I don't know how to begin to explain how I'm feeling. My baby, my first born baby, starts school tomorrow. He's going to a full day Kindergarten. I have to drop him off before 8am and pick him up at 2pm. I will be dropping him off and picking him up (and subsequently his brothers as well) over the next 15yrs, 5 days a week, Sept-June!
Tonight is his open house.
I'm so excited and yet I have knots in my stomach. I'm not ready to let my baby be away from me all day long while at the same time I'm looking forward to the break it gives me during the day and the schedule it will force me into. I'm praying the schedule will make all our lives easier and better all around.
Josh's open house was yesterday. We got to see his classroom and clarify a misconception I had. They told me they had an integrated 4K classroom and I thought that meant that if the 4yr olds in the 4K needed services it was available to them. I didn't realize that the EC class and the 4K were in the same classroom! Basically then the 3's are in 4K also! I'm so excited about that, that Josh will be around the 4K type of environment! He also has a friend in his class. They are playing soccer together on Saturday as well this fall. I really liked the first impression of this school over the one that Joey went to. It sure makes a difference when a building is built in the 20th or 21st century!! Dark and dreary versus light and airy. Josh starts on Friday and goes 4 days a week for 3hrs. I'm not quite as nervous about him maybe because I've done the preschool before?
Jackson, my baby Jackson. He's so tiny at 10mos old. He's more like a 3 or 4 month old still. But he's emerging as a toddler. He's sitting up by himself and crawling on hands and knees and.... pulling himself to standing as well! He learned all this is just a month and a half's time from starting PT with him. He was, I guess, just slow to get started.
He's still not gaining weight but I think we're going to be turning that around now as well. He finally took a bottle of formula from me yesterday. He has been nursing horribly recently and yesterday I noticed he didn't have wet diapers so I made him 4oz and put it in a bottle as I couldn't find his sippy cup. He took it without much persuasion. I made 8oz more and he took 2oz of that and the other 6oz for dinner. He slept though the night with a full tummy too. I will continue to nurse in the mornings and once more though the day but he NEEDS that formula to gain weight. He is 10mos old and 14lbs 2oz wearing 3-6mos clothes. Length is better in some 6mos sizes but he's so skinny, too skinny in the waist for them.
My Jon is my only constant right now. No huge changes with him other than his speech/vocabulary is coming along nicely. He's expressing his needs much more often in words and oh he can be so compliant I love it! Frequently I hear "All right" out of him. So much better than the usual "NO" you get at this age! LOL Not that he always listens but he's a very good boy most of the time. The screaming he does is going to kill his father but other than that and some spitting issues he's a great kid!
I'll have pictures soon.... (gotta find my camera as usual)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Safety School Video
Joey demonstrating stop/drop/roll for Officer Friendly at the graduation demonstration.
misc pictures
Jonny insisted on peeing in the toilet. He didn't go (I think he went in his diaper first then asked to sit on the toilet) but he sat on the toilet and that's a huge accomplishment as he's always been afraid of it!
Enjoying the jump house at daddy's reserves family picnic.
Joey and Officer Friendly (Walsh). Joey was graduating from his week in safely school.
Cracking the whip
I started taking a parenting class a few weeks ago. I saw a flyer for it and called to inquire. It's technically the class one would take when the courts order it so you can keep your kids or get them back. I told the woman why I was wanting to take it and she said it could do me a lot of good so come on in and give it a try!
The reason I wanted to take it was Joshy was kicking my rear on a daily basis with his bad behavior. It seemed like nothing I did for discipline worked. He would literally come off a time out and go immediately back to what he was put on time out for!
At the first class we had to take an assessment. Wow, what validation I received! The 2nd class, after she'd scored the assessment she told me that I tested better than any other person she's ever tested, even better than her own score (she's like Carol Brady, three hers, three his for a total of 6 in the household). Boy did that make me feel good.
The next class we had to hand in homework, the family rules. I made mine more for the adults to be able to follow. It gives the rule, how many warnings they may or may not receive, the discipline and restitution. She shared it with the class as to how excellent it is (though not kid friendly) to help keep us consistent. I've always said our problem is lack of consistency. While discussing this she told the class that I am a really good parent, I know what I'm doing and what needs to be done. My problem is that I've been inconsistent and I know it. Once I get consistent, things will fall into place. Wow, what a great feeling. I might add that this is a small class and all but one person is there on their own accord for reasons such as my own (wanting to better themselves as parents and/or get ideas on how to handle a situation that is not getting better).
