Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Our first week gluten free went pretty well. I bought more boxed stuff instead of trying to make stuff from scratch. It has certainly cut down on my snacking, mainly because I know how much the snacks cost. It requires a lot more planning, to make sure I have stuff on hand. I found a great boxed gluten free cookie mix and frozen waffles. Today I made homemade chocolate cupcakes with coconut flour. I don't like coconut, but I could have eaten the whole plate. Still not sure how it all worked since I only used 1/2 cup of flour and 6 eggs, but they were great! My greatest struggle is still what to send B for lunch at school. He is the pickiest, so it was always PBJ. So far rice crackers and pepperoni have sufficed.
B told me this past week that he is famous for 4 reasons. He is named after a famous football player, a president, someone from the Bible and after a famous clock. I sure love how his mind works. He has been having problems in math so was not very happy when his teacher sent home some papers for him to correct. He was so frustrated as I tried to him him through it that he blurted out that math is....like nature's prison. I guess I should not tell him that I am going to request the teacher send him home more worksheets to do!
The older two boys got to spend some of their allowance yesterday. They were so excited. They each carried their purchase to the front and individually checked out. I had also gotten a few items, one being some gloves for them to wear next season. J was so excited about his own money, he insisted on paying for his own gloves! I sure hope that trend continues, but doubtful.
Both of the older boys are planning their birthday parties. As they are getting older, I have told them the year they turn an even number, we can celebrate on a bigger scale. They are busily working on their lists (they only invite as many friends as they are years old). Jbird will be five in March and B will be 8 in June.
Got most of the allergy testing back for JB and it was all negative. (Still waiting on the celiac, but assuming since there are no issues, it will be negative too). Kind of surprised, since the other two were allergic at a younger age to very common foods. I talked with his therapist on Wednesday. She is hard to read, so not real sure what she thought of our conversation and not real sure what I had hoped to get out of our conversation. I just feel we have stalled, so I talked with her more about doing drills with him. She did a great job on Wednesday and did some things I had not seen her do before. I am also trying to do more mirror work with him...letting him see how he forms sounds and what his tongue does with different sounds.
I hit 13 miles at the gym today. I find most mornings I wake up before my 4:45 alarm. JR has finally bought a ticket to go back home. He has not been to his native Honduras in 18 years (we have always met the family in Florida). We have not seen his parents since summer of 08, so glad he will get to go down there for a week - mid April. We considered sending JB, but opted not to at this point!
B told me this past week that he is famous for 4 reasons. He is named after a famous football player, a president, someone from the Bible and after a famous clock. I sure love how his mind works. He has been having problems in math so was not very happy when his teacher sent home some papers for him to correct. He was so frustrated as I tried to him him through it that he blurted out that math is....like nature's prison. I guess I should not tell him that I am going to request the teacher send him home more worksheets to do!
The older two boys got to spend some of their allowance yesterday. They were so excited. They each carried their purchase to the front and individually checked out. I had also gotten a few items, one being some gloves for them to wear next season. J was so excited about his own money, he insisted on paying for his own gloves! I sure hope that trend continues, but doubtful.
Both of the older boys are planning their birthday parties. As they are getting older, I have told them the year they turn an even number, we can celebrate on a bigger scale. They are busily working on their lists (they only invite as many friends as they are years old). Jbird will be five in March and B will be 8 in June.
Got most of the allergy testing back for JB and it was all negative. (Still waiting on the celiac, but assuming since there are no issues, it will be negative too). Kind of surprised, since the other two were allergic at a younger age to very common foods. I talked with his therapist on Wednesday. She is hard to read, so not real sure what she thought of our conversation and not real sure what I had hoped to get out of our conversation. I just feel we have stalled, so I talked with her more about doing drills with him. She did a great job on Wednesday and did some things I had not seen her do before. I am also trying to do more mirror work with him...letting him see how he forms sounds and what his tongue does with different sounds.
I hit 13 miles at the gym today. I find most mornings I wake up before my 4:45 alarm. JR has finally bought a ticket to go back home. He has not been to his native Honduras in 18 years (we have always met the family in Florida). We have not seen his parents since summer of 08, so glad he will get to go down there for a week - mid April. We considered sending JB, but opted not to at this point!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Enjoyed my night away recently. Met a friend and we did some shopping - I even enjoy walking the aisles of Wal-mart when I have no kids, went out to eat and then my favorite part ---- hung at the hotel and played games. She taught me a new board game I had never heard of - Ticket to Ride. Seeing great potential in our house as a way to think ahead, multi-task and learn some more math. The boys survived without too, so a bonus!
