degrees! I will be welcoming Spring with open arms!

... on a cold and frosty morning

This morning Daz and the kids got up and went outside to this:

One end of the street: - where that light is in the middle of the fog, that is a school. :)


The other end of the street:


Last night Daz and I went outside - silly me went out without shoes on - and we watched the fog descend onto our street. The orange glow of the street lights looked eerie and out of some sort of murder mystery movie!

Today it's been drizzling all day, it's cloudy, it's cold and that's cool.
Because this morning this appeared....





The first blossom on our Cherry Blossom Tree. The sign to our household that winter is drawing to a close. I will have to remember to take a photo of the tree in full blossom - it's so beautiful!

Breaking news...

I got a call today from the Occupational Therapist, asking if EJ and I can come in on Thursday.

THURSDAY!!!

It's a 9 month waiting list!!

I don't get it...

I was under the impression that we would get a call from them in 9 months time to see EJ, not in 3 days time!

I'm happy. This could mean that we won't have to pay for a private Occ Therapist. We were willing to, because we want EJ to get treatment and help fast.



... and another thing..
We are going away this weekend. The first time we've been away since our Brisbane trip. We need it desperately. We really need some family kick back and relax time. We are going to be hanging with Scot and Kathryn for dinner and games, then just chilling all day Saturday. I met Kathryn when I was 6 I think. We've been friends for a very long time. And it's cool to have a friend you can pick up where you left off. No maintenance. No demands. And she's a great laugh! Her hubby is pretty cool too. I wish we lived closer so we could hang out more. :)

Well I'm off to bed. It's late and I have school drop off tomorrow. Fingers crossed Mop gets alot of sleep tonight. She was in a vile mood today from being so tired - got a note home in her diary from her teacher commenting on her grumpyness. Eeek...

How embarrassing!

I just got a knock on the door by a neighbour - asking me what my plans were with the shed that's been leaning up against our fence for a year or more!! They walk past every day with the dog, and were wondering if they could have it.

Seriously.
We need to put that shed up.

Anyone got a spare 48 hours they could lend us?

I wish I was this creative!

I saw this over at Mel's blog and I just had to share it too...

I wish I had thought of this!! This is soooooo cool!!

Happy Happy Birthday Mop!!

I can't believe it!
She's 6 years old!!

From this cute little baby



to this stunning 6 year old.



Just looking at these photos makes me want to cry. Look at how grown up she is looking. Such long hair, long legs and maturing features. Look at her face. No hint of little girl anymore!!



She's pretty pleased about that. She likes being a "big girl".

We celebrated the day in this way...
The night before her actual birthday we gave Mop her presents. That way she wouldn't be distracted in getting ready for school and Daz would be able to see the present opening. She got from us a big craft box filled with crafty bits and pieces, a 1600 piece Lego set and a Littlest Pet Shop Digi Pet. My brother Pete and his family gave her a Pixle Chick game thing... not sure what it is exactly because Mop hasn't put it down! LOL
We went out for a birthday dinner and at last minute my other brother Steve and his family joined us. It was nice to catch up with them and just hang out. We met my parents back here after dinner for birthday cake and a chance for them to give Mop her presents.



Steve and Jaz gave Mop a nightee, a diary for secrets and a create a belt craft set thing. Mum and Dad gave her a Princess box filled with gel pens, jewellery, create a tote bag craft set and a My Little Pony DVD and story book. Oh and my favourite... which I can't WAIT to watch... Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!! One of my favourite movies growing up. Honest Truly I do!!!
Today we took Mop into Target to spend her birthday money and pocket money that she has been saving for ages, and walked out with a heap of Polly Pocket stuff. Then we headed over to Newton to check out a play cafe. Two words.... TOTALLY AWESOME!!! The kids were exhausted after that play - Mop has even fallen into bed for a nap. There are so many cool things to play on and it was really fun!! It actually was a Christmas present from Bec and Nick - and I drank my capaccino (totally spelt wrong I know!) and thought about Bec - since today is her birthday!

It's been a lovely lot of celebrations and I'm so proud of my girl.

