amelia'sgranddad

MAY 2010 UPDATE

2010-05-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

These two beautiful girls continue to delight, amaze and tire us!

MILLIE

The other night Millie said with great seriousness: 'I'm only allowed to eat one sweet thing at dinner-time or I'll go crazy!' When she's tired after an energetic day (she's our 'non-stop' girl) her diet has to be monitored carefully, as sweets cause her to be even more hyper-active!

Last Monday night the little family came out to dinner with us, and I sat next to Millie. At (Knox) FoodStar smorgasbord restaurant the girls can choose small amounts of their favourite foods, and they tend to be more relaxed than at home (where there's pressure to 'eat up all the food on their plates' when they're tired). Millie and I had some beautiful conversations - especially when she described a game with arms and hands and fingers she'd learned from our neighbours, and taught to her classmates.

Millie's also proud of herself doing the 'splits' - from standing upright to sitting with legs wide apart on the floor: what a lithe little body she has!

Last week I had the enjoyable task of minding Millie upstairs, and she got an idea for making sweet biscuits. Half a dozen dry biscuits on waxed paper on a small tray, plus a dab of slightly melted icecream on each, another biscuit (cookie) on top of each, then we put the tray into the freezer. In a couple of hours we had a tray full of nice sweet cookies, which Millie and Bella (one each!) enjoyed, together with the adults. Where did she get that idea? 'Oh, I just made it up!'

BELLA

The big question about Bella at the moment is 'What school is best for her next year?' A private school, but without government-assisted special help, or a public-school which specializes in helping children with special needs? Her parents are leaning towards the latter.

Bella is a non-socializer, unless she knows a little friend very well: so our prayer is that she'll make good friends, and also catch up with speech, spelling and numeracy skills. Jan is giving her some 'homework' most mornings, and we are careful to encourage her to speak clearly. This little one gets so frustrated when she can't be understood.

The other morning she wanted to play with 'Charlie', the little dog we bought her, but Charlie was nibbling a bone and growled when she came near. She crumpled into Grandma's arms in tears - until I suggested we go for a walk to look at the ducks in the nearby creek. She immediately brightened up, and we had a lovely 20 minutes together - with Lockie, our border collie.

Please pray for our little ones!

Grandpa/Rowland

PRAYER REQUEST FOR BELLA

2009-12-16T00:42:00.000-08:00

Hi praying friends

We're writing to seek your prayers for our youngest grand-daughter, Bella. She's a gorgeous, bright, smiling little four-year-old, and with her Mum (our daughter Amanda) and Dad (John) and sister (Millie) lives with us, so we enjoy her delightful company almost every day.

But Bella suffers from a 'Developmental Delay', which involves a severe speech delay and hypotonia (muscle laxity). She will be attending a four-year-old Kinder next year, leading up to her school years.

Will you please pray for her parents and Jan and her teachers who are doing skill development / right brain left brain exercises etc., that she will soon be able to conquer these disabilities and learn to socialize well with other children.

Thanks everyone!

Shalom/Salaam/Pax! Rowland and Croucher

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/

GRANDPARENTS' DAY AT THE SALVATION ARMY

2009-05-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jan and I had the privilege of attending the special Grandparents' Day at the Ringwood Salvation Army, where Bella and Millie take their parents each Sunday.

As we swapped notes later, the key memories were of Millie dancing to the singing - what a lithe, athletic little body she has! And of Bella putting her hands together reverently for the prayer-time.

Their little friend Eva - who takes a special interest in befriending Bella, and Bella of course responds to her attention/love very warmly - sat between them.

Thanks to the Ringwood Salvos for the wonderful work you're doing: and congratulations on your efforts in last week's Red Shield Appeal.

Grandpa

BELLA LOVES PLAYSCHOOL

2009-05-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

... and she's learning lots of words and numbers and sounds.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

2009-04-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since posting here: mainly due to a building program at our place - a retreat-place for Urban Neighbours of Hope workers - and involvement in the 'Dawn Rowan Saga'.

Bella is as delightful as ever - loving, smiling (more than our four children and other five grandchildren all put together). She's now almost perfectly 'toilet trained' (which after the first few successful attempts she announced with 'I've done a Millie!'). She now knows the letters of the alphabet, and can match them up...

And Millie is a serious little school-girl who went back after holidays today in her winter uniform. Millie knows some of her favourite stories off by heart (and pretends to read them, when I'm sharing these with her !). She recently represented her grade in saying a prayer in front of the whole school.

This very timely piece of writing (below) addresses a common need: for parents and carers to adjust to the challenging task of raising a child with a disability.

Rowland Croucher, April 2009

*****

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html

DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY

2009-01-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

(This is the disorder which describes the challenges we face with our youngest - 3-year old - gorgeous granddaughter, Bella. I've included one approach to cure - the Tomatis Method. Anyone know anything about it? Rowland. January 2009)

Developmental Delay

Development is a broad term that encompasses a great number of progressive achievements and abilities. For a child to develop normally they must attain physical milestones like sitting and walking. They must acquire the expression and the comprehension of language. They must be able to retain old knowledge and use it as the foundation for new knowledge. They must learn to relate effectively to the people and the environment around them. Development is a global process where no domain exists in isolation of another. It is rare to find a task that relies solely on one skill which is why if one area is lagging or dysfunctional, the entire process of development is compromised.
Developmental delay defined

Developmental delay refers to a pervasive problem that affects one or more areas of a child’s development. It usually takes time to make a clear diagnosis to be sure that the delay is not temporary or due to a treatable condition. Development in children is measured against the usual timeline for certain skills and abilities to appear; these benchmarks are known as developmental milestones and are achieved within a period of time defined as normal.3 It cannot be expected that every child will progress at the same rate, but there needs to be an age-range that allows parents or professionals to differentiate between children who are slightly behind and those who require attention and intervention.2

Because children do not acquire language immediately and cannot be tested for cognitive ability, developmental milestones can be recognized as physical accomplishments such as crawling, sitting without support and standing unassisted. Also, there are speech and language milestones such as monosyllabic and polysyllabic babbling, recognizing common words and combining words and gestures.2 If these milestones are achieved only slightly later than reasonably expected, the child may catch up eventually and suffer no academic consequences. However, late development and ongoing problems may also indicate a more severe form of developmental delay which can have a limited or overall effect on a child’s life.

Global delay is used to describe the condition of a child who suffers impairments in all developmental domains.2 Motor delay may be characterized by clumsiness, poor balance and coordination, inability to manipulate objects and poor gross and fine motor skills. Language disorders may be evident through the child’s inability to use and deliver language signals at the expected age, and this may progress into poor reading and language comprehension and limited vocabulary.2

Children with developmental delay commonly display unusually extreme reactions to neutral stimuli (e.g.. withdrawing from soft touch) or unusually unresponsive reactions to painful stimuli (e.g.. not reacting to a very loud noise). This reflects a problem with sensory integration, the way sensory information is interpreted by the brain.12 Any neurological problem such as developmental delay can impact the acquisition of language and the ability to communicate effectively, and learning difficulties may become apparent when the child begins to attend school.1

Children with developmental delay do not fail to develop – they just develop at a slower rate than most children of the same age. The progressions still occur and milestones can be eventually reached. Development ceases for all people at a certain stage but the end point for developmentally delayed adults tends to arrive before they have acquired enough skills to allow them to function without impairment. The prognosis for children with developmental delay depends entirely on the severity of their symptoms and has no conclusive or single cause. Some types of developmental problems are inherited and can be predicted or tested such as in the case of Down’s syndrome or dyslexia.1 Most developmental problems are suspected or found to occur in the critical period of a child’s growth before, during, or soon after birth, either because of infection, nutritional issues, exposure to toxins or a variety of other disruptions or abnormalities.4
The physiology of developmental delay

Although a child’s development can be observed, its foundation is neurological. This means that although developmental milestones may not be reached, such shortcomings are not related to the child’s intelligence or physical ability but the way their brain is processing information. Speech and language develop in synchrony with the growing brain. So do motor skills, balance, coordination and sensory integration. If any part of this process is disturbed or abnormal it is highly likely that the resulting problems will not be restricted to only one developmental domain. The only way to understand this is to appreciate how normal development takes place.

When a child is in the womb, the ear is the first organ to mature and become functional and after 16 weeks the child can hear sounds in the uterine environment and the mother’s voice. There are two organs in the inner ear that are responsible for perceiving sound. The cochlea attends to all sounds in the auditory spectrum while the vestibule responds to bone-conducted sound (sound waves hitting the body and the head). The vestibule has the equally important task of regulating the position of the body. It uses knowledge of gravity and where the head is to maintain physical balance and equilibrium and also enables smooth and controlled coordination.

The third function of the vestibule is as a sensory integrator. Because the ear is the first fully matured organ, the vestibule is the primary receptor of information from every sensory system in the body. That is, the vestibule receives all sensory input and relays the information to the appropriate part of the brain. The multitude of problems experienced by children with developmental delay starts to become clearer when the role of the inner ear is explored in detail. Because the cochlea and the vestibule share some of the same anatomical components it is not uncommon for language (cochlea), motor and sensory ability (vestibule) to demonstrate parallel strengths or weaknesses.9

Children with all types of developmental delay tend to demonstrate abnormal listening patterns. This is not to say that they have problems with their hearing – the problem exists in how the received sound is transmitted to the brain and interpreted for its meaning. Good listening involves the ability to analyze, perceive, inhibit and differentiate sounds, a system referred to as auditory processing. Listening is essential not only for learning and language acquisition but for communication and self-awareness. The multitude of problems experienced by children with developmental delay can be explained with reference to the inner ear, their pathways and the brain, making these areas important focal points for intervention.

Plasticity describes how sensory stimulation can strengthen old neural pathways and establish new ones. Permanent change in the synaptic organization of the brain can only occur when the exposure to stimulation is intense, sustained and frequent, thus retraining the brain to function at a more efficient level.6 Earlier work suggested that plasticity was only present in younger children and that the brain became fixed once adulthood was reached but research demonstrates that this is not the case7 – having said this, the plasticity of children’s brains is certainly greater than that of adults which is why early detection and treatment is so vital. Auditory processing interventions such as the Tomatis Method have been designed to optimize a child’s capabilities by making use of the brain’s remarkable ability to be shaped.

Treatment of developmental delay

It is vital that a child with developmental delay is identified early. Although there is no cure or infallible treatment for the condition many types of interventions have been shown to be of assistance if implemented early in the child’s life.4 There are countless numbers of specific programs and specialists that attend to the symptoms of the disorder. The Tomatis Method of listening training works at ear-to-brain level, stimulating many aspects of basic neurological processes that are functioning poorly. Other therapies that may be used instead or in conjunction with Tomatis include Developmental Movement Therapy, Integrated Listening Systems, Neurofeedback and other stimulation programs.

How the Tomatis Method can assist children with developmental delay

French physician, Alfred Tomatis, developed the Tomatis Listening Program about 50 years ago. The development of his technique for auditory training was based on the fundamental principle that the voice produces what the ear hears – a concept referred to as the Tomatis effect. The Tomatis method relies primarily on carefully controlled sound stimulation using Mozart music and Gregorian chant. Both the mother and the child wear headphones and use microphones when they speak. Their voices are fed from the microphones into an electronic device which modifies and filters the sound before returning it to the headphones. The auditory signals received by the child are continuously manipulated in order for the child to experience the audio-vocal loop as accurately as possible.9 This stimulation is to assist the auditory system to attend to auditory input, thereby enhancing language development. The mother’s voice is used while the child is encouraged to actively imitate or respond to what they hear. Each program is tailored to the child’s individual needs as identified through the initial assessment.

The headphones also amplify the sound delivered to the right ear to establish right-ear dominance for listening. The reason this is important is because the right ear transmits more information to the left side of the brain responsible for language. Children with any type of developmental delay tend not to have this automatic listening preference and language information is transmitted inefficiently and slowly. By creating an ideal auditory environment, the child learns to listen more selectively and competently. The top of the headphones is fitted with a device that vibrates in response to sound and allows the auditory system and vestibule to be stimulated through bone-conduction.

Listening assessments are undertaken every 10-15 hours throughout the program and the listening schedule is continually adjusted to reflect the client’s progress. The important thing to realize is that the Tomatis Method improves auditory processing with respect to language and the use of microphones by the mother and the child trains the reception of language signals to be achieved more effectively, both from the mother and from himself or herself.

