The Extent of Eme's Vocabulary

more? (sounds like a question when she says it) = obviously, she...wants...more
sweestree? (again, sounds like a question) = Sesame Street (and I want to watch it!)
sues? = shoes
sues? = socks
sues? = feet
ooey = woolly (her blanket she carries EVERYWHERE. the one I made!)
da = thankyou/ta (though it is a rareity)
baby = baby dolls
teddy = teddies :)
ETdee = Jet (our dog) / Jetboy
noooo = no
dontee = don't touch!
argh = argh (she copies me growling at Jet)
kai = kajah (her cousin)
illy = landon (her cousin)
dada = anyone and everyone
mumumumumumumu = I want something mum

I'm sure there are others, and at the moment the list is expanding everyday! I just want to keep a record of her words at 18.5mths along :)

Is it true?

One of my units that I took this semester was called Sociocultural Perspectives on health. And yes, it is a bit of a mouthfull!

It's called a bit of a 'nothing' unit as it is basically just common sense. As a nurse/health professional we are going to come into contact with people of other cultures, and we need to have a bit of an understanding that all cultures have different views on health.

For one of the assignments we had to choose a country or developing nation and look into how social determinants have affected that people groups health. I had too many ideas running around my head, and in the end I went for the easy option (or so I thought) of the Australian Aboriginal/Indigenous population of our country.

Now, I'm not going to bore you with what I wrote and all the facts and info, but one of the things I came across was the 'Stolen Generation'. And I have found that whenever this topic is brought up, it brings about fierce debate. Especially amongst Chrisitans!! One of the most interesting viewpoints I have come across is that it didn't happen and it's all lies!

I thought I might bring this up on my blog just to see what other people's thoughts are on the matter, as it seems to be quite an interesting and endless topic of discussion!

Before doing any research on the subject, I was a bit of a fence-sitter. I was probably more-so on the side of intolerance however. I believed that it happened, but from there on I didn't really (and still don't really) have a set or concrete view on it.

One of the advised or recommended extra research tools for the subject was to watch Rabbit Proof Fence - after watching it I'm not sure what it has to do with health, but it was interesting none the less. The most standout scene for me was watching the 3 girls removed from their family. Whether this is an accurate representation or not, to watch this as a parent is heart-wrenching. I cannot imagine what I would do if I were ever to be forcibly separated from my children. You can watch the scene I am talking about here on this link.

I don't think anyone can deny the truth of the 'Stolen Generations'. I believe it happened. Considering the all documents of the legislations held in WA at the time. You can't disproove history I don't think. Here is another link which is really interesting if you have time to flick through and read.

I guess I'm really interested in people's thoughts out there. Particularly how people feel we should approach this as Chrisitans. I really have no idea. I believe we need to show grace, and I believe we need to be compassionate, but after that I don't know! Should K.Rudd have done the apology? What good did it bring about? I'm white, so I have no idea!! And maybe that is the problem. I'm not from the 'Stolen Generation', I don't know what it is like to be removed from family and placed under the 'care' of others who are trying to 'breed out' my heritage.

I don't know, I really don't know. I hope I don't come across racist or anything, it's just one of those topics that I am really questioning at this moment, and I would love to hear any feedback people feel open enough to share.

This is the first time in a long time. Ive got a hot cuppa tea, Eme sound asleep, and no other distractions or thoughts running through my head.

Blog posts....here I come!

Remind me again why I'm doing this?

If stress brings on an early labour, I wouldn't be surprised if this baby decided to come next week! I may need to start collecting people's guesses and estimates soon!!

I have never been so stressed in my life. Getting married was nothing compared to this...neither was giving birth! (or the stress involved in the leadup to that big moment!)

I have 3 exams this week. Mon, Tues and Thurs. and I have never felt so inadequate or stressed in my entire life.

I have been studying everyday for the last 2 weeks (not including all the study in the weeks beforehand) and nothing is sticking. Most people make jokes about baby brain, but I truly think it really is something chemical inside the head that goes astray. I can't remember to put my pants on the right way or drop Russell off at the correct workplace, let alone all the ins and outs of the human body...and they tell me this is very basic human biology.

I have spent this afternoon crying, a couple days last week crying, and I am physically exhausted. I can study a module all day and night, and come to refresh myself the next morning, and it's like I'm reading a foreign language. It just does not make sense and I cannot understand any of the concepts.

Why am I studying this? Why am I not studying where my natural talents and gifts flow? This would be so much easier if I was studying the Arts or Teaching, but no, I want to be a midwife.

I've decided that I may need to defer my studies until we have had all our children. This is really hard for me as I want it all now! I want the 4/5 kids, but I want to be a student at the same time. I'm realising that I made my choice when I was 24 and had Eme and that I am just going to have to live with the consequences. I absolutely love being a mum, and I would give up anything for my children, and this is one of things. I need to put aside my own selfishness and put my children and husband first. I'll get there one day...just not in my own timeframe (funny that isn't it!)

If anyone is reading this, I could really use your prayers. I've been praying for the last 6 months for God's help, and I still feel like I'm doing this on my own...so some intercessory prayer is definately what I need.