The weather is finally getting cooler-- cold in fact. It has dropped twenty degrees overnight--- sure was nice to wear jeans and boots for a change. I think cooler weather also makes for less grumpiness in general, at least here in my house. If the weather keeps up, I think yesterday was our last day of swimming. Good thing I actually got in the pool and enjoyed it.
A few of the kids got their progress reports today! They are all pulling high A's and B's except for Sveta who because of her cognitive delays receives staight C's for her effort. Still, the fact that she puts out such an effort and her behavior is awesome is what counts in my book! She might as well have gotten A's and B's!
Alex continues to adjust more and more. My own attachment to him is growing which is very important for the both of us. I guess when a mother is right there doing things for their child like I am, you really get to know them. He is such a trooper, and has the ability to always remain happy through almost everything. Tonight was just precious. Poor guy was taking forever to have a bowel movement, nearly thirty minutes on the toilet with no success when I could tell he was beginning to get tired. I started massaging his tummy and then Dennis came in and did something that made him laugh-- and that pressure was all he needed to get things moving. And then when he saw that he had went poo-poo, he had this surge of energy and began showing me how strong he could be while bearing down. Afterwards, he was so very proud of himself as he flushed the toilet like a big boy.
Alex is doing so well with this daily sit routine. It sure has made our schedule so much more flexible. No accidents outside of the one hour daily sit for quite a while now---- and you can just tell how proud he is of himself being able to be potty-trained in this area.
School is going extremely well for Alex. He just loves it! I admit that at first I was a little hurt that he didn't cry when I left him, but I am over it now. I would rather him enjoy school then be afraid to leave my side. I think that he has seen me take the other kids to school enough to know that I always come back for them. Plus, he can now recognize his name and even repeat the letters. He can express his wants quite easily now in English which avoids him a lot of frustration I'm sure. The occupational therapist is working with him and finally okayed him to have a walker in class. She has provided him with one in the classroom which is different than the one I have at home. Alex pushes the one we have at home and he pulls the one at school. This will help him to work different muscles and strengthen his coordination skills. At first Alex was hesitant and forgetful about using his walker, but now it is becoming like second nature to him which is absolutely amazing.... an answer to prayer..... definitely.
Jonny's birthday is coming up and I stressing over it. He wants friends over, yet it is too cool to swim, so I am thinking of roller-skating. But what if his friends can't skate? So, then I am thinking of a bounce house and pinata--- but will that keep a handful of kindergarten boys busy for 2 hours? I know I am being silly, I have done this before, but my feelings are what they are. Oddly enough, my Jonny is probably the easiest to please and would be happy if I served hotdogs and they played Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
24 inspiring thoughts:
In my very recent birthday experience for 6th birthdays I found that if you have plenty of toys and snacks and just let the boys play it usually pleases the kindergarten crowd! So if you have it at home an drent a small bounce house, with all the toys around they should be fine. For two hours. :)
Also, the URL to my blog has changed to http://my3jewishboys.info.
Just a couple of thoughts - something a friend sugested for us to help with the daily sit. Try getting him to blow up balloons or blow bubbles, anthing which will focus his body on "expulsion". From our own experience, having a drink or something to eat gets peristalsis going - start at the top and it should keep things moving on through.
Lots of food & some fun, energetic games should make for a fun party. Shame it's too cold to swim as that uses LOTS of little boy energy (yes I have experience LOL). So glad Alex is adjusting & settling in. You are doing a fantastic job & should be very proud of yourself & your family.
I'm pleased Alex is getting on so well.
You're plans for Johnny remind me of my birthday parties at that age. You could try all the old fashioned party games like pass the parcel,, musical chairs and sleeping lions. I'm sure you'll have a great time.
stick to traditional party games...duck duck goose, musical statues, musical chairs, whats the time mr wolf, pass the parcel
The best birthday parties that I have had for my boys (and that they have been to) have been very simple ones. Hot dogs to eat with a homemade cookie cake and organized games in the yard. Two-hand touch football, wiffle ball, freeze tag, and sock wars (like dodge ball but with a balled up pair of socks). It also helps to have Dad play the games with the boys. Male bonding at its best!Some years other dads have stayed and played too because it is so much fun! Enjoy the celebration whatever you choose to do!
