2.3.6

Dear Olive,

I thought I'd tell you a little bit of where you're up to. Where you're up to at two years, three months, and six days. Wild Busy is a word that springs to mind pretty quickly. Just this morning, after torturing Pepper, you wreaked havoc at the library wearing only undies and sandals, then you pushed the contents of a shelf onto the floor at the health food store, and followed it up with a bush poo on the pavement. Clothes, to you, are optional. As is every request - regardless of the tone it's delivered - Shane or I give you. Talkative is another word that comes to mind. I could listen forever to your endless commentary and make believe play. Your imagination is amazing. You now have a make believe kitten called meea. She's black. And tiny, tiny, tiny. (Apparently. She's make believe, so I haven't seen her to confirm.) To see you (pretend to) pick her up so gently is The. Sweetest. Thing. Socialising - especially with kids exactly your age - is still really challenging for you (and for me). There is lots of snatching and physical aggression, and always about sharing. Although I've been very impressed a few times lately to see you using your words, and asking for a turn. (Use your words. My mantra! It's working!) In complete juxtaposition of your high energy antics, is your adorable cuddly side. And you love books, books, books. Sometimes I'm sent hoarse from reading. You choose lots to take to bed with you, and I can hear you turning the pages and sometimes reciting passages out loud. I think that'll do for a bit of you at two years, three months, and six days. It's exhausting me just thinking about it! Exhausting, in a fun and cheeky and determined way. We love you.

Cat vs Kid

Dear Olive,
The perfect rainy afternoon in Peppers world - endless, undisturbed sleeping in the bed. The perfect rainy afternoon in your world - tea party in the bed with Pepper. Unfortunately for Pepper, the tea party proved too rowdy and she was forced to seek sleep elsewhere. Cat, zero. Kid, one.

Today

Dear Olive,
Not a lot going on around here today while you take your nap. Think you're cutting your top molars (read: waking up more at night) and I'm feeling about as dozey as Pepper appears to be. 

Found!

Dear Olive,


After about 6 days of absence, I'm happy to report Pepper is home. Dadda picked her up from the Pound yesterday and she snuggled with me on the lounge all night. The tales she could tell if only she could talk ... 

Here We Are

Dear Olive,


Good things have been happening to us ...
1. We said hello to a new tooth. We're hopeful this means we'll be saying goodbye to the grizzly sleepless you that's been visiting.
2. Dadda finished his job and is home with us for three weeks. I know, I've said this before, but this time I really, truly mean it. Hooray!
3. I went out to a fun party. A cool, adult party with margeritas and yummy mexican catering. Your Dadda played in his band while you were looked after by your Uncle Hayes and Aunty Sarah. You even drank a bottle and went back to sleep for them. Wonders never cease.
4. After 8 years, my lovely friend Kim has returned home from London. Unfortunately, she hung out with you at the height of your teething fiesta. Just as well she's here for good, there'll be lots more chances for you to charm her.
5. Lots of exciting invitations have arrived in to fun events in the next few weeks. Anyone for babysitting?


Not so good things have have also been happening to us ...
1. Sargeant Pepper has not been seen in these parts for two days. She's not been home for longer before. But, still...
2. My sewing machine broke, bringing my impressive run of bloomers to an annoying, abrupt end. Very, very VERY frustrating. So frustrating, that I threw an embarrassingly immature tantrum.
3. In an unbelievable twist of luck, your head took a direct hit from a stray frisbee as you innocently traversed the park, resulting in a most impressive egg shaped bruise. What are the chances. I had to try not to laugh as I comforted you, it was a funniest home videos moment right there.

Introducing ...

Dear Olive,


Before we had you, we had another child. A first love, of the feline variety; Sargeant Pepper. When I was pregnant with you, she was happy. So, so happy. It was all the new things that came into the house that she could sleep in - cribs, baby seats, snuggly beds made out of sheepskin, teddys piled high into cots. But I think she felt let down when you arrived  - the crying, the jerky movements, the loud noises, the terrible smells. In fact, she basically moved out for about five months. But now, I think she's starting to grow a little fond of you. Recently, I've noticed the sweetest thing - Pepper's come right up and snuggled in around you a few times when you've been crying in our bed at night. It made you smile through your tears every time. On a few nights this past week I've even found her asleep with you in your cot! Yesterday I found the two of you dining together. How positively generous of Pepper to share her cat kibbles with you. Even though you get around with scratches on your arms, I'm hopeful it's the beginning of a lasting friendship because, boy, do you adore her.

Note: What's the old adage about never work with animals or children? Very tricky to photograph cat and child together.