This Covid-19 thing is really getting annoying. It has sure escalated quickly. I guess at this point I am glad I cancelled my cruise plans for March break, given we'd likely end up quarantined or something. At least now I just have a week of March Break, avoiding crowds, and then TWO WEEKS of closed schools. So 3 weeks at home. I mean, I am able to work from home, so it should be ok, but wow... it's quite a thing! It seems everyone is in full on panic mode. Stores are nuts, shelves are bare, what are people doing? Do they think they will never be able to leave their home again? I just don't understand. I certainly don't have two weeks or more of food in the house. I do plan to buy 2 weeks of cat and dog food when I get paid next week, but I do that any way. For kiddo and I, well we could manage with what's in the house for a few days any way. But I certainly don't have a stock pile of things. I have a grocery list for this weekend, I can only hope the items will be in store!
I am off work until March 23rd, then working from home until April 5. It's crazy. I mean it's kind of nice, I like working from home, I feel I get more done, but it will be weird for sure. And it will be harder on the kid. Two weeks is a long time for no school, no going out. And he is not using my new laptop for playing his video games. He broke my last one, I had to get a replacement rather quickly, and now I finally received it. It is nice, and new, and pink, and not for his use! I will have to lock it up or something.
He has been getting to and from school on his own for a couple weeks now. Doing well with it, except eating chips for breakfast. Instead of cereal or toast or something. We will have to work on that. At least he hasn't been late or anything. Now the weather is starting to get nicer, it will be even better.
I have joined WW, again, and am starting to walk again. The sidewalks have cleared up well enough to go and not slip around. I am not doing great but am hopeful, and I have lost a pound or so. I hope to lose more, and perhaps being home for 3 weeks will help. I will at least be able to go for a good walk at lunch time. Perhaps I can start running. It is hard, normally sometime in January or February I start exercising in the basement, but this year I didn't. I have not been getting enough sleep, been lazy, and gained some extra weight. I signed up for 6 months, I hope it will be enough time to get some good habits. We'll see!
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Saturday, January 25, 2020
January
This new year has been flying by in some ways, and crawling in others. I start a new position at work on Monday, meaning I have to go back to my old building, and find parking. I posted about it on facebook and got so many messages from work people who are happy to see me back, a lot of we can go for coffee or come see me messages. It is nice to feel liked. I am happy to be seeing them all again, and the past two years have been good for me I think. The manager may have been nuts but she did help me feel like I am a strong employee with a lot to offer. I have 15 years experience, ranging across the spectrum of jobs, from working with customers to headquarters supporting field workers and projects as well. I know stuff. I remember stuff. One of the guys says I have the memory of an elephant. I guess I do. The commute to the new job will suck, one of the bridges to get there is closed so it pushes traffic onto fewer roads. And I still haven't sorted out parking, which really sucks. And is going to cost more than I can afford right now.
Money, budgets, wow do I suck at this stuff! I am still paying for going to Disney and totally over spending. I really need to get it together or we not only won't be moving but we won't be able to go away in December. Focus on the budget and sticking to it. It is a big harder since I've been eating keto. I haven't actually lost any weight doing it but I feel better (except that I have been waking up with headaches a lot). My stomach has been running well, no tummy troubles, and I am starting to feel the energy benefits. I know it will take a bit longer to really get those (it's only been 2 weeks). I just can only hope I can afford to keep doing this, and to get the cats back on canned food. I had to give in and buy them dry food for the next two weeks, this job change is costing more because of the parking uncertainty.
Weather has been interesting, we seem to get storms on the weekend, Saturday into Sunday morning, spend Sunday shoveling and then the week is usually ok for the most part. I guess it is good since it means I have all day Sunday to shovel. I didn't hire anyone this year, hoping to use a one time service when needed but so far I haven't needed to. I do hope we can move before next winter, and we'll have a smaller driveway. the current one is two car lengths long, one wide, but we're on a corner which means we get the big dump of snow from the plow when it goes around. Go even 2 or 3 cars down and they get less than half what we do.
Jackson and I have been struggling, we have had a few blow outs about his lack of respect, he takes out his anger over things on me. I can only handle being called very mean things for so long before I get mad and say things I regret. I get that he feels "safe" with me to call me these things and he doesn't know how else to deal with what he is feeling. In my head I understand it, but dealing with it is very hard. I have so many other things I'm trying to deal with and of course he hits on all my insecurities, making me feel even worse. We're working on it but it is a trial. I am hoping next week goes ok in the morning so I am not late for work! And hopefully in 6 weeks we'll be able to have him out of daycare, getting to school on his own and home again after, so I can shift my hours to an earlier start. Possibly able to work an extra 30 minutes each day and have a day off every 3 weeks. We'll see!
As for moving, I waiver. My landlord has raised my rent for the first time since I moved in here, it is still less than I'll end up paying at the new places, and the house itself feels so much better after the decluttering was done. But there are still things I'd like to change, and have updated, and I do not look forward to dealing with the rotten deck, and grass cutting, in the summer. Even though I will have to this year any way since I won't be able to save enough until fall for a move. I do plan to slowly replace a few things before we move any way, like my headboard and the garbage can in the kitchen, maybe the TV & stand. I may get a new microwave as well, the one here came with the place and still works but there is this retro red one that looks so cute and goes with the new coffee maker I have. So I'd like to update a few things like that.