It is difficult to generalize about the way a child will change once the Tomatis Method is administered. Children undertake the program to address different deficits or problems. The simplest way to explain what can be expected is that the child’s functioning will shift more an extreme to a more moderate position. The Tomatis Method aims to improve reception and expression of language communication – once this is underway, the indications of the progress are reflected behaviourally, emotionally, and socially. The effects of the Tomatis Method are not temporary as the program is not concerned with developing extraordinary functioning, but with restoring the auditory system to a greater equilibrium and thus improving receptive and expressive language which in turn can improve awareness, attention and learning.
Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)

An alternative to the Tomatis Method is Integrated Listening Systems which is a home-based sound stimulation program and which has been combined with a movement program. The auditory stimulation is based on the same scientific rationale as the Tomatis Method, using filtration techniques which are programmed onto CDs. While iLs does not involve the complex sound modification and equipment used in Tomatis training, it remains a highly effective and convenient alternative which may be suitable for some children. Sometimes iLs is used in combination with Developmental Movement Therapy but this is generally determined at the initial assessment.
Combining the Tomatis Method with Developmental Movement Therapy (DMT)

Our senses are only useful when the connections from the organ to the brain are operating normally,11 but children who experience early neurological problems often demonstrate sensory hyposensitivity (under-sensitivity) or hypersensitivity (over-sensitivity).8 This reflects a weakness in the way sensory information from various parts of the body is integrated and transmitted to the brain.10 Because the vestibule is where initial sensory integration takes place, the Tomatis Method is often combined with a program of Developmental Movement Therapy (DMT) so that the vestibule is stimulated through both sound and sensory input. This combination assists not only motor coordination and balance, greater physical awareness and better posture, but also improved receptive and expressive language and as a consequence greater confidence and self-esteem may be observed.5

When children are born, they emerge from the womb with primitive reflexes: physical responses initiated without conscious thought or intention. These reflexes allow the child to cope with the influx of new sensory information from the post-utero environment, but should soon be overtaken and inhibited by voluntary actions – these are referred to as postural reflexes or postural control. It has been found that problems with neurosensory integration may be attributed to partially uninhibited primitive reflexes. It is through movement that a child develops postural control as every movement stimulates specific neural connections but this is made difficult if the vestibule is not operating normally.10

The rationale behind Developmental Movement Therapy (DMT) is that sensory systems and reflexes are indivisible and that any existing partially retained primitive reflex can be actively inhibited by exercising the postural equivalent. Postural reflexes have the effect of maintaining and controlling posture, physical actions and equilibrium.12 Movements can be made because the brain sends messages to the area requiring action. The more often certain movements are performed, the better developed these neural pathways become. Developmental Movement Therapy involves a program of movements designed to retrace motor development as it ideally should have been experienced and it complements the auditory input of the Tomatis Method, by providing the vestibule with additional stimulation, leading to accelerated improvements in motor control and coordination.

Developmental Movement Therapy and the Tomatis Method of listening training both work at brain level, and they attempt to normalize many aspects of basic neurological processes that may be functioning poorly. This facilitates improvements in many areas and directly assists any subsequent interventions that address the manifestations of developmental delay.
References

1 Mathews, K. 1998. Developmental Delay. (http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/developmentaldelay/index.html)

2 Keep Kids Healthy: Developmental Delays. (http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/conditions/developmentaldelays.html)

3 University of Michigan Health System: Your Child: Development & Behaviour Resources. (http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/devdel.htm)

4 How Kids Develop, San Diego: What is developmental delay and what services are available if I think my child might be delayed? (http://www.howkidsdevelop.com/developDevDelay.html)

5 Madaule, P. 1989. Down’s Syndrome: Becoming just one of the kids. (http://www.listeningcentre.com/just_one.htm)

6 Schonbeck, Joan. Auditory Integration Training. (http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/auditory_integration_training.html

7 Holloway, M. 2003. The mutable brain. Scientific American, pp.79–85. (www.sciam.com)

8 Carter, S.L. 2001. Motor Impairment Associated with Neurological Injury in Premature Infants. (http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/cerebral_palsy/cerebralpalsy.html

9 Sierra Dove Global Association: The beginnings and work of Alfred Tomatis. (http://www.sierradove.org/education.html)

10 Goddard, S. 2002. Reflexes, Learning and Behavior. Fern Ridge Press, Oregon.

11 Heartland: Sensory Integration: The Concept. (http://www.geocities.com/heartland)

12 Sensory Integration International (The Ayers Clinic): Answers to frequently asked questions. (http://www.sensoryint.com/faq.html)

- http://www.listenandlearn.com.au/disorders_DD.asp

--

Shalom/Salaam/Pax! Rowland Croucher

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/

Justice for Dawn Rowan - http://dawnrowansaga.blogspot.com/

WHAT ARE GRANDPARENTS FOR?

2009-01-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

Millie has developed the habit in the last couple of weeks of coming upstairs to us when she is disciplined by her parents.

Today, Grandma (her usual comforter) was out, but she sat on my knee, and the conversation went something like this:

Grandpa: 'What's wrong, little one?'

Millie: 'Daddy brought some gifts home for Bella and me, and Bella took the clock with the fairy princess, and Daddy gave me clothes. But I don't want clothes!'

Grandpa: 'So you really wanted the clock, not the clothes?' (using my best counselling skills :-)!

Millie: 'Yes, and Bella took it and wouldn't give it to me.'

Grandpa: 'And what did you say to Daddy?'

Millie: 'I told him I didn't want the clothes.'

Grandpa: 'And how do you feel?'

Millie: 'I feel left out!'

Now... friends. Where would you take the conversation from there...?

[ See the notes of the seminar on How to Help Your Friend ].

Shalom!

Rowland.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF ANY DAY

2009-01-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

Of all created things the loveliest
And most divine are children. Nothing here
Can be to us more precious or more dear
(W. Canton)

Jan and I look back on most days, and ask 'What was a highlight of this day for you?'

Today, Jan was out shopping (for wool to knit something) and the two little girls came upstairs especially to show me their treasures. Bella's was a live worm in a jar; Millie's, a removable tattoo her dad had painted on her arm.

It's holidays, and we sometimes go walking with the little ones: one of their hands in one of ours. Bella enjoys doing that most. And we chatter almost nonstop with either or both of them! Very special!

Rowland Croucher

P.S. My story is here.

MILLIE'S REPORT!

2008-11-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

Millie has brought home her first 'school report'. She's five!!!

Her 'Kindergarten to Prep Transition Report' ranked her all C's (for Consistently; the others - D = Developing, NA = Not Apparent)

Comments:

* Social Development: 'Millie has a quiet nature. She listens and participates well...'

* Emotional Development: Millie is quietly confident and relates well to both children and adults. She is very persistent and works hard to carefully complete tasks'

* Language/Communication Skills: 'Millie expresses herself in a clear manner initiating conversation with children and adults'

* Fine/Gross Motor Skills/Self Care: 'Millie has good fine/gross motor skills and enjoys these activities. Millie has a mature pencil grip and good control'

* Academic/Thinking Skills: 'Millie enjoys learning. She works well by herself, always completing tasks. She can write her own name'

* Child's Interests: 'Millie enjoys art/craft activities - drawing, painting, making things, dressing up, imaginative/dramatic play, cooking'

We are all very thankful to God and to these wonderful teachers/carers for their love and care for our beautiful grand-daughter!

Rowland Croucher

WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?

2008-10-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Millie and Bella have spent a few hours with us this morning.

I've just given Millie a drink of apple juice, and she said: 'This apple juice is good: it fixes your hiccups!' (Now why didn't I think of that?)

Millie had a special part to play yesterday at a Ringwood Salvation Army Special Kids' Day. She and others did the actions to songs about Nehemiah, Trouble etc.... very creative, and Millie has wonderful physical coordination...

Bella is her most charming self, with a smile which melts us!

They have both been playing with one of those little plastic whirly-things which fly away when you pull a string (my old brain has forgotten their name).

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

BELLA'S ASSERTIVE & MILLIE'S PARTY

2008-08-17T18:14:00.001-07:00

Bella was playing on the floor with Grandma and Millie came into the room. Immediately Bella said: ''No Miya... my game'. Bella's a tease - bumps into Millie and pushes her around for fun. Cheeky girl!

Yesterday was Millie's big 5th birthday party with about 15 of her friends (brought by their Mums... there were no Dads there for some reason). They all dressed up as princesses: beautiful! Millie had 'slept over' with a friend the night before and was a 'perfect little girl... good manners... slept well' according to the friend's Mum. When her Dad came to collect her Millie didn't want to go home!

Yesterday at the party Millie was the perfect hostess, carrying a plate of cupcakes around for her guests. All the girls had their faces painted by Millie's Mum as a special treat. And of course there was a chocolate hunt in the side yard. An unforgettable time for the 5-year old.

The other night when the girls slept over with us, Grandma talked softly to her to get her off to sleep. 'Millie, the birds are asleep, little children everywhere are asleep, the possums - which clatter on our roof every night - are asleep...' Millie interrupted: Grandma, the possums aren't asleep... they sleep in the daytime!'

DO I LOOK ANY BIGGER?

2008-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's the 8th day of the 8th month, and today Millie is five.

We're having two parties - one with 'folks' as the Americans say, and another with her friends.

This morning she got up early (about 6 am as usual), and her Mum and Dad gave her some presents. Now she's with us until Kinder this morning.

'Do I look bigger?' she asked this morning. She showed me her foot as she was dressing and asked if it was big.

We don't give her many sweets, as it makes her go 'hyper' but this morning she requested a full chocolate biscuit after breakfast (porridge) 'cos now I've five... and I won't go crazy!'

Shalom!

Rowland.

MY TURN FOR BREAKFAST

2008-08-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's the once-every-two-months breakfast my wife has with her 'girl-friends' (all Baptist women-pastors) so I get up early to mind the little ones. Millie and I watched Cinderella 2 and had a lovely time. Then her Mum took her to Kinder (where she cried again - happened a bit lately: perhaps she's wanting to hang out at home and be more unstructured).

Then Bella and I had breakfast together. After she'd eaten/drunk a bit she came over to my chair for a spontaneous cuddle. Nothing beats that experience!

Bella, her Mum says, has 'Global Developmental Delay'. Her motor movements are improving, but her speech still has some way to go. She says 'O' and we don't yet know whether she means 'off' or 'on'. We're all learning a bit of sign language to help clarify her requests.

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

P.S. Join me on Facebook if you're a regular reader here.

HOW DID MILLIE LEARN TO DANCE?

2008-06-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma's been away for ten days, and the two little girls are delighted she's back. Right now they're baking cup-cakes in our kitchen with her.

This morning I was watching Millie dance -very beautifully - in sync with the TV children. Jan told me she asked Millie where she learned to dance. Mummy taught you? No. Learned at Kinder? No. 'A fairy came in the night and taught me!'

Beautiful imagination!

Rowland (proud grandpa)

TOILET MATTERS

2008-05-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

(In both senses)

Millie and Grandma came home from Kinder.

Grandma: 'I have to go to the toilet.'

Millie: 'Can't you hold on?'

(If only she knew!!!!)

(Millie, a couple of hours later, discovering Grandma on the loo again): 'Not again!'

Another time recently she smelled the deodorant spray in our bathroom and said 'That smells like vanilla!' (It was vanilla flavoured!)

And a couple of days ago there were enthusiastic celebrations of Bella's first success in this general area!

Now it's my turn to look after Bella. It's a beautiful Autumn day in Melbourne, so we'll go for a walk.

Rowland Croucher (Grandpa)

MILLIE'S A BEAUTIFUL CONVERSATIONALIST!

2008-05-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

Millie now puts complex sentences together, and makes interesting connections between things...

For example: she was drinking vanilla-flavoured milk and said 'Grandma, this tastes like the smell in your bathroom when you use the spray' (which at that time was vanilla-scented!).

Last night she showed Grandma her sore knee. 'Does it hurt?' Grandma asked. 'Yes, a lot,' Millie said. 'Oh, I'm so sorry,' said Grandma. 'Oh but it's not your fault!' Millie reassured her!

Today Millie went to the Doctor. She's been waking with urinary tract soreness.
During that time Jan and I looked after Bella, who was just a delight. We went for a walk with the dog, and she helped find sticks for the dog to chase. Bella's mum was reassured by the specialist yesterday that Bella is capable of catching up developmentally, and we've been encouraged to help talk to her in story-form, and encourage her imagination.

Rowland Croucher

RABBITS

2008-04-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

The little girls have a rabbit each... quite an education. One of them is frisky - and bits if he/she is fed up with being manhandled. So there's a beautiful mix of excitement, tears, and curiosity about them the last few days! (And our border collie Lockie of course is very interested, too.

Bella has been seen wandering around 'singing' into an improvised microphone. So cute. She's becoming more confident by the week.

This morning, Grandma asked: 'Would you like me to take you for a walk, Bella?' Bella: 'No, grandpa!' (Much to Jan's amusement). So I took her for a walk down by the creek, and as soon as we started, as usual she said 'e ow' (her way of saying 'big house'!). We pass a large house under construction, and talk about it each time...

Millie is very athletic, climbing up on everything (bit of a worry, with us living on the second floor of our home)...

Shalom!

Grandpa/Rowland

BELLA'S BEAUTIFUL AND MILLIE'S GORGEOUS!

2008-03-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Bella is very bright. Sometimes we've only told her something once, and days later she's remembered. I sometimes take her on a walk by the creek. We look for ducks, and listen to the kookaburras. We turn a corner and leave the bush-track and the other day she said 'Bei How'. I couldn't work it out, until 50 metres further on she said it more plainly. It was 'Big House' - a new house being built: I'd used those words once or twice a week earlier. She's very bright, but still has a somewhat ungainly walk and has some difficulty with pronunciation. She's also practising her jumps, and is very proud of herself doing that!

Millie as every four-year-old does has picked up phrases here and there. When the little ones come to sleep upstairs, their grandmother sings a lullaby softly to them. The other night Millie was very tired and said 'I just want some peace and quiet Grandma'!!!'

