Baby Number 4???

Ever since I had my third baby (and he has turned out to be an absolute dream) I have had a hard time dealing with the fact that he will most likely by my last.

It is not that I definitely want a forth, but I am not ready to say never again.

However in the past few weeks that has changed for me.  He is still an absolute dream baby, but I now remember what a worry little ones are.  My little 12 week old has a lump just above his eye.  My GP is 95% sure it is just a little cyst and benign, but I still can't help having sleepless nights over it.

Ultrasound is one Thursday, and I am sure I will get the good news that it is a harmless lump.

But it got me thinking about how very lucky I am to have three healthy little munchkins.  Would I want to risk another pregnancy where the bub may not be as healthy as my first three?  As I get older it becomes an issue.  

The magic number for my husband and I was always three, so I think it was only a matter of time before the decision came about that we would stop at three anyway.

Is it just my anxious mind that works this way, or do most mums think like this?

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Everything to Everyone

Do you ever feel like that?

I don't know if it is because I am a stay at home mum and everything at home falls back to me, however I suspect not.  With three children and a husband with a very demanding job I do feel like I am everything to everyone.

It is exhausting.  I'm exhausted.

Is that just Motherhood?  I suspect so.  It is the most rewarding experience but also the hardest.

We are mothers, wives, cooks, cleaners, bookkeepers, laundresses, nurses, teachers, referrers, the list goes on.

So, I need a break.  I am taking myself and my two sons off to visit my mum (who else do you turn to when life gets a bit to much!).  My husband and my daughter will no doubt have a lovely few days to themselves eating junk food and watching movies.  It is a win win situation.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Children's Craft

I have two very active children, and when a daytime sleep is just not an option, the next best thing to do is to sit them down with craft.  Generally it is a very pleasant experience, lots of sharing, and compliments flying left right and centre, but today was a little different.  My oldest has just started Kindy and as such is learning lots of new things - one of her favourite things to do cutting and glueing, which she is very good at for a four year old.  However, now the 2 year old wants to do the same thing.  I am a pretty relaxed mum and like my children to experience things rather then wrap them up in cotton wool, but the use of scissors is a little more of an anxiety builder - especially when combined with fighting.  However all in all it went well, until I found that my 2 year old had decided to do a little creative cutting on his clothing.... and his sisters.  Don't ask me how I missed this little slip up when I was sitting right next to him, but it happened.  Ah well.

Regardless of these little incidents I think craft can be one of the most gratifying projects a child and parent can do together.  It is fun, they kids are using their fine motor skills and problem solving skills, and they are using their imagination.  Another great project is planting seeds and/or plants.  Although you have to be careful with the combination of potting mix and children (potting mix is toxic), it is a great way to get kids interested in the environment and they are absolutely chuffed when they see seeds growing into seedlings, flowers emerging, and plants growing.  (It is a great gift idea for little ones too.  Instead of buying endless presents that I'm sure most kids don't even give a second look to, try giving a potplant holder and a packet of seeds, or seedlings ready to be planted).  Check out this site for some more great info on kids and gardening: http://www.global-garden.com.au/gardenkids_grow1.htm

We would love to hear more craft ideas of kids - let us know your favourites.