Tuesday I went to school to eat lunch with Jackson. He sat near a girl named Anna Grace. He was showing off for her and was so excited to be near her. She completely played it cool and acted uninterested. I was proud of Jackson for not playing games:) and for being himself. It was slightly painful to watch him putting himself out there, but very interesting.
While at lunch, he said loudly, "I have 40 girlfriends! I just don't know who to choose!" Later that day, on our way home, he told me that he just didn't know who he would marry - Anna Grace, Cate, Natalie, or the numerous others. I told him he had plenty of time to figure that out and just to enjoy his friends. He has always noticed girls and when we initially asked him why the push to marry, he said, "Because I want to be a daddy!" The child loves babies and I think it is such a compliment to Jamie that he wants to be a dad.
Yesterday, Jackson told me he had a plan. "Mommy, I have figured out how to find a wife." I asked him how he was going to proceed. He explained: "I am going to give each girl a box of Legos. Whoever builds the best thing will win the contest and be my wife!" How funny that he is confident enough to believe these little ladies are in line to marry him but even more so... where in the world did he come up with that?
Jonathan and I spent the morning party hopping. He had his Christmas performance for Hand In Hand. I decided to take him at the last minute. They had a cowboy theme. Every other child was wearing denim except for him because I did not pay attention, thinking we would not be in attendance. Luckily, he wore a checked shirt and that blended well. I often dread these things because I spend the entire time running after him, disciplining him, apologizing for his behavior, etc. This morning he got on stage with his class and sang/danced. Once the music started, he shook his bell and his tiny buns. Then, he turned toward the audience, as if noticing them for the first time, and greeted them. He proceeded to try to adjust the mike and everyone laughed. That is all he needed. He hammed it up even more. I was filming it and my camera ran out of juice just as he licked the microphone. Classic.
Have a good evening,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Rest of September, October, and some of November
As to why I am just now updating our blog, here are my excuses: we got a camera that I have yet to figure out how to download the pictures - that is my main excuse. We have been busy with school, rearranging/organizing the house, enduring the stomach flu, and traveling.
For those of you who still check this, I hope you enjoy the pictures.
In September, we visited our best friends in Nashville. Jackson continued to adjust to school and finally decided he liked it. I never should have told him he was gone for seven hours, because that just adds to the misery. He recently started coming home with nightly homework and that has been difficult. There is quite a bit of information for me to remember between homework, secret share day, costume days, field trips, permission slips, picture forms, and volunteer work. I have messed up a few times and have been mortified, being the perfectionist I am. I have found it difficult to adjust as well - not to mention getting everyone going in the morning. Jack wakes up well - he is simply not cooperative about getting ready.:)
In late September we found out that I was pregnant again. This is my third pregnancy in the last year. I quit running , nervous something might happen. I was able to run with both boys but since I miscarried twice and was running both times, I thought I would eliminate any possibility of miscarrying due to too much jiggling. I was pretty nauseated until about a week ago, but I didn't care. I was glad because it meant someone was growing. Hopefully, this little person should arrive in late May.
In October, we had our annual fundraiser with PADS (Parent Advocates Down Syndrome). Only Jamie attended because Jonathan began throwing up the night before. Jamie was in charge of PR. Six days later, Jackson got it. Five days later I got it.:) We were supposed to go to SC to see Grammie and Grandpa but had to cancel. We trick-or-treated here and Jackson was bored. Next year we need to get together with friends and make it more exciting. Jonathan was ticked he had to stay in the stroller. It was rather chilly and Jack started sniffling more after that.
This month, both boys have had colds. Jackson can't shake a cough and we are hoping he will get over it in time for Thanksgiving. We went to Disney on the tail end of a trip Jamie had. Jonathan stayed with Nana and Pops. I picked Jack up from school and on the way to the airport, we called Jamie. He told Jackson where we were headed (we kept it a secret in case someone got sick). Jackson was so excited. He does not love plane trips (the taking off part) but was a pretty good traveler. We had to run through the Atlanta airport to make our second flight but we made it. Disney was overwhelming to him and he would have preferred swimming and watching TV in our room (our "apartment). We think we won't be going back anytime soon (unless it is just me and Jamie!). The next weekend we celebrated Jonathan's birthday in Columbia with Grammie and Grandpa. He got to have a Woody cake (he LOVES Woody and Thomas these days - "Doody"). It was a good visit and we head back for Christmas.
We are very thankful this season. It has been a year of adjustment - living in a new place, going through two miscarriages, and starting a new school. It is finally settling down around here only to get crazy in May!
Have a great week and I hope to stay on top of this better in the future!
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jackson and Davis on Labor Day weekend in Davis' yard.
Jonathan, Julie, Jayne, and Kate.
Kate, Chris, Jamie, and Jonathan.
Jackson and Jonathan wearing clothes Grammie sent.
Julie, Julie's aunt, Nancy, and Jamie (picture taken by Jackson).
Jonathan wearing converse hightops Aunt Betsy bought for Jackson!
Jonathan sitting in big brother's lap.
Jackson taking a closer look at some mold.
Jackson's class field trip to Aldridge Gardens.
Jonathan wearing Jack's helmet. He puts on the helmet, mounts
Jamie and his college friends on their annual golf trip in NC.
Jonathan busy writing.
Jackson, Jonathan, and Jamie's Uncle Benny.
Jackson wearing his Buzz Lightyear PJs on Pajama Day at school.
Jackson and Jonathan (wearing last year's costumes) on Halloween. As you can tell, Jackson was thrilled to be in this picture.
Jackson and Jamie ran in this year's annual Turkey Trot at Edgewood. Jackson finished! We talked a lot about finishing even if you can't win the whole race.:) We also had to talk about good sportsmanship as well, since Jackson asked a friend, "What happened to you? Why were you so far behind?" Nice.
Julie and Jackson at Magic Kingdom.
Jamie and Jackson on the carousel. This was one of Jackson's favorite rides. He did not like the sensation of going up and down on the rides so we had to force each one, after which he would say, "That was my favorite!" In between times, he would beg to go back to "the apartment" and the "Mickey Mouse pool."
Jackson on the Magic Carpet Ride. He did not want to do this but liked it afterwards.
Piglet was at lunch one day.
So was Eeyore. Jackson kept making Jamie take pictures with the characters. Jackson was overwhelmed at times.
Brook and Caroline are neighbors in Homewood and happened to be at Disney the same time we were with their parents, Forrest and Mendy.
Mendy, Forrest, Jamie, and Julie. Jackson took our picture. 
Jackson before the Buzz Lightyear ride.
Jackson took our picture at Hollywood Studios.
Jamie and Jackson on a speeder (?).
Jackson and I near the adat (sp?).
Jackson strapped to a rocket while we waited in line to see Buzz and Woody.
Jackson hugged Woody when he saw himm.
Buzz, Jackson, and Woody.
Jackson and Jamie driving.
Jack and Jamie drove again on Sunday.
Captain Hook, Jackson, and Mr. Smee. Jack did not enjoy waiting in line and announced he did not want his picture taken. I made him do it.:)
After waiting to do Jedi training and being unsuccessful, Jamie scouted out the Pirate Training and landed Jackson a position. Jack actually got to sword fight with Captain Jack Sparrow!
Going home, this is Julie and Jack at the restaurant in the Atlanta airport. We miss Jonathan!
For those of you who still check this, I hope you enjoy the pictures.
