Heather had her first "real" dentist appointment yesterday. She did awesome and the dentists loved her. She had no cavities and handled them cleaning her teeth well(I wasn't sure she would with her oral issues.) The dentist pointed out that her teeth change texture halfway down. She said they see this in kids that were sickly in utero or as newborns. She said it doesn't affect anything, but I found it interesting.

After the dentist I took her to her school for the first day. I walked her in and told her I would see her in a few hours. She quickly hugged me and went off to see what there was to play. I hope the next time I take her, she let's me leave as easily!

Well, I am off to take Heather out to play in this unseasonably hot weather.

Second Grade

Today was the first day of school. I don't know who was more anxious, Alison or me. She was worried she would cry there, but waved and smiled when I left. Right away when we got home, Heather cried because she missed her sister.

End of first grade

I can hardly believe I have a second grader. When did that happen? Yikes. Today was her last day of school and she left this morning a little teary eyed at the thought of not having her teacher anymore.

After school, I took the girls to Drumlin Farm to walk around. Of course as soon as we made it down the 9 mile(okay maybe .5 mile) path, the rain started. Luckily, I convinced the girls we are durable enough to keep walking even if it is pouring. We saw all of the animals in record time and headed out to grab some dinner.



After dinner we went to Target and they picked out a Shrek bowling set, which kept them occupied until bedtime. As I was tucking Alison in, she told me she was excited for morning. I said, "because it is summer?" She said, "no, because every day is closer to the start of second grade!" Let's hope she is this excited come the first day!

Evaluation Meeting

This morning I went to Heather's evaluation meeting. It was with the preschool coordinator(special ed), the town's Ot, Pt, speech therapist and also education consultant. They decided to put Heather on an IEP based on her delays. She will receive PT through them to build up strength and work on endurance. They were concerned with how difficult things are for her to do physically and how tired she got quickly. The PT told me this is from the hypotonia, which she said is neurological and will always be present, but by helping her build strength and endurance, it will be easier for her to cope. They are figuring out what is best for speech, so we will find out more with that in August.


After the meeting, I headed to Alison's school to fulfill my last party as room mom. I brought popsicles and goldfish and the class played outside and had a fun time.



Alison showing off her new shorter hair cut

Mom-eeeeee....

Have you ever had those days where you feel like hiding behind the sofa and hoping your children can't find you? I swear if I hear the name Mommy one more time today, I might run away from home. It has not stopped for one minute all day. "I need a drink, food, more drink, more food, cover me, my pants hurt,can I..., my sock itches, needa go potty, where's my..., I'm hung-wee again!." Lord help me, it is a good thing I have no liquor in the house.

I am making a memory book for Alison's teacher as a end of the year gift. I had each student write a letter to the teacher and also write about a special memory from this year.(Very cute so far!) So, I went to print the cover today. I am out of colored ink. I bundle up Miss Hungry, thirsty, needa go potty and we head off to Staples. They don't have our ink so then we head to trusty old Target. Get home, install the ink and I foolishly think it will be smooth printing from here on out. Ha! As I go to close the cover, I drop a teeny tiny Barbie plate into my printer. I can not for the life of me get it out(can't even see it). Yet it is making my printer not load paper. Lovely.

Spring

Today is the first day of spring. Sure, it looked sunny and nice out today. But once you stepped out the door, the arctic winds whipped your hair into a not so fashionable up-do and your hand froze to the metal railing on the porch. Lovely! So when is spring really going to get here?

To answer Tracey's question about the school evaluation- I finally got a call back from the Sped lady and she gave me the address to mail my request letter too. She told me that they will move quickly with it. Alison's Dr. is on top of it and said that if they pull anymore crap(aka trying to talk me out of evaluating her), he is going to call personally and tell them off. Only he didn't say it so nicely..lol! I also mailed in the request for Heather to be evaluated by our town. Hopefully they will step up and offer her some OT.

Totally random, but is it me or is American Idol really bad this season? I can not get into it. At all. Blah.

My parents had given me 2 tickets to see the Blue Man Group this weekend. According to the tickets, I am in "the poncho seating section". Where things from the stage may splash on you. Alrighty then... I will be sure to give you a full review.

