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.
Sep 20, 2009
Sep 8, 2009
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??
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??
Sep 1, 2009
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.
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.
Aug 26, 2009
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...
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...
Aug 18, 2009
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!
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!
Aug 14, 2009
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!
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!
Jul 28, 2009
... 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!
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!
Jul 27, 2009
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...
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...
Jul 25, 2009
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?
Seriously.
We need to put that shed up.
Anyone got a spare 48 hours they could lend us?
Jul 24, 2009
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!!
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!
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!
Jul 12, 2009
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!
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!
Jul 6, 2009
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.
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.
Jul 3, 2009
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 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.
Jul 1, 2009
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!"
"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!"
Jun 27, 2009
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.
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.
Jun 24, 2009
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. :)
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. :)
Jun 16, 2009
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.
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.
Jun 11, 2009
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.
Jun 3, 2009
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
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
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