He's been toileted (by us, and others mainly my Dad and MIL) since he was five months but we didn't "do EC" in its fullest capacity so with hypospadias repair a distant memory (read everything healing nicely with the passing of a week-and-a-half) and the pee stream beautifully straight...
Sidenote - I cried, I properly burst into tears at the sight of that straight stream exiting as it always should have; I held him aloft over the sink (in front of the mirror) as I used to when he was small and turned us slightly sideways to see more clearly and enjoyed that toileting experience with such emotion as my baby's op was proven successful (no small matter, one-in-ten to one-in-twenty require a follow-up op; as the surgeon described it, the repair would be more art than science). This was on Saturday (a week past on Wednesday from the op), the day before PT day, with our water cut-off for two days and counting due to a burst pipe and a trip to the in-laws' necessary in order to shower.
... I was sooooo DONE with nappies and so we started. After a later night (a wonderful concert at church) and no need to leave "the commune" (our pet name for our family farm of three houses - our's, my parents' and my sis/BIL's; we, Bundle and I, skipped the remembrance service at church - with our church hosting the town's servicemen's service I find the focus on men's sacrifice much more so than God's and whilst I greatly support the services and the freedoms which they protect(ed), I don't feel it appropriate that their roles in our country's life, past and present, should be celebrated in place of Sunday worship of God) we set to, or you know meant to, first thing.
Bundle didn't sleep fabulously and Mama certainly didn't so I slept in while Daddy handled brekky and so PT began at about noon and we jumped in with both feet - day and night, goodbye nappies. Goodbye clothes also, as we cranked the heat and I shut us in the master bedroom/en-suite with our two potties and a box of toys, books and puzzles for some intense mama/boy bonding. Nap wasn't dry (surprising as it often is) and one little wet on the floor (stopped straight away when attention was brought to it and finished in the potty). Unsettled night as mama got little to no sleep and Bundle fought it tooth and nail (perhaps not liking his attire - no bottoms).
Day two and a trip out (clothed) to do some laundry and visit the neighbour grandparents briefly. No more sleep to be had.
Day three and a repeat of the trip above, then a trip (in the car) to visit the other grandparents (snack eaten there, dry throughout with two potty trips whilst there). No more sleep, terrible night - mama got a wet top and a lie-in which alas did little to improve her mood which needed adjusting.
Day four and a number two accident (in trousers) with his Daddy, who (thank you honey!) cleared it up too. Two hour nap, had to wake him, piddled half-way through after a wee slip. A nappy! put on for a two hour plus time of being minded at the grandparents' and removed as soon as we got home, he requested milkies twice/thrice (unheard of) extra and had a woo-hoo moment when he was left to play alone (and bottomless as he can't push down his trousers by himself - a skill we've been working on) whilst I made my tea (he'd eaten). He appeared in with me looking guilty and I followed him to seek out the present/puddle - only to find number twos in the potty!!!! Woo-hoo!!! Coudldn't get him off to sleep for about two hours! Knackered and still up (after midnight), really not sleeping well at the present time.
Here's to a better night ahead and drier times and a move from I've peed through I'm peeing to I need to pee...
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
#7 Weekly Weigh-in
Keeping track thrice weekly but here's the official weekly weigh-in:
#7 13 st 2 lbs (184 pounds)
#6 13 st 1 lbs (183 pounds)
From operations to mama being disastrously emotional/useless to potty training and well lots of chocolate and large portions - yet again amazed the gain was only that of a pound.
Third (Amended) Goal - to lose something!
Reward - momentary success and perhaps the ten peach loop sweets I never got around to getting myself when last I succeeded
#7 13 st 2 lbs (184 pounds)
#6 13 st 1 lbs (183 pounds)
From operations to mama being disastrously emotional/useless to potty training and well lots of chocolate and large portions - yet again amazed the gain was only that of a pound.
Third (Amended) Goal - to lose something!
Reward - momentary success and perhaps the ten peach loop sweets I never got around to getting myself when last I succeeded
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
#6 Weekly Weigh-in
Keeping track thrice weekly but here's the official weekly weigh-in:
#6 13 st 1 lbs (183 pounds)
#5 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
Amazingly after another week of chocolate and not small portions I have only gone up a pound - I'd almost count it a success. Bundle came through his operation beautifully, his Mama is still recovering however.
Third (Amended) Goal - to lose something!
Reward - momentary success and perhaps the ten peach loop sweets I never got around to getting myself when last I succeeded
#6 13 st 1 lbs (183 pounds)
#5 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
Amazingly after another week of chocolate and not small portions I have only gone up a pound - I'd almost count it a success. Bundle came through his operation beautifully, his Mama is still recovering however.
Third (Amended) Goal - to lose something!
Reward - momentary success and perhaps the ten peach loop sweets I never got around to getting myself when last I succeeded
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Day 31 - Cleaning around a catheter
Actually was fairly productive today as we "relaxed" post-operatively, Hubs allowed me a rest-in (completely awake time to myself in a somewhet zombified state following the unsettled-ness of the baby's sleep. He freaked out at eleven o'clock and we HAD TO FORCE PAIN MEDS INTO HIM; from then he slept and fed well and then had a wakeful period from 6-7am so I was basically awake.
We were awaiting the morning poo and the changing of both nappies, disentangling the catheter, keeping his hands from it, keeping it from dripping over the new nappies/changing area/Bundle himself, while actually cleaning him up and also keeping him out of the poo and away from his bandaged up genitals - why do mums have only two hands? He got there comfortably (yay) and we set to with some bickering and little "spillage" but intact.
Fast forward through a lovely visit to the in-laws' house (including seeing our wee 3yo niece) and then home for a story, milkies, (no toilet), putting his doll to bed and then going himself after prayers. Bundle stirred after forty-five minutes and then fed/slept attached until the two hour mark. A dry outer nappy in place, dolly awakened and after some playtime with Granda, his 9yo boy cuz and Nanny, I started on our dinner preparations. Midway my nostrils were assaulted, Bundle wasn't upset (yay) and poo number two (pun intended) of the day was facing me.