Happy Birthday Mop. 6 years ago God gave you to us and we will always be greatful he gave us you. A feisty, strong, smart, beautiful, dark haired angel. We hope that we can shape you and help you grow even more over the next 6 years. After that you will be a teenager, and if we haven't done it by then, we are done for!! :)

Happy birthday Bec. I love you and miss you more than words can say. I really wish I could fly over on the weekend to visit and hang with you. One day it will happen... I just wish I could have spent your big 30 with you.

Righto... better get on with it. All three kids are napping... I shouldn't be fluffing about when I could have maximum productivity!!

Oh PS: I start Uni again tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it!

Calming tool number one.

A great friend of mine whose son also has an anxiety disorder was telling me about how she uses an ipod for a calming tool. Daz and I found a MP3 player (same thing, different name! LOL) in Harvey Norman for $15. So we bought it to see if it would work. $15 - meh, not bad. If it didn't, then I would get it. No big deal.

We took EJ to the shops - THE most stressful place for him. We sat him in the trolley, headphones on while he listened to familiar music. I went to Target AND did a food shop in woolies. And I did not hear a PEEP out of EJ. Usually he is screaming the place down in 10 minutes. He didn't care that we went from shop to shop. He didn't care that he was in the trolley (which is a huge thing for him) and he didn't care what went on around him. He couldn't hear the hollow echoey sounds. All he could hear was his music. He was a very happy boy.

Yesterday in church, we bought them along. He usually starts twitching, and ticking and hyperventilating in church. I spend more time in the "Time in" spot, trying to calm him down than in the actual service. I am pleased to say the music worked a treat. The echoey sounds of the speaker were drowned out by his tunes and he sat mostly very quietly and I only had to take him out once. He wasn't hyperventilating or twitching at all.

Normally those two outings in a weekend would have absolutely sealed his fate as a nightmare for the next three days. He would be whingy, screamy, more prone to meltdowns, not compliant. This morning he's as happy as can be.

AND added to those two outings, we took him to the drive-ins to watch Ice Age 3. We all snuggled into the back of the terrecan under quilts and watched away. It was so awesome to not having him screaming that he wanted to go home. He sat so quietly the whole time.

To most this may not seem like much, but to me, being able to take this boy out of the house and into places he can't cope with - in one weekend - it's a miracle!

So thankyou Donna for the awesome idea! I don't know what I would do without you and your help. You are an ideas woman!

Results!

Yesterday was a big day!

I had a 2 hour appointment with a psychologist, who asked all manner of questions about EJ. It was hard, especially as I had to answer some pretty personal questions about myself and talk about EJ's birth in great detail. Turns out he isn't as unscathed as we thought.

Anyway, long story short, the verdict is this: EJ has some issues with self-soothing, which could be a result of his being unable to be held much as a newborn while he received care in the NICU. EJ has anxiety as well as well as some speech issues. We have been given a referall to a psychologist to help him with his anxiety, we have a referal to a speech pathologist to help him form his words better to communicate better, to eliminate that form of frustration. We also have a referal to a Occupational Therapist, because E's anxiety seems to be sensory based.

This is a good outcome... we are on waiting lists for the help that he needs. We just need to sit tight until that comes.

One good thing though is that EJ started freaking out in the psych's room - and she watched me calm him down multiple times. She said she had nothing to suggest for me, because I am already doing it and I am doing a really good job. Awwww... that's nice to know, because sometimes I feel like I am drowning and don't have a clue on what I am doing!!!

I would like to acknowledge some really great support I've had during this time: it's been tough on me emotionally and psychologically, and it's not over yet, but we are coming to the end, so it's all good.

Mum - thankyou so much! For watching E when I need to go places he won't like. Thankyou for your input, your suggestions on what to do with him, for letting me probe you to get some idea of what on earth is wrong with this kid!! Thankyou for watching the other two when I have appointments for him. I really do appreciate you.

Donna - thankyou so much for talking to me tirelessly about this whole process. Thankyou for sharing your own experiences and holding out that hope that everything is going to be ok. Thankyou for being such a positive light in this whole thing, and for giving me a shove in the right direction when I first thought that something just wasn't right with EJ. I appreciate your support and above all your friendship. You should open a shop!

And more results... I got my two assignments back. I got two HIGH DISTINCTIONS!!!!

*Skip does a little dance*

I'm so happy with that!!

