Where's Ollie?

So, I've been a bit absent lately. A long bout of illness, helping Grandma and Mum move in (YAY), preparing for Lily's party and reactivating my World of Warcraft have all gotten in the way of blogging. I owe 1 weaning blog (it's a good one too! about homemade vs store bought cost effectiveness) and have another blog about Lily up my sleeve. And then there'll be Lily's second birthday post. So they are all planned, just sitting down to write them has been a bit of an effort lately. But I really wanted to write this blog today. Today was the first day that Nick Jr has removed Ollie, the Australian muppet, from their programming schedule. Both my kids love Ollie. I love Ollie. His little inbetween segments were fabulous. I remember when Lily was very small, I'd make a point of having Ollie on for the days of the week song, which marked breakfast time. Even today, as busy as she is, she will stop what she is doing and say "Ah-yi!" and watch him when he comes on. Archer will stop crying, breastfeeding, playing, whatever it is he is doing to watch Ollie as well. I'll miss that fluffy yellow monster. I can hear everyone reading this thinking "Get a grip woman, it's just a TV show!" One of my problems is that, while okay, the new show, Didi and B is not as good as Ollie. They are cute, but Ollie was awesome. BUT I'm sure I'll get used to them, and children's programming is, and always has been, cyclical. I'll get over it, my kids won't even remember next week. My real problem lies in how it was executed. Didi and B has been advertised for a while now. From the advertising, I was under the impression it was a full half hour show, not the 5 minute segment it is. And, for all the advertising, not once was it acknowledge that it would be replacing Ollie, who is a very popular little dude. Not only that, when I went to check on the Nick Jr facebook page if anyone was talking about it, the comments were no longer visible, which I'm assuming is in response to the absolute hysteria when Nick Jr America removed Moose and Zee earlier this year. So, rather than respond to complaints (as hysterical as some them were) Nick Jr simply removed people's ability to complain publicly to them. So then I went to the Nick Jr Australia website. And he's gone. And I felt creeped out, angry and annoyed. This kind of aggressive decision making on behalf of the consumer, with a 1984 esque way of executing it, no matter the age group of the consumer, is really quite unsettling. I think we'll be watching a lot more ABC Kids in our house, if only just to catch some Seasame Street muppet action. I also think we won't be buying much more Nick Jr merchandise, which is already horrendously overpriced for the quality (which, FTR, is actually quite good). Just disappointed and frustrated that I've actually had to see such a creepy level of consumer targeting on our favourite channel here in Maidens house. And, just so you know, Lily is far too busy to watch much TV (although I do keep it on, because otherwise I feel a bit lonely) and we balance it with plenty of other games, books and outside play.

Archie is 6 Months!

My sweet little man is 6 months old. And I can hardly believe it.

He can (finally) roll both ways, he can shuffle himself forwards and backwards across the floor in pursuit of toys and other items relevant to his interests, he is almost able to sit unsupported (I just experimented, about 30 seconds from when I let go to topple). He loves his solid food, and if you aren't quick he will literally snatch food off your plate or utensil because purees are apparently overrated. He loves his sister. He is quick to laugh and smile and is generous with his kisses.

He likes to read books, especially when his sister is doing the reading, he loves Ollie, the Australian muppet from Nick Jr. His jumperoo is the best toy ever, but rattles, the baby in the mirror and anything that Lily is interested in are pretty good too.

He is just beautiful.

Sanctiparent.

So, Archer is coming up to having his six month vaccines. Which means it is exactly two months since I found out an acquaintance does not vaccinate their children because "it's too much of a shock to the system".

Normally, I would try and forget these things, it's honestly none of my business, and as long as my children are vaccinated, which they are and always will be, it's not a huge deal. I could go on a bit about herd immunity here, but I won't, because that's a bit like beating a dead horse when it comes to the anti-vax crowd.

But I sort of feel like this person traps us into talking about our parenting simply to judge us.

When Bob couldn't come up with a solid argument about vaccine efficacy and benefits beyond "That's not how it works, dickhead." (I'm the researcher in this household), this Sanctidparent did the "I'm so smug because I've done the research. Poison your kids with the dreaded vaccines if you like, my kids will be HEALTHY."

Also, I was little shocked, because I have often read anti-vaxxers on places like BabyCenter swear up one side and down another they always tell parents of newborns that their children aren't vaccinated because that is what is responsible, because newborns are vulnerable to vaccinable diseases, especially whooping cough, which is becoming ever more prevalent in western communities.

But not a peep, not when Bob was coming into contact with this person day after day when our son was just 2 weeks old. They only decided to comment when Bob commented that we vaccinated. Complete scumbag act in my opinion.

My rage over that subsided. Archer was now vaccinated and no ill had come of it, so we'd continue to parent our way and their family their way, with my rant kept just between Bob and me.

And then we moved Archer to his cot and out came Sanctiparent again. "What are you doing? You can't do that! He's too young! Petri Dish the Youngest (PDY) still sleeps in our bed at 2.5, so PDY can breastfeed several times a night."

