Hi! <Waves>

Funny and honest tales from a made-to-work Dad of three, wobbling, graying, and laughing his way through parenthood. Armed to the teeth with Nerf guns, full of pie, fighting a chocolate addiction, but genuinely honoured to be at least half of Team Parents (yay!).
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Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

3 September 2018

Everybody (the Kids) Change...

What a summer we had.
It's been awesome. The UK sun has been out in force and we have made the most of it.
I obviously have found it far too hot at times, and as always have been pining for my coat and long trousers. Stupid shorts with their rubbish pockets.
The three terrors have had plenty of outside adventures and fun. During which I have utterly butterly broken my knees playing with them, and keeping up with them. #WorthIt
And despite what they might say, they have all really bonded over the past six weeks...

(BabyBoy4? How’s your summer been?
BabyBoy4: <Gives one thumb up>
<Is chuffed> That’s high praise!)

I'll be back in twenty seconds, keep eating and behave...
<Runs>
Miss7: 'Boy11 is looking at me!'
Boy11: 'I am not' <Is looking at Miss7>
BabyBoy4: <Punches with teeny fists Boy11>
Boy11: 'OW! Take that'
BabyBoy4: 'WAHHHH!'
Miss7: 'STOP LOOKING AT ME' <Screams and knocks her plate off the table>
Boy11: <Steals Miss7's crisps>
WTAF? I've only been gone fifteen seconds!
<Picks up BabyBoy4>
<Glares at Boy11>
<Moves Miss7 into my seat and gives her my food>
<Frowns at them all>
<Creaks a lot as sits>

But the summer holidays are now done.
No more lazy days in the sun building camps from sheets.
No more movie marathons in the mornings and no one getting dressed at all.
No more just playing. At least until next summer holidays that is.
No, now it's all change.
Everyone is changing schools and there's a fair bit of concern, anxiety and excitement going on. New drop off times and places.
And smeg load of new uniforms, stationary, no books weirdly, we’ve had to buy. Sigh.
Each child is dealing with the changes it in their own way.

Boy11
He's got the biggest change of all. From Primary to Secondary school.
Boy11 is going from being one of the oldest in the school to the youngest. Which should be a shock.
If I cast my mind back the few millennia to when I did that, I remember being shocked by it all. The older boys were huge, basically giants, and everything was so big. Even the chairs are suddenly adult sized.
I remember there being so many people all the people so many people. I had come from a tiny village Primary school, straight into an enormouse secondary school. I doubt I had ever seen so many children at one time before.
My first week of school I remember being very confusing as a lot of information was thrown at me, and I got lost a lot. My timetable I recall was super important to me at the time.
It was the only piece of information that was mine that I understood.
But I do recall that first week being pretty fun too. Being allowed to use flames in the science labs, cooking in a oven, being allowed to use the power tools in CDT. All pretty damn cool stuff. They let throw javelins! BONZA!
And that is what I have been filling Boy11's head with - the cool stuff that school is about to let him do.
Of course I shan't mention that in my first week of school I was set upon by a load of fifth years and was handcuffed to the goal posts on the field.
There's no need for him to know that. (I got out very quickly and conversely made a fifth year friend from it, who smuggled chocolate out of the fifth years canteen for me which was cool. Funny how things turn out).
Plus times have changed. I think. I am sure that nothing like happens any more.
The main message I've been giving to Boy11 is how cool it is going to be, and to make the most of everything they are going to offer him.
I feel I didn't make the most of secondary school when I was there. If I can help steer him away from my mistake, I will.
It might work.

Miss7
She's got the simplest of moves. As Miss7 is just changing one school for another, from Infant to Junior. All her mates will be with her. It's just a different building and new teachers.
She’s still got worries though, poor sausage. It just the change, the unknown.
It’s easy to forget what a worry that can be to children. I know because I totally forgot and it was Mrs. Amazing that reminded me.
Luckily Miss7 loves school and will be delighted to be back again. She has been working through the workbooks we give with desire and a genuine joy of learning. Bless her.
Long may that reign.

I still get to drop her off for school a few mornings a week.
Me and BabyBoy4 will see her to school first, before then doubling back for BabyBoy4's drop off. I am looking forward to the drop offs again. Yes really.
To be honest at the end of term when the drop offs stopped. I was hella glad.
I needed a break from them.
But after a weeks of just working and not taking anyone to school and stuff. Well I started missing them. It's gonna be fun!
Maybe…

WHY IS NO ONE DRESSED? WE’RE FIVE MINUTES TO GET THERE!
<Is attacked by naked children, giggling>
<Everyone is late>

BabyBoy4
In some ways he's got the biggest change ever. He's going from Nursery to Primary.
From not at school. To at school. Ooooo.
BabyBoy4 is really excited and I think it's because it's not the unknown for him, he’s going to Miss7’s previous school. It finally his time to go to school, just like Boy11 and Miss7 have been doing for years. I'm pretty sure he's just gonna be glad to be part of the 'School' gang. (Obvs. that joy may only last a day).
Team Parent are pretty sure he's ready. Can get dressed. Can use toilet. Can recognise on name. Can be trusted to only jam one nostral with pasta.
Because in the last six months he's suddenly grown up loads. Any lingering babiness has gone. <Howls>
Well except for when he wants to use it to get what he wants, obvs.
He's no fool...

