Who is God?

Grandma was reading some nursery rhymes to Boo

I see the moon

And the moon sees me

God made the moon

And God made me

I honestly thought the words were 'God bless the moon, And God bless me' but not in this book. These words would have made my life easier over the past couple of days, because Boo's first question to me was "Did God make me?"

Now for those of you who know Boo, or are familiar with Boo, will know that she's not just going to let this rest...

I'm a bit of a fence sitting heathen when it comes to religion. I don't necessarily not believe in God, I am sceptical on many fronts. That being said, I am sending my child off to Catholic school next year, so I feel compelled to foster Christian beliefs in her at this point.

I was on my way out the door at the time, so I reminded her that I grew her in my tummy, and maybe God helped in making her. Phew!!!

Next day driving in the car came the big question "Who is God?"

"Oh great! Couldn't you just wait until next year to have these questions answered by someone who can answer them with a bit more credibility than me? I'm not really sure. He is a spirit, and lots of people think that he made the world, the sky, the trees, the first people, Adam and Eve..."

Boo went on to ask about all the things she was looking at from the car, as to whether God had made them. We talked about lots of things that people made but God might have helped them.

I think I was going quite well. Don't you???

"If God's a spirit, does he live in heaven?" Yes.
"When did he die?" I think he was always a spirit.
"Is he in charge of all the spirits?" Yes.
"Spirits are like angels, aren't they?" Yes
"God is a big spirit angel man" Yes, I guess!
"Can we go to the indoor playground today?" Not today. Safe for now...

Boo went out with grandma today, to visit my grandma 'where the old people' live. She came back knowing all about Michael Jackson, not just that he died, but all about his life history!?! And guess what he is now a 'big spirit angel man rock star!' Leading to more God questions.

At bedtime she wanted to talk about spirit-angels we know, and how you catch cancer... more God questions.

Discussions with 3.5 year olds are never boring but giving age-appropriate information is certainly taxing my brain!

An Acquisition

I could tell you how the gas was disconnected because some idiot hijacked my account.

Or, I could tell you how my team at work has been accused of being aggressive bullies!

Or, maybe I could tell you about how the wind broke the gate and the joys of getting a tradesman to even quote on a replacement...

But I won't because I'm sick of having things to whine and rant about this week, so instead I'll show you our new acquisition.


The opportunity to become a two computer family arose, and I grabbed at it. There is no longer any arguing about whose turn it is on the 'puter.

P.S Boo cried when she first saw this 'puter because she wanted a 'puter NOT a TV. And I guess when you're 3 and have never in your life seen a big clunky monitor it's a reasonable misconception!

Caught Out!

Every 2nd Wednesday, I have a day off work and I have a child free day. I live for that day :) Boo has kindy and I always avoid mentioning that I'm having a day off.

Last night on the third trip past the laundry , Boo noticed the tiles and plasterboard had been removed in there. One hand on hip, and the other waggling a finger at me "Hey, I didn't notice this before. When did you do this? Did you have a day off today and not tell me?"

I felt so naughty, like I'd skipped school or something!

St Patrick. A Murderer???

Tonight as we were on a mercy dash to help grandma get her computer back online (we failed), cat's eyes (or reflector lights) were sparkling at us as we approached a traffic island.

Boo - What are those lights for?
Me - So we can see the traffic island in the dark
Boo (who is of Irish origin) - It's not the Ireland that
Chloe and Corrina live in though.

Small pause

Boo - What did St Patrick do again?
Me - He got rid of all the snakes in Ireland
Boo - Why?
Me - They didn't want snakes in Ireland
Boo - How did he get rid of the snakes?
Me - I really don't know
Boo - He killed them didn't he?
Me - Oh, I'm not sure that he killed them
Boo - Yes, he killed them, he killed them, he killed them. He killed all of them. That's how he did it.

So there you have the story of the snake murdering St Patrick as told by Leprechaun Boo. Actually she probably sounded like a wailing banshee as she said the last line!

ANZAC Day

We made a vast batch of ANZAC biscuits yesterday, pre-empted by kindy who made them on Wednesday and Boo loved them.

This evening on TV was information regarding dawn service times and parking. Boo's ears pricked up at the mention of the word ANZAC, and as she watched intently she wanted to know why they were talking about ANZACs but she didn't see any biscuits???