In September, we visited our best friends in Nashville. Jackson continued to adjust to school and finally decided he liked it. I never should have told him he was gone for seven hours, because that just adds to the misery. He recently started coming home with nightly homework and that has been difficult. There is quite a bit of information for me to remember between homework, secret share day, costume days, field trips, permission slips, picture forms, and volunteer work. I have messed up a few times and have been mortified, being the perfectionist I am. I have found it difficult to adjust as well - not to mention getting everyone going in the morning. Jack wakes up well - he is simply not cooperative about getting ready.:)
In late September we found out that I was pregnant again. This is my third pregnancy in the last year. I quit running , nervous something might happen. I was able to run with both boys but since I miscarried twice and was running both times, I thought I would eliminate any possibility of miscarrying due to too much jiggling. I was pretty nauseated until about a week ago, but I didn't care. I was glad because it meant someone was growing. Hopefully, this little person should arrive in late May.
In October, we had our annual fundraiser with PADS (Parent Advocates Down Syndrome). Only Jamie attended because Jonathan began throwing up the night before. Jamie was in charge of PR. Six days later, Jackson got it. Five days later I got it.:) We were supposed to go to SC to see Grammie and Grandpa but had to cancel. We trick-or-treated here and Jackson was bored. Next year we need to get together with friends and make it more exciting. Jonathan was ticked he had to stay in the stroller. It was rather chilly and Jack started sniffling more after that.
This month, both boys have had colds. Jackson can't shake a cough and we are hoping he will get over it in time for Thanksgiving. We went to Disney on the tail end of a trip Jamie had. Jonathan stayed with Nana and Pops. I picked Jack up from school and on the way to the airport, we called Jamie. He told Jackson where we were headed (we kept it a secret in case someone got sick). Jackson was so excited. He does not love plane trips (the taking off part) but was a pretty good traveler. We had to run through the Atlanta airport to make our second flight but we made it. Disney was overwhelming to him and he would have preferred swimming and watching TV in our room (our "apartment). We think we won't be going back anytime soon (unless it is just me and Jamie!). The next weekend we celebrated Jonathan's birthday in Columbia with Grammie and Grandpa. He got to have a Woody cake (he LOVES Woody and Thomas these days - "Doody"). It was a good visit and we head back for Christmas.
We are very thankful this season. It has been a year of adjustment - living in a new place, going through two miscarriages, and starting a new school. It is finally settling down around here only to get crazy in May!
Have a great week and I hope to stay on top of this better in the future!
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jackson and Davis on Labor Day weekend in Davis' yard.
Jonathan, Julie, Jayne, and Kate.
Kate, Chris, Jamie, and Jonathan.
Jackson and Jonathan wearing clothes Grammie sent.
Julie, Julie's aunt, Nancy, and Jamie (picture taken by Jackson).
Jonathan wearing converse hightops Aunt Betsy bought for Jackson!
Jonathan sitting in big brother's lap.
Jackson taking a closer look at some mold.
Jackson's class field trip to Aldridge Gardens.
Jonathan wearing Jack's helmet. He puts on the helmet, mountsJackson's bike, rides, gets off, takes off the helmet, and does it all over. A vicious "cycle."
Jamie and his college friends on their annual golf trip in NC.
Jonathan busy writing.
Jackson, Jonathan, and Jamie's Uncle Benny.
Jackson wearing his Buzz Lightyear PJs on Pajama Day at school.
Jackson and Jonathan (wearing last year's costumes) on Halloween. As you can tell, Jackson was thrilled to be in this picture.
Jackson and Jamie ran in this year's annual Turkey Trot at Edgewood. Jackson finished! We talked a lot about finishing even if you can't win the whole race.:) We also had to talk about good sportsmanship as well, since Jackson asked a friend, "What happened to you? Why were you so far behind?" Nice.
Julie and Jackson at Magic Kingdom.
Jamie and Jackson on the carousel. This was one of Jackson's favorite rides. He did not like the sensation of going up and down on the rides so we had to force each one, after which he would say, "That was my favorite!" In between times, he would beg to go back to "the apartment" and the "Mickey Mouse pool."
Jackson on the Magic Carpet Ride. He did not want to do this but liked it afterwards.
Piglet was at lunch one day.
So was Eeyore. Jackson kept making Jamie take pictures with the characters. Jackson was overwhelmed at times.
Brook and Caroline are neighbors in Homewood and happened to be at Disney the same time we were with their parents, Forrest and Mendy.
Mendy, Forrest, Jamie, and Julie. Jackson took our picture. 
Jackson before the Buzz Lightyear ride.
Jackson took our picture at Hollywood Studios.
Jamie and Jackson on a speeder (?).
Jackson and I near the adat (sp?).
Jackson strapped to a rocket while we waited in line to see Buzz and Woody.
Jackson hugged Woody when he saw himm.
Buzz, Jackson, and Woody.
Jackson and Jamie driving.
Jack and Jamie drove again on Sunday.
Captain Hook, Jackson, and Mr. Smee. Jack did not enjoy waiting in line and announced he did not want his picture taken. I made him do it.:)
After waiting to do Jedi training and being unsuccessful, Jamie scouted out the Pirate Training and landed Jackson a position. Jack actually got to sword fight with Captain Jack Sparrow!
Going home, this is Julie and Jack at the restaurant in the Atlanta airport. We miss Jonathan! Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Kindergarten Update and Jonathan's Behavior Issues
Since last I wrote, Jackson has adjusted to kindergarten. I thought for a while there that I was going to have to homeschool him. Over the summer I wondered if God had given me a background in education for a reason and I would need to commence homeschooling. Ugh! Homeschooling is not what it used to be, but it seemed so overwhelming. That is not a challenge I want in my life right now. Thankfully, Jackson seemed more enamored with his school starting with week three. The first two weeks, Jackson was not accustomed to the rules or to sitting down. Now that he is used to the structure, he seems more settled and excited.
The kids have "specials" or electives every day. There are seven classes of kindergarten but only five electives to attend. As I understand it, two classes were farmed out to the other five during this portion of the day. One day, Jackson got separated from the class and came home upset about that. However, the positive is that he has met fifteen other kids he would not have.
Jack loves PE and lunch. He is writing a lot and comes home with books he has made. He seems to like all the kids in his class and his teacher. He is reluctant to hug her which is odd. He told her he only hugs family members (lie). He is in love with a girl named Jewels. He has decided he will marry her. He loves the ladies!
After school I meet him outside. We walk through the alley with his friends from preschool. That seems to be a great end to the day. He calls them his "Star Wars Buddies." Often, Jackson simply wants to return home and play. We are not doing any after school activities - he is uninterested in soccer or tee ball. I am disappointed that he does not want to play sports. However, I am thankful because it makes our lives less chaotic. There will be enough time for that.
Jonathan continues to challenge us in the arena of behavior. Over Labor Day weekend, we went to see our best friends in Nashville. They have Kate (2) and Davis (6, soon to be 7). Jonathan pulled Kate's hair out of her head. We thought he did it in response to her trying to scare him. While we did admonish him, we thought it was an isolated incident. We returned to school last week only to have him do it again at Hand In Hand, to a little girl who is so sweet to him no less! I came to pick him up last Tuesday afternoon and he had a write up. I was so embarrassed - I started talking to the teacher, trying to explain we discipline at home and we didn't stand for that at home, etc. I was trying to convince her I was a good mom but all I got was this expressionless look. I needed her to say that other kids did this, he would grow out of it, etc. She simply appeared bored.