I'm looking forward to the arrival of my next course. :) Not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon.

Sucked in!

Tonight I left EJ to eat his dinner while I got the girls out of the bath. I told Mop to pull out the plug. I handed her the towel and she dashed into her bedroom, wrapped in her pink towel, eager to get her warm PJ's on.

I got Milly out, and then a really loud sucking noise from the water going down the drain resonated through the house. I heard a chair scrape, and there appeared EJ, eyes wide, face panicked.

"WHERE'S MOP??"

He peered into the bathroom, "WHERE'S MOP????"

I said she was in her bedroom - EJ looked down the hall but couldn't see her. He looked back at me, his face was so anxious and I knew exactly what he was thinking. He thought his sister had been sucked into the bath drain. I could also tell he didn't believe me.

I called Mop's name. "Yes??" she yelled back.

Relief flooded this little boy's face. "Oh, she's in her room." - then he went back to his dinner.

I chuckled to myself, as I finished drying off Milly Moo. Funny boy! I love how he thinks. I love that he cared enough about his sister to be concerned that she had been sucked down the drain.

I see it!

Today we got out of the car after picking Mop up from school. I let Milly out of the car and let her toddle off to the front door. I was busy unloading Mop from the back of the car, making sure she had her bag and whatnot. I then notice that Milly has stopped dead in her tracks and was looking up at the sky.

"Moon!" she exclaimed "I see it!"

This was the first time she had seen the moon in the sky and not a picture in one of her books or on her roof with her light mobile thing.

She was so excited and filled with such awe and she continued to stare at it, her eyes wide. "I see it!" she kept saying.

Finally she dragged her eyes away and followed me into the house, an expression of the WOW factor still on her face. "Moon! Sky! I see it!"

Olivia Rose

Something wonderful happened in our family on Thursday. My Sister in law gave birth to the most beautiful Olivia Rose.



We went to see her today, making sure we were all the model of good health so we didn't make the baby and Deb sick. I got a cuddle, and I swear I got let down tingles!! The baby is so incredibly small and sooooo beautiful!



Mop had a hold, she was itching to get her hands on her small cousin and even complained that Daddy had a longer hold than she did!



Milly just stared at her in surprise but didn't want to get too close. LOL. Milly is no longer the baby of the family! E was quite lovely but he was more interested in pressing all the buttons on Deb's bed! :O Mop is talking about when she will see Olivia next and when she can get another hold. LOL
Daz had a cuddle, and he was the one that stopped her from crying, poor blossom. She settled in for a nice comfy nap until he put her back in the crib.



I think Olivia is perfection in a hot pink jumpsuit!!

Deb did amazingly well and coped with alot before Olivia finally made her appearance, including the after-effects of a car accident while she was 35 weeks pregnant. Deb looks quite good and is coping well after her c-s. Deb is such a relaxed Mum and so she will be in the swing of things before we know it.

On second thoughts....

... I'm not having surgery.

1. Everyone I have spoken to, and has had it done, said it didn't work.

2. I have a scar tissue problem - it would work with that, because I would get a build up of scarring and it would block the drains.

3. EVERYONE I have spoken to who has had the same ENT specialist has said that he butchered them, and he has you in his office for 5 minutes and recommends the operation. Looks like he is in it for the money.

So I am going to have to learn to live with acute sinusitus. So will go see another doctor and talk to him about management, rather than surgery. I'll need to get management under control before considering another baby anyway - because I can't do anti-biotics while pregnant. :) But... that is still a big IF.



... anyway....

The process with EJ is coming along nicely. I saw a Social worker today and she has given me some good practical advice to apply to help his emotional growth. The mental health people will help me with his anxiety or whatever is the problem there... if there is one. :)

I'm feeling very positive about it and I know that he is going to be a happier little boy, and I will be a better parent because of the help I am getting. My Mum is giving me alot of support. She helps me with him as well as encouraging me and letting me talk to her about this alot. When I have to go somewhere or want to go somewhere that E won't cope with, she looks after him. He happens to be president of the Nanny Fan Club, so he's happy! She's made the kids up their very own "Night Garden". In her yard she has a bridge, and around the bridge she has put little figurines from "In the Night Garden" - the kids LOVE it! I'm so blessed to have her.

