Friday, August 22, 2014

Where has the week gone?

I'll tell you what, my head is spinning trying to get our new schedule underway.  Little Buddy needs to be dropped off at school by 8:40, but the car line is so atrocious that you have to leave just after 8 to drive what should only take 10 minutes.  It is ghastly, and believe me Mother's and Father's are not the politest people when it comes to dropping off their children.  I still am working on the perfect time to leave, do I leave really early and sit and wait, do I leave later and get stuck?  I think next week I will try both and see what is less stressful.  He gets picked up everyday at 12:30 for the therapies he has in the afternoon.  That trip is a breeze as I am the only Mom picking up at that time.  The first day I picked him up he cried bloody murder when he saw me.  Day two he was ill so did not attend school.  By the second day we only had a 50% attendance rate!  Day three, again big tears and crying when he saw me.  So we had a chat.  To add to our rules about school, no bumping children or the teacher with the walker, no leaving the classroom without the teacher, and now no crying when Mom picks you up from school.  Yesterday and today he deserves a star, no crying at all.  I am glad he loves school so much that he does not want to leave, but I hate for him to carry on like his life at home is so horrible to return to.  

I am working Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  A new schedule for me.  Organizing that, school for both my boys living at home, and extra appointments for both of them has left me feeling like I am going a bit crazy.

The good news is my Teenager got and excellent report from his ENT.  His throat is healing up beautifully and all that stuff I still see in there is normal.  He had to have a schedule change at school, which took multiple emails and phone calls from me, but it all got sorted out and now he is happy, well as happy as he can be going back to school.  Mr. 20 returned to Ohio.  I promised myself I would not cry at the airport, but I just cannot help myself.  He has been gone two years and I still cry when he leaves.  I secretly think he likes it because it makes him feel loved.  I really miss him, but I am happy he is on his own journey.  Now if he will just behave.

And Little Buddy got his brand new braces.  He loves them!!!  These braces are a whole other level for him.  They have a hinge for his ankle so now he can bend his foot forward while taking a step but cannot extend it.  Of course Little Buddy mastered them in no time at all.   And of course brand new braces means brand new shoes.  Throw that into an already busy week and we have yet another thing we have had to attend to.  I was so lucky to find some shoes that fit him, not an easy task when it comes to fitting shoes over braces.  I have had to special order them in the past.  Here they are.  


His favorite are these red Mickey Mouse Crocs, he adores them and cries when I take them off. 
 

He has to have wide shoes that lace up for his external rotation straps, these white ones were found at the discount shoe store at the mall.  And they fit! While at the Crocs store I found the Mickey Mouse Crocs and these boat shoes, they fit, too!  Since it was buy one, get one 50% off, I had to get them.  We are now all set in the shoe department and I am thrilled because these three together were less then the special order ones I had to buy previously.


It is also time for new PJ's.  Little Buddy is growing and I am thrilled.  He is now rounding out at size 3 Toddler for PJ's and is almost in that size for shirts.  Now don't ask me about shorts, those little legs and waist of his are still teeny tiny.
 

I think he likes his new PJ's don't you?

On the docket for this weekend, rest, paperwork and hopefully some time with yarn.  I have been all over the place with that, too.  Seems my life is a bit too chaotic right now, it shows in my knitting, my weaving and my crochet.  Or maybe I should say my lack of knitting, weaving and crochet.
 
What are your plans for the weekend?

39 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

I imagine that the fact that Buddy is crying when he has to leave school is a sign that he likes it so much, and is settling in well, not that he doesn't like life at home - don't be so hard on yourself!!! He is obviously learning everything very fast though, having picked up the no crying when he leaves school for the last two days. I hope that you can get the drop off routine worked out, and at least the pick up isn't so busy, that is one good thing isn't it. Hopefully all your new schedules will settled down soon when you have the routine in order. Good news on Mr Teen, that must be a weight off your mind. Hope that you have a good weekend. xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Yikes Meredith, you make me dizzy with your schedule and activities!! But you do it so well. Love Little Buddy's shoes and of course his happy face. I think we are all in love with him : )
Weekend here, more family and some outdoor time.
xoRobin

Susanne Tyree said...