We returned Thursday. As I dropped him off, the little girl whose hair he pulled, trotted up to greet him. He started to gently touch her face while "oohing" and "aahing" - many find this charming. We have noticed that this sweet sound is often made while disobeying or before an unkind act may occur. Sure enough, he stroked the little girl's face and then reared back and popped her right in the cheek. I jumped and said, "Oh!" as did his teacher and the little girl. I panicked and thought, "What do I do? We are not on our turf. I have to act quickly..." I made him apologize and ran to the bathroom where he was promptly disciplined. I requested to speak to the director. I explained what happened and proceeded to plead for affirmation again. She was most kind and I felt better. I was nervous about returning to the classroom, embarrassed to show my face. But, we did. I dropped him off, attempted a joke, and left. When I came back in the afternoon, he had not slapped anyone again. Thank goodness.
One of the therapists gave me a book entitled "Love and Logic." It is quite logical and is opposed to spanking. It has a lot of great stories. The main gist is that you don't react with anger. You administer discipline with empathy. You give your kids lots of choices so when you have to make them, they are more compliant. We shall see how this works. I just want them to tell me how to get my kid to quit slapping and pulling hair.
Jonathan is making poor behavior choices but he is also imitating our behavior as well. He is such the mimic... We went to the park with friends a few weeks ago. I was pushing Jonathan in the swing and he started yelling - kind of a fake scream. I didn't know what he was doing. My friend, Elisabeth said, "Look - he is imitating you. Jake (her two-year-old) does that." I had never identified this behavior as such. Jonathan, instead of cupping his hands around his mouth, will place the palms of his hands under his chin, fingers facing outward, and yell, "Jasson! Jasson!" Then he will motion with his hand "come here." It is quite funny. Since we figured out what he was doing, I get him to do it all the time.
I have not become adept at applying "love and logic" yet but I am working on it... We were out to lunch on Saturday with friends. Jonathan again swatted so we put him in time out. We were outside near a fountain. So, we took Jonathan's portable chair, strapped him in, and placed it on the ground. Within seconds, we heard a commotion. We turned around and found him walking around with the entire seat strapped to his rear. He ran around like it wasn't even there. Jamie and I, along with our friend, Suzanne, started laughing. So much for time out in a public place. I guess that won't work unless it is secured to a chair.
I keep thinking that I will "arrive" as a parent. I came to the conclusion this week that there is no way that will ever happen!
Have a great week,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jackson and Jonathan on Jack's first day of school.
Jackson with is supplies.
Jackson was intent on wearing his Star Wars t-shirt.
We drove close to the school, then got out and walked Jack to his classroom. We were allowed to walk him the first week. The next Monday, we were all met at the door and told we could not walk our kids any further.
Jackson on the first day at his table.
This is Jack's classroom. Jamie was taking pictures and hovering in the doorway! He wanted to make sure Jack was okay. We sure weren't!
The kids have "specials" or electives every day. There are seven classes of kindergarten but only five electives to attend. As I understand it, two classes were farmed out to the other five during this portion of the day. One day, Jackson got separated from the class and came home upset about that. However, the positive is that he has met fifteen other kids he would not have.
Jack loves PE and lunch. He is writing a lot and comes home with books he has made. He seems to like all the kids in his class and his teacher. He is reluctant to hug her which is odd. He told her he only hugs family members (lie). He is in love with a girl named Jewels. He has decided he will marry her. He loves the ladies!
After school I meet him outside. We walk through the alley with his friends from preschool. That seems to be a great end to the day. He calls them his "Star Wars Buddies." Often, Jackson simply wants to return home and play. We are not doing any after school activities - he is uninterested in soccer or tee ball. I am disappointed that he does not want to play sports. However, I am thankful because it makes our lives less chaotic. There will be enough time for that.
Jonathan continues to challenge us in the arena of behavior. Over Labor Day weekend, we went to see our best friends in Nashville. They have Kate (2) and Davis (6, soon to be 7). Jonathan pulled Kate's hair out of her head. We thought he did it in response to her trying to scare him. While we did admonish him, we thought it was an isolated incident. We returned to school last week only to have him do it again at Hand In Hand, to a little girl who is so sweet to him no less! I came to pick him up last Tuesday afternoon and he had a write up. I was so embarrassed - I started talking to the teacher, trying to explain we discipline at home and we didn't stand for that at home, etc. I was trying to convince her I was a good mom but all I got was this expressionless look. I needed her to say that other kids did this, he would grow out of it, etc. She simply appeared bored.
We returned Thursday. As I dropped him off, the little girl whose hair he pulled, trotted up to greet him. He started to gently touch her face while "oohing" and "aahing" - many find this charming. We have noticed that this sweet sound is often made while disobeying or before an unkind act may occur. Sure enough, he stroked the little girl's face and then reared back and popped her right in the cheek. I jumped and said, "Oh!" as did his teacher and the little girl. I panicked and thought, "What do I do? We are not on our turf. I have to act quickly..." I made him apologize and ran to the bathroom where he was promptly disciplined. I requested to speak to the director. I explained what happened and proceeded to plead for affirmation again. She was most kind and I felt better. I was nervous about returning to the classroom, embarrassed to show my face. But, we did. I dropped him off, attempted a joke, and left. When I came back in the afternoon, he had not slapped anyone again. Thank goodness.
One of the therapists gave me a book entitled "Love and Logic." It is quite logical and is opposed to spanking. It has a lot of great stories. The main gist is that you don't react with anger. You administer discipline with empathy. You give your kids lots of choices so when you have to make them, they are more compliant. We shall see how this works. I just want them to tell me how to get my kid to quit slapping and pulling hair.
Jonathan is making poor behavior choices but he is also imitating our behavior as well. He is such the mimic... We went to the park with friends a few weeks ago. I was pushing Jonathan in the swing and he started yelling - kind of a fake scream. I didn't know what he was doing. My friend, Elisabeth said, "Look - he is imitating you. Jake (her two-year-old) does that." I had never identified this behavior as such. Jonathan, instead of cupping his hands around his mouth, will place the palms of his hands under his chin, fingers facing outward, and yell, "Jasson! Jasson!" Then he will motion with his hand "come here." It is quite funny. Since we figured out what he was doing, I get him to do it all the time.
I have not become adept at applying "love and logic" yet but I am working on it... We were out to lunch on Saturday with friends. Jonathan again swatted so we put him in time out. We were outside near a fountain. So, we took Jonathan's portable chair, strapped him in, and placed it on the ground. Within seconds, we heard a commotion. We turned around and found him walking around with the entire seat strapped to his rear. He ran around like it wasn't even there. Jamie and I, along with our friend, Suzanne, started laughing. So much for time out in a public place. I guess that won't work unless it is secured to a chair.
I keep thinking that I will "arrive" as a parent. I came to the conclusion this week that there is no way that will ever happen!
Have a great week,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jackson and Jonathan on Jack's first day of school.
Jackson with is supplies.
Jackson was intent on wearing his Star Wars t-shirt.
We drove close to the school, then got out and walked Jack to his classroom. We were allowed to walk him the first week. The next Monday, we were all met at the door and told we could not walk our kids any further.
Jackson on the first day at his table.
This is Jack's classroom. Jamie was taking pictures and hovering in the doorway! He wanted to make sure Jack was okay. We sure weren't!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Our Baby Started School
I was both dreading 11 August 2008 and anticipating it all summer. Last Monday Jackson started his first day of kindergarten. The Thursday before we had orientation. We brought Jackson to school and were introduced to his teacher. At one point his teacher took him and his classmates to her classroom so we could listen to the principal. I turned to Jamie with tears in my eyes and said, "I don't think I can do this." Thankfully, he knew two other students and did not seem upset. We came and got him after the meeting - he seemed very excited.
