Neverending strep.

This morning Audrey and I made a trip to Walgreens to pick up her z-pack and prednisone.

This is her 3rd antibiotic in 12 days; we're hoping this is the one that will knock out her strep. The other two haven't.

Her tonsils are huge, we're getting a referral to an ENT.

Poor baby just can't seem to shake this... fingers crossed this antibiotic does the trick.

Amazing Audrey

I frequently post on here about JT, his issues, his newest milestones... but today it's all about Audrey.

Audrey is awesome. She is seriously the most kind, caring, sweet, smart kid in the history of kids.

She is also mature way beyond her years, mostly thanks to autism.

See, Audrey's life isn't easy.

We make plans, then abandon them last minute because JT can't do it (when the outcome is go-and-have-a-full-blown-public-meltdown vs just-go-home, the latter wins). She gets disappointed by this a lot.

When playing with JT, she rarely gets to choose the game. In fact, she has to beg and do whatever he wants just to get him to play along at all.

She has dealt with kids telling her her brother is 'weird'. She told them, "He is an awesome brother. He is smart, and kind, and funny. He can't help he's different." (That makes me tear up every.time.). I told her she could tell them he has autism. She said, "I don't want to. He's just a kid who's different."

Sometimes I feel guilty that her life is unfair, ruled by the almighty whim of autism at any given moment (like the rest of us), but she rarely complains beyond a few minutes. I wonder how many children would handle everything she handles with such tolerance and compassion.

She believes her brother is capable of anything. She used to say, "Mommy, JT can live with me when he grows up, I'll rock him to sleep" - all those nights we just couldn't get him settled down. Now she wants to live next door to him when they're married.

I live in awe of my Audrey. I used to joke that maybe 'Audrey' wasn't the best name choice for her - she's not the most coordinated (her face got more play time than her feet in soccer :) ). But it is a perfect fit. She handles everything in life with such amazing Audrey.

It's funny, I always thought parents knew everything. But I feel like I learn something new every day.

I am so thankful to live with such an inspiring human being - Audrey is just incredible.

So, while I may not post as much about my baby girl, she is truly my heart. She is awesome, beautiful and the best daughter/big sister in the world.

Dear God, the Universe, and whoever else can help.

I'm not sure if you can see it from up there, but that white spot? That's me waving my white flag.

I give.

Uncle.

Whatever the frick it takes for you to back off just a little.

So I'm going through all this crap with my masses (there are actually 4, 2 in each armpit/boob) and my MRI phobia. I'm supposed to take my sedative and go back with a driver (a.k.a. The Hubs) Thursday morning. PRAY THIS WORKS. The ones on the right hurt pretty bad.

Then yesterday Audrey has a total freakout, ends up telling me that a little girl in her class has been pushing her (literally, physically pushing her) and saying awful things to her, and awful things about her to other kids when she's in earshot. Audrey had been doubled over in pain (her stomach) all week, but was afraid to tell us in fear the little girl 'would get meaner'. Of course I contacted her teacher, who assured me she would figure it out. The teacher handled it beautifully, the girl is being very kind to Audrey, sincerely apologized and told her it wasn't her fault. All day though, I spent stressed out hoping that it would turn out okay.

Then JT... Oh my JT. He is having issues with getting in trouble. As in, if he gets reprimanded (in our house, we use our 'scolding' tone, we don't yell, and we never spank) he completely loses control and has a meltdown. We're talking meltdowns that we haven't seen in 3 years. Out of control, lost in autism-space meltdowns. He doesn't see us, hear us or respond. He is screaming, angry, thrashing and gone.

Today the teacher had to raise her voice at JT. See, he's a good kid. It's the first time she's ever had to raise her voice at him. But it happened... and he was standing behind another kid. So he freaked out, upset the kid in front of him... that kid bit JT. Then JT went and started kicking a table, then TRIED TO FLIP THE TABLE OVER. Then he went and smacked (thankfully, not hard) another kid (not the one that bit him). DISASTER.

