1-28-11

After the kids got back from the doctors, they did well.  Ate their dinner and got to bed/asleep by 7:30.  They slept thru the night and all kids but Madelyn woke up at 4:30 am.  Abby and Linnea have been playing, after eating bagels and popcorn.  Adam has been painting.  Adam will stay home and go to his gymnastics class at 11.  Abby will go to school.  I have asked that her snow pants stay at school b/c Wednesday morning, she went to school without them and she wasn't able to play in the snow.  So, I just want them to stay at school.  She can take back and forth her boots/hats/gloves.
Unfotunately, when plans are quickly changed...the kids can be the ones who miss out.
So, I will ask Melissa to give me plenty of notice if the kids's schedules will change.  Letting me know last minute she won't be coming to the house to get the bus, had abby go to school w/o some things she had at the house.  She goes to school each day with her snow gear.
So, i will need a week or 2 advanced notice for schedule changes.

I will call to set up an appointment for Adam's speech...but what we are trying to do and have been for months is just talk to him a lot.  So much.  Kids develop speech when they are around it, so I've read, and that's what we are trying to do.  He asks a lot of questions and "why this, why that.  he's very curious, as all kids are and he's also stuck at time communicating.  So, talking to him a ton and narrowing down his choices to 2....helps him to feel in control.  Instead of demanding he do something...we say, "adam, do you want to have bananas or cheerios?
It forces him to answer with one or the other.  Also, speeking in full sentences and going overboard with explanation so that he hears the speech.  I have printed some information on it and will do what I can at home to practice.  Abby's hair got a trim which helps a lot.  A couple inches more would have been nice but at least she got a trim.

Looks like I have rescheduled to meet with Kevin at the condo monday around 1:30.  I will notify Melissa.

Tues 1-25-11

Sunday, the kids did well, church...IHOP...home.  Monday everyone got off to school ok.  It was a cold day so we dressed everyone warm.  Kids seem healthy.  Mom came over to help us b/c Sarah and I both had to leave early around 8:20 am.  She and I both had early appointments.  We got Linnea on the bus, Madelyn to school early for early drop off and then Mom took care of Abby and Adam b/w 9 and 9:30.   When the kids got home, Sarah took L and A to gymnastics and I stayed home w/ M and A.  I then got them in the car to meet her at McD's at 6:10 so I could get the girls and she goes on to class at Marist.  I brought the kids home and fed them, let them play in the tent and w/ the dogs and then to bed.  Adam was testy around midnight.  Crying.  He wanted something from me but i wasn't sure what...sounded like "dinosaur"  He's trying to communicate more but is stumped expressing his words.  He uses emotion w/ me a lot.  I have to be patient but it's hard in the middle of the night.  The whole house is asleep and he's whaling.  I took him downstairs so he didn't disrupt anyone, if he hadn't already, and he sat there crying on the couch while he watched me pick up toys.  I explained to him that the girls have school, I have work...etc.  he stopped crying.  I said, "OK, if you don't need to potty or want a sip of water, then it's back to bed...you cannot have a toy, if that's what you are crying about."  He finally stopped, and walked with me back up stairs and to bed.   During the day, we are giving him choices to make.  This gives him more control but also doesn't send us all over the place feeding into his wide range of needs and wants.   The kids did not get baths and will need a bath Tuesday night.  Abby did not get a chance to get a haircut w/ her busy schedule already this weekend.  Dance, b-day party, church, Ihop, freezing temps.  Also, we are trying to schedule a follow up appt for Abby's ear.  Maybe Thursday?  To be determined.  She does need a follow up w/ Dr. Schneider.