Nanny had gone to bed and Granda had taken my nephew home so Han Solo I prepared for battle. I worked quicker, distracted (where is your head?) and only had slight "spillage" and excessive wipe-usage as the bad points to the change.
Dinner was had and enjoyed to the accompanying family-friendly movie, "Yours, mine and ours" and was followed up by a productive clean-up/empty dishwasher/reload it/repack baby bag/put away laundry time. As often occurs we also had an evening ablution that I didn't hesitate to handle alone.
I was better prepared and after feeding the catheter tube ends back through the inner nappy I wrapped them in a cloth nappy fleece liner, held in place with sellotape, to prevent further "spillage." Distractions were less effective and a stern tone and hand removal were the only things that prevented Bundle from removing his catheter (twice), scary stuff. Poo clean-up complete I unwrapped, reinserted and nappied him up for the night.
So he has the catheter in until mid-morning Monday and it cannot come soon enough and yet I can only pray it's long enough to allow greater healing of his "high-powered hose." In the meantime, pyjamas are the order of the day.
31 days of Cleaning House has not exactly been mastered but it was at least discussed, baby steps people!
We were awaiting the morning poo and the changing of both nappies, disentangling the catheter, keeping his hands from it, keeping it from dripping over the new nappies/changing area/Bundle himself, while actually cleaning him up and also keeping him out of the poo and away from his bandaged up genitals - why do mums have only two hands? He got there comfortably (yay) and we set to with some bickering and little "spillage" but intact.
Fast forward through a lovely visit to the in-laws' house (including seeing our wee 3yo niece) and then home for a story, milkies, (no toilet), putting his doll to bed and then going himself after prayers. Bundle stirred after forty-five minutes and then fed/slept attached until the two hour mark. A dry outer nappy in place, dolly awakened and after some playtime with Granda, his 9yo boy cuz and Nanny, I started on our dinner preparations. Midway my nostrils were assaulted, Bundle wasn't upset (yay) and poo number two (pun intended) of the day was facing me.
Nanny had gone to bed and Granda had taken my nephew home so Han Solo I prepared for battle. I worked quicker, distracted (where is your head?) and only had slight "spillage" and excessive wipe-usage as the bad points to the change.
Dinner was had and enjoyed to the accompanying family-friendly movie, "Yours, mine and ours" and was followed up by a productive clean-up/empty dishwasher/reload it/repack baby bag/put away laundry time. As often occurs we also had an evening ablution that I didn't hesitate to handle alone.
I was better prepared and after feeding the catheter tube ends back through the inner nappy I wrapped them in a cloth nappy fleece liner, held in place with sellotape, to prevent further "spillage." Distractions were less effective and a stern tone and hand removal were the only things that prevented Bundle from removing his catheter (twice), scary stuff. Poo clean-up complete I unwrapped, reinserted and nappied him up for the night.
So he has the catheter in until mid-morning Monday and it cannot come soon enough and yet I can only pray it's long enough to allow greater healing of his "high-powered hose." In the meantime, pyjamas are the order of the day.
31 days of Cleaning House has not exactly been mastered but it was at least discussed, baby steps people!
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Day 30 - Thankful for Clean
Today I was thankful for clean, or more precisely sterile as my Bundle underwent a hypospadias repair operation.
I was also thankful for the many prayers that accompanied him "under the knife;" the lovely surgeon, A Dick (I kid you not); being first then bumped only to second on the theatre list; being "farmed out" to a private hospital on the public health service, which despite the added miles of travel (getting up at half five this morning) was wonderful, friendly, aesthetically pleasing and noticeably cleaner; for warm-hearted encouraging staff nurses; for encouraging and prayerful texts and for the news that my grandfather (though struggling with low blood pressure) came through his op. last night as well.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Going in I had struggled for days with emotions but I was strong for my son beginning last night and lasting until after I left him "sleeping" on the operating table, at which point the tears flowed, I didn't even realise I'd walked up a flight of ten steps to meet my husband.
Afterwards he was somewhat distraught for the first hour, settling only while (breast)feeding and then eating and drinking - poor wee mite he has done so well today.
My dark thoughts coming in to the op. had included every variation of the worst-case scenario and thus all happiness today was magnified, it is how I have always processed information. I went in fully giving him to God and I came out blessed that God allowed us to keep him, intact. My preparations included many photographs and a voice recording of his latest jabbering and they shall be treasured regardless but how lovely to have kept "the real thing," our bonny little boy.
Now sleeping in his double nappy with catheter in place and his parents' hearts intact.
I was also thankful for the many prayers that accompanied him "under the knife;" the lovely surgeon, A Dick (I kid you not); being first then bumped only to second on the theatre list; being "farmed out" to a private hospital on the public health service, which despite the added miles of travel (getting up at half five this morning) was wonderful, friendly, aesthetically pleasing and noticeably cleaner; for warm-hearted encouraging staff nurses; for encouraging and prayerful texts and for the news that my grandfather (though struggling with low blood pressure) came through his op. last night as well.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Going in I had struggled for days with emotions but I was strong for my son beginning last night and lasting until after I left him "sleeping" on the operating table, at which point the tears flowed, I didn't even realise I'd walked up a flight of ten steps to meet my husband.
Afterwards he was somewhat distraught for the first hour, settling only while (breast)feeding and then eating and drinking - poor wee mite he has done so well today.
My dark thoughts coming in to the op. had included every variation of the worst-case scenario and thus all happiness today was magnified, it is how I have always processed information. I went in fully giving him to God and I came out blessed that God allowed us to keep him, intact. My preparations included many photographs and a voice recording of his latest jabbering and they shall be treasured regardless but how lovely to have kept "the real thing," our bonny little boy.
Now sleeping in his double nappy with catheter in place and his parents' hearts intact.
