I’ve had to take time away from work to care for Elora, who had to be excluded from Childcare. She caught Hand, Foot and Mouth disease at Childcare. It’s a highly contagious but fairly benign illness, where tiny blistery sores develop on the hands, feet and mouth. Elora’s case is mild and our doctor didn’t like to say she was sick per se. She said the illness is only a problem in younger children because their sores can be so sore that they don’t drink enough. She was also surprised that kids with the illness are excluded from childcare. Elora’s sores have obviously been painful and she obviously felt awful before the sores developed, but she is becoming her bubbly sweet self once more. Yay!

Whilst being away from work for a while I have been enjoying the slower pace of being a stay at home mum (albeit temporary). I’ve taken the children to and from school. Nothing quite beats the gargantuan hug we get when we collect Matt from school! I’ve pottered about in the garden, avoiding the big jobs (like clearing the veg beds for planting new crops). Elora helped me pick tomatoes and zucchinis. She happily took them to the outdoor table, saying ‘kini’ and ‘toto.’

The slower pace allowed me to get ahead with the washing. I also did more cooking: I supervised Georgia make a large chocolate slab cake. I kept the fire going throughout the day and made zucchini soup, beef stifhato and a massive pot of vegetarian Bolognese.

vegetarian bolognese

beef stifhato

Having more time has been great. Elora and I have not had to hurry. We have visited the cows and goats, watching and patting and chatting. Elora likes to sit in the paddock and talk to me about things. I don’t really know what she chats about but I like listening. She seems more relaxed when it’s just her and me. I guess she doesn’t have to compete for my attention.

We’ve had more time for drawing and cuddles too.

And the number of times I have run my fingers through this hair…

The funny thing is that I’ve been feeling more tired than if I had been working every day. Maybe it’s because I’ve been unwell too. Perhaps it’s just that the day of a mother is a crazy-busy one.

I’m back to work tomorrow and Ella is back to Childcare. Here’s hoping we can all stay well for the Easter break.

I think that Nina quite likes Elora