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. 

Bronwyn's 6 year interview

 1. What is something mommy always says to you? You're so beautiful 

2. What makes you happy? 

More surprise toys

3. What makes you sad?  

When my brother teases me

4. What makes you laugh? 

Funny jokes

5. How old are you?  

5.5

6. How old is Mommy? 

40

7. How old is Daddy? 

41

8. What is your favorite thing to do? 

Play with surprise toys

9. Who is your best friend?  

My best friend at school is Sophia

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?  

A scientist 

11. What are you really good at?  

Playing with surprise toys 

12. What are you not very good at?  

Hmm, im not very good at nothing. Except the game paintball

13. What did you do today? 

We went to the mall. And Safeway 

14. What is your favorite food? 

French fries

15. What is your favorite song? 

Believer

16. What do you want for your birthday this year?

A pop up book.

17. What is your favorite animal? 

My favourite animal that exists on this planet is a giraffe 

18. What is love? 

Nothing

19. What does daddy do for work? 

He trains people for the county

20 what does mommy do for work?

Take care of me

21. Where do you live? 

San Jose

22. Where is your favorite place to go? 

The zoo

Bert's 9.5 year interview.

 I forgot to interview Bert in February!

1. What is something mommy always says to you?  

Let me think... I can only think of things dad says

2. What makes you happy? 

Hugging you

3. What makes you sad?  

When i dont have Wooper 

4. What makes you laugh? 

Potty humour

5. How old are you?  

9

6. How old is Mommy? 

Um, i say around 40

7. How old is Daddy? 

Same as you

8. What is your favorite thing to do? 

Think of game ideas

9. Who is your best friend?  

I have 2

 Tyler and oscar

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?  

Either someone who builds robots, a scientist, or an indie game developer 

11. What are you really good at?  

Playing video games

12. What are you not very good at?  

Falling asleep

13. What did you do today? 

I went to grammy and gramps and had a milkshake. I went to the mall and got a bunch of legos and got a pass for the Lego website

14. What is your favorite food? 

Hawaiian pizza. 

15. What is your favorite song? 

Five Nights at Freddies or L.OL

16. What do you want for your birthday this year?

Money, so i can buy stuff

17. What is your favorite animal? 

Axolotl or cats 

18. What is love? 

Love is a feeling

19. What does daddy do for work? 

He texts on his phone and has a bunch of zoom meetings

20 what does mommy do for work?

You dont do work. You used to sort packages for amazon

21. Where do you live? 

(Says address)

22.  Where is your favorite place to go? 

To Kaylee's so i can swim in the pool and play with her.

Mid-Late June

At the end of April I had an appointment with my tattoo artist.  I added on two flowers for my grandparents.  A magnolia blossom and Queen Anne's lace.  Both of which make me nostalgic for my childhood summers on their farm.

In May there was a carnival at Bert's school.  I think Bron enjoyed it more than Bert did.  But they both had enough fun.  Bert was hoping the snow cone truck would come, but it didn't.  There was a churro truck, which was a good consolation.  

The next day was Scout-o-Rama.  Bron got over-stimulated.  Bert had a good time.  

The kids participated in some online research for eye-tracking related to autism.  They both got a gift card for amazon.  They both like participating in research projects (the gift cards help).  But I always sign up for various research studies too, something my mom instilled in me.

We went to the Makers' Fair the weekend after Scout-o-Rama.  It's where local people sell local-made goods.  We went to one before Christmas as well.  I really enjoy them, and the kids get bored.  Next time I think we'll leave them with the grandparents.  It's hard to look at lots of things with them.  They both do pretty well when we go shopping, but I guess this is different.

Bronwyn's school had young author's fair.  She, originally didn't participate.  The teacher worked, and worked with her.  She even offered to write, if Bron would dictate.  No dice.  So I wasn't going to go to the presentation, because she had nothing to present.  Aaron took her to school that day, and told me I needed to come and be with her, she was starting to freak out.  So I came to school to be with her.  And she was starting to melt down.  But I found out, that she did write the book, in her speech class, so she had something to present.  She was worried that so-and-so was in her group and he'd be mean to her.  It turns out so-and-so wasn't in her group, so she calmed down.  She read her book to the group of bigger kids without issue.  I was so so proud of her and told her as much.  Writing is the hardest thing for her.  

Around this time, my older sister came for her annual visit.  She and my dad went to Vegas, and a few other more local places.

Kids finished up the school year.  

Bron had a field trip to the park with her class.  I volunteered to go along, mostly to keep an eye on her, because situations that are different are hard for her.  She did fine.  Until we got back, then she was melting down a little.  Hitting, and being mean.  But she rallied.  At the end of the year, the whole class got awards for various things.  Bron got the Reset Award for being able to reset her emotions when she gets upset.  That is a well-earned, hard-worked for award.  I think she was able to finish up the school year without getting send home.
We were originally hoping that Bron could switch to Bert's school after kindergarten.  But her school is a better fit for her, and she in able to get more services there.  So she'll stay.  It's rough having two kids at two schools. But we do what we have to do.