#5 Weekly Weigh-in
Keeping track thrice weekly but here's the official weekly weigh-in (actually from yesterday):
#5 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
#4 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
Amazingly an almost-week of overeating and indulging and lots of chocolate hasn't thrown my weight off (it went up then back down across the week). Emotional eating was/is the rule at the moment but hopefully I'll put myself back on track after Bundle's op is over him (it was this morning by the time for which this is scheduled).
Third Goal - to reach my lowest post-partum weight (12 st 8 lbs) and get back to where I was 2009/2010
Reward - add a sticker to my "star chart" for every pound lost, working toward another book buying reward and jump around the house like a mad thing.
#5 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
#4 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
Amazingly an almost-week of overeating and indulging and lots of chocolate hasn't thrown my weight off (it went up then back down across the week). Emotional eating was/is the rule at the moment but hopefully I'll put myself back on track after Bundle's op is over him (it was this morning by the time for which this is scheduled).
Third Goal - to reach my lowest post-partum weight (12 st 8 lbs) and get back to where I was 2009/2010
Reward - add a sticker to my "star chart" for every pound lost, working toward another book buying reward and jump around the house like a mad thing.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Day 29 - Emotional
Very emotional today as I consider my baby (23 months) going under the knife in the morning. I've soent the day cleaning out my emotions (and brushing the nursry) so I am ready to be strong for my baby come the morning.
That's all I've got.
That's all I've got.
Bundle Tales #4
20-23 months
Making the car/vehicle noises as he plays.
Developing a keen interest in animals and vehicles of all sorts but especially in love with cows and tractors (good choices since we often are surrounded by one or t'other.
Saying so much more, or at least trying to and signing lots more too. Generally just communicating in all the pleasant and more frustrating ways also (real temper scream of fury).
For a time responding to the question of who I am with Dad but now beautifully sing-songing Mem, Memmy or Mummy.
Dad, Daddy, lots of words are da.
Mem, Memmy, Mummy.
Moo for cow. Baa for sheep/lamb.
Beep-beep (horn noise, noise your nose makes when pressed).
Ding-ding (bicycle bell).
Tractor or some approximation.
Ga, Ganny, Nenny. (Granda, Granny, Nanny).
Cheers and cheese having very little between them but context and not always that.
Saying his own name, which can also be eerily similar or gorgeously clear, ditto for Please.
Apple, Amen, Toast, Pat (for Postman Pat - who he adores from our many books).
Mo for more accompanied by his version of the sign.
Trying so hard and just exploding with new mimickry of words and much more "chat" at around 23m.
Betty (great-aunt and also family dog). Help. Book. Man. Bob. Car.
Running everywhere but especially to meet his Daddy at the door after work.
Still charming everyone he meets, even when he's being "shy" and playing peekaboo from behind my legs or over my shoulder. The shy act never lasts long despite the situation though.
Freezing on thresholds out of "shyness" and often needing to be carried inside but quickly recovering himself and "working the room."
Growing into 12-18 month size clothes at 22 1/2 months though by no means all of them, especially still between sizes on the trousers initially but then enjoying a second growth spurt (causing much face-first tripping as the muscles seek to catch-up with the bones).
Starting to be a much neater eater and gaining a lot of ground in self-spoon-feeding and using the more fast-flowing water cups. Occasionally managing to not destroy a whole outfit for lack of three bibs (yes layering them up was necessary, still is, in order to avoid three daily changes of clothing).
Eats a wide variety of foods from eggs (omelette, quiche, dry-fried), courgettes, carrots, mushrooms, apple, orange, plum, nectarine, raisins, grapes, occasionally bananas (though they are a big no-no or for about a week a big yes-yes), peas, green beans, sweetcorn, pizza, pepperoni, smoked salmon, beef, chicken, cheese, ham, bacon, pancakes, biscuits, bread and bagels, beans (all but especially tinned with tomato sauce), lasagna, hot apple barley cereal, sausages, chips or waffles, potatoes in other forms (finally), creamed rice, cake, to fish fingers...
Happily dons his coat at the mere mention of outside.
On our fourth pair of spectacles (second design) as our head grows (a very noticeable millimetre at a time).
Sitting through whole church services with minimal disruption or noise, plays with his quiet toys/reads/enjoys his morning snack with oerhaps one trip to the loo signalled by an antsy bottom.
Showing lots of interest in other children and physically wanting to touch, tap or hug; alas not always welcomed and he seems to always choose the children that will squall the loudest over his entering their personal space.
Learning to be gentle in stroking the dogs Lucy and Betty.
Still enjoying his milkies day and night and signs milkies with great glee.
Won't really feed in public/when out as he gets too distracted, even at LLL surrounded by nursing babies/toddlers.
Still being toileted at regular intervals and very occasionally will sign to go. Most number twos are in the potty, thank goodness.
Settling into his sleep even better (welcomes the routine or it but still not keen on the cot or being left lone to sleep except in the cocoon of the buggy).
Still enjoys from 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours sleep in the afternoon and only nods off in the car on the way home from La Leche League and can now be difficult to keep asleep during the transfer inside from the car.
Goes to sleep to the sound of Mama singing or playing the piano or both but also to silence and stillness (no pushing/rocking/bouncing) and enjoys just snuggling in.
Enjoys sleeping back-to-back with Daddy.
Loves to do that wonderful toddler trick of kicking the covers off of himself in the that one graceful double leg movement.
Has been found at the bottom on the bed (usually on top but once underneath the covers) in the middle of the night.
Still loves to dance and play the bodrhan along to Galway Girl and most music.
Had his first haircut at about 21 1/2 months and went from lots of "isn't she lovely" comments to no one mistaking his gender in one fell swoop - his proper little boy haircut is so lovely that I can't believe I waited so long and yet I totally can as his little curls are all but gone, with only a kink or two remaining.
Wearing his first little suit (matching formal trousers, waistcoat, shirt and velcro tie) to church and just looking so stunning that Daddy has dressed *up* to match instead of a more casual look.
Happy chappy, smiler, my friend described him as "manically happy."
Brave (usually) about physical challenges, climbing up/down e.g. step ladder, high/low bed, chairs, stairs though can freak out over surprisingly low things, ah the queerness of folk.
