2021 has been like an unbroken horse, docile and controllable for one moment and then furiously snorting, galloping away madly and bucking wildly with no warning whatsoever in the next second.
The National Disability Insurance Agency continues to bamboozle and confound me with long and confusing documents. I have just received a reply for access to the inner machinations of the Agency in relation to Alex's most recent plan. At fifty-four pages in length, I gave up reading and instead sent an email to Shannon, our invaluable Support Coordinator. Out of the goodness of their heart, the NDIA funded twenty-four hours of Support Coordination over three years. In eight weeks, Shannon has used half of these precious hours...I am so bloody grateful for her services and so terrified that we will not be funded for the additional Support Coordination that Alex and I so desperately need.
I have been unfriended by my daughter. Why? I really have few clues.
I have had to unfriend another person who is skilled at returning the conversation to her own incredible insights and my hysterical failings.
I have been invited and uninvited to a sixtieth birthday... four times.
I am having mixed results with my much anticipated CPAP machine. This week, I have frequently woken with a mouth that is glued shut and my mask continues to be somewhat problematic sealing around my nose and mouth. Last night, I was only able to tolerate the mask for five hours, so my sleep was fragmented and my apnoea episodes increased. Yet, I am determined to persevere and have gained a long term loan of an older machine that can be set up to my requirements. With Batman graphics!
My darling Michael continues to hobble with his moonboot. His hips are being affected by the weird gait caused by this device and he still has considerable pain as each day wears on. Plus he has to contend with a cranky and sleep deprived wife. Lucky him...
In the midst of all this chaos, we were privileged to attend our absolutely magic Grand Toddler's second birthday. Where has the time gone? I am convinced she was actually only born some time last week. We turned the event into an overnight getaway - staying with our beloved friend Ailsa in her suburban sanctuary and only having to drive ten minutes on a Sunday morning, rather than two hours. Ailsa, a domestic goddess of incredible talent, fired me from the tasks of creating curried egg sandwiches and wrapping Immy's presents. I heaved a sigh of relief and accepted her directives without a whimper.
For twenty four precious hours, we were transported out of our usual routine. The indestructible Gracie Courtney manned the Gallery for us and created a series of paper Christmas tree decorations that I have dotted around the space. We are so lucky to have such amazing friends who genuinely care for us, warts and all.
Immy is growing into a particularly beautiful little girl. With her head of curls, her bluest of eyes, her long legs and her cheeky personality, Immy was the star of her own show. Besotted with Blippi at present, she is also intensely curious about the world around her. She loves her Mummy and Daddy, her besotted grandparents (there are six of us), her great grandparents, including Ivy - the second star of the show - daycare, parks, her fabulous assemblage of play activities and even Ragnar, the resident psychotic Ragdoll cat. She was at ease with her party and all the attendees, leading us on a merry dance across the grass, to the playground and back again. Her daddy, my fabulous Callum didn't even turn a hair as I released her down the slide without any qualms. I was initially horrified at this action as she literally flew off the bottom into the sandpit. Much to my relief, she climbed to her feet, shook herself off and proceeded to repeat the exercise with unbridled glee. She only wilted towards the end of the festivities and fell asleep in her pram as the beckoning of her nap time overcame her.
I am very much looking forward to our Christmas/New Year break. We close the East End Gallery for 2021 on Christmas Eve. January will be by appointment only until we reopen for 2022 on Australia Day. In the meantime, I am hanging out for the two nights with Cal, Bron and Miss Immy from 28 - 30 December when we celebrate a slightly belated Christmas, spend time with our Autistic Superstar Alex and annoy Ragnar with Stella and Pip's presence. Jodi with be in attendance to water our pots and tend to Chop and Suey's needs.
I can't wait. I am looking forward to my first Babycino with Immy in a stylish establishment, plenty of fun and a chance to assist Cal and Bron in everyday tasks. Bliss is coming!
The Blippi birthday girl gone to sleep.
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