Always Something

We’re having a pretty interesting few weeks.

In very exciting news (for us), last weekend Penny picked out paint colours for her bedroom. She doesn’t ask for much, so her asking for something at all is huge. Her and I had been in her room while I was helping her get dressed and I was talking away, not thinking she was listening or going to respond. I mentioned I was considering painting her walls grey with a big flower. She interrupted me and said, “No! Pink walls!” I called Shamus in (because I was super excited) and she confirmed with us a bunch of times that she knew what she was asking. Then, before we went out to buy the paint, I asked her again to make sure – I was a bit afraid of following through on painting and then her get upset when it was “permanent”. 

She yelled “purple!” then, so I asked, “You want purple walls now?”

“No, pink walls. Purple closet”.

I pointed to her window shutters and asked what colour they should be and she said, “white!” She even went to the store and chose the specific colour, all while wearing her mask. The line up at the store was a bit tricky because it was long and different than she’s used to, but she did really well considering. I painted her room in a few hours and she absolutely loves it! I love seeing her personality shine through – even if the bright pink makes me want to gouge my eyes out.

Rory has been pretty cute this week. He’s saying a lot of words and he is absolutely obsessed with baths. Washing his hair was always a huge issue for him so I’m very happy he can get a wash without a meltdown – even if 17 times a day it’s “time for a baff!” I like to screw with Shamus and randomly yell, “Rory, want daddy to give you a bath!?” Because Rory goes running to the tub and I know Shamus will never say no to him. It makes me laugh. It makes Shamus glare at me (lovingly…I think).

Then, of course, with the good always comes a few stressful moments. Always a crisis, friends.

Rory has started getting really bad for escaping the house. If the special locks aren’t closed, he’s going to go running. It’s usually if someone has just come in or just left the house because the locks are easily forgotten. To my knowledge he’s only gotten as far as the driveway (and usually only the front yard or front step) but it’s very scary. I thought Penny was bad for escaping but she’s got nothing on Rory right now! Her escapes are always pretty well planned – Rory’s escapes are so random, I have no idea when he’s going to do it. And he’s so quick!!! I’m hoping this particularly dangerous phase passes quickly.

Before I start this next story, I’m going to preface it by saying that Penny is absolutely fine because the story sounds pretty dramatic.

A couple of nights ago, Penny was hanging in my and Shamus’ room, as she has been every day for over 4 years. She plays her “tabby” while laying in our bed. It was quiet in the house until we heard a huge crash and Penny start to cry loudly. When we ran up, Penny was on our bed trapped by our fallen “attached” bureau mirror, with shards of glass surrounding her. She somehow escaped with just one cut that bled a bit, a few knicks on her shoulders, and a large scratch across her back (which I’m actually not convinced came from this incident).

Once she was safe, I asked her what she was doing and she replied “climbing da mirror!”. As she was climbing the screws must have come loose and resulted in her falling onto our bed with the large mirror still in hand and broken by her head. If she is a cat, she has to be near 9 lives by now! Washing glass shards out of your 6 year old’s hair is probably not a common occurrence, so just in case you’re wondering: I give it a 0/10 – do not recommend. 

Of note, when my mom came over to help clean up I heard Penny say, “that was a great idea!”. So, I’m not totally convinced something like this won’t happen again.

This incident was particularly scary because 1. It could have been SO much worse. And 2. I have no idea what prompted her to climb a mirror when she has never done that before. I usually can figure out the “why” of her behaviour but I’m completely stumped on this. While it’s not completely out of character for her, I didn’t see it coming. 

Further to this, I will say that I picked a great time to start my anti-anxiety meds, because I would be in a proper state right now if I hadn’t. It’s amazing what some serotonin can achieve!

My anxiety and depression isn’t something I like to talk about much – although I’m sure my anxiety is pretty common knowledge. I’m usually able to keep it at bay with all the things you’re “supposed to do” – positive attitude, self-care, exercise, eating well. But sometimes you struggle to get out of bed, to calm your mind enough to function, and specifically for me: you have several worsening public anxiety attacks and breakdowns then think, “perhaps it’s time to talk to someone now”. 

To end on a positive note, the kids have had some great times in the last few weeks. Penny’s day camp has gone incredibly well. They’ve gotten to go to St. Shotts twice which they absolutely adore – while there, Rory has found a love for the ATV and Penny has found a love for feeding the dog treats (never thought I’d see the day!)

I also found a kids sized accordion at Value Village and it’s the best $6 I’ve ever spent. The kids are going to be pros soon!

Here’s some cute pictures of them because they’re nothing if not adorable.