BELLA IS 3 TODAY!

2008-02-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

Doesn't time fly? Bella turns 3 on St. Valentine's Day, so that's easy to remember. Her Grandma stayed up late finishing the little doll and crib (and a small box for spare doll's gear). She took a quick look at it, and went to play with her lego.

This morning Bella and Millie go with their grandma to 'Mainly Music' at their (Salvation Army) church: their mum is sick with a pain in her tummy (gall-bladder?), so both Jan and I are minding the kids quite a bit this week. (Their Dad is away all week on a school camp). This afternoon I take Millie to her swimming class: I'm looking forward to that.

Meanwhile, back to my sermon for our church next Sunday - on Nicodemus, as Heroic Risk-Taker for God.

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

INTERVIEW WITH MILLIE

2007-12-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

(At her Playgroup, December 2007):

What do you want to be when you've grown up?

Dressed up like Ariel

What will you need to learn at school?

Do painting and make a picture of Mummy

Are you going to get married?

Yep, to Samuel

Are you going to have babies?

Yep! I girl

Are you going to be a grandparent one day when you get old?

Yep, when I'm 12 years old!

What do you want Santa to bring you?

Ariel dress-up.

IT'S APPROACHING CHRISTMAS

2007-12-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

What a special time Christmas is for kids.

And birthdays! I turned 70 last week: and at a little party, Millie was sitting on my knee when the Happy Birthday song was sung. She had those candles blown out before I could draw a breath!

Bella's Grandma built a new bed for her, to replace the portable cot we used when she had weekly sleep-overs with us. Bella slept for 13 hours straight in it! They are very good girls (except when Bella loses her dummy in the middle of the night!)

Millie's in the habit of asking two interesting questions these days. When she's leaving us to go downstairs: 'Will you miss me?' And when she comes upstairs again: 'How can I help?'

My two brothers and their wives from Sydney - Graham and Melodie, and David and Jan - visited us last week. Jan gave Bella ten finger puppets: and she wore them with dancing joy! Bella's Grandma found a little carry-case for them, and they and Bella have been inseparable since!

Here's something I just posted onto our Humour blog:

Rowland Croucher

MILLIE WAS GOING OUT WITH HER MUM

2007-12-02T02:35:00.000-08:00

...for a couple of hours, and called back to Grandma:

'Will you miss me?'

(Remember she's four: and still very cute :-)

BELLA'S FRIGHT

2007-11-21T02:17:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday the little family went to their church - Ringwood Salvation Army - for a Market Day (proceeds for Mainly Music, an outreach program which Amanda leads each week: terrific ministry).

Bella's Dad, John, was helping with barbecuing sausages, and had Bella in a carry-pack on his back. She eventually needed to run around, of course, so John let her down. Soon she approached the barbecue and was about to touch it, when John and another guy lunged and grabbed her - which of course gave her a terrible fright. She was only slightly burned.

We arrived home at the same time as John and Bella, and she went to Grandma and clung on to her for a full five minutes, very tightly. Poor little one!

This afternoon I came home from a few days away (in Sydney), and Millie's first question was 'Did you miss me?' 'Of course I did, Millie!'

TALK ABOUT MARRIAGE

2007-11-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

Millie's preoccupied with weddings and marriage lately.

I buy my wife Jan (Millie's grandma) flowers regularly - mostly lilies.

But in the heat they droop, and eventually die...

Grandma was talking to Millie about flowers - and other creatures - dying, and later the little one went to the sad flowers and said: 'When I marry Samuel he's going to give me different flowers, and they will never die.'

About marriage, she talks about a sheep marrying a dog, and various toys being married to each other...

Bella is also getting more gorgeous... She understands most of what we say to her, and her speech and motor movements are gradually improving, though she still suffers a developmental delay. She's very good with her glasses, and obviously enjoys the better vision they give her... I have a beautiful hour each week with Bella: we go shopping together when Millie's in Kinder-Gym. I'm hoping next year to spend a precious hour each week with Millie as well...

Rowland

MILLIE DROPS IN

2007-10-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

Little Millie now 'takes charge'. If Jay (her cousin, who lives with us and is 15) wants a toasted ham and cheese sandwich Millie jumps up and gets the ingredients from the 'fridge for grandma.

She now has a habit of knocking on my study door when I'm working inside. Today, as usual, she came to my desk, climbed up on my knee, and we had this conversation:

Millie: what are you doing tomorrow?

Going swimming with Auntie Judy.

Do you like swimming or KinderGym better?

Swimming.

OK what's best - swimming, KinderGym, or your trampoline in the backyard?

Swimming.

Ah, hah, what about swimming, KinderGym, trampolining or playing with Sarah next door?

Oh (and her face lights up) playing with Sarah!

Sarah's about 8 or 9 and is teaching Millie how to skip; they draw with chalk on the pavement or road (it stays there until the next rain) and they play a lot of hide-and-seek. We have wonderful neighbours.

Hope it's not so long before I visit here again!

Bye

Rowland Croucher

CHALLENGES!

2007-08-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

Last night we saw the full moon eclipse: beautiful!

Millie's having a hard time at Kinder right now: a little boy hit her once, and each kinder-day she doesn't want to go. The staff have been terrific, helping her face this challenge - including encouraging the boy to play with Millie. Please pray for her - and the little guy too.

Bella's got a flu-like wog, and was in Jan's arms for a lot of today. Please pray for her healing. Bella has her glasses, and there's been little trouble getting her to wear them. I took her on our Tuesday shopping expedition yesterday, and she looked so cute with her glasses: lots of people smiled at her. Her mum and grandma always ask 'How was she?' and every shopping-day there's the same response: 'Perfect!' (Helped of course, by some healthy nibbles occasionally of a cheese-stick, or a couple of grapes or beans!)

Here's another shot of the moon from last night:

BELLA'S BRIGHT & MILLIE'S SPUNKY!

2007-08-16T18:03:00.002-07:00

It's been a while...

Out littlest one - Bella - and I are very close these days. She comes straight to me with her arms in the air to be picked up, and snuggles her head onto my shoulder. This is related to the special time we spend together - just the two of us - doing the weekly shopping on Tuesdays.

She's probably going to need glasses soon: a trip to the ophthalmologist this past week indicates she's short-sighted. Interesting how they work that out when a little one won't easily sit still for a proper examination!

Bella's not a social girl like Millie. At the Thursday music mornings conducted by Amanda (which Jan attends with the little ones), Bella clings to Jan most of the time - except that in the last two weeks she's 'jigged' a bit with the music.

She's very insistent that she share anything Millie's playing with: takes a lot of wisdom and patience to keep them both happy if there's only one desirable toy!

But she's advancing slowly: her verbal skills are behind average for her age: but just now she said four syllables ('Thank you Grandpa') - though not articulated clearly. And she's very good at putting pictures and numbers into their shape-slots...

Millie is becoming more independent. Sometimes she doesn't want to sleep upstairs or downstairs when arrangements have been made to do so. 'I don't want to!' is a favourite phrase these days!

Yesterday, twice, she said when asked to do something by Grandma, and later, her Mum: 'Not now! I'm far too busy!'

We love them both dearly, but they're tiring!

Rowland/Grandpa

TEETH

2007-07-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Millie's been talking about teeth.

'When I was little I had no teeth. My Mum has lots of teeth, and now I have lots of teeth.

Soon I'll start losing my teeth.'

Yesterday Grandma said to Millie (who was looking at a book while having breakfast): 'Now you don't get down (from the kitchen bench) until you've finished breakfast.' Millie apparently didn't want any more breakfast, so she dropped the book on the floor, and hopped down to get it. Grandma roused at her, so she put her head on her arms on the bench-top, morose and sad...

Bella can now recognize quite a few letters, and she can say more words. It's lovely to welcome her into my arms. This morning she snuggled into my shoulder, yawning...

Rowland Croucher

EVERY CHILD DOES IT

2007-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Millie was playing with scissors and cut a swathe of hair from one side... reducing her mother, then Millie to tears. They came up to Grandma to figure out what to do... Go to the hairdressers? No. Grandma suggested a new hair style, which seems to work OK. But during the discussion, Millie went to the tissue box and got two: one for herself, and another for her Mum... and she went over and dabbed her Mum's eyes!

Bella is two-something, but has the developmental age of an 18-months-er. When on Tuesday I came downstairs to take her shopping, I only had to mention the two words 'Shopping Grandpa' and her face broke into the most beautiful smile we've ever seen. We had a wonderful hour together.

Did I mention that Millie saw our Australian Prime Minister on TV and asked 'Is that man God?' (Where did she get that idea from?
Millie and Bella look so cute helping their Mum hang up washing: they have their own little peg bags made by Grandma strapped around their waist, and their own little low-down clothes-hanger

LITTLE VISITS

2007-05-17T17:50:00.001-07:00

Both Millie and Bella can come upstairs on their own to visit us. Millie comes to fetch something, and it's always a delight to welcome her! And she's very good at finding what her Mum sends her for. (And you should watch her proud demeanour - 'big girl now').

As I write, a little girl Millie's age has been abducted in Portugal. I got an email this morning re-routed from that little girl's uncle, asking the world for help.

You might have wondered why there are no pictures of our two princesses on this Blog... As the Americans say 'Go figure!'

This morning Millie has gone swimming with her Auntie Judy: Millie loves that fortnightly appointment. Bella is in the next room occupying Grandma's attention: she can be very demanding sometimes, and it's frustrating for her not to be able to communicate always what she wants. But she has half a dozen sign-language communications, and we're speaking to her in simple ways, emphasizing names of things rather than putting sentences into the form of more complex questions.

Have a good day: and you might like to visit a heap of new Blogs I'm setting up.

Shalom!/Salaam!

Rowland Croucher

BIG GIRL NOW

2007-05-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Millie has lots of 'Big Girl Now' statements. I've just had breakfast (porridge) with her and Grandma, and this one went like this: 'I don't need nappies when I sleep 'cos I'm a big girl now. Look at my muscles! Are you proud of me?'

A minute later: 'And thank you Grandpa for buying my hair elastics.'

I've just been down to pick up Bella from her cot. She has a cold, and her breath smells awful...

Have a good day!

Rowland

SPEAKING TO SMALL CHILDREN

2007-05-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL SAYINGS OF MILLIE AND BELLA

2007-04-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Millie the other day, after Grandma had a difficult time buckling her into her car-seat: 'Perfect! Mission complete!'

She also is very polite: 'Excuse me Grandpa!'

Some Millie-wisdom: 'God made everything and he made jelly!'

There was half a nice biscuit left (we limit the amount of sweet stuff she eats because too much sends her 'hyper'). Millie: 'See that biscuit: That has Amelia Jasmine Southwell's name on it!'

Bella is slowly developing, but not quickly enough (she's being taken to a developmental delay pediatrician this week). One of her favorite phrases 'Love you!'

Bella understands lots of things now, though her vocabularly is limited. When I said to her the other day 'Would you like to go for a walk?' she immediately put her hand into mine. We walked around the block, swapping her hands so her shoulders wouldn't get too tired, and we had a lovely time.

Have a look at the 10 new blogs I'm creating (300 articles) - they're listed here April 22, 2007.

Shalom/salaam!

Rowland Croucher

Millie and Bella Love Entertaining Us

2007-01-27T02:21:00.000-08:00

We joined the little family for dinner a while back, and Millie wasn't well. She had a small bucket with her, and was sick into it. Then she got up from her chair and showed each of us! She sometimes does that after she's been to the toilet too...

Yesterday we took the little girls for a walk to 'Millie's Bridge' - the new freeway being constructed, with a bridge over the creek alongside which we go walking regularly. Millie's looking forward to driving on the freeway to the beach with her Dad...

Millie loves talking on the phone. Most three-year-olds are shy with telephones, but not our loquacious little one!

Millie talks a lot about 'when I'm...' - 'When I'm five I'll go to school', 'When I'm a big girl I'll have vitamins too!' The other day: 'I'll have another birthday one day!'

Bella and Millie love 'Cruskits' - wheaty (airy) biscuits. They both love noodles/ spaghetti. Millie has weetbix and milk for breakfast: Bella prefers yoghurt and banana...

They both get 'hyped up' sometimes... hope they're not being too visually stimulated. We carefully monitor the amount of TV they watch (Disney Playhouse channel mostly).

Until next time

Rowland Croucher
(John Mark Ministries)

MILLIE AND BELLA ARE BACK FROM HOLIDAYS

2007-01-24T01:29:00.000-08:00

Today our two gorgeous girls and their parents returned after three weeks away. Bella stayed on Grandma's knee cuddling into her for a long time (well, half an hour or so), and Millie sat on mine for the same time. We talked about the beach, and their friends, and Napoleon the DVD (about a dog) they saw in the car as they travelled.

Millie and I went for a walk tonight to see a house that's been demolished nearby - demolished while they were away. When I told her about the 'house that was broken' she replied: 'I can fix it with sticky tape!' She's always positive!