Of course I still need to declutter the guest room, the basement, and my own room and kiddos room. Our rooms are a bit less important, they have clothes in them, and probably some garbage, to be collected, but a lot of old clothes are in bags in the guest room (along with a bunch of other stuff that needs to go). I need to arrange for a donation pick up, or to drop stuff off somewhere, the pick up being easiest in terms of just putting a label on the bags/boxes and putting them outside. I had planned to do that for Feb 3 but perhaps I will wait a bit longer. I have not done anything about any of it, to be honest. I haven't even printed off the labels. The stuff upstairs should be pretty easy, label the bag and it can go out. Some stuff still needs to be in a bag, but that's easy. The stuff in the basement is harder since I don't have boxes of the right size so not sure what to do about it, I could put stuff in bags instead of boxes, but I will need more bags for that. And there is the storage room which has a lot of stuff in it, in boxes from when we moved. Some of it things like a quilt I started before kiddo was born, or the stuff from when I had a little side business making lotions. Things that I would someday like to get back to.
A lot of what remains will depend on which place I decide to move to. I think we really only need two bedrooms. The third would be nice as a place for his xbox and such but we don't need it. We won't have a lot of storage unless we move to the town home, rather than a two level flat. I want a town home since it will have a garage, for the car and his bike. But the other places will likely cost a lot less, so how much do I want to spend every month? I should save something on the utilities, I hope. But of course there will be set up fees for all the services. There will also be other things to get like new curtains, and breakfast bar stools. I will not have a kitchen/dining room table, we don't really need it if there is a breakfast bar to sit at for me to eat at. He eats in front of the TV any way, and I am tired of that fight.
January has been slow and long at the same time. Work was frustrating, trying to finish things, keep motivated to keep working, when I should have been let go to the new job well before I was. Now I'll play catch up on the new position and hopefully it will go well. Money has sucked, as always, and I need to pay better attention to it. At least I am eating pretty well, and Jackson is still eating a lot. He went skiing for the first time and had a lot of fun. Hopefully we get through the next few weeks well and can make it to spring without any problems. And he'll be ready to get to school on his own. Fingers crossed.
Money, budgets, wow do I suck at this stuff! I am still paying for going to Disney and totally over spending. I really need to get it together or we not only won't be moving but we won't be able to go away in December. Focus on the budget and sticking to it. It is a big harder since I've been eating keto. I haven't actually lost any weight doing it but I feel better (except that I have been waking up with headaches a lot). My stomach has been running well, no tummy troubles, and I am starting to feel the energy benefits. I know it will take a bit longer to really get those (it's only been 2 weeks). I just can only hope I can afford to keep doing this, and to get the cats back on canned food. I had to give in and buy them dry food for the next two weeks, this job change is costing more because of the parking uncertainty.
Weather has been interesting, we seem to get storms on the weekend, Saturday into Sunday morning, spend Sunday shoveling and then the week is usually ok for the most part. I guess it is good since it means I have all day Sunday to shovel. I didn't hire anyone this year, hoping to use a one time service when needed but so far I haven't needed to. I do hope we can move before next winter, and we'll have a smaller driveway. the current one is two car lengths long, one wide, but we're on a corner which means we get the big dump of snow from the plow when it goes around. Go even 2 or 3 cars down and they get less than half what we do.
Jackson and I have been struggling, we have had a few blow outs about his lack of respect, he takes out his anger over things on me. I can only handle being called very mean things for so long before I get mad and say things I regret. I get that he feels "safe" with me to call me these things and he doesn't know how else to deal with what he is feeling. In my head I understand it, but dealing with it is very hard. I have so many other things I'm trying to deal with and of course he hits on all my insecurities, making me feel even worse. We're working on it but it is a trial. I am hoping next week goes ok in the morning so I am not late for work! And hopefully in 6 weeks we'll be able to have him out of daycare, getting to school on his own and home again after, so I can shift my hours to an earlier start. Possibly able to work an extra 30 minutes each day and have a day off every 3 weeks. We'll see!
As for moving, I waiver. My landlord has raised my rent for the first time since I moved in here, it is still less than I'll end up paying at the new places, and the house itself feels so much better after the decluttering was done. But there are still things I'd like to change, and have updated, and I do not look forward to dealing with the rotten deck, and grass cutting, in the summer. Even though I will have to this year any way since I won't be able to save enough until fall for a move. I do plan to slowly replace a few things before we move any way, like my headboard and the garbage can in the kitchen, maybe the TV & stand. I may get a new microwave as well, the one here came with the place and still works but there is this retro red one that looks so cute and goes with the new coffee maker I have. So I'd like to update a few things like that.
Of course I still need to declutter the guest room, the basement, and my own room and kiddos room. Our rooms are a bit less important, they have clothes in them, and probably some garbage, to be collected, but a lot of old clothes are in bags in the guest room (along with a bunch of other stuff that needs to go). I need to arrange for a donation pick up, or to drop stuff off somewhere, the pick up being easiest in terms of just putting a label on the bags/boxes and putting them outside. I had planned to do that for Feb 3 but perhaps I will wait a bit longer. I have not done anything about any of it, to be honest. I haven't even printed off the labels. The stuff upstairs should be pretty easy, label the bag and it can go out. Some stuff still needs to be in a bag, but that's easy. The stuff in the basement is harder since I don't have boxes of the right size so not sure what to do about it, I could put stuff in bags instead of boxes, but I will need more bags for that. And there is the storage room which has a lot of stuff in it, in boxes from when we moved. Some of it things like a quilt I started before kiddo was born, or the stuff from when I had a little side business making lotions. Things that I would someday like to get back to.