We are trying to come up with stuff to help him with this, because obviously he's going to get in trouble occasionally, even though he's a good kid. Social stories. Visual schedules and first/then cards (issues only happen after lunch). 'Practicing' when he gets in trouble at home with appropriate responses.

Ohmyfreakinggosh. Seriously, God. Universe. Cosmic Energy.

BACK OFF.

Dear 2011.

Dear 2011,

I want you to know you've been my favorite year so far.

My daughter turned 7. My son turned 6. We celebrated 9 years of marriage. I turned 31. The Hubs turned 32. Nothing in there is spectacular, but yet we're here, we're healthy, we're a happy family... in this day and age, that IS spectacular in itself.

That's not to say it was all easy this year. We faced the biggest decision in regards to JT's autism and treatment that we've faced. We'd been avoiding it (they told me at his diagnosis he'd need meds... not 'he'll probably need meds', but 'he'll need meds'). Looking back, that was one of the hardest decisions we've made as a family. Medication is a serious subject. But I now know we undoubtedly made the correct choice for us. It has changed our lives.

We dealt with bullying of both Audrey and JT, and were happy with the response of one school and at least semi-satisfied with the response of the other. Either way, neither of our kids are tormented now, nor are they broken because of it. We've had some valuable discussions about bullying and what that says about the bully - and tried to set up a plan of action if it ever happens again. It happens far too often now, to far too many kids.

We've seen JT go from an entirely self-contained class to now only having two 'blocks' (social studies/science and english/literature) where he's NOT mainstreamed, and he has no aide - he's doing it all himself! He's made a real friend. He's gotten notes from kids at school. He's finding his place. He is one astonishing little boy.

Audrey's testing has shown that she's even smarter than we thought (which is pretty freaking smart). Her math benchmark was 100%. She was above grade level in everything. Her reading? At a 6th grade level. And this is a kid that will fight tooth and nail to NOT do homework or read... Thankfully, Captain Underpants (another 2011 discovery) is a new favorite - but she's almost done with the series. Frantically trying to find a new 'friend' for 2012! Her artwork has gone from 'that's cool' to 'that is AMAZING'. We have to get her in art classes, because for a child her age to draw with perspective and to be able to replicate what she sees so perfectly... she needs to explore that talent.

The Hubs got promoted. He's got an awesome store now, with great people. He's still good at what he does, and enjoys doing it. You really can't ask for more in a job.

I got a job (YAY Starbucks!). They helped me transfer, even though they didn't have to. I get free coffee. They have awesome benefits. And I get free coffee :)

As 2011 comes to a close, I can say we're in a really, really good place. Our kids are doing fantastic. We're doing fantastic. Our family is doing fantastic. Everything really did turn out okay...

So, thank you, 2011.

I can only hope that 2012 brings us more of the same :)

First babysitting adventure

Went WELL!!!!

The Hubs and I both had to work last Sunday, which meant the kids didn't have one of us to watch them. That's never happened!

When we moved to Charlotte, The Hubs told me he had an aunt here that was so sweet and awesome, and I had to meet her. He met up with her while he was here alone, and told me that his cousin (her daughter) was so sweet and babysat, and thought she would be awesome with our kids.

So, our kids stayed with The Hubs's (I guess OUR) aunt Cindy, uncle Jerry and (Z's cousin) Kate (awesome name :) ) - and they had the best time ever.

They came home so excited and happy, and they ate square pizza, went to the lake and (both kids) came home with painted fingernails (BOTH were so excited!)... Seriously, they were SO happy!

It is so freaking awesome to live close to family, and hopefully they'll be willing to babysit again for us.

Considering no one has watched the kids in 6 years, this is crazy cool!

YAY!!!!

Thankful.

Today is Thanksgiving.

I could go on and on about all the wonderful things I'm thankful for; topping the list would be my awesome husband and amazing kids.

This is the first holiday in 12 years The Hubs and I have spent apart, and while I was/am a little (okay, more than a little) bummed about it, a few wonderful friends had me over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious, fun, and not lonely :)

And to add to the fun, today Audrey ate some stuffing, and JT ate blueberry pop tarts (he ONLY ate strawberry before, and anyone familiar with autism and eating can tell you how big of a deal it is for them to try something new - even if it seems small!). I'd call it a win!