Boys can usually amuse themselves : )
I am looking forward to reading all about Jonny's birthday party. With a kid-friendly house like yours, and all the fun siblings, the birthday guests would be happy just to come over and play. The bouncy house sounds like a brilliant idea though, to get that energy out.
I am so glad that Alex is adjusting so well. He is such a beautiful child, when I first saw him, I wanted him too! I am glad for some reason you listened to your heart and not your reasoning! I had to laugh when you said you were tempted to be hurt that he liked school so much. He is a pretty flexible little guy, what a blessing!
Thanks for sharing, I love your blog. My kids love seeing the pictures of your kids, too.
A couple of times we have thrown an "old fashion" birthday party, you know the ones with regular old party games, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, pinata. My kids would probably tell you they are there favorite. I think it is because no one does them anymore.
I love to hear that Alex is adjusting and attaching so well!!
I think skating would be perfect for the party. Even if they don't know how they will have a blast trying!
Love to hear how well your family is doing, especially Alex. Just a suggestion that may quicken his sit time. If possible put a small stool on the floor under his feet so his knees are elevated slightly above his hips. This can definately help release his bowels. Keep up the great work! Your persistence with your children is amazing!
I agree with Hevel! I just threw Sophia's 6th bday party with mostly boys, and needed only a small bounce house and toys to keep them all entertained! I almost felt guilty because all i did was watch and serve. I didn't even play the games we had planned because they were so happy bouncing and taking advantage of the toys.
All I need to please my Little Man is a pile of tonka trucks...He loves 'em...Good luck;)
Z has such problems with hemorrhoids that we do not allow him to sit and bear down for more than 20 minutes. Hopefully he wont need an hour for too long!
Also, C has asked for a skating party for the past two years, so I think six is not too early!
I have a quick question, when you and Alex are doing BM management does he sit on the potty for a whole hour? Just asking since we are trainig our 3yr who would rather hold her BM then let it go, just courious how you keep him motivated for that period of time..
It's a true blessing how Alex is adjusting to being in his forever family, God sure has blessed you with so many beautiful blessings.
(Stormy5475)
Love hearing about your family :) Sounds like great reports all around! I would be entertained for 2 hours with a bouncy castle- just sayin'.
The jump house sounds good. You can also put out sidewalk chalk and bubbles and other inexpensive outside toys.
Glad Alex is training. Sounds like he's doing great! =)
I'm so glad Alex is doing so well! And the fact that he is so proud of himself is excellent, what a great accomplishment for him.
Good luck with the birthday party. This is why I don't throw parties! :D
Why don't you serve hot dogs and play pin the tail on the donkey?
Birthdays don't need to be complicated or expensive.
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I should have made myself a litle more clearer. I have him sit for about 1/2 hour and then he usually has one accident in his diaper within the following 1/2 hour. I don't really consider this an accident however since it is during the time I woudl expect him to have bowel movements.
We rented a bounce house for my niece's birthday last year. We also made a "mini fair" small games where they could win prizes: basketball toss, bean bag toss, ring toss, all things young children could do, by the way, they all have Down Syndrome. We served hot dogs, like at fairs, and popcorn. They had a blast. Add in cake and ice cream and present opening, well, you've killed about two hours no problem.
Way to go Alex!! I'm so glad the bowel schedule is working for you all.
We rented a bounce house for my niece's birthday last year. We also made a "mini fair" small games where they could win prizes: basketball toss, bean bag toss, ring toss, all things young children could do, by the way, they all have Down Syndrome. They had a blast. Add in cake and ice cream and present opening, well, you've killed about two hours no problem.
Way to go Alex!! I'm so glad the bowel schedule is working for you all.
I just recently stumbled upon your blog and am enjoying it very much. I am in such awe of you and your family.
Blessings
Diane
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