A lot of what remains will depend on which place I decide to move to. I think we really only need two bedrooms. The third would be nice as a place for his xbox and such but we don't need it. We won't have a lot of storage unless we move to the town home, rather than a two level flat. I want a town home since it will have a garage, for the car and his bike. But the other places will likely cost a lot less, so how much do I want to spend every month? I should save something on the utilities, I hope. But of course there will be set up fees for all the services. There will also be other things to get like new curtains, and breakfast bar stools. I will not have a kitchen/dining room table, we don't really need it if there is a breakfast bar to sit at for me to eat at. He eats in front of the TV any way, and I am tired of that fight.
January has been slow and long at the same time. Work was frustrating, trying to finish things, keep motivated to keep working, when I should have been let go to the new job well before I was. Now I'll play catch up on the new position and hopefully it will go well. Money has sucked, as always, and I need to pay better attention to it. At least I am eating pretty well, and Jackson is still eating a lot. He went skiing for the first time and had a lot of fun. Hopefully we get through the next few weeks well and can make it to spring without any problems. And he'll be ready to get to school on his own. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
New Year's Eve 2019
Another year is winding down. A decade really. I will soon be 45! Jackson is now 10, double digits! It has been quite a lot. A lot has happened, yet it all still feels the same. Does that make sense? I'm not sure.
This year has been interesting, it started pretty well. We were in a good place in terms of his behaviours. He started the year with comments from teachers that they noticed an improvement in him. We are ending it not that well. He's been on all his devices far too much, and is angry a lot of the time. I try to connect but he rebuffs me a lot. I miss my sweet boy. It's hard, but we continue on.
My goal for the new year is to yell less, to connect more. I'd like to have a game night, and a movie night. To get him to put away the devices and play. I want us to be active together in the summer. Walks, bike rides, whatever.
I have been gaining weight for awhile now, it keeps creeping up and up. I know what I need to do, the doing of it is the hard part. I plan to eat less carbs, meal plan so that leftovers are accounted for and used up. I will start walking again in the spring, and I'd like to do yoga at some point. I should start exercising sooner than spring, but we'll see on that front.
My home, it never quite got sorted when we moved in, and we continued to add to the toys and "stuff" over the years. My parents hired someone to come help me clean it, so I spent two days with her cleaning the whole main level. I tossed so many bags of garbage and she took even more to donate. There is no clutter now, everything has a place. Even the kitchen is organized and feels like I can cook in it! I still have to do the basement and the upstairs, but I feel like I can do it now. I need to focus though, spend a day or even half a day and just get through stuff. I'll have to take care of the donating myself, so it probably won't end up where I would most like it. Only one place comes to pick stuff up, but that is the easiest for sure.
Money, well money sucks. I am very broke. The cruise I wanted to take in March is not going to happen. But I have a goal to move in August or September (depends when the places are ready). So I need to save, first, last, movers, buy boxes, and hire the clutter lady to help me unpack for a day or half a day, so I start at that place in the right way. I have a cruise booked for next December, and we will go on that one. I can do this, save enough for everything and still manage to feed us properly. It will require saying NO to kiddo more often than I do, but it can happen. I have a list of things I want for the new place, and others I think we'll need. The needs come first of course, and whatever else I can get is prioritized.
The decluttering, getting rid of so much stuff, was cathartic, and exhausting at the same time. I feel good about the house now, though it still feels closed off. I do imagine the new place will be easier to organize. There may be some more toys to go. For now though, it works. Being able to cook will help with eating better. Not tripping over things will mean I can vacuum more often. And it will just be better in the long run. Still a ways to go with two thirds not done, but the one third that is done looks much nicer.
The New Year will be about change. I change jobs in late January. We hope to move mid year and I hope to take Jackson out of daycare by late March. That is a big change. Keeping the house clean, eating better, moving more. I can do it all. It sounds big but most are actually small changes.
This year has been interesting, it started pretty well. We were in a good place in terms of his behaviours. He started the year with comments from teachers that they noticed an improvement in him. We are ending it not that well. He's been on all his devices far too much, and is angry a lot of the time. I try to connect but he rebuffs me a lot. I miss my sweet boy. It's hard, but we continue on.
My goal for the new year is to yell less, to connect more. I'd like to have a game night, and a movie night. To get him to put away the devices and play. I want us to be active together in the summer. Walks, bike rides, whatever.
I have been gaining weight for awhile now, it keeps creeping up and up. I know what I need to do, the doing of it is the hard part. I plan to eat less carbs, meal plan so that leftovers are accounted for and used up. I will start walking again in the spring, and I'd like to do yoga at some point. I should start exercising sooner than spring, but we'll see on that front.
My home, it never quite got sorted when we moved in, and we continued to add to the toys and "stuff" over the years. My parents hired someone to come help me clean it, so I spent two days with her cleaning the whole main level. I tossed so many bags of garbage and she took even more to donate. There is no clutter now, everything has a place. Even the kitchen is organized and feels like I can cook in it! I still have to do the basement and the upstairs, but I feel like I can do it now. I need to focus though, spend a day or even half a day and just get through stuff. I'll have to take care of the donating myself, so it probably won't end up where I would most like it. Only one place comes to pick stuff up, but that is the easiest for sure.
Money, well money sucks. I am very broke. The cruise I wanted to take in March is not going to happen. But I have a goal to move in August or September (depends when the places are ready). So I need to save, first, last, movers, buy boxes, and hire the clutter lady to help me unpack for a day or half a day, so I start at that place in the right way. I have a cruise booked for next December, and we will go on that one. I can do this, save enough for everything and still manage to feed us properly. It will require saying NO to kiddo more often than I do, but it can happen. I have a list of things I want for the new place, and others I think we'll need. The needs come first of course, and whatever else I can get is prioritized.
