Unringing the Bell

Silent Spiders

I won't go boring you with all the reasons I've been everywhere but here, lately, but suffice it to say, I've missed you! Thankfully, I have had a moment or two most weeks to jot down in the journals I keep for the kids some of the funnier (and on occasion, odder) things they've been up to or done. Those books are rife with future blackmail material!

I've been photographing some and we got a new digital recorder which I am just testing out. It is going to be immensely useful and handy and fun (as soon as I free up some room on my computer to store the digital files). Have I mentioned how digital storage of images, video, music, etc, gives me angina?

Here was one of the first videos I shot. Georgia was "noping" me to death because in reality we had already done the bedtime routine and she just wanted to go to sleep. (Normally, she readily and happily REQUESTS these songs (and at least several more), but by this point she was zonked because we'd already read our book (I am reading her "Charlotte's Web"), and sung an arm's length of songs.) It's still kind of cute, though (if you ignore my big mouth.))

Besides that, let's see. I have a lot of Rainer observations and a bunch of Georgia pictures (most of them are ones of her with her MP3 player, it's sort of a montage of images to show just how much she la-la-loves that thing!), so maybe I will just intersperse the two. Sounds fair, right? (Parents of more than one, do you find yourself doing that? Trying to equal out the attention paid to one kid or the other? I do. Rainer takes a lot of my attention, while Georgia is willing to hang on her own a lot. I have to make a concerted efforted to peel Rainer off me and seek Georgia out.) But I digress.

Let's do one of my famous lists. (Famous to whom? You ask? Why...the crickets!)

1. Rainer is noticing (and commenting on) everything these days. And he has a good memory. Which is flabbergasting. And a little scary. I went on a yellow light a week or so ago and he told me, "No go, Mommy! Yellow means be careful, not GO!" I tried to explain to him that I was indeed continuing with caution, but he wasn't having it. Also, since we explained the Don't Walk and Walk lights to the kids at a parade recently, we can't walk or drive anywhere without one or both of the children pointing them out. Georgia says it like one word, "dontwak" and because Rainer is a monkey and likes to copy everything, so does he. "That means dontwak, Mommy."

2. Lately, Rainer gets offended if Georgia doesn't answer him or acknowledge that he is talking. I, of course, think this is WONDERFUL! Built in inititve! Most people don't wait Georgia out. They just assume she can't understand or respond or whatever and they let her slide. I think she is used to being let off the hook. Not by Alex and I, and not by her therapists, but other kids, other parents. But now, not Rainer, either. He is very excited to tell Georgia about his time away from her when we pick G up from camp, for instance, and he wants her to acknowledge him and his adventures and treasures. "Mommy, Georgia not say hi to me!" "Mommy, Georgia doesn't want to see my new ball?" "Mommy, Georgia won't give me hi-five!"

When I walk him through how to get her attention, how to engage her, his is THRILLED when she responds to him. So am I!

(Surely going to be her album cover. Rolling Stones shirt, trashed room, a ukulele, a rainbow tutu, and a potty.)

And some more MP3 player love (nee, obsession).

 

 

 

3. A few months back, before Rainer was able to articulate with quite as much aplumb what he was thinking about, what irked him, what furrowed his brow, prior to his apparent new night-time waking stage (similar to the one G went through at this age, though not nearly as terrifying--nightmares??--whatever it is, it kind of sucks), we used to occasionally put on this one episode of Sesame Street and he would LOSE. HIS. EXCREMENT! Like, in the first scene. As soon as he realized it was that episode. All other episodes, he was fine. But this one? NO CAN DO!

It took us a little while, but one day I put it together that he was scared--I mean PETRIFIED--of this one skit of the itsy bitsy spider. Admittedly, it's terrifying. A quick google search garnered no video online, but let me tell you, it's a grown woman, dressed in a spider costume, a HAIRY spider costume, acting out The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Rainer HATES it.

Today. Months later. I happened to pop on a Sesame Street. Both the kids are sort of "off" tv at the moment, preferring to do stuff (thankfully), but since it's been so dreadfully hot I thought we'd take advantage of a little SS. Well, Rainer wasn't having it. It was mid-episode, and I certainly didn't recognize it, but he did. He started freaking out. Telling me to turn it off. I asked him "What's wrong, bud? You don't want to watch it?"

Through his tears, his body shaking, he told me, "Rainer no like the spider!!!!! No like the spider. I want to turn it OFF, Mommy!"

Well. There you go. It WAS the spider.

I find this interesting in so many ways. First, holy good memory, batman! Second, where does a two-year-old learn about fear, and how? Three, good verbalization. And four, huh. Wow, even. Man. Shit. Dang. I feel bad. Think of ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the times Georgia has had a meltdown or freaked out or cried or moaned or kicked or screamed or whatever other behavior. And I didn't know why. And I thought, "Maybe this is indicitive of something more." Because you freak out a little as a parent. You know>

But maybe it was just a hairy spider. Whatever that hairy spider was. 
 