Monday, the 11th came. We walked him in and he bravely went into his classroom and got settled. I felt fine because he didn't cry. I knew he was trying to be brave. Jamie kept hovering in the doorway, taking pictures. I asked him if we could go and he said he wanted to make sure Jack was okay. I left and went toward the little theater where the PTO was hosting a "Sip 'n' Sob." We met a few parents but mostly chased Jonathan around. Jonathan was actually a great distraction that day.
When I picked Jackson up that day, he was overwhelmed. He seemed okay when he got in the car but said, "Mommy, I just don't want to talk about it." Well, of course, I did - I had been dying to know how the day went. I tried to pepper him with questions without being found out. I figured out that he was overwhelmed, he was learning a lot of new rules, he had to sit more than he was used to, and he had to be quiet a lot.
Each day of last week he would come home tired. He would say he liked PE, lunch, his teacher, and his classmates but that he didn't want to go back. On Friday he burst into tears. He said he "got on yellow." They have a traffic light system and he moved from green to yellow. He said, "Mommy, I can't remember all the rules and I am making too many mistakes. I never want to come back!" I told him that is was okay and he said, "It is?" He must have thought we would be really upset. I explained to him that we all make mistakes and that he would make more. The important thing was to obey and be respectful.
Personally, I struggle with perfectionism and I see hints of it in him from time to time. I want him to know he needs to do his best but he needs to move on when that doesn't happen. My identity was so wrapped up in performance all my life because school and other things came so easily. Then, when life became difficult in different areas, I did not adjust well. I am hoping to help him avoid this line of thinking.
This week has been better. He told me Monday morning that he was not going to school. I informed him he was and he said, "Okay." He came home saying it was not boring (the first day he said that) and he liked it. The rest of the week has been much better and I am so grateful.
Another neat thing that has transpired is that he appears to be attentive to the feelings of others. There was a child who had a hard time and Jackson helped him when they made transitions from room to room. After school one day, he was telling his friends good-bye. He hugged one kid and then another appeared, looking like he wanted a hug, too. A dad and I looked at each other and laughed. I said, "That's sweet because he doesn't know that that isn't cool!"
Jonathan has enjoyed picking Jackson up as well. I really think he misses his big brother. When we get home, Jackson wants to unwind. Jonathan comes up and smacks him hoping for a fight. It is quite funny to watch.
Jonathan has been quite the challenge lately but I am happy to report that he has eaten peanut butter and jelly, pork, lasagna, and pizza as of late. He used to eat anything and then over a year ago, he reduced what he would eat probably by 75%. Tonight we went out to eat with friends and it is the first night in close to a year I have not packed him dinner and taken it with us. It sounds so minute, but what a victory! What a stress reliever!
Have a great week!
Julie
juliewarren73@charter.net
Monday, the 11th came. We walked him in and he bravely went into his classroom and got settled. I felt fine because he didn't cry. I knew he was trying to be brave. Jamie kept hovering in the doorway, taking pictures. I asked him if we could go and he said he wanted to make sure Jack was okay. I left and went toward the little theater where the PTO was hosting a "Sip 'n' Sob." We met a few parents but mostly chased Jonathan around. Jonathan was actually a great distraction that day.
When I picked Jackson up that day, he was overwhelmed. He seemed okay when he got in the car but said, "Mommy, I just don't want to talk about it." Well, of course, I did - I had been dying to know how the day went. I tried to pepper him with questions without being found out. I figured out that he was overwhelmed, he was learning a lot of new rules, he had to sit more than he was used to, and he had to be quiet a lot.
Each day of last week he would come home tired. He would say he liked PE, lunch, his teacher, and his classmates but that he didn't want to go back. On Friday he burst into tears. He said he "got on yellow." They have a traffic light system and he moved from green to yellow. He said, "Mommy, I can't remember all the rules and I am making too many mistakes. I never want to come back!" I told him that is was okay and he said, "It is?" He must have thought we would be really upset. I explained to him that we all make mistakes and that he would make more. The important thing was to obey and be respectful.
Personally, I struggle with perfectionism and I see hints of it in him from time to time. I want him to know he needs to do his best but he needs to move on when that doesn't happen. My identity was so wrapped up in performance all my life because school and other things came so easily. Then, when life became difficult in different areas, I did not adjust well. I am hoping to help him avoid this line of thinking.
This week has been better. He told me Monday morning that he was not going to school. I informed him he was and he said, "Okay." He came home saying it was not boring (the first day he said that) and he liked it. The rest of the week has been much better and I am so grateful.
Another neat thing that has transpired is that he appears to be attentive to the feelings of others. There was a child who had a hard time and Jackson helped him when they made transitions from room to room. After school one day, he was telling his friends good-bye. He hugged one kid and then another appeared, looking like he wanted a hug, too. A dad and I looked at each other and laughed. I said, "That's sweet because he doesn't know that that isn't cool!"
Jonathan has enjoyed picking Jackson up as well. I really think he misses his big brother. When we get home, Jackson wants to unwind. Jonathan comes up and smacks him hoping for a fight. It is quite funny to watch.
Jonathan has been quite the challenge lately but I am happy to report that he has eaten peanut butter and jelly, pork, lasagna, and pizza as of late. He used to eat anything and then over a year ago, he reduced what he would eat probably by 75%. Tonight we went out to eat with friends and it is the first night in close to a year I have not packed him dinner and taken it with us. It sounds so minute, but what a victory! What a stress reliever!
Have a great week!
Julie
juliewarren73@charter.net
Monday, July 28, 2008
Rest of June and July 2008
Lounging with the cousins at the beach.
Jackson, Daddy, and Jonathan at Big Kahuna's.
Grammie, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Gail, and Julie (no, I am not pregnant).
Uncle Steve and Jonathan.
Jonathan and Grammie playing with bubbles on Grammie's back porch.
Jonathan loves riding on everyone's back these days.
Jackson and his friend, Ashby at our house.
Joshua, Jackson, Jonathan, and Hannah. Hannah and Joshua's mom, Emily, and I grew up together.
I looked up our blog to see when last I posted and I was shocked to discover it has been seven weeks! Sorry about that. I know you all are just dying to know what our family has been up to! Ha!
We spent the second week of June thankful that Jackson recovered from his tonsilectomy. Our ENT had told us that when patients of the DS persuasion have their adenoids removed, their speech can actually become more high-pitched. That had been on the brain so after Jackson's tonsils were gone, we started noticing his voice had become higher pitched. Not only that, but he had acquired a northern accent.:) I am not kidding. As he continued healing, his voice returned back to normal - I guess he was compensating because of his pain.
It was hard keeping Jackson down. After the first day, he told me he was tired of movies and ice cream. I thought surely that novelty would last a week. I was wrong. He was pitiful because he did not enjoy laying around as we thought he might. The pain worsened with each day but he did not complain much. He awoke crying each night. Once he quit doing that (around day nine), we knew things were looking up.
We went to the beach with Jamie's family the third week of June. By then, Jackson was jumping into the pool and ocean and yelling. Going on vacation with family is stressful for me because we are all in the same place and Jonathan and Jackson are early risers. While everyone says "Oh, we don't mind" when the boys are yelling/screeching/screaming at 7am, I am on pins and needles. Frankly, it is because I would mind. If my kids were good sleepers and my nephews were going crazy, I would have a hard time not feeling mildly hostile that my vacation sleep was interrupted.
By the third or fourth morning, we figured out we should leave the house. The next morning, I left Jonathan in bed and he was fine. The yelling starts when he is around everyone else and cannot contain his excitement. Once he starts talking more, I am sure the noisemaking will lessen.
