Two angels sleeping......but when they wake up... Look out!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
there's gotta be gills somewhere on him
Ben lives to swim. No joke. We spent most weekends this summer at his aunt's house making good use of her pool.
Living in NJ, come October this is no longer doable.
Past winters we've typically spent time at the mall, getting Ben a Happy Meal, and letting him check out the tween skateboarders at the pretty neat indoor facility the mall has. Ben enjoys the routine.
This Sunday, because we're completely spontanious type of people, we decided to go to the JCC in our neighborhood. The JCC is the same as a YMCA, but Jewish. Needless to say, you don't have to be jewish to join though.
We went, and took a tour and it is nothing shy of gorgous!
We've been going to the YMCA for open arms night, and it was ok, but this place.... WHOA!
The pool is open and light with windows, and they actually have a baby pool that's about 1.5-2 foot. Perfect for Ben. It comes to mid-ab. Nothing gives this sensory child more joy then laying on the bottom of the pool. No swimmies needed.
Well, we joined.
I had off on Monday. I picked Ben up from school and let him know we were going to do something special. He has an inner-compass. As we traveled down the first road he guessed "swing lady" That would be the OT we had last winter (he was crushing on her). We turn down a second road... "We're going to see the doggies". We had been to the shelter ONE time, but he knows what's up. I answer no.
We turn into the JCC, and he thought ok, I've been here before, We go walking in, and even though he hadn't seen the pool when we toured. "We're going swimming!"
Well, I can't tell you how thrilled that child was. He jumped, and dove, and splashed with utter joy.
When it was time to leave, he started to get pissy. I told him not to worry. This is Ben's pool and we can come anytime. Can you hear the dum dum dum.... Next day I picked him up from school and of course the aid tells me he's been saying I'm going swimming! complete with arm motions.
Remember, alll this comes from a fairly non-verbal child....
Membership at the right pool ----- Priceless
Living in NJ, come October this is no longer doable.
Past winters we've typically spent time at the mall, getting Ben a Happy Meal, and letting him check out the tween skateboarders at the pretty neat indoor facility the mall has. Ben enjoys the routine.
This Sunday, because we're completely spontanious type of people, we decided to go to the JCC in our neighborhood. The JCC is the same as a YMCA, but Jewish. Needless to say, you don't have to be jewish to join though.
We went, and took a tour and it is nothing shy of gorgous!
We've been going to the YMCA for open arms night, and it was ok, but this place.... WHOA!
The pool is open and light with windows, and they actually have a baby pool that's about 1.5-2 foot. Perfect for Ben. It comes to mid-ab. Nothing gives this sensory child more joy then laying on the bottom of the pool. No swimmies needed.
Well, we joined.
I had off on Monday. I picked Ben up from school and let him know we were going to do something special. He has an inner-compass. As we traveled down the first road he guessed "swing lady" That would be the OT we had last winter (he was crushing on her). We turn down a second road... "We're going to see the doggies". We had been to the shelter ONE time, but he knows what's up. I answer no.
We turn into the JCC, and he thought ok, I've been here before, We go walking in, and even though he hadn't seen the pool when we toured. "We're going swimming!"
Well, I can't tell you how thrilled that child was. He jumped, and dove, and splashed with utter joy.
When it was time to leave, he started to get pissy. I told him not to worry. This is Ben's pool and we can come anytime. Can you hear the dum dum dum.... Next day I picked him up from school and of course the aid tells me he's been saying I'm going swimming! complete with arm motions.
Remember, alll this comes from a fairly non-verbal child....
Membership at the right pool ----- Priceless
Thursday, October 14, 2010
look at that kid!
Tell me he's not gorgous! (Now that I've figured out how to upload pics)
I know looks aren't everything, but they don't hurt either!
Have I ever mentioned how Ben's dad and I are both dark hair, dark eyes. Ben... Blonde hair, blue eyes. I don't remember a drunken escapade 5+ years ago, but I don't think his dad has counted one out.. LOL. Funny thing is, Ben has his fathers earlobes, which happen to be huge. They could only account for 1% of the population, so I think that soothed his nerves.
I know looks aren't everything, but they don't hurt either!
