There were big ups and downs this week. Arley had a rough few days as he had lost his screens. I rarely take away screens because it just doesn't seem to be the right thing to do, at least in our circumstances, but he was that bad, and I think he needed a break. So that was tough, on all of us! But then on Sunday we had a surprise for the kids. Their little rat Nacho has been scratching himself until bleeding, and I was told it was due to depression from losing his brother Jackie. We didn't want to get another baby rat, as at some point the rat cycle has to end, and Nacho would die before the baby rat, and then we'd have to get a replacement rat friend for him...you get the picture. But I managed to find a year-old rat who has also lost his mate and who needed adopting. We didn't tell the kids. We just took them out to breakfast down in Valla (which was lovely, even though Arley had ice cream for breakfast), and then afterwards we went over to the foster house to collect their new little rat Merlin. Merlin (or Mel, as we call him) looks just like Jackie but three times the size. He is huge! Haha. That was a shock. Anyway, the kids were so happy. We brought Mel home and let him and Nacho run around in the bathroom together and eat treats. We then put them in Nacho's cage together, and they were so cute, snuggling up to each other. They had one big scuffle, so we separated them that night, but the next day we put them back together and it has been smooth sailing. So now we have two ratties again - one medium and one jumbo one. All is right with the world.
We took the kids to play Finska, cricket and baseball on the oval again. Despite Arley's complaints, it went well. Carmie can hit a great ball! Arley likes it but hates the walk back home (it is literally a two minute walk, but all uphill). Because of this, he complains every single time we go. Another day we took a break and got the kids to the beach in Sawtell. It was gorgeous there. It's not really swimming weather (still beautiful, but not very hot), which is a shame because the water is so warm! It was lovely to get out, even though Arley was grumbly and Carmie was a zombie on four hours of sleep.
Carmie has had a few nights of horrible sleep again. We have a paed appointment next week, so fingers crossed we can get her some help.
And Arley...he had another appointment with the psychologist on Tuesday. It was her second one working with him on his anxiety. The first one was terrible, as he was oppositional and uncooperative. This second session was...so much worse!! OMG, it was a violent, screaming nightmare. The first fifteen minutes was brilliant, and they got some good work done, but then it all fell apart, who knows why. Arley showed his true anger. It really doesn't matter who is with him, he just goes for gold. So, the psychologist has told me it's not going to work, due to Arley's "extreme defiance" and she's worried that we will ruin psychology forever for him if we continue. So from now on I'll be going to those sessions alone and trying to help him in a roundabout way. Nightmare!!
I have had to go to the doctor and physio myself this week. I have had bad shoulder pain for a few months. It fluctuates, and I have been pushing through, but it has gotten that bad I thought I should see someone. I have bursitis in my right shoulder from my exercise (wah!!) and have to have a break for a while, as well as do these physio exercises with a theraband. The physio touched my shoulders and said, "Wow, you are carrying SO much stress in your shoulders. They are rocks." So, great. One more thing to stress about!
Jeffrey took the kids to their swimming lesson this afternoon. Carmie was in with Arley with the teacher they both like...and they had a great lesson! Apparently they were like happy little fish. Such a breakthrough for Arley. Yay!
On Monday of next week the kids and I are flying down to Sydney and then heading down to the south coast to visit Mum and Geoff, and our old friends. The kids are getting horse riding lessons from Milea, and we are going to go to all our favourite spots. I'm really excited! Jeffrey is staying in Coffs to look after the dog and the rats, and because he has some guitar lessons to give. He is a bit sad and we will miss him, but it will be good to get back to Ulladulla.
Still no photos of Arley this week :(
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