Dude. Sit in the middle of your seat, or you'll fall off?
BabyBoy4: <Shakes head>
Well you've been warn...
BabyBoy4: <THUD> 'WAHHHHHHH'
What did I tell you fool <Scoops him up in my arms and kisses his tiny little bopped head>

And me?
BrainZilla: 'You talking to yourself again?'
Shhhhh <Punches self in head>
BrainZilla: 'Shall do'
Well I am looking forward to making new friends in the playground when I drop off BabyBoy4 for school. Bit worried I'm gonna get lost and take the wrong child to the wrong school.
Probably gonna forgot everything they need four million times in the first week. If I'm concentrating.
Hope work doesn't give me detention for being late.

(But it wasn’t my fault I’m late…
I had to drink all the wine last night…)

I am sure we’ll all be fine.
My thoughts are mostly going to be with Boy11 as he starts this whole new chapter. He is going to need the most support as school switches from learning with fun, to learning a lot.
But I'll be keeping an eye on BabyBoy4 and how he's doing, and whether he's happy in school. And Miss7 obvs.
Something tells me I'm going to be doing a lot listening when I get home each day.
I can't wait!
Good luck terrors. Team Parent (yay!) are right behind you!
X

Epilogue:
So is Boy11 old enough to look after the others yet?
Mrs. Amazing: 'Not really'
I was just thinking... If we left him with the others... we could... <Winks suggestively>
Mrs. Amazing: 'Wouldn't they hear us?'
What? From the pub? No <Is confused>
Mrs. Amazing: 'Oh right, and no we can't do that'
Shame...
... <Brain is working>...
HANG ON! What were you thinking we could do?
Mrs. Amazing: <Runs>


5 September 2017

Her and His First Day Back...

Summer holidays done.
And they have had a lovely time (the teachers children).
I've mostly been working. But I took a few days off to play, which was brilliant fun.
But as the UK crapy-crap weather has moved in once more.
It must be time to go back to school.

BabyBoy3 was not keen.
He's going back to nursery. He was not keen the night before when we broke the news.
Every time we told him he...

BabyBoy3: 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!'
Go on! It’ll be fun!
BabyBoy3: 'Not nursery! I don't WANT TO GO!!!!'
BabyBoy3: <Runs and hides badly>

(Me when younger...  and hand drawn...)

Mrs. Amazing had a word with him.
Explained that Miss6 and Boy10 were going back to school as well. So there wouldn't be anyone to play with at home. Which he loved. He really loved having his brother and sister at home to play with.
And what we told him was only a tiny lie. As Boy10 isn't starting school until a day after, but BabyBoy3 doesn't need to know that.
And Boy10 needs to stop pointing out that his isn't going back for another day, as it's totes not helping. <Does frowny face>
Still BabyBoy3 seemed in good spirits when I finally fell out of bed this morning...

Urghhhh... Morning...
What time is it? <Is blinking a lot> <Scratches tummy in a Dad way>
Mrs. Amazing: 'Four in the afternoon...'
WHAT! SHIII...
Mrs. Amazing: 'Only joking! It's half seven. You've thirty minutes before you and BabyBoy3 need to leave'
<Downs cuppa whilst making another>
Right...

And so the logistical problems of three children start.
Three children. Two parents. Three different destinations.
Wish us luck.

The plan is simple.
I'll run / scoot BabyBoy3 to nursery. Then walk run as fast as I can back.
So Mrs. Amazing can then drive Boy10 over to grannies.
Then when Mrs. Amazing gets back. Team Parent (yay!) in all there glory. Will walk Miss6 to school on her first day back.
Bonza.

BabyBoy3 is on the edge.
I can tell straight away. Which means getting him into his nursery uniform (yes we have those in the UK, it's awesome paying for them too) is going to go one of two ways.
Either a pitched bloody battle. With both of us in tears at the end. Me nursing my battered man parts from waywards kicks. BabyBoy3 in tears trying, but failing, to rip his nursery jumper off his head. Trousers already off and bare bum wiggling about.
Or...
And this is the option I really want to go with. I have lots of fun and giggling and chasing BabyBoy3 about the house.
Which seems the obvious choice. But it will come with a cost.
If every time I need him to get dressed I have to chase him about the house. That will get old pretty quickly for everyone. It cannot be the norm.
As getting up at 4am just to get him dressed does not appeal.
So whilst the running and chasing is really fun.
It needs to be a one off.

And this is that one off (yay!).
I rugby tackle him onto my bed. He's already gigging. And whilst he scrambles away, I get his pyjama bottoms and pants (underpants) off.
I watch a naked little bottom run out of my room to hide.
BabyBoy3 knows the rules of this game.
For every finding and wrestling at least one piece of clothing is removed or put on.
There has to be progress.

