Craft & babies

Today was Xav and my first day together in our new routine!  We dropped Grace at school and then headed up with some of the other Mum's to the parent craft group.  It was a stinking hot day, so instead of sewing and working on the beautiful deck, we all headed inside into the playgroup room to enjoy the glorious air-con!  Xav was a bit reluctant to leave me to start with, but after a few minutes he buddied up with one of Grace's friends younger brothers and they had a great time.  I got to sit, chat and sew in peace, whilst Xav and Bryn played with all the wonderful playgroup toys.  They set up trains, read books, played with the kitchen and zoomed all the cars around.  It was so lovely to see Xav happily mingling with someone his own age, especially since lately he thinks all 3 Y/o's are "babies". 

I love catching up with all the other Mum's, whilst getting making things for the upcoming craft fair.  Today we made 3D felt trees, which are so easy and yet look so great - I just have to get one done for home now!

Xav was very enchanted by little baby "Skyla", and asked me on the way home if we could have a baby too.  I said maybe, but he'd probably have to ask his Daddy.  He's set on it though, and asked another 5 times - even after lunch once we were home.  It was so sweet to hear my little boy ask "Can we have a baby Mum?  It would be nice to have a baby in the house"  Of course, being the curious little boy that he is, also asked how babies get inside the tummy.  A simple response about eggs and Mummies and Daddies making a decision to have a baby, was enough to keep him happy.  He did also say that he wants to see the baby being born and he reminded me that I will have to take my clothes off when that happens!!  He has always loved babies, but I was still quite surprised with how insistent he's been about us having another one! 

I'm hoping he doesn't forget to ask Duane when he gets home, I can't wait to hear his answer!  I'm thinking that as Grace, Xav and I are all keen - majority should rule!

One other promising thing that happened today, is I got to have a chat to one of the Independent Midwives and she's going to see if she can line up some home births for me to attend as a student!!!  I'd love to get experience outside of the hospital setting and in a more continued care environment - so I'm very excited!!

Anyway, I'm slowly melting - it's ridiculously hot and humid here today.  So I'm just waiting to pick Grace up and then we are heading over to her school friends house that has a pool (tip: pick the friends that have pools!!) for a swim. 

Adjusting

The last few weeks have been big in the Penney Household.  The biggest change has been Grace starting Prep and me starting back at Uni, in a much more intense and time consuming course than last year.  We've also had Mum staying with us, which has been great, but she's gone back to Tas now - and everything changes again.

Grace has handled everything brilliantly, settling into Prep with way more enthusiasm and contentment than I could imagine or hope.  She's had 2 full-time weeks so far, and not once complained or even jokingly said she doesn't want to go.  I'm so relieved and amazed that she has done so well, it sure makes the transition 100 times easier.

~~Morning circle time at Prep~~

I've settled back into Uni ok.  I've been up at Logan Uni for the last 2 weeks, with only 1 more week of intensive lectures to go.  Then it's all online from home and also attending 6 women through their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period over the next 6 months.  I've already got 1 confirmed follow through, who is due in 3 weeks - meaning I've already attended an antenatal appointment and have to make sure I can get another 2 in before the birth!  It's very exciting though, knowing that in roughly 3 weeks I'll hopefully be getting a late night call to head into hospital and might even have the privilege of catching my very first baby!  They apparently like to throw us in the deep end - sorts out the dedicated ones from those just doing it cause they "love babies"  Attending appointments also means I have the pleasure of experiencing the wonderful wait times of the hospital, nothing like running consistently 2 hours late for a 10 minute appointment to get you frustrated! 

It did work quite well this week though, as Mum dropped me off and then headed to the Rockpools with Xav.  It was so quiet down there, so Xav got most of the place to himself.  Apparently he wasn't interested in playing with anyone else though, too enthralled in floating leaves and flowers down the sloping side.  Mum did have a little embarrassing moment with him though,  He got a splinter in his finger, but wouldn't let her near it to get it out.  He was getting tired and asking for light touches (lucky she was pre-warned about his fetish!), so she cradled him in her arms as he started to fall asleep.  A few moments passed, then he sat bolt upright and yelled "I don't want to drink milk from your booby"  Mum was mortified, as there were people around and probably wondering who the freaky Grandmother was trying to breastfeed her 3 y/o grandson - I'm fine with wet nursing, but that might be taking it all a little too far!  Hence the reason why in this photo, he was sleeping a little lower than breast height!

