Busy, Busy Week

After a weekend of washing clothing, it was time to go back to work on Monday. I had a helper. Caitlin had a PFD (pupil free day) and decided to join me at work. She came laden with her DVD player and movies, her ipod, pencils and pad. The morning wasn't as busy as Monday's usually are, thank goodness, so I showed her the good things, like how to spin blood! She also went for a walk down to the local newsagency, cum takeaway place, and the local post office.

Dr J invited her home for lunch and to meet his wife and son. She willingly went, so I worked through lunchtime. She arrived back with Dhruv, Dr J's son, who is about the same age. The two of them wandered down to the store a couple of times and bought milkshakes and did whatever kids do these days (no, not that!). It was a long day for her, and I know she wasn't in a hurry to repeat it, even though she enjoyed the curry that Dr J fed her for lunch.

Wednesday, Caitlin was ill. She had a cough that she couldn't shake. I offered to take her to work, but she said she'd rather stay home in bed. I took Mim instead (why pay daycare fees) as I knew that Dr J would finish by 10.30am, so thought I could get away after lunch. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men! Let's just say that there were a few administrative problems that needed sorting out, sooner rather than later.

I mentioned to Mim before we got there that this might be a good time to have her injections. "what are injections?" she asked. "Needles" I replied. Instant tears and "I don't want needles, why do I have to have needles, waaaaaaahhhhhhhh". So, I let the matter drop. Anyway, during a lull in business, Mim went and talked to Dr J and he showed her the needles in their plastic. Mim then decided that she wanted her needles, but it was too late, Dr J had to leave. "Waaaahhhh, I want my needles!" There's no pleasing this child!! To appease her, I made an appointment for her to have them on Friday, on our way to Warrnambool.

Thursday was a day well spent, vacuuming, washing floors, washing clothes, etc etc etc. Mim decided at 5pm that she was hungry and tried to help herself to some chocolate. As I was in the process of lighting the fire, Caitlin went to stop her. The next minute Caitlin comes in in tears, howling that Mim headbutted her on the nose and Mim is standing there, defiantly clutching her chocolate. You could see the wheels turning in her head "uh oh, I'm in trouble now, how can I consume this chocolate before I get it taken off me". Not quick enough though, the chocolate was confiscated, she was smacked and banished to her room and I got Caitlin an icepack for her nose.

No permanent damage on the nose, and later that night, Mim asked me if I would like her to set the table for dinner. (I think someone knew they were in BIG trouble).

Friday, Caitlin had another day off school with her persistent cough so Warrnambool was out. We went to Dr J though, to get Mim's needles. She was so happy to be there and happily talked to Caitlin whilst Dr J prepared the two. "Hold Caitlin's hand now" I said. "Look at Caitlin now" Dr J said. It was funny seeing her face go from happy to an 'I don't like this" look. "Shall we start the needle now?" Dr J said as he pulled the first one out and put rubbed her arm. She had a few tears and a few "ow, ow, ow, ow"s. She didn't want to have the second needle, but acquiesced and it was over and done with quickly. There was no screaming, no great waterworks and she was smiling at Dr J again within 30 seconds.

Later, in town, Mim's comment was, "I like needles, but not the pointy bit!"