Fall Break in Virginia

 For fall break, we decided to come and visit my family in Virginia.  I said if I could find tickets for under $300 each, we'll go.  And I did, so we did.

We left SFO at 5:30am on Saturday.  The beginning of the first flight was hard for Bronwyn.  She had expectations that weren't met.  Mainly, that it was loud.  She cried loudly for about 20 minutes, then fell asleep for a half hour, or so.  We had a decently long layover in Charlotte.  We got lunch at chick fil a.  Bert got a lemonade, that he almost immediately spilled (about half of it).  So we spent a long time cleaning up the floor with those super thin napkins.  We got out food, then he spilled his drink again.  (Somehow, there was still some left, despite being spilled twice.)  The second flight was short, and uneventful.  That night, both kids slept in bed with me.  I'm not sure why.  

Sunday was mom's birthday.  The kids and I went shopping in the morning for a little bit.  We had lunch together, and Rebecca brought Nothing Bundt Cake for dessert. 

Monday we went to a few different places.  When we were at Walmart, Bertram managed to flip the shopping cart over, onto himself.  It landed right on his ankle, which I was sure was broken.  Shopping carts are much heavier than I thought.  He was ok though.  Just a scrape on his arm.  He was quite upset, but he bucked up pretty quickly.

Tuesday I got a much needed haircut.  I haven't done much with my hair.  Even though it doesn't feel like it, it's still pretty humid here, which makes my hair very puffy.  So I've been wearing it up a lot.

On Wednesday, we went to the zoo in the morning.  Bertram was determined to have a bad day.  He tried his best, but I think he had fun, in spite of himself.  Both kids wanted to feed the parakeets.  So we bought the little seed sticks, an off they went.  As soon as you open the door, all the birds come rushing at you.  Both kids immediately started screaming, and threw their seed sticks.  Bron starting crying and melting down.  I took them both out of there (which was difficult, because the birds were still trying to follow the kids, assuming they had food.  Bronwyn went out to Nana, and was still screaming and crying.  I think she was in sensory overload.  She was holding the cup of animal food (to feed to the goats, and such), which she threw.  About half the food spilled out all over the ground.  But she calmed down after that and helped me pick up most of the food.  After that, both kids refused to feed any animals.  But I had fun feeding them.  My favourite was feed the giraffe.  They have really long, almost prehensile, tongues. I thought I had a picture of me feeding the giraffes, but it's not on google photos.  That evening we went to my favourite restaurant, Cracker Barrel.  (Mainly because we don't have Cracker Barrel).  Bron didn't eat too much, which is fairly typical.  Bert at all his food.  

Bron and Emu

BB Eddie and a wallaby

The kiddos

He wants to photoshop a turtle into his hand.

Nana and kiddos.

Kids looking at turtles.

Thursday we went to an indoor play place called Kids Empire.  They had a blast, and practically had the run of the place.  There was only ever maybe 5 other kids there.  The slides were really fun.  I enjoyed it too, but I'm getting old, because it's hard on my back.  At midday, both kids were hungry, so we went to IHOP for lunch.  We went to Kohls for a few minutes.  Then the kids wanted Maccas, despite having eaten very well at lunch. So we did the drive through and then went back to the play place for the afternoon.  They were doing well.  Towards the end, Bronwyn had an issue.  She and Bert were sliding down on little sleds, and crashing into the other little sleds.  But then it was another girl's turn, and Bron didn't want to move the sleds out of the way so the little girl could slide down.  So I moved them, Bronwyn started kicking me, and the girl slide down.  Then Bronwyn tried to kick the little girl (she missed fortunately).  I said, Nope you're done, and scooped her up.  Bertram played for a little longer then it was time to head home.  Bron recovered fairly quickly.  But it's annoying to have to bear-hug her all the time when she's melting down.  

Bron and big Legos

Bert sliding.