For some reason, I can not seem to blog without mentioning my children. So here goes-- I had a phone conference with Alison's teacher today. Same conversation we have had 3 other times this year. My child is wonderful in class, gets along great with the other kids, can handle the most difficult math problems and is at the top of the class academically. I talked to her(again) about the problems with homework at home.(I can't elaborate on these problems, because I will then need a Valium.) Her suggestion was that she will break up the homework more when sending it home with Alison. Like only sending home that night's homework instead of 4 nights worth. You know, like normal schools do. That way Alison won't get so overwhelmed. Or so we hope.

Alright, someone tell me to get off of here and fold my laundry so that I can go to bed at a humanly hour for once.

It is freezing here. Actually it is even colder than that. The wind was so fierce today that even fully bundled, I had to carry Heather and she had to hide her face in my coat. Her cheeks still got chapped some. Move over Tracey, Austin here we come.

I spoke with Alison's pediatrician today in depth. Have I mentioned how I love this Dr? She is amazing. I am so lucky to have found her. She is honest, caring, great with the girls and listens to my opinions without dismissing them right away like most Dr's. Anyhow.. I had really hoped that she was going to tell me there may be a chance this is a wrong diagnosis. No such luck. She said Tourette's is a very black and white thing. And Alison has it. She was very helpful though with some tips and advice on dealing with the bullying and the school. She slightly disagrees with the psychiatrist though and thinks that we may want to try medication for the tics. She said that if they can control some of them and reduce the pain they cause, then it is worth it. I will bring it up again when we see the psychiatrist in 2 weeks. I hate medication. Hate it. I don't like to take it or give it to my kids unless I am totally convinced it is worth it to them. We will see what he says about it though. I am waiting on a call back from Alison's school to see what they have to say. I am dreading dealing with them.

In other Balducci news, Bob started a second job last week. He decided he would rather work more than stay with the kids nights and weekends while I work.(insert eye roll here...) So now he will see the girls about 2 hours a week. I know we need the money, but I also need a break every now and then. Especially on days like today where we are all sick and I have been with the kids for 12 hours now.

Thanks for the calls and emails. My mother is doing good. She has an appt next week to see a specialist. Cross your fingers that it is nothing.

As for me, I am fine. Bob thinks the stitches are repulsive and Heather cried for the first day every single time she saw my face. But she has gotten over it. Somewhat. I see the Dr Wednesday to get the sutures out and I assume the biopsy results will be in then. I am confident it is nothing.

I went into Alison's class today for Beach Day. Beach Day. On the coldest day of the year. It was -16 with the wind chill this morning. So cold that the News said not to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Alison wanted to wear shorts and a tank top and wasn't pleased when I made her settle for a skort, t shirt and sweater. She was mad that I wouldn't crawl through the attic to find her flip flops 5 minutes before the bus was coming this morning. Did I mention it was -16 out?

Her teacher nominated me to do crafts. Again. We made paper plate fish with tissue paper scales and paper kites. The kids had fun. I had a head ache after. If I agree to be room parent next year, will someone come over here and slap sense into me? Please?

(Alison is in the brown shirt)

Today is the perfect fall day. Cool, but not freezing and the trees are gorgeous in our neighborhood. I am not a huge fall fan, usually I find it depressing. But the past few days I have been admiring the foliage and enjoying it. I have wanted to take the girls out and get some pictures with the leaves, but keep forgetting to bring my camera when we go out.

Heather has been talking a ton. She is amazing me with all of the words. Just in the past month, she has exploded with a huge vocabulary. And I am loving it. Now instead of just saying "ball", she says "mommy, sit and play catch with me." Instead of signing for a drink or using her "aaah", she says "drink please." I am just totally in awe of this little girl. She has come a long way and I just really enjoy being with her all day and seeing her make these huge strides.

Alison is deciding what after school activity to start. She keeps trying to convince me that she needs to do a few a week. I refuse to commit to more than one a week right now. Life is too busy and I have flashbacks of rushing to her 3 activities a week last year. She is torn between cheering(imagine my joy), hip hop or swim. And then this morning she said she might take gymnastics again even though she claims to have hated it. She is also deep in plans for her upcoming 7th birthday. We have decided to do a make over style party here at home. I used to get paid to run kids parties, so I can't see paying $300 for someone else to do what I can manage for around $100. I can not believe I have an almost 7 year old. Where the heck did the last 7 years go? I do not feel old enough to have a child that age. And we are creeping closer to the pre teens, that terrify me!

Well, I need to run and finish picking up my house. My aunt is stopping by in a bit and then I am off to have a CTscan done. The Dr still can't figure out what is causing the vertigo. Gotta love living in one of the best states for healthcare and then getting Drs who cant figure out what is wrong with you.

Life has been busy(understatement!) Alison is doing really good. She is still having some minor nose bleeds at night from the surgery, but they are getting better. She went to school last week with no problems and is feeling good. She has a post op appt next week.

Bob and I went to Alison's class curriculum night. Her teacher went over her methods of teaching and what she expects from the kids. She expects A LOT. Not necessarily a bad thing, but Alison is one of those sensitive kids who needs someone understanding too. I hope that this year doesn't prove to be too difficult. I'd hate to have Alison frustrated in 1st grade.

Heather is doing great. We are working on potty training. I am letting her go at her own pace. I know this will take a while with her and I am not going to stress her out over it. She is loving gymnastics and has to show anyone who will watch how she can roll and somersault. She starts with her new OT next week and I am really hopeful it helps.

Well, I have to run. We have appointments this morning. SO I will leave you with some pictures from this week.


Heather has been wearing her Halloween Costume(Minnie Mouse) daily


Baby Bling




Like Father, Like Daughter. I do all my own stunts.

I tried to keep the kids busy the last week before school began. In a way, summer is too short. I had so much I wanted to do and didn't get to with them. But on the other hand, I have to admit that I was a happy mommy today when I came home after dropping Alison off at school and was able to clean my house top to bottom without breaking up fights all day.

Roger Williams Park Zoo:



Heather "showing me" what an elephant does


Boston Children's Museum

Listening to a member of the Wampanoag Tribe talk about their traditions


Playing at the Water table. Which led to Heather having a full fledge melt down from getting overwhelmed. My poor girl just needed some hugs and then was okay to move to a different room of the museum.





At Heather's Early Intervention

The Fire dept and Police Dept came out to let the kids in the trucks and cars. Heather loved the trucks from a distance and was thrilled when they gave her a fire hat and rub on tattoo.
(In the Fire Truck)



And of course one from this morning. First day of First Grade. My girl is growing up. First grade??! Heather refused to be left out and lugged that back pack all the way to Alison's school!


Well, that's all for now. I realized I hadn't shared any pictures in a while.

I feel like a rotten mother counting down the days, but boy has this been a trying summer. Alison is a child who needs constant motion and attention. Not her fault. I have always been good at making sure she is kept busy and gets enough attention. But I need a break! She is definietly pushing every button she can this week. Poor Heather has been teased and tormented constantly(although Heather can push buttons herself, I realize this.) My mother watched them for half an hour yesterday and was frazzled when I came back. She even had to speak to Alison about being a pest. Now you see why I am counting down days till school starts! I just told Alison to pick up her room, so the first thing she grabs is the doll Heather is holding. When Heather cries, she says"Mommy said pick up." (Picture me with steam escaping from my ears)I had to explain that I didn't mean the toy Heather was using, I was referring to the other 700 toys strewn about the room. Kids...

Have I mentioned that my sugars are very high? Could it be from stress related eating!?!

I woke up this morning feeling awful. I never get stomach bugs and I was so queasy. Not a good start, but I made it to her school. First we had portfolio day where the parents reviewed their work from the entire year. Then I left and came home to get Heather. Went back to help out for Gymboree Day(Alison's school calls their field day "Gymboree Day". Not sure why. I volunteered to help out-actually I was volunteered by the teacher..) The kids had a lot of fun. Heather enjoyed being the center of attention. All of the bigger girls just loved her and kept hugging her and singing to her. After the kindergarten finished their races, I left to take Heather home for lunch. My mother came to watch her and I headed back. The girls in Alison's class beat all of the other classes(4 of them) at the tug of war. Those are some strong girls! They had a water balloon toss and then went in for popsicles and to get ribbons. The kids had a great time, but were hot and tired.

