This week has been insane - and not in a good way.
Kieran had a horrible start to the week. After a few solid months of improving behavior, we hit a huge backslide when Kieran began hitting his classmates on Monday. It continued Tuesday. Wednesday, I got a call from the assistant principal - he was not allowed to go to the field trip Thursday and they recommended we create a 'task force' style approach to getting him out of this behavior. Basically, have him see the school psychologist.
I HATED the school psychologist growing up. Was sent there after some creative writing assignments upset the teacher (hey, I was an imaginative kid) and I never understood it and didn't like the person. The idea of sending Kieran to that gives me a lump in my throat, but I don't know what more we can do.
We've talked with him about the golden rule - treat people the way you wanted to be treated. Ask him things like "would you like it if so-and-so hit you?" and the answer is always "no". Then is it OK that you hit? "No"
But he keeps doing it.
According to the teacher he's the only one in the class who is hitting. She's worried that one day someone will hit him back (hard). She and I are starting to believe it may be the only thing that breaks through. We take away toys. We take away privileges. We make him write lines. We banish him to his room until dinner and then straight to bed after. Nothing seems to faze him.
Wednesday night I sat with him after Ken had an even worse day (car hit, ran out of gas, etc) and asked why he was hitting his classmates.
"I want them to look at me and laugh at me."
"You want their attention?" I ask
"Yes."
Hmmm. OK, at least we're getting somewhere. We talk about ways to gain friends and that hitting people is doing the opposite of his intention (make friends).
Thursday he sits with the Kindergarten class. He LOVES it. He learns new things, is very energized and had a WONDERFUL day behavior-wise. This goes back to Ken's theory which is that Kieran has been bored this past year. Unfortunately, I did not feel comfortable asking him to get moved up because I did not believe (and rightly so, given his behavior) that he was socially ready for the next grade up. Perhaps one day he may skip a grade, perhaps not. But at least we had a turnaround. And, I am hopeful, that we'll have more improvement as Ken & I work harder to give Kieran some weekend playdates, more time with his friends outside of school, and more time with us that isn't 100% focused on the baby. So glad the story ended on a better note. Fingers crossed he had a good day today as well.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Mommy Brain
Quick one for you. Though Amelia is doing better this week than she has for the past few weeks (last night she was up only once, at midnight, and slept until 6 AM) I am having trouble with keeping my mind where it needs to be.
Case in point - this morning. Ken took Amelia to daycare, so I was with Kieran, getting him ready for school. I'm frantically packing his lunch, packing my bags, generally getting us ready. I look up at the clock and it's time to go.
We walk to school talking about what makes fog, the caterpillars in his classroom, etc. We get to the street next to his school and there is no crossing guard. I look around - there are no other kids in uniform out. Starting to worry that school is somehow closed (maybe their A/C is out?) and I didn't get the message, we keep walking. Then I stop short - it's not 7:30, but 7 AM. I look at Kieran and tell him my mistake.
Then we head home laughing about Mommy's mix-up.
We get home, I get a cup of coffee and 20 minutes to relax. Kieran gets a 2nd cereal bar. When I tell him its time to go he looks at me and asks "Mommy - are you sure?"
I smile and say "Yes" but secretly check the clock on the wall to verify.
Case in point - this morning. Ken took Amelia to daycare, so I was with Kieran, getting him ready for school. I'm frantically packing his lunch, packing my bags, generally getting us ready. I look up at the clock and it's time to go.
We walk to school talking about what makes fog, the caterpillars in his classroom, etc. We get to the street next to his school and there is no crossing guard. I look around - there are no other kids in uniform out. Starting to worry that school is somehow closed (maybe their A/C is out?) and I didn't get the message, we keep walking. Then I stop short - it's not 7:30, but 7 AM. I look at Kieran and tell him my mistake.
Then we head home laughing about Mommy's mix-up.
We get home, I get a cup of coffee and 20 minutes to relax. Kieran gets a 2nd cereal bar. When I tell him its time to go he looks at me and asks "Mommy - are you sure?"
I smile and say "Yes" but secretly check the clock on the wall to verify.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
If I Could, I Would
If I could change Mia's sleep habits, I would. If I could make it rain money, I would. If I could remember to clean my glasses each day, I would. Same goes for blogging. So, here's what we've been up to...