Well, we went to see all the rubble and the pile of timber, and saw broken glass on the ground, and Millie was very thoughtful!

~~~

A few other vignettes:

* Two months ago after Grandma switched off The Sound of Music video, Millie said 'I'm sorry Grandma for making too much noise... It was all my fault!' (that's in the category... 'Where did she hear that?'

* Millie was taken to Beck's wedding (Beck boarded with us for a couple of years) and talked about the one-hour car trip. 'We went through a tunnel!' Someone asked 'Where was it?' 'Straight ahead!' she responded.

The Things They Say...

More soon (that's a promise)

Rowland Croucher

BELLA'S PROGRESS

2006-10-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

It's been a busy time (traveling/seminaring, and a medical condition which hopefully has passed) - sorry it's over a month since the last update.

Little Bella is getting more delightful by the week! But she's not developing in terms of language and walking, though she's quite intelligent in other ways. The diagnosis? Maybe a form of Dyspraxia (more on that below). So Amanda is taking her to special therapy groups, and we have to teach her words with basic sign language. She learns some things pretty well: 'Arms up', 'Blow us a kiss!' 'Bye bye' - and responds appropriately. But she only takes a couple of steps, and apart from 'Dada' has very few distinct sounds.

Yesterday I took Millie and Bella for a walk to see 'Millie's Bridge' - part of the new freeway being built from Ringwood to Frankston. It's Millie's Bridge because her dad says he's taking her on the new road to the beach (22 minutes, vs. about 50 minutes in non-peak times now). Bella looked up every 100 metres or so and smiled at me - gorgeous little one.

Bella has her own little corners in our lounge room where she gravitates to play with familiar toys - books in one place, some round blocks she puts into grooves in another. She loves familiar things.

Millie may be attending a creche while her mum is counselling this Friday afternoon. We all have contingency plans ready! Whenever her mum and/or grandma goes out she asks the remaining adult/s: 'Will you mind me?' She has full sentences and lots of words: even 'diarrhoea' pronounced perfectly this morning (yes, she's been ill the last couple of days). She has the best conversations on the telephone of any three-year old we've known. And she says cutely about her behavior when visitors are about to come: 'I mightn't snatch!' (which refers to how her mum is training her to play nicely with other children!)

~~~

Here's more about dyspraxia:

What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is generally recognised to be an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement. Associated with this may be problems of language, perception and thought. Other names for dyspraxic include Clumsy Child Syndrome; Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD); Minimal Brain Dysfunction: Motor learning Difficulty; and Pereceptuo-motor Dysfunction.

What causes Dyspraxia?

For the majority of those with the condition, there is no known cause. Current research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain rather than to brain damage. People with dyspraxia have no clinical neurological abnormality to explain their condition.

How would I recognise a child with Dyspraxia?

The pre-school child

* Is late in reaching milestones e.g. rolling over, sitting, standing, walking, and speaking

* May not be able to run, hop, jump, or catch or kick a ball although their peers can do so

* Has difficulty in keeping friends; or judging how to behave in company

* Has little understanding of concepts such as 'in', 'on', 'in front of' etc

* Has difficulty in walking up and down stairs

* Poor at dressing

* Slow and hesitant in most actions

* Appears not to be able to learn anything instinctively but must be taught skills

* Falls over frequently

(From http://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/info/pr_questions.php )

-- --

Shalom! Rowland Croucher

'It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so' (Mark Twain)

AMELIA'S 3rd BIRTHDAY

2006-08-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Amelia is three this week (August 8th) - probably the first birthday celebrations she'll remember. We've been as a family to FoodStar (smorgasbord) where they brought out a cake for her with a sparkler on it - and the whole restaurant heard the 'Happy Birthday' music. She was given a dolls' house by us, her grandparents, and a 'jump-a-lene' by her Mum and Dad (and did those little girls enjoy jumping in it: Millie's a natural dancer). On Saturday there's a big party with her little friends.

She comes out with very interesting phrases and questions: 'Is that a baby in your tummy grandma?' (Jan's not too impressed :-) and this morning 'That's not your fault, that's my fault!'

She's almost perfectly toilet-trained now (great relief for all of us!) and is quite 'colourful' (literally) when she describers her 'poos'! Her favorite food - ice cream and sprinkles (but only after she's eaten her vegetables).

Millie is a great organizer - of things and people. And makes comparisons all the time ('Grandma, grandpa, dad, mum... you don't have dummies, but Millie has a dummy!' This response to our saying she's a big girl now and big people don't have dummies!)

BELLA has the most beautiful smile, and mainly gets cranky when she's thirsty. She's getting very cheeky, and assertive. Sometimes she deliberately 'baits' Millie and tries to take Millie's toys off her, knowing there'll be a ruckus!

Bella is being taken by her mum to a speech pathologist, as she has few sounds other than 'dadda' and a few others. But the report said 'There's a wide variation at this age in toddlers' speech and language development.' We're saying all sorts of words regularly to her: she now knows 'light' and 'kiss' and 'nose'.

She's also not walking, though she loves pulling herself onto her feet, stands for a moment or two, then lands forward on her knees. Does that many times throughout the day... I think she'll surprise us soon.

It's my (grandpa's) job if I'm around in the morning to go downstairs and bring the babies upstairs - a beautiful experience. They are very good girls - and were perfect when I had to mind them for two hours yesterday morning while their mum was sleeping and grandma was out at a Prison Network Ministries meeting.

We thank God for them every day and often through the day!

Rowland Croucher

GRANDMA'S BIRTHDAY

2006-06-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a party to celebrate Grandma's 69th birthday. Millie's job was to poke 69 thin sparkler candles into the icing on the cake. She loved doing that. And of course she had to help blow out the candles.

Millie's favourite food is ice-cream with 'sprinkles' on it (we used to call them 'hundreds and thousands' or non-pareils).

Yesterday she had a conquest over some fear. In one of the Wiggles DVDs Captain Feathersword has an accident of some sort (I haven't seen it) and his face is all blackened. Millie didn't like that, but Grandma helped her to anticipate this scene and laugh... later she was drawing with her crayons. 'What's that, Millie' (asked Grandma pointing to a black smudge)? 'That's Captain Feathersword' she replied.

Millie doesn't like shouting preachers. After last Sunday night's service she said to her mum: 'He can stay up the front!'

Bella is not well today. She kept her mum up until 3 am, then her dad had to sleep on the floor near her. Millie was sick for a couple of days earlier too ('I'm not well grandpa!'). Bella has a new tooth: celebrations!

When Millie is embarrassed or fearful she runs to her upstairs bedroom and puts a dummy in her mouth. It happens when we ask her why Bella is suddenly crying, when she drops and breaks something etc.

One of her latest habits is to transfer all the toys within eyesight to one spot, 'for breakfast'. I came into the room recently when she was doing this and asked for a hug. 'No,' she said, 'I'm very busy!'

Last night her Aunt Lindy ('Diddy') slept overnight here, and when we told Millie that Diddy was sleeping in her upstairs bed, she was very thoughtful and silent. Sharing her special things is still a challenge for her! The night before 'Diddy' visited us and Millie asked for her to come and say 'Good-night' before she could settle down to sleep.

Millie is now talking freely on the phone: her vocabulary and speaking skills are amazing. (But Bella is a slow developer in this area... Millie had lots of words at this stage, but Bella still has none, only an occasional 'Da-da-da...').

But Bella has a beautiful little personality. She cuddles into us, especially when she's tired or unwell. Millie's often 'too busy' for long cuddles!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

MILLIE'S PRAYERS

2006-04-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

In this morning's devotions from The Message I read 'Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.'

Millie is getting more and more independent, and more and more interesting. She now strings whole sentences together nicely...

When she is missed from downstairs she has probably made her way upstairs to us, as she can now open all the doors (except the two child-proof ones...)

She knows rectangle, triangle, square, numbers 1-10...

The other day she wanted to dance so she put her own dancing shoes on the correct feet and velcroed them up!

The other day she came running up the stairs: 'Grandma, Grandpa, come and look!' We had to follow her to her playroom downstairs, and there was a new chest of drawers her mum had bought her. Millie loves sorting things out, and now she can put things in their place!

Yesterday Jan suggested a banana for breakfast. 'No, I need something perfect!' she said. 'How about a mandarin?' 'Yes', she replied.

She prays every night and thanks Jesus for lots of things, and alternates with her mum or occasionally grandma... She: 'Thank you Jesus for butterflies.' Jan: 'Thank you Jesus for mummy and daddy.' Millie: 'My turn! Thank you Jesus for pigs!' (She includes lots of interesting items - including colours - in her thank-yous! She prays every night for an Iranian mother and daughter in their playgroup - Sonya and Marta, even though they left a month ago.)

The other day Grandma picked her up to take her back downstairs, and she announced: 'I might stay upstairs!' (Who's in charge here?)

Bella is very placid and beautiful. Today I took her for a walk 'n talk and she drank in the love! She's now standing up and walking along couches and railings, and stands up on her own for a few seconds. She's very proud of her little self!

Shalom! Rowland

MILLIE'S CONQUERED THE POTTY!

2006-03-28T03:18:00.000-08:00

This past week Millie has been so proud of herself: done a couple of #1's and #2's in her potty, for which she is given a special reward - a yellow frog. But she's very private about it: no one's allowed in the bathroom when she's operating!

Bella is harder to get to sleep than Millie, and creates quite a fuss at night. So Millie has been sleeping in her 'Pooh Bear' room upstairs (she's asleep right now down the hallway), and her Dad comes up for her later in the evening.

In the morning's Millie's usually awake by about 7.30, but Bella can sleep until 9.30 if she's had a disturbed night.

They're both well at the moment. Yesterday Jan and I went for a walk with Bella - one of the few times she has us both to herself (Millie was away swimming with her aunty Judy - which and whom she loves!) Bella was very quiet for the first leg of the walk, sitting in her stroller and looking at everything - other walkers, people on bikes, our dog - but on the way home she chortled and chuckled quite a bit. We stopped to feed the two ducks her Dad once released into the creek, and she enjoyed that.

P.S. I've started a new series on Jesus: the first ten articles (of ultimately 100 or more) are in a special section of the John Mark Ministries website.

Shalom!

Rowland

BELLA'S ASSERTING HER LITTLE SELF!

2006-03-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

Bella is getting more 'personality' every week. She claps her hands when she greets us (or her mum takes her away), waves to us, shakes her head in fun, and loves sitting on someone's knee for a story-book.

The other day Jan (Grandma) was reading Millie a story, and Bella crawled over to her feet and cried! She wanted to be in it too!

She is now squarking (how do you spell that?) when Millie is too 'physical' with her, or takes her toy. Millie is still sometimes exerting her 'big sister'/'I was here before you' attitude - even to putting the magnetic numbers higher up on the fridge door so Bella can't reach them!

Sometimes we've caught her kicking Bella. Where did she learn that? Probably from some adult with his hands full giving the dog a lesson in obedience. We have to be careful, don't we?

The big 'developmental' phase for Millie now is potty training. It's a challenge not to make too much of it, but also not too little!

Two gorgeous girls!

Shalom!

Rowland

BELLA'S NOW ONE YEAR OLD!

2006-02-23T00:48:00.000-08:00

Bella was born on St Valentine's day, and last week she had a couple of parties with each lot of in-laws. She got a nice fluffy dog from us (and Millie got a smaller one!).

The Health Nurse says Bella is in the 50th percentile for length, 90th for head size, 15th for weight (though she looks quite nicely chubby to us).

Bella can now wave good-bye with one arm, and claps her hands. She can sit up from a crawling position. She turns over the page of the book we're reading when we tell her. She has very definite food tastes, and is almost impossible to feed if she doesn't like something (especially weetbix and some vegetables. So we have to mix small pieces of 'vegies' in her yoghurt, which she loves!)

Bella's a very light sleeper, and very alert. We have to creep around when she's having her bottle, 'cos she sits up and wants to watch anything moving. Millie's a sound sleeper: so you can guess the logistics of getting them both to settle down (in the same room) each night!

Most Thursdays Millie goes swimming with her aunty Judy, and loves it. Today she came home tired and threw a tantrum when her mum tried to feed her something before her afternoon sleep. When she woke I was there to greet her, and we had about ten minutes talking together with her on my knee (a long time for Millie) - it was wonderful!

Shalom!

Rowland

YOU HAPPY WITH ME GRANDMA?

2006-02-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

This morning Millie sorted out all her wooden jigsaw puzzles, and put them in a line on the floor. 'That's wonderful Millie' Grandma said. 'You happy with me Grandma?' 'Very happy when you tidy things Millie.'

A little later Millie didn't want to eat her porridge so she slammed the (plastic) plate on to the kitchen bench, and a bit splashed around... 'Oh Millie! Grandma said. Millie was still and quiet for a full minute, then said, 'You happy with me again grandma?'

Bella is crawling everywhere, and is a delightful, happy, contented child. She cuddles into our shoulder when we pick her up. Millie will do that if we ask her, but she's not a 'hugger'...

Last night we took them out to the 'piggery' (our humorous name for the food court at the local shopping mall) and Bella and Millie played a game of shaking their heads sideways at each other, much to the amusement of passers-by...

I love Millie's faraway look as I ask her about her holidays, or anything else where she uses her imagination. She's putting perfect sentences together now ('There's a crimson rosella Grandpa').

I took Bella around our housing precinct for a walk the other day, as I've done many times with Millie. I talk to her softly, pray with her and sing to her. When we arrived home and I handed her over to her Mum, she clung to me (first time that's happened: Bella is happy to go to anyone). I was - what's the word? -'chuffed'! Bella's now doing 'high fives'.