~~Xav having a snooze at the Rockpools with Nan~~

But, the person having the hardest time adjusting to our new routines is Xavier.  He is really missing Grace and is craving time with her.  Of a morning he's glued to her side wanting to play, and the same again come pick-up time.  They've slept together for the last 3 weeks whilst Mum was here, and supposed to have gone back into their own beds yesterday.  However, tonight I over heard Xav creep into Grace and ask if he could sleep with her, as "Mummy has Daddy to cuddle of a night, and I really like cuddling you Grace"  Being the wonderful and kind big sister that she is, she made room and welcomed him in. 

I'm really feeling sorry for Xav though, even though I know he'll adjust and be fine.  After last year being so excited about going to pre-school and barely acknowledging me as I left, to now feeling like the new kid and reluctantly letting me leave.  He has a few kids he knows, but most of his friends have started Prep this year.  He gets on so well with the older kids, and although being only 3, has always been so accepted by Grace's friends.  He keeps complaining that the 3 y/os at Pre-school are "babies" and even now spends his time trying to mix with the older kids.  I'm always told by his teachers that he is so easy to have around and always has a fun day, but he just doesn't seem to be his confidant self.  He's not unhappy, probably just re-working his place in the pack.  I think Grace & all the girls where his security blankets and now he's learning to cope without that.

Dancing is something else that's making me sad for my little boy.  All the girls (Grace, Leah and Cass) have been moved up to the next room - leaving Xav behind once again.  Last week was their first time back, and he was adamant that he's not going dancing by himself.  He really wants to participate though, and said he would if Malia or Logan came too - so now just to convince them!  He loved dancing last year and is desperate to do another concert, so I'm hoping that even if they don't come, he'll get the courage to go on his own.

I'm banking on not next week but the week after, things will start to work themselves out.  I've got uni all next week in Logan, meaning I'm away from 7.30am - 6pm every day except Wednesday.  The week after I'm home though, so Xav and I'll have lots of time together, working out a routine for us.  Last week, I was mourning Grace not being here and reluctant to plan anything as I didn't want her to miss out.  But, I've come to the realisation that this is just how life is right now, and Xav and I can have a different kind of fun together without Grace.  It's not that I don't want to do all the fun things with Xav, It's just been so long that I've had a twosome to take everywhere and it feels kinda weird and wrong with 1 missing.

First week of Prep

First week of Prep a HUGE success!!

There were tears on the first - lots from me and a few from Grace, but the rest of the week went smoothly and even better than I expected.  It was only in the last few weeks of pre-school that Grace was happy to wave goodbye without the clinging and pleading for me to stay longer, so I am amazed and proud that this week at Prep has gone so well.

We had quite the fan club attend Grace's first day (Grandma, Nanny, Duane, Me and Xav), so that in itself was enough to make the situation overwhelming.  Grace was keen to go though, getting ready nice and early and excited to meet up with her friends.  We got to the school at 8.30am, and mixed in with the other parents and children who were showing varying degrees of nervousness and excitement.  Grace was sticking close to Duane, but was happy to tag along finding her bag-cubby and unpack her lunch box and drink bottle. 

It wasn't long till Miss Pam rung the bell and the kids were all told to change from there outside shoes into their inside slippers and come inside for Morning Circle.  Once in the room, they all had to find their symbol which was in front of a cushion all layed out in a big circle in the middle of the room.  Then it was a welcome talk and straight into the morning song that gets sung every day.  Then there is a goodbye song, and the parents get kissed, cuddled and waved goodbye!  I was still wearing sunglasses at this stage, which were perfect to hide the tears that were slowly sliding down my face.  I felt bad later though, as I really wanted to have a little chat to Grace before I left, but didn't want her to see me so upset.  She was a little clingy and some tears were springing, but she was happy to sit back down and watch the story that Miss Pam had conveniently started to tell.

It was just so overwhelming and emotional, sending my little baby girl off to school and knowing that she'd be there for five whole days for about 13 years.  Unbelievable.

The rest of the week went wonderfully.  There were no more tears, just eagerness and excitement to get to school, including lots of nagging from about 7am about when we can get going! 