We are 2 days into a gluten free diet. I have always wanted to try going gluten free and just had a conversation recently with a friend who is gluten free. Did not sound as difficult as when I had considered 3 years ago when B was diagnosed with some food allergies. I have also heard about how some behavorial changes can be seen in some kids, as well as a few kids it can help with some learning disabilities (in our case, JB and his speech). Not really expecting huge results but will be interesting if it helps us feel better without all that bread around! I am shooting for 3-4 weeks.
I talked with a nearby therapist whose clientele is about 80% apraxia kids. She actually had a cancellation and I took JB in. She had some great ideas about ways to work with him. She answered a lot of my questions and spent about 15 minutes doing one on one with him. She was very impressed with his 'work ethic' and said that is sometimes half the problem, because with apraxia, it is lots of work and drills on the part of the kids. So having a kid so willing to 'drill' is great. She has a full load right now, so can't take on new patients. I think in the meantime I will talk with our current therapists and see if we can switch gears and try some of these new approaches. (This gal was very willing to be a resource for our current therapists if they wanted to call her and learn more of apraxia - they are good therapists, just not familiar with apraxia approaches.) I actually think they are being used a little, just need to focus more on it. I did pick up some things to try with him and am also going to read a really good book that she recommended. The other thing she recommended is starting him on omega 3 fatty acids. She has seen some positives with kids with 'brain' issues once they start the supplement.
Took the boys sledding on Presidents Day. The hill we went to is rather tall and I was not expecting much. However, it was very fast, even with little snow. So fast that I would not let JB go down by himself from the top. I started him about 2/3 of the way down! They had a lot of fun and were worn out from all the climbing!
We are 2 days into a gluten free diet. I have always wanted to try going gluten free and just had a conversation recently with a friend who is gluten free. Did not sound as difficult as when I had considered 3 years ago when B was diagnosed with some food allergies. I have also heard about how some behavorial changes can be seen in some kids, as well as a few kids it can help with some learning disabilities (in our case, JB and his speech). Not really expecting huge results but will be interesting if it helps us feel better without all that bread around! I am shooting for 3-4 weeks.
I talked with a nearby therapist whose clientele is about 80% apraxia kids. She actually had a cancellation and I took JB in. She had some great ideas about ways to work with him. She answered a lot of my questions and spent about 15 minutes doing one on one with him. She was very impressed with his 'work ethic' and said that is sometimes half the problem, because with apraxia, it is lots of work and drills on the part of the kids. So having a kid so willing to 'drill' is great. She has a full load right now, so can't take on new patients. I think in the meantime I will talk with our current therapists and see if we can switch gears and try some of these new approaches. (This gal was very willing to be a resource for our current therapists if they wanted to call her and learn more of apraxia - they are good therapists, just not familiar with apraxia approaches.) I actually think they are being used a little, just need to focus more on it. I did pick up some things to try with him and am also going to read a really good book that she recommended. The other thing she recommended is starting him on omega 3 fatty acids. She has seen some positives with kids with 'brain' issues once they start the supplement.
Took the boys sledding on Presidents Day. The hill we went to is rather tall and I was not expecting much. However, it was very fast, even with little snow. So fast that I would not let JB go down by himself from the top. I started him about 2/3 of the way down! They had a lot of fun and were worn out from all the climbing!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Seems like this week has been about appointments for the boys. We went to the dentist. B and I were good, but little Jbird. He had an abscessed tooth and a cavity. The tooth never bothered him because it was not an open abscess, I guess, just within the nerve/root. We got referred to a pediatric dentist because our dentist was not totally comfortable with him being 4 and working on him. So the next day we got an appt with another dentist but of course this was just the 'let's see what's going on but we won't fix it' appt. So had that appt today and we have his procedure scheduled for early March. I guess they will be putting a cap on that back tooth. Still not sure what happened but the tooth was about half gone. The cavity just went deep and spread along the base of the tooth. I thought you went to the dentist every 6 months to avoid things like that. They kept telling me how thin the enamel is on baby teeth.
