Slowly but surely...

Trevor stayed home with Lily today.

It was off to the doctors this morning to make sure she was doing okay in the circumstances. As expected, Lily has a very bad case of gastroenteritis, which is what we thought.

Apparently we are doing something right - we are to continue doing what we are doing by giving her lots of water, gastrolite ice-blocks and muesli made up with water or anything dry and bland. We were told to keep her well away from diary until the diarrhea has passed. If it hasn't passed by Thursday we are to go back for more testing.

They weighed her at the doctors and she was just under 10kgs give or take. At her 12 month needles she was 10.2kgs and since then she hasn’t been weighed. As a guestimate, I would say she has lost at least 500grams to maybe 750 grams which is a lot for a little person. The entire gorgeous chub that hugged her thighs and gave her a jolly belly is gone…all gone! It’s reassuring that she had a nice layer of chub covering her because I dread to think what would have been left on her if she didn’t.

Trevor said she seemed somewhat happier today although still whingy. The diarrhea is slowing down which is a great sign.

I get to have another work from home day tomorrow – yippee! Love that my job is so flexible. It just means I need to do a few hours work tonight to make sure I get all my work done. That’s ok…happy if it means I get extra cuddles tomorrow.

Here is a pic taken of my sweet pumpkin on Saturday…right in the grip of the dreaded sickness – she still looks as gorgeous as ever *sigh*.

(excuse the drity face - she was rubbing the dirt all over her face whilst having 'fresh air' time)

Arrrgghhh!!!!

Lily is miserable.

Down right miserable and apart from endless cuddles there really isn’t anything I can do.

She still has gastro. Not vomiting now but terrible diarrhea. To make it worse, I had the dreaded gastro yesterday. Granted, no where near as bad as my little Lily but terrible all the same (number 3 will be on hold for a while – there is no way I am going back for that hyperemesis any time soon!).

I have never seen Lily so unhappy and dejected with life. In fact, I never saw Byron like Lily is now so I'm hard pressed to know what exactly I should do. We are off to the doctors first thing tomorrow. We thought about taking her to hospital today but she is drinking water, loving those gastrolite iceblocks (which is fantastic) and eating muesli made up with water, so she is getting some nourishment. I really hope she picks up soon as it’s heartbreaking to see her big sad eyes staring up at me - I want to see some smiles.

Arrrgghhh…I hope Byron doesn’t get it!!!

Finance Approval – the house is on the move!!!

I have been a little slack in reporting the progress of the house...things were happening I just didn't think to report it *blush* - sorry about that!

Better late then never...

Finance was a little slow in final approval not because of us meeting the loan or servicing requirements because we did that fine. I just took issue with the valuation of the land. It seems the valuer would only value the land for what we paid for it when clearly it was worth approx $25,000 more then what we paid for it 6 months ago. Hence I wanted them to go back and do it again. Fat good that did! I even provided history of sale for the block opposite which was much smaller and sold for $24,000.00 more then what we purchased ours for 6 months prior, but that apparently wasn’t enough and they wouldn't budge on the valuation *cough cough*- damn pride issue me thinks.

I was really cranky over the whole valuation issue because it means we have to contribute some extra money ourselves - long story but apparently someone stuffed up and lent us a little too much for the land so there was a slight shortfall with the Loan to Valuation Ratio which they had to grab back from the construction loan. If they had of valued the land a little bit higher (which they should have) there would not have been any problems. Seriously, when the house is finished it will be worth a lot more; it's just those damn valuers only ‘like’ to value at cost price - of course they don't refund mortgage insurance! Anyway, what is done is done...it’s all approved which is a load of my mind.

Whilst the valuation debacle was taking place the house plans were approved and certified by council which happened much quicker then what I thought it would. It's nice to know there are some things that don’t move at a snails pace when building a house.

So, what next?

Well (fingers crossed) they have 20 days from today in which to start building (assuming of course the approval letter we forward to them today was to their satisfaction).

We are wrapped. To think that our lovely little block of land will be a buzz with activity in the coming weeks is marvellous.

I truly cannot wait to see it transformed.

Dreadful Day

Disclaimer: Enjoy my whinge and YES I know things could be worse!

Today was one of those days one dreads – you know the days that just don't go your way.

It all started peachy – or as peachy as you can at 6.00am in the morning. The car was scheduled for a service. I had booked the car in a few weeks ago. Anyway, I had hoped to get the kids off to kindy that little bit earlier so that I could get the car in on time.