Amelia is doing better with nighttime (at least the past 2 nights she did) but I'm not ready to call it just yet (given that the previous 2 weeks she was up at least twice each night). Ken believes if we get her upstairs earlier she may sleep better. Kieran had a 7 PM bedtime when he was little, Mia's been working on a 7:30 or 8PM bedtime. Last two nights we put her to bed earlier and it's been better - she even slept from 7:30 until 6 this morning. So, we'll see how we can work that. It'll be hard, but it's not impossible.
She continues to grow rapidly. She's pulling up and cruising along the furniture (and people). She likes to hug and smile and play peek-a-boo. She adores her big brother.
Big brother's reading is coming along so well that he now reads one book to himself most nights after we go downstairs. It effectively makes his bedtime a little bit later (8:15 or as late as 8:30) but he's very very good about turning off his light and not trying to milk the opportunity.
Kieran started his baseball season this past Saturday and had another game Monday night. The big difference this year is that he's doing coach-pitch (not t-ball). He hit 3 pitches at Monday's game and even though he's the littlest one on his team, he still hits better than half the kids. Maybe that's just my mom-goggles, but I swear it's true.
The funniest Kieran story lately is from his game Monday. Last inning of the game and Kieran was 2nd to last to hit. When the last batter hits, all players on base run home and then the game is over. I see the first base coach lean in to Kieran to tell him to watch the batter and when he hits the ball, run around the bases.
The batter hits and Kieran takes off. He rounds second, third and goes all the way home, only to see the batter still standing there. It was a foul ball - so Kieran is directed back to first base to wait for a real hit. As he runs back to his base I hear him yell "Yay! I get to do it all again!"
Amelia is doing better with nighttime (at least the past 2 nights she did) but I'm not ready to call it just yet (given that the previous 2 weeks she was up at least twice each night). Ken believes if we get her upstairs earlier she may sleep better. Kieran had a 7 PM bedtime when he was little, Mia's been working on a 7:30 or 8PM bedtime. Last two nights we put her to bed earlier and it's been better - she even slept from 7:30 until 6 this morning. So, we'll see how we can work that. It'll be hard, but it's not impossible.
She continues to grow rapidly. She's pulling up and cruising along the furniture (and people). She likes to hug and smile and play peek-a-boo. She adores her big brother.
Big brother's reading is coming along so well that he now reads one book to himself most nights after we go downstairs. It effectively makes his bedtime a little bit later (8:15 or as late as 8:30) but he's very very good about turning off his light and not trying to milk the opportunity.
Kieran started his baseball season this past Saturday and had another game Monday night. The big difference this year is that he's doing coach-pitch (not t-ball). He hit 3 pitches at Monday's game and even though he's the littlest one on his team, he still hits better than half the kids. Maybe that's just my mom-goggles, but I swear it's true.
The funniest Kieran story lately is from his game Monday. Last inning of the game and Kieran was 2nd to last to hit. When the last batter hits, all players on base run home and then the game is over. I see the first base coach lean in to Kieran to tell him to watch the batter and when he hits the ball, run around the bases.
The batter hits and Kieran takes off. He rounds second, third and goes all the way home, only to see the batter still standing there. It was a foul ball - so Kieran is directed back to first base to wait for a real hit. As he runs back to his base I hear him yell "Yay! I get to do it all again!"
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Amelia, by the Numbers
I cannot believe she's 9 months old already. OK, what I really can't believe is that she's 9 months old and only slept through the night 2-3 times. UGH.
But, enough of that - here's her stats:
26 3/4 inches tall
15 0.8 oz.
16.25 head circumference
She's finally on the chart for head circumference (3rd percentile) and is 5th percentile for everything else. She's tiny, but mighty. She's on track for all her developmental milestones.
No shots this time, but they did a finger prick test for iron and she's a little low (they want 11, she was 9.75 or some such). Not a big deal, but she is already constipated and taking iron will not help that. We have to lay off the bananas, increase her prune intake and see if she'll start drinking water (she is not a fan of juice) to try and alleviate the issue. She's pooping once a day but they are hard as rocks.
Anyway - all in all we're doing OK. Kieran has overcome his bout with pinkeye, Amelia no longer has thrush and I am clearing up the yeast infection that Mia gave me (thanks, baby girl). Ken is finally back to exercising after breaking his ribs though they still seem to pain him a bit. Been a bad year for us medical-wise. I'm hoping that turns around.