Millie now stands her ground sometimes when told to do something she doesn't want to do. Her Dad brought her up the other evening to get one of our high chairs (they had visitors with a small child), and said, 'OK Millie, we've got to go back downstairs now.' Millie stood her ground. I'd been playing a game of Nintendo Ms Pacman and had paused it (it's my half-hour of unwinding some days) and that game intrigues Millie, and she wanted to watch. She didn't rebel as such: just stood there. We encouraged her to go with her Dad, and after about a full minute she did. (PS. Got a score of 329,000 that night - a record).

As you can perceive, these two little ones are a great delight to us!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

BACK FROM HOLIDAYS

2006-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we came home from a couple of weeks away (at the most beautiful place in our home state Victoria - Mallacoota) to a wonderful welcome from the two little girls.

Bella can now move from a sitting to crawling position, and is quite mobile! She also has one tooth (upper gum, but neither of the front positions - don't know its name).

Millie gave us her squealing/running welcome-routine, and Bella had lots of smiles.

We'd phoned home from Mallacoota to talk to the two little ones. Bella was looking behind the phone to see where we were, and Millie did her jumping-for-joy jig, and actually talked in a small voice to us.

Two remembrances from the last couple of days before we left:

* Millie's grandma: 'Let's go downstairs now Millie!' to which Millie responded, but then instantly got engrossed with her building blocks. Twelve and a half minutes later (Jan timed it!) Millie said 'Wait for me!'

* The little girls on The Wiggles' Show started dancing and twirling their dresses. Millie: 'Where's my dress?'

Yesterday we joined the little family for lunch on the verandah, which was a beautiful experience.

Happy New Year everyone!

Rowland Croucher

ORIGINAL SIN?

2005-12-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Millie was told by her Mum and it was reinforced by Grandma that she couldn't have a lolly until she had eaten her lunch.

A little later they spotted her standing over there, with her back to the two authority-figures. When they investigated, Millie had opened the lolly-wrapper (lolly = 'candy' for North Americans!) and the sweet was in her mouth.

Needless to say she lost the sweet, and was scolded.

How did she know she was doing wrong? Classical Western/Catholic theology teaches that she was born with 'Original sin', the stain of which is removed by baptism. Recently the Roman Catholic Church has removed Limbo (the place where babies go who were not baptized, to prepare them for heaven) from its teaching/dogma - not before time.

I have a problem with the idea of Original Sin and its concomitant Limbo, because they're ideas not taught specifically in the Bible. They are derivative, inferential, from other observed realities. I have problems with 'theology by syllogism' (see, for example, this article for more...)

Bella and Millie have been unwell in the last week. Yesterday Bella 'sicked up' on my Sunday best as we were taking them both to church (their mum and dad were getting ready for family-Christmas-lunch). Sometimes Millie says 'I'm actually feeling sick grandpa!'

Have I said Bella is progressing at a different rate from that of Millie? She gets up on her hands and knees, but doesn't yet crawl. Yesterday I found her sitting up in her cot: first time she's done that from a lying position. She occasionally makes a 'Dad... dad... dad' sound, but not much more in terms of specific 'baby-words'... Sometimes we've wondered if she will eventually 'get there' developmentally. She also has no signs of teeth yet. But when she smiles with a very big grin, and flaps her arms and legs excitedly in her high-chair waiting for food, she's so adorable!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

MILLIE'S FIRST COMMUNION

2005-12-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

This morning (Sunday December 4th) I wasn't preaching anywhere so I took Millie out for a couple of hours, attending a beautiful Advent service at the local Anglican Church (Christ Church Heathmont).

We sat at the back with some Sudanese children, and they made Millie very welcome. They helped her draw pictures, trace around her hand, and one of them, Alak, made up a colourful poster with this note: 'Dear Ron (the contraction of my name which I use in traditional cultures, or with folks for whom English is a second language) and Millie: It has been wonderful you coming to Heathmont. I hope you have a fantastic Christmas this year and every year. From Alak Nai'

Millie was intrigued with a Sudanese baby boy (Moses) a couple of rows away, and went and sat down next to him - then followed him around as he was passed from person to person!

During communion I took her forward, and the vicar (Rev. Janet Turpie-Johnstone) gave Millie a special blessing on her forehead and gently asked if it was OK for her to have a communion wafer. Of course it was - and because her parents attend a local Salvation Army church, this is probably the first time Millie has encountered communion.

In the children's talk and the sermon Janet spoke of desert-space and the importance of reflection (enriched no doubt by her part-aboriginal heritage...)

Next Sunday I'm also preaching on the theme of Advent, at South Yarra Community Baptist Church, and this morning was good preparation for that event.

When I'm out with Millie we can be sure to attract a lot of attention!

P.S. See our website for many articles about the situation in Sudan: these people have been through hell!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

'TEN PAST O'CLOCK'

2005-11-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

Millie seemed tired at mid-morning and Grandma asked: 'Are you tired Millie? What time did you get up?'

'Ten past o'clock!' she responded!

Bella's still not crawling... but it won't be far off!

We have a beautiful little routine/litany when Millie comes up the back steps: 'I'm here Grandma/ Grandpa!' We respond 'Who is it?' 'It's Millie!' (later she'll add 'Stupid!')

One of the beautiful habits is Millie's dancing and squealing when she sees us. Occasionally she'll say 'I'm so excited!'

Yesterday she dropped the last plate (a soup bowl) of a set we bought in the 1970s, and which has been to Canada and back. Jan picked her up quickly so she wouldn't tread on the pieces (she wasn't wearing shoes) - which gave her a double fright, and she cried very loudly (though briefly when he mum comforted her). So today I went to a couple of Two Dollar Shops to buy some nice dishwasher-proof plastic bowls and plates... And also some Santa Claus stickers she can peel off and play with.

Yesterday she was dancing along with the Wiggles and some little girls on the DVD. She suddenly noticed the little girls were wearing skirts. She had jeans. 'Where's my skirt?' she asked...

Millie loves grapes. They're down to $5-something a kilo so I bought some for her yesterday...

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

BELLA'S ABOUT TO CRAWL!

2005-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Every parent compares the physical/linguistic etc. development of their baby with others' - or the 'average!' A parent's second-worst nightmare (after serious illness) is about her child not being able to do stuff well, particularly in our Western competitive cultures - but also in traditional societies where healthy children will be needed to help the family survive.

We've been wondering about Bella. She has a beautiful, easy, happy temperament, but she's 'behind' Millie's physical and verbal development at this stage. She rarely makes 'DAD DAD DAD' sounds, and has only in the last week got up on her hands and knees.

But the local infant welfare sister says she's OK, so we all have been reassured!

Millie, meantime, is a bright little person who needs a lot of stimulation - playing, reading, running, jumping (onto and over our lounge chair). She loves outdoors, so Jan and I have to think of toys she can play with on the upstairs verandah. A sand-pit's no good (the sand goes through the flooring and clogs up the roof/drainage), nor are small toys she can push through the railings... Quite a challenge! Last night we bought her a ride-in little car, and we'll soon probably reassemble the 'cubby-house' for her.

Phew! We get exhausted keeping up with energy of two little people. Jan is very tired and looking forward to holidays and a rest. So is John, their dad, who has to mind the kids every weekend morning until Amanda wakes up.

But we have no regrets: they're a joy to live with!

Shalom!

Rowland

ARE YOU SAD GRANDMA?

2005-11-18T02:14:00.000-08:00

Millie loves playing with Rummycub numbers. She sorts them into colours, and other sequences, and puts them into little holders which come with that game. But the little holders have two ‘legs’ which we put in to keep them half-vertical, and when one of these came out and the little set-up collapsed, Millie got so angry that she swept everything off the table onto the floor all over the room!

Her grandma scolded her, and told her she would have to pick them all up.

A little later Millie asked ‘Are you sad grandma?’ Jan said, ‘Yes, and I'm also cross!’ Millie: ‘Are you bery cross grandma?’ ‘Yes I am very cross!’ Grandma had to turn away so that Millie would not see her smiling…

In a little while Millie picked them up, all by herself – quite a job for a little two-something year old!

This morning we were both cross again with Millie, who poked her finger into Bella’s face while grandma was reading them a story. It’s hard to share with your little sister-intruder… And later she threw a tantrum when her ‘high-rise’ pile of lego-blocks fell over!

Such is life!

But then, she and Lockie (our border-collie) and I went for a walk to the bush-trail nearby. She played 'peekaboo' behind the trees, and was quite intrigued by a couple of large fallen trees. 'Perhaps they're asleep Millie?' 'Shhhh!' she responded.

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

ARE YOU LISTENING?

2005-11-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

Millie was in front of her mum, and talking (which she does a lot of the time, and does very well). She reached up with both hands, grasped her mother's chin, looked into her face and asked 'Are you listening?' (Now where did she learn that?)

Bella was introduced to her other grandparents (the Southwells) today as the most relaxed baby in all our clan; Millie is the most dynamic personality of any of our two-year-olds!

Bella extends her arms sideways and 'flaps' them when she's excited - together with kicking her legs. This happens especially when she wakes up and sees one of us, or is being fed!

Millie loves hide'nseek: she hides her face, and counts to ten, while the other person runs and hides. Then she excitedly comes looking. Talking about excitement, yesterday I said to her parents (in Millie's hearing) 'I'll take the dog for a run around the block eh?' Millie immediately ran for her shoes and brought them to me and said 'Millie's excited!' I had no idea she knew the expression 'around the block' and of course she expected to come too - like she's done other times!

Each time she comes up the stairs we call out 'Who is it?' 'It's Millie!' she cries out excitedly. She now regularly asks 'Upstairs?' to her mum and dad (we're chuffed that she loves coming to visit us!)

I'm about to start another Blog on some of my reminiscences. Watch for it! (But for a reason which may or may not surface, I'm not putting my name on it).

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

'I'M NOT HAPPY GRANDMA!'

2005-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Millie went to a picnic on Melbourne Cup Day last week, and was scratched from gravel, and bitten by some bugs, and needed two bandaids to soothe her pain (and feelings). Next morning Jan was changing her nappy/diaper when she said 'I'm not happy Grandma!' Aren't little people beautifully honest?

For those of you who are Oz-ignorant, the Melbourne Cup is an annual horse-race which stops the whole nation: kind of equivalent to the English Darby/Epsom or whatever it is (I'm not knowledgeable about these things). When a horse-race appears on the news, Millie has to jump off our lap or wherever she is and 'ride' on her 'big bear' (which I bought for her at a Salvation Army Thrift Shop).

Millie's happy now, particularly with an extended verandah to play on.

But Bella isn't smiling so much: she has a cough and runny nose, and maybe some sinus (it's hay fever time in Melbourne). Bella, we're learning, hates a lot of noise, and gets cranky in crowds. Millie likes to go to sleep with music, and Bella doesn't: now there's a challenge for parents whose kids sleep in the same room! But they both love soft music when they're awake...

Millie can now count to 15, she can do a 15-piece jigsaw by herself, and stayed with a little friend and her mum alone the other early evening while her mum played netball. First time - and she didn't fret. (However, the next day when her mum was leaving her to go downstairs she put on a tantrum, and wanted to be with her... ).

Millie while playing near us will suddenly say 'Hello Grandma' or 'Hello Grandpa'. Just to be happy/nice! Isn't that cute?

I woke yesterday with a bad dream. I was in Leeds, England, and some homeless men abducted Millie. As I woke I was figuring out how I could quickly do a metamorphosis to become a homeless person to find her. I didn't go back to sleep after that!

Shalom!

Rowland.

P.S. Here's the wedding talk I gave at Bella's and Millie's mum's and dad's wedding 10 and a half years ago. I'm adapting it for a wedding I'm about to perform today.

TIME WITH FAMILY

2005-10-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

We love having a little family downstairs (last night's walk to see the moon with two year old granddaughter Millie was a special part of the day...

Thich Nhat Hanh was with a friend who had a young family, and asked him how difficult family life was. Not giving a direct answer, the man noted that he used to divide his day into time spent with his son or daughter, time spent with his wife, and time for household tasks or work. Whatever was left over was 'his time'. But then he tried to think of the moments he spent with others as his time too, instead of wishing that he was doing something else. The surprising result, he discovered, was: 'I now have unlimited time for myself!'

~~

Millie rarely has tantrums with us (we nip 'em in the bud quickly), but sometimes when she wants more of her mother she sets up a squealing show! (Isn't it interesting that a two-year-old doesn't know any shame over such antics :-)!

~~

I came out late the other morning after sleeping-in, and Millie asked 'You awake grandpa?' Good question!

~~

We've just complete an extension to our side verandah, with gates fitted. Millie and Bella will love it in the summer-time...

~~

We're trying to teach Millie not to scare the birds (rainbow lorikeets, doves, crimson rosellas etc.) which come and feed on our back verandah... I think it's working (but wait until summer-time at the beach: will we let her chase seagulls? Probably!)

~~

We're also trying to teach her not to empty the bag of toys all over the floor. She was scolded for this the other, ran to her room, put a dummy in her mouth, and flopped on to the bed. But she soon came out to help us clean it all up (though somewhat reluctantly).