I took JB to the doctor today. The speech therapists have both commented on how congested he has been and seems to be more often than not. Was wondering if his sinus infection never cleared up. She said he is very congested but no signs of sinus issues. So we have some nose spray - which he is not real found of and who would be. They also took some blood to do some allergy testing. Little guy is so awesome, he did not even cry and hardly flinched when they stuck the needle in. He just needs to get cleared up because it cannot be helping with the speech issues. I also realized over the last week that both of his therapists do not think that he is progressing as he should. Why their concerns were not brought to me, I don't know. So, I have been researching some other options. There is supposedly a therapist in a nearby town that deals with other apraxia kids and has had good success. I also came across a lady in Dallas that deals with nothing but apraxia. Trying to figure out how we could connect more with her and learn some techniques. I just feel that what we are currently doing is not working. He is making some progress but as I step back and look at the big picture, the particular progress is not really getting him further along the road to intelligible language.
There is no school Friday or Monday. No plans and not real sure what the weather is doing - maybe lots of fresh air. On Saturday I am meeting up with some friends a few hours away for an overnight. Will be nice to be responsibility free for 24 hours!
I took JB to the doctor today. The speech therapists have both commented on how congested he has been and seems to be more often than not. Was wondering if his sinus infection never cleared up. She said he is very congested but no signs of sinus issues. So we have some nose spray - which he is not real found of and who would be. They also took some blood to do some allergy testing. Little guy is so awesome, he did not even cry and hardly flinched when they stuck the needle in. He just needs to get cleared up because it cannot be helping with the speech issues. I also realized over the last week that both of his therapists do not think that he is progressing as he should. Why their concerns were not brought to me, I don't know. So, I have been researching some other options. There is supposedly a therapist in a nearby town that deals with other apraxia kids and has had good success. I also came across a lady in Dallas that deals with nothing but apraxia. Trying to figure out how we could connect more with her and learn some techniques. I just feel that what we are currently doing is not working. He is making some progress but as I step back and look at the big picture, the particular progress is not really getting him further along the road to intelligible language.
There is no school Friday or Monday. No plans and not real sure what the weather is doing - maybe lots of fresh air. On Saturday I am meeting up with some friends a few hours away for an overnight. Will be nice to be responsibility free for 24 hours!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Finally got some snow over the weekend. Took the younger two out sledding. We were the first on the hill, so always hard when the snow is not packed. However, we made it work and they had a good time. So nice that they are old enough not to have to be carried back up the hill. Tried out the new sled and liked it.
B, Jbird and I went to the Harlem Globetrotters on Saturday. They always put on a good show. Jbird just did not understand why there were so many interruptions to the game. He went to see basketball, not all the hoopla and messing around that they did. Before the game we went to IHOP, the boys favorite restaurant. (You can tell we are in need of more restaurants around here...) They love to drown their pancakes in strawberry syrup.
Sat in on therapy today with JB. I have not sat in for a full session in a while. He is still just struggling. Tries so hard to imitate sounds. Sometimes he is successful but he can never pull the word out on his own. We have now hit the 2 1/2 year old mark with him. He has struggled the last couple of days with more whining. He has had a cold for about a week, which does not help things. Makes it even harder for him to hear the correct sounds. We have an appointment later this month to talk about the preschool program in the fall. We all feel that he would benefit greatly from more interaction, in a daycare type setting. Just so hard to find a daycare that wants to take a child only two half days a week. He will probably be phasing out of physical therapy, which is a great thing.
Heading to the dentist this week. JBird had his valentine party today at school and B has his tomorrow. The boys and I will go up and help with the classroom party - strawberry sundaes.
B, Jbird and I went to the Harlem Globetrotters on Saturday. They always put on a good show. Jbird just did not understand why there were so many interruptions to the game. He went to see basketball, not all the hoopla and messing around that they did. Before the game we went to IHOP, the boys favorite restaurant. (You can tell we are in need of more restaurants around here...) They love to drown their pancakes in strawberry syrup.
Sat in on therapy today with JB. I have not sat in for a full session in a while. He is still just struggling. Tries so hard to imitate sounds. Sometimes he is successful but he can never pull the word out on his own. We have now hit the 2 1/2 year old mark with him. He has struggled the last couple of days with more whining. He has had a cold for about a week, which does not help things. Makes it even harder for him to hear the correct sounds. We have an appointment later this month to talk about the preschool program in the fall. We all feel that he would benefit greatly from more interaction, in a daycare type setting. Just so hard to find a daycare that wants to take a child only two half days a week. He will probably be phasing out of physical therapy, which is a great thing.
Heading to the dentist this week. JBird had his valentine party today at school and B has his tomorrow. The boys and I will go up and help with the classroom party - strawberry sundaes.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Seems like the weeks continue to get away from me. I think it is good though, cause I am on the computer less. Most nights I am asleep around 9pm so having to be more productive during the days.