First of all, let's be honest here, some of indignation here was born of jealousy, as I had wanted to breastfeed Lily at least until two, but wasn't able to.

Second of all, we moved Archer to his cot because while we don't mind co-sleeping, it's really not for us. And he had well and truly outgrown the bassinet. We don't sleep well and neither have either of our children when we co-sleep. Lily co-slept exclusively for about a month at 15 months and then just stopped. Won't even entertain the idea now, no matter how sick she is or how tired we are.

And honestly, I always thought that as long as you were employing SIDS safe techniques, most people don't really give a crap how or where your kid sleeps. Unless you are an incredible arsehole. Or a Sanctiparent.

After venting to a mummy friend about it, I felt better. I still really felt like we had innocently commented on our parenting choices, in a non aggressive, shooting the breeze, kind of way and been attacked, but once again I had had my rant and was pretty over it.

And then Bob got me going again. Everytime he tells me something about this person, he begins it the same way, "I have something to tell you. You're going to be mad."

Apparently PDY had had a temperature last night over 40 degrees (wait, I thought you didn't vaccinate so your kids would be healthier?). And Sanctiparent, apparently as weird about hospitals as vaccines, did not take PDY to the doctor. Now, I can understand. Paeditricians spend 10 years training just to line kids up in emergency rooms and inject them with vaccines and unnecessary antibiotics without even looking at them. It's terrifying. They wield a needle filled with diseases, mercury and foetuses in one hand and penicillian in the other and just jab away. That's why we avoid the shit out of those places.

Or not.

The reason a child of that age needs to see a doctor when they have such a high temperature is that fevers of this degree, while often caused by viruses, can be the sign of much more sinister things. Blood and urine tests should be performed, as well as a check of all the usual places kids get gross things going on, such as ears and throat. A temperature of 40 degress is not normal, and a tiny body is probably trying to tell you something when it heats itself that high. They are also at risk of febrile seizures.

Additonally, fevers are sometimes the first sign of diseases that are vaccine preventable, like measles. Which my son, at almsot 6 months cannot be vaccinated for for another 6 months.

For fuck's sake, just vaccinate your kids, moron.

A Furious Rant for Easter

I have been following the story of little Gracee Broom who is the child of an Australian family who had the misfortune of being born in America at 24 weeks gestation. Although the family had travel insurance with Aami, Aami is refusing to contribute to Gracee's medical care because the pregnancy was a pre existing condition and Gracee herself was not mentioned in the original policy.

Gracee's care costs $5000 per day, and the delivery cost the family $40000. Gracee is now 32 weeks old and won't be released at least until her due date.

Like all micro prems, she is a warrior to be humbled by.

Tonight her family's story was featured on channel 7, 9 and 10 news and so out march the trolls.

Well, one troll. He demanded to know how this family can expect donations or help, especially government help.

My head nearly blew off.

I had my say (obviously. Sweet, demur woman I am), and he retorts with the information that he had a 32 weeker and because he had her in another state, they had expenses they had to cover, with no help. I got a wee bit personal, demanding to know if he accepted the Baby Bonus and if he accepts either or both Family Tax benefits, and I might have said perhaps his child's care should only have been covered up until his contribution to Medicare had run out. I also pointed out that the cost for a 32 weeker was roughly $40000 (which we found out when Medibank Private sent us the fully paid invoice for Lily's care and delivery. They didn't want anything but for us to acknowledge they had been very good to us) and queried as to whether he knew the true cost of the care of a premmie. Anyway, I got it all off my chest, pointing out the cost for Gracee's care would have been the same in Australia, the tax payer just would have footed the bill without even realising it and he seems to have either logged off for the night or acknowledged he was a wanker.

But I can't leave it there. I can't tell someone off for being an insenstive arsehole and not DO something active.

So I implore to you to donate to Gracee's Appeal, either with cash or by getting involved in the auction that wonderful friends and family are running.

No family deserves this, Gracee certainly doesn't deserve this, and if you have a spare $5, or are looking to do a bit of philanthropy, please consider donating to this family.

Nothing is sometimes wonderful.

This weekend was cheerily busy. Such weekends are sometimes easily forgotten and I think it's worth devoting a blog post to it. It wasn't marked by anything special, but I feel great after it.

Saturday started out with Archer's most successful swimming lesson ever! He actually seemed excited to be in the water. We also got the children's achievement charts. Lily, at 23 months is very close to filling her chart, which means she can graduate to a preschool class. She was delighted with all her stars! Archer even has two stars! What a clever boy!

Then poor Oscar had to go to the vet because we've had a case of fleas here we haven't been able to kick. $200.00 later he is a much happier dog.

After that was some grocery shopping. We picked up some Easter eggs and Easter cookie cutters for gifts for Lily's kindy class.

And then I decided to tackle our garden. Our poor garden was a bit sad when we arrived, it's previous owners obviously devoid of garden love, and it hasn't gotten better. Happily, it hasn't gotten worse. So I gave it some TLC while Bob supervised the babies in the paddling pool. It looks much nicer now, but I fear it needs the true love of a professional. I also fear I may have pulled out some plants, as there is one spot that looks a little blanker than it should.