~~

Bella's asleep ('Shhhhh' says Millie of anything that's gone to sleep - the moon, the cars in the garage, the birds in the trees last night...) Bella's her usual adorable, smiling, uncomplicated self...

Shalom!

Rowland.

I TAKE MILLIE TO PLAYGROUP

2005-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Millie's becoming more affectionate lately. Her love-language is probably not 'touch', and up until now she stays on one's knee for a short while only, before wanting to resume her play. But now she runs up to me with her arms in the air for a cuddle.

Sesame Street is helping her learn lots of numbers and letters: she goes to find the plastic version of each to play with while the show is on.

And when people are dancing she copies them: she's a 'natural'!

A new play area is being constructed at the side of our place - a nice sheltered balcony. A large tree from next door (our son's place) will come down soon to give that area more warmth and light.

I took her to the church play-group today (her mum and dad are sick with a gastric bug, which Millie had a few days ago; and Jan has a cold). We had a lovely time. I learned that up to 3 or 4 most children engage in either 'solitary' or 'parallel' play in groups: that explains quite a bit...

Bella is still her uncomplicated little self: lots of smiles and occasional giggles. When one of us goes in to pick her up she coyly turns her head to one side then the other. Very cute!

She'll be crawling soon.

P.S. If you stumbled across this Blog by accident, learn more about us at http://jmm.aaa.net.au

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

PICNIC WITH MILLIE

2005-09-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today Millie and I had a couple of beautiful hours together. I took her to Knox Shopping Centre, and we rented a yellow car for her to 'drive' (she chose the colour).

First she explored the children's playground, then we did some shopping, then she had a ride on 'Blinky Bill'...

For lunch she had a good meal of pasta, cheese, topped off with a Ribena (apple & blackcurrent) drink...

On the way home she listed all the special 'people' she would soon meet - 'Mummy-oh', 'Grandma', Lockie and Tear (the dogs)...

It was a beautiful time. And her new word is 'picnic'...

Shalom!

Rowland.

IT'S BEEN A HARD MONTH FOR MILLIE

2005-09-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

I've been away speaking at back-to-back conferences for about six weeks, and I think Millie has missed me.

In fact she's been grieving for a couple of weeks now - especially over the attention we've had to give to her little sister-invader. For a while Millie expressed herself by occasionally attacking Bella, and we've had to strongly restrain her. It's tough disciplining someone who's been the centre of four grown-ups' attention for so long eh?

Millie seems to be over that now, and she readily goes to her little sister and gives her a hug and kiss. Phew!

It's Springtime and the days are getting warmer, and Millie points out the beautiful wattle trees to us.

Two days this week I took her for a walk by the creek - once with Bella. Millie spent about 15 minutes just dropping pebbles into a muddy pond and was fascinated by the ripples. Isn't it wonderful how little people can enjoy simple things which we adults take for granted? We have little routines when we walk: one of them is to look through a hole in a neighbour's fence at the small dog yapping at us. Another fascination is with her shadow... And most times we take some bread to feed two ducks which we let loose into the creek - Caramello and Cinnamon. These ducks are always in the same area of the creek, and have become a neighbourhood fascination. They're quite unlike any of the native varieties!

And then when she's tired, it's 'Grandpa carry me?'

Yesterday her cousin Will came to play with her for an hour. Millie loves Will, who draws pictures and sits on the floor looking at books with her. But when Will left Millie was upset - and as she sometimes does when feeling this way, ran to her upstairs bedroom and hid behind the curtain. Hard lessons for the little one!

She can communicate just about anything to us these days. 'Grandpa, I don't feel well' yesterday. Occasionally she looks up at one of us and says lovingly 'Hello Grandpa' or 'Hello Grandma' with heaps of love in her eyes.

Today while shopping I bought her favorite fruit - watermelon, and some 'Tiny Teddy' biscuits which she loves.

~~

Bella is getting more and more beautiful, still smiling all the time, but these days shaking her head from side to side. Very cute! She's the least complicated baby we've had among our four children and six grandchildren. Today it was mild outside, so I sat with her for a while on the back verandah in the shade. I read, while she was in the rocker next to me playing with her soft toys.

She can now roll over easily, and doesn't mind doing 'push-ups' for a couple of minutes!

'Lord, may their respective guardian angels do a good job of protecting them please. Thank you. Amen.'

If you haven't visited our websites why not? It's http://jmm.aaa.net.au

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

MILLIE'S TWO

2005-08-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

And she's developing a more independent will! She knows now how to get our attention - verbally, and occasionally with a tantrum.

We went for a walk the other day, but it was only half our longer route. She wanted to cross the road and walk by the creek, but we didn't have time. I told her we were going home but she stood fast on the footpath ready to cross the road. I had to ask her again, then go and hold her hand to resume our journey!

Another day I told her not to touch the powerpoint, but a little later after my back was turned she moved behind a nearby curtain touching it again!

The other day I kissed her grandma (wy wife Jan) and she asked 'Kiss for Millie?'

Last week she hit someone at Playgroup for the first time, and had to be disciplined. And she's beginning to act like 'Grandpa's special little girl.' A couple of days ago I sat in a chair near her mum who was reading Millie a story. Millie climbed down from her mother's lap, came over to me, and asked for some of my fruit juice - as if she has an equal right to it as I have! She does the same when I cut up a banana to put on my muesli: Millie now wants a few slices for herself! That's what little granddaughters have a right to eh?

A favorite conversation: 'Millie, what colour are grandma's eyes/Bella's eyes... etc.? To which she replies in a full sentence: 'Bella's got brown eyes...' etc. She's now up to five and six-word sentences.

For her birthday she was given a quite large kitchen setup (with pots that make a sizzling noise when put on to the hotplate!) and (plastic) crockery set from Toys'RUs... no doubt she'll play with this for years to come.

I'm traveling interstate for a series of conferences this month, and she looks mystified when I say good-bye to her and we tell her I'm going away on a plane.

BELLA. Many mornings I go downstairs to pick up Bella, to bring her up to her Grandma, and even when she's drowsy she'll manage a smile.We think both our little ones are teething - dribbling, fist in mouth, a little cranky, etc.

Bella can now turn herself over when we lie her on the floor: we have to be constantly vigilant. She can now lift her head when we put her into a rocker. I was walking with Bella recently and a friend asked to cradle her, and Bella smiled as usual. Then the neighbour pretended to drop her - let her go and caught her an inch down. It's a long time since I've seen someone do that to a baby, and I wonder about it... but Bella took it in good heart. She's a verysecure little person.

Two nights ago she had her first 'solid food' - farex mixed with formula. The little one didn't know what to do with it in her mouth, but some of it went down.

I was in Adelaide this past weekend and missed both of these beautiful little ones, but today I was 'on duty' with them and their mother while Jan visited the prison. A beautiful day...

Shalom! Rowland.

BELLA SMILES ALL THE TIME!

2005-07-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Bella is the happiest baby we’ve experienced: except for when she’s tired, uncomfortable, or hungry she smiles all the time (why aren’t they all like that?)

Shalom! Rowland

SHE'S TALKING SENTENCES!

2005-07-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

Our near-two-year-old has developed some amazing language skills (that's what should happen I guess from having four teachers as her carers!). Not only has she copied some of our exclamations ('Hear it!' when the grey butcher-bird sings or 'Exciting!' when the Wiggles DVD is about to play or of course 'Peekaboo!') but she can put a subject-verb-object sentence together.

Like: 'Grandpa going to sleep?' 'Mummy eat grapes?' 'Grandpa pick up teddy?' And her mimicking of our commands to the border collie Lockie: 'Lockie, stop it!'

How about this: 'Millie adorable!' 'Mummy adorable?' 'Grandma adorable?' 'Keys adorable?' Which led to an animal/vegetable/mineral lesson...

Richard Rohr in his brilliant book 'Everything Belongs!' talks about 'kinesthetic knowing.' Both our little girls are very secure because they are regularly hugged, and kissed, and taken for walks...

Millie is a natural humorist. She bumped her nose on a door and cried a little. Later, she crawled back to the offending spot, and touched it with her nose!

And she loves dancing - especially to the Dorothy the Dinosaur song (from the Wiggles). Isn't it amazing how little people don't have to be taught to make graceful bodily dancing movements?

Two nights ago she was off her food. Although she'd been nauseous earlier in the day she didn't 'act sick', so we encouraged her to eat, and she bravely tried... and ate half her meal... But later she vomited it all up. We felt really bad...

But the highlight of our life at the moment is when Millie looks up at us and smiles to us - for no reason at all! Magical!

And Bella? She's the most contented, smiling baby we've known. Uncomplicated.

They're both a joy to us, but tire us old folks out sometimes. Which is why a four-day break last week was most enjoyable.

Shalom!

Rowland.

KISSING IT BETTER

2005-06-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Little people live in a high-risk world. One common problem is drawers and doors and little fingers.

We have the doors and drawers in the kitchen tied up so she can't open them (inconvenience for the rest of us) but we're teaching her to be careful. Every day there are new lessons about the log-fire (even though it is a closed heater - and with a protective cage-thing around it).

This morning she was in our bathroom, and she got her fingers caught in the cupboard door. Fortunately the door was light-weight, and it didn't hurt too much. But grandma and grandpa (me) and her mum had to kiss her fingers better before she settled!

She has many many words now, and can recognize quite a few letters of the alphabet (she's now 22 months).

The other day she came up to the lounge-chair where he mum was sitting and said 'Scuse me!' and clambered up next to her. (That's her mum's favorite expression when a little person invades her space!).

Sometimes when we tell her 'You're beautiful!' she points to her chest and says 'Gorgeous!'

And when we move from one place to another she has to say 'Bye bye' to lots of people/things - ducks, trees, the plane overhead, whatever comes into her mind...

And little sister Bella is growing into a beautiful happy baby - lots of smiles when she's happy, sleeps all night most nights, and very strong and wriggly when she's hungry!

They tire us out (we're going away for a week soon - can't wait) but we love them both dearly!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher...

BTW, feel free to drop me an email anytime!

SOME MAGICAL MOMENTS

2005-05-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight Millie and Bella brought their parents up to our flat for dinner, and afterwards Millie and I went for a little walk outside to find the moon.

It was a full-moon - beautiful! The waning crescent moon is a 'baby moon' and tonight's was a 'daddy moon' and as it sailed upon cloudy seas, we were both entranced.

Millie's teething, and it's not easy for her. She can now tell us where it hurts - her jaw and her head - and when she was given a little baby-prescription pain-killer she was sparky again within ten minutes.

They're both sleeping up with us tonight, as last night was awful for Millie and her parents.

Shalom!

Rowland.

Jesus' teaching about Children

2005-05-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Richard Rohr, in his brilliant book Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer writes: 'Jesus uses the image of a child to teach "beginner's mind." A child is one without ego identity to prove, project, or protect. Little children are not protecting identity yet. They know kinesthetically and respond to what is, not what should be or might be. That's why they cry and squeal with pleasure so much... When they see a little animal, they don't have to filter it through their heads and check to see if they like it. Nor do they ask if it is dangerous... If only we could receive reality so immediately and so spontaneously, without our adult judgments and calculations. Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'

That's our Millie! This morning she watched The Wiggles and Bananas in Pyjamas and danced with delight. Interesting that she doesn't have to be taught to move her body/arms/legs - she does it spontaneously and gracefully...

And her words... She can say the name of her little friend - Victoria - perfectly! She repeats the last few syllables of everything we say to her. And she's so cute when she says 'Bye Bye' to anything/anyone (rabbit, bear, grandma) when she leaves a place. A flock of yellow-tailed black cockatoos flew overhead when we were walking yesterday, and when they'd gone she said 'Bye Bye Cockatoos!'

Small things are 'baby' things. Look at the little plane Millie! To which she responds 'Baby plane.' I think I've written about her 'baby moon!'

She's learning about 'time out' - when she hits the baby or our house guest's little dog. She sits with her mother in the darkened hallway, and is rebuked. She understands. But she asks for 'Daddy', 'Lockie' - or even 'Bella', the baby, to rescue her!

At present she's away with her mum at the church's playgroup: she loves it!

Shalom!

Rowland.

LOTS OF WORDS!

2005-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

Millie has lots of words. I've now been back home from a 3 1/2 week trip to the U.S. and we've settled back into our little routines. (At first she was very serious in my arms - not used to my going away like that).

We went for our walk this morning - a beautiful autumn morning - and she said 'Bye Bye bunny' to one of her cuddly toys. She greets the dogs: 'Hello Tear. Hello Lockie!'

She now has a habit of repeating the last few syllables of everything we say. 'No moon!' (but the other day we could see the moon in daylight, and I said 'It's a small moon', to which she replied 'Baby moon!') 'Two birds!' 'No cat today...'

We greeted a neighbor, and when we'd finished talking I said we're going to watch Bananas in Pyjamas on TV, and Millie told her the characters - 'Nunu' (sp?) 'Morgan' 'Rat'...

This morning her grandma gave her a little basket to store some doggy-shapes in. She took them out, looked at the wicker basket, and said 'oval'! Someone's taught her the difference between 'round' and 'oval'. Did I say before that she can count to ten?

Bella's very much part of our lives now, and Millie's not so aggressive with her little sister. We try to give them each the same attention, so Millie knows she's loved too, even though there's this little occasionally squawking invader in her life who demands our attention.