Bert did a presentation on How to do Scratch.  I went and recorded it.  He did a great job.  The kids really liked it, and were very interested.  He did pretty well at the end.  His report card only had a couple of 2s and Ns.  

We went to the tide pools with the scout troop.  I think the kids really enjoyed it.  And I like the anemones.  I hadn't been to the tide pools in a long time.  We stayed at the beach for a bit after.  But Bronwyn got run over by a wave, which was our cue to head home.

I had 2 unsuccessful blood/platelet donations in a row.  The first time, they couldn't get a good vein (and they're only allowed to stick you once).  I think my draw-er was new.  I went back a couple weeks later to donate platelets, but my red loss was too high, so I wasn't able to donate.  

Bronwyn started Summer school.  It's just 8-11am, short days, which are nice.  The first day was a little rough, but she found her groove after that.  

On June 1st, Nanny passed away.  She had been ready for a long time, well over a year.  I got to see her in January, which was good, but she didn't remember me.  I bought last minute plane tickets for her memorial (June 17th).  I flew on Breeze for the first time.  It was a long flight, but having a direct flight was really nice.  I had to leave from SFO, but that wasn't a huge deal.  I got to spend a lot of time with my mom, which was awesome.  I got to see my sister and nephew a bit too.  Little Eddie isn't so little anymore.  He's not a huge fan of me.  My sister and I got mani/pedis.  The only time I ever do that is when she takes me.  I enjoy it, I should do it more.  But I have  hard time doing those things for myself.  The memorial was kind of weird.  Like really Jesus-y.  And very focused on being saved.  Which is fine for some, but she wasn't really like that when she was a live.  She was a devoted Christian and "knew" Jesus.  But, aside from meal-time prayer I do not remember Jesus ever being mentioned. My sister enjoyed catching up with the cousins at the luncheon.  She was like, you can talk to them too.  But I don't really have a relationship with any of them.  She does.  I think a lot of that is the fact that she lives there, and I don't.  But my social anxiety was on high.  

For my 40th birthday, Aaron did a Rachel day.  I got a nap, we went to Target and bought things I want.  We got what I wanted for lunch.  And we had a fancy (expensive) dinner.  Aaron ordered me a piece of jewelry, but it wasn't delivered until the 12th, actually the 15th.  So I got it when I got back from my trip.  

We also celebrated our 18th Anniversary.  But on that day, we found out that Bronwyn had covid.  So we ordered lunch in.  

Sick Bron

At the tide pools

The park field trip

My 40th Birthday

Painting the sidewalk

Bron's book for Young Author's Fair

Presenting her book

Bron and my sister

Bert's presentation

Bert at Scout o Rama

The magnolia tattoo

Mid April

 Today, Aaron and I went to a movie (Dungeons and Dragons) in the theatre. I think it was probably 2019, or possibly 2018 that I last was in a movie theatre. I don't really like seeing movies in the theatre. I don't need the "experience" of the big screen. But it was fun to go out on a day date. We got Shake Shack for the first time for lunch. It was fine, but I've heard people rave about it for so long. And it was normal fast food. We took the kids to Home Depot and bought this season's plants (tomatoes, cucumber, spaghetti squash, green beans and spicy peppers). Bron chose a lavender plant. I napped Aaron got everything planted. He went off to play Magic, kids and I hung out at home. 

Last weekend was Easter. The kids ended up doing 3 separate egg hunts (at home, at Mil's church, and one their aunt set up with the cousins), so they had a good time. Dinner was ok. MiL always says she's getting a Honey Baked Ham, but she always buys a honey baked ham (not from the actual ham store), and it isn't the same. Ham aside, it was a good holiday.

The kids had this week off for Spring break. I tried to take them to the beach on Monday (it was a really nice day), but 17 was at a stand still. It took us over 20 minutes to go a mile. So we turned around and went home. They were disappointed, but recovered fairly quickly.

On Wednesday, Aaron took the day off and we went to the aquarium. Bron wore shoes that we're about 3 sizes too big. So we had to stop in a souvenir store and get her a pair of sandals. The kids had fun, I got a little overwhelmed, it was a bit busier than I'd expected. Too peopley. We we're going to go to the beach after (to make up for Monday) but it was windy and cold. Bert has been weird about wind lately. Anytime it's a little breezy, he comments about how windy it is, and gets nervous. Bron was upset about missing the beach, again. So I offered to take her to 5 Below (her favourite store) and that made everything better.

Thursday the kids and I went to Sprouts, Walmart and Dunkin. I like taking them on errands with me. I'm not sure why, because I always buy more then I would, and they some times complain. I guess I just like them. 🥰

I've been doing a lot of yardwork. Still weeding. But I also started pruning the over-grown bushes this week. Both kids (surprisingly) really like helping with that. I have little hand shears and large clippers. Bron uses the little ones, Bert says he's a lumberjack, and cuts up the bigger branches into smaller pieces. The pruning is about done, but I need to get the ladder and the electric clippers to do the very top.

Prior to Spring break, both kids had good weeks at school. Bron has accumulated 6 days of no issues at school. 

At the end of March, we got our family pictures done. They turned out great