Doctor wants me to try and transition Amelia to a lovey to see if that will help her start sleeping through the night. I'm hopeful and will try it all. Most nights she's only up once, but lately she's been up a few times. I think she may be teething, but she's so even-keeled during her awake time it's hard to tell (Kieran was heck on wheels all the time when teething).
We're just about ready to sign Kieran up for his summer camp - Karate and swimming. He's very excited. I'll be happy that both kids will be near the office and I won't have to do the crazy running around to pick them both up on nights when Ken works late (or is away at a conference). That's enough for now - I promise more stories of kids later.
Love to all, blog again sometime.
But, enough of that - here's her stats:
26 3/4 inches tall
15 0.8 oz.
16.25 head circumference
She's finally on the chart for head circumference (3rd percentile) and is 5th percentile for everything else. She's tiny, but mighty. She's on track for all her developmental milestones.
No shots this time, but they did a finger prick test for iron and she's a little low (they want 11, she was 9.75 or some such). Not a big deal, but she is already constipated and taking iron will not help that. We have to lay off the bananas, increase her prune intake and see if she'll start drinking water (she is not a fan of juice) to try and alleviate the issue. She's pooping once a day but they are hard as rocks.
Anyway - all in all we're doing OK. Kieran has overcome his bout with pinkeye, Amelia no longer has thrush and I am clearing up the yeast infection that Mia gave me (thanks, baby girl). Ken is finally back to exercising after breaking his ribs though they still seem to pain him a bit. Been a bad year for us medical-wise. I'm hoping that turns around.
Doctor wants me to try and transition Amelia to a lovey to see if that will help her start sleeping through the night. I'm hopeful and will try it all. Most nights she's only up once, but lately she's been up a few times. I think she may be teething, but she's so even-keeled during her awake time it's hard to tell (Kieran was heck on wheels all the time when teething).
We're just about ready to sign Kieran up for his summer camp - Karate and swimming. He's very excited. I'll be happy that both kids will be near the office and I won't have to do the crazy running around to pick them both up on nights when Ken works late (or is away at a conference). That's enough for now - I promise more stories of kids later.
Love to all, blog again sometime.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sleep is NOT Overrated
I don't think I can stress that enough. A good night's sleep is everything. Unfortunately, Amelia seems to think that I can get by without it. She is wrong. Oh, so wrong.
I'm not sure if it was just because she's congested (Kieran, Amelia and I are all coming down with this cold at the same time), she had a strange day (napped late, Becca party and watching people at the aquarium), or just because she wants to eff with me. Whatever the reason, she didn't fall asleep until 9 PM last night, then was up multiple times. So many times that I really don't remember. My brain is fuzzy today and I am sucking down the coffee to keep my brain afloat.
Kieran, on the other hand, managed to do much better this weekend than he has in awhile. After threatening to keep him home from the birthday fun on Sunday unless he got his act together, Kieran listened well and followed directions all day Saturday (and Sunday too). As a reward I showed him the new Despicable Me 2 trailer on YouTube last night. He and I have now watched it about 5 times and still giggle each time we see it.
Unfortunately, when I dropped him off this morning he was already starting in with his need to entertain. He was singing the "let's get together and kill Barney" song as he walked in the door today. I reprimanded him and the teacher also indicated she was very tired of that particular tune. Still hoping he'll have a good day... we'll see.
I'm not sure if it was just because she's congested (Kieran, Amelia and I are all coming down with this cold at the same time), she had a strange day (napped late, Becca party and watching people at the aquarium), or just because she wants to eff with me. Whatever the reason, she didn't fall asleep until 9 PM last night, then was up multiple times. So many times that I really don't remember. My brain is fuzzy today and I am sucking down the coffee to keep my brain afloat.
Kieran, on the other hand, managed to do much better this weekend than he has in awhile. After threatening to keep him home from the birthday fun on Sunday unless he got his act together, Kieran listened well and followed directions all day Saturday (and Sunday too). As a reward I showed him the new Despicable Me 2 trailer on YouTube last night. He and I have now watched it about 5 times and still giggle each time we see it.