The little sleds, mentioned above

"The Brown Splodge" by Bronwyn

Friday, today, Bb came over in the morning with the baby for a bit.  We hung out.  In the afternoon, we (me, the kids, Nana and Jessica) went to the science museum.  It was a really cool place, and since it was a Friday afternoon, it wasn't busy, so we didn't have to wait for any exhibits.  The front desk had sensory backpacks that you can borrow.  I got one for Bronwyn, mainly for the headphones (I was going to bring hers and forgot).  We saw rats playing basketball.  That was so cute.  I played air hockey against a robot.  We tied.  I was impressed that I managed to score on it.  The first area was fine, no issues.  The second area started badly for Bron and went downhill from there.  They had a human hamster wheel, which Bron did not like, for some reason.  There was an exhibit where you make music, and that was her last straw(she had the headphones on the whole time).  She started screaming, and crying.  So I took her out to the hall, where it was quiet.  She calmed down, and we found the little kid area.  It was for 5 and under, but I figured a young 6 was close enough.  It was quiet. with simple activities.  The ret of our group met us there.  Bert played with some blocks for a few minutes and built a greek temple.  Then we saw the beehive and the reptiles and spiders.  There was an exhibit on different physics principles that everyone seemed to enjoy.  Even though the museum is aimed towards kids, it was still really enjoyable.  I definitely would like to go back when we visit again.  After that we got dinner from Panera.  And went to Walgreens to buy snacks for the trip home tomorrow.  I spent the evening stressing about packing.  I'm hoping the suitcases are not over weight.  But, as Aaron reminded me, the worst that can happen is I have to pay for the overage, which isn't a huge deal.  I don't think either is 50lbs, because I can still lift them without too much struggle.  But we'll find out tomorrow.  Mom has a luggage scale I can use.

Nana and grandkids.

Seesters!

Rat basketball

Human hamster wheel.

Bron (with the sensory backpack) calming down in the little kid area

The Greek temple

She made a moon lab

She really liked this photo op.

Every night, until tonight (the last night) Bronwyn has been sleeping in my bed, with me.  When I ask her why she can't sleep in her bed she says "I just can't handle it".  Tonight, I finally got her to sleep in her bed, because I was packing, and my bed was covered in stuff.  Then, while I was taking a bath, Bertram came in and asked if he could sleep with me.  So, I thought I would get one night to spread out, but no.

 

Bronwyn started on a non-stimulate ADHD medication a couple weeks ago.  I haven't noticed much difference.  The psychiatrist said to up the dose.  (She was getting .5mg in the evening, now she'll get .5mg morning and evening.)

She got the 1-on-1 aide.  It didn't help, really at all.  She was still having all the same issues.  We had another IEP meeting just before break.  The district finally agreed to move her to the SpEd class.  She will still join her old class for certain activities (math, library and PE), but will be in SpEd the rest of the time.  When she is in the gen. ed. class she'll still have her aide.  Hopefully that helps with her behaviour, and she'll be more motivated to do classwork, since she'll be less stressed by the environment.  

School etc

 Both kids started school on the 1oth of August (so early!).  It's been... a lot.

We started Bertram on Adderall the day before school started.  We practiced trying to swallow pills al Summer (using M&M minis), but he never got the hang of it.  The nice thing about Adderall, is it's a capsule, so I can pull it open and put it in his pb&j or smoothie.  He has gotten used to the idea of taking it, he was very, very anti-medication.  Of any type.  Getting him to take Tylenol when he's sick is impossible.  I "incentivized" him. I said if he took it for at least a week, with out complaining (or balking), I'd get him a Nerf gun.  (And I hate Nerf guns). So far it's been going well.  I sent an email to his teacher, just to check in.  He's not been disruptive, or non-participatory, like last year.  She said he is actually answered too often, and not giving others a chance to talk.  He's been keeping up with his work.  And he hates PE.  Back to school night is next week, so we'll learn more about both kids' classes then.

