Hi there… It’s Me and Mister C…

Hi there… Friends really do mean the world to us! (I know I have written this before- but it is SO true). We can’t choose our family (no disrespect anyone!); but we can always choose the friends, we want to share our time with… It was my dear friend’s birthday last Monday (best wishes my B.K- love you!). I had arranged a quick overnight trip to ACT, to catch up with some dear friends; as well as celebrate my friend’s birthday. I was lucky enough, to have a (very comfy) bed for the night; at another dear friend’s place after the dinner (love you S & R.M). My friend rang me back and said, “It’s a girl sleepover; sounds great!” My friend then asked me for a favour, and of course I said, “Yes, anything?!” When my friend asked me to help do some gardening, and help clean out the murky (large) fish pond; I laughed, but then realised she was serious! I wasn’t expecting that kind of request, maybe something more medical- being a nurse; but for those who do know me well- I do love gardening… “Of course, I can help,” I replied; “You know me, I love gardening!” …

We all had a great night; what more did we need but wonderful company, delicious food (very cheap I might add too-thank-you!) and a few bottles of ‘Moscato’. Another friend stayed over with us (we love you M.C!), it was lovely to catch up too. The next day, we woke up late (so good, no kiddies around that morning and no husband snoring- yay!). We had a delicious breakfast (thanks S.M), then decided- let’s get into the gardening… When we got to the murky fish pond; I was told there was one large gold fish remaining in the water, and to be careful… Numerous buckets full of old water later; I went to throw out one last bucket, when I saw something red fly out on the garden wall! I yelled out, “I think I just found the big fish!”… We all scrambled (with our bums in the air, mind you) trying to catch the poor fish (it was a very funny sight!). Finally caught, and many giggles later; we gently put the fish back in another large bucket, until we were ready to put ‘him’ safely back in his pond. After the excitement had died down; I said, “You know, we have to name the dear fish now?!” We all agreed on ‘James’, after James Blunt (very fitting of course!) …

Speaking of birthdays; Happy birthday to our dear Granny! We hope you had a wonderful day too… It’s Mister C’s birthday next weekend- VERY exciting! Mister C has counted down every day, for the past fifty days; now on the home stretch, six days to go!… He cheekily claimed that Dad agreed to give him 4000 ‘Robux’, towards his favourite online game, for his birthday! Amongst other things, Mister C requested to have his two best friends over to celebrate his birthday. Mister C said, “I have to have my best friends over, Mummy; so, we can play with our shark hand puppets, and dress-up like in Star Wars!” (Stay tuned for the next blog…)

Righto, back to 2017… Now mid-November; Mister C was attending pre-school (and care in the afternoons) three days a week, at the local Early Learning Centre near the girl’s primary school. Mister C was to start the Kindy program, at the big school early November; which went for two days during the week, lasting for a total of five weeks. I had attended the orientation session for parents (Husband was away for work). I was very impressed with the program and how it would all work; with having been given interesting information, on what the children would be doing during the two days. We were all looking forward to Mister C starting school; unfortunately, Mister C was NOT! The girls were excited to start school, and had few issues with the transition forward. Of course, all children are different, and Mister C is certainly that, plus a whole lot more…

I began to worry over the following weeks, before Mister C was to officially commence the program; when he kept shaking his head, stating, “I am NOT going to the big ‘Rocky Hill’ school (what Mister C called it); I want to stay at fun-day and pre-school, with all my friends!”… I had liaised with his pre-school teacher, regarding his feelings on school; while discuss the issues he was having in the centre and a t home (unfortunately), with hyperactivity and unwanted impulsive behaviour. Mister C was progressing slowly with tasks like, writing his name, recognising shapes and letters of the alphabet; while learning some good skills for starting school. Mister C was a mostly confident little boy; had some good friends, who were also attending the same kindy program and school.

Luckily, we (eventually) received an appointment to see the local Occupational therapist, at the Community Health Centre. Husband and I began to had feel more supported; while also developed a greater understanding of Mister C’s issues, particularly with sensory processing (did try and explain it to Husband as best I could!). Many tantrums and tears later (not just Mister C!), we attended several weekly appointments with the OT (thank-you very much!). Mister C was soon in better stead to start the kindy program, and eventually big school (eek! could he do it?). The teachers were wonderful (and still are!), while both Mister C and I made some wonderful lasting friendships, on his first day attending the program (hiya A & B.C!).

I recall, we were given an information pack and a little booklet about going to school (from the public-school system); the last week of the program. I was pleased to have been given something specific, about going to big school; for both Mister C, Dad and I, to look at and talk about. We read the booklet with Mister C, every night over those weeks; explaining about school and what to expect. One night I remember, Mister C asked, “Is there more about going to school, Mummy?” We both liked the little booklet, but it really wasn’t enough; particularly being a spirited and inquisitive boy that he was.

I then asked Mister C, what he would like in a book about going to school; if we had the opportunity to make his ‘own’ book. He excitedly talked about many things; over many days, we came up with several great ideas, that eventually helped to create our first Mister C book! This book has now been created and was published earlier this year (and is now being revised as a second edition shortly!)… There were still many difficult days, with juggling the girls and work. I recall struggling to dealing with the many tantrums from Mister C, not wanting to wear certain clothes and shoes; not to mention waking twice every night at three am, and demanding to be put back to bed! Our family worked tirelessly together; making it work and got through as we always did…

Through these difficult weeks, towards the end of November; Mister C celebrated turning the SUPER 5! As a reward for attending the program (he did do fairly well in the end, I can report); we agreed to have a BIG ‘superhero’ party, with most of his friends from pre-school and fun-day (day-care). It was a truly wonderful Sunday; the weather was perfect, all the kids looked amazing in their dress-up costumes (mainly ‘Superman’ mind you). I had organised a giant jumping castle (for a great price-thank-you!) and the great face painter entertainer (who couldn’t make it to Flossy’s party in May) was able to come along for this party. What a great job everyone did in the end! Husband recalls, “Well, on Sunday we had a lovely birthday party for Mister C. A huge jumping castle, great face painter, great ‘Superman’ cake made by Wife; with more than fifteen kids over, and some parents stayed.” … It was great to see a big grin on Mister C ‘s face; as he happily played with his Sisters, Cousins and mates…

A Word from Mister C…

“It’s my birthday soon, Mummy!” Mister C called out, from the bath; earlier in the week. “How many days, until it’s my day? I’m turning eight, soon!” … “Yes, my son”, I replied, walking back into the bathroom. “You’re turning the BIG eight, in about ten days!” I laughed, splashing Mister C with the bath water. “WOW!” Mister C replied, “soon I will be turning eight in eight days. Then in seven days, I will no longer be the old seven!… “Wow!” I giggled… “There are two things I want for my birthday, Mummy,” Mister C then went on to say. “The first, I want a huge ‘Lego’ box; the biggest Daddy can possibly find. The second, on my actual birthday; I want to stay up really late; like eight fifty-five- no, ten fifty-five!” … “Sounds good to me, my son,” I replied, smiling. “As you are turning the special eight; maybe you can now stay up a bit longer, to eight pm, then?” … “Yes, Mummy; I will be old enough to stay up, by then!” …

Stay tuned…

Our second book is now at the printers- very exciting indeed! I have arranged a date for our book signing and launch, for Sunday 6th December in our local town (NSW). We hope some of our friends and family can make it; it would mean the world to us, to have you there to help celebrate with us! Stay tuned for more silly stories in 2018. Keep on reading; hugs Me and Mister C…❤