...that disobey their mothers and deliberately rat around in places they have been told to stay out of.
If it wasn't for Ryan up-ending the box of old birthday cards that I was going to throw out, I would never have found Matthew's birthday money ($80 worth, if you please!) that I had hidden. I'd been looking for that money for 18 months...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Grade One
First day of Grade One was a big success. He apparently made lots of new friends, helped the new boy find the toilets, learnt sight words, made an Australian flag (he's dictacting here, by the way..) and counted to 108.
They also drew pictures of their family. Please do note my fetching orange skirt:
The first line apparently says "My little brother is small". Ryan is not amused.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
17 hours...
before my holiday ends and I'm back at work. Dear God 4 weeks goes quickly when you are having fun. T has also been off all this time so we've actually managed to spend the time with the kids productively, rather than just bludging around the house. I can probably count on one hand the days we had at home - mostly we were out & about having fun. We kids were probably bundled in to bed in the clothes they spent the day in a few too many times but that's what holidays are all about, right? We did a day trip to Somerset, the beach (both north & south coasts), Montville & Maleny, had a round of mini golf, spent time playing games in The Parlour & learning to balance spinning plates in The Circus to name just a few.
Out to dinner with the lads.
Gadding about the city
An inpromptu stop at Kilcoy for lunch after Ryan decided car sickness was back in Vogue.
In Montville, smelling very much like vomit.
Golden Beach, Caloundra
K-9 Flyers Frisbee dogs
Monday, January 12, 2009
Appointment #1 - Opthalmologist
I had hoped that 2009 would be a year of fantastic news, instead we've been dealt a blow first up. Results of his latest eye exam are:
Left eye– 6/6 (perfect vision!)
Right eye – 6/24 (dismal)
This result from his right eye really floored me. I was keen to see how well he was going after his last appointment as he'd gone very well with his lens these last few weeks. He has worn it almost non-stop and it seemed so settled. I wasn't quite expecting 6/6 vision but I had hoped for pretty close. 6/24 is barely the third top line on the eye chart.
Dr D was also stumped and after examining him thoroughly, discovered Matthew is retaining fluid at the back of his eye. Again. This isn't the first time - almost 12 months ago he experienced the same problem after we dropped his steriod dose and he recovered quickly once the steriods were increased. The problem this time is that his dosage hasn't changed since that last increase. She has now doubled his dose of Redipred and we now cross our fingers and hope. If this intensive burst of oral steriods doesn't work, he will need steriod injections in his eye.
Meds- Drops unchanged. Naprosyn unchanged. Redipred - 2ml for one week, 1.5ml for one week, 1ml for one week.
Follow up – 3 weeks.
Left eye– 6/6 (perfect vision!)
Right eye – 6/24 (dismal)
This result from his right eye really floored me. I was keen to see how well he was going after his last appointment as he'd gone very well with his lens these last few weeks. He has worn it almost non-stop and it seemed so settled. I wasn't quite expecting 6/6 vision but I had hoped for pretty close. 6/24 is barely the third top line on the eye chart.
Dr D was also stumped and after examining him thoroughly, discovered Matthew is retaining fluid at the back of his eye. Again. This isn't the first time - almost 12 months ago he experienced the same problem after we dropped his steriod dose and he recovered quickly once the steriods were increased. The problem this time is that his dosage hasn't changed since that last increase. She has now doubled his dose of Redipred and we now cross our fingers and hope. If this intensive burst of oral steriods doesn't work, he will need steriod injections in his eye.
Meds- Drops unchanged. Naprosyn unchanged. Redipred - 2ml for one week, 1.5ml for one week, 1ml for one week.
Follow up – 3 weeks.
Friday, January 9, 2009
He rides
Teaching Matthew to ride a bike was one of the hardest, most frustrating & nerve wracking experiences of my life. There were days when that bloody bike threatened to tear the very fabric of our family to pieces and we all came home in foul moods, grumpy from the heat, frustration & skinned knees. But today we watched him ride around the path at the river and down the slope (that only yesterday afternoon had him in a panic) and discovered that it was also one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences as well. Definitely a proud parent moment.Well done, Boy. xx
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I have no imagination
Please feel free to join in, I won't bother tagging you. Just bold the things you have done.
