I've been busy with dog-walks, house stuff and the kids stuff. Let's see if I can remember what has happened since October.
I'll start with school stuff. Bert has done very well with the transition to middle school. The only class he consistently has homework in is Advanced Math. And that was the only class he seemed to really have to "work" at. The rest come without much extra effort, and no extra studying. And as such, he got As in all his classes, except math, which he got a C. We weren't disappointed though, because he worked hard for that C. And he made honour roll, which he was really proud about. He made a new friend, Julian, as well. Mostly, though, it's all the same kids from elementary school, which is good too. I'm very happy he has a good group of boys to be with. My only beef is: he is (apparently, I haven't confirmed) the only one in the group without a cell phone. 6th graders don't need cell phones. Especially smart phones. Anyway, this semester is almost 2 months in, and he's doing well again. As in everything except math, which is currently a solid B (84%). So far, so good.
Bronwyn has been hit or miss about school. Nearly every morning is a struggle though. She doesn't want to go, she needs a mental health day, etc. She doesn't want to get dressed, or go out the door. Occasionally, the stars align and she is pleasant. Once she's at school is hit or miss as well. Some days she does a lot of work, she participates, and is happy to be there. Other days she does little to no work, is grumpy or disruptive. She is hitting all the goals, testing wise, except writing. She is a little behind in that. She signed up for the after school ceramics class at the beginning of 2026. Bert took the same class when he was in 4th grade, I think (maybe 5th). She's really enjoyed in, and has some talent in it as well. I think she could be very artistic, if she let herself. But she has a lot of issues with perfectionism, which doesn't let her try.
More on Bronwyn. She was formally diagnosed with ARFID, which is a restrictive diet eating disorder. We were not surprised, though, it took a long time to get the diagnosis. And anorexia was a possibility for a bit too, which was scary to think an 8 year old could have those kind of body issues. We certainly never talk about being fat as a bad thing (not that she is anywhere near fat either). In her psychology appointments, she's been working on food exposure exercises and trying new foods. It's a VERY slow process. We're supposed to be practicing at home too, but she refuses. I found it a little funny that the dietician/nutritionist was way less helpful than the psychologist has been, but I guess it makes sense.
Bronwyn has gotten into roller skating. We found a sports complex in South San Jose that does open skate on most Friday and Saturday nights. So most Friday nights, she and I go and skate for 45-55 minutes. (The session is 90 minutes, but we get tired). We went as a family once, but Bert couldn't believe Bronwyn bested him at something, and vowed never to skate again. And so far, he hasn't been back. Thus far, knock on wood, I haven't fallen yet. With the exception of the first time I put my skates on at home.
She in currently doing social skills once a week, and ABA once a week. They're trying to add in another day of ABA, but there isn't a BT that fits our schedule yet.
Way back in July, I had a deep cleaning at the dentist, which caused/quickened a tooth breaking. It wasn't bothering me, aside from the fact that it was broken. Amazingly, it didn't hurt at all. I went to the dentist to get a referral for an oral surgeon. But when they were looking at the tooth, discovered the one in front of it needed a root canal. I dragged my feet on that a bit, but eventually got the root canal in September. I kept the temporary crown on longer than I should have because, as you likely know by now, I HATE dental work. But again, it wasn't bothering me. Eventually the dental office called me and said we need to get that crown on. So I did that. My old dentist retired suddenly for health reasons and a new one (Dr Reza) took over the practice. I like the new dentist. I'm starting to suspect maybe I do numb up ok, and my previous dentist was not exact enough with his shots. Anyway, I got the crown done, and at that appointment, they x-rayed all my teeth. The results were bad. My jaw bone looks way older than is should. Which means, I have bad genes, I have bruxism, and/or I don't take care of my teeth. I know I have bruxism and bad genes, and I do care for my teeth. Even when we didn't have dental insurance, I still went every 6 months. Aside from the deterioration in my jaw, I had tooth issues as well. One with a broken root. The original broken tooth and 2 possible other candidates for extraction. I have receding gums, with deep pockets. I have a cavity that needs a filling. My dad had very similar teeth issues at a similar age. So far, for this year, I'll have spent $1250 on my teeth. I haven't gotten the bills yet, just the EOBs. This doesn't include however much extractions and anesthesia will cost. And I imagine I'll hit my yearly max before too long and have to push things back to next year. (It's only February!)
On top of this dental mess, stuff is happening at work for Aaron. There were a round of lay offs. He didn't get laid off per say, but his position will likely be taken by someone else, and he'll have to change to a new job code. Somehow, 10 years seniority isn't enough. I don't quite understand all the moving parts. And it'll be a couple weeks before we fine out what his new job will be. He is bummed because he likes his job, team, and boss. I am optimistic because I'm hoping he'll get moved to a closer office. Right now, he's about as far away as one can be (13 miles, which can take up to an hour each way, but is typically 45 minutes). He's previously worked at offices that were about a 20 minute commute. (Really, he's practically in Milpitas at the current office).
Bertram's birthday is on Friday. We're having a friend party at the bowling ally/arcade in Eastridge. Then the family party on Sunday. I can't believe he's going to be 12.
Last January I was 218lbs, I am currently down to 184. I am no longer obese! Woohoo! There is a long way before I'm in the normal range, according to BMI, but I'm happy with the progress.
