I was definitely feeling rather sorry for myself when I broke my arm. The children and Martin were coping but it was definitely stressful for them to pick up the jobs that I tend to do. I honestly think we were all surprised at what a difference it made to our lives – given that the kids help with housework and cook some of the time anyway there still seems to be an amazing amount of stuff that I do – maybe I’m not superfluous to requirements after all!
Within the midst of this stress my sister came down and spent a few days with us to help out.
This was amazing.
She gave Jonathan some much needed attention and some exercise:
Drove me to picnics:
Took Jonathan swimming in the sea – which he had been wanting someone to do with him for ages:
She brought dinners with her (thanks Jonathan!) (which were delicious and gave the girls a break from cooking later on) and cooked and washed up while she was here which was great – particularly for the girls who were sometimes feeling a bit fed up with the on going nature of the cooking, washing and washing up (Jonathan had managed to master the art of fish fingers and waffles though!).
Being willing to be here and to help with Jonathan, the house,the shopping, the garden etc. and to work tirelessly at it (I’m sure there were loads of other things but writing with a few months distance I can’t remember them all) was brilliant for me and as well as being practically wonderful also made me feel very very loved!