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef. Better than that, I used to live there.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru. Not Uluru, but definitely outback.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo. Good god, NO!
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption. Does the Giant Drop at Dreamworld count??
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language. Well, part thereof, I guess.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bush walking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. Twice now. Eek.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast. - Keep meaning to, haven't got there yet...
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating. Jet skiing?
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Not singlehandly, I've helped though.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury. I keep turning JD down - I really should do it one day.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef. Better than that, I used to live there.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru. Not Uluru, but definitely outback.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo. Good god, NO!
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption. Does the Giant Drop at Dreamworld count??
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language. Well, part thereof, I guess.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bush walking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. Twice now. Eek.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast. - Keep meaning to, haven't got there yet...
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating. Jet skiing?
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Not singlehandly, I've helped though.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury. I keep turning JD down - I really should do it one day.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas dinner
The very lovely Jodie has suggested I come out of lurkerdom and share my Christmas Dinner plans with you all. Since I really have nothing better to write about, I accept the challenge. Prepare to be green wiv jellisy. No, really.
Christmas day this year will see us rise at dawn's first light to rip apart Santa's loot. We'll then partake of some ham, eggs & strong coffee before attempting to dress the children and cram them in the car to the IL's house.
There we shall eat exotic nibblies such as rum balls, malt balls, chips, nuts, various dips and lollies until lunch is served. Lunch is generally roast pork, turkey, ham, standard roast vege & salads, with trifle, pavolova & mocha tiramisu (made by moi) for dessert. We are skipping the pudding this year. Rebels.
T has just returned home now with a carton of Crown & some pink sparkly things for me, so that's a good sign. I'm off to partake of one. Merry Christmas to you all. I hope Santa is kind.
Christmas day this year will see us rise at dawn's first light to rip apart Santa's loot. We'll then partake of some ham, eggs & strong coffee before attempting to dress the children and cram them in the car to the IL's house.
There we shall eat exotic nibblies such as rum balls, malt balls, chips, nuts, various dips and lollies until lunch is served. Lunch is generally roast pork, turkey, ham, standard roast vege & salads, with trifle, pavolova & mocha tiramisu (made by moi) for dessert. We are skipping the pudding this year. Rebels.
T has just returned home now with a carton of Crown & some pink sparkly things for me, so that's a good sign. I'm off to partake of one. Merry Christmas to you all. I hope Santa is kind.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Rheumatologist appointment
Wow - 6 months goes so fast.
Matthew's appointment went very well, which we expected. It's been a long time since Matthew has complained of any pain or stiffness and we've not noticed any swelling or warmth from his joints. Dr J can't find any sign of joint inflammation either and Matthew still has good range of movement from all his joints.
His ankles are rolling in quite significantly though, which Dr J doesn't believe to be a major issue. When I questioned it, he did say I could see a podiatrist if I wanted and they would no doubt prescribe some orthotics for him but am reluctant to do so at this point. He is already very aware that he has limitations and resents the addition of the contact lens to his life - I'm not sure I can bring myself to saddle him with another reason to feel different.
Next follow-up - June 2009.
Matthew's appointment went very well, which we expected. It's been a long time since Matthew has complained of any pain or stiffness and we've not noticed any swelling or warmth from his joints. Dr J can't find any sign of joint inflammation either and Matthew still has good range of movement from all his joints.
His ankles are rolling in quite significantly though, which Dr J doesn't believe to be a major issue. When I questioned it, he did say I could see a podiatrist if I wanted and they would no doubt prescribe some orthotics for him but am reluctant to do so at this point. He is already very aware that he has limitations and resents the addition of the contact lens to his life - I'm not sure I can bring myself to saddle him with another reason to feel different.
Next follow-up - June 2009.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
At least it wasn't me this time.