  (Georgia is sitting in her chair with the tray on because I was THIS close to giving her a haircut. And then I decided I wasn't ready.)

Timing

What a different week this one has been!

While there was certainly an element of stress added to our last week because of the PTing, G ended up getting a pretty bad cold on Sunday which, I think, attributed to some of the behaviors we were seeing. She took a couple days off school (and is off today b/c of an early dismissal) and though she is still a little stuffy (Rainer's got it too and we were up with him several times coughing overnight last night) she seems to be on the mend.

Despite the kids being sick, this week has been much better. It helped that Alex took some short days at work. We did decide to go back to p/us because of all the stress (and the sickness/behaviors) and it seems to be going well. We are still bringing G to the toilet at regular intervals and she is doing really well. Today she has stayed dry all morning and she has asked me TWICE to go sit!

So while last week I was feeling like a failure, this week I am realizing we just need (and will continue to need) to strike a balance and do what works for us. It's definitely something we will need to suss out as we go. I feel VERY encouraged by the fact that she is telling us when she needs to go and willingly sitting. I have hope! (And I didn't last week.)

Today when I was preparing breakfast, Rainer came in with no bottoms on saying he needed help putting his pants back on. Seems he had taken the initiative to sit on the potty himself. So. Bonus! It'll be awhile with him it seems, too, but I'll take his initiative!

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This is going to be the spring of bike riding! G's grandparents sent her an adaptive tryke (it has a bucket seat, adaptive pedals and a push bar) and we are so excited! Georgia's PT wrote to me a couple weeks ago and told us she is having a lot of success with the tryke at school and we wanted to continue that progress at home. The fact of the matter is G is still "plopping" a lot and will often not willingly walk along with us. I think this is a result of her anxiety because if she SEES the destination (and likes it) she will usually walk. It's when the destination is unclear that she has more trouble. Though...not always. Sometimes it's just plain...Georgia.

It makes going anywhere a real challenge with the two kids. Up to this point we have been using the stroller when appropriate and double-teaming them when we can, but we need something more at our disposal, for when both parents are not there. We thought about getting a wagon, but the wheels on a wagon aren't great and come to find out, the weight limits on those things are ridiculously low (our two kids would already be almost two big for most of them). The tryke appeals to us because it would promote independence, she can learn a new skill, and she can get exercise instead of just being pulled (or carried) (or pushed) around.

I was worried about her still being in a stroller at 4yo, and though I have been assured by many friends that it is common for 4yo to still stroll, I like that this is a little more independent and age-appropriate.

I don't know if this would be so glaring to me if I didn't also have Rainer who is usually quite willing (and excited) to walk. I am sure we will still use the stroller at times, but options are good!

Speaking of bikes, we scored a great woot for Rainer the other day. We'd been thinking about getting him a balance bike ever since my dad brought them to my attention last fall. We thought he was too small at the time, but he's growing like a weed (and doing all that active boy stuff quick quick quick) and like G, somewhat overnight it seems he is ready. I almost bought one full price the night before my friend told me about the one-day deal, so we scored him a Skuut metal strider for $39! (Usually around $90.) We're waiting for it to arrive, but we got the kids helemts yesterday and they have enjoyed trying them on!

Yes, G's head is TINY (we have to adjust the helmet to the absolute SMALLEST setting). No, she doesn't love it (but she's going to have to learn to at least tolerate it). And yes, that IS a hand-me-down girl's Halloween shirt Rainer is wearing. This is also a FAKE smile.

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More on G's behavior. She is definitely going through some developmental leaps. She is talking a lot more. Somewhat overnight. So, I have to remind myself that her pattern in the past has been to go through these tough times and when all is said and done we have a new skill to celebrate.

I wonder if it is painful for a catterpillar to turn into a butterfly?

::

Georgia is loving the iPod the last couple days. I was surprised yesterday to learn that she knows not only how to identify objects, but how to identify them based on their features and funtions. We have an app from Kindergarten.com that asks "Which is flat?" or "Which one tasts sweet?" etc etc and shows three choices. She is pretty good at it and, I, admittedly, am surprised. This is a whole different "level" of language understanding and, I guess I truly DON'T understand how much she understands--but it's a lot! I pretty much feel like the iPad is going to be a true asset to her learning and SHOWING what she knows as time goes on. What a great tool!I don't want her to become a "game-head" or whatever, but I am loving technology!

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Finally, because we had a video of G the other day, I thought it would be only fair to post one of Ringo today. Rainer struts his stuff. (I am sure this will primarily be of interest to the grandparents!)