The decluttering, getting rid of so much stuff, was cathartic, and exhausting at the same time. I feel good about the house now, though it still feels closed off. I do imagine the new place will be easier to organize. There may be some more toys to go. For now though, it works. Being able to cook will help with eating better. Not tripping over things will mean I can vacuum more often. And it will just be better in the long run. Still a ways to go with two thirds not done, but the one third that is done looks much nicer.
The New Year will be about change. I change jobs in late January. We hope to move mid year and I hope to take Jackson out of daycare by late March. That is a big change. Keeping the house clean, eating better, moving more. I can do it all. It sounds big but most are actually small changes.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
A New Summer Camp
This week Jackson is attending a new day camp. I wanted him to try some out this summer in preparation for next summer when daycare won't be an option. And because I think he finds daycare boring, if also familiar. I signed him up for an adventure, swimming camp this week, and next week he has an active gamer camp. This week, he is exhausted! Which I take as a very good sign. He is playing, being active, swimming and has made some friends. He falls asleep quickly, and is in an agreeable mood most of the time. Apparently exhaustion is the key to us getting along...
I am very glad I pushed him to try the new camps, wish I could switch his last week of daycare to the other camp but I've already paid for daycare so it's not going to happen this week. Perhaps though it will be an option for March Break or a week at Christmas, we'll see!
He was very nervous, and anxious, about the new camp. So we talked it through, and he felt better about it. When I dropped him off the first day there were a few tables with activities set up, and a few kids already playing. I saw him getting ready to ask not to go or for me to stay but he took a breathe and went to a table. When I asked him about it later he said he doesn't like to join a group already playing and prefers to have people join him or invite him to join. That's fair. When I picked him up he was playing soccer with a few other boys, and wanted to stay a bit longer. I'm very glad he had fun, it makes the week a lot easier! Hopefully next week goes as well. Having this experience does have a benefit for him as well, he knows he can do it now.
We are working on his anxiety. I got a workbook and we have been going through it. The past few nights he has been too tired, so we'll wait until he's not so tired to keep going. I am not sure it is really helping, but he is asking to keep going so I hope so! We do worry time, and spend 15 minutes or so talking about whatever worries him. We'll have to deal with flying soon, at least before the trip.
And then next trip, in winter. I'll have to wait and see. Do we do another trip? the one I already have booked or something less expensive? Or do we save the money, perhaps move next summer, or maybe plan for a baby? It's possible, but expensive. I am glad to be having at least this one more trip with him, and really enjoying it. Then I will see what the future holds.
Work has been a struggle, but my boss is off for 5 or 6 weeks, and I will also be off, so I won't see her for almost two months! Thank goodness. When I return I will see if anything has changed, and then find something else. I do wish I could stay in the location, but if not, I will figure it out.
I am very glad I pushed him to try the new camps, wish I could switch his last week of daycare to the other camp but I've already paid for daycare so it's not going to happen this week. Perhaps though it will be an option for March Break or a week at Christmas, we'll see!
He was very nervous, and anxious, about the new camp. So we talked it through, and he felt better about it. When I dropped him off the first day there were a few tables with activities set up, and a few kids already playing. I saw him getting ready to ask not to go or for me to stay but he took a breathe and went to a table. When I asked him about it later he said he doesn't like to join a group already playing and prefers to have people join him or invite him to join. That's fair. When I picked him up he was playing soccer with a few other boys, and wanted to stay a bit longer. I'm very glad he had fun, it makes the week a lot easier! Hopefully next week goes as well. Having this experience does have a benefit for him as well, he knows he can do it now.
We are working on his anxiety. I got a workbook and we have been going through it. The past few nights he has been too tired, so we'll wait until he's not so tired to keep going. I am not sure it is really helping, but he is asking to keep going so I hope so! We do worry time, and spend 15 minutes or so talking about whatever worries him. We'll have to deal with flying soon, at least before the trip.
And then next trip, in winter. I'll have to wait and see. Do we do another trip? the one I already have booked or something less expensive? Or do we save the money, perhaps move next summer, or maybe plan for a baby? It's possible, but expensive. I am glad to be having at least this one more trip with him, and really enjoying it. Then I will see what the future holds.
Work has been a struggle, but my boss is off for 5 or 6 weeks, and I will also be off, so I won't see her for almost two months! Thank goodness. When I return I will see if anything has changed, and then find something else. I do wish I could stay in the location, but if not, I will figure it out.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Hot summer time
School is over. Summer has arrived. It has been super hot and humid here the past week. I believe it's supposed to break tomorrow, so I'll be able to get the dog out for walks again. We have missed a few days, the pavement is just too hot for his poor feet and it doesn't even cool off over night. I don't mind for me so much, I could go for walks in this weather any way, but I feel bad taking the dog out in it (he's black and it just makes him roast). So we played fetch and he played with some toys, and I'll give him a frozen bone this afternoon to chew on.
We are really looking forward to the Disney trip at the end of August. I'm getting tickets for the halloween party through airmiles so they'll be free, that's a nice little savings, and a fun way to end the trip. Pay in full day is approaching, but I have two pay cheques in between so it will be fine. Flights are booked already, we got the fastpasses I wanted and a few dining reservations, mostly for quick service places but it gives us a guaranteed place to sit, and once we order they bring us the food.