I hope everyone else had a wonderful day, too!

Consolidating...

I just imported Audrey's and JT's blogs to this one - trying to manage 3 blogs is just a little too much.

Just in case anyone still goes to those addresses, it will redirect to this blog, so it's all good :)

That means it'll be more convenient and less confusing when I post (no double posting, etc).

All done, promise I won't clog up your Blog Reader again!

Shots

:(

Today, JT had to get immunizations.

It was sad.

We've been behind for a while... even though JT never had a reaction to shots, I know there are a lot of moms of kids with autism who swear their kids had a reaction and lost skills or developed major issues. Yes, I've read the scientific articles that they don't. But I still question it in the back of my mind, and we've come so far... it would CRUSH me if we lost any of it.

But I know that if JT were to acquire any of the illnesses that vaccines prevent and I hadn't done it (which is more likely than a reaction to said vaccines) I would never forgive myself.

So today we braved the shots.

It was sad holding him still to get not one, not two, but FOUR separate injections :(

He was SO brave, though. He didn't fight me, he just cried a little and was a little distraught after we were done. No big tears, no fits, no meltdowns.

He finished, and was wiping the tears off his face, and turned around and said, "Now I not gon get sick, momma." Yay for understanding! He was listening when I told him we get shots so we don't get sick, and knew what was happening.

Then they brought him the treat basket, and he picked out two suckers, and promptly turned and gave one to Audrey.

I should probably mention that she cried for him more than he cried for himself.

Definitely feel blessed that I have two kids who love each other so much... so sweet.

Moving

Yet again, the Duzan fam is moving!

A few weeks ago, I got a note from Audrey's teacher about how she was getting 100 percent (or higher) on all her benchmarks, yet for the first time EVER, her scores on schoolwork were dropping - all from simple errors. She has also been super emotional at home, especially on weekends The Hubs comes. Then, JT's been having issues with panic attacks at school (hyperventilating and having to do breathing exercises), he's getting a little more trigger-happy with the moodiness.

I decided we needed to try to get back together as a family as soon as possible, since being apart was obviously having a pretty negative effect on the kids.

And... My boss agreed to a transfer, so we're all clear! I have to get in touch with store managers in the area so that I can get my transfer.

The Hubs found us a house in Huntersville that's REALLY cute.

I got in touch with the new school district, and with JT's recent changes in his IEP (did I mention he's now in circle/literacy time, library, art, music and PE with the general education classes, with his ONLY accommodation being sitting in close proximity to the teacher/materials? Yeah, that's my boy!), the coordinator we'll be going through said he would be recommending placement in their resource-type program AT HIS BASE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means my kids will be going to the same school, and JT will be mostly mainstreamed :) I don't need to even explain how happy that makes me (and let me tell you how excited Miss Audrey is that she can walk her brother to class!).

So, all that to say, we're going to be residents of Huntersville as of December 1.

A big, scary change, but we're hoping for the best :)

Let the games begin...

The sickness games.

Thursday I took miss Audrey to the doctor. I had originally called to get her established before winter, but she had a sore throat last weekend for two days that I also wanted them to check out. I had looked in her throat, and her tonsils looked huge to me.

Sure enough, her tonsils were 'giant', and the doctor ordered a strep test... that came back positive.

We're watching JT, so far nothing to indicate strep. Then again, Audrey had no fever and only a few days of sore throat...

With the introduction of this strep is the kickoff of the sick season. Fingers crossed the kids don't get sick very often this winter... I have to work!!!

Busy!

I haven't updated in a while...

Because I got A JOB!

I'm a barista at Starbucks. BEST JOB EVER! I am so excited to go to work, that my days off make me a little sad. The people are great, my boss is great, the work is (complicated but) fun. It's awesome!

The kiddos are in YMCA-run afterschool. They have one at each of their elementary's, so Audrey is at her school and JT at his.