Bronwyn, on the other hand, has been having a terrible start to the school year. In the first 3 days, I got 2 calls from the principal, and she was sent home one day.  She got a full-time aide (for the meantime) but she hasn't been helping much in preventing behaviours, so I'm not sure hoe much help she is.  Bron has been hitting, scratching, and just being physical with the teacher and other students.  Everyday has been terrible.  I think a lot of it is it's different from kindergarten (which she has expressed wanting to return to), also, there are a lot of kids in the class (23), and one teacher.  She wants/needs more attention, and there is only one adult. (In kindy, there were usually 3-4 adults). Except, sometimes when she's acting up, the teacher will send her to the SpEd class.  She does very well over there.  So we called for an IEP meeting to see if we could switch her too that class.  During the IEP, everyone seemed to think it would be a good idea for her to switch classes, except the special ed liaison from the district.  She sort of implied that SpEd wouldn't be a good fit, because SpEd is the last resort, and the academics aren't as good.  I'm not entirely convinced that that is the case, since there are a lot fewer kids, and way more adults to help.  But we changed around her RSP time, and she will have a full-time, trained aide starting on Wednesday.  After the IEP meeting, we met privately with the teacher, and she was implied that the district isn't offering us everything she is entitled to.  So everything was/is jumbled in my head.  There are pros and cons to each choice.  It's not as easy as I'd hoped it would be.  Nothing ever is, I suppose.  I think what we're going to do is try the aide for 4-6 weeks, and see how that goes, and revisit.  I'm thinking if the aide doesn't help, then SpEd is the best option for now.  She also can go into the regular class to do some work, and return to SpEd for other work.  We also are getting her re-evaluated for ADHD.  She's very young, but I think she might benefit from some medication.  I think we're going to keep her home on Monday, and (as long as it's ok with the teacher) I'll sit with her all day on Tuesday.  Then Wednesday the aid will start.  Bron has her well-check with the doctor on Tuesday so we'll talk about that.

We'll also talk about her sleeping habits.  I think I've mentioned this before, but she has suddenly stopped sleeping at an appropriate time.  Left to ger own devices, she'll stay up til midnight.  We're been able, the last few days, to coax her into bed by 10ish.  It's doesn't matter if we get her up earlier, how many activities we do during the day, how "tired out" she is, she won't go to sleep.  The melatonin has stopped working for her, so we stopped using it.  Benedryl, which we used on occasion, isn't doing much anymore either.  Dramamine works, but I'm limiting the use for now because I don't want her to become immune, and because it's not the proper use of Dramamine.

I am feeling better.  Except, I'm awake at 5am (since 1:30am).  I talked with my GI last week.  Just a check in.  I'm feeling well, my medicine is working.  But it's been 2 years since my last colonoscopy, which means I get to do that next month.  Yay.  I don't really mind the prep, except being hungry all the time.

I ordered birthday gifts for Aaron, my sister, and my niece.  And next week, I'll buy gifts for my other sister.

We decided to go to Virginia for Fall break.  I was on the fence, because it's expensive for a short trip.  But both kids were lamenting that they didn't get to go to Nana's house this summer.  And they want to see BB's house.  I decided that If I could get tickets under $300 we'd go.  Aaron opted not to go this time, so he'll watch the animals and the house.  We're going from Saturday to Saturday.  I was hoping to do like Friday to the following Sunday, but those tickets were a lot more expensive.  It's also more expensive to fly out of San Jose, so we'll drive to San Francisco.  But it's off hours, and on Saturday, so traffic won't be an issue.  I wish Aaron were going.  It's definitely easier to travel with kids with 2 adults (and I'll miss him).  But I think they'll do okay, they have in the past.

Aaron had his physical.  They want him to lose weight, 40 lbs.  I decided I'm going to get more serious about losing weight too.  So no snacking after dinner (which is hard, because I'm a night time snacker).  And I'm trying to snack less during the day, and walk more.  I've been walking the kids to school, then walking Monty after, so I get more steps.  Aaron doctor also said to take a 20 minute walk after dinner.  We were doing that most days, but we're skipping it because of the heat.  Now we're committed to our evening walks.

The three Weinberg grandkids.

Bronwyn and Aaron made donuts, on a whim.

This and that

 I'm posting from my phone, I'll have to try to remember to add pictures later.

I signed Bron up for a "science camp". It's really a half day class with lots of hands on things to do. Yesterday she lasted 90 minutes. Today she lasted about an hour. I think I'll see if I can sit in the class with her tomorrow, and see if that might help. It's a good lesson for me though, keep her activities on the shorter side.