Trying to change banks is a tricky business. I got all the card/cheques/stuff from the new bank, so once I get paid on Wednesday I'll change my account for my pay, and start from there... hopefully it all goes smoothly but you never know I guess! I look forward to not paying the bank.
I have been busy planning trips, so I don't focus on things I don't want to deal with. Like kiddo's problems, or the fact I still wish I had a bigger family. Realizing that some of the difficulties so far in parenting have been due to the diagnoses and wondering if another child would have been as hard. I suspect it would have been different and perhaps hard in other ways, but a lot of the difficulties would not have been a given the second time around. The problem now is cost, and if I want to have another I have to stop with the trips. But if it doesn't work I will have not gone on these trips that we would both enjoy. I will make a further decision in the fall, after Disney and after we are both seeing someone. I intend to also seek a therapist to help me deal with all of this, from his issues to my own thoughts and wishes. No trips would mean I could afford to do at least one round of donor eggs in Syracuse.
I will take him to the doctor in early August for a referral/prescription, get one for myself as well, and go from there. I know there are going to be waiting lists but I don't think it will be that bad. I will ask the doctor about medication for him, though I don't really think it will help. We have been working on his anxiety, and doing a workbook I found on amazon. So far I'm not sure if it really helps but it gives us a starting point to think and talk about.
He has camp next week, a different place than he usually goes in summer. I know he will have fun, there is swimming daily, and a field trip on Wednesday. He will be with kids 8 to 10 years old, and they will be active all day. I am crossing my fingers he will really enjoy it so he can go next year as well.
He's learned how to make instant rice and chicken noodle soup now. He can do popcorn in the microwave, make toast and microwave a hot dog. My mom will teach him a few things, like scrambled eggs, when he's there with her at the end of the month. Now to teach him to do laundry :-) He already likes to clean toilets, vacuuming is too loud though. He needs to learn a few skills, he is almost 10!
We are really looking forward to the Disney trip at the end of August. I'm getting tickets for the halloween party through airmiles so they'll be free, that's a nice little savings, and a fun way to end the trip. Pay in full day is approaching, but I have two pay cheques in between so it will be fine. Flights are booked already, we got the fastpasses I wanted and a few dining reservations, mostly for quick service places but it gives us a guaranteed place to sit, and once we order they bring us the food.
Trying to change banks is a tricky business. I got all the card/cheques/stuff from the new bank, so once I get paid on Wednesday I'll change my account for my pay, and start from there... hopefully it all goes smoothly but you never know I guess! I look forward to not paying the bank.
I have been busy planning trips, so I don't focus on things I don't want to deal with. Like kiddo's problems, or the fact I still wish I had a bigger family. Realizing that some of the difficulties so far in parenting have been due to the diagnoses and wondering if another child would have been as hard. I suspect it would have been different and perhaps hard in other ways, but a lot of the difficulties would not have been a given the second time around. The problem now is cost, and if I want to have another I have to stop with the trips. But if it doesn't work I will have not gone on these trips that we would both enjoy. I will make a further decision in the fall, after Disney and after we are both seeing someone. I intend to also seek a therapist to help me deal with all of this, from his issues to my own thoughts and wishes. No trips would mean I could afford to do at least one round of donor eggs in Syracuse.
I will take him to the doctor in early August for a referral/prescription, get one for myself as well, and go from there. I know there are going to be waiting lists but I don't think it will be that bad. I will ask the doctor about medication for him, though I don't really think it will help. We have been working on his anxiety, and doing a workbook I found on amazon. So far I'm not sure if it really helps but it gives us a starting point to think and talk about.
He has camp next week, a different place than he usually goes in summer. I know he will have fun, there is swimming daily, and a field trip on Wednesday. He will be with kids 8 to 10 years old, and they will be active all day. I am crossing my fingers he will really enjoy it so he can go next year as well.
He's learned how to make instant rice and chicken noodle soup now. He can do popcorn in the microwave, make toast and microwave a hot dog. My mom will teach him a few things, like scrambled eggs, when he's there with her at the end of the month. Now to teach him to do laundry :-) He already likes to clean toilets, vacuuming is too loud though. He needs to learn a few skills, he is almost 10!
Friday, June 28, 2019
Answers and more questions
Well summer vacation has arrived! School's done for another year, grade 4 is over. Jackson is excited that it's over, but worried about the day camps we have scheduled for this year. He is concerned about not knowing anyone in the new places, but I think he will do ok. I do know we'll have some problems but in small doses, he usually makes friends. At least he always does on our trips so I assume a week of camp will be the same.
I met with the school psychologist and she is sending me a written report. Basically he has ADHD and ODD, as well as high anxiety. She and the resource teacher will have discussions with his grade 5 teacher in the fall to ensure they are able to deal with him in a productive way, and he'll be tested further for "giftedness" because he did really well on the intelligence tests. All but one area which I know was because he shut down for that set of questions, he couldn't remember how to do it so rather than risk being wrong he simply wouldn't answer. I will also go to his family doctor and get him a referral to a psychologist so I can use my coverage and then find one who works with kids, and find the money and time to get him in to see them! Once I get that written report so they have a good starting point.
For the summer, after this "fun weekend" I have a book for him to work through on anxiety and a book to help him learn his times tables. I think he would do better in math if he had that memorized. I was considering getting one to help him learn cursive since they don't teach that any more, but I don't want to put too much on him. His reading is a few levels above where he needs to be, but his penmanship is bad. I think we'll work on his anxiety and help him learn some ways to calm down, and hopefully that will lessen the other problems.