They both LOVE it. The first day Audrey got mad at me for coming too early (I didn't get to pick a second activity, mom!) and day 2 JT kept trying to take me BACK to the cafeteria to play more. They both say it's fun. I walk in to get JT most days, and while he's not playing with the other kids, he's around them and watching closely. He has a ton of fun, and he's SO happy (before and after he sees me!).

Both kids LOVE their teachers, they are both doing fabulous, and academically are (still) ahead of grade-level, which makes this momma really proud. They are some smart little ones (and use it to their advantage!).

The Hubs is still enjoying his job, his store is still doing well...

JT has yet to have a behavioral problem at school. He has had no meltdowns AT ALL since starting the risperdal back in June. He now reminds us (GIMME MY MEDSINS) if we forget his dose at night. The stuff tastes nasty, so you know it must help him feel better.

We're doing fabulous, pretty much! Loving life!!!

Magic 8 Ball

Since we have no answers, and no way of knowing when the answers are coming... Audrey and I have resorted to using the Magic 8 Ball.

As a side note, Audrey loves the thing because she can ask a bazillion questions and it keeps answering her.

Got a question? Go play!

Happy 7th Birthday, Audrey!

7 years ago today, a beautiful baby girl was born.

I am so, so proud of that little (big) girl.

She has grown into an incredibly intelligent little girl. Never would I have imagined myself searching google twenty (or more) times a day for my 7 year old (flamingos are pink because of shrimp and algae, cats' tongues have fingernail-like keratin formed in hooks to give it that rough feel, for example). I love the way she thinks about things, the way her face lights up when something clicks, the neverending curiosity that she has.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Audrey is her kindness and compassion. I have never met a child that is as sweet, giving and understanding as Audrey is. She has always been called an "old soul", and it becomes more evident as time goes on that she is something very special. She wants to help everyone - and jumps at the chance to help anyone. Everyone is a friend... Her response when someone compliments her on her kindness is telling: "S/He's my friend. We always help our friends."

Audrey challenges me every day to be a better person, to try to be like HER. She is everything and more I could ever ask for in a daughter.

I love you, Audrey. Happy, happy birthday to my heart.

What sucks.

Today, we went to a birthday party. It was for one of Audrey's friends' little sister. Audrey adores her.

It was at an indoor playground - with real playground sets and a bouncy house and a giant inflatable slide.

JT held my hand, going from the pieces of equipment. He played with me.

There were a few times he saw his sister, happily playing with her friend, and he tried to grab her hand. She wriggled free and ran off.

I almost cried, and my heart broke so fast that it took my breath away.

But I couldn't intervene.

Audrey loves JT. She really does. She plays with him all the time when it's just them. But it's not fair to expect her to drop everything and play with him. Kids her age don't do that - her friend wasn't playing with his little sister.

Yet I knew, as I watched his little face show disappointment and sadness, that it hurt him that he wasn't the center of her universe then. He ran around alone the whole time.

And then came the ending, 1.5 hours in, when I could tell JT was done. So Audrey had to get up, during the pizza (and before the cake) and leave. She cried. She insisted 'It's not fair.'.

Somehow, I am more brokenhearted after a birthday party that went better than any party we'd been to than the disasters we've experienced before.

It's one of those "FA" days that has me drained and broken, for both my babies. I agree with Audrey. It's not fair.

Happy tears.

A few weeks ago, Audrey's teacher sent me an email, closing with, "I hope to see you at our End of Year Celebration! The kids are so excited about presenting their projects."

I thought about last year, The Hubs videoing Audrey's K graduation because I had to pick up JT and stay at home with him. There was no way he would have remotely behaved there. In fact, every 'celebration' of Audrey's we had to alternate last year so that one of us could go and one could be with JT.

Then I realized, this year is different. JT is doing a lot that he couldn't last year. We can go places, and he's fine.

I decided this year, he would go.

Fast forward to yesterday.

Audrey: Mom, we're working on a big project at school.
Me: Really? Your project for the end of year celebration?
Audrey: Yep. It's all about the most special person to us.
Me: That's a pretty cool project...
Audrey: Guess who I chose?
Me: Who?
Audrey: I chose JTmy. It's all about him.