Sunday 1-23

On Satruday, Abby went to dance then to Alex's birthday party.  My mom took her and Adam to diamond gymnastics.  Then my mom brought them home around 4.  Jess and John came over at 6.  Before they arrived we gave them all baths and then they ate salad and pizza.  Abby's been eating her meals great.  Adam is on and off.  They got to bed by 8 and slept thru the night.  We got up early and went to 9:30 mass at RC.  Then we went to IHOP to eat.  We came home to take naps and Abby was the only one who slept. The kids did some cake decorating.  I bought plain cakes from the bakery and so the kids made candy land cakes.  They're playing well and seem to be feeling good.  Abby needs her follow up doctor's appointment for her ear and I believe Adam needs an appointment as well.  I will ask Melissa about when this week a late appointment could be scheduled.  Possibly Wed or Thursday early evening.  The follow up appointment for her ear is priority.  We can ask the Dr. about her knee as well.  Adam has had no accidents this weekend.  Abby neither.  Abby hasn't gotten an hair cut yet b/c the super cuts was a long wait and no other place was open on Sunday.  Tomorrow she has gymnastics at 5.

1-21-11

the kids ate and slept great last night.  i got all of them to bed by 7:30.  Abby and Adam both slept through the night.  They woke up to a lot of snow and school is closed today.  They are staying home with Sarah and my mom and I'm off to do a job up north.  The kids are going to my mom's a bit later and staying over with Jess and John.  Abby has dance class and then Alex's birthday party at 2 tomorrow at diamond gymnastics.  Abby is complaining of her right knee hurting.  It seems to be internal.  Maybe growing pains?  Maybe shoes?  Maybe incorrect alignment of her hips?  I would like to address this next time we're at the doctors b/c she may need physical therapy and some early prevention of knee issues.   Adam is fine..he had a potty #2 accident in the afternoon as he was rushing to the toilet.  It's funny, when Adam has a #2 accident, Mady does too...they seem to be timed in sync.  The kids will look forward to talking to Melissa on Saturday.

wed 1-19-11

It's very bad weather out today.  Abby has a two hour delay.  I'm glad that the children are coming back and staying home this week.  I hope the kids are feeling better too.  Jess and John will be here and Abby has a birthday party on Saturday.  Her friend, Alex, is having a gymnastics party.  My mom, dad, Jess, John, Sarah, Linnea and Madelyn will be taking Abby and Adam to the party as well, since I have to work.  Saturday night we are having a birthday party for Jess at the house.

Grodio Kids 1-18-11

The kids slept great last night.  never got up.  We do not have tv in their rooms...nor in the house.
Just one that is hooked up to a dvd.  Their tv and techy stuff is limited.
Having no tv is something that they are adjusting to very well.  They find so many other things to do with their time.  We are working with Adam to try and get him to be more independent.  It's a struggle sometimes but we don't give up.  For example, trying to get him to go into the bathroom in the am first thing to take his diaper off, go potty and get dressed.  He fights it but is understanding the longer it takes him, the longer it is for him to get on with his morning and either play with the pups, paint, eat....
He resisted pouring his own cheerios into the bowl but finally did it.  The more we make him "do" the more he builds his confidence that he can do it on his own and doesn't need someone to do it all for him.  Same with putting on his socks and shoes.  It's a struggle but we're hopeful it'll become automatic for him...second nature.  We are trying to teach them the skills to take care of themselves and be independent.  

Tues 1-18-11

After picking the kids up from Melissa's, we went to gymnastics.  Abby did great.  She was a bit stir crazy it seemed when we got there, running around and screaming, which could be a result of staying indoors for a few days during winter.  We got home and she ate all her spaghetti and garlic bread.  Adam ate his spaghetti as well.  They went to bed and were asleep by 7:30.  Today the kids have no school.  They will stay home and go over to Maryanna's around 10:30/11.  Everyone should and will be picked up b/w 3:30 and 3:45 today.
It's really bad outside, I have to leave soon for a meeting in Middletown.  I feel it's best the kids stay home this evening due to the bad weather and it continuing thru Wednesday.   I hope the right judgments will be made to not get them out on the road back and forth such a distance.  Also, Abby needs a haircut so hopefully she'll get a cut by the end of the week.

Grodio Kids 1-13-11

Abby came home from school happy yesterday.  Abby seems to feel a lot better.  Her appetite is better.  Adam, however, had diarrhea starting last night and all through the morning...on the potty.  It was a lot on the potty this morning, it stopped when he went out w/ my mom for a few hours, but when he got home, he was on the potty a lot.  His tummy hurts.   He's been eating yogurt, bananas and rice.  It was green, soft and smelled terrible.  Something has been going around this week.  He’s been using the potty today.  He had woken up at 2 in the morning with a diarrhea accident in his overnight diaper.  But today has been using the potty. 