It's been a bit hard getting out of her what she has been doing but she's slowly revealing the mystery that is the school day.  I know they do Yoga everyday, and she's been showing us all the poses she is learning.  They also have a dry creek bed that they fill up with water 2 days a week for the kids to play in - how cool is that!.  We have been reminded to pack a rash vest and swimmers on those days so that lots of cool water fun can be had!  They are also learning Italian, and have been reading "Pinocchio" in the language.  She's talked about drawing, playing in Home corner, reading, hearing lots of stories, playing outside, singing, dancing and generally having a fantastic time.  The kids are also given the opportunity for a rest after lunch, which Grace did on the first 2 days.  I was prepared for her to be exhausted after the first few days, but having the rest meant she was fine and wide awake till 8pm!!!  She didn't sleep the last 3 days though, and although she is a lot more tired, she's not as feral as I expected. 

Seeing her in her little uniform is beyond adorable.  Although she is one of the youngest in her class (the children have to have turned 5 before starting), she is one of the tallest and definitely didn't have the problem of an over-sized uniform!  Each day is a different colour, which works wonderfully as I only have to wash the uniform once a week! 

~~Monday is Purple day~~

~~Tuesday is Red day~~

~~Wednesday is Yellow Day~~
(We took Grace's friend Sairayah to school today as her Mum had an early appointment)

~~Thursday is Orange day~~

~~Friday is Green day~~

Morning tea is provided and the kids are all involved in the preparation, which is fantastic as it means I only have to send lunch - bonus! Monday they made rice with beans,seaweed and soy sauce (big hit with Grace!), Tuesday was fresh fruit with Jalna natural yoghurt, Wednesday they made fresh bread, Thursday was carrot cake and Friday was apple crumble.  I'm salivating over it all!!

She is eating like a horse though, and after the first day requested that I put more food in please!  Seems a sandwich, snack cup of yoghurt, capsicum, cucumber and cheese is not enough lunch for my growing girl!  She's been loving everything I've packed though, so I've kept it the same and just added some watermelon and banana bread.  The lunch tins still coming home empty, but she says it's enough now.

Morning aren't even as bad as I thought they'd be.  Both kids are getting up about 6.30am, having breakfast then getting an hour or so of play time together - something Xav is really missing.  It's a big change for those 2 to not be together every day, and he is struggling a bit with it.  The first day he was quite happy, but the next few he kept saying how much he missed Grace and asking constantly if it was time to pick her up yet.  It's also made him reluctant to go to pre-school as he wants her to come with him.  He's been fine once he's there and having lots of fun, but just says in the morning "I am NOT going to school today"  He is also getting very upset when he can't see Grace if we are out.  This afternoon we were at the rock pools after school, and he got really distressed when Grace walked over to the playground and he couldn't see her.  It's sweet, but I do feel really sorry for him, however I'm determined to have lots of beautiful Mummy-son time on the days we have together.  I'm sure he'll be fine, it's just a big adjustment after having her by his side for the last 3 years.

I've worked out the time we have to leave home perfectly, 8.30am!  It's a 7min drive door-door meaning we arrive in perfect time to pack things away and go into the class room at 8.45am - I love living so close and not having any traffic!!  Pick up is similar, we leave here at about 2.35pm, ready for Miss Pam to bring out the children at 3.50pm.  There's also the option of driving straight up to the pick-up zones between 3.00pm and 3.10pm, where Miss Pam will open the door and buckle the child in and you can keep going!  This also can be done for morning drop-off - perfect for all the Mum's with new little babies, especially in this horrid heat we have had lately.

I'm just so proud of how wonderful Grace has taken to being at school.  I was unsure how she'd go as she's quite a sensitive and emotional little girl, who loves to be with Duane and I.  She's confidant though, and is adapting to the new environment and situation with absolute ease.  I'm hoping next week goes just as smoothly.

Student Midwife

I can't believe that I haven't blogged about this already, but I am now officially a Student Midwife!!!

My transfer approval came through the day before the flood disaster in Brisbane, so whilst I was over the moon about getting an offer, it didn't feel right getting so excited when such a tragedy was unfolding only an hour from here.

I was excited though, and thrilled that all my hard work last year finally paid off! I'll admit though, that I have had a few moments of thinking it all might be too hard and just sticking to nursing.  But, after talking to those that have done the nursing and then Midwifery, I'm once again convinced about sticking to what I really want.