I managed to sneak into the shower earlier then I usually do. Byron stumbled out of bed not long after that. I got dressed, made lunches and got Byron some breakfast. It was all going smoothly - all I had to do was get Lily up, dressed and head out from there (I had prepared her breaky for kindy - food is a great divert when needed).

It couldn’t have been going better. That was until; I walked into her room to the stench of vomit – that pungent smell there is no mistaking. The only thing left to discover was exactly how much vomit existed. She didn’t let me down. It was everywhere, including her hair and she was happily sleeping away in it. I left the room to compose myself for a tick (bit of background – there is this mutual hatred between vomit and I. I can’t stand the sight, smell or anything in between when it comes to sick. As I have gotten older, it has gotten worse. I think it might have a bit to do with the Hyperemesis Gravidarum I suffered during pregnancy). The thought that it might have been a one off was dispelled when Lily threw up again at the moment I stepped back into her room. It took all my composure not to throw up as well - give me flu, measles, chicken pox...just not spew.

My poor little Pilly Pie is sick. She has had the worst run of luck lately. I never got the opportunity to write about her last affliction but in short she had a terrible viral chesty infection that resulted in high temperatures, days off kindy and a few visits to the doctors. She was just plain miserable and it went on for over a week. She was only just getting better until this damn bug befriended her. Grrrr!

Anyway, my morning gets better! Really it does…

I ran her a bath at 7.00am in an effort to rid her of the vomit and the smell. I was chatting away with mum whilst watching her in the bath (winging away no doubt). Well, I hung up, went to start to wash her when I noticed the water was brown – poo brown. The little missy had poohed in the bath. I could hardly believe my luck.

Vomit and diarrhoea...what did I do to deserve such a gift??

Cutting a long story short (because I could go on for hours), my mother in law picked up Byron to drop him at kindy, the car service people said I could drop the car off later, Trevor hurried as quickly as he could and I made it to work by noon (I had some deadlines to meet).

The afternoon was going swimmingly until I got a call from the car service people, which is never a good sign. My front breaks were dangerously low and well...well it appears I needed 4 new tires – AGAIN!!!

You may recall the dreaded tire issue I had 15 months ago. It seems, poor wheel alignment and low air pressure has caused my tires to die in the ass at pretty much exactly half of their life span. In short, that means another $800 for tires. Not to mention the breaks, filters and a few other things.

Wait for it...

$1,414.00

Yep...$1,414.00

I’m not one to muck around with safety in the car, especially with children so I gave the go ahead but not before I grilled the guy as to whether he was ripping me off. He assured me he wasn’t and that he would show me the tires when I picked up the car. Alas, he showed them to me and they were pretty bad *blush*. I could tell the guy really felt sorry for me especially seeing as he was the same guy that put the other tires on 15 months ago. He gave me a slight discount and told me I was to bring the car to them every few months to make sure the tires were wearing evenly and the pressure was right etc (and all for free).

Geezers it’s an expensive exercise owning a car…and ours is shy on 5 years old!

Just when you feel like you might be getting a ahead financially something like this happens (that you don't bank on) and you are right back to square one again.

Moving on...the day ended on a better note. Lily was screaming for food and has managed *touch wood* to hold some vegemite toast down. Plus work has agreed to let me work from home tomorrow .

...This work from home thing sounds exciting.

Damn Patches

Byron had his 4 year immunisations today. Sadly I couldn’t be there. As much as I wanted to, dear old work called again (I know, I know if I wanted to I probably could have…but alas I would rather have the day off to take him to a party). Anyway, I knew he would be fine with Grandma plus I bought some patches; you know the patches that are supposed to numb the pain? (I wish I knew they cost $17 before I bought them). Anyway, I was hoping that if he didn’t feel any pain then the experience wouldn’t be at all bad.

The patches were good in theory – just whack them on each arm 60 minutes prior to puncture time and hay presto; you have a numbed arm and no needle pain. However, someone should have put in the fine print:

“Caution need be taken when attempting to apply patches to young child’s arm. Ear plugs, closed doors and windows a must. Possible restraint required. Strong will (for adult applier) vital”

Seriously, it was apparently a complete debacle. Byron wouldn’t have a bar of it. My mother in law (Grandma) said she had never seen such resistance from dear Byron…ever! For what ever reason he wouldn’t let those patches near his arm for quite a while. After tears all round (including Grandma – the poor dear appeared out of her depth with this one), and stories of numbing bones and protecting skin were hashed, the patches were on. Thankfully!

