Where was I?

I've found myself here a couple of times lately, starting a post and then finding myself stuck for words, so maybe I'll start with an update to break the ice...

When I last wrote I was in a pretty dark space. I was back on anti-depressants and had started taking anti-anxiety medication for the first time in my life (following a series of terrifying panic attacks). Thank goodness for modern medicine, because over the last five months I have been able to move to a much happier place. I am still on anti-depressants (and will stay on them for the time being as I am prone to post-partum depression) but I was able to wean myself off the anti-anxiety medication three months ago, with no ill effects. I'm feeling much more positive and upbeat about life, even though nothing has essentially changed (I guess it really is all about perspective...)

Willow has started to make friends at school, which is a huge break through for her. It took her three terms, but she got there. The school has decided that she will move to grade one next year (with the rest of her classmates) for social and emotional reasons, even though she will need a modified academic program. I am so pleased that the school has recognised her social and emotional needs as being just as important as her academic needs and I'm relieved that I didn't have to fight to get those needs met. These days, my main goal is that Willow survive her school years with her self esteem intact, which means (at this point in time) progressing to first grade and staying with her friends. Nonetheless, Willow has made pleasing academic progress this year. Her reading is coming along nicely (slow, yet steady improvement) and her hand writing has become a lot clearer.

Of course, we still have our battles. Willow's tantrums are legendary (we still average a couple of complete and utter half hour meltdowns in any given week) and she is impossible to negotiate with as she will never, ever compromise on any single point! It drives me batty and I have almost no patience left at times. However, I do recognise that her strong will is a double edged sword and while it makes life infuriating at times, it has also enabled her to persist (and develop) when others might give up.

Willow is still doing physiotherapy and speech therapy (privately) and her school has been wonderful in providing additional support, despite the fact that Willow has not qualified for any funding. Everyone has acknowledged that she has significant needs and that she is definitely a child "at risk". I am so pleased that her school is committed to her and her development. There is no sense of abandonment - which is how I felt in the public system every. single. day. Willow will also be evaluated by the minimal motor dysfunction unit next year (on the recommendation of her psychologist and after over a year on the waiting list) and I will be interested to hear any insights the doctors have (I'm not expecting much).

Spinner and Poppet are both thriving. They are both active, inquisitive, well-adjusted kids. Spinner is still swimming, playing cricket and chess, taking drama classes and piano lessons. He is happy at school, despite not being challenged by his school work much of the time. We did consider moving him to a different school that has a multi-year level "gifted" stream. However, Spinner made it clear to us that he would rather stay with his friends at this time, so we have decided to meet his social and emotional needs (do you see a theme developing here?) and keep him where he is happy.

Poppet is pleased to be three and better able to keep up with her older siblings. At last, she is a "big kid"! Over the last six months she has learnt to ride a bike, pump herself on a swing, get herself dressed and undressed, use the toilet (day and night) and write her name. She has also started swimming lessons (just like her big brother and sister) and she loves telling people that she can do a star float and blow bubbles in the water. I've never a met a kid who was in such a rush to "grow up" but finally, after three years, she seems content in herself and happy with where she is at!

As for me, I am currently the size of a beached whale, with just over five weeks (give or take) to go until baby #4 arrives. We will be having a busy Christmas in these parts. Mr. 3x3 has five weeks off work over the Christmas season (one of the benefits of being self-employed) so I am hoping that the transition from being a family of five to a family of six will not be too rocky. The kids are excited and I am very ready to meet the little person who has been growing within me over the last 8 months. The nursery is finished, the baby clothes washed and the car seat set to go. I guess all that remains is to rename this blog... something along the lines of "Three Times Three Plus One"!