I am now finished with all the boring nursing subjects and able to really get stuck into the exciting and challenging midwifery courses.  I also get to follow the journey of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period with 30 women over the degree, 6 I have to do in the first year!  I'm nervous and excited how I'm going to fit it all in: prep drop-off, pre-school drop off, Uni, Wife, Mum, hospital shifts and being on call for births - some super organisation skills are going to have to be implemented!

There was also a little surprise on my Academic transcript when I last checked it (it seems obsessively looking at it keeps me motivated!)  An Academic Award for Excellence, it is given to everyone with a GPA over 6.00 - which equates to being in the top 5%!  So, something that I am very proud of.  Let's see if I can keep the momentum up now that the pressure of getting a good enough grade to transfer is no longer looming.

Prep Eve

It's the night before Grace's big debut at Prep, and the whole house is excited!  Grace, even though she was totally exhausted from celebrating all day, was too excited to go to sleep.  As I was laying beside her at bedtime, she confided that her tummy feels "just like it did on the night of her dance concert".  It took her forever to drift off, finally succumbing to sleep at 8pm.  She is going to be exhausted tomorrow!

Everything is ready to go.  The iron and board were dusted off and I reacquainted myself with the art of ironing, so all her tops are nicely pressed.  Tomorrow is purple day, so her purple top and navy skirt are hanging ready for the morning.  I went nuts with the sharpie pen and everything is labelled and packed into her new purple bag, including her cute slippers for inside time.  I've got the stainless steel lunch tin and drink bottle chilling in the fridge, ready to be filled in the morning with the menu she has selected.  She had a big long soak in the bath tonight and her hair was scrubbed and conditioned after not having been washed for a month very long time. 

Now all that is left, is for me to ponder how in the blinking way MY little baby girl is ready to head off to Prep tomorrow.  It's seems like only last week I was worrying about teeny-tiny clothes and muslin wraps, and now it's all about school uniforms and bags.  They told me it'd go quick, but it's gone faster than I ever could imagine.

14th January

Most morning, I wake to this beautiful site. My 2 gorgeous kiddies, tucked up in bed right beside me.  The times they come in overnight are random, and lately Xav has been wanting to stay in his bed all night, but then he always comes in for a morning cuddle.  I adore it!  Nothing better than cuddling up to my dearest children, then having chats and giggles once the sun comes up.

Today was an extra special Mummy & Daughter day.  I'd booked tickets for Grace and I to go see the summer youth production at the Arts centre.  The play was Beauty and the Beast, and having never watched or known anything about it, we were both very excited! 

It was also the perfect opportunity for Grace to get all dressed up in the special outfit the Pengs had bought her for her birthday.  Complete with sparkly-diamond shoes, flashy headpiece and jewel bracelet - she looked absolutely gorgeous!  

We went early and enjoyed a babycino (for Grace) and Chai Latte (for me) beforehand.  We chatted about her starting school soon, and she revealed that although she was so very excited, she was a little nervous too.  



~~Grace 5yrs~~

The play was fantastic and we both loved it!  Some bits I had to explain to Grace as a lot was conveyed through singing, but mostly she got it.  She especially loved that there were lots of French words spoken, she has a little love affair with the French language partly because of the Truets and also from her most loved Fancy Nancy books.  So lots of "Oh laa laa's"  and "Voila's"  kept her enthralled and smiling.  She was also mesmerised by the beautiful Bella and all her wonderful Princess dresses, and especially by the turning of the beast into a Prince.  The kissing scene turned her into a giggling mess, hands clasped over face and little eyes peeking through.

I was very impressed with how professional the production was and will definitely be keeping an eye out for any others.

13th January

Xav found a stash of foil wrapped chocolate soccer balls that we must have had for his party last year.  He, of course, wanted one right away.  This is him sulking off after I'd told him no, he wasn't having a chocolate at 9am in the morning.  Although he was being whiny, I find this picture utterly adorable.

Finally some clear weather, which is not just a relief for us but for those affected by the big floods.  The kids spent the afternoon having running races on the freshly mowed lawn (BTW, Duane won the "mowing championship!)

Then tonight was a candle-lit dinner for 2.  The kids love eating by the soft glow of the candle light, so every night we do it.  The highlight is blowing it out, which can only be done once dinner is finished - makes eating the meal generally fuss free too!

Such sweet sibling love xx