I guess his diagnosis explains a lot about his behaviour. There are still some things I find strange, and difficult to deal with. Hopefully seeing someone will help us both. He tends to get obsessed with things and can't think about anything else. I know I do that at time as well but I have learned to deal with it. He needs to learn to control his temper, and to pick up on social queues from others. Without taking it all so personally. Or blaming everyone else.
I am super excited for the summer, especially the time off in August, and the trip to Disney. We got the fast passes I wanted, and other than paying it off, are all set! I have started some workouts, on top of the walks I've been doing with the dog, trying to get my steps in. I am trying to watch what I eat, keto would be ideal but is hard to follow on a very tight budget, so I do my best.
When we go back to it in the fall I will be looking for a new position. I am not happy where I am, all because of the boss. My manager is so frustrating, she is rude and some of the things she says, the way she handles situations, could be seen as abusive. She has already driven multiple people from the project. It sucks because the location is awesome for me. One of my colleagues has spoken to the union about her already. It is a shame when one person ruins things for others. She is on vacation in two weeks, so I just need to make it to then and it will be a break. Maybe that will help? I'm not sure. I am kind of at a point where I don't feel I should have to put up with this type of treatment.
I think my new car gave me new ideas. I feel like I finally got the car I want, so I should get all the things I want. I'm changing banks, which is a lot of work and timing, because my bank raised my monthly fees, so now I'll be switching to one that has no fees. It's a pain but it will be better in the end. I am trying to get rid of stuff in the house, clean it up, and still hoping to move. Even though it will cost more, the house it self will be what I want, open and the right size, nice finishes, just more what I want. I do not want to buy, homes keep going up and up, and what I want is now much more expensive than it was. I know I can't afford it and I'm not sure I care. I am actually considering that instead I'd prefer to buy a cottage. There are a few cottage "resorts" around that have places at reasonable prices. We could spend weekends all from spring through fall, and at least a few weeks in the summer there. I am sure he'd make friends. I can take the dog, and the cats for those times we spend longer. But maybe if we have a nice home I won't want to? I guess we'll see.
I met with the school psychologist and she is sending me a written report. Basically he has ADHD and ODD, as well as high anxiety. She and the resource teacher will have discussions with his grade 5 teacher in the fall to ensure they are able to deal with him in a productive way, and he'll be tested further for "giftedness" because he did really well on the intelligence tests. All but one area which I know was because he shut down for that set of questions, he couldn't remember how to do it so rather than risk being wrong he simply wouldn't answer. I will also go to his family doctor and get him a referral to a psychologist so I can use my coverage and then find one who works with kids, and find the money and time to get him in to see them! Once I get that written report so they have a good starting point.
For the summer, after this "fun weekend" I have a book for him to work through on anxiety and a book to help him learn his times tables. I think he would do better in math if he had that memorized. I was considering getting one to help him learn cursive since they don't teach that any more, but I don't want to put too much on him. His reading is a few levels above where he needs to be, but his penmanship is bad. I think we'll work on his anxiety and help him learn some ways to calm down, and hopefully that will lessen the other problems.
I guess his diagnosis explains a lot about his behaviour. There are still some things I find strange, and difficult to deal with. Hopefully seeing someone will help us both. He tends to get obsessed with things and can't think about anything else. I know I do that at time as well but I have learned to deal with it. He needs to learn to control his temper, and to pick up on social queues from others. Without taking it all so personally. Or blaming everyone else.
I am super excited for the summer, especially the time off in August, and the trip to Disney. We got the fast passes I wanted, and other than paying it off, are all set! I have started some workouts, on top of the walks I've been doing with the dog, trying to get my steps in. I am trying to watch what I eat, keto would be ideal but is hard to follow on a very tight budget, so I do my best.
When we go back to it in the fall I will be looking for a new position. I am not happy where I am, all because of the boss. My manager is so frustrating, she is rude and some of the things she says, the way she handles situations, could be seen as abusive. She has already driven multiple people from the project. It sucks because the location is awesome for me. One of my colleagues has spoken to the union about her already. It is a shame when one person ruins things for others. She is on vacation in two weeks, so I just need to make it to then and it will be a break. Maybe that will help? I'm not sure. I am kind of at a point where I don't feel I should have to put up with this type of treatment.
I think my new car gave me new ideas. I feel like I finally got the car I want, so I should get all the things I want. I'm changing banks, which is a lot of work and timing, because my bank raised my monthly fees, so now I'll be switching to one that has no fees. It's a pain but it will be better in the end. I am trying to get rid of stuff in the house, clean it up, and still hoping to move. Even though it will cost more, the house it self will be what I want, open and the right size, nice finishes, just more what I want. I do not want to buy, homes keep going up and up, and what I want is now much more expensive than it was. I know I can't afford it and I'm not sure I care. I am actually considering that instead I'd prefer to buy a cottage. There are a few cottage "resorts" around that have places at reasonable prices. We could spend weekends all from spring through fall, and at least a few weeks in the summer there. I am sure he'd make friends. I can take the dog, and the cats for those times we spend longer. But maybe if we have a nice home I won't want to? I guess we'll see.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Steady On
I've been doing pretty well with keeping up with the exercise. I'm not doing a lot but have been trying to do something, even when I can't get up early enough to do it, but do it after dinner. That is hard sometimes, but I've been doing at least 5 days a week. It's only been 3 weeks so far but going well! I am feeling more able to keep up. The problem this week was my knees hurt, so I guess I was doing something too much. I've also been doing weight watchers online, though not perhaps as well as I should be. It's frustrating and a lot of it feels like I'm eating wrong, so it's hard to keep up with. We'll see how it goes. I only signed up for 3 months. I am not sure I am learning anything from it.