But she's a contented little one, with lots of smiles if she's not tired or hungry. We are truly blessed having such gorgeous babies in our home.

Shalom!

Millie's and Bella's Granddad!

WE'RE MISSING EACH OTHER!

2005-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this from a public library in Chicago.

When I'm away I try to contact my wife Jan (Amelia's grandma - one of them, that is, the one I've been married to for 45 years) and get an update on the Little One!

She can't understand why I'm not around. I hear she was 'stroppy' for a couple of days after I left, and last night Jan tells me she was awake at 3 pm crying. We don't know if there's a connection with my absence, but there might well be. How's a little 20 months-er supposed to understand that her grandpa's gone missing?

I pray for her, and the rest of the family, every day.

And I can't wait to have her run into my arms again! This business of travel has lost its lustre, I'm afraid.

'Lord, may Millie's and Bella's guardian angels continue to do a very good job, please! Amen!'

Shalom!

Rowland

GOING ON A LONG JOURNEY...

2005-03-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Today I leave for the U.S. to attend some conferences (and lead workshops at one of them). It will be the longest Millie and I will have been apart, and we will miss each other.

Right now she's having her weetbix for breakfast: which today she asked for. There are some beautiful little routines associated with breakfast. Jan sings 'Thank you for the world so sweet' and Millie sings 'Hum hum!' 'Thank you for the food we eat' and she sings 'Yum yum!' 'Thank you for the birds that sing!' 'Alingaling!' 'Thank you God for everything!' 'Amen'. And she looks coyly/shyly sideways at me!

She has something in each hand to play with while she eats. and she knows she can't have her precious grapes (just a few) until she's had her cereal.

Another routine happens when she's sad or frightened or hurt. She wants her 'Mummyoh' and three dummies for comfort - one for her mouth, and one in each hand! She needed them the other day when her head got stuck in the banisters above the steps from our place.

I'll take her in a few minutes for our little walk, and again as we turn for home she'll mention the main characters from her precious 'Bananas in Pyjamas', beginning with Morgan! She watches that TV show on the ABC each morning, and a couple of others - the ration is 30-40 minutes of TV a day.

She's so beautiful! I'll miss her. I just prayed that the Lord would tell her guardian angel to do a good job while I'm away!

Shalom!

Rowland.

AMELIA'S GETTING MORE ASSERTIVE

2005-03-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

Amelia is 19 months, and can say three syllable words ('Toria' for her friend Victoria, at playgroup).

She is also testing the limits of grandparental authority. We have a fireplace (surrounded by a child-proof guard), but kindling-sticks are in a large black bin. She can reach into this bin and get some sticks out of it - dangerous if she pokes one into her eye, or hits baby Bella with it. So her grandma asked her to put it back. She went to the bin, and stood there, testing grandma's authority. This stage of a child's psychological development is cute isn't it!!!

Bella is beautiful, in her own way. She's feeding well, sleeping well most nights, and has just begun to smile at us. Jan has more to do with her than I do, so far, but I try to talk to her and touch her whenever there's an opportunity (and she's awake).

This all has to be done sensitively, as Amelia still resents this little invasion into her privileged world!

Grandpa's Hands

2005-03-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Bella is now almost four weeks old, and I'm sure she smiled at me today as we sat on our back verandah. She's a good baby, healthy, and one of the joys of the past week was to cradle her to sleep, and then I had to write in a book I was reading with my left hand, 'cos I didn't want to wake her up.

Big sister Millie is now 19 months, and saying a lot of two-syllable words. When we walk together (most days) she talks a lot now. We still look for the moon, acknowledge the sound of planes and birds, say the colors of roses in our neighbor's gardens, and laugh at the dog as he chases a soccer ball. When a dog barks she points in that direction and says authoritatively 'Stop!'

And one of her favorite requests - 'Up please!' when she wants to be picked up!

(Have I told you she's gorgeous?)
Here's something posted on to a newsgroup today:

Grandpa's Hands

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.

When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat the more I wondered if he was OK. not wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice."I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK" I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands?" he asked.I mean really looked at your hands?"I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Grandpa smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. "

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler and I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots."

"They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. "

"They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son."

"Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle."

"Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot."

"They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand."

"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer."

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again.But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home.When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.

(Reproduced with the permission of the author - Melinda Clements)

IT'S TOUGH HAVING A LITTLE INTRUDER!

2005-02-20T01:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday, while my wife (Rev. Jan Croucher) was conducting a funeral, I spent an hour and twenty minutes with our 18-month-old granddaughter.

Part of it was both of us lying next to each other on a lawn under a tree, talking about birds, and planes, and the sky and the clouds, and lots of other things...Special!

I had too little time to do that with our eldest two children...

Yesterday (Saturday) Amanda and John brought their new arrival (Bella) home. There were pink balloons in the trees and around the front of our place, and a large welcome sign on the front door.

But Millie found it hard: she had what is called (these days) a 'hissy' on and off yesterday.

Today she's settled a bit - I had another wonderful hour with her this afternoon. We'll have to give her at least the usual one-to-one time until she gets used to the idea that her mum is going to share her with another little one.

And Bella has been so good! She's asleep now in a cot in our bedroom.

Thanks for your prayers: we now have two special little people in our lives!

AMELIA LOVES SLEEP-TIME!

2005-02-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am alone with the little one. We went for a little walk around our court (in Australia that's a cul-de-sac street - nice and quiet). We talked together about the black cat, and the roses, and the moon, and some birds...

Back home I sang her lullaby (Oh lula lula lula lula bye-bye), gave her a bottle of formula, kissed her, put her down, and without a murmur she snuggled into her bedding and was soon asleep.

None of our babies loved sleeping like this little one.

Her little sister is progressing well. Bella has blisters on her lips from feeding (common with new-borns). Amanda and John are getting excellent care at the maternity hospital.

Tomorrow we'll go again and visit...

Thanks to everyone who put comments here or sent emails of good wishes!

AMELIA HAS A LITTLE SISTER!

2005-02-13T23:36:00.000-08:00

Amelia's little baby sister, 'Bella Jayne' was born by caesarian section this afternoon (Monday 14th, 2.30 pm. PS Who'd go to the flower-shop on St Valentine's day????).

Amelia took us to the hospital later to view mother (Amanda), father (John) and the baby (who ignored us and slept for the 3/4 hour we were there).

Bella Jayne is 7 lbs 15 oz, very healthy, and very beautiful. We wondered if she'd compete in the beauty stakes with her big sister and we think she will! The main difference: she doesn't have as much hair as her 18-month-older sister.

Amanda and John are very happy, we're all relieved that everything went OK, and now we have Millie to ourselves for the week mum and dad are in hospital. (Yes, these days dads can sleep in the same room - John has a fold-up bed).

So join with us in prayers of gratitude - and pray that Millie won't miss her 'Mummy-oh' and 'Daddy-oh' too much.

I've rescheduled a lot of counselling from this week, so that I can spend quality-time with the little one. Tomorrow we plan to go shopping together.

God bless you all!

Rowland Croucher

AMELIA AWAITS A NEW ARRIVAL

2005-02-04T01:51:00.000-08:00

Amelia will be 18 months old on the 8th February (just four days time); and six days after that - on Valentine's Day - her mum is due to have another little one.

Interesting question: Does Millie know? We've talked to her about the baby in mummy's tummy, and she's been a bit 'clingy' to her mum lately.

I took her with me - together with her uncle / our son Paul and Paul's youngest son Will (Millie loves cousin Will) - to the Vet for Will's kitten to get a booster something-or-other.

I sat with Millie in the car and we talked, and for the first time I can recall she looked serious after about 20 minutes and said 'Mummy'?

She's very clever (have I told you that :-)? She can now pick words she knows in our sentences. When she hears me coming up the passageway she runs and hides or plays with something, all excitedly.

Last night her dad washed her hair for the first time in six days: we hope the wound on her forehead has healed (the plaster is still there).

She's very beautiful!

BACK FROM HOLIDAYS

2005-01-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely holiday by the beach, near Eden in S. NSW. Millie enjoyed herself - and particularly loved the beach. Whenever someone would say 'beach' her little face would contort into delighted earnestness: 'Beach!' 'Beach!' she would repeat, looking at each of us.

It was lovely to see her relate so naturally to other small children. Little ones know they're safe with other little ones, eh?

She came out with lots of new words - 'truck', 'boat' etc.

And she has developed some cute new tricks... Like: when her Dad comes back from surfing, and invites her to run into his arms, she swerves past him and runs into mine, with a very cheeky look on her face.

She and I went for a walk every day. She loved those walks. I would talk with her, teach her new words, listen with her to the sounds (especially the birds)... Sometimes she would wander next to me, but soon she would say 'Up!' 'Please' (which sounds more like 'peas!') I think this is because she loves our talking together and being close... At other times when we're in a group walking she loves to toddle along with us...

One day she got frustrated with her little doll-in-a-stroller, 'cos the wheels got stuck in the sandy soil. So she fixed that by tossing the baby out, and wheeling the stroller without the doll!

Well, we're back home. She loves playing with a soft green bouncing ball, but in running after it sometimes falls over. Two nights ago she hit her head on a table-corner and it left quite a serious, bleeding wound. Fortunately her other grandfather is a family doctor, and he came buy to tend to the wound (which he said should really have a stitch in it). We now cannot wash Millie's hair for six days!

She's now more 'clingy' with her mum. 'Mummyoh!' she now calls out when she wakes. She might know that soon she will have a little brother/sister (on about 14th February)...

So yes, at 17 1/2 months, little Millie is as gorgeous as ever!

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES

2004-12-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

It's been busy since the last entry, but Millie is as beautiful as ever - especially when she dances to 'Bananas in Pyjamas'.

One afternoon a little while back she fell out in the street when playing with her Dad, and would not put her weight on her legs. We imagined the worst, but when she woke up in the morning she was running again. Any ideas about that?

She's had two infections in the last couple of weeks - upper respiratory tract infection (for which the good doctor prescribed antibiotics), and a bug which only lasted 24 hours (high temperature and vomiting) which we think she picked up in a friend's swimming pool. She's over that now, and happy as ever.

She's always asking us to turn the ceiling fans on, with a rotating motion with her hand (so cute!), and still regularly wants to 'shweeesh' the dog and feed him.

A couple of days ago Jan and she were getting something from the pantry cupboard and she got very excited, and Jan discerned that she'd seen a 'baked beans' tin, and insisted 'bake bean'.

Please continue to pray for this little one. She had a wonderful time at our family Christmas party last night.

Rowland Croucher

HERE'S ONE VERSION OF MILLIE'S LULLABY SONG

2004-12-06T02:05:00.000-08:00

Oh, my baby, ma curly headed baby
We'll sit below the sky and sing a song to the moo,oo,oo,oo,oon

Oh, my baby, my little darkie baby,
Your daddy's in the cotton fields,
A-working for the coo,oo,oo,oon

Oh, lulla,lulla,lulla,lulla bye bye
Does you want the moon to play with
Or the stars to run away with
They'll come if you don't cry
Oh,lulla, lulla, lulla, lulla, bye bye
In your mammy's arms be creeping,
And soon you'll be a-sleeping
Lulla, lulla, lulla, lulla bye.

AMELIA HAS LOTS OF WORDS

2004-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

Amelia now knows lots of words - fan (and her wrist goes round and round), hands, nose, mouth, ears, head, feet, bananas ('nanas'), and of course 'Mummy' (her very favorite person), 'Daddy', 'Pa' (moi), 'Ma' (Jan), Lindy (she pronounces it 'Diddy' which Lindy loves!) and lots more...

She also knows lots of instructions: 'Put it back'; 'Take this to Mummy', 'Don't touch!'

She identifies lots of people from our family in photographs...

She's now a week and a half from being 16 months and loves a couple of special TV programs, particularly Bananas in Pyjamas, and Play School. We've bought her a cheap little CD player, and she wiggles to The Wiggles (she's so cute!). Her favorite song: 'Teddy Bear Teddy Bear, touch your nose' (etc.) and she does all the actions.

One of our special little treats together is feeding the two dogs. We do a 'Shweesh shweesh' sound together and they come below the back balcony. Milly drops dog biscuits down to them.

Her little 'sibling' is due on St Valentine's Day, February 2005, and one of her little games is to ask to see her mum's belly button: she then wants to see other people's, and displays her own!

She's healthy, happy and well - and very obedient. We thank God for her all the time!

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher

AMELIA'S FIRST 'HISSY'

2004-11-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while... I've been traveling (New Zealand, Sydney, Canberra, rural Victoria) since I was last here...

Now... What's a 'hissy' you ask? Probably the most common English synonym is 'tantrum'.

She's now had about three of these: when she was a bit tired, or her new teeth were hurting, or she had in mind some game to play which a Big Person interrupted!

She's 15 months old, and according to child development psychologists she's now aware that other Big People are not simply an extension of herself. They are 'other'. And they use their authority (always gentle and loving but firm) in her life, and sometimes she doesn't like that. All very good (and not, as some think, a manifestation of 'original sin'.)

She's very cute about her squeals (which are her way of getting attention, or telling us she wants something - like her dummy etc.). Those squeals go through an adult's head so we sometimes 'Shhhhh!' her. Now occasionally when she squeals, she'll put her finger to her lips and go 'Shhhhh!' herself. She's very cute!

