Simes and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong on an 'adults only' long weekend with 6 of our great mates a couple of weeks ago. It was a bloody amazing experience. We flew upper class both ways and stayed in a gorgeous 5 star hotel thanks to our beautiful friend Sammy the Blagg.
Our journey was eventful before we even arrived with our plane flying through a spectacular storm as we landed in Hong Kong. I have never seen anything quite like it. The lightening was constant for more than 20 minutes. Fortunately it wasn't too turbulent and I had no idea that the plane had been struck by lightening 6 times during our landing!!! As they say, ignorance is bliss!
The trip was SO MUCH FUN. We hung out, explored the markets, shopped till we dropped, had an life changing foot massage (which affectionately became know as "the foot wank"), relaxed by the roof top pool, ate wonderful meals together and generally just had some adult time.
It was the first time that Simes and I have ever left Mads to go away together. We were incredibly lucky that Simon's parents, Kathy & the Dodge, flew to Sydney and looked after Mads for 4 days while we were in Hong Kong. They were absolutely amazing with her and spoilt her rotten. She had such a special time getting to know them.
When we returned home, they were happily knackered and Mads was stoked to see us (or more importantly the swag of presents we bought her!). Then... the trouble started. About two weeks after Kathy & Roger returned to Adelaide, Mads started to panic every time I left the room. The words 'separation anxiety' simply don't cut it! Little Mads will not let me leave the room, have a shower, go to the lav or even get out of the car without her. Let's not even start on the day care drop offs! The poor little lady has been getting herself into a right state.
I have sought advice from friends, family and Google, but at this stage I don't have the answer. It seems patience, reassurance and love are the 3 words that come up the most. Fingers crossed I find a strategy to get her through this phase quickly because it is breaking my heart to see the little lady so wound up.
Mads is a spectacular little lady and I know it will all work out in the end and she will grow up to be an amazing young lady. She is hilariously funny and an absolute friend magnet. She has the most wonderful little buddies and is fabulous company. she comes out with the most hysterical observations about life. Here are just a few of her recent comments...
"mum, you aren't very dedicated are you?" (delivered to me as I was designing her birthday invitation on my lap top and therefore neglecting to give her my 100% attention for approx 10 minutes)
"Auntie Biddy, in a good world the good succeed!" (delivered to her Auntie Biddy on a recent visit to Sydney)
"mum, did you know that concentrate has three syllables?" (delivered to me as she watched Hugh Jackman say the word of the day "concentrate" on Sesame Street)
"dad, you are such a man scaper" (delivered to Simes for no apparent reason)
"mummy, that is hideous!" (commenting on an outfit I had selected for her to wear to a friends party)
"mum, I love you so much I don't even want to close my eyes to go to sleep because I wont be able to see you anymore!" (delivered to me as part of the new separation anxiety routine)
Bless her highly strung, warm hearted, quick witted, over the top world.
Who knew this parenting gig would be as complicated as it is?
