So, as I blogged last time, I turned my ankle and was down for the ocunt that night. The next day I could walk on it if I was very careful (which was challenging because it was extremely cold and the ground was frozen–I think I actually turned my ankle on a tiny “hill” formed from frozen grass). Anyway, it’s been getting better and better. Right now it only hurts if a stretch my foot/ankle. So, that’s good. I did get a gnarly bruise, which I am happy to show anyone and everyone. See?
Right now Girlfriend is going through a tough time. Every since the holiday break ended, she’s been having major mommy-clinging issues. She hates going to school unless I stay with her. She sobs and wails the whole day if I leave. I’ve kept her home, thinking it would pass, but it doesn’t work. I’ve spent the day in her classroom, which is boring for me and disruptive for the class. The thing is, Girlfriend says nothing is wrong with home, school, her friends, her teacher, her class, etc. etc. She just insists that she wants to be with me. On top of it all, she’s been getting terrible stomachaches from her anxiety from being away from me.
Finally, I spoke with the school counselor, who interviewed Girlfriend and determined that it was just a developmental phase. So, we’ve set a plan in place that has had me drop her off at school (where she can cry as much as she wants but they won’t call me). Then, I come for lunch with her and leave directly after–at which point she would start crying again. I tell you, it’s been heart-wrenching. It’s awful to see your kid cry and wail for you. It is so hard to walk away when your kid is being restrained by the counselor and the principal. Agh. Anyway, the good news is she’s been getting better and better and so now we move onto the next phase–which is me dropping her off at school and not coming for lunch. So, that’s the plan for tomorrow. Wish us luck.
Another thing that’s been going on here at Four Chickens is that we’re pretty sure that Millicent is dying. It’s very sad, but she’s an old chicken (as chickens go) and she’s had a good life. Granted, she did have malaria, but she’s never seemed to be super-bothered by it. Anyway, ever since the beginning of the month she’s been getting more and more slow and draggy. She won’t even run away from me now when I go to pick her up–she just stands there and let’s me. Also her comb and wattles have gone light pink–they should be red. Her face just looks old.
The sweet thing is that Rosie spends a good part of each day huddling next to Millicent to keep her warm (it’s been very cold here). And at night Rosie will almost sleep on top of Millicent to keep her warm. It’s amazingly tender and wonderful to watch. Here’s a picture of them together in a corner of the yard (out of the wind):
So, we’re on Millicent watch. I don’t think it will be much longer. Sniff.
Ouch that ankle looks sore – but you have a good brusie (which is important as unless you can show something then sympathy can often be a little slow to arrive – at least thats how it is around here). Poor wee girlfriend and poor you, I’m guessing she is feeling lost and bewildered by this phase – hope it passes soon and the good thing is you know there are no problems with kids at school or suchlike. Milicent looks like a sweet old lady and Rosie is just endearing
Sorry about your ankle, jeez that looks like it hurts!
Hey, it will pass with Girlfriend. My youngest son did the same thing, it lasted about a month or so…that may not be what you want to hear, but it WILL pass!
Poor Millicent, I’m sorry.