How do you explain to a 3 year old the meaning of ANZAC day?

I tried my very best to explain in ways she could comprehend. The difficulties compounded by the fact that she has no understanding of the words war or soldiers, no concept of time (a long time ago being when she was a baby, or maybe when I was a little girl).

There is no ability to understand that Australia might be a very different place if it hadn't been for the men who went off to fight for us, our country, our safety and our lifestyles. In fact this then became a conversation of why the ladies didn't go to war (but that's a whole different conversation).

I have contemplated taking her to an ANZAC service tomorrow but think she's too young, so we will be staying in our warm beds at dawn and missing the later services but I'm sure the discussion will be continued as she was still asking questions at bedtime.

Tomorrow we will remember but it will be in our own way.

Breastfeeding is Socially Unacceptable

As a pro-breastfeeding mother, a midwife, and a lactation consultant I am completely miffed by kindy's attitude to breastfeeding dolls.

Boo was breastfeeding her doll this morning. This is a regular occurence at our house when the dolls are the play items of choice. Boo gave up was forced to give up nearly a year ago... I was over the fact that my body was no longer mine!

We did over 2 and half years. She got expressed milk for her cereal until she was well over 12 months, no formula passed her lips. I was happy and I was done. Boo wasn't quite done and to this day has breastfeeding envy!

Oops, I digressed.

Where was I? Oh yes, Boo was breastfeeding her baby, and she suddenly asked me "Aren't you going to tell me off for breastfeeding?"

"Of course not, why did you ask me that?"

"The kindy teachers always say no breastfeeding at kindy"

I was quite miffed at what to tell her. Personally I think its fantastic that she will pretend to breastfeed a doll rather than pick up the bottle to feed it. I refuse to tell her that she shouldn't breastfeed dolls in public/kindy.

Here we are pushing for breastfeeding to be socially acceptable, and here we have the message of breastfeeding being socially unacceptable aimed at small children (who are just playing innocently).

UPDATE On further discussion with Boo during the week on this topic. It seems the children have been asked not to breastfeed for a little while (???) because some of the other children were trying to breastfeed each other! Not really sure that not breastfeeding the dolls is the answer but I'm prepared to let it lie for now.

Attachment

A conversation in the car today went like this

Boo: When I'm a big grown up lady I'm going to have 3 babies. They will be called Bella, CAM and Boo (named after herself and her 2 cousins)
Me: That's very nice
Boo: I'll need 3 beds for the babies, like Nicole (a friend who is pregnant with baby #3) won't I?
Me: You will need 4 beds, because you will need a bed too
Boo: No, I'll just sleep in your bed with you

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I was a bit bored last night so I decided on a blog-lift. I'm not convinced I like it so there will probably be a few more tweaks coming up.

What do you think?

Blossoming Relationship

Love is in the air, but no it's not me.

Boo has a B.O.Y.F.R.I.E.N.D.

Every kindy morning, for the past couple of weeks, Oscar has come to greet Boo at the door, they stand their giving each other huge cuddles before he takes her hand and leads her off to play.

At home time, its the same, Oscar sees me heading through the door and he makes a beeline for Boo to get another cuddle in.

The two of them actually started daycare together as 6 month old babies and were inseparable for a long time. They were in separate rooms for a few months and Boo missed Oscar dreadfully. She was always asking when Oscar would be moving to the toddler room with her.

Boo then got her girl posse and poor Oscar got a bit neglected, but now it seems the relationship is blossoming again. Awwwww sweet :)

On the way home today, Boo told me "I really love Oscar but he doesn't talk very good, and sometimes I don't know what he's saying but he'll learn"!!!

Driving too fast

I am currently time impaired... I blame needing sleep, removing wood panelling, a gruelling work schedule and a tantruming 3 year old!

All you get is this weekends classic quote from the back seat driver...

Mum, you're driving too fast. Please slow down coz I'm wobbling all over the place like jelly on a plate back here!

In my defence I was doing 70 in a 70 zone... so there!

Life's Funny Like That!

Hooray!! Hooray!! Its Deb's (virtual) Kick Chemo to the Curb Party today!!!