I will pack an overnight bag w/ bananas and their snow gear.

Abby has finished taking her medicine.  Abby had a sleigh riding party today at school.  She took all her snow gear with her so she could participate. 

the kids have a new puppy named, Foster, an Australian Shepherd.  The kids love him.  He has green eyes and is very fluffy.   

Grodio Kids Mon 1-10

Everyone is awake but Adam.  They slept all night in their beds b/c yesterday we went rollerskaking.  Linnea had a birthday party from 1 to 3 so we all went and had a blast.  Adam loved to skate and Abby did as well.  She kept wanting to go out and try...even though she was like rubber on wheels.  Adam got the skates that you put over your shoes and it was surprising how much control he had.  They both scaled the wall but overall liked it and we're planning to go back so they can get try again.  Abby said her tummy hurt yesterday and didn't have much of an appetite.  She drank ginger ale and had pringles, some rice, some apple, cheerios.  They played outside in the late morning yesterday for about 30 min.  It was cold.  Her and Linnea went out while Adam and Madelyn stayed in.  Adam loves to paint and play with play doh.  He feels good and had a good appetite.  Abby is going to school today.  The storm is coming Tuesday so we're planning for no school on Wednesday, or a 2 hour delay.

Saturday 1-8-2011

Adam and Abby were home yesterday until my mom took them to her house around 12:30 in order to get the kids there before the snow got too piled up.  Abby and Adam woke up not feeling well so my mom wanted to take them to her house to rest and sleep.  They were both tired and had a touch of a virus it seemed.  No diarrhea but tired and achy.  They slept at my moms most of the day.   My mom took care of them during the day and night.  Due to the snow and jobs in PA, I worked until 6 PM and had to be at work at 7:45 so they stayed over at Nane and Odie's. Abby woke up feeling better, as did Adam...so Abby went to her two dance classes.  I just got done with work and am driving over there now to pick them up and bring them back to the house.  We will stay home tonight but I'm thinking of taking Abby and Linnea to see Yogi Bear 3D later this early evening if they want.
Tomorrow the kids can play outside and sleigh across the street at the neighbors house after church.  We have all the snow gear and some sleighs.

Grodio Kids Fri 1-7-11

Due to the snow, schools are closed.  The children are at home today.  Adam's gymnastics class is canceled  .   We are hopeful Abby's dance will still be running tomorrow.  Abby took her medicine this morning.  She was saying that her knee and toes hurt.  It could be a growth spurt.  Their conjestion seems to be clearing up.  Abby does not have school Monday Jan 17th.

Grodio Kids 1-6-2011

Today is Thursday.  Abby and Adam slept all night in their beds.  Adam has been using the potty every day, communicating that he needs to go.  Except this evening he had an accident in his underwear.  He also was helpful with chores.  Abby woke up and ate her eggs and toast, got dressed after I picked out her clothes.  She got on the bus happy to go to school.  She came home happy but annoyed with Adam who was chasing her.  I notice Abby needs some space when she gets home...an adjustment period before the high energies of Linnea and Adam are there to greet her at the door.  
Abby hasn't mentioned her ear bothering her but is taking her medication each day like a big girl.
Tonight the kids ate pork chops, squash and rice.  No one cleared their plates so no one got rice krispy treats.  They took baths and and watch a movie before bed.  Abby was able to count backwards from 10 to 1 with out hesitation.  Good job Abby-girl.
We had a water main break on our street.  the kids were watching the back-ho dig up the frozen, muddy ground to patch the pipes.  Adam loved seeing the big machine with the bright yellow lights digging up the ground.
We are expecting 2-4 inches of snow tomorrow and a possible two hour delay going to school as it happend last month.  In that case, Abby's bus comes at 11 am.   If it accumulates, we are all looking forward to playing in the snow and sledding.  Abby and Adam are planning on going with my parents Saturday to the dance studio while I work and the kids look forward to speaking to their mom on Saturday evening.  Photos to follow.