We left the beach early to attend my brother's wedding. Jamie was a groomsman, I read scripture, and the boys were ring bearers - I was on edge again because we were all in the wedding and I was afraid the boys would steal the show by pulling some stunt. The boys both wore tuxes and Jackson basically pulled Jonathan down the aisle. Once the arrived at the end of the aisle, I grabbed Jonathan and handed him off the Jamie's parents. They did not see much of the wedding, I am afraid, but I was so grateful that Jonathan's "comments" were not distracting for the guests.
I think I have mentioned this before... Jonathan is a bit of a music nazi. When he wants to listen to music, he signs "music." When he is tired of the current song and wants a new one, he furiously signs "music" again. If you don't catch the hint, he gets loud. We were at the reception and music was playing. Both boys started dancing because we had several of the songs on our iPods at home that were played on the dancefloor. Jamie walked over and said, "Wouldn't it be funny if Jonathan approached the DJ signing "music" if he didn't like the song?" We wouldn't put it past the little guy.
Upon our return home, Jackson attended Art Camp. It was held at his preschool and he was confused. "I thought I was going to elementary school next, Mom," he said. He had graduated from preschool, we had made a big to-do about it, and then he didn't understand why he went back. Oh, well. It was something he could do this summer that got him out of the house, time away, and I felt like he was in a safe place.
In July, my mom and Betsy came to stay with the boys while Jamie and I went to Mexico with our small group from church. We went to Mexico City with a group of 12 people. Our contact was a man who used to live in Birmingham that recommitted his life to Christ while here but who returned to Mexico to work in the field of education and to serve his church. He put in extra hours before we came so he could work with us while we were there.
We spent the week trying to communicate with the locals. We had one member of our team who spoke Spanish fairly well. However, he wasn't with us in the mornings. Jamie had two years of Spanish in high school and two years in college. Jamie acclimates well to new surroundings, and, just like I thought he would, he became our main interpreter. The rest of us smiled a lot and tried our best.
We typically did some sort of construction in the mornings and then conducted carnivals in the afternoon for children and the community. We had face painting, nail painting, tatoos, a trampoline, an inflatable, jumprope, and then a gospel presentation at the conclusion. Basically, we were the draw - the Americans. The Mexicans had a great program and just let us be a part.
My experience this year in Mexico was the same as last year in Venezuela in that I was served more that I served and I was amazed at these people's hearts. They have so little and gave so much. They were so kind to us and sacrificed their time by spending it with us.
One thing that I won't forget is the way they prayed for us. They would encircle us and all pray for us at the same time, knowing God would hear their individual prayers. So, as we stood there, tears streamed down my cheeks each time as a whole host of voices prayed over us. I kept thinking, "This must be what heaven will be like - all of us speaking in our own language."
We arrived home on our eleventh wedding anniversary, July 19. Mom and Betsy kept the boys safe and occupied and were exhausted. They served by taking care of the boys so we could go.
Last week we caught up.
This week we are doing Back Yard Bible Clubs - our church's version of Vacation Bible School. I am helping with food - I am not teaching.
I will post some pix from Mexico later... Here is some video...
Julie
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jonathan told me he wasn't hungry and then I found him like this...
We were all in the kitchen. I had my back turned, cooking. Jamie was helping Jackson. I heard spoon against glass, turned around, and saw this...
Dancing cousins...
Uncle Ryan throwing Jonathan up in the air.
Jackson dancing to "Bullet Train."
Monday, June 09, 2008
Update on Jack and The Apple Store Fiasco
Jackson is doing well. We are keeping him down which he finds most depressing. His voice is odd - we are hoping he is just compensating for pain. He is not himself still but we are glad that he is eating, talking, and moving around. He has not complained much - he just hasn't been himself. We have been concerned about bleeding and that is supposed to be an issue for another week - not too much activity to keep blood pressure down. We head to the beach next week and my brother's wedding the following weekend. We hope Jackson will recover enough to enjoy it!
Here is a really interesting story, something that happened to me recently...
About a month ago, I headed to the Apple Store to see if they could revive my iPod. When I walked into the store, I noticed a young girl that looked familiar. As the clerk was finishing up with me, a woman sidled up. I realized she was the mother of the girl I had seen. I realized that the girl was a former student.
I greeted the mother and she asked if I was Mrs. Warren who taught seventh grade math. I smiled and said "yes" and inquired after her daughter. She said, "She is doing great despite you." I took a double-take and it all came back. This woman had been most caustic and abusive when I had her daughter. I said, "Is the only reason you came over here to talk to me was to say that?" She said, "It sure is!" and I replied, "Then I think we are done here." However, she kept talking as she nervously pulled at the skin on her neck. I could tell she was most agitated and the thought ran through my mind that maybe she was certifibly crazy - she was fuming and behaving as if what she was angry about had happened just yesterday. I decided to let her talk - maybe I needed to listen. Maybe I had done something for which I needed to apologize. As she rambled on and on, I prayed for guidance. Left to my own devices, I might scratch her eyes out or slice her to nothing with my words, and well, that wouldn't be very good, would it?:)
This is how the conversation went (this is my version, as accurate as I remember):
Mother: You know, you were the most hated teacher at the school. We all would sit around and just talk about you.
Me: Really? That's unfortunate.
Mother: Because of you, countless lives were ruined.
Me: What do you mean?
Mother: Parents trusted your recommendations for eighth grade math and then their children were unable to attend the college of their choice because you did not recommend them for the advanced eighth grade class.
Me: How was that my fault?
Mother: After eighth grade, they could no longer get on the advanced math track and, subsequently, were unable to be as competitive for college applications. Do you know how competitive college is?
Me: Yes, I am aware of that.
Mother: Did you all just sit around and try to think of ways to keep children out of advanced math? Why was your department so punitive?
Me: No, we did not. I was not responsible for the structure of the math classes in the school system. Before I recommended a student for the following year, I looked at as many scores as I could, the kids' performance in my class, etc. and then I wore the other teachers out with trying to see what they thought. They used to make fun of me because I would agonize over it so.
Mother: Well, my child just LOVED the eighth grade teacher and had a great year with her.
Me: Well, the eighth grade teacher looked over my recommendations before I gave them.
Mother: (A little deflated.) Who do I need to talk to now to change the way the math department conducts itself?
Me: I am not sure - I haven't worked there for five years. (I am wondering why she feels it is necessary to change it now?)
Mother: You just don't know what it is like to have someone tell your child they can't do something.
Me: I think I will - I have a child with DS.
Mother: Well, I hope people are kinder to your child than you were to mine.
Me: I was NEVER unkind to your child.
Mother: Oh, yes you were! You told her she was incapable and stupid (her interpretation of my recommendation that her child take regular math rather than advanced after a struggle all year in my class).
Me: Are you serious? I NEVER said anything like that! That NEVER crossed my mind!
Mother: In her senior year her calculus teacher told her that she was bright. She said, "Oh, no I'm not. You should talk to my seventh grade math teacher."
Me: I am so sorry she had such a terrible experience with me. I am also sorry for you, carrying this around for - what? - ten years? Where is she? Can I talk to her?
Mother: Well... yes, you can talk to her. She is out in the car. She will be nice to you - she is a very nice girl.
Me: I am sure she will be - I remember her being so...
Mother: You know, each year in my daughter's math class, your chapter three test would come up. You know - the test where the Venn diagram question was worth 20 points and if you missed all of it, you were down to an 80?
Me: No, I am sorry. I don't remember that one. I wrote new tests every year.
(We walk out to the car together.)