Last week they had swimming lessons. Bert did great all week, which I expected. Bron did a little less well than I thought she would. She had a full on meltdown one day during lessons, so that was fun. But she needs to be comfortable in the water before she can swim. Maybe I just need to spring for private lessons at some point. Someone who is used to working with ASD kids. 

My mom was here for 2 weeks, which was awesome, as always. And it went by too fast, as always.

Bron had a very low-key Birthday party. Her favourite cousin wasn't able to be there, so it was her cousin Isaac, and Bertram, and that was it for kids. But we had pizza, which she ate. And unicorn cake, which she did not eat. She was really enthusiastic about every gift she received. "Oh thank you!" "This is what I really wanted!" Etc. We got her thank you notes written and sent, so her birthday is officially done.

And we start birthday month. My MiL, my dad, Aaron, my sister, and the kid's cousin. Followed shortly by my other sister in early September.  Hopefully I didn't forget anyone.

The kids start school in about 10 days. We have a meeting with Bertram's pediatrician in a couple days to discuss medication for him, for school. The ADHD is strong with that one. He is hesitant about trying it, but he seems to be willing. At this point, it is nearly impossible to get him to take medicine. I'm hoping it's something I can crush and put in his smoothies.  We've been practicing swallowing pills with mini m&M's, but haven't had any success yet.

Bron is also going to be re-evaluated for ADHD about a month after school starts. She was close to the threshold last time she was tested, so we'll see where she is at this point.

She has been having major bedtime issues for the last month or so. Most nights she is up past 10. Some nights midnight. Melatonin doesn't seem to do anything for her. We've kept a routine, limited screen time, woken her up early, but nothing has made a difference.  Meanwhile, Bertram is a very good sleeper. Asleep by 8 most nights, up at 530 or 6 every morning.

I've been feeling poorly for the past 4 days. Mostly a sore throat. That's my only remaining symptom. I had body aches, headache, low fever and fatigue. It felt like the flu, without respiratory symptoms. I was covid negative.

Let's see, what else has happened? I can't remember if I mentioned this before. I took the kids to the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Bron really had been wanting to go. I should have done a virtual walkthrough with her, so she knew what to expect. They really enjoyed the aquarium, they were feeding the fish lettuce, which was neat. They weren't very impressed by the dinosaur exhibit (which was specifically what we came for). Then we tried to go in the living rainforest. Bron freaked out! She was screaming and crying and saying we were going to die in there for sure. I felt bad, but it's a one way exhibit, so we couldn't just leave. It was hot and humid in there, and I had to carry her up 3 stories of ramps to the top. I was sweating a lot. The whole time Bert kept asking to go home (turned out he had a fever). After the rainforest, Bron was done. It was a short, expensive day. 

Traveling with Two

 I was able to find ticket to visit my mom and sisters for $303 each, which is pretty amazing.  The catch was that the flights are in and out of SFO, which is about 45 minutes away without traffic.  (We have the San Jose airport less than 15 minutes from our house, but it (almost) always costs a lot more to fly from there).  The other catch was that our departing flight was at 5am.  

The kids were both asleep around 8, the night before we flew, which was good.  The plan was to let them sleep until 2:40am.  They both went to sleep in their travel clothes, in case we needed to carry sleeping kids to the car.  That didn't end up being the case.  Bronwyn woke up at 1, and never went back to sleep (which means I was up at 1 as well).  And Bertram woke up at 2:20.  Both kids were chipper and happy.  Aaron slept til 2:40.  

(It's 3am, I couldn't sleep, and Bron just walked in).

In my infinite wisdom, I signed up for TSA Pre-Check.  That was a fantastic decision.  We finished checking in at the airport, and gave them our 2 suitcases.  I wasn't excepting a huge line at security, since it was 4am.  But lo and behold, the line was very long, especially for 4am.  I asked where the Pre-check line was, and someone pointed me a bit further down the concourse.  One person in front of us!  It was so quick I could hardly believe it.  We didn't have to take our shoes off, or anything.  It was amazing.  Definitely the best thing I could do for travel.  $75 well spent.  