Maybe once everything settles down and a routine is established, all those parents who are struggling too will calm down and things will fall into place. All this has got to be hard on all of you. Getting back into the swing of things isn't very easy. The entire morning, afternoon and evening is a challenge. A parent's worst nightmare, a crying child who acts like they are going home to a torture chamber, lol. It is so wonderful that he likes school right off the bat. I can remember my very first day of school, my mom standing with all the other moms and next thing I know she has disappeared. I can still remember a bit of panic setting in, worse, I felt deserted, abandoned. After that initial shock, it was school as usual. Sorry he was ill the next day. I hope he is doing better. Things will settle down and there will be time for all the yarny things. For now, chaos rules and it needs to be tamed.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Mrs. Micawber said...

The older of the last pair of little boys I used to babysit always cried when his dad came to pick them up in the afternoon. Sometimes it's hard to shift gears when you're that age.

LB looks great in his new shoes, and what a spiffy walker!

Hope your schedule gets ironed out soon. Glad to know that Mr. Teen is healing up so well. :)

Betsy said...

Wow! LB looks really snazzy with his me walker, braces and shoes. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all the hassles of the new school year. It's not easy. I still remember those days and feeling overwhelmed and I didn't have nearly as much to deal with as you do. I don't know how you keep up with everything and keep your sense of humor and grace. So glad to hear Mr. Teenager is doing so well. At least that's one worry eased a bit.
I remember when Alex moved to Japan permanently. He was only 19 and I cried like a baby. He still won't let me take him to the airport on his few visits home. When I visit him and he takes me to the airport he cries as hard as I do. I should be used to it, but I'm not. And now all of my babies will be far away. I'll be calling you to ask how to cope with things! :-)
Blessings,
Betsy

Caffeine Girl said...

Girl, I don't know how you do it! You do so much for your family -- and I'm sure they feel the love in that. I'm sure no one who has met you thinks Little Buddy has a terrible home! I'm actually quite sure that anyone can tell from his smile that he has a wonderful, loving home.

Lucie said...

Bonjour, some souvenirs are coming back... It is the time you are spent for your little buddy that makes your buddy so important! Be proud of him and thanks for sharing your photos. It´s so important for other parents.. It´s important to show how it´s possible to have an happy life with your little buddy
Lucie x

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Your schedule sounds like mine used to before all 3 were in full-time school. At one point I was doing 5 trips a day to school. Kept thinking on the way there I'd meet myself coming back.
Crocs aaah you've gotta love 'em! My two girls have lived in them all summer, at home and away. Little Man though, with all his sensory stuff going on, does not get on with them, and whilst his shoes aren't special order, he will only wear the terribly expensive normal ones. Gah.

Anonymous said...

Love those Mickey Crocs and the big groin that goes with them.

My plans for this weekend? We are going to a wedding. My personal trainer, Joe, is getting married. So happy for him and Karen.

Babajeza said...

This is good news. But you take care of yourself! Hugs, Regula

Una said...

My daughter often cried when I collected her from school. It was very embarrassing. But I could tell she was doing it because she was very tired after a day of learning and having to behave herself. I think things will settle down when Buddy realises that you will bring him back to nursery the next day.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You certainly are being torn in all directions, but that too will calm down once everyone gets into the swing of things. Traffic is the worst. I have to leave for school early or I will be stuck forever in traffic and that stresses me out more than anything. Love Little Buddy's new shoes ... and glad you got three for what you would have paid for the fitted ones. That little boy is growing with love, that's for sure. Blessings to all, Tammy

Angel Jem said...

Doesn't Little Buddy look fab in his shoes! And he looks as if he could hit a crazy speed in the walker if he wanted to!
My weekend hopefully will be an easy Saturday followed by school supply shopping and a family party on Sunday. Crocheting? I'm not sure when! Perhaps during Dr Who tonight.

linda said...