Short Little Thumbs

I took this video tonight before the bedtime routine commenced. G doesn't get a ton of time on the iPod Touch, but both she and R like it when they get to "play games." I am impressed with how quickly G has learned to use her short lil' thumbs to navaigate the screen. She usually knows the answers, too, although sometimes her thumbs just aren't quite long enough and she hits the wrong answer. (There are a few that just plain throw her off, too.) This is, perhaps, the most boring video in all of creation, but I still like it--as the mum and all. We intend to get G an iPad post haste. You know, once we save up all the moolah and decide between models. I am so happy she was born into a world that has such technology at her finger--er...thumb--tips. Surely there are arguments to be made against too much technology, but in moderation I think it is going to be a helpful tool. There are some pretty incredible educational apps out there. Please feel free to comment and tell me about any you particularly love!

Fun note: yes, that is her tummy making a funny noise in the beginning of the video, and, too, her brother and father are being goofballs playing soccer in the background hence all the commotion. (Oh. And please excuse her stuffy nose and loud breathing, we all have a bit of a cold.)

 

Edit to add, the app G is playing is from Kindergarten.com. It is a receptive identification app. Seen here. For Autisim Awareness month last year all of kindergarten.com's apps were free!

Ballad of the Door Closers

I am working on a post about school. It's not particularly difficult to write about, I just haven't had a chance to sit down and write uninterrupted about our situation. It's not difficult to write about, buuuuut the situation is frustrating because we are in limbo about next year and I want to take some time to explain our situation and basically just try to order my own brain on the topic.

It's not going to happen during the day though. Not this one anyway! That last paragraph was interrupted no less than fourteen times. Georgia is home sick. She's not sick enough to stop playing (once the ibu- kicks in), but she is too sick to get on the bus and head into school. Fever and low crank threshold until the meds help whatever it is what's ailing her (head, ears, throat, general sinus pressure? I haven't a clue) have been the deciding factor in her playing hooky. I don't like when she doesn't go to school in part because I am selfish and like having my afternoons to get things done while Rainer naps, but more than that, she LOVES school and she doesn't like missing it. I like when she goes. So does she.

That paragraph? Only interrupted twice. The second time to walk the kids down to the playroom because books and legos got tired. Thankfully, it's childproofed and they can play down there for brief amounts of time unsupervised. Of course, when they do they take all the toys off the shelves and throw them all in the playhouse. I walk down and think "It's so neat and clean down here!" only to realize it's because all the toys are upended in a giant junk pile in the house, often with boths kids sitting atop them.

This bothers me to some extent--except, it's so nice that it keeps them quiet! But if the toys are just piled up they are not being used appropriately and they get ruined or forgotten and SOMEBODY has to put them all back. That somebody, is Alex or me. Sure, we ask the kids to help, and they do (with constant dialogue to talk them through it), but some days I just don't have that in me. So when they go to bed (not everyday, mind you) Alex or I go and straighten it up again and they get to wake up to a magically cleaned playroom.

Why do they do that? Honestly, they feed off each other and I think it was Rainer who started the trend. But now Georgia does it, almost obsessively. She likes to tidy up, and effectively throwing all those toys in the house tidies up the REST of the room. She also likes to be surrounded by things. It's a sensory thing. She loves ball pits. Her toys piled up in the playhouse are effectively a giant ball pit for her. It's confirmed. She's a genius!

Also, this. Anyone who knows more than, oooohhh ONE person with DS (I don't want to generalize, but it's a common behavior) probably knows about the strange trend among those people with DS to close doors. What is UP with that? Isn't it strange? It's one of those things where I just go, "Talk about quirky, dudes."

Georgia is one of those people. She likes doors shut, the fridge shut, the recycling bin shut, drawers shut, the whole nine yards. "Shut that shit," she practically yells!  (Not really...she just acts like it, I'll have you know I have cut WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back on my potty mouth in the past four (ok, one) year(s).

If the playroom door is open and we are in the living room, she really can't concentrate until she gets up from whatever she does and closes it. Same with the front vestibule door.

In the winter I don't mind, but in the spring (pre- the sweltering humidity of summer) when we want a cool breeze to gently blow the dust our arm hairs around? It can be irksome. 

Last night, out with "the moms," (note: they all have at least one child with DS) they all confirmed that their kids are door closers, too.

I know OCD is common with our kids. (As are SPD (sensory processing disorder), GAD (general anxiety disorder), and a whole slew of other acronymed disorders which I am forgetting because they have not been attached to MY particular child. Yet?) But really? With the door closing? Really? We're going to fight this battle for the rest of our lives?

