Five

It's a common phrase from a mother's mouth - where has the time gone? But honestly, I don't feel that this year. Perhaps because our first 3 years were so crazy challenging and full. Perhaps because she's old enough to ask 'when am I five?' several times a month. Perhaps because we have slowed down, finding simplicity in our days. Perhaps it's all of the above.

I may not be amazed to have a five year-old, but I still shed the tears of over-flowing love.

Currently, her favourite things are:

bones
robots (special wall-e crush)
snakes
body organs
toilets
chocolate ice-cream
the letter x
pink, white, gold
dinosaurs

Most recent favourite books:

Don Quixote (Usborne)
Any body book
The Lost Thing, Shaun Tan
Tag Books still

Has just started learning Spanish. She's 104cm. Reads for age 8.
She has an imaginary creature called a Boyble (sp?), which looks similar to a cat cross chameleon, with wings. She has managed to get all her little friends to play Boyble games!

Recent saids:

"I love life mama"
"Mama, can you explain the world?"

Today was a quiet day with mama and tata, and presents. Tomorrow is her birth celebration Steiner-style in her class, and Saturday is her party with friends. As she just told her cousins over the phone - it's a birthday week!

Currently...

Time I injected some words into this space.

The Pixie has come through a rough patch at school and all the children in her class seem to have found their groove. I hear certain names mentioned, about what they did, what they played. She has released anxieties. In her case, especially evident in not feeling she has to help, or monitor everything. When I asked her whether she served the snack recently, she shrugged and said - "I just want to eat."

Her reading is extraordinary. As she was growing out of picture books and the local library is small, I picked up some 'early reader' type books. Not for her to read, simply for their content. She ended up reading them on her own. Not only reads the words, but includes appropriate intonation on the second read through, and has full comprehension. We do no reading teaching at all, other than when she asks what a word is, I tell her. I believe she's reading fluently at age 6-7 (she's 4 3/4).

Just shows that you can't stop children learning when the desire is there! No need to shove it down their throats.
Her Steiner teacher is aware and is untroubled. In fact, she was impressed. I am glad we attend a more relaxed Steiner school. They certainly have their education principles, but they're flexible.

yoga - giant body book

She was insistent I teach her maths and so we have gone through the two hands and adding. She seemed satisfied with that. (I mean, leave something for Class 1!).

She is interested in the human body as much as ever. I gave her a human body 'toy' for Xmas, that she can dismember the rubbery organs, and she loves it.

Her current favourite book is Germs. Yep, still a body/health theme.... that's my Virgo Moon girl!

•

We're moving to a new apartment end of Feb. Going from 5mins to 20mins school run. Not ideal, but a very easy drive. And the place is situated right on the edge of Dartmoor and woodland walks, walking distance to library, swimming pool, and shops. As well as 20 mins from major city (museum, art galleries).

So much has occurred, for me, emotionally, in recent weeks, that I know this move mirrors and supports a brighter future.

joy pockets #47

After a cold, I developed a bacterial infection leading to sinusitis. Never had this before, but the right side of my head/face sure knows all about it now.

To take care of a little child, on one's own, with any pain is torture.

My choices are; drugs to cope, and thereby chemicals in my body and further taxed adrenals leading to nausea and/or fatigue, or lying down and possibly coping without medication, but literally lying down for hours. Oh I'm so much fun for my Miss 4.

Today is the last day of term and I'm facing a week alone with my pixie. So many good good things within me, ideas and happinesses, but my body is not towing the line.

barely captured

Joys?

her first mandala drawing
.
little girl kisses and smiles
.
global friends with sinusitis advice
.
how she greets me when i pick her up from school
.
reflexology
the BEST relief from the congestion and pain, albeit temporary.
i can't explain the joy of working my big toe at 3am and feeling my sinuses 'pop' open
.
that there are a few really good tv shows for kids
when mama remembered she wasn't superwoman
.
a social turnaround, for the better
.
that we can cry together, to 'let the sad out' and then it's all okay

Here's to a clear-headed weekend.

joy pockets #46

To be ill, again, after just a bare week of reprieve is not my idea of fun. To have your little one ill with barely a few days reprieve is plain harsh. Add extra sickly night-wakings to the usual insomnia, and the stress of finances.....I'm worn out, naturally.

So joys?
precious

the mighty oregano essential oil arrives
.
that she enjoys a reflexology treatment from me
.
"I enjoyed school today mama"
a couple of issues makes this a vital statement
.
a new creative project taking wings
.
her first mandala - drawing together
.
2-week job offer for the Mr

needle-felted owl

My very first attempt at needle-felting (over a month ago just didn't get around to posting...).

If you know me, you know I would naturally choose something more advanced. It's just the crazy way I am. I like the challenge, I'm impatient to practice on easier things, plus I like to make something I really want to make.

I used this very good youtube tutorial. I found the ears very tricky to form.

This teeny guy is part of our plays/puppet shows now.