Thursday photo #229

The anticipation of September. Two children at school and five days a week to work, exercise and do what I needed to do. And yet, deep down, I knew what would happen. Because nothing ever really goes to plan, does it?

September sniffles

This week, it was Libby’s turn for the sniffles. She’s had it very mildly and it hasn’t bothered her at all. Except for the cough at night. Whenever Libby has a cold, she gets a cough at night. It’s not a chesty cough, more of an irritation. But it always happens and quite often, she coughs in her sleep because very little wakes her up.

For me though, it’s a game changer. A few months ago, I read a book by Matthew Walker called Why We Sleep. Walker is a neuroscientist who goes to great lengths to explain the many benefits of sleep. Intelligence, memory, avoiding obesity, reducing stress… the list goes on.

So, I’m finally realising the impact of nights like the ones I’m having at the moment. Awake for several hours, then struggling to concentrate on work. Lacking motivation to exercise and eating rubbish. Then beating myself up for being unproductive.

This time though, I know what’s going on. I’m determined not to get into the cycle of worrying about how much I’ve got to do and sleeping even less. The book wasn’t a miracle cure for not sleeping. But knowing the impact and the reasons why I’m so unproductive at the moment has been really helpful.

 Clearing our schedule

Since starting school, Libby has always wanted to do everything. After school clubs, dance lessons, sports, musical instruments and everything in between. This term though, we’ve finally managed to calm it down a bit. Thursdays and Fridays after school are generally free. And it’s such a relief.

Much as I want the girls to have all the opportunities they can, it’s only now that I feel I’m getting the balance right. Libby’s behaviour has got a little easier without all the rushing around and everything feels more relaxed.

Thursday photo #229

On Saturday, we called in to see my sister. The girls managed to get hold of her makeup pencil and asked me what it was for. I told them it was for drawing on your skin and drew a moustache on Lia. It wasn’t long before things got a little out of hand. But I think it rather suits them.