We're back in the thick of appointments for the boys. Soooo many. I need time off work (admittedly much easier now that I'm semi retired) time off school. Splitting up with Eric to conquer and divide. Only one parent allowed. We no longer have Lili and Fei here to leave kids with so they all get dragged to each other's things. But can't come in. Appointments are just plain ole' distruping to life and complicated.
Today Kai had his 1st in person pediatrician appointment in two years at 10. Luk was getting his orthotics fit at 2:30 at Queen Alexandra. I wanted to apply for Lili and Kai's passports so did a bunch of running around to get those ready in time for today to save a trip to Victoria.
We decided this morning that Eric would take Jia to school. Meet Albi for coffee. Take Kai to his appointment. Then back to school. Then to the farm for our milk and to the farmers market for some fresh stuff. Phew. Meanwhile Mom is coming with Luk and I and we're leaving early so I can do the passport stuff. We can have lunch out and finally back track to Queen Alexandra.
It's complicated getting all the details down.
We had to take the application to Lili for signatures and Kai and Lili needed pictures done. So we did that in Nanaimo Saturday night. Yesterday I went to see Dawn-Marie who was our quarantor. We even managed to get Lili's safe deposit key from her to get her Canadian Citizenship card out. Phew.
So half way over the Malahat Eric called. Luk's orthotics appointment was canceled. Because he didn't get the funding. But he did because I already had the letter in my purse approving them. Eric called them back and it turns out they weren't even made yet. Half way there so we just carried on. I did an hour in the passport line up. Finally our turn to go in but they wouldn't let Luk in with me. Apparently everyone has to be 6' apart no matter what. I argued to no avail. Figured I was about half way so Luk went to go sit in the food court on his own. He had his phone. He knows how to use it. Gramma was in the mall. I texted Eric a picture and said "can he do it?". It was decided it would be fine. So, I'm in the line inside the office and I was getting more and more angry by the second. How dare they?! The men in charge just kept saying it was because of covid and the pandemic. Bullcrap. How is separated children the answer?! I even asked if he could line up behind me and stay 6' back. We were told no to that too. Plus, honestly, without chairs. 2 hours would have been difficult for him to stand. At the 2 hour mark. Only two people left in front of me and they came and announced they were full for the day. We could all leave. Seriously. I said it was unacceptable service and I really needed to complain. Who do I complain to? Is there a manager? What is the email? Who do I address it to? If we all just accept this level of abuse there will be no change. Blah blah blah. No, no and no. Flat out was told it's a pandemic and you can complain to the federal government with a smirk. I didn't yell, but I used an extremely pissed, loudish, clear, biting tone and clearly expressed my displeasure to three different grown men. Who all wanted to say you can make an appointment online. Except you can't. The option isn't on the web page, it's on the app. I didn't load the app because why would I? I went to the web site! Arg.
Luk was fine. Gramma and Poppy joined him in the food court. No one seemed to mind Poppy being there. Luk wasn't feeling great. Fear of escalators, too much drama, time alone for the first time in public and general digestion issues. Poor kid. We decided to cut our loses on the day and stop for a pretzel on our way out.
This was at noon. Not surprised by the way our day was going. The universe owes me a damn pretzel now.
This was the Facebook memory of the day. I needed this laugh.
Eric felt bad for me and bought me a bag of my favorite nearly impossible to find chocolate filled licorice. I had to confess that I already had three bags stashed here at the house. I'm all set for a bit.
I do realize I can hand over passport applications to any service desk or mail them in but as adoptive parents letting those Canadian Citizenship cards and certificates out of our control just isn't prudent. Victoria is the only place that can validate copies letting me keep originals in hand. I'm told these are extremely difficult to replace. So. Not exactly sure what the next steps will be.
I had to cancel flights from the boys Disney trip last year so I have a credit. Allegiant sent me an email with deals to Las Vegas. Lili called and we played around with calendars. It's almost possible to be away for Christmas with flights already paid for. Boys not vaccinated yet and still need Lili and Kai's passports. Still too many uncertainties to book it. But I really want too! I have to admit dealing with federal employees today does little for my confidence in going near our own border.
This is the nicest looking art Kai has ever presented to me. I guessed it was an airplane. Nope...guns. Ah, not cool. Also he's started doing fake hand pistol shooting at kids at school again. So frustrating. He's not allowed at home. He's figure out he can get away with it at school. So now trying again to reiterate that my rules supercede the school. No shooting other kids period. I'm a mean Mom like that.
When we drove her home we brought Coco and Poppy. So we had a double twins puppy play date.
Oh...on the whole federal employee thing. I was told the new rule just came out that everyone had to be 6' apart. I suggested that clearly he was interpreting that wrong and clearly children should be allowed next to their kids. He again said no. However, ahead of me in line a woman was let in with a kid in a stroller. So clearly there was a problem with interpreting the rule. Hours later and I'm still mad. Also more than a little miffed about Luk's canceled appointment. I mean they obviously knew well before the day of that his orthotics weren't even constructed. Why not call last week or yesterday. Do none of them juggle kids, school and work?! I don't love burning bridges but the pandemic is NOT the reason for being so inconsiderate of any one else's time.
In the grateful category for the day.
Kai was declared a healthy little guy at his appointment.
Finn didn't have any accidents all day.
Eric and Jia worked on her costume after school today and it's really coming together nicely.
