I don't want to wear a coat, I want to live in a bungalow

And of course that argument for not wearing a coat makes perfect sense...
This past week has been one of numerous arguments and tantrums. Not only has G turned into a threenager, but we've also embarked on a sleep programme which currently is causing more harm than good.

G turned 3!
I actually cannot believe it. We now have a beautiful three year old. Mind you she's 3 going on 30.
She managed to make her birthday last for approximately a week, and boy did she milk it... Prior to her birthday a family get together with Mr Tumble cake number one; on her birthday a family get together with Mr Tumble cake number 2 AND a Mcdonalds (what else would you eat for birthday tea??); several treats with friends; and of course the obligatory 'it's my birthday so I can boss you around' attitude which came in bucket loads.
G was spoilt rotten and thoroughly enjoyed her birthday week. We all did,  especially the cake. Daddy is fast becoming a gluten and dairy free birthday cake expert. So much so that G was more thrilled at the arrival of her cake than her daddy!

Blood results
Several weeks back we took G for an array of blood tests-some routine, others to ascertain why she is unwell so often. Results thankfully came back as negative, though one marker for infection was under the normal threshold. That said, nothing can be done about this. I'm pleased though that nothing untoward was discovered. Now bog off please infections....

Imminent heart scan
As with many things, you'd look at G and wouldn't even consider the fact that she had a heart condition. I often forget.  But when I remember it scares me.  In two weeks time, we should know whether that ratbag (as G would say) of a PFO has closed naturally, or will require surgery.
Prayers of both thankfulness and healing will be plentiful.

Sleep clinic
Everybody knows that sleep is a taboo subject for us. So we were delighted when we were finally referred to a sleep clinic. I was skeptical at first, but after a  fruitful discussion with the specialist I left armed with a 2 week programme to follow. I felt hopeful. Positive even. A solution to G's sleep difficulties were  promised.
Fast forward to day 6, and my skepticism has returned. And that's an understatement. The dummies have been sent to the dummy fairies, the sheep has ceased to play his sweet (if not slightly annoying) lullabies, and our bedtime routine now includes an abundance of melatonin inducing activities. We are following the programme TO THE LETTER. However.....
We now have a child who not only wakes upto 8 times a night still,  but who no longer drops off to sleep the minute her head hits the pillow, who cries continuously before bed and at regular intervals in the night, and who will do everything including throwing a full blown hissy fit to avoid bedtime. Nothing can soothe her. No one can calm her down. She is often inconsolable. Needless to say I'm not looking forward to the follow up appointment next week. I might just lose the plot with them.

Countdown to caravan time!
As a birthday treat we booked a mini break at G's favourite caravan site. So we are on holiday countdown in our household. It is MUCH needed by all of us. Thank goodness for payment plans and her love of a cheap seaside holiday! Hopefully the sea air will have more success inducing sleep than the sleep programme....

And so here we are. Tired but happy. Happy to have such a fiery, funny three year old. Her abundance of hugs keeps us going, as do her quirky little recounts of the day's activities. ..."So today I was taking my socks off and they all laughed.  Literally they didn't stop. Soooo hilarious"
I need some of what's she's on ;)