Have I ever mentioned how Ben's dad and I are both dark hair, dark eyes. Ben... Blonde hair, blue eyes. I don't remember a drunken escapade 5+ years ago, but I don't think his dad has counted one out.. LOL. Funny thing is, Ben has his fathers earlobes, which happen to be huge. They could only account for 1% of the population, so I think that soothed his nerves.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Back to School Night
Interesting.
I started off the night going to the Room Parent Meeting. There were 9 mothers there. I was a little suprised at first by the small turnout, but.. I get it. Nights can be tough.
Well, you know how there's always the very involved parents. I'm not one of them, but I truly do apprecate them. Schools and districts would be no where near as good as they are, nor would staff be held as accountable if it weren't for them. They've always somewhat intimidated me though. I will say, now that I'm older, no so much anymore.
The evening starts off with speaking of the low turnout of volunteers. I'm honestly shocked. There are classrooms with NO volunteers. 25 kids per room, and no one was able? OK, moving on. The veteran moms then ask that moms who volunteered, to keep the grade level parties equal. Last year they had (for example) one third grade class having pizza, a pinata, and balloons, and the room next door had pretzels and apple juice. Well that makes sense and I get it.
Then the warnings start.... Don't expect parents to participate/donate/acknowledge requests. If you get 40% your lucky. hmmm. Keep your reciepts in case you're asked to show your purchases (seriously), be prepared to pay yourself. Well, I am the ETERNAL optimist, and think... I don't believe it.
After the meeting, two of the volunteers (out of 9) were kindergarden moms. They approach and ask if I'm an AM or PM parent. They'd like to collaborate the parties. I can look in my crystal ball and know they're about to be uncomfortable. I reply my son is actually full day. They look a little thoughtful thinking, "Why didn't I know there's full day?" and I continue with, "There's only 5 kids in his class, etc". The lightbulbs have gone off. They quickly gather themselves, and continue with "Oh, well you'd only need to buy for 6, etc" They were very friendly and asked for my email to get together to discuss. I really would be happy to work with them, and could possibly use this alliance to provide additional integration with the other classes. I'm good. Just hope they email me.
I leave there and go to my sons class. I see the teacher outside the door, and begin apologizing for being late. She's just glad I'm there, because I'm the ONLY parent. What? I assure her that another mom is sure to be there, (I knew her from Barcley), and she and her husband did arrive a little later. 2 sets of parents out of 5.... that =, you guessed it 40%. hmmm again.
I don't judge other parents. I mean that sincerely. I don't know their situation. They may be a single mom who can't miss a shift at work. They may have additional children and no support around them for babysitting, I don't know. I was still suprised though. Of all the children, these are the kids who can't tell us what their days consist of. I have no idea what Ben does, or what he enjoys, save for the paper that comes home each day. The information is minimal. I NEED to know.
In the end, Ben's teacher did say she and the staff adore him (of course), he seems to be enjoying himself (I thought so), and the evening was pleasant.
Add to this, Ben has historically been horrible when we left him with a babysitter. My mother, grandmother, his aunt... He screams, cries the entire time we're gone, and there's no comforting him. In Ben's world mom and dad go nowhere without him. Makes for a tough time going anywhere. Last night I told him grandmoms were coming and I was going out. His answer was "No Grandmoms... no grandmoms tonight" (Typical answer whenever I say they're coming).
Well, we got home last night and he was wearing nothing but a smile. Buck naked, but seemed to be enjoying himself. Can I hope for this to be a turning point. Could he finally of realized we'll come back, and those two old ladies aren't going to boil him for dinner... should I make reservations now?
I started off the night going to the Room Parent Meeting. There were 9 mothers there. I was a little suprised at first by the small turnout, but.. I get it. Nights can be tough.
Well, you know how there's always the very involved parents. I'm not one of them, but I truly do apprecate them. Schools and districts would be no where near as good as they are, nor would staff be held as accountable if it weren't for them. They've always somewhat intimidated me though. I will say, now that I'm older, no so much anymore.
The evening starts off with speaking of the low turnout of volunteers. I'm honestly shocked. There are classrooms with NO volunteers. 25 kids per room, and no one was able? OK, moving on. The veteran moms then ask that moms who volunteered, to keep the grade level parties equal. Last year they had (for example) one third grade class having pizza, a pinata, and balloons, and the room next door had pretzels and apple juice. Well that makes sense and I get it.