She also knows lots of words - upwards of 30.

She now has a sandpit on one of our balconies (which we have to cover at night to keep the possums out). She loves that.

I also bought her a new knitted fluffy toy at the Baptist Bargain Store - a multi-coloured butcher, with strings of woolly sausages around his neck. She loves her five fluffy toys; the others are four bears.

Milly now is into 'filing' lots of things. All the bears have to be carried one by one and are sat down next to each other; then she takes them all one by one and 'files' them somewhere else. We have to help her with the big bear: he's too heavy and cumbersome for her, and she gets frustrated!

When she's put down to sleep my wife Jan (Milly's grandmother) sings the Paul Robeson song she sang to our children:

Oh my babby, my curly-headed babby

Oh lula lula lula lula bye-bye
Do you want the moon to play with?
Or the stars to run away with?
They'll come if you don't cry...

Oh lula lula lula lula bye-bye
In your mammy's arms a-sleeping
And soon they'll be a'creeping' lula
Lula lula lula lula bye...

And she knows it's time to sleep: no arguments. She settles down (and these days gives us a little wave with two hands as we leave the room!)

Milly has a little brother/sister on the way: we call her/him 'Billie'. Next February. Everything's going well: please pray for all four (now) members of this little family!

Until next time,

Shalom!

Rowland.

AMELIA'S ASSERTING HER LITTLE SELF!

2004-10-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

I've been away in New Zealand teaching at the Bible College in Auckland, and after two weeks Millie and I needed a brief re-introduction! She looked at me for a long couple of seconds at first, when I returned, but soon softened up. And now we're back to our best-friends status again.

She's walking securely, and it's just wonderful watching her wander around the room randomly picking up things. She likes having two of the same thing - one in each hand. Like two plastic '4's' from the fridge door, or two square blocks.

If we tell her not to do something she's usually pretty good (we'll have to figure out a way for her to stay away from the TV screen). But if we remove her dummy, or deprive her of something else she wants, she protests!

She always responds to the school bell (the school shares our back fence), to plane-noises, and to birds.

She has lots of new sounds. One mimics my 'shewish' to call the dogs for a treat. Now she makes the sound, and wants to throw down the dog biscuits from our back balcony. She calls our daughter Lindy (her auntie of course) 'Diddy', and Lindy loves it!

Today we had a friend clean the other balcony, outside her upstairs bedroom (thanks David), and soon there'll be a sandpit and some nice play things there, as the weather gets a little warmer.

Each day we have our little routines - like saying good-bye to her cousins Jay and Will (who live next door) on their way to school (beyond the back fence, remember?). We sing her a little song before her meals:

Thank you for the world so sweet hum! hum!
Thank you for the food we eat yum! yum!
Thank you for the birds that singalingaling
Thank you God for everything. Amen!

She's a pure delight! Especially when she runs away from us as we pretend to chase her!

SHE'S WALKING!!!

2004-09-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

Our little one is very proud of herself - now toddling more than crawling...

But she has a heavy cold - middle ear infection, chest infection, etc. so the doctor has prescribed anti-biotics.

Please pray for her. It's great that we're free of any concern for her fontinelle closing too soon, but the neurologist says she's going to be short - about 5' 2" when an adult (and as a short friend said in response 'And what's wrong with that?')

Nothing really - except all of us are fairly tall!

She's Started Walking!

2004-08-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the silence: too many people with problems have been wanting to talk to me about them (that's my job).

Amelia is growing so beautifully. She 'crawl-gallops' and sometimes when we chase her she crawls quickly away then flops on to her tummy on the floor, arms spread out, head side-on on the ground as if in sleep or surrender!

She's also taken her first few faltering steps, and is very proud of herself.

She knows about 20-30 words now (dogs, plane, light, fan, 'children running', car/truck (vroom vroom!) birds, mum, dad, grandma, grandpa... And also, now 'No!' (especially when she wants to tear up paper, or pull my books out of shelves, or drops her food on the floor.)

Keep praying for the appointment with the neurologist at the children's hospital on September 6th.

BTW her mum - our daughter Amanda - is pregnant again, with 'Billy' (we actually don't know the gender but it rhymes with 'Millie'!!!)

God bless

Rowland Croucher

KEEP PRAYING!

2004-08-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

Amelia went to the pediatrician yesterday. He said there's a bit of 'ridging', and referred her to 'Melbourne's best neurosurgeon' (a woman) - September 6th.

Had a lovely two hours with her yesterday. We went shopping then had a picnic at the Food Mall. Her favourite - Petit Miam: know what that is?. She also likes McDonald's french fries - but only two or three!

Tonight she had her triple antigen needles - three of them - in each arm and a leg. She didn't like it one bit!

Here's a nice weblog, put together by a friend, Christine Jones.

Be in touch!

Shalom!

Rowland. <

DISTURBING NEWS

2004-07-28T02:47:00.000-07:00

Today Amelia went for her checkup to the pediatrician. For a while the clinic sister and pediatrician have been monitoring Amelia's fontinelle, which they thought may be closing too quickly.

So today an upset mother (Amanda) heard the doctor suggest that Amelia have a precautionary x-ray. So between tears and prayers our little one now has to prepare to have this test. Please pray for her - and the parents, and doctors, and us.

Last night Amelia's grandparents took her out to the local mall for dinner. She enjoyed her yoghurt, and pieces of fish, and diluted fruit juice... And for the first time we gave her a lemon quarter to play with (we'd received it with our fish meal). Of course it went straight to her mouth (as just about everything does) and her facial expression was one of quizzicality (is that a word?).

But then she sucked it some more, squeezed it to make a nice mess, and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

I remember studying 'cafeteria feeding' experiments with small children in undergrad psychology, so we have always figured that until they learn bad eating habits, something like a lemon is OK if she wants it in small doses (and a source of vitamin C.)

God bless

Rowland.

I'M BACK, TO A WONDERFUL WELCOME!

2004-07-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Been away in Newcastle, NSW this past weekend, and this morning 'Millie Moo' (our affectionate name for Amelia) greeted me warmly.

I chatted to her for about 15-20 minutes - particularly about the butcher-bird which was singing outside our place - then it was play-time with her wicker-backet full of safe toys. It's important for her at these times, before she has her morning sleep, to spend some time on her own, without anyone talking to her...

Her four new upper teeth are beautiful and even...

It's a busy day today: Amelia's mum's (Amanda's) birthday party here tonight. Amelia will join us in four family birthday do's in the next couple of weeks: so singing 'Happy Birthday' and blowing out candles, and having family-fun, will become special for her.

God bless!

Rowland.

SHE IS SO CLEVER!

2004-07-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

(But doesn't every doting parent/grandparent say that?)

Well... let me tell ya.

There's a little poem she likes:

Teddy bear, teddy bear go upstairs
Teddy bear, teddy bear say your prayers
Teddy bear, teddy bear turn out the light
Teddy bear, teddy bear say goodnight!

And our Milly points to the light before she hears that line!

It's late morning, and I've picked her up from her sleep (and to show her off to our visiting Wesleyan Methodist pastor!). She's at her best after her morning sleep. Drank all her orange juice: good girl!

She's now 'cruising' (I understand that's the correct word, though I've heard that term in other unsavoury contexts in my counselling). Milly walks around things like chairs, holding herself up.

Her four top teeth are forming beautifully too.

I'm now going away for a weekend to speak at an interestate conference and will miss her!

Rowland.

AMELIA IN THE BATH

2004-07-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

Amelia loves her bath, and that's her dad's delightful job each night. Even if she's tired, she loves playing games with her bath-toys.

But there comes a time in every baby's life when - you guessed it -she was playing in the water and tumbled under.

She got a very big fright, and took some pacifying.

But soon she was back in the bath and playing again... wiser.

She's better now. Today I sat with her on our back verandah listening to the wonderful music of the grey butcherbirds, and the raucous cries of the gang gang cockatoos.

I'm off to Newcastle NSW tomorrow for a combined church's seminar. Back Sunday night.

Rowland.

AMELIA'S SICK TODAY

2004-07-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

She's brave, doesn't complain too much, but isn't smiling much.

She's off her food, and sleeps poorly. Amanda had to bring her to Jan at 3 am this morning, and today we three have spent most time with her just holding her.

I might have mentioned 'Pinky' her pink (!) bear. She loves that bear. When her mother brought her up to us after dinner to say goodnight, she cutely went for her 'Pinky' rather than come to one of us.

We've been on holidays to Lord Howe Island, and I have some notes from that trip which I might write up tomorrow if I get a chance.

Please pray that our little one will be well soon.

~~~

Here's her first book - and one of her favourites (given to her by her aunty Lindy):

MILLIE THE MONKEY

Millie the monkey liked to joke,
and play tricks on the jungle folk.

As soon as Millie ate her meal
She threw away the banana peel!

Down it went into the traffic...
And Millie laughed at all the havoc!

(The book has a fluffy tail poking out of it which Amelia uses to tickle her face.

(We like to call her 'Millie' - or 'Millie Moo')

AMELIA'S ASLEEP

2004-06-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's Monday morning, and when she wakes I'll be taking her shopping. It's one of the most wonderful adventures she and I share together.

Have you noticed that mothers (mostly mothers) talk to their babies and children in public places and don't mind who hears? I used to think that was a funny (as in peculiar) thing to do. But as we go up and down the aisles of the supermarket, I hear myself talking to Amelia - sometimes in 'baby talk' - and don't mind who listens!

I tell her she's beautiful, rehearse what I have to buy, and give her safe things to hold - and which she can safely bite on with her two lower front teeth.

I'm away for a while, so will be in touch when I return in a couple of weeks. Feel free to leave a comment or greeting!

Rowland Croucher.

AMELIA'S PROGRESS

2004-06-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Every day our little one does something new. Today, she graduated from crawling to sitting (not just kneeling!

She's now asleep, all is quiet, but I must go to speak at a conference on mentoring (and will be interested to hear Tony Campolo again tomorrow at the same conference)

AMELIA LOVES BOOKS

2004-06-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

We're a bookish family, I have a library of several thousand books (which I'm gradually paring down and giving away - except for the theological books which Lindy has laid claim to). All our four children have post-graduate degrees and qualifications, and our two oldest grandchildren are currently in university. I've had about a dozen books published, and our eldest son Paul has also written a book - on the history of Buddhism in Australia.

Amelia, our fifth granddaughter, rarely gets cranky except when she's uncomfortable in terms of nappy (diaper) needing to be changed, hungry, thirsty or sleepy. The only time apart from all this is when we read a favorite story only once: she wants it again.

She loves stories (remember she's only 10 1/2 months). And essentially her stories are about the only important things in life - God, family, animals, birds, trees, flowers etc.

One of her favorites:

On the ground,
in the air -
I find blessings
everywhere!

Fireflies,
ladybirds,

Best-est friends
in three-way hugs,

Caterpillars,
butterflies -
blessings everywhere!

Silly shadows,
tickling breeze,

Forests filled
with Christmas trees!

Silent sunsets,
quiet, please -
blessings everywhere!

Camping out,
camping in -
Sometimes loving
discipline.

Knowing God
forgives my sin -
blessings everywhere!

Skipping on a
winding path,
Bubbles in my
bubble bath!

Muddy puddles,
muddy me!
Blessings everywhere!

In the sky,
on the ground,
Little blessings
can be found.

Thank You, God,
for giving me
blessings everywhere!

AMELIA ON WEDNESDAY

2004-06-23T03:15:00.000-07:00

Every day our little one makes an advance of some sort. Today she smiled (again) at a stranger who visited us. And she hands us things when we say 'Ta' (though she's loathe to release her precious 'Pinky' - a read fluffy bear!).

Today a couple of counselling sessions, a bit of reading, and writing (see below)*, a nice lunch with Jan, scored 245,000 MsPacman during a break, and told the two Usenet newsgroups I won't be around for a while.

* I've created a new blog for articles and reviews - http://articlesandreviews.blogspot.com/

Have a good day!

Shalom!

Rowland

AMELIA'S AND BELLA'S GRANDDAD

2004-06-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

Welcome to page one of what might become an interesting blog.

(Note: It's now 2007 and as we have two gorgeous little granddaughters, I wanted to include Bella, so I've changed the heading here... but you'll need to read a couple of dozen posts/articles before you get to Bella).

Amelia's asleep, and it's a quiet afternoon in the leafy suburb of Melbourne where we live.

She's ten and a half months old, and the light of my life.

Mind you, I love all five of our grandchildren, and all four children, but being 'notionally retired' I've had more time to bond with this little one than with any of the others. Which is a joy and a pity respectively. I've written on that subject in my book The Family (HarperCollins).

So who's Amelia's granddad apart from Amelia? Husband of Jan (very happily married for 44 (how do I make a half? - alt-plus-171 won't work!) years, father of Paul (poet and philosopher, husband of Kiong, father of Jay and Will), Karen (medical editor / marketer, wife of Ross, mother of Abbie and Coralie), Amanda (Amelia's mum, counsellor, ESL teacher, piano teacher; husband John is Amelia's dad) and Lindy (urban missionary)...

Now let's see what happens when I publish this (but first ctrl A C and V!)

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher