I haven't felt very inspired to write my blog lately. Not sure why. Maybe it's because I had nothing of significance to write - all was going swimmingly (well for the most part) in our house. Until this weekend.
Last Saturday Missy was cheeky, belligerent, crying at everything, crying each time I said no to something, kicked me, very nearly bit me, shouting, screaming. My heart was pounding and whilst I attempted to remain calm, twice I had to lock myself in the bathroom to have a deep breath and a cry. I haven't felt like this since back early in the year. Daddy was working all weekend so he wasn't around to help. I know I shouldn't take what she says personally but it's hard not too when all I hear is how nasty I am, how she doesn't love me and wants to go back to her old mummy. Once Daddy got home, we had tea and I disappeared upstairs and left him to do the parenting. Of course, all was pretty much fine after that.
I really can't think what was the trigger for last Saturday. Maybe it's a culmination of things such as preparing for Year 1, Daddy working all weekend, having breakfast early with Daddy and so it was ages til snack and lunchtime, not going to soft play (I changed my mind and decided Sunday would be a better day). Perhaps we've been a bit too loose lately with boundaries, forward planning etc so I think I'll tighten the reins a bit.
Sunday was calmer. It's Fathers Day so Missy gave him his cards this morning, one of which included a badge that Daddy wore all day and we visited him at work before soft play to check he was wearing it (he was). I let her watch TV all morning, not something I usually do but she was much calmer and enjoyed watching the programmes and I had time to catch up on a few things. I even managed a chapter of my latest book! The rest of the day was pretty much ok and passed without incident. Sadly we didn't really get to celebrate Fathers' Day as Daddy and I had our tea much later than Missy as I wanted to get her bathed and bed early, but he did take her to one of the local playgrounds (erm,which happens to be in a pub garden!) for some Daddy/Daughter bonding before tea.
Last week ago I had to attend a PEP (Personal Educational Plan) Meeting at the school with Missy's SW, her teacher, her Year 1 teacher and the LA Educational Adviser. SW started the meeting by talking about Missy's anxiety and about me and Daddy, like I wasn't in the room! I surprised myself with my reaction - "that's my daughter you're talking about" and felt a little defensive. This is good! SW has seen me twice and Missy once in the last 2-3 months, she hasn't seen how Missy has changed! Grrr. Anyway, I am now warming to her teacher who is certainly keeping an eye on her. Anxieties appear in the classroom, particularly when she has to change activity or change her book. She's still wetting herself almost daily too. The Year 1 teacher is also the school SENCO which is good news. I'm still not convinced that her quietness in the classroom is quite right. Quiet is not Missy. I feel a sense of compliance or 'freeze' state, but we'll keep tabs on it. The SW also let us know that she is moving on in August. For me and Daddy, that's fine, we haven't warmed to her like our own SW who is fabulous. But I think Missy will find it challenging having a new SW to trust and like.
In other news, I went on a course yesterday "Trauma & The Body - How to support yourself using Somatic Experiencing". More about this in another blog.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Monday, 3 June 2013
Our first holiday abroad
Today is the last day of the half term holidays (inset day today) and about time I gave an update.
The week before half term was unsettling for Missy. She wasn't herself and school noticed this too. Whilst she wasn't having meltdowns or major tantrums, she was more tearful than useful. Anything would set her off. I put this down to a variety of things: forthcoming holiday to Portugal and all that goes with it, not being in the talent show at school, her family finder SW telling her it would be the last time she was visiting and Theraplay.
We did our best to prepare Missy for the holiday - involved her in packing, bought her a book about airports showing what Passenger Pete did at each stage, talked about what we would all do once there, explained about our cats going on their own holiday, talked about what we would do when we all got back home etc etc. More about the actual holiday later.
The talent show was a learning curve for Missy. Being in it was optional and although Missy said she did want to participate, she didn't want to rehearse. Teacher spoke to me about it and I spoke with Missy about it, explaining that it's important to practice and practice when you want to do something new. In the end I agreed with teacher that Missy wouldn't be in the show - it wasn't fair on those who practiced a lot and Missy would have looked a bit of a lemon on stage. Lesson learned for next year.
Back to the holiday. It went well. Hurrah!!
Missy enjoyed virtually every moment. She was excited about going, didn't appear apprehensive, was really good at the airport and not overwhelmed. We had a very early start at 3.50am (when we left the dawn chorus was in full swing and a cuckoo was making his presence well known - such a great sound). We met my brother, sis-in-law and mum at the airport in time for breakfast. We had bought Missy a Trunki (got a bargain on ebay) which she loved when we showed it to her, and indeed it proved useful for packing her toys, colouring and books for the flights, but pulling the thing along was not of much interest to Missy and Daddy and I ended up carrying it. The flight was good, the long drive to my brother's house passed without incident and once at his house she made herself right at home straight away. We practiced the night time routine which we always do in a new place; going from her room to bathroom and her room to our room. Her room was in between both our room and the bathroom and she found her way to the loo in the early hours with no problem, and not a wet bed in sight.
Missy's highlight was the pool. Previously I'd taken her to the local swimming pool where she hadn't really ventured from the side even with arm bands. On holiday, however, within minutes she was treading water and doggy paddling with her arm bands on. The best bit for her though was being thrown and chucked in the water by Daddy. She absolutely loved it. I wish I could show a video, it's hilarious. She'd still be in there now if we didn't have to come home. I'm really pleased she has so much confidence in the water considering she'd only been to a pool a couple of times before.
We visited the beach, which was stunning. A vastness of sand, the tide out a long way and not another person in sight. If any of you know Formby in the North West, it reminded me of there. Whilst the weather was sunny, it was very windy and too cold to sunbathe so we paddled, walked, climbed the sanddunes and made sandcastles.
What I valued was having a break from being the centre of attention. My brother and sis-in-law were brilliant with her and mum is a complete star. Mum is an early riser and seeing that Missy was also up early, offered to read her a story each morning, which Missy loved.
It was lovely to see Missy so relaxed and care-free. She has a beautiful smile and a lovely giggle when she's really enjoying herself and we saw this on many occasions. Yes, there were a few grumpy moments and the food issue was evident though low-key but on the whole it was a great week. We only went for four nights as we weren't sure how it would go when we arranged the holiday, but it's great to know that Missy enjoyed it and bodes well for future holidays abroad.
Back home, Daddy continued his holiday, going back to work tomorrow. I love it when he's home as we share the parenting well, it takes the pressure of me and it's important bonding time for him and Missy. The last few days have been enjoyable too, not least because the sun has been out and it's been really quite warm. We've played a lot with Missy (she's still very demanding of our time), we've had a picnic as part of national The Big Lunch event (which led us to a local park we never even knew was there!), and we've been bird spotting in a local reserve (saw a kingfisher and a heron fishing). Today was Parent Consultation time at school which was fine; no major issues from either side, a few things we pointed out but nothing either side are too worried about. Missy has been stubborn, cheeky and talking back a fair bit the last few days but I think it's because she's in her safe surroundings and feels able to do this. A couple of adopter friends reckon this is good! They're a bit more experienced than me so I'll take there word for it at the moment!
So, all in all, a good week and another few steps forward.
The week before half term was unsettling for Missy. She wasn't herself and school noticed this too. Whilst she wasn't having meltdowns or major tantrums, she was more tearful than useful. Anything would set her off. I put this down to a variety of things: forthcoming holiday to Portugal and all that goes with it, not being in the talent show at school, her family finder SW telling her it would be the last time she was visiting and Theraplay.
We did our best to prepare Missy for the holiday - involved her in packing, bought her a book about airports showing what Passenger Pete did at each stage, talked about what we would all do once there, explained about our cats going on their own holiday, talked about what we would do when we all got back home etc etc. More about the actual holiday later.
The talent show was a learning curve for Missy. Being in it was optional and although Missy said she did want to participate, she didn't want to rehearse. Teacher spoke to me about it and I spoke with Missy about it, explaining that it's important to practice and practice when you want to do something new. In the end I agreed with teacher that Missy wouldn't be in the show - it wasn't fair on those who practiced a lot and Missy would have looked a bit of a lemon on stage. Lesson learned for next year.
Back to the holiday. It went well. Hurrah!!
Missy enjoyed virtually every moment. She was excited about going, didn't appear apprehensive, was really good at the airport and not overwhelmed. We had a very early start at 3.50am (when we left the dawn chorus was in full swing and a cuckoo was making his presence well known - such a great sound). We met my brother, sis-in-law and mum at the airport in time for breakfast. We had bought Missy a Trunki (got a bargain on ebay) which she loved when we showed it to her, and indeed it proved useful for packing her toys, colouring and books for the flights, but pulling the thing along was not of much interest to Missy and Daddy and I ended up carrying it. The flight was good, the long drive to my brother's house passed without incident and once at his house she made herself right at home straight away. We practiced the night time routine which we always do in a new place; going from her room to bathroom and her room to our room. Her room was in between both our room and the bathroom and she found her way to the loo in the early hours with no problem, and not a wet bed in sight.
Missy's highlight was the pool. Previously I'd taken her to the local swimming pool where she hadn't really ventured from the side even with arm bands. On holiday, however, within minutes she was treading water and doggy paddling with her arm bands on. The best bit for her though was being thrown and chucked in the water by Daddy. She absolutely loved it. I wish I could show a video, it's hilarious. She'd still be in there now if we didn't have to come home. I'm really pleased she has so much confidence in the water considering she'd only been to a pool a couple of times before.
We visited the beach, which was stunning. A vastness of sand, the tide out a long way and not another person in sight. If any of you know Formby in the North West, it reminded me of there. Whilst the weather was sunny, it was very windy and too cold to sunbathe so we paddled, walked, climbed the sanddunes and made sandcastles.
What I valued was having a break from being the centre of attention. My brother and sis-in-law were brilliant with her and mum is a complete star. Mum is an early riser and seeing that Missy was also up early, offered to read her a story each morning, which Missy loved.
It was lovely to see Missy so relaxed and care-free. She has a beautiful smile and a lovely giggle when she's really enjoying herself and we saw this on many occasions. Yes, there were a few grumpy moments and the food issue was evident though low-key but on the whole it was a great week. We only went for four nights as we weren't sure how it would go when we arranged the holiday, but it's great to know that Missy enjoyed it and bodes well for future holidays abroad.
Back home, Daddy continued his holiday, going back to work tomorrow. I love it when he's home as we share the parenting well, it takes the pressure of me and it's important bonding time for him and Missy. The last few days have been enjoyable too, not least because the sun has been out and it's been really quite warm. We've played a lot with Missy (she's still very demanding of our time), we've had a picnic as part of national The Big Lunch event (which led us to a local park we never even knew was there!), and we've been bird spotting in a local reserve (saw a kingfisher and a heron fishing). Today was Parent Consultation time at school which was fine; no major issues from either side, a few things we pointed out but nothing either side are too worried about. Missy has been stubborn, cheeky and talking back a fair bit the last few days but I think it's because she's in her safe surroundings and feels able to do this. A couple of adopter friends reckon this is good! They're a bit more experienced than me so I'll take there word for it at the moment!
So, all in all, a good week and another few steps forward.
Monday, 20 May 2013
What is normal?
On the whole life in the Missy household has been fine for the last week. It's been normal. But our normal includes wetting, tears, screaming, kicking, anger, angelic, funny, sweet. Actually there's been not much on the massive tantrum front for a while, just the daily strops.
Last Tuesday was a tearful afternoon but I put that down to the Theraplay session where the therapist encouraged Missy to think about emotions such as scary, happy, sad and excited and got her to think of times she felt like this with birth mum. Consequently, she was very tearful later and anything and everything set her off.
Contrast this with last Saturday. We went into London to Mums Show Live and met up with a friend and her 5 year old. I wondered how Missy would react but for the most part she was relaxed and really did seem to enjoy herself. She gets on really well with my friend's daughter which is lovely to see. Both of them had their faces painted, played in tents, did drawings, made butterflies, had their nails painted, had their hair done and ate ice cream. Missy was a little quiet during Carrie and David Grant's book launch (I think Carrie is so inspiring - three birth children with seven issues between them - ADHD, Aspergers and Dyspraxia to name three - and one adopted son). It was a noisy dance-a-long launch and whilst friend's daughter joined in fully, Missy clung to me and was a little overwhelmed. But apart from that, she relaxed, smiled and laughed most of the day. And the day was long - 10-5 at the show, home at 6.30 which is over an hour after Missy's teatime and then an hour later to bed.
The thing I struggle with with Missy is working out what is normal 5 year old behaviour, what is normal but just that little bit more intense with Missy and what is not 'normal' 5 year old behaviour that is a direct consequence of her background.
Missy has been recognised at school lately on a couple of occasions for being so neat and tidy. Teacher tells us she is a joy and a quiet member of the class. Missy? Tidy? Quiet? Now is this being too compliant or is she, like I was at school, just being, well, a good girl?