Anyway, last week I was cleaning the house and after I cleaned a huge mess of dirty out of the bathroom (they play in the dirt then get it all over the bathroom when they go to wash their hands/face) they messed it up again with dirt and water all over the floor. They took out all my towels and wash clothes from the cabinet and had them all over the dirty wet floor.
They were made to clean it all up, all three of them and then go on their time outs. I took pictures of my slave labor :) LOL
The reason I wanted to take it was Joshy was kicking my rear on a daily basis with his bad behavior. It seemed like nothing I did for discipline worked. He would literally come off a time out and go immediately back to what he was put on time out for!
At the first class we had to take an assessment. Wow, what validation I received! The 2nd class, after she'd scored the assessment she told me that I tested better than any other person she's ever tested, even better than her own score (she's like Carol Brady, three hers, three his for a total of 6 in the household). Boy did that make me feel good.
The next class we had to hand in homework, the family rules. I made mine more for the adults to be able to follow. It gives the rule, how many warnings they may or may not receive, the discipline and restitution. She shared it with the class as to how excellent it is (though not kid friendly) to help keep us consistent. I've always said our problem is lack of consistency. While discussing this she told the class that I am a really good parent, I know what I'm doing and what needs to be done. My problem is that I've been inconsistent and I know it. Once I get consistent, things will fall into place. Wow, what a great feeling. I might add that this is a small class and all but one person is there on their own accord for reasons such as my own (wanting to better themselves as parents and/or get ideas on how to handle a situation that is not getting better).
Anyway, last week I was cleaning the house and after I cleaned a huge mess of dirty out of the bathroom (they play in the dirt then get it all over the bathroom when they go to wash their hands/face) they messed it up again with dirt and water all over the floor. They took out all my towels and wash clothes from the cabinet and had them all over the dirty wet floor.
Jackson update
It's amazing how often you can ask for help and just as you say it or they arrive, you don't need it anymore!! Jackson was ordered physical therapy for his low muscle tone that we knew was due to his small size and low nutrition. I called early intervention to set this up back in June and all in all it took about 2 months for his first true appt with Angie, his PT. His goals that were set up were to be able to sit without assistance. He turned 9 months and still was not sitting unsupported and his time sitting with support was limited. He is to get on his hands with straight arms, knees and crawl. He is to pull to standing and take a few step unassisted and more steps while holding onto someone's hands.
Angie seems to be a magical wand as every time she has come over, he does something he hasn't done before!!
Yesterday was his first appt. Already he is sitting up by himself, clapping his hands, he's not crawling but both arms are extended now and he's getting up and rocking on his knees. He's also attempting to pull himself to standing!! Angie was impressed, way to go Jacky!!!
Can we all just say a collective OMG?!
Angie seems to be a magical wand as every time she has come over, he does something he hasn't done before!!
Yesterday was his first appt. Already he is sitting up by himself, clapping his hands, he's not crawling but both arms are extended now and he's getting up and rocking on his knees. He's also attempting to pull himself to standing!! Angie was impressed, way to go Jacky!!!
Can we all just say a collective OMG?!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sonquest Rainforest VBS
Last Sunday I was checking the message board on my playgroup and saw that vacation bible school was starting in the morning at a local Baptist church and no pre-registration was required so just stop on by. It's from 3yrs - 6th grade. I was psyched that Joshy could go so that next morning, we were up, dressed, fed and to the church by 9am. It was a huge hit! The boys loved it. Wednesday was a little rough on Josh for some reason. He didn't want to leave home, then didn't want to get out of the car and then didn't want to go into the building. I dropped him off into his room and he screamed for less than 15mins and was fine the rest of the time and for the final 2 days. For him we called it school and that in itself I think did the trick.
Tonight was their end of the week program. My mom and sister came down to see the kids perform and oh man, they both did GREAT! I have video of their performances. The end song was all the kids K-6th grade but I had Josh go up too. Every day I'd pick up Josh first then go into the church where all the rest of the kids (K-6th) were practicing their songs...Joshy picked up on it and loved it so he was able to join the bigger kids and I think he did amazing given his age and limited exposure to the song/movements :) To see the lyrics and original movements you can click here The original recording of the songs are here
Here they are coming into church...
The opening song:
Tonight was their end of the week program. My mom and sister came down to see the kids perform and oh man, they both did GREAT! I have video of their performances. The end song was all the kids K-6th grade but I had Josh go up too. Every day I'd pick up Josh first then go into the church where all the rest of the kids (K-6th) were practicing their songs...Joshy picked up on it and loved it so he was able to join the bigger kids and I think he did amazing given his age and limited exposure to the song/movements :) To see the lyrics and original movements you can click here The original recording of the songs are here
Here they are coming into church...
