Ok, so this is a little late but it's the first time I've had the time, the energy and the solitude to actually sit down and write in peace (or a piece of quiet as Abby used to say). I've written this post a million times in my head... I wonder how much will make it onto paper?
It is apparently popular at this time of year for bloggers to do a round up of what's been going on throughout 2012 - a kind of highlights reel, is it were. So I'm going to chuck some random memories in here, some good and some not, as a permanent reminder of 2012.
The year that was...
In January we farewelled Mick, Jason's father and Poppa to our children. It was a hard time, but made easier in a lot of ways because we had said goodbye to Grandad just a few months before. We knew the routine - lots of visits, lots of hugs, and every time you say goodbye say it is if it is the last. He died peacefully in his sleep, thank God, with Ruth there and Jason soon afterwards.
In the time leading up to his death we had a few discussions about what comes next. I think we helped each other not be afraid, although there were times he grew very frustrated because he wanted ANSWERS and I couldn't give any. But he was able to meet his grandson, William Mick, and see his story written before he died.
Mick never stopped searching, and he was always looking for the next big thing. He always threw himself whole heartedly into whatever he was doing and never let the bad times get him down. We miss him.
Abby started school this year, my precious little girl off by herself into this strange new world. She took to it with gusto, the first day she came home and said "Mummy, we played all day, we didn't have to learn ANYTHING!". We were blessed with her teacher and her teacher aide, who loved our children and devoted so much time and energy into helping them find their learnings. THey commented on Abby's compassion and lovely manners, which I take immense satisfaction from. Abby is the child who will always stop to comfort somone who is lost or crying, and she speaks confidently and articulately in front of her year level. She can even read and write! She is quite advanced with mathematical concepts (skipped a generation here I think!) and while she isn't 'gifted' (thank goodness) she is bright enough and social enough that she should never struggle too much at school.
Two things I've really noticed with Abby is that she can now swing herself on a swing and throw and catch a ball. Abd she is a confident and safe swimmer, which is a relief! Her bestest friend is a little girl called Venus, who is Thai. Venus is very bossy and likes to tell stories to make herself important, but Abby is learning how to stand up to her now. That's my girl!
Abby's favourite Christmas present is her skateboard and she is very excited about her violin - Julee-Anne asked her what she wanted for her birthday and Abby said "Well, I'm already getting the thing I want more than anything else in the world so I don't really know!" She asked Santa for a rainbow talking unicorn that could fly (her imaginary friend) but Santa brought her a letter from the unicorn's mummy saying that Rainbow was too little just yet. Abby was sad, but she is coping.
William is no longer my baby. Well, he really is, but he thinks he's a big boy! We made it to one year, although everything before his birthday is a bit of a blur, and my goodness we love that child. He has more words than Abby did: Mummy, Daddy, Abby, dog (doog), please (pizz), thank you, bic (biccie), more, and of course boob. He uis just starting to walk this week, and my heart just melts to see him. He adores his big sister and she loves him just as much, too much sometimes when we are trying to settle him down and she is making him laugh. He is at the point when giving things to people is much fun and he loves to carry around the toilet roll holder. He also loves to sing along and do anything that makes noise. Just after his 1st birthday he started sleeping through regularly. That was a happy happy day. He enjoys all the kids at kindy and has been very happy there - no seperation anxiety here!
We have put a lot of work into our children but it is a pleasure and a priviledge to watch them grow and change. I just hope they can spell better than me.
Hmm. So far I've only discussed the family. Well, stay tuned for more after these short notices...
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