Monkeying around

I sit at my computer with a cheeky monkey under my chair having a whine because I just took my computer cable away from her and she's quite annoyed. Katelyn loves to chew things. Her most favourite thing of all is ANY kind of cable that is hopefully connected to a power point! EEEEEEEEK! It is near impossible to have a room that does not have some form of cord in it. Fans, heaters, computers, TV etc. and her most favourite of all...the Vacuum cleaner! We have managed to conceal most of the cords around the house but she's no fool, she knows exactly where and what they are hidden behind and gets into all sorts of positions trying to squeeze herself behind the sofa, TV cabinet or even under the bed!

When she was little(er) Katelyn used to cry whenever I turned on the vacuum. I just couldn't do it without tears streaming down her face. Now? She thinks its a competition to see who can shout the loudest the whole time it is on! (I have to join in or its just no fun) and if I haven't immobilised her, its a race to get around the room without her latching onto the cord and often coming along for a ride as I try to snatch it out of her reach moments too late!

Now the little rascal is under the table laughing hysterically at me to try and get my attention. I think perhaps we are overdue for a nap! I'll be right back!

I recently went through a HUGE dilemma about whether or not I should sleep train my little cherub. It was really hard to decide whether it was necessary and although I was quite happy the way things were, I figured that learning to fall asleep on her own was an invaluable skill to have! It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make but once I had made it I had to stick to my guns. I came home from town one day and put her to bed and that was it. I got on Skype with my sister Jane (Thanks for all your help and support I could never have done it without you) and drank a huge glass of red wine whilst I listened to the sound of my heart breaking.

It was a fairly short process with a few minor set backs and tears from both Katelyn and I, but she now knows how to go to sleep on her own. I almost feel useless now as nap times and bed times come along and I put little Katelyn in her cot with her music and light show and close the door. She plays and sings until she is asleep and I am left standing in the middle of the house wondering what on earth to do! Don't get me wrong, I have plenty to do, I am just not used to having the spare time to do it all and don't know where to start. I often make a cup of tea and put on the news while I decide where to begin, and before I know it nap time is over and I get to play again!

The cold weather has arrived early this year and I find myself strangely looking forward to winter. I suppose after the intolerable heat we have had, there is something inviting about wrapping up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate and marshmallows, not to mention cuddling my squirmy worm with the hopes that one day she will be happy to sit still and cuddle me back for a few minutes. I fear (for my Mother) that we are going to have a very cold winter this year. The Soozeometer even predicts snow (at our house not just on the mountain tops.) -Sorry Mummy, but don't worry the snow won't come until July, you might just be a little chilly in April/May but Neil promises to stock up on the firewood before you arrive!-

Now that the possum has fallen asleep I am going to make a cup of tea and watch the news to see if I can muster the energy and motivation to do something productive! Then again, its the weekend!