Monday, September 27, 2010

Maisie goes to the movies

I was really dreading today, as we had an appointment with the paediatric allergy specialist for Jack and Maisie. He is a lovely man, and a brilliant doctor, but the skin prick tests they have to do to check the kids for allergies is pretty painful. We left Phoebe with Grandma for the day, and they went for a trip to Melbourne. Lucky Phoebs!! Meanwhile, Jack, Maisie, Mummy and Daddy had a quick coffee at Maccas before heading off to the doctor's. (Jack entertained the breakfast crowd at the Golden Arches by dancing and singing in a terrible Scottish accent, "I'm an Irish dancer!" - he's so shy, my son.) I was so proud of both of them, as they endured the test very bravely. Jack only squirmed briefly, and Maisie didn't cry at all! The great news is that Jack is slowly growing out of his allergies, and might be able to sample cow's milk soon. The bad news is he has developed a new allergy to peanuts - boo hiss!! Maisie's good news is that she only has asthmatic airways and sensitive skin...and is allergic to peanuts! Peanuts??? We have been a dairy and egg-free household for so long, what am I going to do now?? I'll have to completely overhaul my pantry and take forever reading every label in the supermarket to make sure we are dairy / egg / AND peanut-free. But at least I might be able to start eating wheat again soon, as long as Maisie's skin and rattly chest clears up. Cross fingers!

We had planned to do something special for Jack after the specialist, just to take his mind off a yucky morning. Even though it was a bit risky, we took Jack and Mais to the cinema to see 'Despicable Me', and we had an absolute ball! I couldn't believe it, but Maisie sat up next to Jack and watched the entire movie - I didn't know whether to be proud of her, or worried about her square eyes! She only stopped briefly to have a quick feed and a cuddle, but for the most part she watched that screen as though she understood every word. Jack laughed his backside off, and I must say Christian and I enjoyed it too. I was so prepared to miss the movie, simply because I didn't think Maisie would make it through two hours in the dark and noise, that it was a nice surprise to see the whole thing. We might even try and do it again!

After having dinner out at La Porchetta with the family, we are back at home for our last night at the Wild's. The chickens greeted us in the dining room with loud chirping (and one bewildered escapee, who had jumped out of the box in our absence and looked as though he wished he hadn't), and the roosters crowed long and loud. The kids are fast asleep, worn out by a long and emotional day, and I am currently ignoring the packing I need to do! We have had such a magic time here, the kids and I have loved every minute - right down to extinguishing fires in the lounge room and being attacked by rampant roosters. I want to thank Anna, Adam, Aiden, Harper and Aurelia for allowing us to inhabit their wonderful farm this week. I hope we have cared for your animals properly - goodness knows they have been "loved" in spades! You have a beautiful home, and if there are no objections I think we may be frequent visitors, if only to come and play with Sunny and Flancy! (I'm not too sure about the roosters, though...)

See you all back at home! xxx

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