Then the warnings start.... Don't expect parents to participate/donate/acknowledge requests. If you get 40% your lucky. hmmm. Keep your reciepts in case you're asked to show your purchases (seriously), be prepared to pay yourself. Well, I am the ETERNAL optimist, and think... I don't believe it.
After the meeting, two of the volunteers (out of 9) were kindergarden moms. They approach and ask if I'm an AM or PM parent. They'd like to collaborate the parties. I can look in my crystal ball and know they're about to be uncomfortable. I reply my son is actually full day. They look a little thoughtful thinking, "Why didn't I know there's full day?" and I continue with, "There's only 5 kids in his class, etc". The lightbulbs have gone off. They quickly gather themselves, and continue with "Oh, well you'd only need to buy for 6, etc" They were very friendly and asked for my email to get together to discuss. I really would be happy to work with them, and could possibly use this alliance to provide additional integration with the other classes. I'm good. Just hope they email me.
I leave there and go to my sons class. I see the teacher outside the door, and begin apologizing for being late. She's just glad I'm there, because I'm the ONLY parent. What? I assure her that another mom is sure to be there, (I knew her from Barcley), and she and her husband did arrive a little later. 2 sets of parents out of 5.... that =, you guessed it 40%. hmmm again.
I don't judge other parents. I mean that sincerely. I don't know their situation. They may be a single mom who can't miss a shift at work. They may have additional children and no support around them for babysitting, I don't know. I was still suprised though. Of all the children, these are the kids who can't tell us what their days consist of. I have no idea what Ben does, or what he enjoys, save for the paper that comes home each day. The information is minimal. I NEED to know.
In the end, Ben's teacher did say she and the staff adore him (of course), he seems to be enjoying himself (I thought so), and the evening was pleasant.
Add to this, Ben has historically been horrible when we left him with a babysitter. My mother, grandmother, his aunt... He screams, cries the entire time we're gone, and there's no comforting him. In Ben's world mom and dad go nowhere without him. Makes for a tough time going anywhere. Last night I told him grandmoms were coming and I was going out. His answer was "No Grandmoms... no grandmoms tonight" (Typical answer whenever I say they're coming).
Well, we got home last night and he was wearing nothing but a smile. Buck naked, but seemed to be enjoying himself. Can I hope for this to be a turning point. Could he finally of realized we'll come back, and those two old ladies aren't going to boil him for dinner... should I make reservations now?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
what a suprise!
I recieved a note home from Ben's teacher yesterday thanking me for volunteering to be the room parent....uh..... what was that?
I did volunteer to be the room HELPER.. but if there was the picture of someone who's NON artsy craftsy.. there I would be.
I hate to do things half way, and the little thing like a FT job in a different state give me pause (I'm making that sound more dramatic than neccessary, it's just a 45 minute commute, but still...)
Anyway, I get the idea that no one else volunteered, so I'll do it. Lucky me has the flexability to be able to cruise the internet on Halloween crafts, etc during work.. (shhh don't tell.)
Another little issue I have is asking others for help or contributions. I guess this is a good way to get over it. Tonight is back to school night, so I'll meet the other parents try to gauge their interest and ability to assist, or just send in "stuff"
I guess that also puts me in charge of the holiday gift for the staff. With only 6 kids in the class, and 4 adults to buy for... oye. Just another stress.
I'm done bellyaching. I have huge hopes of hearing how the world truly does revolve around my darling boy tonight, and I'll get to see why there's a light in his eyes everyday the bus comes to pick him up.
J
I did volunteer to be the room HELPER.. but if there was the picture of someone who's NON artsy craftsy.. there I would be.
I hate to do things half way, and the little thing like a FT job in a different state give me pause (I'm making that sound more dramatic than neccessary, it's just a 45 minute commute, but still...)
Anyway, I get the idea that no one else volunteered, so I'll do it. Lucky me has the flexability to be able to cruise the internet on Halloween crafts, etc during work.. (shhh don't tell.)
Another little issue I have is asking others for help or contributions. I guess this is a good way to get over it. Tonight is back to school night, so I'll meet the other parents try to gauge their interest and ability to assist, or just send in "stuff"
I guess that also puts me in charge of the holiday gift for the staff. With only 6 kids in the class, and 4 adults to buy for... oye. Just another stress.
I'm done bellyaching. I have huge hopes of hearing how the world truly does revolve around my darling boy tonight, and I'll get to see why there's a light in his eyes everyday the bus comes to pick him up.
J
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