Heather’s Mum is here helping out for a few months, which means an extra person to share the load and much needed rest for me and Heather. I’ve been using the chance to spend more time with Uma, our wonderful 7 year old daughter, who sometimes gets left to herself a bit too much (because she can look after herself better). She does her share of entertaining Jai, and has a wonderful child-optimism that he’ll start talking soon.

Jai’s childcare is going well.. he starts off a little bit clingy when I drop him off, and often needs a few hugs and some encouraging words as i make my way out of the door. Most often, if its an okay day outside, I take him to the garden which is a never ending source of wonder for Jai.. stones, bark, sand and plants. Just add a packet of mini scotch finger biscuits and his blue bear and he forgets that he’s missing home!

Despite his lack of speech, he has made a few friends. Two of the girls love keeping him company. When Heather or I pick him up, there’s a chorus of “Jai, your Mum’s (or Dad’s) here!”, and a few minutes later as we carried him out, a chorus of “Bye Jai” follows him out, the kids waiting patiently for his two handed waves. This Monday, I picked him up early, causing complaint from one of the boys, who wanted to help the teacher feed him his snack. A wonderful nurturing nest, and he’s thriving in it. Smiling lots, getting plenty of hugs from the teachers, and generally getting indulged in every possible way.