Enjoys the mountainous challenge that is climbing the external steps to our home.
Very obedient, usually and we've had many "wow" comments about how he responds - a real answer to prayer because for the longest time he just ignored all instruction.
Loves to put the dirty (disposable) nappies in the bin and the wet (cloth) nappies in the nappy bin/bucket; also laundry into the hamper/washer/dryer.
Loves to tidy up his toys so much he's been known to do it unbidden; at the LLL group as I was trying to get him to leave and enjoys the satisfaction of toys in their "homes."
When asked to park his "scooter," or "truck" he does so.
He signs for prayer, bed, milkies, more, book,
We're working on (or should be) drink, help, sorry, thank you, food and "I love you."
Can take off his (non-popper) vest, wide-legged shorts, pyjama bottoms and unzipped body-warmer solo and tops with a little assistance.
Will hold your hand for a walk and stay fairly contented in the trolley on shopping trip.
Making the car/vehicle noises as he plays.
Developing a keen interest in animals and vehicles of all sorts but especially in love with cows and tractors (good choices since we often are surrounded by one or t'other.
Saying so much more, or at least trying to and signing lots more too. Generally just communicating in all the pleasant and more frustrating ways also (real temper scream of fury).
For a time responding to the question of who I am with Dad but now beautifully sing-songing Mem, Memmy or Mummy.
Dad, Daddy, lots of words are da.
Mem, Memmy, Mummy.
Moo for cow. Baa for sheep/lamb.
Beep-beep (horn noise, noise your nose makes when pressed).
Ding-ding (bicycle bell).
Tractor or some approximation.
Ga, Ganny, Nenny. (Granda, Granny, Nanny).
Cheers and cheese having very little between them but context and not always that.
Saying his own name, which can also be eerily similar or gorgeously clear, ditto for Please.
Apple, Amen, Toast, Pat (for Postman Pat - who he adores from our many books).
Mo for more accompanied by his version of the sign.
Trying so hard and just exploding with new mimickry of words and much more "chat" at around 23m.
Betty (great-aunt and also family dog). Help. Book. Man. Bob. Car.
Running everywhere but especially to meet his Daddy at the door after work.
Still charming everyone he meets, even when he's being "shy" and playing peekaboo from behind my legs or over my shoulder. The shy act never lasts long despite the situation though.
Freezing on thresholds out of "shyness" and often needing to be carried inside but quickly recovering himself and "working the room."
Growing into 12-18 month size clothes at 22 1/2 months though by no means all of them, especially still between sizes on the trousers initially but then enjoying a second growth spurt (causing much face-first tripping as the muscles seek to catch-up with the bones).
Starting to be a much neater eater and gaining a lot of ground in self-spoon-feeding and using the more fast-flowing water cups. Occasionally managing to not destroy a whole outfit for lack of three bibs (yes layering them up was necessary, still is, in order to avoid three daily changes of clothing).
Eats a wide variety of foods from eggs (omelette, quiche, dry-fried), courgettes, carrots, mushrooms, apple, orange, plum, nectarine, raisins, grapes, occasionally bananas (though they are a big no-no or for about a week a big yes-yes), peas, green beans, sweetcorn, pizza, pepperoni, smoked salmon, beef, chicken, cheese, ham, bacon, pancakes, biscuits, bread and bagels, beans (all but especially tinned with tomato sauce), lasagna, hot apple barley cereal, sausages, chips or waffles, potatoes in other forms (finally), creamed rice, cake, to fish fingers...
Happily dons his coat at the mere mention of outside.
On our fourth pair of spectacles (second design) as our head grows (a very noticeable millimetre at a time).
Sitting through whole church services with minimal disruption or noise, plays with his quiet toys/reads/enjoys his morning snack with oerhaps one trip to the loo signalled by an antsy bottom.
Showing lots of interest in other children and physically wanting to touch, tap or hug; alas not always welcomed and he seems to always choose the children that will squall the loudest over his entering their personal space.
Learning to be gentle in stroking the dogs Lucy and Betty.
Still enjoying his milkies day and night and signs milkies with great glee.
Won't really feed in public/when out as he gets too distracted, even at LLL surrounded by nursing babies/toddlers.
Still being toileted at regular intervals and very occasionally will sign to go. Most number twos are in the potty, thank goodness.
Settling into his sleep even better (welcomes the routine or it but still not keen on the cot or being left lone to sleep except in the cocoon of the buggy).
Still enjoys from 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours sleep in the afternoon and only nods off in the car on the way home from La Leche League and can now be difficult to keep asleep during the transfer inside from the car.
Goes to sleep to the sound of Mama singing or playing the piano or both but also to silence and stillness (no pushing/rocking/bouncing) and enjoys just snuggling in.
Enjoys sleeping back-to-back with Daddy.
Loves to do that wonderful toddler trick of kicking the covers off of himself in the that one graceful double leg movement.
Has been found at the bottom on the bed (usually on top but once underneath the covers) in the middle of the night.
Still loves to dance and play the bodrhan along to Galway Girl and most music.
Had his first haircut at about 21 1/2 months and went from lots of "isn't she lovely" comments to no one mistaking his gender in one fell swoop - his proper little boy haircut is so lovely that I can't believe I waited so long and yet I totally can as his little curls are all but gone, with only a kink or two remaining.
Wearing his first little suit (matching formal trousers, waistcoat, shirt and velcro tie) to church and just looking so stunning that Daddy has dressed *up* to match instead of a more casual look.
Happy chappy, smiler, my friend described him as "manically happy."
Brave (usually) about physical challenges, climbing up/down e.g. step ladder, high/low bed, chairs, stairs though can freak out over surprisingly low things, ah the queerness of folk.
Enjoys the mountainous challenge that is climbing the external steps to our home.
Very obedient, usually and we've had many "wow" comments about how he responds - a real answer to prayer because for the longest time he just ignored all instruction.