The opening song:
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Summer is fast coming to an end
July was hectic to say the least. Every day there was something going on with Joey and during the week of the 12th it was two things every day. It was tiring and I'm glad it's over, but I miss it too. I'm sad that we've only got a month and a few days before school starts and my life changes forever. It will never be the same once Joey starts all day kindergarten.
In a couple weeks I'm going to have to start getting up about the same time as hubby leaves for work in the morning, 5-5:30am. At that time I can have some quiet time to myself, shower and get dressed for the day. Make Joey's lunch and start breakfast for the boys. Get Joey up by 6:30am, fed, showered and dressed. The other boys up around the same time and at least diapers changed and get them dressed appropriately for taking Joey to school. They can eat with Joey or when we get home, doesn't really matter.
Joey's dropped off at school before 8am then we come home. My time now to clean, do laundry, get the kids dressed that aren't already, get Josh ready for school, serve lunch, get Josh on the bus. Wednesdays Josh is home all day and Joey is home at 11:30am or 2pm depending on school's schedule. Tuesday we have PT for Jackson, Thursdays ST for Jon and Jackson. Friday morning grandma comes to care for Jackson and Josh in the morning while Jon and I go to Mommy and Me preschool. Joey is then picked up at 3pm and Josh gets home, on the bus, at some time around 3:20pm I'm guessing.
The days that my bff has to work I will also be bringing her daughter home with me so I'll have 5 kids for awhile. On Tuesdays she's going to come home with me and then she and Joey will be going to swimming class. Wednesdays though September only I have a class from 3:30pm-5pm. I don't have a clue how that's going to work? Joey wants to play soccer again this fall. Gotta find him a team (probably the YMCA).
I'm just exhausted thinking about it all and yet excited to have a schedule to run my life. I'm praying that this schedule will be only for the good for all of us.
Until then we just have to enjoy the great weather when we can. I'm not complaining, I love the heat over cold any day. However, the humidity here has been atrocious. The kids are red and sweaty after only 15-30mins of play some days. I can't breath outside! LOL I am not looking forward to winter. I think the driving the kids to and from school in the winter is going to be a nightmare but I am looking for a slight cool down, at least in the humidity.
At Jackson's 9 month well baby check up he was .... 13lbs 8oz and 25" long. I have a very old 4 month old! He's healthy though, just needs to bulk up the weight and we're using solids (no teeth) to do that. Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron too, she's sure he's anemic. Nothing serious though thank you God.
In a couple weeks I'm going to have to start getting up about the same time as hubby leaves for work in the morning, 5-5:30am. At that time I can have some quiet time to myself, shower and get dressed for the day. Make Joey's lunch and start breakfast for the boys. Get Joey up by 6:30am, fed, showered and dressed. The other boys up around the same time and at least diapers changed and get them dressed appropriately for taking Joey to school. They can eat with Joey or when we get home, doesn't really matter.
Joey's dropped off at school before 8am then we come home. My time now to clean, do laundry, get the kids dressed that aren't already, get Josh ready for school, serve lunch, get Josh on the bus. Wednesdays Josh is home all day and Joey is home at 11:30am or 2pm depending on school's schedule. Tuesday we have PT for Jackson, Thursdays ST for Jon and Jackson. Friday morning grandma comes to care for Jackson and Josh in the morning while Jon and I go to Mommy and Me preschool. Joey is then picked up at 3pm and Josh gets home, on the bus, at some time around 3:20pm I'm guessing.
The days that my bff has to work I will also be bringing her daughter home with me so I'll have 5 kids for awhile. On Tuesdays she's going to come home with me and then she and Joey will be going to swimming class. Wednesdays though September only I have a class from 3:30pm-5pm. I don't have a clue how that's going to work? Joey wants to play soccer again this fall. Gotta find him a team (probably the YMCA).
I'm just exhausted thinking about it all and yet excited to have a schedule to run my life. I'm praying that this schedule will be only for the good for all of us.
Until then we just have to enjoy the great weather when we can. I'm not complaining, I love the heat over cold any day. However, the humidity here has been atrocious. The kids are red and sweaty after only 15-30mins of play some days. I can't breath outside! LOL I am not looking forward to winter. I think the driving the kids to and from school in the winter is going to be a nightmare but I am looking for a slight cool down, at least in the humidity.
At Jackson's 9 month well baby check up he was .... 13lbs 8oz and 25" long. I have a very old 4 month old! He's healthy though, just needs to bulk up the weight and we're using solids (no teeth) to do that. Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron too, she's sure he's anemic. Nothing serious though thank you God.
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