The Smiley Brigade

Hello all! It seems a long long while since I posted a half decent post. Its not surprising really - I don't think I have ever been so busy in my life, but most of it is non-profit making! Well, thats a good thing and a bad thing I suppose! Good for the soul but will probably give the Bank Manager a peptic ulcer (mind you, seeing as the Bank Manager is of the on-line variety I would presume this would be a Virtual Peptic Ulcer. What form would that take?)

First things first though - Molly's 3rd birthday. I can't believe she is 3 and I am so very, very proud of her. Let's face it - this time last year I really wasn't very convinced of the fact that she would be here. That doesn't make me sad or teary - just ecstatic that she is so very very well at the moment.

I get very wary of answering peoples questions about how Molly is. Its not particularly "superstitious" thing - not like "gah! If I tell them she is well, then the bubble will burst and we will be back in the hospital". More because nobody can really understand unless they have a child with BA. Liver transplantation is not a cure. It certainly feels like one! But things could and no doubt will, go wrong either in a minor or major way in the future. We will still have hospital stays. We still have blood tests every 2 weeks or so (and I hate telling her we are going although she is very good once the initial "NO!" is over!!). There are "issues" that may or may not occur in the future. Her liver function tests are certainly heading the right way, but, nearly a year on, they are still abnormal. I don't care at the moment! She is loving life and is so very, very well in herself its fantastic.

So when people say "How's she doing?" how should I answer? I usualy say "She's fantastic!" because she is. But everyone smiles understandingly, thinking she has been "cured". Now that is great for their mindset and, believe me, I am not moaning here or griping at peoples concern. I am just left with a bit of a "hmmm. Stuff left out here." feeling.

That's the best way I can explain it!

But the birthday was a grand success! She got the Bus she wanted plus loads of other goodies that she is exceptionally pleased with. And we are exceptionally pleased with her too. xx

Right. Next topic!! Well, I feel that should be Daisy my eldest. She is so grown up now its incredible. She continues to do well at school. She is still very insecure (the whole Molly incident has taken a major toll on her sense of self) but things are getting better. The most important thing to me is to get this move to Devon over so she is settled. I feel this whole move will be the making of Daisy - its going to be great for her in so many ways and I can' wait for it to begin. I love her dearly and am very worried about her. She needs to get back to basics at a slower pace of life where both her parents are doing the same. Again, its hard to explain in this small paragraph. She needs a lot more love and attention than I can currently give her, working all the hours as I am at the moment. I want to involve her more. This move will help accomplish that.

So that moves naturally on to the move! I am not going to say much about where we are moving to - we have yet to have it confirmed that our offer has been accepted. The owner is a wonderful person and she wants to take her time to ensure that the precious land she is leaving is going to be in good hands. We can only reassure her so much - now is her time to consider. Fingers crossed because it is a magical, wonderful place to be, live and grow.

We have SO much we want to change, this would give us such a kick start it would be fantastic. But if this house isn't to be then we are determined we will still be as green and self sufficient as possible in any property we finally move to. We are doing what we can where we are at the moment, but obviously can't make any major changes to anything as it just wouldn't be worth it with a move just around the corner. We have accepted an offer for the house and now its just waiting.

When we move I want to get a job outside if I can - there is a fab organic nursery/veggy box scheme company not far away and I have already made enquiries (you know me, I don't hang about!!) about work which is looking promising. Who knows!

I am also looking at attending a course with the Strawbridge family. If you haven't seen their series "Its not easy being green" you are missing alot! Its on at 8.30pm on a Tuesday with only a couple of episodes left but they are truly inspiring. Their website is well worth a visit - loads of links with very very useful sites. I have put a link on the right hand side of the page under Links.

We are so very very busy, but so very very happy too. We are officially The Smiley Brigade (with very very large bags under our eyes! Molly - go to sleep!!!) xxxxxxxxx