Brain dead

Well to say motherhood is a challenge at the moment is an understatement. Sometimes I wonder if all mothers find it so hard or if somehow it's ME...do I just not quite manage? Maybe it's the stage Benjamin's at. Or dare I say it again: Benjamin is a Spirited child = darn hard work!!



I never want to be one of those people who think they've got it harder. Because in actual fact, I have a great life! I am very blessed. I just tend to forget that a lot lately. My tolerance level is close to zero. Probably because I'm 6 months pregnant!!! (which I hardly ever think about - poor Bump, I do love you too!)



Most places I go, someone will make a comment about how full of energy he is, or how loud and chatty, or how friendly. Yes, he is all of that. And it's wonderful. He is full of character and life and vibrancy. But that also means he is NEVER still, except for when he's eating in his high chair or engrossed in a DVD.



Sigh. Of course, at the end of the day, I wouldn't change a thing about my Benjamin. I just need a fresh dose of strength and perspective. I know where to go for that.

"Riding in cars with girls"

This is a great photo taken on the day he turned 18 months old. He's already a hit with the girls, and quite comfortable at the wheel!

The exit

So the season of uncontrollable, public tantrums has begun. I made my first exit from a cafe on Monday, screaming baby under one arm, pushing stroller with the other. I can rest assured this will not be the only one for my spirited little boy, but the first of many, many exits.



So I better get good at them. Should I wave and smile as I go?

Good clean fun

My Mom had a great idea to use up the boxes from the move....shows you don't need money to have fun with your kids!

We taped the flaps of 3 sturdy boxes together, inside and out, and cut a hole in the side for the window. Benjamin loves it!

Attack of the killer fleas

We have had a few extra house guests since we moved that are proving a little difficult to get rid of. Yuk! My poor little boy has been more than a little unhappy. On Saturday night he was up four times. Eventually I ignored him. He was being eaten alive!!!!! One of those guilty moments. If only he could have told me.




And church on Sunday night was a nightmare. Half way through the service, I just had to leave. He wouldn't stop crying and I was slightly stressed, and without hubby as he was studying for his exam.


Unfortunately my darling Benjamin has his mommy's sensitive skin and the flea bites scab up and weep, making them look ten times worse. And the ones on his hands have blistered! I remember going to primary school with multiple plasters on my legs because I had broken out in ugly blisters after being bitten by a mosquito.


Thankfully, I think that as of today, they have finally moved out. Phew.

Thankful

For the first time in 3 1/2 years, my hubby and I have our own place. And it just feels so good. Since he has been studying, we've boarded with a family, stayed with his parents, house sat, stayed with my parents and then house shared with another family. You do what you have to do. But you don't realise the strain it puts on you, especially when children are involved.

I have gleaned something good from each experience. There have been positives about every one. Yet as I sit here, in MY lounge typing this post, I am at peace. Yes there is added financial pressure with having your own place. But I'm putting that aside and savouring this moment. It's so quiet here. *sigh of contentment*.

It is a little two bedroom, newly renovated unit with a fully fenced backyard. A little small for Benjamin, who I have now nicknamed My Tornado (refering to the havoc he creates in the small space) but I'm not going to complain. I love cleaning MY little place and hanging clothes on MY little washing line. I'll put some photos up when we've unpacked and cleared the remaining boxes. Takes a while.

What a season it's been. In half an hour, hubby will write the last exam of four years of study. Wow! Unfortunately he has one more semester. A few catch ups. But that's ok. He stuck in there and is doing what no-one in his family has done!! I am soooo proud of him.

And now I'm going to go back to folding the washing. Fully content, and thankful.