The kids were still in good moods as we made our way to the gate.  They loved the spinning chairs.  I let them play.  We didn't have to sit at the gate too long before they started boarding.  Bert was bummed we were in boarding group 7.  He really wants to try First Class.  I told him when he was a teenage, he and I could fly first at some point.  

We sat in the penultimate row (by design).  I figured being close to the bathroom was a good plan (especially since Bron has only been potty trained since January).  I sat in the middle, Bert had the window, and Bron had the aisle. Bron's legs barely could touch the seat in front of her, if she tried.  But the lady in front turned around and said something like "I've traveled with kids before, so take this with a grain of salt.  But every time she touches my seat, I can feel it.  And I'm going to try to sleep.  If you could keep her feet down."  I internally rolled my eyes.  Her feet barely reach the seat.  And if you need that much TLC when you flight, don't fly coach.  But I told the lady I'd do my best.

Bron started to freak out at take off.  Because it was loud.  I gave her the tablet and headphones.  But it didn't help.  Once we were up in the air, I switched seats with her, so Kicky-Lady could have some peace.  But then Bron started crying, because it was loud.  I had to hold her, which meant her feet were more on Kicky-Lady's seat.  Oh well, my kid is screaming, so you're not sleeping anyway.  After a while, not too long, she calmed down.  In the middle of the flight she climbed in my lap and fell asleep.  Which was super uncomfortable.  But I tried to relish it, since it may be the last time she does that.  Bert just played his tablet and was perfect, in terms of behaviour.  Bron slept maybe an hour.  Then was fine.  The rest of the flight was uneventful.  

We arrived in Charlotte early.  The kids were miffed that we had to wait for everyone else to deplane before we could.  We had to change from concourse A to B.  It wasn't much of a walk.  Bert said he was starving.  We found our gate and still had 90 minutes.  So I suggested we get food.  Bert didn't want to leave the gate, in case the plane (which hadn't actually arrived yet) left without us.  But I convinced him to venture out with me.  We got a sandwich for me, and chips for the kids.  We sat at the gate and ate.  Bron needed to pee, Bert said he didn't and he'd stay at the gate.  So she and I ran off.  She doesn't like public bathrooms, too much flushing and hand dryers.  But she did fine.  Bert stayed put (I was fairly sure he would, but I get nervous).

The second flight was less eventful.  Both kids did great.  It was a very short flight.  When we arrived in Richmond we just the deplane line a bit, because the kids couldn't wait to see Nana.  I went with it.  Both kids ran to Nana.  Our suitcases were waiting for us when we got to baggage.  So everything had gone perfect, no late flights, kids behaved, bags arrived.  

I had been very anxious about this trip.  With all the cancelled flights, and two ASD kids, it is all up in the air (no pun intended).  Bert asked what would happen if we missed our connection plane.  I said we'd just get the next plane.  He seemed satisfied with that.  

As soon as we got to Nana's house, Bert said he wanted to go home.  He couldn't be there anymore.  This continued for a while.  Then we ate, and he was a bit better.  Bron wanted to explore outside.  (Neither kid cared that it was 95 outside).  So we found pinecones and sat on the porch swing.  My mom had to run a quick errand, so we decided to ride along.  Both kids fell asleep in the car, it was about 7.  I was hoping to keep them up to 8.  When we got home, I carried Bron to her bed, and she stayed asleep.  Bertram woke up.  And started in with wanting to go home again.  And he was too scared to sleep.  I told him I needed to shower and then I'd check on him.  He checked on me, in the shower, instead.  He calmed down a little, when I let him play Switch.  When I was ready to sleep, I told Bert he could sleep with me, when he was ready.  He came in a few minutes later, and went to sleep.

Now we're at the present time. I woke up at 2, and couldn't sleep anymore.  So I went to Bert's room to type.  And Bron came in around 3.  I typed, she watched Bluey and read a book.  Chipper as always.

Frustrated

 I am frustrated.  Bertram's teacher had a (another) talk with me about his behaviour. 