Had a good scout weekend. While we were touring the fire station a 911 call came in, so this was very exciting for the boys although our tour was cut short. This Saturday the scouts are going to see the Harlem Globetrotters. B has seen them once but Jbird has not, so taking the two boys!
Enjoying the experimenting I am doing in the kitchen. I have tried the artisan bread in 5 minutes a day technique and quite pleased with it. Still need to iron out a few details but if I do, I foresee never having to buy store bought bread again. So easy and good. I love my magic bullet. I finally got up the nerve to make a spinach smoothie and it was pretty good. Could have used a little more flavor but definitely something I will be making again. I probably had more veggies in that one cup that I had all week. My favorite meat marinade I whip up in the magic bullet too....pureed chipotle peppers and then combine it with Dr. Pepper. Then throw it all in the crock pot.
The other day I rounded the corner into the boys room and heard one of them say 'no, stand up, a wedgie does not work that way...' Uugghh. Then one of them did not want to partake of my dinner, so they chose not to eat. Before bedtime they told me they needed to get something from downstairs. As they walked back up the stairs, I heard the crinkling sound long before I saw them. Knowing the answer, I asked what they had. A granola bar. They quickly brought it out and told me they were trying to sneak it up. Once again, a lesson followed about doing what is right and obeying. So glad they are so teachable - I am sure it will always stay that way, right.
Had an issue this past week at the school. Not a huge issue but it could have been. The appropriate staff was called in. It all stemmed from an honest mistake but that mistake took wings and caused problems. Anyway, sure is hard watching your child have to face consequences you do not want them to face but know they need to from the learning standpoint. Mom and dad also learned a lesson as it is something we should have been aware of, but overlooked. I am thankful I have a relationship with the staff and that they know B and his heart and he is not a trouble maker. (I can only imagine what might have happened if that were not so)
Still plugging away at the gym. I can't believe how much I enjoy going to the gym right now. The mornings I don't go, I just drag. I also find most mornings I wake up long before my 4:45 alarm. I might even try to pick up the tennis racket in the next couple of weeks.
Off to take Jbird to school and then put JB down for a nap. He has a cold but does not seem to interfere with his progression with speech. I have found myself several times lately rocking him to sleep and then napping in the chair with him.
Had a good scout weekend. While we were touring the fire station a 911 call came in, so this was very exciting for the boys although our tour was cut short. This Saturday the scouts are going to see the Harlem Globetrotters. B has seen them once but Jbird has not, so taking the two boys!
Enjoying the experimenting I am doing in the kitchen. I have tried the artisan bread in 5 minutes a day technique and quite pleased with it. Still need to iron out a few details but if I do, I foresee never having to buy store bought bread again. So easy and good. I love my magic bullet. I finally got up the nerve to make a spinach smoothie and it was pretty good. Could have used a little more flavor but definitely something I will be making again. I probably had more veggies in that one cup that I had all week. My favorite meat marinade I whip up in the magic bullet too....pureed chipotle peppers and then combine it with Dr. Pepper. Then throw it all in the crock pot.
The other day I rounded the corner into the boys room and heard one of them say 'no, stand up, a wedgie does not work that way...' Uugghh. Then one of them did not want to partake of my dinner, so they chose not to eat. Before bedtime they told me they needed to get something from downstairs. As they walked back up the stairs, I heard the crinkling sound long before I saw them. Knowing the answer, I asked what they had. A granola bar. They quickly brought it out and told me they were trying to sneak it up. Once again, a lesson followed about doing what is right and obeying. So glad they are so teachable - I am sure it will always stay that way, right.
Had an issue this past week at the school. Not a huge issue but it could have been. The appropriate staff was called in. It all stemmed from an honest mistake but that mistake took wings and caused problems. Anyway, sure is hard watching your child have to face consequences you do not want them to face but know they need to from the learning standpoint. Mom and dad also learned a lesson as it is something we should have been aware of, but overlooked. I am thankful I have a relationship with the staff and that they know B and his heart and he is not a trouble maker. (I can only imagine what might have happened if that were not so)
Still plugging away at the gym. I can't believe how much I enjoy going to the gym right now. The mornings I don't go, I just drag. I also find most mornings I wake up long before my 4:45 alarm. I might even try to pick up the tennis racket in the next couple of weeks.