Hmm what else is going on?
Study has wrapped up so I'm waiting for results and the delivery of my next course. The next one will probably be a bit more heavy, but at least it's only one subject. :)

I've been getting back into digi-scrapping. I've just found an online printer who will print my stuff for pittance, so I am so excited that I'll finally be able to print up the kids albums. :)

Righto, I better get on. Mop will be out of school in half an hour.

Oh PS: Welcome to the world Olivia Rose. She was born today. I have another niece! I can't wait to have a snuggle. :)

Let the good times roll...

For the last two years, I've been getting frequent sinus infections after every virus or cold. I saw the specialist today and his verdict is that I need surgery. I have to pay to have someone pick my nose with his scalpel!!! :)

Turns out one of my sinuses is filled with pus. BLEUGH! So he wants to drain it. Nice.

I am quite scared. My body is weird with anasthetics and so I am just a tad worried that the general will not work. I hate the thought of drips, needles and all that. My veins are awful, they never alow needles in and the whole getting a drip in process is quite traumatic for me. This whole thing is going to hurt. I'm scared. REALLY scared.

BUT on the up side. EJ has his assesment with mental health in a few weeks. I am so pleased, it came up quick!! He has been quite difficult these last few days because of the intensely busy weekend we had. On Monday night I put him to bed, and he was twitching, and ticking and having all sorts of interesting physical jerks. Poor child. He was really tired and worked up.

I went to the health shop and I have something called "Kid Calm" and we are giving them to him to see if that helps a little.

Righto, I am going to go clean my house then forget my anxiety about this operation and just bury myself into some sewing.

This lovely little man....

.... doesn't have aspergers or autism!

I got a call from the nurse that has been overseeing EJ's case rang me to keep me up to date with what's going on. She presented his files and assesments to the Aspergers/Autism doctor lady and it was ruled out pretty quickly.

She suggested there could be another disorder, one with characteristics that are similar to aspergers. Something to do with sensory stuff. I have no idea what the name is, I have never heard of it. Apparently it's a new thing, that is still being researched and learned about. Anyway we have a referal to a occupational therapist.

Children's mental health have the referral and it's a matter of them contacting me with an appointment time.

The nurse told me she is eager to get this moving because one EJ turns four, he will be out of their hands and in the hands of the department of education - then it's up to them. Apparently their assesments and time frames are less than ideal.

So that's the update.
I'm so thankful this nurse is keeping me informed, and doing her utmost for EJ. She is so supportive and kind. She said her door is always open for me to come and have a chat if I feel like I am going bonkers. :) I feel so heard and understood. I'm incredibly grateful for her. God has blessed me with someone who is bending over backwards to help me and my precious boy.

So...

On we go.

It's been a rough old week.

The kids and I have been pretty crook. Poor Mop seemed to have it worse. She had a week off school, which she was NOT impressed about.

But we seem to be over it, this time.

I'm looking forward to this long weekend. I reckon we are overdue some sleep-ins, some leisurely days and some time with the kids in a snug warm house.

I have one more assignment due for this subject and I am done. That's really good. I can't wait to start the next subject... which I can't remember what it is! LOL Something theological.. I thought I would do all those first and get them out of the way as I learn how to do this Uni thing.

Though I am doing well so far. Essay writing is easy for me, it's just changing my language. I'm used to sermon writing... conversational. Luckily for me I have a very clever husband who proof reads and helps me change my conversation into proper essay language.

Righto, I am outta here.
xx Skipper

Change of plan....

I got a call yesterday from the nurse who has been overseeing E and his umm... interesting quirks. :) She said she has forwarded on my paperwork and it has been recommended that he get further testing for aspergers/autism.

Right.

So that will be happening soon - have to get a call from the doctor's office with an appointment.

I heart Winter

Actually I don't really... I am a summer girl. But I have decided that this year I am going to embrace the Ice Age and try and be positive. I've picked up an art that keeps me warm during winter, so I am loving that. It's not so fun in summer...
So here we have in pictures, what I love about winter.

Look whose talking!

More of Milly's words and their interpretation if needed.