Sometimes Missy does something, acts in a certain way, but then I see her friend act exactly the same and I think 'oh good, she's being a 5 year old, nothing more, nothing less'.
I'm still a new mother and still getting to grips with what being 5 means. I know her wetting and her frustrations are a direct result of her background. She can be very intense and my friend noticed this a few times on Saturday. Sometimes, she cries at something that one of her classmates may cry at, like many youngsters she's probably excited yet wary about going on holiday abroad for the first time, but I know with Missy her emotions are heightened. This may come out in her language - whilst playing hairdressers and with me as a customer, she's asking her 'customer' if she can stay with them forever. We've done that a lot this week.
I hope one day (and I know it's still early days) that I won't be forever analysing Missy's actions, language, tears and laughter. It's hard work and I wish we could just be - but we can't - for now anyway.
Last Tuesday was a tearful afternoon but I put that down to the Theraplay session where the therapist encouraged Missy to think about emotions such as scary, happy, sad and excited and got her to think of times she felt like this with birth mum. Consequently, she was very tearful later and anything and everything set her off.
Contrast this with last Saturday. We went into London to Mums Show Live and met up with a friend and her 5 year old. I wondered how Missy would react but for the most part she was relaxed and really did seem to enjoy herself. She gets on really well with my friend's daughter which is lovely to see. Both of them had their faces painted, played in tents, did drawings, made butterflies, had their nails painted, had their hair done and ate ice cream. Missy was a little quiet during Carrie and David Grant's book launch (I think Carrie is so inspiring - three birth children with seven issues between them - ADHD, Aspergers and Dyspraxia to name three - and one adopted son). It was a noisy dance-a-long launch and whilst friend's daughter joined in fully, Missy clung to me and was a little overwhelmed. But apart from that, she relaxed, smiled and laughed most of the day. And the day was long - 10-5 at the show, home at 6.30 which is over an hour after Missy's teatime and then an hour later to bed.
The thing I struggle with with Missy is working out what is normal 5 year old behaviour, what is normal but just that little bit more intense with Missy and what is not 'normal' 5 year old behaviour that is a direct consequence of her background.
Missy has been recognised at school lately on a couple of occasions for being so neat and tidy. Teacher tells us she is a joy and a quiet member of the class. Missy? Tidy? Quiet? Now is this being too compliant or is she, like I was at school, just being, well, a good girl?
Sometimes Missy does something, acts in a certain way, but then I see her friend act exactly the same and I think 'oh good, she's being a 5 year old, nothing more, nothing less'.
I'm still a new mother and still getting to grips with what being 5 means. I know her wetting and her frustrations are a direct result of her background. She can be very intense and my friend noticed this a few times on Saturday. Sometimes, she cries at something that one of her classmates may cry at, like many youngsters she's probably excited yet wary about going on holiday abroad for the first time, but I know with Missy her emotions are heightened. This may come out in her language - whilst playing hairdressers and with me as a customer, she's asking her 'customer' if she can stay with them forever. We've done that a lot this week.
I hope one day (and I know it's still early days) that I won't be forever analysing Missy's actions, language, tears and laughter. It's hard work and I wish we could just be - but we can't - for now anyway.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Achieving in Art
Do you ever dream that you know the answer to something, can sing a song all the way through, or have the perfect reply to someone? I dreamt a fabulous blog post last night. It was about achieving. I'm no journalist so I kinda write as I think but this blog in my dreams was brilliant!
However, you'll have to do with this one as I can't remember what I said in my dream.
When we were going through our assessment, our social worker asked where we thought we'd be in 20 years time. We'd be 64 and 70 and Missy would be 25. I said I'd hoped she might have had some further education, working her way through her first job, maybe even a mini-entrepreneur. Our social worker said we shouldn't hope for much as adoptees are not achievers. Ooooh, I wanted to blow my top right there! I don't really get annoyed much but that comment got my goat. How dare she label children so freely. And what, anyway, does achieving mean - everyone has different meanings of achieving and success. Just because she might not want to go to uni does not make her a non-achiever, just because she might not want to be a lawyer, a doctor, a city high flyer does not make her a non-achiever. Whatever she does she will have achived. Uni is not the be-all and end-all. If she's a hairdresser, she will have achieved; if she's a dancer, she will have achieved; if she's a waitress, great! (I said it far more articularely in my dream).