Of course, I was so excited - what an amazingly sweet moment... She loves, loves, loves her brother.

Then I got to tell her JT gets to come this year to her celebration. She was unbelievably happy. She's excited to present her special person project, to show him off to her friends, she's excited just because he gets to be there.


This qualifies as one of the most special moments in my life. My son can finally attend his sister's ceremony, and how fitting that her presentation was in his honor.


As far as the day of, The Hubs will have the camera, and I will be sobbing into tissues. But instead of crying because we missed another event, this time, I can cry happy tears.

Freedom!

I think few people understand, truly, how isolating autism can be to an entire family.

It's not just that no one understands autism - it's that, literally, leaving your house is a nightmare.

JT would freak out anywhere we went. Grocery stores. Restaurants. Doctors offices.

We're talking, full-on meltdown, screaming, kicking, biting, fight-or-flight mode type stuff. Long gone, inconsolable stuff. People staring at you and whispering stuff. People outright saying things about my parenting, about how awful my son was (yes, I had, on more than one occasion, people out loud refer to my son as 'bad' or worse).

It broke me eventually.

It was hard enough getting him out, let alone braving the people who were so cruel.

Lately, though, a shift in JT - a HUGE shift - made me get back up and try again.

Guess what?

JT is awesome, that's what.

He goes shopping with me, no fits. He goes to the zoo, no fits. He goes to restaurants, no fits.

Not perfect behavior, but oh my goodness MANAGEABLE.

We can go out - as a family! - and have a great time.

I've signed up for those cute little Lowe's and Home Depot classes. We're planning family weekends.

I've never known what it feels like to do family things and just enjoy them... It's fantastic.

Flu enlightenment.

JT is home sick. Again. So is his sister, now, but I digress. The flu has hit our home hard.

Last Friday, after a playdate where JT was a little challenging (he's usually super laid-back at these playdates, and he was just a little more insistent and strong-willed this time, nothing too dramatic at all), we had to go pick up Z from work.

Within 2 minutes of getting in the car, JT started. It takes 20 minutes to get to Z's work, then 20 minutes back. It built. And built. And built. It was epic. He was screaming, thrashing, sweating, clenched, and so simultaneously sad, angry and frustrated that it was horrifying.

I had flashbacks to JT, at almost 3, sitting under a table doing this exact same thing every single day. Me having to put him in his room with the door shut to protect his sister and to protect me. He was so locked in his world, so gone, so unreachable.

I was terrified. My stomach clenched up. I could feel my blood pressure rise. What if? What if this is going to be our normal again? What if I have to relive all those days? What if everything we've worked so hard for is gone?

About five minutes from home, Z and I gave up trying to console him. We sat silently in the car, just his screams and yells filling the space. Z looked at me after a few minutes and said, "This is just so sad. You can hear how his little mind works, it's just bombarding him." In those few minutes of listening, shouts of 'no seat belt' 'lemme outta here' 'wanna go home' 'light green' 'please go' 'i'm stuck lemme out' 'just go' 'lets get out of here'... and so, so many more, poured out of him. Almost like he was begging.

He calmed down right after we got home, and within 30 minutes had started the vomiting. Poor kiddo.

But that feeling of terror, of the 'what if', that's hard to shake. It's always there, just waiting for something to pop up and remind me of the past. I hate that. I hate feeling like I'm walking uphill in sand, and any moment we could just slide back down.

Bullying

:(

Starting back last fall, Audrey started having headaches and stomachaches. They've been pretty constant, and it's usually one or the other, but there have been times there were both. It was to the point that last week, I had her school nurse check her eyes because with her constant headaches, there just *had* to be something going on, and I was hoping it was this, since other medical issues require all kinds of tests. I had a feeling they were related, too, but couldn't figure out how the two could be linked.

For a while now (sadly I don't know how long), Audrey has been complaining about two boys at school, N and W. She would talk about it, drop it, and then talk about it again. I thought she was just overreacting, so I sort of just told her to ignore them and it would stop.

