So I really was meaning to write something here this week… But Netflix sent us a couple of Weeds DVDs and my evenings have been pretty booked up with that.
And I’m not even kidding.
I actually did have something half written – but in the heat of some manic organization, I accidentally deleted it. So I feel really incentivized by that…
Instead I’m going to do one of those “Random Tuesday” posts. Which is very much in keeping with my personal style since, you know – it’s Thursday.
Here are some doings and goings on from the past week or two.
Eleanor turned 16. Or at least she thinks so. The exasperated “oh MOM!” sighs from my three year old daughter are plentiful these days. But she’s also been delighting me by parroting my own overused turns of phrase. Sometimes they aren’t the most attractive of reflections:
Eleanor [downstairs]: Mom – can I have some water?
Me [upstairs]: Sure – but please come up here instead of yelling.
Eleanor [probably rolling her eyes since she’s impersonating a teenager]: But I’m watching TV…
Me: Well – I’m making dinner, so if you want it, you’ll have to come up.
Eleanor [stomping up the stairs]: OKAY! But I really don’t have time for this right now!
Nice work, mom…
But then she also does things like cup her hands on either side of my face, look me in the eyes and say, “you are my very special girl.” So I guess I can live with the rest.
George has been rather challenging lately. Which is to say he’s a very bad little boy. Lots of drawing on walls, destroying expensive blush with manicure tools, screaming for candy at 8:00 a.m… And he’s so intense – he literally loses his mind when he becomes agitated. I’ve mentioned before that he’s a screamer, and I don’t think I could ever fully convey through the the medium of written word exactly how piercing that sound is. I believe it’s one octave lower than the pitch of a dog whistle. The highest note audible to human ears. It’s not a good sound. So it’s not surprising that he has been led to believe that candy may be a breakfast option every now and again…
I worry about George.
But his “quirks” will have a little more time to develop while I focus all of my immediate attention on doing everything I can to prepare Oliver for Kindergarten. His IEP is DONE! And I’m fairly pleased with it. I didn’t get everything I asked for – but close. And at this point, I think he really needs to be there before I can decide if he needs more services.
And I have high hopes for additional progress over this summer since he’ll be doing a number of different things in the way of therapy. OT on Wednesdays, a social skills group on Fridays (hard to explain that one…play therapy?), and most exciting – auditory processing therapy. That last one is kind of controversial, but we’ve had him doing a home listening program that has already produced some pretty impressive results.
Initially, I thought I’d try to be very cautious about my expectations – to keep my hopes in check and just see how things go. But you know what? Fuck that. I’m going full tilt The Secret on this one. My feelings? So don’t matter. If any single shred of positive attitude can tilt the universe in favor of my son’s success – then I think I can handle whatever disappointment comes my way. I’m expecting a miracle. And I can actually do that, because I have a black belt in adapting to whatever garbage life throws me. I’ve been doing it for years, and I can do it again as necessary in September. Because I’m going to be thrilled with any results I see.
And then of course there is the abyss of “the Summer” looming. Tomorrow is the last day of preschool and I will no longer have that bus pick up to break up the day and give us some structure. I’m going to have to come up with a schedule of sorts (aside from Oliver’s Kindergarten boot camp training that is). So that’s a new project for me.
Fun things coming up include a trip to the West Coast to see Chris’ family the first week of July. We’ll be at the beach in California for half the time and will then drive to Phoenix to stay at my inlaws’ house. I haven’t been there since Oliver was a baby – so I’m really looking forward to it.
Then just a few weeks later, I’ll be going to BlogHer. I’m actually pretty excited for this since I’ve never been able to go before. And NYC is so close. It’s one of my favorite cities, so I’m hoping to work in a little time outside the conference hotel. So far – no big plans, but I’m starting to ask around about meeting up with various online friends. Will you be there? Let me know.
Oh – and I’m writing this on a new netbook since our computer is dying. Apparently “the motherboard is going.” I don’t know much about computers – but as a “mother” I thought this sounded rather ominous. Because we all know that “when the mama ain’t happy – ain’t nobody happy.” Or something like that.
Until we replace the computer, my posts may be rather photo-free. I have no idea how to access images from my new external hard drive. So far it looks like the netboook’s motherboard isn’t all that compatible with external hard drive. While the external hard drive is physically present, it seems impossible to retrieve any of the data. I’m starting to get a little frustrated…these aloof external hard drive types are so draining. No matter what I try, it just won’t let me in. Things aren’t looking good as my motherboard surely won’t stand for this kind of treatment. And all I want are some family pictures. A few fond memories to pop into an otherwise meaningless post. Apparently, this means nothing to the all take and no give external hard drive. At the moment, nothing is available to me. Emotionally unavailable external hard drives…they’re all the same.
Now that was just sad…I’m going to quit while I’m ahead (or only slightly behind). Since I can’t leave you with an uplifting image plucked from that daily miracle we call motherhood, you can just close your eyes picture three smiling faces, smudge free and without a trace of impending drama, trauma or tantrums. Also know that this doesn’t exist anywhere in the Hood family hard drive (external or not). But when given creative license, you may as well run with it.
The beaches in California will be insane. Make sure that you check with his parents that the city you guys are in are having the fireworks because of all the city budget cuts.
I live by disneyland I will be sitting on my front lawn :).
I love that Eleanor cups your face in her hands and says "You are my special girl!" That must just melt you – how adorable. xo.
Haha! Eleanor's little water speech is hilarious! Seriously, maybe she's a kid by day and moonlights with some other fancy job at night–so she really IS tired and just doesn't have the time. LOL! Oh, and my nephew isn't really a screamer, but he IS a meltdowner. Wow, when that kid gets upset, he just goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. It's baaaaad.
I want Fiona to cup my face and say I'm her special girl! So freaking sweet! And I loved this whole post – reading it felt like we were having a (albeit one sided) great phone chat!
Have a good weekend!
The Eleanor thing is beyond adorable but what really slayed me is this:
"Emotionally unavailable external hard drives"
I think I love you even more now.
PS Yay for good IEPs! You go and hope all you want, attitude IS important, especially in terms of how Oliver himself sees these changes, but no less so is a school district that's willing and able to work with you. Then, with that positive attitude firmly in place, keep a close eye on them and make sure that what's written actually happens ;).
PS No trips to NH in August hiding in there, are there?
When I got my iPad I started watching WEEDS from the beginning. I stayed up until Midnight every night for a month watching….
I LOVE IT!
Eleanor and Meghan are in cahoots….
I mailed your package yesterday…I hope you like it!
How old is George? Because my Liam has developed this new hair trigger temper that got old before it even started. Maybe it was prep work for becoming the middle child. Whatever it is, I wish it would stop.
YOU HAVE TO FIND ME AT BLOGHER. Sorry. Was I screaming? George told me you like it if we yell.
Also, IEP chest bump.
I think we'll give you a break – you are one busy woman. I love the stories about your daughter – 3 is the most hilarious age. Hope the therapy sessions go well for your son this summer.
Love that Eleanor! So funny. I can't believe she said that.
When are you coming over? :)
I am so, so happy to hear about Oliver and that you're going "full tilt The Secret"…that made me laugh. You're right though. Things can be hard enough without adding cynicism and just general negativity into the mix. I think you're inspiring. I especially liked what you said about expecting a miracle. I think I might do the same.