Right now, Missy is achieving great things in her artwork. Her pictures often leave me and Daddy speechless, they are so good. Drawing and making things is her passion and her resourcefullness makes me smile a lot. I certainly was not that good at art when I was 5. The school have noticed her talent and we're looking forward to creative art week at school.
Here's a sample of her work:
A peacock (not copied, all from her own little head)
Rapunzel, the prince and his horse
Daddy's breakfast - she painted some sponge to make it look like toast, glued it to a plate and stuck on some coloured paper baked beans and a knife and fork. Brilliant.
A pony
However, you'll have to do with this one as I can't remember what I said in my dream.
When we were going through our assessment, our social worker asked where we thought we'd be in 20 years time. We'd be 64 and 70 and Missy would be 25. I said I'd hoped she might have had some further education, working her way through her first job, maybe even a mini-entrepreneur. Our social worker said we shouldn't hope for much as adoptees are not achievers. Ooooh, I wanted to blow my top right there! I don't really get annoyed much but that comment got my goat. How dare she label children so freely. And what, anyway, does achieving mean - everyone has different meanings of achieving and success. Just because she might not want to go to uni does not make her a non-achiever, just because she might not want to be a lawyer, a doctor, a city high flyer does not make her a non-achiever. Whatever she does she will have achived. Uni is not the be-all and end-all. If she's a hairdresser, she will have achieved; if she's a dancer, she will have achieved; if she's a waitress, great! (I said it far more articularely in my dream).
Right now, Missy is achieving great things in her artwork. Her pictures often leave me and Daddy speechless, they are so good. Drawing and making things is her passion and her resourcefullness makes me smile a lot. I certainly was not that good at art when I was 5. The school have noticed her talent and we're looking forward to creative art week at school.
Here's a sample of her work:
A peacock (not copied, all from her own little head)
Rapunzel, the prince and his horse
Daddy's breakfast - she painted some sponge to make it look like toast, glued it to a plate and stuck on some coloured paper baked beans and a knife and fork. Brilliant.
A pony
Thursday, 9 May 2013
How I've changed - a SpecialK30 Linky Challenge
I've been lucky enough to be chosen, along with other BritMums bloggers, to try the brand new Special K cereal and be a part of their #SpecialK30 Linky on BritMums. Special K haven't changed their recipe for 30 years until now.
It got me thinking about the last 30 years and how I've changed. Looks-wise I actually haven't changed that much. In fact at a friend's recent 40th the theme was the 70/80s so I dressed as though I was back at school - I still have my old school blazer and it still fits! I've also still got my old school tie; I backcombed my hair, applied black eyeliner and light pink lip gloss and there I was, back in 1983, not looking a day older!
Duran Duran, Culture Club, Fame, Phil Collns, Spandau were the big things back then. I was a massive Duran fan back then and would scrapbook anything in Smash Hits or the newspapers that I could find. These days there's info anywhere and everywhere thanks to the internet. I can remember years by the music that in the charts - I'm rarely one year out on Radio 2s Pop Master!
Back then I wasn't the quietest but I also wasn't the loudest. I wasn't a member of the cool crowd at school, in fact I was bullied by one of them. I was very shy actually. Still am to some extent but am far more assertive in many situations these days.
I was a good schoolgirl runner back then, winning my year's 100m race at the Sports Day. They don't do sports days any more at school apparently as it's too competitive, which in my opinion is quite ridiculous. At least I can run a bit further than 100m these days.
Anyway, back to Special K. I've always loved Special K, often substituting it for lunch or dinner, and have to admit I was a teeny bit disappointed when I had my first taste of the new recipe. It was too sweet, reminded me of Frosties. But then I had another bowl, and another, and another (not at the same time you understand!). The packet didn't last long and neither Daddy nor Missy got a look in. Sometimes when you're used to something it takes a while to get used to change. I'll definitely be looking out for the new recipe when it's on the shelves.
Disclaimer: I wasn't paid by Special K or anyone else to write this blog, though I did get a free packet.
It got me thinking about the last 30 years and how I've changed. Looks-wise I actually haven't changed that much. In fact at a friend's recent 40th the theme was the 70/80s so I dressed as though I was back at school - I still have my old school blazer and it still fits! I've also still got my old school tie; I backcombed my hair, applied black eyeliner and light pink lip gloss and there I was, back in 1983, not looking a day older!