Thanks to the patches the lad didn’t feel a thing. In fact he didn’t flinch at all let alone shed a tear which made it all worth while (although easy for me to say seeing as I didn’t have to put up with the tornado that was Byron).

All is good in the boy’s department. He is growing well – 16.5kgs and 105cms – sitting in the 75th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight which is reassuring to know (especially with his eating habits).

Back to the patches…lucky there will not be a requirement for patches any time soon. I dear say when he is 15 he will be able to do with out them.

*sob* *sob* I just realised today was his final little milestone in his little maroon baby health book. There is a spot for the 10-12 and 15 year old health check but by then I doubt I will even be able to find the book let alone need (or want) to fill it in (who wants to know what their BMI was at 15). Oh my...

Slap Slap

Lily has developed a new habit.

A new bad habit!

It seems she has a fixation with slapping faces - mine especially. She particularly likes taking a swipe when she is confronted with the word NO!

The slapping wouldn’t bother me to much if I didn’t wear glasses. I’m pretty good at dodging her attempts. However, when I am caught unawares the glasses get caught in the firing line and she thinks it’s hilarious – which of cause it isn’t. What’s more, today I was advised by her kindy carer that Lily had a little ‘time out’ (not in the general sense – just separation) from her little friend at kindy. It seems she took to slapping him on the face and also attempted a scratch or two.

It appears my sweetly sublime little Lily has taken a leaf from a book I do not own and have never read *shakes head*.

I was trying to rationalise her behaviour this afternoon. I thought that maybe it had to do with the fact she has to fight for what she wants when Byron is around. Or maybe it’s the rough play that she and Byron partake in. Hmmm that’s it – I’m all out! Byron was never a slapper or a biter and generally never partook in any of that conduct parents hope to god their children don’t carry out and therefore I don’t really know what to make of it (...he is making up for that now – i.e. dysfunctional listening skills - but I will leave that for another day).

I know it’s only early days; for crying out loud she is barely 13 months. However, she thinks it’s a game – one big game of slap-a-tee-slap with NO as the que!

Hmmm what to do??? What to do???

I think I will just persist in taking a strong approach when she takes a swipe from now on. Be firm and consistent and see how it goes. Surely it’s a phase that will pass? Right!???

Lily is different from Byron in so many ways. I know all kids are different, but she is the polar opposite to what he was at the same age if my memory serves me correct. She loves to get down and dirty where as he wasn’t as fussed. She loves toys where he wasn’t bothered. She eats and drinks better then what he did. She doesn’t talk any where near what he did at the same age. Byron simply adored books (and still does) but she doesn't seem to like them at all (as much as I try). Bottom line, she is far more active.

Who ever said girls are more angelic and easy to look after was lying!!! I have proof.

Sunday at the Farm

...Now where was I?

Oh...that's right, I had done Saturday and now for Sunday...

Yesterday we had another little birthday party to attend. It was for one of Byron’s little friends who share his birthday. So on the glorious spring day – more like summer – that was yesterday, we headed off to the farm to have some play time with the animals. Lily was dressed in her cowgirl attire and looked simply adorable (no bias at all). It's a pity she wouldn't keep the hat on. I think she is going to be trouble in that department!

Yesterday marked the occasion of the first horse ride. She seemed to enjoy it all. Gee she looked so tiny up there on the horse.

Byron enjoyed his ride too. I remember distinctly that the last time he rode a horse (which was the day before I had Lily) he wasn’t at all impressed. I didn’t expect him to be this time either, but I was wrong. He seemed to enjoy it however he didn’t want to go back for ride number two.

I tell you what he did love...the mouse! Yep! Mice *squinches face up in disgust*. Byron got to play with some mice and he loved them (and no, there won’t be any pet mice in our house any time soon!). He also loved the guinea pig, which Lily tried to smack in the face – naughty little sausage.

The kids also got to feed the lamas (which Byron was too scared to do), donkeys, horses and ducks. They also got to brush the horses. There were wheel barrow races and running races too.

He was simply exhausted after his big day at the farm.

When it was all over and the animals probably couldn’t wait to see the back of us, we headed home but only to head back out again to my sister’s place for a roast. My brother was up for a fleeting visit for work and was heading off in the morning.

*Sigh* I think I am happy to be at work today!