Getting it right

In the past week or two we have moved Lilli out of her cot and into a big bed. Our two year-old has made the cot that has served five daughters redundant. Despite finding her sleeping UNDER the bed one night, and finding her sleeping in the closet another night, Lilli seems to have made the transition to the big bed quite well.

The change has required some bedroom reorganisation. Chanel finally has her own room and is really appreciating her own personal space. Abbie and Ella share in the bunk beds. Lilli and Annie are sharing their room. It seems to working quite well.

Monday I had an appointment with the doctor. I was experiencing my 8^th consecutive day of the same headache. I had blood tests and scans but nothing was found to be wrong. My boss suggested that I take a few days off and rest. I embraced the idea – except for the ‘rest’ part. I organised for a massage (painful and no fun, but necessary), and then spent a couple of days marking exams, marking papers, and catching up on work around the house. Plus I spent a little time on Happy Families things as well.

Wednesday was ANZAC day. Kylie went to the dawn service while I “watched” the kids. They’re pretty easy to watch at 4.30am. Fortunately my snoring didn’t wake them up. We enjoyed a morning in the park with friends, ate lunch together, and then I took some time out to visit Nan and Pop Bunt in Auburn. We had a fun time. I took on Nan in a crossword challenge. Despite the fact that I was holding the paper – and the clues, letters, and pen – Nan was exceptional. She knew words I’d never heard of, and answered the crossword clues before I could even get all the information out. Then I showed her how to play Sudoku. That was great fun, and Nan seemed energised by the challenge. I visited the temple after my visit to Nan, making the day feel entirely worthwhile and fulfilling. We packed a lot of good quality activities into a short time.

I also received some feedback on my book from Wally Goddard. The man has been someone I look up to for over a decade now. After reading the book he wrote the following as a recommendation: “This wise, insightful, and engaging book is one of the best parenting books I have ever read! I recommend it to you wholeheartedly.” All of these remarkable people writing such kind things about my work is humbling. I find myself wondering if they really read it! I hope the mums and dads who read it feel the same way.

I feel as though we are starting to work out the best way to make weekends work. Saturday was a dream. Kylie and I rode 45kms while the children woke up and organised themselves. I took Annie to the park for two hours and began her bike riding lessons. She did well for a 4 year-old who hasn’t ridden before. I took the training wheels off and ran alongside her. My back ached by the end (from running so far while bending over and supporting her) but she made some exciting progress. We took the family, and Benson, to the beach for a swim at lunch. The water is still delightful despite being a month away from winter. Then Kylie went to Campbelltown for a church activity and I watched the new Tin Tin movie with the kids. We loved it. Non-stop action, funny, and very well made. Kylie arrived home late to find a vase full of lilies, some ginger kisses, and the new Mission Impossible movie set up and ready to go. Great movie. Late night. Paying for it today.

Sunday was quiet. Church was uneventful. I delegated my teaching to an assistant and simply enjoyed being there today. Tonight Kylie and Chanel are back in Campbelltown for a youth activity, the children are well fed, and life is peaceful... until it all starts again in the morning.