Don't you wish...

that you could protect your children from everything nasty and unpleasant in life? It's been a difficult week ... eldest daughter, of the howling hormones fame, had another appointment at hospital. Having seen an Orthapaedic and Trauma Consultant at the beginning of the year, he referred onto a Paediatric Rheumatologist and she was seen on Wednesday. It's now official - not only have I genetically shared her predisposition to fair skin, freckles, love of books ... it seems I have also passed on my rheumatolgy history. The Consultant has agreed that she, poor lamb, has a Juvenile Arthritis and has done blood tests to try to ascertain which form. I am so proud of the way she has handled this so far ... Her perception is that it doesn't really matter what they call it, she's already lived with it for 4 years. For quite some time, she had planned to complete her AS's and A' levels and then apply for a degree in Criminology and the law (or psychology) with the long term aim of joining the police. With this type of diagnosis, she accepts she will not pass the medical and has already identified an alternative future direction - and now is considering applying for a business related degree. If you are reading this, please think of her and wish her well... Typical women though, we are planning a weekend of retail therapy to lift our moods and empty mum's purse!

Our other 'therapy' (of the non-tablet form!) are these wee rogues! Molly, our docile spaniel/ poodle (a far prettier combination that that descriptor suggests!) had 4 puppies nearly 7 weeks ago, following some flirtation in the local park. We have had such fun with the 'babies' and its been fascinating watching them grow and develop - each has their own personality, traits and mannerisms. 'Spot' is the absolute mischief and desperate for attention - she is the first one to race up for a pat and a formidable stealer of the others' chewy bones! The other wee white one, known at the moment as Jadyn (don't let DD2 pick names is the moral of this tale), is the explorer - she has worked out how to escape their pen and often greets me at the bottom of the stairs in the morning. Sushi, black/white with a wavy coat, we have to watch like a hawk as she tries to sneak her mum's and auntie Abbie's food (she discovered the joys of lasagne the other day ... and we discovered the joys of cleaning the pen afterwards!!!). Kaydn is black/white with taupe markings on the side of her face on her hind legs - she is a steadying influence on the others ... a gentle wee thing with perseverance. How empty the house will seem next weekend when they move to their new homes ... though I know 4 cats who are practically packing for them now!!
[picture 1: Spot and Jaydyn; Picture 2: Kadyn]