Unfortunately, when I dropped him off this morning he was already starting in with his need to entertain. He was singing the "let's get together and kill Barney" song as he walked in the door today. I reprimanded him and the teacher also indicated she was very tired of that particular tune. Still hoping he'll have a good day... we'll see.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Guess What?
This is Kieran's new favorite catch phrase. He will start a story this way and then for each sentence he'll end with "... and guess what?" I think he just wants to be sure we're paying attention.
He told us that "you kiss people you love, and you only kiss if you're married". Then he proceeded to tell us that he was going to marry Gracie (friend at school). When asked about it, he confessed that Gracie told him they would be married. Later, I wanted to know if he wanted to marry Gracie. He said "I will." I reiterated that I knew he said he would marry her but I wanted to know if he wanted to marry her. He smiled and said again that he would marry her.
Ken said he's not telling Gracie's dad any of this.
He told us that "you kiss people you love, and you only kiss if you're married". Then he proceeded to tell us that he was going to marry Gracie (friend at school). When asked about it, he confessed that Gracie told him they would be married. Later, I wanted to know if he wanted to marry Gracie. He said "I will." I reiterated that I knew he said he would marry her but I wanted to know if he wanted to marry her. He smiled and said again that he would marry her.
Ken said he's not telling Gracie's dad any of this.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Maybe Next Time
Amelia turned 8 months old yesterday. To celebrate, she woke up only once last night. I promise not to get used to it.
Kieran has not been doing well at school. He's had many days on red (parent note) and yesterday his aftercare program basically asked us to try to not bring him in today (though given the short notice, they understood that it was not an option). Ken & I agree that what he wants is to not be in aftercare but to have some time with me and/or Ken one-on-one so to take him out of the afterschool program is rewarding him for bad behavior. But it's definitely bad when you're asked to have your kid take a day to 'think about things'.
Last night was even worse. I made Kieran write lines (I will not be bad. I will listen.), no TV, lost a toy, no dessert and no vitamins (gummy kind so they are a treat). And I made a dinner I knew was not tops on his list. During dinner he was playing and I asked him to stop (repeatedly) this goes on most dinnertimes and is very frustrating. Ken told him that if he could not stop playing he could just take his butt upstairs. To which Kieran replied "You've got a big butt." (later he confessed he thought Ken said that he could take his big butt upstairs) At which point he was sent directly to bed. Do not pass go, do not get any bedtime stories. One hour early. It's the harshest we've been on him. I hope that he got the message. I'm tired of being parent to the child who is constantly in trouble.
The flip side of this is that all the teachers agree that he can be a sweet, loving child. That he is forthright and honest about his errors, but he is also defiant when he has made up his mind. I am really hoping for a good report on today.
In other news, Amelia has begun to pull up on things at school. Which means we really need to lower her crib this weekend. And I have to buy a step so I can reach her once it's lowered. Yes, I really am that short.
Love to all, blog again soon.
Kieran has not been doing well at school. He's had many days on red (parent note) and yesterday his aftercare program basically asked us to try to not bring him in today (though given the short notice, they understood that it was not an option). Ken & I agree that what he wants is to not be in aftercare but to have some time with me and/or Ken one-on-one so to take him out of the afterschool program is rewarding him for bad behavior. But it's definitely bad when you're asked to have your kid take a day to 'think about things'.
Last night was even worse. I made Kieran write lines (I will not be bad. I will listen.), no TV, lost a toy, no dessert and no vitamins (gummy kind so they are a treat). And I made a dinner I knew was not tops on his list. During dinner he was playing and I asked him to stop (repeatedly) this goes on most dinnertimes and is very frustrating. Ken told him that if he could not stop playing he could just take his butt upstairs. To which Kieran replied "You've got a big butt." (later he confessed he thought Ken said that he could take his big butt upstairs) At which point he was sent directly to bed. Do not pass go, do not get any bedtime stories. One hour early. It's the harshest we've been on him. I hope that he got the message. I'm tired of being parent to the child who is constantly in trouble.
The flip side of this is that all the teachers agree that he can be a sweet, loving child. That he is forthright and honest about his errors, but he is also defiant when he has made up his mind. I am really hoping for a good report on today.
In other news, Amelia has begun to pull up on things at school. Which means we really need to lower her crib this weekend. And I have to buy a step so I can reach her once it's lowered. Yes, I really am that short.
Love to all, blog again soon.
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