My head is spinning Meredith how do you manage it all. I think it's great that buddy loves school so much he cries when it's time to leave, he must be one sociable little guy and no one is going to think he has an awful home life because he does this it will all settle down when he gets used to his schedule I love his cute new shoes. I'm so glad your son is nearly healed one traumatic event can now be put in the past and forgotten about. I hate it when my 25 year old leaves for Uni he is such a lovely young man he keeps the family balanced and sane if that makes sense, but he calls nearly everyday and we are hoping he can come home for a week in September. We poor mums how do we cope Meredith. :) xxx

Ingrid K. said...

Hello Meredith!

Oh, what a shame that little buddy cries when he has to leave school, but it is great that he seems to have settled in relatively quickly, he is doing so well, I think. I remember some of my kids crying every morning when I had to leave them at school, but by the afternoon they had forgotten all about it and enjoyed their activities - until the next morning came and the whole thing started again. It's a lot to having to get used to a brand new routine - and this goes for you as well. Go easy on yourself and relax to recharge your batteries. Take little breaks for time for yourself. You will see, after a while when everybody has adapted to the new routine, things will feel better! Good to hear that the older boys are ok, too!
As for a little crochet, why not just play around with some granny squares that you can make easily enough and pick up whenever you want and continue.
Sending you hugs!
Have a relaxing weekend!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Between Me and You said...

That Little Guy is such a fashion icon - I LOVE him!! Good grief, Meredith, I honestly don't know how you do it! You must collapse into a heap when you eventually get to bed at night! Good on you for coping so well. Huge Hugs. xxx

mamasmercantile said...

Its always hard trying to establish a new routine, give it a week or two and everyone will have calmed down. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

kathy b said...

Wishing you moments of peace and stillness!

Little buddy is adorbs…

Perhaps you could knit while you wait in that long car line?

thanks for crying at the airport, I feel normal now!

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Little Buddy looks like he is ready to really move out with the new braces and the walker. Watch out, world!

Christina said...

Phew, I hope you get to put your feet up this weekend! I am glad little buddy likes school, it will be such a big part of his life. I love his lace up crocs and his new pj's, too. I love to see pictures of little buddy, his happy smile makes me happy. Cx

Stins said...

Super shoes for little buddy! He looks so confident and content, you are doing such a great job!!
I wish you would have a little bit more time for yourself though... I hope you will find it soon!
Lots of love from Mirjam.

Jennifer Hays said...

Poor thing, I'm sure he'll adjust soon. It's a lot of new things going on for him. You're doing a great job. I wanted to suggest Stride Rite for wide shoes. They can be expensive but they do run very good sales a few times a year. I hope you have a good weekend. :)

Pammy Sue said...

Those Crocs seem like the perfect thing for LB. Glad you were able to solve that one easily. He looks like such a happy boy!

Anonymous said...

I think a Buddy is looking amazing. Such a Mr Happy. Secondly I am so glad your middle son is well on the way to recovery and lastly. ..... Scatter some rose petals in your bath and gave a good soak. You so deserve it!

Acorn to Oak said...

Sounds like a challenging week but I'm glad it got better as it went along. That little buddy of yours is adorable! What a cutie! Sorry to hear you had to see your son off to college again. I understand your tears. It's always tough for me too and my daughter only moves about an hour away. She leaves in a week. But, next year she'll be moving a state away. :-( I know that I'll cry then too. I always do.

I hope you have a wonderful and restful weekend and that you find some time to play with yarn...that's always a great thing. ;-)

Unknown said...

I don't think that I have ever seen a happier child! I don't have kids, so I can't really comment in that dept. ( about the crying) I would think though that he is very happy with all his new friends and the things they do in school! Bet he loves being around so many kids his own age. Are there other "disabled" kids in his class? But i bet he can hold his own in any situation. WOW! 3 pair of shoes and new PJ's! He must feel like it is Christmas! It is wonderful that he is doing so well with his growth. I can see the difference in the pictures of when you first started to show pictures of him (when he was just staying at your house) and now. I am also glad that Mr teenager is healing. What a worry. I bet LB really misses his biggest brother. But it sounds like LB is busy enough that it isn't an issue. Best wishes to oldest son in another year of collage. May all his meets go well.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Awww Little Buddy is always so adorable. So glad he loves school. :) Glad your others boys are doing well, too.

Hope you get a chance to play with some yarn soon.