When Jeanie told me of Bush Babe's idea of a virtual party, I took it as an invitation to join in the fun, to help Deb celebrate her final round of chemo.

Deb is one of those people who finds the positives in everything. Even as she blogs about her dark moments there is always more than a glimpse of the positives and the hope.

Boo set out the party food for you, and commented there is some 'healthy food' there too (it's the hommus)!


Then as she sat down to have some I got this from Miss 3 going on 16

I really don't want this. My preferred option is a toasted cheese sandwich, and when you can be bothered to participate, will you please make me one?

Enjoy your day (after the chemo) today!

Cheers

Update: Head over here to see the whole virtual party

Our Holiday As Told by Miss 3

The inspiration for this post, comes from Boo leafing through a magazine on the weekend, and proclaiming excitedly "Look mum, Strawberry Margaritas." I later heard her in the play room serving said Strawberry Margaritas to her dolls and teddies!

For the record, I had ONE when we went out for tapas at the beginning of our trip. They have not been spoken about since.

The fact that their brains are huge sponges at this age just keeps astounding me.
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On arrival to our hotel around 3am

Boo - I need a bath
Me - You can have a bath in the morning
Boo - But I always have to have a bath before bed
Touche! The bath was had
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On going across the street to the supermarket on our first morning in Dubai, we see a man dressed in a dish dash (UAE national dress)

Boo (squealing excitedly) - Look mum, its a 'camel man!' Where do you think he parked his camel?

Technically, I guess she is correct with the 'camel man' terminology since its a camel tie that keeps the cloth on their heads and traditionally they did keep camels!
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On shisha

Shisha is only for big grown ups, not little girls, because there is fire on the top!
(Not to mention the smoking and tobacco aspect)
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On driving in the UAE

Why is the steering wheel on the wrong side?

Why do you keep putting the window swishers on?
(Because its where my indicators are at home)
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On saying farewell to the bride and groom

Mum, I've run out of kisses and cuddles for Roxy. Can I borrow some of yours!
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On the traditional dress (black shayla and abeya) of Arabian Gulf women

Mum, can you buy me a black cloak and scarf?
Actually, can I get a pink cloak instead?
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On the flight home

Boo - Mum, can you please make that little boy be quiet and go to sleep, he's keeping me awake. He's a bit naughty making all that noise on the plane, isn't he? I'm very good, aren't I?
Me - Yes, you have been very good all holiday, and I am very proud of you
Boo - At Brunei, can I have some Tinkerbell perfume, and I will be proud of you too!!!

Save Her Life

No, everything's fine, no bad stuff today!

Boo has slept in my bed every night for the past week or so. It started because she wasn't well.

Alright, okay...
Truthfully, she sleeps in there a couple of times a week anyway, and always after going to the toilet around 5am. We're not fighting it out with a third person, and she generally sleeps in when she's there!

This afternoon I asked her if she was going to sleep in her bed tonight. Of course the answer was NO. I told her she couldn't spend the rest of her life sleeping in my bed. Of course she replied, 'Yes I can'!

Tonight at bedtime, as she ran into my bedroom she proclaimed 'I'm saving my life in your bed'.

How on earth could I argue with that???

Dieting with PMT

My friend Tony, and his diet are working well generally speaking. Tony has the help of the 'Diet Police' Boo. Whatever I eat, apart from the shakes, a little person pipes up with

"Are you allowed to eat that on your diet"???

"Yes, Boo I am allowed to eat celery"!!!

This evening Boo left a small piece of white chocolate on the coffee table. I was having PMT chocolate cravings and that little bit of chocolate had my name written on it! It was calling me...

Teach me to buy showbags with chocolate, when I have PMT and I'm dieting!!!

I asked Boo if I could have that bit of chocolate, and surprisingly my toddler said "Yes"

As I put the desired chocolate into my mouth.

"I am sure you cannot have that on your diet"!!!

*sigh*

Dora The Explorer

This funny looking cartoon girl from Mexico is often the bain of my life.

Dora is my interior designer.

Dora is constantly visible on my TV.

Dora is my daughter's sleeping companion.

Dora's clothes are always strewn throughout my lounge room.

Dora smiles at me when out for a walk from atop Boo's bike helmet.