After that, I walked to Spotlight (no kids!) and got the finishing details for the Kindy Easter gifts, some sweet cellophane bags and a cute make your own Easter gift tag kit.

When I got home, I set about my project. I made 9 Easter gift tags. One for each of Lily's classmates and 2 for each of her teachers.

Then I made some playdough. We had all the ingredients, and as Woolies had food colouring on sale, I was able to make 7 different colours by adding 2 new colours to my stock. Pink, blue, purple, green, yellow, orange and red. It was really easy, fun and quick, not to mention cheap. I followed this recipe(minus the scented oils) and it made close to a cup of playdough per child. Including the teacher's eggs and the cookies cutters, I got change from $20, plus the enjoyment of the project. And each of Lily's class mates got an Easter cookie cutter and some playdough. Much nicer than chocolate or lollies for toddlers, IMO.

Bob cooked hamburgers from scratch, which, if you've ever encountered my husband's culinary skills before, you'll agree was a wonderful feat.

After dinner and after the kids were in bed (did I mention we have them on the same bedtime less than a week out from putting them in the same room?), I made the next two purees for Archer's weaning, carrots and apples.

Then we watched an episode of Game of Thrones, cleaned up and went to bed.

Sunday morning we decided to flea bomb as Grandma's dogs and cat will be staying here a few nights as they settle in to their new apartment. We weren't sure there were any fleas besides on Oscar, but we did it to be safe. Bob also had a soccer game, so it worked out perfectly in terms of length of time we had to be out of the house. We took the cat to Grandma's place and took Oscar to soccer.

As soon as we arrived at soccer, it became clear Lily was grumpy. Her nose was running, she kept getting mad at the bubbles I was blowing for her when they popped and she refused to get interested in her toddler sized soccer ball. And then archer joined in the chorus. I took them to some nearby seats, got out more toys and sat down to feed Archer. Just as he started to eat, Lily started to cry. She was COVERED in ants. I quickly brushed her off and she was bite free, but I felt we were best off heading to the car while Archer ate.

I put the air con on for a few minutes to cool the car off, and then sat Lily in the driver's seat and myself in the passenger seat. AND LEFT THE RADIO GOING.

Lily cheerily played with the buttons on the radio and honked the horn. At one point she switched the windscreen wipers on. I didn't even THINK of the headlights. Then she asked to watch her DVD player, so I turned the car off and started the DVD. It said it had low battery, so I decided for the few more minutes we would be in the car, it would be okay to let the battery charge. But the car wouldn't start.

Uh oh.

Meanwhile, the kids are both in long sleeves and it has gotten hot.

I panic and call Bob away from the soccer game. He calls NRMA, who signs us up for a mere $275 (we needed to join and it's 2 years roadside assist, so actually, it was good) and told us we'd be on our way in under 90 minutes as we had been prioritised because of the children.

Blessedly, there was a Maccas across the road, so we had an early lunch (the staff turned a blind eye to Oscar) and Lily played in the playground. After we'd been waiting an hour, Bob headed back to the soccer field with Lily and I took Archer inside the adjoining shopping centre. I changed his nappy and his clothes and he immediately fell asleep. Then I found him a VERY exciting clothing item for $5 at Kmart, and that's all you can know right now.

And right on an hour and half from hanging up with NRMA, we were on our way. We got the cat and headed home.

We spent a relaxing afternoon napping and playing outside.

And then it happened.

After dinner, Bob took the cushions off the lounge to vacuum it after the flea bomb. It's a white lounge and I KNEW it was dirty, I have two kids under two, a dog, a cat and a husband, of course it was dirty. But it was REALLY bad. I felt so sad. Right now we can't afford to get it professionally cleaned and I do try really hard to look after our nice things, and Grandma had gifted us this lounge. Busy with two children, if accidents happened, I have only spot cleaned them and the lounge was covered in water rings and was just plain dirty. I decided to clean it. Preen carpet cleaner in hand I got aggressive, but it wasn't getting any better. I Googled it. Steam clean or professional clean. Great. I felt there had to be a better way. So I cobbled together a few of the common cleaning items we had and typed "Can I clean my white fabric lounge with vinegar, bi carb and lemon" and set Google to work.

I came up with 2 cups warm water, 1 scoop ordinary laundry detergent and a splash of white vinegar. I soaked a chux in the mixture and, barely squeezing it out, coated the arms and seats of the lounge. I left it for a bit, maybe 20 minutes, and then Bob scrubbed it with fresh, warm water. The result was AMAZING. It does need a professional clean, but Bob and I think if we do it once a week for a month and then monthly thereafter, we can keep it nice. Much nicer than it was.

Then I baked a banana cake and tidied up for the day. And after this blog is written, I'm going to have a shower and go to bed.

What a wonderfully, rewarding, relaxing weekend of absolutely nothing.