Bedtime stories

I had such a full on week last week, I felt I was barely at home.  I was out 5 nights in a row, all uni related.  Plus having to attend meetings and appointments during the day.  Toss in actual study time and it was HECTIC!

I'm trying to get as much as possible done now, so I have plenty of time for my caseload women, assignments and exam preparation.  I knew this year would be busy, but really didn't think about how 1 antenatal appointment has the potential to wipe out 4 hours on average - factoring in driving time, parking time, waiting time, appointment time etc.  Considering I have 30 antenatal appointments, 6 births and 18 postnatal visits to attend this year - that's a lot of time!  Not even taking into account I will be adding on top of that load with 2 hospital shifts per week in a few months time.

Thanks goodness I love it though, and have absolutely no reservations that this is the career I want.  It's everything plus more than I could imagine and it feels fabulous (and exhausting!) to be on my dream path!  I'm also re-motivated after getting my last essay results back - 94% HD!  Hopefully I can use the inspiration to start the next few I have due soon!

I'd had a draining day today, so spending some wind-down time putting the kids to bed was welcomed.  It's at bed-time that I get to hear all about Grace's magical days at school.  She bubbles over with excitement as she tells me all the fun and wonderful things she gets up to, and how much she absolutely loves going.  Actually, on Saturday she was a little sad and when I asked what was wrong she said she was missing school.  I'm still amazed that she has adapted and fitted in so well, she's only of the only kids to not have a day off from sickness or being too tired!  I think she'd be devastated not being able to go!!

So tonight, after stories, she told me about her favourite part of the day.  She said at rest time, all the children layed down with their pillows (they've actually all hand sewn and embroidered their own, something Grace is extremely proud of!), and Miss Pam gave each of them a "journey" crystal to hold.  They then quietly layed down and took a journey into their minds, then each child had a turn telling the class about what they'd seen.  Grace so intricately told me all about the purple bird she'd seen in "her imagination" and she was so excited that even tonight she could close her eyes and the bird was "right there!"  She's always been able to remember dreams, or describe different things she's seen - but she was so amazed that she could imagine something so clearly and be able to recall it whenever she wanted!  What a wonderful skill to enhance and develop - imagination! 

I have a little going to bed story from Xav too.  I was laying with him, answering his many questions (we are going through another one of Xav's "Why?" periods!) about "Why do we have a heart? How come it always goes and never stops? Do dogs have hearts? etc etc.  After I answered them all, he said the sweetest thing.  "Mummy, I have little boxes in my heart and the biggest one is mostly for you"  I'm not sure where he got that from, maybe he's paraphrasing me as I always tell him there is a little piece of him inside my heart always.  Xav is one of the cheekiest, wittiest and funniest kids, but it's times like this I remember how adorable and sweet he is too.