The whole family has been laid low by illness. Both my husband and I have taken time off sick from work, and us and the kids haven't really done much of anything. The illness started with vomiting and diarrhoea, progressed to blinding headaches and extreme fatigue, and is now at the stage of The Worst Cold Ever - Nasty cough, I sound like Donald Duck when I talk, and I'm pretty sure with the congestion I have a nose like a prize fighter. My husband has gone into work today, the kids are whiny, I'm not much better, and the house is a total mess. The kids have been sick since last Sunday (grown-ups since Tuesday), and frankly, I'm over it. I'd just like us all to be well, and I'd like a good dose of get-up-and-go.
In the midst of this, though, there is still much to be cheerful about. There's been lots of time for snuggling. The snowdrops are out in the garden. I've realised anew what comfort a clean bed, well-aired room, a bath, and freshly laundered pyjamas can bring. I've realised what a kind boy Gareth is, as he brings his sister grapes to cheer her up when she's teary, or tries to give her a kiss, or brings a blanket each for his daddy and I when asked. Molly might not be as boisterous as Gareth, but she has a big sense of fun, and right now, one of her favourite things is to say 'Bare Scuddy!' and giggle herself silly. The almost enforced rest (honestly, I've needed a lie down after putting on a load of laundry), has been a chance to slow down, and really see how much they're learning every day, and how much they love each other.
There is so much to be grateful for. The 1st of February marked one year in our house - Yay for space, and for the grown ups having a room to themselves. :) We are warm, and have plenty to eat. I have books, and more importantly the ability to read them (ever stopped to think what a blessing that is?). A husband who works hard for us all, and who tells me I'm cute, even when I'm snuffling, my nose is running, and I'm up to my eyes in cold medicine. Family who call to check how we are, and ask if we need anything. Friends, both in real life, and online, who can offer sympathy or the healing power of a good laugh. And best of all, a daddy-God who loves us.
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Learn, Laugh, Love.
It's been a fair old week here at the family HQ. My husband got some new glasses (badly needed), we needed some work done on the car (there, there, wallet), although thankfully the work on the car wasn't as much as I feared. I was laid low on Tuesday by some sort of stomach bug which had me vomiting and generally feeling like a wrung-out rag. Wednesday I did a split shift at work, 9-12, then 5-9pm. It makes for a long day, but it was the option for working around my husband's working hours and making sure my brother, who very kindly agreed to watch them in the afternoon/ evening, didn't have the kids for too long. Thursday was a normal working day, it's also luckily one of my husband's days off. Friday was my birthday.
We still haven't heard anything about a nursery place for the twins, and I'm really hoping we get a clearer picture of whats going on this week. It's been almost 2 months since we spoke to the Health Visitor and she said she would put in the referral. I keep trying to phone the office, but I can never get an answer, and with young kids, finding a time to call when I might actually stand a chance of hearing the other person can be tricky.
Gareth is Mr Kind and Helpful. He puts his dishes in the sink after he's finished eating, asks for things he knows his sister likes (grapes mostly) in order to give them too her, and he's started taking her by the hand and trying to lead her around. There are moments when he tries to wrestle and do rough play with her, and she simply isn't having it, then her indignant squeals could shatter glass. Mostly though, they get on very well, even though they have very different personalities. I love hearing them giggling together, and yesterday I heard Molly tell Gareth 'You are funny!'
Molly. Clever girl, and loves to show it. Counting, recognising written numbers, and being able to say what each one is, even when they're in random order. Colours, shapes, and some letters. She's singing more too, which makes me smile, she sings as she plays.
For all the mess, the whining because there's no peanut butter (or peeba baba, as Gareth calls it), the protests because it's the wrong cup, or bowl. The fights when Molly is playing with a toy which Gareth has been ignoring, and he suddenly decides he NEEDS it NOW. In spite of all that, they set a very good example. Laugh more, play more, give each other little things to brighten the day. Never stop learning, help each other out, but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Learn, laugh, and love. Kids are pretty smart, aren't they?
We still haven't heard anything about a nursery place for the twins, and I'm really hoping we get a clearer picture of whats going on this week. It's been almost 2 months since we spoke to the Health Visitor and she said she would put in the referral. I keep trying to phone the office, but I can never get an answer, and with young kids, finding a time to call when I might actually stand a chance of hearing the other person can be tricky.
Gareth is Mr Kind and Helpful. He puts his dishes in the sink after he's finished eating, asks for things he knows his sister likes (grapes mostly) in order to give them too her, and he's started taking her by the hand and trying to lead her around. There are moments when he tries to wrestle and do rough play with her, and she simply isn't having it, then her indignant squeals could shatter glass. Mostly though, they get on very well, even though they have very different personalities. I love hearing them giggling together, and yesterday I heard Molly tell Gareth 'You are funny!'
Molly. Clever girl, and loves to show it. Counting, recognising written numbers, and being able to say what each one is, even when they're in random order. Colours, shapes, and some letters. She's singing more too, which makes me smile, she sings as she plays.
For all the mess, the whining because there's no peanut butter (or peeba baba, as Gareth calls it), the protests because it's the wrong cup, or bowl. The fights when Molly is playing with a toy which Gareth has been ignoring, and he suddenly decides he NEEDS it NOW. In spite of all that, they set a very good example. Laugh more, play more, give each other little things to brighten the day. Never stop learning, help each other out, but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Learn, laugh, and love. Kids are pretty smart, aren't they?
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