3.36am - Matthew comes screaming in to our bedroom and dives on top of me. He is almost hysterical and rigid with fear.
Matt: There's something in the kitchen!
Me: Shhhh baby, it's okay...
Matt: *high pitched scream* It's in here now! It's touching my back!
Me: No buddy, that's Dads hand.
Matt: Arrggghhhhhhhhhhhh!
Sigh...Looks like T's getting a mattress on the floor next to him now too.
Matt: There's something in the kitchen!
Me: Shhhh baby, it's okay...
Matt: *high pitched scream* It's in here now! It's touching my back!
Me: No buddy, that's Dads hand.
Matt: Arrggghhhhhhhhhhhh!
Sigh...Looks like T's getting a mattress on the floor next to him now too.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Stoopid parenting decisions.
Some months ago, in an attempt to gain another 1.5 hours sleep a night, I made a decision I’m now living to regret. After the boys had gone to bed for the night, I took our small and rather innocuous looking oil heater into their room and set it on low, assuming that Ryan was waking at the crack of dawn because he was cold. When I woke naturally at 6am, I immediately hailed my cunning plan a success. No small children in my bed! Huzzah! I went to check on them, only to find my little Ry huddled in the furthest corner of his bed, shaking with fear. He was terrified of the clicking noise the heater was making as it cooled down & warmed up again. I have no idea how long he’d been in that state but I hope with all my heart it wasn’t long.
Because I am extremely daft & refuse to learn from my errors, I repeated the whole fiasco the following night. Mistake number 2.
I appear to have ruined the child for life. He is convinced that the heater crept in of its own accord in the middle of night and switched itself on. I’ve tried to tell him that I moved it in there but he is adamant that I didn’t. According to him, the heater sleeps in the lounge room during the day and at night, if it hears a noise, it wakes up. Its lights come on and it wheels itself around the house. I can see why he’s petrified – I’m beginning to feel a little freaked out myself.
Anyway, the months have gone on – he’s still not sleeping in his room & the mattress on the floor next to my bed is starting to look like a permanent fixture. The heater was happily living in the lounge room and nobody was paying it any attention at all. Life was rosy (well, rosy-ish) yet suddenly Ryan has started noticing it again & the paranoia set in. This is where I make mistake number 3.
I told him I’d take the bloody thing up to the shed and that’d fix it once and for all. Except I got lazy. It was raining and I didn’t feel like padding up the boggy yard with it so I crammed in the back of my wardrobe. The kids rarely go in there so I thought I’d get away with it, at least temporarily. Little did I know the kids had earmarked that very spot for a new cubby house…
So now he thinks it’s crept down from the shed and is hiding in my cupboard. I should just start directing my weekly wage straight to his therapist, shouldn’t I?
Because I am extremely daft & refuse to learn from my errors, I repeated the whole fiasco the following night. Mistake number 2.
I appear to have ruined the child for life. He is convinced that the heater crept in of its own accord in the middle of night and switched itself on. I’ve tried to tell him that I moved it in there but he is adamant that I didn’t. According to him, the heater sleeps in the lounge room during the day and at night, if it hears a noise, it wakes up. Its lights come on and it wheels itself around the house. I can see why he’s petrified – I’m beginning to feel a little freaked out myself.
Anyway, the months have gone on – he’s still not sleeping in his room & the mattress on the floor next to my bed is starting to look like a permanent fixture. The heater was happily living in the lounge room and nobody was paying it any attention at all. Life was rosy (well, rosy-ish) yet suddenly Ryan has started noticing it again & the paranoia set in. This is where I make mistake number 3.
I told him I’d take the bloody thing up to the shed and that’d fix it once and for all. Except I got lazy. It was raining and I didn’t feel like padding up the boggy yard with it so I crammed in the back of my wardrobe. The kids rarely go in there so I thought I’d get away with it, at least temporarily. Little did I know the kids had earmarked that very spot for a new cubby house…
So now he thinks it’s crept down from the shed and is hiding in my cupboard. I should just start directing my weekly wage straight to his therapist, shouldn’t I?
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