Noteworthy

Book of Honor #5 today with this note from his teachers:

"Wow, can you believe it???  Ethan is such an awesome student.  He is, once again, going to sign the Book of Honor =0)  We are so happy he is in our class!" - Ms. Plaza & Ms. Shankle

http://viewpure.com/P1TVWmcNHBQ?ref=bkmk

Bed Time Woes

For the most part, Gavin has been doing SO much better as far as not having melt downs during the day.  I feel like we've come a long way with that.  So I'm thankful for that.  However, bed time is a different story.  We still continued to have drama every.stinking.night.  I've previous looked up ideas on how to keep your toddler in bed and we implemented it right away.  I dedicated myself to camping out outside his bedroom.  When he came out the first time, I gently remind him to go back to bed and stay in bed.  The second time, I firmly reminded him again.  The third time on, I just took his hand and put him to bed silently - making it as plain and boring as possible.  I thought "This really sucks because it takes away my entire evening, but I will do whatever it takes because surely he'll eventually get the idea and stay in bed."  I remembered Brian being gone one night and I sat outside his room for an hour and a half and having to put him back to bed about a dozen times.  It was ridiculous.  Unfortunately, nothing works!  Not time out.  Not spanking.  Not stickers reward.  Not promises of doing something fun the next day.  Not candy surprises.  Not my being disappointed in him.  NOTHING.  On top of that, the 2:30 am wailing thing which I've blogged about back in August and early December (see below) is happening again - minus the holding me hostage thing.  I'm not exactly the most grace giving person at that early hour of the morning when I'm dead asleep.  And it isn't pretty either later that morning because we're ALL exhausted, especially for Brian who gets up super early for work.   

• We're also going through this at night where he used to wake up in the middle of the night, use the bathroom by himself and go back to bed.  Now he will cry in the bathroom as if he's mad that no one is waking up to help him.  Then continues to stand in the hallway wailing in order to wake everyone up and would not stop until one of us comes and puts him back to bed.  
• And the small group thing back in November has gotten better only to get worse again - but thankfully less dramatic.  Apparently the curiosity thing hasn't gotten old so Gavin will just come out sit at the top of the stairs for half an hour or so and eventually I'll go upstairs and quietly lead him back to bed.    

I don't get it and the whole process is literally tiring.  Oh dear Lord, will it ever pass because it sure doesn't feel like it.  What happened to my sleep-through-the-night-at-six-week-old child?!  

New Year's Resolution

So, last summer Ethan did something that involved stealing, lying and 30 pieces of gum.  I won't go into detail about it since the consequences had been dealt with.  But I just remembered my reactions to my "obedient and rule follower" child who I couldn't believe would do such a thing.  I was SO shocked and disappointed.  And I also distinctly remembered God saying to me, "You're not perfect so why would you expect Ethan to be?"  That's when I realized, I placed way too high unrealistic expectations on my children to be perfect, to not spill, to not make messes, to not be so loud, etc.  Perfection shouldn't be the end goal.  And then it hit me tonight that I need to make that my goal/my new year's resolution (which I normally don't make one by the way).  So for more love, more grace, more room for error for my children and to just enjoy them more!

Noteworthy

As we were leaving school, I finally got to meet Ethan's art teacher and this is what she said to me:

"Ethan is all time one of my favorite kindergarteners!  He's such an enthusiastic learner.  He's always listening and obeying and great at staying on task." 

Double Play Dates

Yesterday schools were closed over some snow dusting on the ground which were completely gone by 10 am.  I guess the FCPS are on the cautious side after what happened last Tuesday.  It's comical really.  Anyway, we ended up going to a friend's house for a morning play date and lunch.  And then went over to Ethan's classmate/neighbor's house (whom I'm trying to get to know better) for an afternoon play date.  It was fun except now Ethan wakes up wishing that there's either a 2-hour delay or school closure everyday.  Hopefully we can get back into the normal and consistent week here soon.

Ethan Update II

Despite just coming back from a two week Christmas break only to be faced with two-hour delay and school closing this week, it really hasn't been too bad with the boys.  We've had low key mornings and just lounging around at home.  Yesterday, I had to convince Ethan to suit up so he could go play outside in the snow.  What?!  Since when does this snow loving kid ever need convincing?  He said something about "I guess because I need exercise."  But once he was outside, he didn't want to come in.  I knew it!

 Making snow angels

 

 

 On a mission to clear the deck

 

 

Zonked out from running around!

Later that afternoon, Ethan and I went to the doctor for a follow up with the four meds he was on.  Unfortunately, he coughed came back again!  After waiting over an hour to be seen, Mr. Murphy said that Ethan's lungs are cleared but the nasal drip is still causing problems.  So he's now on Zyrtec (morning and night) and two different nasal spray (morning and night).  If this doesn't work, I'm considering chiropractic care.  Still praying that God will completely heal him from this crazy coughs.

Fun in the Snow

Who knew 2-1/2 inches of snow with school being opened today would cause such a havoc, but it did.  Apparently we made worldwide trend on twitter with #closefcps and several national news.  It was so bad that the Fairfax County sent several emails explaining and apologizing for their decision to keep school open.  Having lived in Iowa I didn't think it was that bad, but for the rest of the non-snow Virginian drivers (and parents), it was.  I could hardly go .9 miles to take Ethan to school and then attempted to go to the gym afterwards.  I said "attempted" because I couldn't even get out of my own neighborhood!  I got so frustrated I ended up turning around and came home.  Unfortunately, when it snows, people here lose all their commonsense and knowledge of the traffic laws. 