Duran Duran, Culture Club, Fame, Phil Collns, Spandau were the big things back then. I was a massive Duran fan back then and would scrapbook anything in Smash Hits or the newspapers that I could find. These days there's info anywhere and everywhere thanks to the internet. I can remember years by the music that in the charts - I'm rarely one year out on Radio 2s Pop Master!
Back then I wasn't the quietest but I also wasn't the loudest. I wasn't a member of the cool crowd at school, in fact I was bullied by one of them. I was very shy actually. Still am to some extent but am far more assertive in many situations these days.
I was a good schoolgirl runner back then, winning my year's 100m race at the Sports Day. They don't do sports days any more at school apparently as it's too competitive, which in my opinion is quite ridiculous. At least I can run a bit further than 100m these days.
Anyway, back to Special K. I've always loved Special K, often substituting it for lunch or dinner, and have to admit I was a teeny bit disappointed when I had my first taste of the new recipe. It was too sweet, reminded me of Frosties. But then I had another bowl, and another, and another (not at the same time you understand!). The packet didn't last long and neither Daddy nor Missy got a look in. Sometimes when you're used to something it takes a while to get used to change. I'll definitely be looking out for the new recipe when it's on the shelves.
Disclaimer: I wasn't paid by Special K or anyone else to write this blog, though I did get a free packet.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Walking and learning
It's been a walking and learning weekend for us.
On Saturday, whilst Daddy was at work, I decided Missy and I would go for a drive to a local nature reserve. I'm no twitcher but I do like it there and it reminds me of when I was little and I loved my bird watching books, ticking off the birds as I saw them.
Earlier in the morning we'd been shopping with my Mum and bought Missy some new summer clothes. Of course, she immediately wanted to wear her new summer dress when she got home, which was fine by me. But as it was a little cool outside, I asked Missy to change into leggings and t-shirt when we went out. Well, that was that, full-on meltdown ensued. Missy got so enraged that I had to resort to holding, but in the end I had to let her go. This lasted for half an hour and Missy was screaming so much she was retching. I had to step away as I didn't want to a) over-react and b) let Missy see I was close to tears. Eventually she calmed down, changed her clothes, and within 5 minutes it was as if nothing had happened.
The rest of the afternoon was lovely in the Reserve. Missy was given a little quiz on a clipboard which made her feel very important and she carried it all around, ticking off things the quiz required us to see such as a Kingfisher, RSPB logo and Great Tit. We probably walked about a mile in total and she also collected a few things along the way; some leaves, pussy willow, feather. I learnt a few new bird names and Missy learnt lots of new stuff. Back at the main building they provide copious amounts of pens, crayons and coloured pencils and loads of picture of birds to colour in, so Missy was in her element whilst I had a cuppa.
Yesterday, following Missy's suggestion, all three of us went for a lovely walk in the countryside. This time when Daddy suggested she wear shorts and t-shirt, after having put her summer dress on, she happily went upstairs, explaining that yes it would be a good idea because she might tear the dress on trees. Wow! Had she learnt from yesterday?
The walk was absolutely fabulous. We packed a picnic and walked through the woods and across fields, spotting things on our 'list of things to spo't such as a rabbit, pine cone, tree (!), deer, buttercup and nettles to name a few things. Missy loved it, we all loved it. We ended up at a lovely local pub which has a large beer garden and a great playground for kids which Missy enjoys playing on.
An hour later, with the temperature getting much warmer, we set off for home. I really thought Missy would start to complain about tired legs - but she didn't and two miles later including a few hills through the woods and fields, we were back home. I was so impressed and proud of Missy for managing the 4 mile walk, and for enjoying herself all the way, pointing out loads of things she'd seen.
One of the things Daddy loves is walking in the Lake District and he's introduced me to some beautiful parts of the Lakes in the time we've been together. We had worried that it would be many years until we'd be able to go back, but yesterday Daddy said "this gives me hope for the Lake District". Missy does seem to love the outdoors - not always, sometimes she's not in the mood but that's like any child - but I reckon we'll be back up to the Lakes sooner than we think.
On Saturday, whilst Daddy was at work, I decided Missy and I would go for a drive to a local nature reserve. I'm no twitcher but I do like it there and it reminds me of when I was little and I loved my bird watching books, ticking off the birds as I saw them.