I find him in Boy10's room.
Hidden under the duvet. Giggling.
Boy10 is guarding BabyBoy3 and starts hitting me with a pillow...

Stop that!
Boy10: 'No!' <Hitty hit hit>
Don't you have to get ready or something?
Boy10: 'I am ready!' <Hitty hit hit, HIT HIT>
I will shove this pillow up your bum if you do that again Can you stop please? <Looks tired and a bit knackered>

I get a few moments not being hit with a pillow.
To ferret BabyBoy3 out of the duvet and manage to shove some nursery shorts on him. Lots of giggling
<Is hit by pillow a lot>
Do you want to make it to eleven? Dude! Dude! Stop...
<Just runs>
Boy10: 'Champion!!!' <Does victory dance>

I then lose BabyBoy3 for a bit.
And whilst I am hunting him upstairs. Boy10 and BabyBoy3 sneak downstairs to watch some tele. BabyBoy3 only half dressed.
I find them both zoned into the tele watching Toy Story 3. Which you would think was OK.
… (You would... <tuts>)
Except Toys 3 has a scene in it where the toys are slowing being drag into a blazing inferno of flames and are clearly going to die. Boy10 is fine with it. BabyBoy3 maybe not so much.
And considering Miss6's reaction yesterday to the exact same scene (tears, and needed a good long hugging). Toy Story 3 is turned off.
Boy10 can't understand what the problem is...

Boy10: 'It's TOY STORY of course it's fine for BabyBoy3'
Off it goes somethemore nonetheless...

(BabyBoy3: ‘Dad? What’s happening’
<Is not looking> I DON’T KNOW!!! Boy10 what is happening, are they safe yet?
Boy10: ‘Yeah they’re safe now…’
<Looks out from behind BabyBoy3> ARHGH NO THEY’RE NOT!
THEY’RE HOLDING HANDS!
Boy10: <Chuckles>


BabyBoy3 is fine.
Not sure he understood what he was watching. And I seize my moment.
Whilst he is sat on the sofa wondering what will come on tele next.
I leap on him and the pyjama top is off, nursery vest is on.
And done. Dressed for nursery.
<Wipes brow>

And then we are off.
Me jogging beside BabyBoy3. Who has a new trick on his scooter. He surfs (has both feet on at once). I am impressed. And we have a lovely scoot.
We meet the lovely nursery lady the door and all is fine.
Until suddenly BabyBoy3 realises what is going on. And he suddenly looks lost.
And alone.

I almost rip BabyBoy3 out of her arms.
And take him home again. But I don't. You know. Work and stuff.
<Sighs>
I wave his little confused 'I wanna stay with you' face goodbye. The nursery lady senses tears are on the way and whisks him out of sight.
<Deep little heart being torn sigh>
My little dude... <Weeps on the inside>
(Don't worry, I saw him at lunch, he was fine and had great fun at nursery).
(I was also fine after a while).

Then I walk leg it back home for Miss6.
Miss6 scoots in. Team Parent (yay!) walk beside her.
It's very fun and jolly until we get to her new playground.
Each year in her school has their own area. There is only one playground at the front of the school and that is for the eldest children in the school.
Which Miss6 now is.
As we walk in. I nearly stumble and fall over. As my brain suddenly realised she was now in the final year at this school. I am not ready for her to grown up.
For a brief most the rest of my body forgot what the hell it was doing. I do a quick step, stutter, and recover.
But it’s OK. No one noticed.
Phew. Don't want a Dad to be showing emotion.  No no. That would never do.
Stupid society. <Grumbles>

Miss6 has written little notes for her best friends.
Which they are delighted with and they are soon off playing. Nattering away.
The parents all hang about outside the new classroom. Peering in every now and then, being nosy. Me too.
It's really nice to see everyone. And soon the parents are nattering as much as the children. Telling their summer holiday stories. With less running about.
And then without warning Miss6's classroom door opens…

Miss6: 'Daddy my stuff! Quickly!’

Miss6 is first in line.
She can be first into the new classroom. And she really wants that.
I am holding her P.E. kit, her book bag, and water bottle.
Suddenly under huge pressure I feel like I am playing sport again. And the ball has come to me. And I need to pass it on very quickly. Without fumbling it. OH NO!
OH BACON THE PRESSURE!

I do manage to pass three items to Miss6 without messing it right up.
Without problem. PHEWY. And Miss6 races into her new classroom.
Sits down on the floor where she was told to sit.
And she's gone...

Mrs. Amazing and I exchange looks.
That all happened a bit quickly. There's no way we can go into the classroom now. The teacher is wisely, and rightly, guarding the door.
And Miss6 is fine. Happy to be back at school.
Excited to be back. Clearly.

Good we suppose.
Still... A few goodbye hugs and kisses would have been nice.
At least a wave would have been nice…

<Doesn't weep, is right hard about it until later>
Miss6: <Waves to us both>
<Team Parent wave back, grateful for the wave>

Team Parent (yay!) head off to our resective workplaces.
Emotionally worn out for the day, already.
Still wanting a hug.
X

(I can see the future in this… Poor Boy10...)