Loves to put the dirty (disposable) nappies in the bin and the wet (cloth) nappies in the nappy bin/bucket; also laundry into the hamper/washer/dryer.
Loves to tidy up his toys so much he's been known to do it unbidden; at the LLL group as I was trying to get him to leave and enjoys the satisfaction of toys in their "homes."
When asked to park his "scooter," or "truck" he does so.
He signs for prayer, bed, milkies, more, book,
We're working on (or should be) drink, help, sorry, thank you, food and "I love you."
Can take off his (non-popper) vest, wide-legged shorts, pyjama bottoms and unzipped body-warmer solo and tops with a little assistance.
Will hold your hand for a walk and stay fairly contented in the trolley on shopping trip.
Monday, 28 October 2013
Day 28 - Cleaning in Mama's and the sidebar
Today I washed some dishes (an almost unheard of event) at my Mama's, dug the meat out of some leftover chicken and used the carcass to make some stock but mostly...
I cleaned up my sidebar on my sister (challenge) blog.
Virtual clutter and disorganisation is almost as hindering as the real life stuff and nonsense. Glad that's sorted perhaps I could suck it up and actually do some real honest-to-goodness CLEANING!
I cleaned up my sidebar on my sister (challenge) blog.
Virtual clutter and disorganisation is almost as hindering as the real life stuff and nonsense. Glad that's sorted perhaps I could suck it up and actually do some real honest-to-goodness CLEANING!
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Day 27 - Cleaning up the visual
An old display unit, for what - who knows, recently unearthed at the back of an outhouse and given a thorough going over. Placed horizontal rather than the vertical stance its brackets suggested and filled with an assortment of small "treasures," mostly of my husband's bachelorhood. Trinkets of worth to him but not necessarily of tremendous beauty. Gathered together, the trinkets, including a couple of my own, and the small shells and stones to add a touch of nature, a display worthy of witness - a gathering of us both and our lives and loves. Simple and yet not quite as it shoukd be - the unit darkly painted failing to show off the "treasures" and so to scrapbooking or rather scrapbook paper and the large collection I have gathered up over the years. A few small rectangles of lighter paper (chosen with input from the Hubby) and the "treasures" are offset and ready for a proper exhibition.
Beautifying our space, making it ours, cleaning up the visual of the old and making it new.
Christ risen cleans up the visual of our hearts and makes them new and clean, showing off His love if only we allow it.
Beautifying our space, making it ours, cleaning up the visual of the old and making it new.
Christ risen cleans up the visual of our hearts and makes them new and clean, showing off His love if only we allow it.
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Day 26 - Toddling along...
Today was not a day of much cleaning or clearing or tidying or organising, it was a day of baby steps, toddling along...
Today I cleared the detritus of papers from the top of my bedside cabinet; it wasn't much of a pile, a couple of notebooks, a few letters waiting to be filed away but there it had sat for so long. The clearing took little time and yet the effect was remarkable. I wouldn't have said the space was messy or cluttered and yet clearing proved that it had been. The "cleared" surface or as cleared as it would ever be was more restful, more peaceful, a calmer visual; calm is especially of importance for the insomniac and so I will endeavour to keep it clear. The touch-lamp, water bottle and box of tissues, ever-ready and waiting for the constant use all three items get, they alone shall remain.
Today I washed two full loads (and one yesterday) and hung to dry the light and easily dried items downstairs and the non-dryer thicker items across the radiators upstairs and dryer items were gathered from both loads before that helper was called into play. My maidservants worked hard for me today and I thank God for them.
Today I quick-cleaned both bathrooms.
Today I visited with my parents at the outreach cafe of our church and enjoyed a freshly baked date and wheaten scone with jam and cream and shared a slice of scrumptious apple pie with Bundle. I enjoyed his hand-loading of his teaspoon with his mini-crackers and grape halves and his sheer delight at the piece of iced cake I allowed him.
I enjoyed an afternoon visit to my parents' home and a catch-up chatter with my mother as Bundle played in the wide variety of cast-off toys. They go to Australia for three months and we'll all feel their loss.
Following my Cleaning Schedule is the goal but as insomnia knocks me or emotions rage through me and depresssion takes the legs from under me I am thankful for a loving husband and son and wonderful family to cheer me on, make me a cuppa and just live alongside me. The house has seem improvements and I have a long way to go but I am glad that God's grace sustains me and not the ability to eat off my floor, although I do anyway :) five second rule people!
Today I cleared the detritus of papers from the top of my bedside cabinet; it wasn't much of a pile, a couple of notebooks, a few letters waiting to be filed away but there it had sat for so long. The clearing took little time and yet the effect was remarkable. I wouldn't have said the space was messy or cluttered and yet clearing proved that it had been. The "cleared" surface or as cleared as it would ever be was more restful, more peaceful, a calmer visual; calm is especially of importance for the insomniac and so I will endeavour to keep it clear. The touch-lamp, water bottle and box of tissues, ever-ready and waiting for the constant use all three items get, they alone shall remain.
Today I washed two full loads (and one yesterday) and hung to dry the light and easily dried items downstairs and the non-dryer thicker items across the radiators upstairs and dryer items were gathered from both loads before that helper was called into play. My maidservants worked hard for me today and I thank God for them.
Today I quick-cleaned both bathrooms.
Today I visited with my parents at the outreach cafe of our church and enjoyed a freshly baked date and wheaten scone with jam and cream and shared a slice of scrumptious apple pie with Bundle. I enjoyed his hand-loading of his teaspoon with his mini-crackers and grape halves and his sheer delight at the piece of iced cake I allowed him.
I enjoyed an afternoon visit to my parents' home and a catch-up chatter with my mother as Bundle played in the wide variety of cast-off toys. They go to Australia for three months and we'll all feel their loss.
Following my Cleaning Schedule is the goal but as insomnia knocks me or emotions rage through me and depresssion takes the legs from under me I am thankful for a loving husband and son and wonderful family to cheer me on, make me a cuppa and just live alongside me. The house has seem improvements and I have a long way to go but I am glad that God's grace sustains me and not the ability to eat off my floor, although I do anyway :) five second rule people!