((hugs)) to you sweet friend.

CJ said...

You're an absolute star Meredith, organising everyone and making sure all your boys have everything they need. I'm not surprised you cried when your biggest boy left, I know I will too. That little man's shoes are fab, really cheerful, he will have happy feet! The school run sounds horrific, I hope you work out the best plan of attack soon. It's a quiet weekend here, I think we'll take them to the wetlands (bird) reserve tomorrow. The biggest boy is desperate to go, he's only been out once since the accident. Monday is also a day off here, but it's due to rain, so that will be an indoorsy day I think. I hope your weekend is restful and happy. CJ xx

MargaretP said...

Glad to hear all is well with the big boys and Buddy is enjoying school.
Some kids need a "countdown" ask the teacher to get his attention and tell him 10 minutes till Mummy comes, 5 minutes till Mummy comes, Mummy will be here very soon, lets start to pack up so you can play with this toy again tomorrow,(which also reminds him that he will come back again)
They have no acurate concept of time so it just has to be a routine, not exact times.
Some kids get tired and emotional and feel a big loss of control when it is suddenly time to go, when they were focussed on a game or activity.
I have been a private Nanny for 12 years and this usually works well, hope it is helpful for you.
The tears just seems to be a symptom of them not being able to deal with their complex feelings.

kathyinozarks said...

wow Meredith you have such a hectic schedule-I would be major stressed for sure.
hope you can find time just for yourself-hugs
we are in the 100s-so early this morning I did my garden stuff and got enough tomatoes to can again-I made Italian style stewed tomatoes-
stay cool where you are too

Judy S. said...

Sure hope you have a wonderful weekend that includes lots of relaxing. Don't know how you keep up with that schedule of yours! Glad to hear that your younger son is healing well also. We had fun with Max and Stella today at the Farmers' Market and park. Came home with some yummy peaches and nectarines, too.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Meredith!
It's been awhile. Getting used to our new lifestyle these past few months so I have not been doing a lot of blog reading, if any at all. We just got back from Florida. It was a spontaneous trip down. I wanted to spend some time with family and my niece wanted us to stay with them so we had a very nice visit. They treated us like royalty which I have to say felt very good! I can't say the weather was too good though. Mostly rain the entire trip down and back and in between. Driving through Orlando was a nightmare with monsoon rains! At least we got to their pool and to the beach one time each. It was good to get a change of scene. I just started back doing a little crochet. Most of my started projects were idling in a basket. It looks like you have been very busy! Such cute pics of little buddy! We are expecting our new grandson any day now. This makes 4, 2 girls and 2 boys. Getting excited! Just wanted to check in with you. Hope all is well.
Hugs, Patti

My Garden Diaries said...

Such a busy mama you are!!! I love his new braces!!! And that smile....all I have to do is see a post with this little guy and it lights up my heart! I am so glad he is loving school!!! My little guy tried to run out of the classroom when I dropped him off this past week...I hope this week goes better!! Good luck with drop off...it is like a science! And I hope you get some yarn time this weekend!!!! Nicole xoxo

Cari said...

I'm telling you Meredith…your sweet Little Buddy is thriving !! What a joy to hear how wonderful he is doing. This adoption was meant to be wasn't it? I love your sweet family…and YOU too !! Hugs

Faeryfay said...

Just love those Micky Crocs!:)

Yarnism said...

LB looks so adorable I wish I could give him a big hug!!. You are a super mom Meredith , you manage such a lot of things so easily , but do remove some time for yourself too...

Take care,
Sabrina

Vicki Boster said...

Already he is growing and you can see how he has changed. He is precious beyond words. Your busy schedule makes me tired just thinking about it. That precious boy is so lucky to have you as his mom.
Love
Vicki

Suzan said...

I so enjoy keeping up with Little Buddy! Neat Crocs - didn't know there were such different styles!!
I feel just like Buddies last picture ---- Yeahhh - It's Hump day!! Now on the slide into Friday!!

Taci simmons said...

Little buddy seems so happy and content. He is such a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful family and mama. I'm so happy Mr. Teenager is also doing so well, hope you have a little time to knit, crochet or weave and relax a little bit.