Earlier in the morning we'd been shopping with my Mum and bought Missy some new summer clothes. Of course, she immediately wanted to wear her new summer dress when she got home, which was fine by me. But as it was a little cool outside, I asked Missy to change into leggings and t-shirt when we went out. Well, that was that, full-on meltdown ensued. Missy got so enraged that I had to resort to holding, but in the end I had to let her go. This lasted for half an hour and Missy was screaming so much she was retching. I had to step away as I didn't want to a) over-react and b) let Missy see I was close to tears. Eventually she calmed down, changed her clothes, and within 5 minutes it was as if nothing had happened.
The rest of the afternoon was lovely in the Reserve. Missy was given a little quiz on a clipboard which made her feel very important and she carried it all around, ticking off things the quiz required us to see such as a Kingfisher, RSPB logo and Great Tit. We probably walked about a mile in total and she also collected a few things along the way; some leaves, pussy willow, feather. I learnt a few new bird names and Missy learnt lots of new stuff. Back at the main building they provide copious amounts of pens, crayons and coloured pencils and loads of picture of birds to colour in, so Missy was in her element whilst I had a cuppa.
Yesterday, following Missy's suggestion, all three of us went for a lovely walk in the countryside. This time when Daddy suggested she wear shorts and t-shirt, after having put her summer dress on, she happily went upstairs, explaining that yes it would be a good idea because she might tear the dress on trees. Wow! Had she learnt from yesterday?
The walk was absolutely fabulous. We packed a picnic and walked through the woods and across fields, spotting things on our 'list of things to spo't such as a rabbit, pine cone, tree (!), deer, buttercup and nettles to name a few things. Missy loved it, we all loved it. We ended up at a lovely local pub which has a large beer garden and a great playground for kids which Missy enjoys playing on.
An hour later, with the temperature getting much warmer, we set off for home. I really thought Missy would start to complain about tired legs - but she didn't and two miles later including a few hills through the woods and fields, we were back home. I was so impressed and proud of Missy for managing the 4 mile walk, and for enjoying herself all the way, pointing out loads of things she'd seen.
One of the things Daddy loves is walking in the Lake District and he's introduced me to some beautiful parts of the Lakes in the time we've been together. We had worried that it would be many years until we'd be able to go back, but yesterday Daddy said "this gives me hope for the Lake District". Missy does seem to love the outdoors - not always, sometimes she's not in the mood but that's like any child - but I reckon we'll be back up to the Lakes sooner than we think.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Firework
Missy asked if she could see this song on the computer today after hearing it last week.
I think the words and the video are brilliant, so empowering. In fact I think I may print out the words and pin them up in the house.
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thinLike a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thingDo you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?Just own the night like the 4th of July
Come on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, oh
As you shoot across the skyCome on, let your colors burstMake 'em go, oh, oh, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling downYou're original, cannot be replacedIf you only knew what the future holdsAfter a hurricane comes a rainbow
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect roadLike a lightning bolt, your heart will blowAnd when it's time, you'll knowJust own the night like the 4th of July
Come on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohAs you shoot across the skyCome on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh, oh, ohYou're gonna leave 'em falling downEven brighter than the moon, moon, moonIt's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it throughCome on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohAs you shoot across the sky
Come on, let your colors burstMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohYou're gonna leave 'em falling down
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moonBoom, boom, boomEven brighter than the moon, moon, moon
I think the words and the video are brilliant, so empowering. In fact I think I may print out the words and pin them up in the house.
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?Do you ever feel, feel so paper thinLike a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thingDo you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?Just own the night like the 4th of July
Come on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, oh
As you shoot across the skyCome on, let your colors burstMake 'em go, oh, oh, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling downYou're original, cannot be replacedIf you only knew what the future holdsAfter a hurricane comes a rainbow
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect roadLike a lightning bolt, your heart will blowAnd when it's time, you'll knowJust own the night like the 4th of July
Come on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohAs you shoot across the skyCome on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh, oh, ohYou're gonna leave 'em falling downEven brighter than the moon, moon, moonIt's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it throughCome on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohAs you shoot across the sky
Come on, let your colors burstMake 'em go, oh, oh, ohYou're gonna leave 'em falling down
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moonBoom, boom, boomEven brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
'Cause baby, you're a firework
Baby, you're a firework
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
'Cause baby you're a firework
Baby, you're a firework
Boom, boom, boom
'Cause baby you're a firework
Baby, you're a firework
Boom, boom, boom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
