Health Update

The anti-hystermine worked and the swelling started to reduce. The pharmacist told me it would take a few days to totally go away. We are off to OUR GP to do a double check, but we don't know what bit him or when. The biggest problem was that he wasn't in any pain or showing any signs of discomfort at all. When he looked SO awful and acted so normally it is hard to grasp. Thanks for your concern - we are all doing better today.

Not a pleasant visit

So I was updating my blog yesterday when the boys woke from a long nap. Benji was happy and normal. Spencer seemed fine however when I looked at him my heart started racing. Somehow his head had swollen and the left side of his forehead was significantly. I had no idea what had caused it, but he could walk, talk and didn't seem to be in any pain. As I was home by myself late on a Saturday afternoon, I called the ambulance and started to get the boys ready to leave. Of course mobiles being as they are - the big squirrel wasn't answering his but I got on to my parents and they were heading over to look after the kids. There is only room for one extra child in an ambulance, not two.

While Alexander was in a panic and trying to calm him down, the paramedic talked through Spencer's symptoms and suggested we did not need the ambulance rather a GP on call or a clinic visit. I was anxious to find out the cause - now a suspected insect bite - so we went to a local 24 hour clinic. The big squirrel and I sat with Spence for an hour, and paid an additional $35 to see a "GP". I have never felt so insulted in my life - Spencer looked like the elephant man, and while we were concerned - we were not irrational. It was however Saturday night and I didn't want to end up in emergency... I asked him lots of questions and he said to us "is this all you are concerned about - this bump?" He offered no treatment - not even to suggest an icepack and sent us on our way. I was not really happy with that, but thought if he is that blase we must really be warped.

Back at home he ate his dinner, and while he was a little more sedate than usual - nothing of note - but the swelling appeared to be getting worse. I called nurse on call (who know me quite well now) and they are a fabulous service. They talk through the symptoms and suggest what may occur and what to do if that does happen. She suggested an antihystemine (sp??) would reduce the swelling and stop any inflamation of his throat. The GP had not mentioned anything of the sort. Of course when I got to the chemist they had just shut - albeit a couple of minutes early.

So we soldiered on, following the advice to check on him overnight. When we woke him he could not open his left eye for swelling. So we had to call the ambulance.

They came quickly and quietly (not disturbing the other sleeping beauties) and we were off for a ride. That is pretty scary but he coped well. At monash we were seen quickly and put into a cubicle. The doctors, nurses and other staff were fantastic. My fears seemed justified when the paramedics suggested he go to hospital where he was given antihystemine - which we now have on hand! We were discharged around 1:20 am and the taxi came around 3:15. So we have a groggy swollen boy and two tired but very thankful parents.

Another try

We were up early today, as is sadly becoming the norm around here. The boys were still tired but sitting up on the couch together I thought I would give the photo another try. Ticks a few boxes but I dont think the shortie jammies are what they want sent out to our friends and family. It may not be a problem now but in the future........
The other outing of the day was to Darn Cheap Fabrics. I don' t know if it is just because they have such great bargains, but I always come home with so much stuff. There is some serious sewing required!

this was all $2 a meter with the exception of the denim which is for my aprons as drawstring bags. Everything is 15o wide. If we work clockwise from the top left - the fawn is a stretch which I am going to make all the boys pants. The black is a crushed jersy which is earmarked for a top and skirt for me. The stripe is a nice 2 way knit which may be a dress- not sure yet - may end up in the pile. The green and fawn is a stretch poplin for shirts for the twins. The grey dots is a sheer mesh which I think will be a top, again not really sure - but it was all darn cheap and had to come home with me. Lucky when they do go to sleep it is for a few hours so I can be at the machine!!

More Photos...

There are quite a lot of people that we are only in contact with at christmas time. This is sad I know, but at this time I like to send a photo of the boys. They grow so quickly that it gives people an indication of what we are dealing with.

So, the challenge is trying to get a photograph of three children all together, all looking in the same direction, all smiling and all looking presentable. This combination remains elusive to me. Today the twins were riding their taxi bike together so I grabbed the camera. Alexander is easier to get into a picture as at almost 5 he is directable. There was nice light and it was on.

The problem was they were facing the wrong way, and everywhere I looked the background was so junky it was depressing. Mum tried to help me, but ended up distracting them. We this is the best we got!
Then as she left we got this one on the front porch. They are together and looking and somewhat smiling, but cant say they tick the presentable box for me. Oh I forgot, I actually want a christmas theme too, but today that was too much to ask!!

To market?

I reluctantly pack up my wares for another market. This time at the local primary school - again we were representing the kinder, but also selling some of our stuff. While I was not looking forward to standing around at another market, given I had had root canal earlier this morning, I was optimistic as it was a primary school and all our stuff is really for preschoolers.
Lets say - optimism wasted. I made one sale - a $3 pen kit. I think even if it had all been free, this crowd would have been disappointed that they would have to carry it! To their credit it was not promoted as a market, and no one was buying anything - except the sausages. Even the straw bags that were literally walking out the door at the last market, even they were happily at their stall. I think we need a different approach. Any suggestions?

A few photos...

Dad was home today because I needed to go to the dentist (long overdue and not very pleasant- which is why it should be regular!!) and it really doesn't work with three kids in tow. He did the swim run (we remembered this week) and was outside while we had a little play. So there are some pictures of me - quite rare as I am usually holding the camera. You have got to love digital cameras because there were heaps like this one below to get the top two!!

Christmas Season

I know its only the first of december, but as I had to get the advent calendar out the christmas tree is also up. It in not decorated as I am trying to get the twins used to it before my nice new kate spade decorations go on!

Talking about decorations, the kids made decorations today. I bought these porcelain decorations for only $2 back when spotlight first brought in christmas stuff (September??) and I have had them waiting. They came out really well - however my white vinyl chairs suffered another battering (or splattering). What a bad decision.

Anyway - on a totally different note - I even went out tonight - with my brother to a club. Yes, like a normal person (on a monday night, maybe not that normal!) My friends husband is in a band - The Red Hot Rythm Makers and my girlfriend was singing a song so off we went to Machester Lane in Melbourne to see them play. It was a really nice night out. The club is small and intimate with old fashioned levels. The band plays 20-30's swing music and there is a group of dedicated followers who are swing dancers and dress up in authentic gear. It was a really nice night. (am trying to find their youtube video to no avail)