Love is supposed to keep no record of wrongs, but perhaps if I recorded a few petty grievances, it might lighten the load a little…
What is annoying me?
-These children wake up switched ON. They do not want to ease into the day, and they seem confused when others awaken a little grumpy and are less than thrilled to have a loud voice telling them that the sun is up (never mind that the house is still completely dark). They also do not understand that when I am laying down on my bed after lunch, I just want to be left alone.
-The amount of times per day Miss A tells me “I am bery hungry…” I have never met such a “hungry” child before.
-Some of the baby talk. Linked with constantly being in terrible pain. Usually when a “toey” (toe) is hurt, or a “bummy” (bottom) is sore. I was very confused on day 1 when Miss A kept referring to her “needies”. I now know that this word means underwear.
-Miss L falls over so many times a day it is not funny. I was concerned sending her to her contact visit the other day with legs covered in bruises. She cannot climb onto her bed without the aid of a step, and even when she is sitting on my lap she manages to topple off somehow.
-These girls are very lacking in self-control. Miss A defaced my Gvitav Klimt print today and she put her hand on the grill after I had cautioned her it was hot. I am seriously concerned that Miss L is going to burn herself because she keeps touching the stove top/ oven when it is on, despite my many warnings to stay clear.
-Why don’t I just open a water park in the kitchen? Water is spilled on the table or floor at least three times a day. The feeling of a damp floor underfoot irks me.
-The words “my turn” and “mine” are spoken countless times per day in this house. I am seriously considering hiding all copies of Dear Zoo, Spot and any other lift-the-flap books because of the drama that these cause at story time. On the topic of story time, the most coveted seat here is upon my lap…
-How frequently I have to put Miss R is the time-out chair as a consequence for hurting. Yes darling, I know that your world has been turned upside down and you have to share not only your home and all of your toys but your mum too, and it is very confusing… but I need to maintain some kind of consistency.
-It takes so long to get out of the door with shoes on!
-The food waste!
-And of course, as you can imagine in a house with four young children, the fighting. The fighting.
-And the mess. SO. MUCH. MESS.
Ok, enough complaining.
What am I enjoying?
-Watching children play happily. Miss A and Miss R were so beautifully playing a game of Doctor and Patient yesterday, and were taking turns without prompting. Mr E seems to be teaching these children how to relax and play, and has introduced them to pillow fort building, running in the backyard naked, and games like “the floor is made of lava”. The TV was not asked for or turned on once today. The children were having too much fun.
-These children are genuinely happy to see each other in the morning. At the end of the day, their many quarrels are forgotten and they want to cuddle each other.
-It is feeling less like the girls are visitors and they actually belong here with us. Miss A and Miss L like to point around them and talk about “my home” and “our home”. Sometimes Miss A excitedly tells me that she can stay here forever!
-There are plenty of glimpses of hope for the future. Considering how terribly things could have gone, I would say that our progress is quite excellent.
-Occasionally I look at our nieces and I really feel something loving for them. I cannot believe that I have only “known” them for about three weeks. It certainly feels like longer.
-Seeing how Miss A and Miss L are really becoming part of the family. They know the actions to “My God is so big” and Miss A likes to have her turn at saying grace at dinner time. They have enjoyed getting to know my family and having gained new grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. They seem to feel safe here. Despite the sulking and tantrums, they seem quite happy and secure.
-There is so much laughter. How can you beat the sound of children laughing?
-When I realise how blessed I am to have so many beautiful children in my care. What an honour and a privilege to be a mother to all these kids.
That is probably enough for now. It is past my bedtime and I shall probably regret staying up late come sunrise and the friendly call of “Mumma…”
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