Dora waves at me from Boo's clothing, and underwear (I always vowed I wouldn't buy trademarked clothing - obviously that was before I knew the persuasion power of a toddler).

Dora songs about backpacks, maps and 'Vamanos' torment my head.

I cannot escape Dora, and some days especially when out shopping I wish I could!

Today, however I love Dora!!!

Boo and I went to the concert "Dora's Pirate Adventure." We had an hour and a half of great fun and entertainment. Boo had an absolute ball (which is why I probably enjoyed it so much). I could criticise it as an adult but it had its magical effect on the children. Watching Boo enjoying it so much was awesome.

My little Dora Boo

Boo and I were 5 rows from the front and on the aisle, and Boo was either in the aisle dancing and waving her pirate flag, or dancing down the front where she swears Dora and Boots came near her and waved hello at her!

Boo was still so excited when I put her to bed tonight that we had to talk through everything that happened in the concert, plus the plea of can we go again tomorrow.

The Olympics

Despite being a bit disappointed with 7s coverage of the Opening Ceremony, and the shocking design of the Australian outfit, Boo and I are right into the olympic spirit at our house.

Where was the green and gold at the opening ceremony??? Who put our athletes in 1980's parasilk trackies??? We looked like "bogans"... Oh well!!! As a positive, I was glad to hear the Americans got a rap over the knuckles for walking almost single file around the stadium!!!

Boo and I watched swimming this morning, and there was lots of Aussie chants in our lounge room this morning. Boo was very excited when Stephanie Rice won a gold medal, and broke a world record. She is very impressed by everyone that broke world records this morning. As you probably realise, I need to explain lots of the things happening. Just lucky the yellow caps stand out and she can see where our swimmers are in the pool.

I love the olympics. I went to the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, and it just doesn't feel like it was 16 years ago. It feels like just the other day... maybe I'll do a nostalgic reminiscence on this during the week?

The Fashion Police

I have just started doing some midwifery work after a long hiatus. Yesterday evening when I came out of my room, attired in my white lots of pockets top, navy pants and navy cardigan (you get the picture), I was met with a look of woe and despair. A tantrum quickly ensued where I was told "Take those clothes off", "I don't like those clothes", "Go and put other clothes on".

I assumed the tantrum all had to do with the fact that I was going to work for a few hours. How wrong could I be??? I explained to the grief stricken toddler that I had to go to work for a few hours, and these were my work clothes.

Through the sobs came "Take them off I don't like them, they're not groovy"

To cajole her out of the tantrum I started dancing and singing "I'm so groovy, oh yes I am... I'm so groovy, oh yes I am".

I was met with a look of disdain "No. No your not mum"!!!

She is so right, I looked very far from groovy.

The Last Word

Today Boo was being bossy. Actually Boo is always bossy! I asked her to stop being so bossy, she's 2 so of course the inevitable reply was "Why"? I gave my first response, which of course was responded to with the endearing "Why?", as were my next dozen or so repsonses until I said "Because I'm the Boss."

What followed was a near hysterical child insisting she was the boss!!! I put my case forward on the boss situation and me being the mummy and all and eventually she conceded we could share being the boss!!!

We dropped round to grandma and papa's for dinner. Boo walks in announcing "I'm the boss." Grandma and Papa tell her they are the bosses because they are older and wiser, and of course its their house. Boo doesn't take kindly to this especially when grandma tells her that mummy is the boss at her house. After a bit more bantering the subject is finally changed.

After dinner and bathtime has passed and we are nearly ready to head home. Boo came and sat on my lap, gaves me a big cuddle and then whispered very quietly in my ear. It was so quiet I couldn't hear, so she whispered very quietly again, "I'm the boss"

What can you do but laugh and fear what the next 18 years have in store!!!

Pooh Bear

A smile to start the week:

Last night Boo and I went to Grandma and Papa's for dinner. Boo had her bag with her so she could have her bath there. The following conversation ensued

Papa - What's in your bag?
Boo - Pyjamas and knickers (as she fossics through bag). Look Papa, Pooh Bear (taking clean knickers towards Papa)
Papa - No, I don't want to see (squirming away as fast as he can and looking mortified)
Boo - (looking perplexed) But look Papa
Papa - No, I don't want to see your poo!!!

Poor Papa thought Boo had said "Look Papa, poo in there"