Hiya! It’s Mister C and Me…

Hi there… some delicious rain coming down our way today; we hope it reaches you all too- goodness knows we need the beautiful refreshing rain at present! A calmer week for us, Flossy passed her ‘Grade 1’ exam for piano this week. Well done our sweet young lady, we are very proud of YOU! (and thanks B.G for all your help and work too!) … During the hols last week, Flossy went to a friend’s house for the day (Hiya A.F); the girls were watching Zodiac career videos on ‘Tick-Tok’ (something I really don’t know much about?), for Star Sign dream jobs (sounds exciting?). Flossy informed me, that when her star sign (Taurus) came up; it wrote that she was going to become a famous singer! Flossy was quite taken back by this new information; realising just how unique her singing voice really was (I have been trying for many years, for her to open up- but she has never been ready). So, we bought Flossy a pink wireless microphone and matching headphones (so she can practice solo until she is ready to share), when we went to the shops last weekend. I can report, Flossy really liked the new equipment, enabling her to play around with her voice, and maybe help become less shy with sharing her talented sweet tones (‘The Voice’ here we come?) …

About two weeks ago, I found an old voucher from Toy world in my wallet (thankfully not expired yet!). I realised it was a voucher, Mister C had been given for his birthday last year (oops!). We had planned to go to Toy world in Bulladulla (Ulladulla) early January, as there was no store in our Town. Unfortunately, with the bad bush fires that occurred during our stay there; we were evacuated out, days before we could use the voucher. I ended up tucking it behind other receipts in my wallet, for future safe keeping (too much safe keeping I think?). Anyway, I had to laugh; the voucher had been hiding in my wallet the whole time (over seven months later!). The same day, I showed Mister C the voucher; he was very happy, and said with a big grin on his face, “Can I spend it now, Mummy? I love ‘Lego’; let’s go!” … “Of course, my son,” I said; arranging for Dad to look up the online website with Mister C, and choose some toys he wanted.

I did feel bad, Mister C didn’t get to spend the voucher for his actual birthday; but ‘better late than never’ as we all say!… Mister C was super excited to be able to choose a few ‘Lego’ boxes he liked; Dad agreed to go purchase the order in ACT (as the voucher couldn’t be used online) (thanks Husband- you’re the best!) … “Wow, Mummy!” Mister C called out; “I chose four ‘Lego’s’ I like, and Daddy will get one of those for me tomorrow.” The next day when Dad got home from work and commuting; he presented Mister C with the bag from Toy world. It was lovely to see Mister C, so happy to open the bag and receive the late birthday surprise (thanks our dear Godparents!). He excitedly checked the box; and spent most of the evening, carefully opening the plastic bags containing all of the Lego pieces. It did take him quite a few hours (with deep concentration), to put the whole Lego figurine together. He was most proud of himself, when it was all completed- good work Mister C!…

Righto, back 2016, now mid-November (nearly 2017!) … I can recall, Husband and I continued to actively work on our relationship; spending some quality time together and apart (while not nit-picking at each other!). We agreed for Husband to stay in ACT (at his Ma’s house-thanks M & J L.B!) one day each week; to help break up the commuting, while give everyone some needed space apart. I agreed to have Mister C with me on Mondays (my day off during each week) as a Mummy and Mister C day. Mister C was always calmer and more settled, with me during these days; making it a pertinent choice for me to be with him (he was already attending three busy days at day-care in the week); Husband continued to help, with some of the girl’s homework and after school activities. I found, through these difficult and busy times; it is always a positive step to work out our differences, and for everyone to come to a ‘happy medium’. While it’s important to feel needed; it is also imperative, to have one’s own space; while acknowledge our unique differences (even if it means giving up something, so you can help others- it does pay it forward in the end!). Husband commented, “One funny thing we have in common, is although we both played plenty of sport growing up; neither of us liked watching it much on TV! (sorry! I know that sounds boring to some). We laughed about how we watched sport together on TV every four years; that is, whenever the Summer Olympics come around! …