"One Way, Jesus" - (her favourite song)
"Go away"
"Arlie" - (Charli our nutcase dog who adores Milly Moo)
"Ally" - (one of our cats)
"Bunny"- (a furry stuffed rabbit she drags around the house by the ear and sleeps with.)
"Gone"
"BB's" - (her favourite cafe)
"No"
"Iggle-iggle"- (iggle piggle)
"Daisy" - (Uspy Daisy)
"Un, two, ee, oorr, iiive" - (one, two, three, four, five)- she says most of them up to 9 but I can't remember how she says them.
"Baby" - (doll)
"apple"
"Bubbles"
"Ball"
"Car" (Thanks Zac for that one!)

Non verbal communication:
Claps 3 times and holds her arms up - means I want to sit on your lap while you read me this book for the 12th time today.

Turns her head away while you put food on the spoon - means "You will not feed me this. I will do it!"


Milly has really bucked against being fed now, and today I found porridge in her freshly washed hair. *sigh* Lucky she is cute. :)

She's growing up so fast. She walks around now so confidently and with such assurance. She has the most beautiful nature and is really a well behaved little girl. Though beware, behind those big blue eyes lies a will of iron and a stubborness that matches the rest of her family. ah well.... she's cute, so we will keep her.

Now to decide whether we go for number 4 or not? Labour. Feeding. No sleep. ...... but then you get a snuggly little newborn for a few months that nestles into your neck, they smell so divine, they suckle so contentedly, they stay in one place.... for a few months at least. They gurgle, gah and are just sooooo beautiful. You can carry them close to your heart and just breathe in their innocence and sweetness.

Maybe. Maybe not. Still indecisive about it.
Though I should, I breed awesome looking kids don't you think?? The world can do with more little Skippers!

Second assesment results...

E doesn't have aspergers or autism. He passed his development tests and whatnots with flying colors. It's a relief.

Bad news is that he didn't do so well in his emotional development. I have been referred to some family place who will come and give me skills in coping with him and dealing with him until he gets further help.
Second referal is to the Children's Mental Health place. The waiting list is a bit long, so unsure how long it will be till we see them.

Thank God that this nurse has taken me seriously and is getting things moving ASAP. I had a bit of a cry in her office... it's such a relief to know that it's not just me being an incompetent parent.

I'm not dead...

Hi there!

Well it's been a rip-snorter of a few weeks. I'm exhausted, that's for sure!

Let's see... what happened?

1. I have a major assignment due, worth 40% of my grade so have been stressing about that... slightly. Just enough to double my grey hairs. Yes, that's right folks, peroxide is my friend.

2. I finally decided that E's meltdowns were not normal, so I rang the Parent Helpline, and they suggested I make an appointment with the Childhood nurse for a development check. I took in my documentation of his reactions to certain things, what triggers them etc. Turns out that his meltdowns AREN'T normal and they are doing further investigating.
I have had to do some pretty detailed development paperwork, which they gave me, which is supposed to pinpoint problem areas. The nurse wants to get this moving as soon as we possibly can, so she freed up a few hours tomorrow afternoon so we can talk in depth more and then tee up seeing the doctor. The doctor specialises in autism and aspergers. I'm pretty confident... sort of... that it's not either of those two conditions. But I have to see a doctor anyway to get onto the child psychologist, to treat what I think is the problem - anxiety. So better to rule out (or not) the two big ones.
Anxiety is a hereditary condition in my family, my grandfather had it, my Mum has it, and my Uncle had some pretty queer behavioural issues growing up, but because of the time, I guess they weren't picked up, mainly just looked at as him being a brat. Poor kid.
E freaks out about similar things that my Mum freaks out about, and I have spoken to a friend whose child has this, and they sound eerily similar.
So for this week I've been a bit edgy and anxious, I just want this assesment to be over with and get to the problem and get it sorted out. And a very small part of me is scared that it could be something awful! We've been walking around on egg-shells trying to keep him from melting down for the last few weeks, and it's exhausting.

