Merry Christmas

A Christmas postcard from us

The year has been great. Stephen has been learning lots and does not show any signs of slowing down.

The question on our minds now is; “How can we stimulate him more”, he must be so bored at the moment. We are completely biased but we think he’s a genius

Well when Christmas day comes he is going to be so spoil. I kind of think that we overdid it. Watch this space, lol.

Anyway have a great Christmas and send your wishes and regards in the comments below – always appreciated more than gold.

Father Fail

The other day, I was going to quickly change Stephen’s nappy, it was morning, he had just woken up. As I put him up on the changing mat – actually a counter, he called for his Pooh Bear. I turned around to get it, I heard an odd sound, turned back.

I split second.

And Stephen was already flipping over the edge of the counter.

I was just not fast enough.

All that went through my mind was like a force of will for him to fall on his back.

Somehow did. Lots of tears, More of a fright than anything else.

Last week I was there for him, to catch him before a serious faceplant, this week I was not. I can’t be there all the time, but when I am and I can’t react, I feel bad.

Anyway this series is not about defeat and loss, it is about learning and overcoming.

How about you, what are you going through? Learning?

Djembe Drummer

She will be a Daughter

Went today for our 22nd Week Scan.
We chose not to go to the intermediate scan for Down Syndrome because that was not going to influence our decision.
However there was still concern, for obvious reasons. Yet all is fine, I am happy to say.
Also happy to say that she is a girl
So we will have a Pigeon Pair
I have been told that she will steal my heart from Stephen, that we will have to see, but she will be my princess
Now I am faced with two problems:

1. What will we call her?
2. And where do I go with this blog and my Daughter?

First Contact

I have seen Stephen loosing a few battles that he did not care to fight for.
But now, with a greater awareness of self and possession, Stephen is starting to fight back.
And I think that I witnessed the first battle. Just a simple difference of opinion, but one that involved a tug-of-war and parent intervention.
Stephen was wanting to pull a free standing and unused trolly and another child decided that the trolly was hers.
Notice how I am completely on Stephen’s side in this story what are parents for?
Usually Stephen would have just moved on.
Not today.
He pulled back and he won – Watta Boikie!
Wish I had taken a quick photo – it would have been classic.

Eczema Cures

From volcano mud to steroids,
from old wives tales to professional opinions,
I guess you have hear them all.
And the causes;
from house dust mites to grass,
from wheat to milk,
you’ve heard that as well.
They’ll grow out of it,
Pray.
Makes you want to tear your hair out right?
What has worked for you?

Funny Potty Story

Kathy sent this to me via email. Not sure where it originated from but I thought it was funny and relevant considering what we are going through. Potty training Stephen:

A little three year old boy is sitting on the toilet.
His mother thinks he has been in there too long,
so she goes in to see what’s up.
The little boy is sitting on the toilet reading a book.
But about every 10 seconds or so he puts the book down,
grips onto to the toilet seat with his left hand and
hits himself on top of the head with his right hand.
His mother says: “Billy, are you all right?
You’ve been in here for a while.
Billy says: “I’m fine, mommy.. I just haven’t gone ‘doody’ yet.”

Mother says: “Ok, you can stay here a few more minutes.
But, Billy, why are you hitting yourself on the head?”

Billy says: “Works for ketchup.”

Father Fail

Here we are again, Father Fail that was the previous one if you have anything to add there

This week, probably every other week, I feel completely inadequate with my ability as a Father to help Stephen and his eczema. If I could take it onto myself – I would. I try everything. I think I’ll tell you all the things Kathy and I have tried, hmmm.
hmmmphf
Anyway this series is not about defeat and loss, it is about learning and overcoming. Soon I will tell you of Stephen and I overcoming this problem.
How about you, what are you going through? Learning?

Potty Training Success

Yayyy.

This Friday and Saturday (4th and 5th December 2009) Stephen chose to go to the loo/toilet on his own.

Sure there was one mis-hap which is all part of the learning process.

Well done BIG Guy.
Success for us came about from:

• Non conflicting ideas about potty training
• Lead by example
• Ask – don’t force
• Encouragement and Affirmation

Leave Tiger alone. But Tiger, don’t leave us alone

I completely agree; leave Tiger Woods alone. You might disagree with me, but hear me out ..
What he is going through with his family is a personal thing. Which is his first priority.
But, having said that, he also has an obligation to his supporters. As a professional sportsman he is also a personality; a personality who is successful from both his athletic ability and the community that follows him.
So please dude, although I am not an avid Golfing fan, please tell us (when you are ready) what went down and how you are working towards a resolution.
There are people out there who look up to you.

This is an opportunity.