Me: Student, your mom has been telling me what an awful experience you had in my class.
(Student nods her head.)
Mother: Honey, remember that chapter three test?
(Student nods her head and smiles and I feel like I have entered the Twilight Zone.)
Me: Your mom also tells me your perception of me is that I thought you were stupid.
(Student nods her head, looking bored.)
Me: I am sorry that you had such a bad experience in my class. Just so you know, I never said you were stupid nor did I ever think it. It sounds like you are doing very well despite your experience with me - congratulations! I wish you continued success.
At that point, I walked off. I couldn't find my car and laughed to myself. I was shaking and did not want to let on. I felt like I had been kicked. The mother wanted to catch me by surprise. She did. Her cruelty was both shocking and terribly pathetic.
The interesting thing is that the mother overrode my recommendation for her child that year and placed her in advanced eighth grade math anyway. Her fury was rooted in the fact that she took my recommendation to mean her child was not smart and she poisoned her child into letting her think that. Her child did struggle in my class and interpreted that to mean I thought she was stupid. My class was difficult, especially for children who were not prepared or who had not yet developed higher level thinking skills. I was responsible for assuming kids from four different elementary schools were starting out at the same level. Not only were they from four different schools but often at least thirty percent were not recommended and placed there by their parents. So, I was expected to teach advanced students but spent most of my time dealing with the kids for whom the class was not intended.
Add to all this that some kids did mature over the summer and could do the eighth grade advanced class. However, my recommendation was based on how they performed in my class and on scores. I explained to this mother that this time of year was most difficult for me because I wanted to place each child correctly. I prayed over those recommendations and drove the other teachers crazy trying to get them to help me so I would not make mistakes. I knew the students (and their parents) took this very personally.
After my experience at that school, I realized many things. If my child cannot handle a class on his own, I will not push him to be in it. If my child does not develop a personal relationship with his teacher, we will talk about how it is not a rejection of him. If my child performs poorly in a class after having given it his best shot (this girl did work hard), we will talk about how it is not a reflection on his intelligence. Finally, I will not be that parent who is vindictive. I realize that when it comes to your child, it is hard not to take their struggles personally. I knew that before I had kids. I am hoping I will respond differently.
I have been wronged before by people from whom I didn't expect it and carried it around far too long. I realize now that the way those people treated me was not right but it also was not personal. This mother and I have something in common - we both carried around our hurt too long and became vicious, reliving it any time an event triggered our hurt. As I looked at her while she hissed at me, I saw myself and felt blessed - blessed to have been given a picture of how I look when I carry unforgiveness in my heart. This woman hurt me but she really hurt herself and her daughter far worse. In fact, she taught her daughter a terrible lesson - one she may be unable to unlearn for some time and I grieve that for her. Through a contact, I actually discovered that this mother has another child at my old school, currently in the seventh grade. This mother has been abusing his seventh grade teacher. While I feel sorry for that teacher, the mother's reaction to me made so much more sense.
If you were having a bad day, do you feel better?:) Ha! You never know what each day might bring, do you?
Julie:)
juliewarren@mindspring.com
Here is a really interesting story, something that happened to me recently...
About a month ago, I headed to the Apple Store to see if they could revive my iPod. When I walked into the store, I noticed a young girl that looked familiar. As the clerk was finishing up with me, a woman sidled up. I realized she was the mother of the girl I had seen. I realized that the girl was a former student.
I greeted the mother and she asked if I was Mrs. Warren who taught seventh grade math. I smiled and said "yes" and inquired after her daughter. She said, "She is doing great despite you." I took a double-take and it all came back. This woman had been most caustic and abusive when I had her daughter. I said, "Is the only reason you came over here to talk to me was to say that?" She said, "It sure is!" and I replied, "Then I think we are done here." However, she kept talking as she nervously pulled at the skin on her neck. I could tell she was most agitated and the thought ran through my mind that maybe she was certifibly crazy - she was fuming and behaving as if what she was angry about had happened just yesterday. I decided to let her talk - maybe I needed to listen. Maybe I had done something for which I needed to apologize. As she rambled on and on, I prayed for guidance. Left to my own devices, I might scratch her eyes out or slice her to nothing with my words, and well, that wouldn't be very good, would it?:)
This is how the conversation went (this is my version, as accurate as I remember):
Mother: You know, you were the most hated teacher at the school. We all would sit around and just talk about you.
Me: Really? That's unfortunate.
Mother: Because of you, countless lives were ruined.
Me: What do you mean?
Mother: Parents trusted your recommendations for eighth grade math and then their children were unable to attend the college of their choice because you did not recommend them for the advanced eighth grade class.
Me: How was that my fault?
Mother: After eighth grade, they could no longer get on the advanced math track and, subsequently, were unable to be as competitive for college applications. Do you know how competitive college is?
Me: Yes, I am aware of that.
Mother: Did you all just sit around and try to think of ways to keep children out of advanced math? Why was your department so punitive?
Me: No, we did not. I was not responsible for the structure of the math classes in the school system. Before I recommended a student for the following year, I looked at as many scores as I could, the kids' performance in my class, etc. and then I wore the other teachers out with trying to see what they thought. They used to make fun of me because I would agonize over it so.
Mother: Well, my child just LOVED the eighth grade teacher and had a great year with her.
Me: Well, the eighth grade teacher looked over my recommendations before I gave them.
Mother: (A little deflated.) Who do I need to talk to now to change the way the math department conducts itself?
Me: I am not sure - I haven't worked there for five years. (I am wondering why she feels it is necessary to change it now?)
Mother: You just don't know what it is like to have someone tell your child they can't do something.
Me: I think I will - I have a child with DS.
Mother: Well, I hope people are kinder to your child than you were to mine.
Me: I was NEVER unkind to your child.
Mother: Oh, yes you were! You told her she was incapable and stupid (her interpretation of my recommendation that her child take regular math rather than advanced after a struggle all year in my class).
Me: Are you serious? I NEVER said anything like that! That NEVER crossed my mind!
Mother: In her senior year her calculus teacher told her that she was bright. She said, "Oh, no I'm not. You should talk to my seventh grade math teacher."
Me: I am so sorry she had such a terrible experience with me. I am also sorry for you, carrying this around for - what? - ten years? Where is she? Can I talk to her?
Mother: Well... yes, you can talk to her. She is out in the car. She will be nice to you - she is a very nice girl.
Me: I am sure she will be - I remember her being so...
Mother: You know, each year in my daughter's math class, your chapter three test would come up. You know - the test where the Venn diagram question was worth 20 points and if you missed all of it, you were down to an 80?
Me: No, I am sorry. I don't remember that one. I wrote new tests every year.
(We walk out to the car together.)
Me: Student, your mom has been telling me what an awful experience you had in my class.
(Student nods her head.)
Mother: Honey, remember that chapter three test?
(Student nods her head and smiles and I feel like I have entered the Twilight Zone.)
Me: Your mom also tells me your perception of me is that I thought you were stupid.
(Student nods her head, looking bored.)
Me: I am sorry that you had such a bad experience in my class. Just so you know, I never said you were stupid nor did I ever think it. It sounds like you are doing very well despite your experience with me - congratulations! I wish you continued success.
At that point, I walked off. I couldn't find my car and laughed to myself. I was shaking and did not want to let on. I felt like I had been kicked. The mother wanted to catch me by surprise. She did. Her cruelty was both shocking and terribly pathetic.