Winter has been rough. It has been very cold, and a lot of snow! It is unusual for so much snow in such cold temperatures here, I guess that's climate change? It is going to warm up next week for a few days. I've had to shovel a lot, which is annoying! I will try and hire someone next winter, at least I can see this year who is doing a good job so I know who to hire.
Work is work. It's been a struggle sometimes. My boss is a bit nuts, and things on the project are not really going well with her involvement. I may have some choices coming up in regards to positions, we'll see what happens. I have asked my boss if I can work from home in the morning and still work a full day. She has to talk to her boss apparently. The reason I want to is all for the child. He hates daycare but I don't feel he is ready to get himself to school. So I am trying to solve the problem, though really I just want to tell him to get over it. Apparently that's not how it works? I don't know! Any way. If it works out great, and if not I will have to re-evaluate my options. I like being able to work the extra 30 minutes most days so that I can use the banked time for PD days. Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough vacation to still take 3 weeks off this summer without having to take unpaid leave.
We are going to Disney in August, but I have changed us from one resort to a less expensive one. It is less convenient to the parks but still has a water slide, some nice places to eat and we'll be staying in a new room. It should be nice, and fun! I imagine it will be the last time for awhile. We will stick to cruising after this. Four years ago is when we went on the first trip... and I am still hooked!
Jackson has been having some issues, I still hate the xbox, and I am not sure I like him even having one. However, I can't bring myself to have the fight and take it away. I have limited how much he can use it, but we still fight about it constantly. If I am able to change my work arrangement, we will hopefully be able to have fewer fights. Right now, I'd like to go to bed and he wants to play his game. I'd also like to be able to catch up on some TV as well. Perhaps I need to get another TV for me? I don't like them in bedrooms but... maybe being able to watch Netflix in my room wouldn't be so bad?
I meet again with the school next week, on my birthday actually. Hopefully it goes well, just a touch base and meet the new vice principal. He started the new year doing well but I think it may have gone downhill from then. He has sick two days last week, then we had a couple snow days, and I missed a week of work! Terrible. If he didn't have to go to daycare I think he wouldn't be sick so often. I am sure it's more that he hates school than anything else.
At least it's the weekend!
Winter has been rough. It has been very cold, and a lot of snow! It is unusual for so much snow in such cold temperatures here, I guess that's climate change? It is going to warm up next week for a few days. I've had to shovel a lot, which is annoying! I will try and hire someone next winter, at least I can see this year who is doing a good job so I know who to hire.
Work is work. It's been a struggle sometimes. My boss is a bit nuts, and things on the project are not really going well with her involvement. I may have some choices coming up in regards to positions, we'll see what happens. I have asked my boss if I can work from home in the morning and still work a full day. She has to talk to her boss apparently. The reason I want to is all for the child. He hates daycare but I don't feel he is ready to get himself to school. So I am trying to solve the problem, though really I just want to tell him to get over it. Apparently that's not how it works? I don't know! Any way. If it works out great, and if not I will have to re-evaluate my options. I like being able to work the extra 30 minutes most days so that I can use the banked time for PD days. Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough vacation to still take 3 weeks off this summer without having to take unpaid leave.
We are going to Disney in August, but I have changed us from one resort to a less expensive one. It is less convenient to the parks but still has a water slide, some nice places to eat and we'll be staying in a new room. It should be nice, and fun! I imagine it will be the last time for awhile. We will stick to cruising after this. Four years ago is when we went on the first trip... and I am still hooked!
Jackson has been having some issues, I still hate the xbox, and I am not sure I like him even having one. However, I can't bring myself to have the fight and take it away. I have limited how much he can use it, but we still fight about it constantly. If I am able to change my work arrangement, we will hopefully be able to have fewer fights. Right now, I'd like to go to bed and he wants to play his game. I'd also like to be able to catch up on some TV as well. Perhaps I need to get another TV for me? I don't like them in bedrooms but... maybe being able to watch Netflix in my room wouldn't be so bad?
I meet again with the school next week, on my birthday actually. Hopefully it goes well, just a touch base and meet the new vice principal. He started the new year doing well but I think it may have gone downhill from then. He has sick two days last week, then we had a couple snow days, and I missed a week of work! Terrible. If he didn't have to go to daycare I think he wouldn't be sick so often. I am sure it's more that he hates school than anything else.
At least it's the weekend!
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Changes and staying the same
School started back up last Monday. We made it out the door on time, no fights! By Friday that had changed and I will need to speak to the daycare supervisor because I am really unhappy with the before school care right now. My kid hates going, he argues, fights and just simply refuses to go. I can't say I blame him. When I dropped him off Friday he wasn't allowed to play with the boys playing lego because there were already 3 of them and 4 was too many. Meanwhile the teacher is sitting there knitting and not paying much attention to any of the kids. It's one thing if I'm paying a teenager or something but these are supposed to be trained educators... I'm not pleased at all to be paying for this. It isn't like school. This is supposed to be fun, and it's obviously not! So now we have to fight about this every morning while I try to get it sorted out. Changing is hard because it's part way through the school year. He is too young to get out the door on his own. I don't want to change my work schedule in such a way that I can make sure he goes, since then I wouldn't be able to leave and get home after school. All in all, frustrating!!
However, in school he did really well last week! I got a note home mid-week from 3 of his teachers to let me know he's been a new kid since the holiday. It was refreshing to read and hopeful. He also won an award for hope. Not quite sure what it really means. But it was nice any way. He is still a little pain at home and today was horrible, he played xbox pretty much all day with various friends. But he didn't throw any fits so that's good I guess?