Friday, 25 October 2013
Day 25 - Cleaning out my wallet
Well more accurately cleaning up my finances and FINALLY cancelling a website subscription I wasn't even using. It was going unused because it wasn't useful to me and yet I procrastinated as per usual and didn't cancel it straight away, even though the website wasn't going to suddenly become useful. Who knows how my brain works, I certainly don't.
So today I cleaned up my finances and I'm glad. Now if only some of this philosophising could manifest in the kind of household cleaning I had originally intended for this month of blogging... then all will be just dandy.
So today I cleaned up my finances and I'm glad. Now if only some of this philosophising could manifest in the kind of household cleaning I had originally intended for this month of blogging... then all will be just dandy.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Day 24 - Raw hide
Raw hide! The wagon rolls on without me aboard.
It seems even when one *chooses* to alight from the wagon as opposed to falling off of it, it is still decidedly difficult to re-board. The intellectual decision made to hitch up and head back out onto the plains notwithstanding, the caravan continues its journey without me.
My Hubby is home, my emotional equilibrium almost restored, as restored as it is these days anyhow and yet I am cast adrift, zombie-like, not quite doing and not quite striving and certainly not thriving.
Another day of failed tasks, undone challenges and I am unmoved.
Prayer and prayer and perhaps this little engine will once more...
It seems even when one *chooses* to alight from the wagon as opposed to falling off of it, it is still decidedly difficult to re-board. The intellectual decision made to hitch up and head back out onto the plains notwithstanding, the caravan continues its journey without me.
My Hubby is home, my emotional equilibrium almost restored, as restored as it is these days anyhow and yet I am cast adrift, zombie-like, not quite doing and not quite striving and certainly not thriving.
Another day of failed tasks, undone challenges and I am unmoved.
Prayer and prayer and perhaps this little engine will once more...
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Day 23 - Coming Clean
I haven't done a thing hardly the last couple of days, I let things slide, I checked out as my Hubby checked in to a flight, to another country (sort of), and a hotel. I chose this, to overeat, to checkout, to lay awake, to let my emotions rule me, to wander around zombie-like but...
I did chose to air the house, to open the blinds/curtains, to tidy up, to empty the dishwasher and reload it. I chose to shower as soon as I got Bundle down for a nap, to clean me, ready for Hubby's homecoming. I chose many other things to dismiss over the last few days and a few others to keep-up and I have no real regrets in truth. I made these decisions in full awareness of my state of loss (boy I missed him) and I made them so I would not be overwhelmed by my emotional state but rather lean into it and focus on the important over the less so.
I focused on prayer and study. I focused on personal contact. I didn't cancel my catch-up with a friend. I didn't cancel my tutoring sessions. I withstood in a lot of ways, crumbled in others.
He is home and my equilibrium is reset. My house is our home and no it is not cleaner but it is happier.
I did chose to air the house, to open the blinds/curtains, to tidy up, to empty the dishwasher and reload it. I chose to shower as soon as I got Bundle down for a nap, to clean me, ready for Hubby's homecoming. I chose many other things to dismiss over the last few days and a few others to keep-up and I have no real regrets in truth. I made these decisions in full awareness of my state of loss (boy I missed him) and I made them so I would not be overwhelmed by my emotional state but rather lean into it and focus on the important over the less so.
I focused on prayer and study. I focused on personal contact. I didn't cancel my catch-up with a friend. I didn't cancel my tutoring sessions. I withstood in a lot of ways, crumbled in others.
He is home and my equilibrium is reset. My house is our home and no it is not cleaner but it is happier.
#4 Weekly Weigh-In
Keeping track thrice weekly but here's the official weekly weigh-in:
#4 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
#3 12 st 11 lbs (179 pounds)
This is what happens when you eat junk food solidly from Monday night until Wednesday evening when your Hubby gies out of the country in business. I chose this path; I knew I'd gain. Back on the wagon again tomorrow and back on the path to my next goal.
Third Goal - to reach my lowest post-partum weight (12 st 8 lbs) and get back to where I was 2009/2010
Reward - add a sticker to my "star chart" for every pound lost, working toward another book buying reward and jump around the house like a mad thing.
#4 13 st 0 lbs (182 pounds)
#3 12 st 11 lbs (179 pounds)
This is what happens when you eat junk food solidly from Monday night until Wednesday evening when your Hubby gies out of the country in business. I chose this path; I knew I'd gain. Back on the wagon again tomorrow and back on the path to my next goal.
Third Goal - to reach my lowest post-partum weight (12 st 8 lbs) and get back to where I was 2009/2010
Reward - add a sticker to my "star chart" for every pound lost, working toward another book buying reward and jump around the house like a mad thing.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Day 22 - Checking out
Check out my progress.
Check out how much I cleaned today or yesterday or last week.
Check out from cleaning because Hubby's away.
Check out how much I have to do.
Check out how much I did, check out how much I still have to do.
Check out out how it doesn't stay done, stay clean, stay tidy.
Check out how it is all day everyday, or a little everyday...everyday.
Check out how it has to be done again and again and again and again and again...
The curse of the fallen, that dust will always fall, we come from the dust, we return to the dust and in between we, you know, dust!
I can't wait for heaven, streets paved with gold, pearly gates, radiance, the brightest of lights to dispel all the darkness and show up the lack of dust.
Praising for eternity and no dusting, singing for the King and no sweeping.
There is a castle on a cloud, I like to go there in my sleep, aren't any floors for me to sweep...Les Mis
There is a Kingdom in the clouds, some day I'll go there no more to sleep, aren't any floors for me to sweep...Heaven
Check out how much I cleaned today or yesterday or last week.
Check out from cleaning because Hubby's away.
Check out how much I have to do.
Check out how much I did, check out how much I still have to do.
Check out out how it doesn't stay done, stay clean, stay tidy.
Check out how it is all day everyday, or a little everyday...everyday.
Check out how it has to be done again and again and again and again and again...