Brighter weeks soon revolved around to us (aligned with the sun and our little family); my ankle injury slowly healed and I was able to walk, drive again and attend my work duties (yay to that!). I made that much needed trip to ACT, to see my dear step-dad (Opa). I sadly recall, how much Opa had deteriorated, over those few weeks I wasn’t able to see him; his mobility was a big issue, along with his forgetfulness which was a worry- particularly when he would just leave the house, and go for a long walk; not returning back for over an hour or more! One time he was found sitting on the driveway path; he couldn’t get up, and had forgotten why he was there in the first place (oh dear!).

I recall one occasion visiting with Opa; we would sit at the dining table in the cheerful sun-room, enjoying a cup of tea and a ‘Anzac cookie’ (his favourite) together. We chatted about his health and his wishes, and what care he would want over this time. Opa made it very clear, he didn’t want to go into a nursing home; but knew it may prove too difficult for him to stay at home, if his health deteriorated further (as it was expected to do). I gave him a big hug; held his hand and promised he would not be put in a ‘home’ (please no disrespect to lovely folk who are in such places). I quietly whispered to him, “Hang on, Dad; it will be okay.” I just wanted to finish my New Grad year; then I would be able to help care for him till the end. In my heart, I didn’t want him going anywhere either. I will never forget the tears he had in his eyes, that day (in mine too); it was a look of relief, but deep sadness; something that will always stay with me…

Well, near the end of November (21st); Mister C turned the BIG happy four! (phew! we made it through the busy three’s!). Husband wrote, “Our Mister C was quite delightful as a two-year old, but he then had the terrible threes!”… We celebrated the happy milestone with family and friends; spending lots of quality time with our dear Opa (treasured memories to keep forever). Husband commented, “We had a lovely big boy number four birthday, at ‘Jump-In’ (trampoline place), then club for cake and playroom fun on Saturday. We went down to see Opa and family, with M & J, for lunch on the Sunday; no issues, just niceness and general happiness.” It was wonderful seeing Mister C growing up into a happy, cheerful and zany young man. Husband also commented, “I had better mention that over the last few weeks, Mister C has been trying and sometimes insisting, on weeing standing up- like me! He is not quite tall enough; so, I have to lift him up, but with careful aim he wees into the toilet quite well!” Husband commented further, “One morning I was showering and Mister C knocked on the door, saying he had to do a poo. During this time, I had replaced my contact lenses; Mister C came in and asked me if my eyes were now blue! Also, he asked for some of my ‘deod’ (deodorant) last night; insisting on putting on my glasses, while I was reading him a good night story- he looked sooo cute!” Proof of this zany personality of Mister C’s, was always shining through (and still is!) …

A Word From Mister C…

Mister C came into our bed for morning hugs; while giving Dad big hugs, Mister C said, “You know, Daddy; there are five things we need to do to stop us from getting the ‘bug thing’ (Covid). Can I tell you those things, now?” … “Yes, my son,” Dad said nodding; “Please tell, Mummy and I.” … “Well, the first thing is, you can’t store too much food, that is wrong. The second is, look after our old people; the third is, we can’t go on our holiday to the ‘island’, till next year. We can’t touch people at school or the shops; and we have to wash our hands, ALL the time! The final thing, Daddy, is we have to remember, to laugh lots and lots; HEAPS of the time!” …

Stay tuned…

For more Mister C now four and growing up stories; Opa slowly deteriorates as we make it through to the New year. We find a sweet Chihuahua dog at Renbury Farm, but have to wait the required 3 weeks as he is a lost dog. No-one claims the doggie and we are able to collect him, from the Campbelltown area (NSW) the following week (in time for Christmas with the kids!)… Husband is not pleased, as the dog (now) named ‘Duggie’ (after the kids show- Hey Duggee) has separation anxiety; doesn’t settle on his own; and barks TOO much (what were we to do?)…