Alison and her 2 best friends~


Winning at tug of war the 3rd time(Alison is the 5th from the end)~



Her class posing together~


That's it for now. I am off to bring Alison to swim class and then to dance. I am SO happy that she only has 1 more dance class after this one. My Tuesdays are insanely crazy!

I haven't had the time or energy to give a real update lately. So here goes in catching everyone up...

My next door neighbor(and family friend)'s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia almost 2 weeks a go. It is just so sad. This family is the the kindest family and I have never met sweeter kids than their 2 girls. I have been trying to help them out as much as I can, but I am finding it hard to stay strong because my heart is breaking for her. The parents are looking for other families going through this with a teen to chat with(if anyone knows any, please email me.)

On top of this, Alison hasn't been doing terrific(which I mentioned before). Her ENT wants to go ahead with the sinus surgery that I refused in January. Her allergist is agreeing with the ENT. Dr Ferber(ferber sleep method) wants a sleep study done soon. But her anxiety level is already very high and I can't see adding to it. I had to tell her about our neighbor(Alison spends many afternoons at their house) which added to her worrying. So she is having an especially rough time. Her Dr has been excellent in helping me find ways to help her feel better and we are hopeful that once school ends, she will feel better. Heather is Heather and continues to be puzzling. Some things with her have improved so much, while others haven't improved at all in the past year. She has some important appointments coming up in June and hopefully we can get some answers.

I chaperoned Alison's school trip to the zoo last week. It was hectic, but fun. Somehow I always manage to get the hyper bunch of kids.



(the little girl below with the long hair is Alison's best friend and is donating her hair to locks of love this month)






This week is a calm week for us. Somehow we have very few appointments. I feel lost with this "extra" time. I am not used to it at all. Next week the craziness starts up again though. Both girls have a lot of appointments coming up.

Yesterday Bob took the day off from work. Alison is off all week for school break. So we headed to the farm with the girls. They had fun. Heather said hi to every animal. "Hi Sheep, Hi goat". She just loves any animal and is so gentle with them. I only took a few pictures because it was busy and the girls didnt stay still long enough to get pictures. So I could only snap a few while we were on the hay ride.




And one of Heather talking to the baby sheep


I have been a pretty boring mother this week. I had hoped to take the kids to do a lot of fun things during school break. But it hasn't happened. We have been doing small things and mostly just playing outside. Heather's belly hasnt been feeling great, so we have been taking it a little easier. I still have no clue what our plans are for today. Grocery store and I need to make a few appts, then maybe a playdate. Not really sure.

My eye laser surgery was cancelled for tomorrow. They called Monday to reschedule it. Now it is planned for next Tuesday afternoon. Fun, fun!

I wanted to share this video of Heather. Her new favorite thing to do is tell you" how old you, me" Translation: "Ask me how old I am". And she says "two" and shows 2 fingers. I couldnt get her to show me the 2 fingers in the video clip, but you can hear her.


How old are you, Heather?

This week already has me tired and it is Tuesday..lol! Alison has the week off from school and I tried to keep her busy yesterday. We ran errands all morning, I took the girls out for lunch, then we came home to try to get Heather to nap and I played games with Alison. After dinner I took Alison to the mall for new shoes. Let me tell you that girl has a thing for shoes. She tried on almost every pair in Stride Rite and then wasnt sure which to get. Most of the ones she loved didnt come in narrow width, so they just fell off of her skinny feet. So 3 stores and about 50 pairs of shoes later, she found some that felt good!

Saturday my friend Aimee brought her girls over to sleep over. I don't know how much sleep they actually got in, but they had a good time. Heather was a little tyrant for the first hour though. Everything in the house was hers. If anyone would so much as look at her toys she would say"mine!"

Here are some pictures of her with her friends. I asked Aimee first if I could post them of her kids and she said yep. ;O)



Also, I have been working on a site with some information on plagio if anyone wants to check it out. It isnt done yet, but getting there slowly. Heather's Noggin