Off to take Jbird to school and then put JB down for a nap. He has a cold but does not seem to interfere with his progression with speech. I have found myself several times lately rocking him to sleep and then napping in the chair with him.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Just some sentences about the boys!
JB is now tall enough to see into the silverware drawer, reach the top button in the elevator at church and reach the bathroom faucet when standing on the stool. He can also climb in and out of the tub by himself. He is imitating almost any word you throw his way. Sure makes it easier for the therapists to work with him when he has a plethora of sounds. Most of the words he will not produce on his own though. I tried some more potty training. After not being able to get the timing down, I just decided to park him on the bathroom. He finally went to the bathroom! I just bought some more diapers and I hope it is my last box - I guess most of that depends on me and my diligence. We have several glue sticks that are washable. When you use them they go on purple and dry clear. I have seen JB use them several times thinking they are markers and then he is all confused when the color disappears. He has also used them several times as chap stick.
The boys have adjusted well to not having a short order cook in the kitchen. There are nights they choose not to eat, but they sure eat a big breakfast in the morning. Jbird is asking lots of questions about nutritional stuff like protein, fiber, etc. He has decided that he can get healthy by not eating the protein that is found in meat but by eating lots of apple and other fruit that has lots of fiber. He is also tall enough now that when he is sitting in the back of the van, I can reach back from the drivers seat and hand him something without tossing it at him. Looking at signing Jbird up for soccer this spring. We have never done soccer in the spring, but looks like neither boy will be doing t-ball.
B has a big weekend with lots of scout activities. This Saturday kicks off Scouting for Food, so the Dens will have a table set up at local grocery store seeking Food Bank donations. Then it is scout Sunday where you wear your uniform to church - he always loves this and then Sunday afternoon off to tour the fire station. Although he is a wolf rank, he does not actually cross over to wolf until the month of February, so trying to get in all the last minute requirements.
I am still hitting the gym! I get most of my miles during the week. I really like the 5am workouts. There was one day recently where I hit a decent jog. Mid stride, not sure what I did but I got in a groove and it felt great. Not sure if I stood up straighter, landed differently on my feet, adjusted my hips. I have tried to find that stride again and have not been able to yet. If I do, look out, I just might run for a long time. I finally understood how runners love to run.
JR is camping this weekend. It always does him good to get out in nature.
Off to finish up the taxes and put the kids to bed!
JB is now tall enough to see into the silverware drawer, reach the top button in the elevator at church and reach the bathroom faucet when standing on the stool. He can also climb in and out of the tub by himself. He is imitating almost any word you throw his way. Sure makes it easier for the therapists to work with him when he has a plethora of sounds. Most of the words he will not produce on his own though. I tried some more potty training. After not being able to get the timing down, I just decided to park him on the bathroom. He finally went to the bathroom! I just bought some more diapers and I hope it is my last box - I guess most of that depends on me and my diligence. We have several glue sticks that are washable. When you use them they go on purple and dry clear. I have seen JB use them several times thinking they are markers and then he is all confused when the color disappears. He has also used them several times as chap stick.
The boys have adjusted well to not having a short order cook in the kitchen. There are nights they choose not to eat, but they sure eat a big breakfast in the morning. Jbird is asking lots of questions about nutritional stuff like protein, fiber, etc. He has decided that he can get healthy by not eating the protein that is found in meat but by eating lots of apple and other fruit that has lots of fiber. He is also tall enough now that when he is sitting in the back of the van, I can reach back from the drivers seat and hand him something without tossing it at him. Looking at signing Jbird up for soccer this spring. We have never done soccer in the spring, but looks like neither boy will be doing t-ball.
B has a big weekend with lots of scout activities. This Saturday kicks off Scouting for Food, so the Dens will have a table set up at local grocery store seeking Food Bank donations. Then it is scout Sunday where you wear your uniform to church - he always loves this and then Sunday afternoon off to tour the fire station. Although he is a wolf rank, he does not actually cross over to wolf until the month of February, so trying to get in all the last minute requirements.
I am still hitting the gym! I get most of my miles during the week. I really like the 5am workouts. There was one day recently where I hit a decent jog. Mid stride, not sure what I did but I got in a groove and it felt great. Not sure if I stood up straighter, landed differently on my feet, adjusted my hips. I have tried to find that stride again and have not been able to yet. If I do, look out, I just might run for a long time. I finally understood how runners love to run.
JR is camping this weekend. It always does him good to get out in nature.
Off to finish up the taxes and put the kids to bed!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)