The interesting thing is that the mother overrode my recommendation for her child that year and placed her in advanced eighth grade math anyway. Her fury was rooted in the fact that she took my recommendation to mean her child was not smart and she poisoned her child into letting her think that. Her child did struggle in my class and interpreted that to mean I thought she was stupid. My class was difficult, especially for children who were not prepared or who had not yet developed higher level thinking skills. I was responsible for assuming kids from four different elementary schools were starting out at the same level. Not only were they from four different schools but often at least thirty percent were not recommended and placed there by their parents. So, I was expected to teach advanced students but spent most of my time dealing with the kids for whom the class was not intended.
Add to all this that some kids did mature over the summer and could do the eighth grade advanced class. However, my recommendation was based on how they performed in my class and on scores. I explained to this mother that this time of year was most difficult for me because I wanted to place each child correctly. I prayed over those recommendations and drove the other teachers crazy trying to get them to help me so I would not make mistakes. I knew the students (and their parents) took this very personally.
After my experience at that school, I realized many things. If my child cannot handle a class on his own, I will not push him to be in it. If my child does not develop a personal relationship with his teacher, we will talk about how it is not a rejection of him. If my child performs poorly in a class after having given it his best shot (this girl did work hard), we will talk about how it is not a reflection on his intelligence. Finally, I will not be that parent who is vindictive. I realize that when it comes to your child, it is hard not to take their struggles personally. I knew that before I had kids. I am hoping I will respond differently.
I have been wronged before by people from whom I didn't expect it and carried it around far too long. I realize now that the way those people treated me was not right but it also was not personal. This mother and I have something in common - we both carried around our hurt too long and became vicious, reliving it any time an event triggered our hurt. As I looked at her while she hissed at me, I saw myself and felt blessed - blessed to have been given a picture of how I look when I carry unforgiveness in my heart. This woman hurt me but she really hurt herself and her daughter far worse. In fact, she taught her daughter a terrible lesson - one she may be unable to unlearn for some time and I grieve that for her. Through a contact, I actually discovered that this mother has another child at my old school, currently in the seventh grade. This mother has been abusing his seventh grade teacher. While I feel sorry for that teacher, the mother's reaction to me made so much more sense.
If you were having a bad day, do you feel better?:) Ha! You never know what each day might bring, do you?
Julie:)
juliewarren@mindspring.com
Thursday, June 05, 2008
The Tonsil-less Patient and Moyer the Destroyer
We woke Jack twice in the night to give him his pain meds. I found him in his room this morning at 6:45 playing in his bed awaiting the time he could come out (he can't emerge from his room until 7am). He seemed fine. We have noticed that his voice sounds thick and he is jutting out his chin to compensate for the odd sensation he feels with the swelling and tightness.
I think today was tougher than yesterday. Jamie looked at Jack's throat tonight and saw that the scabs were changing color (indicative of healing). This also means that his skin is tightening and it will begin to be more painful. I followed him around today, begging him to drink. If he stays hydrated, that will prevent bleeding and keep his comfort level as good as possible.
Today was Day 2. Jackson was already tired of ice cream/ popsicles and wanted real food. Additionally, he didn't want to watch TV and movies all day. He started jumping around, batting at a beach ball with me. I kept telling him to calm down and that he couldn't be wild. Poor guy - he has so much energy but his throat hurts. He wants to eat but can't. I felt like the bad guy - when I would turn him down in terms of food or activity level he would say he wanted his daddy. AAAAAHHHH!
We played games and then found some recipes in his "Mommy and Me" cookbook. We made a list of things for a smoothie and a chocolate dessert then headed to the store. After shopping and picking Jonathan up from school, we made the smoothie. I did not realize I would need to crush the raspberries through a sieve/strainer to extract seeds. I did this with my fingers for a cup of raspberries. Then, I peeled and cut up 10 small peaches. As we blended it all and I prepared to serve my oldest, he ran away holding his mouth refusing to try it. Okay... Then I made the chocolate dessert. You make chocolate chocolate chip muffins (I made triple chunk brownies in the muffin tin). If the muffins have tops (mine didn't), take them off and replace them with a scoop of ice cream. Melt a caramel candy bar with half and half. Then pour the caramel mixture on top of the ice cream. Very good! Jackson ate this.
Tomorrow is the day that I have heard is really tough. I will continue to chase him around with the pain meds and fluids. I am thankful we are getting this over with now and not later!
The latest on Jonathan is that Jamie has named him "Moyer the Destroyer." I can't remember if I have mentioned that before or not. Jonathan destroys everything in sight. He throws things in the trash, takes them out of the trash, rips up any paper he can lay hands on, tears toys off shelves and throws them against the wall, chews things up, and tries to take any toys with which his brother is occupied. In general, he is a tyrant these days. Then, all of a sudden, he is the "sweetest" child you ever met. Kind of like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Nice/scary/nice/scary...
Jonathan's OT, Michael, came to our house Monday to help me with feeding Jonathan at home. I was feeling insecure and as if I was being tested. I do not look forward to meals because they are miserable. Jonathan used to eat everything under the sun and then just quit about a year to a year and a half ago. Who knows why? We don't. He will eat cheerios with milk, pancakes, applesauce, yogurt, protein bars, peanut butter, any kind of dessert, grapes, craisins, apple, crackers, chips, etc.
The idea has been to try to incorporate other foods and I have been unsuccessful with vegetables. I thought I was supposed to hide a whole piece of food in applesauce or yogurt but that was incorrect. Michael showed me to take what he already eats and then add other things - the other foods need to be mashed or ground up. I have a food grinder from when I was a baby. He took it and ground lunch meat. Then we added it to Jonathan's applesauce, a little at a time. We tried to find Jonathan's tolerance. Then, after two bites, we would cheer and reward him with bubbles or food. It worked like a charm. That day at lunch we got him to eat lima beans and lunch meat in his applesauce. That evening I got him to eat green beans and lunch meat again - wow! I thought grinding up his food would be regressing to baby food but the idea is to get him to tolerate the taste. Then slowly add more. Then add bigger pieces until you are up to the food itself. There were times Jonathan gagged but mostly he did well.
Michael is all business - kind but firm. He made Jonathan use signs instead of scream. He told Jonathan to keep his "hands down." Jonathan likes to smear food all over his face. Michael said this could be a way he prolongs his feeding time or avoids eating more. So saying, "Hands down!" keeps his hands out of the way and a much cleaner eating experience. Again, I felt badly because I had been letting Jonathan be messy, thinking it would go away with time. I never thought it could be a manipulation of sorts.
It is tough to deal with therapists sometimes because I feel like they are advising me on something I should already know. I find it humiliating at times that their advice is so obvious and simple. However, they are the experts and I need them so I listen!
Here are some videos of Jonathan tonight in the bath tub:
Jonathan using sign language.
Evaluation of knowledge of body parts while bathing.
Continued "body parts exam" in the bath tub. Sorry about the view...
Julie:)
juliewarren@mindspring.com
I think today was tougher than yesterday. Jamie looked at Jack's throat tonight and saw that the scabs were changing color (indicative of healing). This also means that his skin is tightening and it will begin to be more painful. I followed him around today, begging him to drink. If he stays hydrated, that will prevent bleeding and keep his comfort level as good as possible.
Today was Day 2. Jackson was already tired of ice cream/ popsicles and wanted real food. Additionally, he didn't want to watch TV and movies all day. He started jumping around, batting at a beach ball with me. I kept telling him to calm down and that he couldn't be wild. Poor guy - he has so much energy but his throat hurts. He wants to eat but can't. I felt like the bad guy - when I would turn him down in terms of food or activity level he would say he wanted his daddy. AAAAAHHHH!