On the way to school Friday, Audrey told me she was going to be sick. By noon, her stomachache was gone. Then I started thinking... weekends are mostly stomach- and headache free. Why?

Monday morning, Audrey mentioned N and W on the way to school, and it clicked. She had already said her stomach hurt. I realized all those stories were not just teasing, and I had completely handled this wrong. That they were making Audrey sick, because besides the big incidents she had reported to me, they were chipping away at her with little things every single day.

Here's the email I sent through tears Monday morning:


Mrs. -----,
Audrey was out Friday, her stomach was bothering her. While she has been complaining a lot about her head and her stomach, she said she thought she was going to throw up, so I kept her home.

My concern is that, with all the days now that Audrey is reporting that she's sick, something else is going on. I've also noticed that she gets (says she's) sick, and she's fine a little bit later (leaving me to believe, of course, that she is not sick).

I don't think she's faking, but I can't be positive. I do know that Audrey has a very high anxiety level. She tends to 'stick' on things that upset her, and talk about them over and over. She is also super sensitive, which does not help when it comes to other little kids.

Lately she's been really upset about two boys in her class: N and W. From what she's said, N is the one that instigates, and W follows along. N says mean things, and will follow it with, "Oh, are you going to cry now?" in a mocking tone, or, in one case whispered to everyone around but Audrey something, and would look at her and giggle - intentionally leaving her out. C (Audrey's best friend) told Audrey that he had told everyone that "Audrey is weird" and M confirmed it. C did stick up for Audrey and told N he was mean. He's also talked about me (not that I care, but it hurt Audrey's feelings) and W followed it up with "an all black drawing" of me with no face that he used to upset Audrey some more. There have been other instances, these are the ones that Audrey keeps coming back to.

It is really hard to see Audrey, who is so sensitive and kind, cry over things like this. She even tells me she's friends with them on days where they aren't mean (or as mean). It kills me that she won't even take that away from them, but I love Audrey for her kindness, and that's just how she is.

I just really need some advice and/or help on that end to get this to stop. I realize kids tease, but teasing repeatedly is just not okay. Audrey does refer to them as bullies, which is a term that you guys taught them at school. I do agree that with what's going on, it's reached the point where it's not just silly teasing. While Audrey will stick up for others, it is very likely that she is not sticking up for herself. From all the social interactions I've seen, Audrey will not be unkind to anyone else even if they are treating her poorly.

I've been trying for well over a month to help Audrey deal with this. I've tried telling her to ignore them, I've tried explaining that they probably just like her and are joking. But the comments such as "Oh, are you going to cry now?" are starting to bother me as her mom. It almost sounds like they're tag team bullying her. I am guessing that she probably isn't letting anyone know when this stuff is happening or it wouldn't still be going on.

I'm so sorry, I wish I could just help Audrey get through this. I've just done all the talking and explaining I can here, and it's not really helping any.

Thanks,
Kate

That was Tuesday. N apologized to Audrey, but W refused - in front of Audrey and the teachers. They found the journal entry in W's notebook that Audrey had described.

The boys had their parents called and had to meet with the principal Wednesday. In Audrey's backpack was a sweet gift from N, and he had apologized along with W after the meeting.

Then Thursday. Audrey has PE, away from her teacher and TA. The PE teacher was unaware of the events, so he didn't separate the two boys, and guess what? Here's the email.


Mrs. ----,
First I want to say that N and his family are so incredibly sweet. Audrey is so glad they are friends, and they sent her the *cutest* notepad and bead thing (which they totally didn't have to do, I am not upset whatsoever with N, I know that kids are kids).

On the other hand, I am really, really upset about another incident with W. Audrey got in my car today, and said that during PE, Coach mispronounced her name. Apparently W then started laughing and repeating the name the wrong way. Then, he turned to N and said to him, "I think Audrey's last name is funny" and tried to get him to make fun of Audrey. Please tell N's parents that whatever they did addressed the entire issue, because she said N laughed for a second, but immediately stopped, looked at Audrey and smiled (in a way that made it clear he was not going to laugh at her).