I asked him how his day was, he said pretty good.  Then the teacher caught me before we left.  He talked back, didn't do his work, and spent the day breaking crayons.  She asked if anything was happening at home.  The only thing I can think of is he hasn't had ABA in a while (because she's been sick, and we were sick).  

So now he has no screens.  We decided that any work he doesn't do in class is coming home for homework.  And if work comes home, he'll have no screens.

I don't know what else to do.  I'm not sure Special Ed is where he should be.  And his school doesn't have special ed anyway.  He'd have to go from our neighbourhood, very highly ranked, school, across the city to a very low ranking school.  (Our school is 9 or 10/10, the other school is 2/10). It would probably take 30-40 minutes to get him there in the morning, because it's downtown.

The other issue, in terms of special ed, is that he's fairly advanced academically.  I sort of wonder if he's bored.  When he brings home work, it seems to be the right level of challenging (not easy, not too hard).

 I think I'm going to end up having to home school him.  I don't really want to do that.  I don't feel equipped for that.  I think the school district gives you all the materials for "independent study".  

Nothing has to happen, or be decided now.  But I wish I could motivate him to be better in class.  ASD is frustrating, and hard.

Anyway, I'm just venting.  

June post

 The kids finished school two weeks ago.  Bron made good progress.  And Bert got all 3s (the highest) except on the spacing for his writing. In-person school went well for both kids.  Bert had one so-so day and one bad day, but all the rest were good.  Bron had good days across the board.
He had his first non-cousin playdate the Saturday after school finished.  Seems like he did pretty well.  I don't know if playdates are hard for all ASD kids.  I was relieved that it went well.  He's having a friend (the same friend) over here presently.  It's going ok.  He seems to forget that he needs to pay attention to his guest too.  I guess maybe it takes practice.

Bron started Summer school today, half-days 9-12.  I tried to sign Bertram up, but I only wanted half-days for him (partially because it's Summer, he doesn't need to be in school from 9-3.  And partially because he has ABA daily at 3).  Half-day programs all filled up, so full day was the only option, so we are skipping summer school.  I found a gymnastics camp for Bertram.  It's also from 9-12, which isn't the best in terms of timing, but since Aaron is working from home, most days are not an issue.  Tomorrow Aaron has a lunch meeting, so my MiL is going to pick up Bertram, and I'll get Bron.  Bron seemed to have a good first day.  Bertram just complained a lot, it was hot, he ran out of water, he didn't like it.  He has another 4 days.  If he changes his mind, I'll sign him up for another week later in the summer.  Otherwise, I'll have to see what else I can find.  All the Parks and Rec swimming lessons filled up, so I need to look into some private ones.  For Bertram anyway.  Since Bron has school from 9-12 and ABA from 3-7 she doesn't have a lot of time for other activities, but I don't want to spread her too thin.

Bron going to Summer school

A week ago, I got a tattoo.  (Sorry mom, feel free to skip this paragraph).  I've been wanting one since I was 14 or 15, and since I turned 38, I figured it was time to take the plunge.  I got three flowers on my upper arm for my sisters and me.  (Sunflower for Rebecca, hibiscus for Jessica and a California poppy for me.  And I included 2 bees on my poppy for the kids(because the kids names start with B)).  I got the outline a week ago, I got back in two weeks for colour.  I didn't hurt too badly, manageable, mostly.  A couple spots were more sensitive, but I didn't need any breaks, so I kind of felt like a badass.  Haha.

An odd angle but you get the idea, I'll post another when the colour is done

We went to the aquarium for the first time since February 2020.  Normally we go every 2 or 3 months.  Bronwyn was really excited by everything.  Bertram was sad because his favourite exhibit was gone.  But it was a good day.  We got lunch at Carl's Jr and played at the park before headed back.  We stopped at Sonic on the way home (Our closest Sonic is 30 minutes away, so we don't go often).  

I've been exercising most mornings.  Like real exercise, hard cardio and weights, usually for 45 minutes, sometimes more.  I've been doing this for about three weeks, and so far I've gained 2 lbs.  :eye roll: I have an appointment with my GP for a physical next week for a physical, so i'm going to talk to her about it then.