(It's not really a battle. I generally just let her close them. Except it's become a bit of a game (ok, battle) for Rainer. And I know the day of crushed fingers is just around the corner.)

So. After that pointless little ditty of a post, I leave you with pictures of our sick day.

And this video from Midnight Noon at the science center with Milkshake. I took Rainer on New Year's Eve. They had a "ball" that dropped at noon. It was a lot of fun. And you can see us in the video. We are standing on the first balcony, right behind the band, behind the guitarist on the right. Rainer is wearing an orange and brown striped shirt and bear hat (but he is not the boy in the orange shirt who looks like he is being hoisted up on someone's shoulders). I am wearing a black jacket and keep futzing with my hair. Who knows what video of YOU might be on youtube!

Last Minute Trip

My sister and her kids were heading to PA for the weekend so we decided to meet up with them since it is a LOT closer to our house and easier for our kids to manage. We met up in Amish Country and had a nice afternoon. It was a bummer it was so hot (110 with the heat index!!) or else we could have done MUCH more, but it was nice to meet up, have lunch and walk around for a (short) time.

The kids love getting out and about and so do I. Sometimes I think Alex (and Georgia) can take it or leave it, but thankfully they indulge us! I REALLY liked it up there and I am sure we will go back when the weather cools off some to explore more. It's only about a 90 minute drive. We were going to attempt a night over and then go to Dutch Wonderland tomorrow, but that seemed ludicrous with the heat and we want to actually enjoy ourselves, so we'll do that in the fall, too, I guess.

Georgia had a great time hanging with her cousin, Julia, though. I don't know what it is, but Julia and Georgia have a real bond. No matter how shy Georgia is, Julia can get her to warm up. Georgia was sneaking handfuls of mac & cheese from Julia's plate (sorry about that, Jules!!) and demanding that she play pat-a-cake with her over and over. I got a little video of it, but not the best parts. This was when Alex was reminding Julia (she's a big girl now and doesn't quite remember Pat-a-Cake anymore) how the song goes. I love the girls' shy smiles though. (And holy smokes, my tiny little point and shoot seems to take better footage than my camcorder!)

I think the highlight for Rainer was drinking creamsicle milk, but I think he and my nephew would have a blast if they had more time to just hang out. Hopefully we can do that soon!

And in general we need to get out and about more! There is so much for us to see and do around here. So much for YOU to see and do, too! Don't you want to come visit? It's not ALWAYS 110 degrees!!!

 

I love their silly grins in this picture.

 

She is having a BLAST!

 

 

Julia looks SO much like my mom as a young girl and my mom's mom (Mama, as we called her). It's really quite shocking to me!

  

Heading home with his Tubby Ba.

 

Rainer takes a turn with Georgia's monster, too.

We got pretty sweaty. (And the fast food parking lot diaper explosion was a lot of fun to take care of on the way home, too. Let me tell ya!) But honestly, being a parent is the best! Despite the truck stop diaper debacle, I have to say, now that the kids are starting to be able to DO stuff, it's a so fun! I love seeing how they react to things, how they look at the world around them.

I went to Disney World last week and boy would it be fun to show that to my kids. But honestly, even the little stuff, the world's most giant squash and the orange milk. It's all pretty cool when you're so fresh on this planet. I love how they give me new eyes.

Here's all of us, minus my sis. (You'd think I could learn to look up!)

E-I-E-I-Ooooo!

Unfortunately this video has a whole bunch of ME singing in it. I didn't mean for it, but I was trying to catch Georgia singing and I know that often when I have the camcorder on she clams up. I was trying to just act like we were just doing what we were doing, not break stride, but I don't know who I think I was kidding because she clearly sees the camcorder--and as you can tell by my singing, I am so preoccupied with trying to catch her singing I clearly break stride a few times. I guess my plan backfired. Hopefully you can still see that little bug singing (and signing) with us though. She's been singing more and more along with her videos.She even sang yesterday at the doctors office*! I love it and I could watch her for hours.

Poor little Rainer gets ignored there for a minute, too, but I promise he's not a neglected child. I just had a one-track mind while I was recording that. Sorry for the dark quality. Oh! But check out how much that little gal loves her Daddy!

*Georgia had her pre-op appointment yesterday for tube placement next Monday. I left Rainer with a friend who has two little girls (one just 4 days younger than Rainer) and they were expecting two more little kids to come over for a playdate--a little boy and another little girl born within weeks of Rainer. He had an ABSOLUTE blast!!! He didn't cry a drop when I left and when I came back he was just BEAMING. All new toys, all sorts of kids to play with. A particular favorite was a Poingo pen and books. Have you heard of it? We definitely have to get him that! I think Georgia would love it too. Oh, and the doctor said she was "amazed" at the progress Georgia has made at the doctor's office! (HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF) I am amazed, too!