We played games and then found some recipes in his "Mommy and Me" cookbook. We made a list of things for a smoothie and a chocolate dessert then headed to the store. After shopping and picking Jonathan up from school, we made the smoothie. I did not realize I would need to crush the raspberries through a sieve/strainer to extract seeds. I did this with my fingers for a cup of raspberries. Then, I peeled and cut up 10 small peaches. As we blended it all and I prepared to serve my oldest, he ran away holding his mouth refusing to try it. Okay... Then I made the chocolate dessert. You make chocolate chocolate chip muffins (I made triple chunk brownies in the muffin tin). If the muffins have tops (mine didn't), take them off and replace them with a scoop of ice cream. Melt a caramel candy bar with half and half. Then pour the caramel mixture on top of the ice cream. Very good! Jackson ate this.
Tomorrow is the day that I have heard is really tough. I will continue to chase him around with the pain meds and fluids. I am thankful we are getting this over with now and not later!
The latest on Jonathan is that Jamie has named him "Moyer the Destroyer." I can't remember if I have mentioned that before or not. Jonathan destroys everything in sight. He throws things in the trash, takes them out of the trash, rips up any paper he can lay hands on, tears toys off shelves and throws them against the wall, chews things up, and tries to take any toys with which his brother is occupied. In general, he is a tyrant these days. Then, all of a sudden, he is the "sweetest" child you ever met. Kind of like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Nice/scary/nice/scary...
Jonathan's OT, Michael, came to our house Monday to help me with feeding Jonathan at home. I was feeling insecure and as if I was being tested. I do not look forward to meals because they are miserable. Jonathan used to eat everything under the sun and then just quit about a year to a year and a half ago. Who knows why? We don't. He will eat cheerios with milk, pancakes, applesauce, yogurt, protein bars, peanut butter, any kind of dessert, grapes, craisins, apple, crackers, chips, etc.
The idea has been to try to incorporate other foods and I have been unsuccessful with vegetables. I thought I was supposed to hide a whole piece of food in applesauce or yogurt but that was incorrect. Michael showed me to take what he already eats and then add other things - the other foods need to be mashed or ground up. I have a food grinder from when I was a baby. He took it and ground lunch meat. Then we added it to Jonathan's applesauce, a little at a time. We tried to find Jonathan's tolerance. Then, after two bites, we would cheer and reward him with bubbles or food. It worked like a charm. That day at lunch we got him to eat lima beans and lunch meat in his applesauce. That evening I got him to eat green beans and lunch meat again - wow! I thought grinding up his food would be regressing to baby food but the idea is to get him to tolerate the taste. Then slowly add more. Then add bigger pieces until you are up to the food itself. There were times Jonathan gagged but mostly he did well.
Michael is all business - kind but firm. He made Jonathan use signs instead of scream. He told Jonathan to keep his "hands down." Jonathan likes to smear food all over his face. Michael said this could be a way he prolongs his feeding time or avoids eating more. So saying, "Hands down!" keeps his hands out of the way and a much cleaner eating experience. Again, I felt badly because I had been letting Jonathan be messy, thinking it would go away with time. I never thought it could be a manipulation of sorts.
It is tough to deal with therapists sometimes because I feel like they are advising me on something I should already know. I find it humiliating at times that their advice is so obvious and simple. However, they are the experts and I need them so I listen!
Here are some videos of Jonathan tonight in the bath tub:
Jonathan using sign language.
Evaluation of knowledge of body parts while bathing.
Continued "body parts exam" in the bath tub. Sorry about the view...
Julie:)
juliewarren@mindspring.com
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Tonsilectomy
Jackson got up this morning and said good-bye to his tonsils. He had tubes put in and adenoids removed two weeks before reaching two years old. He has had tubes removed. This is his third procedure and we are pros. Frankly, this recovery is supposed to be tough in the days to come because (this is gross so get ready...) the skin behind the scabs gets tight and it is painful. Ugh! In the grand scheme of things, not so bad, right? We've had worse. I saw this video today of a man who has no arms or legs and gives all the glory to God (http://www.wretch.cc/video/ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&o=time ). Makes our day look like a cake walk!
After surgery and about an hour's recovery, we came home. Nana and Pops took Jonathan yesterday and kept him for us so we could focus on the Jackster. We loaded up on meds and ice cream products. Jackson ate popsicles, ice cream, and drank juice. It is important that he stay hydrated to keep his skin in his throat from tightening too much. We plan to wake him twice tonight to keep the pain meds rolling.
We were lazy and watched a movie during dinner. This recovery process can take up to two weeks. Even if Jackson is feeling great, we are not supposed to let him get wild - his throat might bleed. Again - yuck. We want to avoid that at all costs, right? I don't quite know how far to take it - no pool, no riding bikes, no climbing the tree house, etc. for 14 days? I am hoping that is not right. We shall see!
Jackson dressed up like a cowboy because kids on Barney (he never watches this, I promise) were talking about cowboys. He made his own belt and lasso out of these wire/styrofoam things, had his hat and hankerchief on, and wore his Luke Skywalker pants as dusters.
Attempt #1 to get a good view of the tonsils.
Attempt #2. I know - yuck. Just don't look if it's that bad!
Jack before surgery - excited about the ice cream.
Jack and Daddy. We got there around 6:30am and he arrived in his Lightening McQueen PJs.
Front view with gown.
Back view.
Stirring after surgery. Dr. Davis said Jackson's tonsils looked similar in size to golf balls. He also said none of the adenoid tissue had grown back.
Jackson and Daddy.
No more tonsils (I know you don't really want to see this...).
Jackson eating ice cream, loving life while the pain medication is still working. Apparently, Day Three will be tough.
Cowboy Jack wanted me to post this "on the internet, Mommy."
Jack getting ready to put on the gown. He was rather excited.
Jack waking up.
After surgery and about an hour's recovery, we came home. Nana and Pops took Jonathan yesterday and kept him for us so we could focus on the Jackster. We loaded up on meds and ice cream products. Jackson ate popsicles, ice cream, and drank juice. It is important that he stay hydrated to keep his skin in his throat from tightening too much. We plan to wake him twice tonight to keep the pain meds rolling.
We were lazy and watched a movie during dinner. This recovery process can take up to two weeks. Even if Jackson is feeling great, we are not supposed to let him get wild - his throat might bleed. Again - yuck. We want to avoid that at all costs, right? I don't quite know how far to take it - no pool, no riding bikes, no climbing the tree house, etc. for 14 days? I am hoping that is not right. We shall see!
Jackson dressed up like a cowboy because kids on Barney (he never watches this, I promise) were talking about cowboys. He made his own belt and lasso out of these wire/styrofoam things, had his hat and hankerchief on, and wore his Luke Skywalker pants as dusters.
Attempt #1 to get a good view of the tonsils.
Attempt #2. I know - yuck. Just don't look if it's that bad!
Jack before surgery - excited about the ice cream.
Jack and Daddy. We got there around 6:30am and he arrived in his Lightening McQueen PJs.
Front view with gown.
Back view.
Stirring after surgery. Dr. Davis said Jackson's tonsils looked similar in size to golf balls. He also said none of the adenoid tissue had grown back.
Jackson and Daddy.
No more tonsils (I know you don't really want to see this...).
Jackson eating ice cream, loving life while the pain medication is still working. Apparently, Day Three will be tough.
Cowboy Jack wanted me to post this "on the internet, Mommy."
Jack getting ready to put on the gown. He was rather excited.
Jack waking up.
Jackson living the high life with ice cream, drink, and his own personal movie at the other end of the couch.
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