The Five Little Ducks Blog

I am considering drafting a proposal to the Australian government. Being a sick mother should be illegal. When a mother starts to feel a worrying scratch in the back of her throat, she should be able to press some kind of alert which ensures that a team of Mary Poppins style nurses and nannies is on its way for 24 hour care and supervision. Mother-dear will be able to rest in bed as the team feeds and dresses all the children, keeps them entertained and occasionally someone will bring Mum some freshly squeezed orange juice and a couple of Paracetamol tablets. This is all nonsense of course. Imagine such luxury! I never miss my childhood more than when I am sick. Being able to sleep, read or watch TV all day was the norm, while my lovely mother made toast, ensured I had plenty of fluids and was genuinely compassionate.

I have a cold. Hopefully today was the worst of it. Three of the little ducks were at childcare today, so I was extremely blessed to be able to laze about, sticking to the most essential household tasks and caring for Miss R who was lovely and sweet. Of course I still needed to take the children to and from childcare, but this was worth the rest (however, getting the children buckled into their seats has become one of my least favourite tasks. This morning, it took approximately ten minutes to get from leaving the front door to reversing out of the driveway).

This morning when I awoke with an extremely scratchy voice, I sat the children down and explained that I was feeling very sick and I needed them to be kind, helpful and good listeners. I imagined that this might be the start of something beautiful, where I could give up yelling forever and that my own loss of a voice would result in peace and harmony for all. My grand idea fell on its face when the children started squabbling, whingeing and crying immediately, and in the kitchen I had to whisper/yell for Miss A and Miss R to sit down on their chairs before I could make their breakfast. Being ignored constantly is so frustrating, and it is easier said than done to have eye contact with every child when I need to speak with them.

Children are such illogical creatures. A few months ago, my Mum commented that two year olds are no longer babies, but they do not know yet how to be humans. This could be extended to three year olds and four year olds (having no five year olds yet, who knows?). They are bothered by the pettiest things; a sibling touching their shoe or looking at them, not getting the pink spoon or the green plate. Miss A seems genuinely surprised when I tell her every morning that it is time to brush her teeth and brush her hair, and will start to whine and complain. Miss L fights me and screams when I try to help brush her teeth or get her dressed. It is difficult enough to patiently endure these daily occurrences when you are healthy. When one is sick, they feel like a very specific type of torture.

On top of all this, I think my body might be preparing to go into labour soon. I have been induced for both of my children’s births and each labour did not follow a normal pattern of contractions. I do not know what to expect should I go into labour naturally, but I am hoping that this will occur. I do worry about what might happen if I were to start labouring while Daddy Duck was at work. The plan is for my Mum to look after all the children while I am in the hospital, but she does not drive; would she be able to get here quickly enough? I start thinking about everyone I could contact to ask for help; hoping that someone could come to my aid.

I truly hope that I will have recovered from my cold before the baby decides to arrive. I was sick when Miss R was born. It was difficult to breathe. After the labour, I realized that I was haemorrhaging due to the large blood loss each time I coughed. Over the next few days, I felt rotten having to cough and blow my nose as I was surrounded by newborn babies. I looked pale and puffy in the photographs. I would rather avoid a repeat of the whole experience.

Everything seems to be happening all at once at the moment. Our lovely Labrador is staying at the vet with some kind of slipped disc which has left her without the use of her back legs. We need to prepare a confined space for her to stay in for six weeks when they let her return home; apparently she will need round-the-clock care. Daddy Duck has had a throat infection. His motor bike has not been starting in the morning and requires a new battery. He has had some trouble at work. Today I lost my mobile phone. Being sick and due to have a baby any day, plus all the drama with the children… life just feels a bit stressful right now.

However, I have so much that I am grateful for. A few people have asked whether we have had enough support during this time. We have been blessed abundantly with support and never have I felt that I was “alone” or that nobody cared about us. From the moment everyone knew that the girls were going to live with us, they brought over clothes and toys, asking what we needed. One kind couple provided us with a few large items including a freezer, so that people could give us frozen meals. I was able to defrost one of those frozen meals for tonight’s dinner. I have received quite a few meals. A few different women; some from church, some family, have been in my home to help with the housework. Some of them watched the children while I napped. One family minded all four ducks on Sunday so that Daddy Duck and I could go on a date before the baby is born. My mum has come over a few times first thing in the morning to help get the children ready if I needed to be at an appointment by a certain time. A few people have given us money or gift cards, we also received one very generous financial gift anonymously. I am even thankful for the people who have popped in for a visit, distracting the children and breaking up the day. To say that I appreciate all the help we have been given would be a complete understatement. I am blown away by the support that we have received.

Soon, I will get to meet the precious little guy who keeps wriggling around in my womb (Daddy Duck compares the sight of bub’s rolls and kicks to a scene from Alien). It will be a difficult transition for the whole family, but I am excited about meeting Baby J. All of the children look forward to meeting their new brother. As hard as all of this is, I love each of my children and I feel honoured and glad to have been given this opportunity. The five little ducks will be together shortly. I cannot imagine life now without any of them.