3. Mop has been a bit strange lately. I have put it down to her moving up a grade has shaken her up a bit and she has been behaving very badly. I've been having informal meetings with her teacher, hearing about what she is doing and saying. Eeeekk... not a proud moment that's for sure! So we have been putting all sorts of systems and consequences/rewards in place to try to encourage better behaviour. After 2 absolutely hideous weeks, she has finally cottoned on that we mean business and that it's in her best intersts to behave herself. She seems to have settled down now and she's back to her old self. It's been hard though on Daz and I. We hate to come down on her hard like that. I always thought we were pretty firm and strict parents..... that is nothing compared to what we had to do. I have felt wretched this whole time, and I think her last outburst I sat on her bed and bawled my eyes out.

4. Because of all this rubbish that is going on, I'm not sleeping well. I'm exhausted.

5. Because I'm not sleeping well, I'm run-down and have been sick for the last few days.

6. Milly and E have both been sick these last few days. We have had snot everywhere!! I think I better buy shares in Kleenex!

So there you have it. That's what's going on.

Anything happy happening?

Well yes. Last year you may remember my baby brother got married? Well his wife is now pregnant. It's very exciting.... though she is incredibly ill and has been in and out of hospital for a few weeks now. Morning sickness has knocked her about. She's getting drugs they give to chemo patients! Poor love. I have never seen anyone look so grey..

Ok so the baby coming is happy - not the morning sickness. :)

Love from whingy ol Skip

Mother's Day Weekend

Wow! What an incredible weekend we had! Such wonderful times with every single special member of this family.

First of all - Friday night my husband did the wining, dining and wooing brilliantly! We left the kids with my Mum for the night (which I will be eternally greatful for!) and Daz took me out for dinner to a lovely, classy little place in the Casino.
We heard the Jazz Duo?? as "atmosphere music" which I thought was just wonderful!

After dinner, we headed to the Entertainment Center for Phantom of the Opera.



We arrived in the carpark at 7:55pm - and we were surprised to see the carparks were bulging and people were rushing to the Entertainment center.... WHY the rush? The show didn't start for another half an hour. So we ambled over, and at the door were told to hurry because lockout was about to begin. EH?? Lockout????
Daz looked at the tickets, "It starts at 8!" So we RAN to our door number - which conveninetly was on the other side of the Entertainment Centre. My feet were killing me because my shoes were not meant for walking/hiking/running!



We arrived at our door for the 5 minute lockout. :(
But we were ushered in and shown to our seats during the music of the opening scene, so I have no idea what was happening during the lockout period. Eh, care less? No.
The show was amazing!
I was amazed at their set, their effects, it was just so wonderful. And Anthony Warlow DEFINATELY has a psychotic, stalking, etcentric lunatic ghost down pat! I was blown away by his performance and I clapped so hard at the end, my hands were burning and my arms were aching.


The orchestra was amazing. The whole show was soooooo fabulous. I'll be seeing that again one day, that's for sure!

After the show, we went to a cafe on O'Connell St for gelati and a drink, before heading to our hotel... only the best would do! The Hyatt. :)



We had a buffet breakfast, and did some shopping in the city. Then headed home to rescue my Mum from our kids.
They had all done very well - and Mum toddled off, leaving us with 2 very exhausted little tackers who had been played with until they were dead on their feet!!

That night we went to Daz's cousin's birthday party. It was a bush dance. The kids were tired and I was preaching in the morning, so we had to leave early before the dancing began.

Sunday morning I awoke to very cheery little children saying "Happy mother's Day!" - I had breakfast in bed, and got spoiled with lots of presents!
Here is a sample of some.








Mop made me a lovely notebook at school and a card. E made a noodle necklace - my very first one! :)

Then off we toddled to church, where I did the sermon. :) I talked about Mum's and the characteristics of Mother's that God has.

We went to Gawler for a leisurely lunch, ate lots. Then spent the afternoon finishing Mum's Mother's Day present. :)

I spent the evening with my Mum over cheesecake and coffee and she loved what I bought and made her. :)

So overall a lovely lovely weekend.
Thankyou my lovely family for such a beautiful time with you all.

Jah jah

No not this fellow...



... Milly's word for THIS fellow.




Awwww... EJ was the first sibling name she said.

Speaking of EJ - I have become concerned about the meltdowns he has and really think it's not him being naughty. I think there is more to it. I have an appointment for him to have his development tested. I will ask for a referal to a paed if we get no answers there.

Will keep you posted.