The curse of the fallen, that dust will always fall, we come from the dust, we return to the dust and in between we, you know, dust!
I can't wait for heaven, streets paved with gold, pearly gates, radiance, the brightest of lights to dispel all the darkness and show up the lack of dust.
Praising for eternity and no dusting, singing for the King and no sweeping.
There is a castle on a cloud, I like to go there in my sleep, aren't any floors for me to sweep...Les Mis
There is a Kingdom in the clouds, some day I'll go there no more to sleep, aren't any floors for me to sweep...Heaven
Monday, 21 October 2013
Day 21 - Miss Saboteur
It happens with every goal I aim for, every plan of attack, every attempt to change my ways; at some point I sabotage myself.
It might be a slow sneaking back to old ways, after all, old habits die hard. It might be allowing myself to fall off the wagon once and then twice and then finding it hard to climb back aboard; or just not bothering. It may just be outright quitting or a spectacular "fall from grace" or a plan to fail.
It is the sinful nature exerting itself, the call of the familiar or the "easier" path. It is choosing the "what I want right now" over the "what I want." It is seeking comfort in the old, the familiar, the food I gorge on, the TV/book/blog that allows me to zone out; instead of doing the next thing, instead of seeking and finding comfort from the One from whom comfort and peace flow.
So many times I've given up, walked away or not even tried.
I am in a period of struggling once more and I have been/am sabotaging myself.
I've been sitting up too late which has more than likely added to my insomnia. I've been slow to get started in the morning. I've been prioritising my time very poorly. I've been letting my emotions and tiredness get the best of me.
We have been busy which has put extra emphasis on the need to prioritise in order to get the basics done and at the same time I've been continually adding more and more challenges (on my sister blog) without thinking about when or where I can fit in these additional activities. I need to take a couple of days while my Hubby is away to really think through all that I have to do and to lay out how I can best fit things in and which tasks should take priority on a busy day.
I think my Cleaning Schedule needs to be prioritised and up until now I've really not been taking it seriously. My (small) efforts have paid off, but really a little more foresight, planning and effort would improve my success at these tasks immensely.
So with a heavy heart over the copious amounts of rubbish I've just consumed and the little work I have today achieved, I shall to bed. Goodnight.
It might be a slow sneaking back to old ways, after all, old habits die hard. It might be allowing myself to fall off the wagon once and then twice and then finding it hard to climb back aboard; or just not bothering. It may just be outright quitting or a spectacular "fall from grace" or a plan to fail.
It is the sinful nature exerting itself, the call of the familiar or the "easier" path. It is choosing the "what I want right now" over the "what I want." It is seeking comfort in the old, the familiar, the food I gorge on, the TV/book/blog that allows me to zone out; instead of doing the next thing, instead of seeking and finding comfort from the One from whom comfort and peace flow.
So many times I've given up, walked away or not even tried.
I am in a period of struggling once more and I have been/am sabotaging myself.
I've been sitting up too late which has more than likely added to my insomnia. I've been slow to get started in the morning. I've been prioritising my time very poorly. I've been letting my emotions and tiredness get the best of me.
We have been busy which has put extra emphasis on the need to prioritise in order to get the basics done and at the same time I've been continually adding more and more challenges (on my sister blog) without thinking about when or where I can fit in these additional activities. I need to take a couple of days while my Hubby is away to really think through all that I have to do and to lay out how I can best fit things in and which tasks should take priority on a busy day.
I think my Cleaning Schedule needs to be prioritised and up until now I've really not been taking it seriously. My (small) efforts have paid off, but really a little more foresight, planning and effort would improve my success at these tasks immensely.
So with a heavy heart over the copious amounts of rubbish I've just consumed and the little work I have today achieved, I shall to bed. Goodnight.
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Day 20 - An Inside Job
Roman Catholics visit the confessional and "atone" for their sins.
I believe Salvation Army members kneel at the mercy seat to confess.
Traditionally Presbyterians are to examine their hearts before the six annual communions.
There is even the encouraged prayer format of A.C.T.S. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication.
Prayerful confession is again wiping clean the slate of our soul.
Turning over the new leaf of repentance.
With the introduction of so many challenges on my sister blog I feel as if I am chasing my tail and never fully accomplishing anything; yet I have accomplished so much and one area that has greatly improved is my prayer life.
Daily "prayer sticks" time with Bundle has left me more open to God, seen me confessing my aberrations almost daily and seeking the forgiveness of the cross, with thankfulness for His mercies being new each morning.
Six lollipop sticks to guide me and direct me to His throne of grace;
Purple - a prayer format or prayerful passage,
Yellow - something for which to give thanks,
Red - family member, friends or church family to pray for,
Green - prayer for government, missionaries the world over, our ministers, the persecuted church
Orange - a supplication, please help me to be kind, patient, Christlike, (I really should add-in all the 'fruits of the spirit')
Blue - confessions, cleaning my soul, cleansing my heart, being contrite and apologising for the wrong that breaks His heart, mindful of the debt paid and freedom granted, PRAISE THE LORD!
Other short-term requests are added in to the mix and the prayers can have moments of checking off the list but those are few and far between, as the dialogue begins and my heart opens up to God. Tears flow and my soul sings. Our Father... Thank You Lord... Please lift up... Guide me O though Great Jehovah... Help so-and-so see their need of You... I'm sorry...
All the parts come together to make more than the whole. Thanks and praise and pleas and confession.
Confession especially, "they" always say it's good for the soul and they're right.
I believe Salvation Army members kneel at the mercy seat to confess.
Traditionally Presbyterians are to examine their hearts before the six annual communions.
There is even the encouraged prayer format of A.C.T.S. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication.
Prayerful confession is again wiping clean the slate of our soul.
Turning over the new leaf of repentance.
With the introduction of so many challenges on my sister blog I feel as if I am chasing my tail and never fully accomplishing anything; yet I have accomplished so much and one area that has greatly improved is my prayer life.
Daily "prayer sticks" time with Bundle has left me more open to God, seen me confessing my aberrations almost daily and seeking the forgiveness of the cross, with thankfulness for His mercies being new each morning.