Again, if this were a one-time deal, I would not be so upset. But he was *just* in the principal's office yesterday. He has had to apologize to Audrey. His parents have been involved. I don't understand why he would even think about making fun of her anymore!

And Audrey, even after we have all talked to her about telling someone, *anyone* if something happens, simply said, "I didn't feel like I should tell because I didn't think they would think it was a big deal." I just about cried. I told her that of course you guys wanted to know, and that you and Mrs. --- love her and this is a big deal. I think she completely understands now. But I think that she somehow thought that after they apologized there was a reset that went on - like they started new or something. I don't know... I hugged her and told her that I'd rather her tell you and you say it's no big deal than for her to not tell you, and she says she will make sure to say something if anything continues to happen.

I know you guys are doing everything you can, and everything I could possibly ask for. But the fact that William continued it the first opportunity he had makes me both furious and distraught. If he doesn't care what happens, this is never going to end.

I just don't know what to do.

I do want to mention, though, that from the description that Audrey gave me (the one from above) it appears N is at least a little threatened by W to not go along with this game. I think he is a good kid who is getting sucked in, and he probably feels just as awful as Audrey does, knowing that it's wrong and being as sorry as I could truly see he was this morning when I walked Audrey in.

Help.

Kate

So now, the school is having to deal with this kid. A kid who not only has zero remorse, but also no fear of any consequences.

I am terrified. This cannot go on. This morning, my Audrey was curled up in a ball on my bed, saying, "My stomach hurts SO bad!" When The Hubs asked her why she thought it hurt, she said, "Because, I can't stop thinking about it." Then on the way to school, she was talking about W again and how he didn't stop. I told her today he wouldn't do anything. She replied, "But mom, you can't know what N and W will do today."

Yep, I've let her down once. But this is done. Screw with my kid, and it's GAME ON. One more chance, and then I'm going to get more involved. If he can't stop, he won't be in her classroom.

I know this kid has a trail of incidents that his parents have had to become involved with. I know it's a repeated deal. I hope that everyone is aware I won't be letting this one go.

And this is what you get for raising kind, caring children. Dealing with problems caused by the kids who are not kind and caring - either because they weren't raised that way or they were born sociopaths.

Full Moon.

So, the full moon is coming up in 2 days.

How did I know, you ask? Because, my kids have gone absolutely crazy.

It started on the 12th, with JT becoming a super stimmy kid - doing things that he hasn't done in over 3 years - head shaking, crazy stimming. Audrey has been an emotional basketcase - just so easy to upset and so hard to calm down.

This month, though, the full moon crazy has brought some awesomeness!

JT is eating! Real food!

A month ago, he was down to popcorn. That's it. He drank chocolate milk, and I'd sneak the multivitamin infant drops into the chocolate milk (and mix in 1/2 a bottle of Ensure when I could get away with it).

In the last 3 days, he has started eating almost all of his favorites again!
Chicken nuggets.
Hot dogs.
Cheez Its.
Cheetos.
Pudding.
Pizza.

To a 'regular' parent, this list would probably bring reactions such as "You let your kid eat THAT?!?!?!' To the parent of a sensory-crazed, beyond picky eater, this brings tears to my eyes - tears of sheer joy and happiness. My baby is eating!!!

There are few things that a full moon is good for. Filling up emergency rooms, inducing labor, and making people crazy (the term 'lunatic' is related to the moon) aren't exactly 'good'. But if it's going to make my kid hyperactive (beyond his normal extreme) - I'll take it if it comes with this benefit!

Sick again.

Audrey brought home a nasty bug Monday... since then, she has been a hacking, coughing mess. She was running a low grade fever until today, when it spiked at 101.1. Eep!

JT woke up at 4:30am with the hacking cough. Less than 24 hours after he stopped coughing from the croup. He's running a low-grade fever.

Now I have a fever and body aches.

It looks like a flu strain... cold/cough accompanied by stomach upset.

I hope this passes quickly...