Fresh Week, Fresh Start, Fresh Look.

Notice anything different?

That’s right, Ella got new glasses. We knew that Ella had astigmatisms in both eyes and was far-sighted but our ophthalmologist in Canada said she probably didn’t need glasses enough to keep them on. So our appointments in the last couple of weeks at Addenbrooke’s eye clinic seemed a little redundant. The ophthalmologist there however, asked if we had ever tried putting glasses on her, to which I replied “no”. She suggested we give them a try, after all, they’re free here, otherwise she might develop a squint.

With all the complaints around the NHS system I have to hand it to them. The system is similar to Canada’s public health system but without the provincial premiums. They are also very thorough and efficient with all correspondence “posted” (mailed) to you in regards to appointments, assessments, vaccinations etc. I even got a letter in the mail the other day “inviting” me to get a cervical screening. I thought that was very nice of them although, it’s not exactly the word I would use when referring to a PAP smear. That’s the British for you. Always polite.
Back to the glasses. She seems to not mind them too much. For the first bit she kept trying to pull them off but she actually kept them on for all of lunch which I was very surprised at. They aren’t the trendiest but I figure if she can get used to the benefit of them with “better fitting” glasses then we can get cooler ones later.
Besides, she is still pretty darn cute!

How was your weekend? Ours was pretty good. Jakob had a birthday party on Saturday and, thank the Lord, it was not at Funky’s Funhouse (an actual place in Cambridge, similar to Chucky Cheese) but rather at a place called Wandlebury Hill. The weather held out so the kids could explore the nature reserve and get good and muddy.

Our friends had come over before we left so that Jakob and I could get a ride and they stayed after the party until their son woke up which was almost dinner time. It felt good to begin to settle into a friendship. The kind where you aren’t afraid to throw out last minute dinner invites or impromptu coffee dates, conversation comes naturally and it can be about something other than the weather. We are thankful.

Sunday, Jakob had his first football session. I was really worried about how it would go much like I was worried about him starting school: he does not like new environments or people but once comfortable he thrives. Unfortunately however, it did not go as well as starting school and as expected he did not even want to come in the hall where the session was being held. Ben had to go to a boy’s choir rehearsal at Jesus College so I was left with Ella as well as Jakob. He didn’t want to have anything to do with it – he wanted to play football with his “new friends” (his school friends). So he was that kid and I was that parent making a fool of myself, first sitting with him just outside of the circle and then doing the exercises as he played rag doll. Finally, I told him that if he participated we could go get fries and chicken and pop. That perked him up and with 10 minutes left he really started to get into it….then I couldn’t get him to leave. Why must we play these games?

Eating Fries and Chicken and Pop at 10:30 in the morning.

I love him dearly, but his personality is challenging at times. Then at other times, it is so rewarding. We have discovered that science is his favourite subject. Last week he was “Star of the Week” for understanding and being able to explain how electricity worked. He even drew a lovely little picture. They have also been learning about the planets and solar system so on Saturday, he wanted to learn more about the Sun. We looked up videos and internet resources – he was enthralled. Then on Sunday, he said, “Today, we are going to learn about Saturn.” I downloaded Solar Walk off the Appstore but if anyone out there knows a better, more age appropriate interactive tool, I would be grateful.

Ben was out at rehearsals and conducting at Churchill for all of Sunday, coming home only after the kids were put to bed. Here we are: Lent term. It promises to be a challenging one. Ben’s schedule is jam-packed and we don’t have any visitors until, at the soonest, the end of March, which means that this cold, that is trying to get me down, needs to disappear….quickly.

It’s Monday, though, which means a fresh start and a new week. A day filled with optimism, to-do lists and hopes for the week to come.