SCHOOL STRESS AND LIFE LATELY

Hello you lovely lot! Sorry for the radio silence here, it seems I've taken an unplanned Blogiday – is that a thing yet? – anyway I thought I'd give you a little life lately update and jump back on the blogging bandwagon. This lost week has mainly been filled with school stress, spring blossoms and the boy, as I've juggled being poorly and solo parenting without childcare, hence the blog and work in general has had taken a bit of a back burner.

Apart from missing out on the cruise and filming with Interior TV Presenter, Linda Barker, due to being ill, I've enjoyed the focused time it has given me with F. He's requested every meal outside this week and I've loved spending our time outside on a blanket in the sun reading books and just hanging out together, time seems even more precious now that school is on the horizon. Oh how I love this boy.

Last week, like most of you with 4-5 year old's at home, I woke and immediately checked my email to see which school F had been allocated to. There I was anxiously clicking the refresh button ten times a minute, hoping we had gotten our first choice while keeping my fingers crossed. Shortly after 10am it landed in my inbox, I swear I haven't felt so nervous since sitting my A Level exams! My heart sunk a little as were allocated our second choice, equally a great school but just not the one we had wanted for F for various reasons. So now we're facing three options: stay on the waiting list and see what happens, potentially move flats to be closer to our preferred choice, increasing our chance of getting in, or stick with the school we've been allocated.

I've been going round in circles all week and I must admit it's causing quite a bit of stress. Although all the schools in our area are good, I feel the decision we make now will lay the foundation for F's learning and school experience for the next six years, so I'm certainly feeling the pressure to get it right.

Have you had this experience? I'd love to know how you've felt about being allocated a school.

6/52

"A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2015."

F: My Sofa Boy.

You might have noticed I've been a little quiet and the reason is this week – or the last eight days – I've been at home with this little sick bunny. Normally my boy is full of energy, first up in the morning and on the go all day until he falls into bed at night. But not this week, instead he has been struck down with a nasty virus which took a bit of a turn and almost ended in an emergency trip to the hospital. Thankfully it didn't come to that and I've watched over him as he snoozes on the sofa or on me, him waking only when I move away from his side.

This morning his fever broke and he seemed his happy self again, even if a little pale. So I've spent the day tidying, cleaning and trying to catch up on all the work I've missed while looking after my baby. It's so easy to forget how little he still even at the age of four. All those cuddles and kisses, strokes and comfort needed, I cling onto those as he gets back into his routine of superheroes, dare devil jumps and pretend sword play.

Also I'd just like to say a HUGE thank you to all of you who voted for me in the #3cities competition.  Although I didn't win the grand prize, you kept me in the final three and I'm happy to say I won a GoPro camera to document our travels with.

Here's to a fun filled week. x

Linking in with The 52 Project.

COMFORT AND A MOTHER'S LOVE

Image via Pinterest

Urgh. So I'm officially on day three of being ill, not the best way to start the new month but F's super virus seems to have floored me. After having sniffles and a sore throat on monday, I went through shivers, chills and a fever before calling in the big guns to help. Yep, I called my mum. Just as F had been reaching out to me for comfort and love, having me mop his brow during his fever, I realised how much I needed mine.

So yesterday at crazy o'clock in the morning, I feebly reached for the phone and being the super mum she is, she arrived with her arms full of healthy soups and treats to make me well again. I wonder whether my boy will reach for the phone in the same way? Would he ever need that motherly comfort in adulthood? It's funny to think how my role will change as he grows into a man, and I wonder whether I'll ever be ready for it.

After spending most of yesterday in bed while F and nanny hung out, I'm now feeling significantly better. Not well but hopefully not far off, as I have a date night planned courtesy of the husband and a weekend away with friends in London. As the house has been stocked up with fresh fruit, juices, lentils, vegetables and herbal drinks, me and F are planning on chilling at home, eating well and staying cosy.

GIVE ME LEMONS AND ROSES

I've finally returned to the land of the living after suffering with F's sick bug for what seems like forever. The beginning of last week held such potential: birthday celebrations, anniversary fun, cinema trips, drinks out with friends, all to be cancelled with the onset of extreme nausea and vomiting. Now I can handle most illnesses, give me a cold, aches and pains anytime, but sickness I can't do. For three days nothing but warm lemon water passed my lips and I filled the house with pink roses to lift my spirits.

After inadvertently detoxing I now feel extremely healthy. I have dropped a few pounds, can fit into those super skinny jeans and I have rescheduled the fun.

What things make you feel better when you're sick?