Anyway, Gavin and I ended up having a super fun snow day.  Surprisingly, he was the first one to get dressed in snow gear and went out to play before we even take Ethan to school.  Apparently he said he likes the snow now =0)  And even Kaika came out to join us!  Thanking God for another great day with Gavin!

 

 

A Vast Improvement & Noteworthy

I woke up feeling a tad bit anxious today just not knowing how Gavin's going to be being left behind.  Brian went back to work and Ethan went back to school.  The first thing Gavin said when he came down was, "Where's Daddy?"  When I told him that he went to work, I could see his bottom lips working it's way into a pouty face.  I tried to distract him quickly with milk and breakfast and he was okay.  And the rest of the day with him was fabulous!  We went to get grocery, ate lunch and then took a nap.  He even woke up happy and excited to go get Ethan at school.  Praising God for a such a great day with Gavin!!!

My anxieties have stem from three weeks ago.  This is from my journal:

12.18.14
Wow it has been a knock down drag out session around here.  And just when I thought this is the toughest day EVER, the next day trumps it.  The occasional melt downs throughout the day have turned into an every-five minute thing - from morning until night.  It.was.so.awful!  I think I've seriously cried every single day this past week.  Yesterday was THE worst day when Gavin woke up screaming at me and then refusing to put any clothes on.  I was able to get two pieces of clothing on him and then shoved him into the car seat while he kicked & screamed the whole way to Ethan's school.  Then I called Grace (my BSF leader) crying to let her know that I won't be able to make it to the bible study.  I've never cancelled anything just because my kid has a tantrum, but this was BAD.

Anyway, I called and talked to Dad and felt like God gave me affirmation through him.

• I was confused of which battle to choose hence the going back and forth with discipline and not being consistent
• realizing that the whole day is a battle and I must win it
• winning doesn't equal yelling or getting angry
• ignoring all tantrums and manipulations and do NOT give in negative attention
• only positive reinforcement - lots and lots
• and remembering that this WILL pass!

Ethan also had a great first day back to school although he looked pretty exhausted when I picked him up.  He made it to the Book of Honor for the fourth time and this is the note that was sent home with him:

"It has happened, yet, again =0)  Ethan has earned 10 more Character Tickets and went to the Book of Honor.  What a great role model he is for everyone!" - Ms. Plaza & Ms. Shankle

"Twittering" on Blog

Today was the best day we've had in two weeks!  Got everyone out and the boys ran around & stomped in the mud - happy as can be!

Ethan Update

• So the mono test came back positive which totally explained a) why Ethan has been so tired and kind of lethargic lately and b) the lump on his neck.  The doctor ended up ordering a chest x-ray anyway (which we went the next day) just to see if there is anything in his lungs.  But that came back negative and we continued to be stumped with why he's been coughing so much for so long.  After that I think Dr. Staats gave up on Ethan and pretty much just told me to give him a tablespoon of honey and have him take steamy showers.  Really that's the best she can do?!  I was not happy.  
• Three days later, Brian noticed that the lump on Ethan's neck got harder and I called to get an appointment.  Since Dr. Staats was completely booked, I had to see Dr. Murphy.  Well it turned out that was a blessing in disguise.  Apparently, Dr. Murphy is a Ped. Allergist and knew right away after seeing and hearing Ethan cough that it is severe allergies.  He told me to come back the next day so we could do an allergy test in order to determine what Ethan's allergic to.  We also found out that he had pin worms (which I'm guessing he picked up from school) and is something that has been bothering him for over three weeks.
• So on New Year's Eve Day, I took Ethan in again to do this test which according to the doctor it shouldn't hurt.  But apparently it involved pricking his back with over 30 needles which I didn't know and Ethan was screaming and crying... I felt so AWFUL!  Thankfully a little dum-dum helped make it all better.  The result showed that Ethan is allergic to dust mites, pet dander and a bunch of trees.  He prescribed two different med + a nose spray + Zyrtec and said we should see results and comfort right away.  Not sure why Dr. Staats had never once mentioned that her colleague is an allergist or even about this test.   
• Well, after 24 hours of taking the medication and not seeing anything different, I was frustrated.  Ethan continued to cough and also napped 3 hours a day because his body was exhausted from the mono.  I was having serious doubts that it was allergies.  The good news is that his pin worms situation cleared up without us having to purchase the $50 medication.   
• After four days, the meds are finally kicking in and doing something.  And today for the very first time in two weeks, Ethan is eating well and seems to have more energy.  He didn't even need a nap!  We even made it to the playground and enjoy this beautiful 61 degree weather.  Still coughing a little but nothing like it was before.  So thankful that he's almost back to his normal self right before having to head back to school tomorrow!  We have another check up this Thursday and the doctor might finally prescribe us a nebulizer which is what I've been asking for this whole time.  Please continue to pray for him!

"Twittering" on Blog

Ryan and Su (the newly engaged couple) came over to ring in the New Year's with us.  Made it all the way 'til 3 am...but I know we're going to regret this today.  Happy 2015 Everyone!