Six lollipop sticks to guide me and direct me to His throne of grace;
Purple - a prayer format or prayerful passage,
Yellow - something for which to give thanks,
Red - family member, friends or church family to pray for,
Green - prayer for government, missionaries the world over, our ministers, the persecuted church
Orange - a supplication, please help me to be kind, patient, Christlike, (I really should add-in all the 'fruits of the spirit')
Blue - confessions, cleaning my soul, cleansing my heart, being contrite and apologising for the wrong that breaks His heart, mindful of the debt paid and freedom granted, PRAISE THE LORD!
Other short-term requests are added in to the mix and the prayers can have moments of checking off the list but those are few and far between, as the dialogue begins and my heart opens up to God. Tears flow and my soul sings. Our Father... Thank You Lord... Please lift up... Guide me O though Great Jehovah... Help so-and-so see their need of You... I'm sorry...
All the parts come together to make more than the whole. Thanks and praise and pleas and confession.
Confession especially, "they" always say it's good for the soul and they're right.
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Day 19 - Building good habits
So I'm definitely not following my schedule too well, but even on days like today, when every hour was easily accounted for and none of my scheduled cleaning was done, things were still cleaned?!
In building up better daily habits for myself, I clean both bathrooms daily and (usually, hey I'm a work-in-progress) give the kitchen counters and sink a bit of a once-over. I also bleach the toilets three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays).
So today, being Saturday, I may have been busy, I may not have "cleaned" or felt I had time to, but the toilets were bleached, the bathrooms were given a quick run-over and the kitchen counters were wiped down.
Building daily habits is helping my house, heart and head and that allows everyone to benefit from them ;)
In building up better daily habits for myself, I clean both bathrooms daily and (usually, hey I'm a work-in-progress) give the kitchen counters and sink a bit of a once-over. I also bleach the toilets three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays).
So today, being Saturday, I may have been busy, I may not have "cleaned" or felt I had time to, but the toilets were bleached, the bathrooms were given a quick run-over and the kitchen counters were wiped down.
Building daily habits is helping my house, heart and head and that allows everyone to benefit from them ;)
Friday, 18 October 2013
Day 18 - Be prepared
Today I followed a new recipe (an actual recipe!) and made hash brown crusted (vegetarian) quiche; you kmow it was good when my Hubby didn't even mention that it would have tasted better with a little meat in it!
All-in-all a successful cooking experiment but I certainly got to think about preparedness, you see alongside this (slightly) increased amount of cleaning, there has been a dramatic lessening of messing up the house and a big increase in tidying and setting things to rights about the place. The house is definitely looking the better for it.
Recently the Hubs decided to invite his family for Christmas and I begrudgingly agreed to go along with that decision. The decision itself made sense, my in-laws weren't terribly keen to host, my SIL is pregnant and pretty sick (and hosted last year, though not for us). Logically it made sense but emotionally...
I dream of being a regular, relaxed, house at the ready for company hostess - however I am none of those things. Hosting makes me terribly stressed, we don't do it very often, the house had (until recently) not been company ready ever and well I disliked that state of affairs (being that hospitality is biblically mandated and especially for church elders-my husband being one) but wasn't trying terribly hard to right the situation.
Now however that I'm discovering the benefits of (somewhat slapdash but much more) regular cleaning and better tidying habits I actually text Hubs today to say how "I'm kinda looking forward to Christmas now that I'm starting to make headway on the house." His reply made me cry:
"That's just great. You brought a big smile to my face... You are doing fab. Christmas will be great."
Of course I haven't yet offered to actually help him with the cooking, but baby steps people! ;)
Anyhow just to round this off nicely, yes it's good to be prepared, to have a plan, to be company ready in case the "company" materialise but sometimes being prepared ahead of time has its downsides...
This morning saw me prepare all the vegetables for my new quiche recipes, I was set to go, with courgette and celery chopped, chopped onion defrosted, cheese grated and potatoes peeled and grated. I set to creating my masterpiece after my hour of tutoring had been accomplished and... I found lots of grey grated potato. So tonight I served my Hubs and Sunny hash GREY based vegetarian quiche - yum yum!
It was still delicious though!
All-in-all a successful cooking experiment but I certainly got to think about preparedness, you see alongside this (slightly) increased amount of cleaning, there has been a dramatic lessening of messing up the house and a big increase in tidying and setting things to rights about the place. The house is definitely looking the better for it.
Recently the Hubs decided to invite his family for Christmas and I begrudgingly agreed to go along with that decision. The decision itself made sense, my in-laws weren't terribly keen to host, my SIL is pregnant and pretty sick (and hosted last year, though not for us). Logically it made sense but emotionally...
I dream of being a regular, relaxed, house at the ready for company hostess - however I am none of those things. Hosting makes me terribly stressed, we don't do it very often, the house had (until recently) not been company ready ever and well I disliked that state of affairs (being that hospitality is biblically mandated and especially for church elders-my husband being one) but wasn't trying terribly hard to right the situation.
Now however that I'm discovering the benefits of (somewhat slapdash but much more) regular cleaning and better tidying habits I actually text Hubs today to say how "I'm kinda looking forward to Christmas now that I'm starting to make headway on the house." His reply made me cry:
"That's just great. You brought a big smile to my face... You are doing fab. Christmas will be great."
Of course I haven't yet offered to actually help him with the cooking, but baby steps people! ;)
Anyhow just to round this off nicely, yes it's good to be prepared, to have a plan, to be company ready in case the "company" materialise but sometimes being prepared ahead of time has its downsides...
This morning saw me prepare all the vegetables for my new quiche recipes, I was set to go, with courgette and celery chopped, chopped onion defrosted, cheese grated and potatoes peeled and grated. I set to creating my masterpiece after my hour of tutoring had been accomplished and... I found lots of grey grated potato. So tonight I served my Hubs and Sunny hash GREY based vegetarian quiche - yum yum!
It was still delicious though!
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