For me, I have been trying to exercise. I did a workout today that really just showed me how out of shape I am. It was hard! And it shouldn't have been. I will be trying to getting up early to do a 20 minute. Fingers crossed on that because I am just so tired lately. I know I feel better, and have more energy, when I eat low carb/keto. Doing it with kiddo is hard, doing it on a tight budget is harder! I will do my best though, I feel better and my tummy troubles seem to improve when I do it. I have been having a lot of upset stomach issues the past month or so, it must be time for a reset! Clean up my diet at least for a week and hopefully it will improve.
I've booked another Disney trip for August. It will likely be the last one for awhile with the new Star Wars land opening, and with the 50th anniversary, I expect prices will go up even more, and be super busy. So we'll get this one last big trip and then stick to cruises, and maybe Universal eventually. I look forward to the travel probably more than kiddo does. I wish we could go more. I am a little worried I'll need to adjust my work schedule again because of daycare and then have to either take unpaid leave in the summer again or not be able to take things like PD days. Which leaves him in daycare for the day, which obviously isn't the best solution. Ugh.
At least things seem to be going ok, or more good than bad at this point. Got my annual rental agreement renewal, no increase to rent so that is fabulous. I'll need to decide what to do about my car before summer. Work is work, my boss is off a lot this month, getting married and going on a honeymoon. Changes are on the horizon at work soon. We'll see what happens.
However, in school he did really well last week! I got a note home mid-week from 3 of his teachers to let me know he's been a new kid since the holiday. It was refreshing to read and hopeful. He also won an award for hope. Not quite sure what it really means. But it was nice any way. He is still a little pain at home and today was horrible, he played xbox pretty much all day with various friends. But he didn't throw any fits so that's good I guess?
For me, I have been trying to exercise. I did a workout today that really just showed me how out of shape I am. It was hard! And it shouldn't have been. I will be trying to getting up early to do a 20 minute. Fingers crossed on that because I am just so tired lately. I know I feel better, and have more energy, when I eat low carb/keto. Doing it with kiddo is hard, doing it on a tight budget is harder! I will do my best though, I feel better and my tummy troubles seem to improve when I do it. I have been having a lot of upset stomach issues the past month or so, it must be time for a reset! Clean up my diet at least for a week and hopefully it will improve.
I've booked another Disney trip for August. It will likely be the last one for awhile with the new Star Wars land opening, and with the 50th anniversary, I expect prices will go up even more, and be super busy. So we'll get this one last big trip and then stick to cruises, and maybe Universal eventually. I look forward to the travel probably more than kiddo does. I wish we could go more. I am a little worried I'll need to adjust my work schedule again because of daycare and then have to either take unpaid leave in the summer again or not be able to take things like PD days. Which leaves him in daycare for the day, which obviously isn't the best solution. Ugh.
At least things seem to be going ok, or more good than bad at this point. Got my annual rental agreement renewal, no increase to rent so that is fabulous. I'll need to decide what to do about my car before summer. Work is work, my boss is off a lot this month, getting married and going on a honeymoon. Changes are on the horizon at work soon. We'll see what happens.
Monday, November 12, 2018
The social worker
Jackson has been having difficulty in school. Not with learning, he is very smart, but with the social/emotional aspects of it. He is behind in those it seems. So he rages at the slightest insult, perceiving it to be much greater than it is. Because he can't decompress, each issue is compounded. And he brings it home. The words that come out of his mouth... I haven't heard such language from adults, let alone an 8-year-old. I talked to the vice principal, she explained their plans to help him, and also that they could set me up to speak with their social worker, who could also speak to him if needed. I took them up on it and today we met.
It was 90 minutes of me talking (and crying, because I am a cryer). Going over everything, from his conception to his birth, to how he was as a baby, and even potty training. She listened, asked a lot of questions, I hope I gave her all the information. Then she made some recommendations.
First is to follow up with the family doctor to see about testing for ADHD, depression and/or anxiety issues.I messages the doctor's office to see if they want to meet with me, him, both or what to get that started.
I'm supposed to talk to my EAP and find out what is covered and seek a psych-ed assessment. I will start that at work tomorrow. I also wanted to check what my insurance coverage is for psychologists and see if I need a referral first (we do).
She recommended a place in Ottawa that specializes in children with possible mental health issues, to help us learn collaborative ways to problem solve. That's free, I think I can call and talk to someone or we can go to a drop in time. We'll see first what happens with the doctor and EAP.
She gave me the names of some places I can go to talk to for support since she thinks I'm carrying all the guilt. I think those are free as well. But again, will wait to talk to EAP first.
She recommends a babysitter so I can go out sometimes. That's hard. We have a crazy puppy, the house is not at a point I'd want other people in it, to be honest I hate it myself and find it hard to keep everything sorted. Work in progress. Drives me nuts. We'll see how that goes!
She recommends Jackson be involved in a community activity. The problem there is he only wants to play hockey and it's expensive, so we need something else. I suggested swimming since he was so good at it. I wish he'd try again.
She recommended two books. One I can find and the other I cannot. So I'll start with the one I can find, I will get it on kindle Wednesday (pay day) as the waiting list at the library seems really long.
And she says to limit technology. None allowed in his room (he's up there now watching YouTube on his iPad) and none after 7 pm. That will be a big fight. He currently uses it to self calm before bed. We will have to go back to me staying with him while he falls asleep, starting it earlier, and for sure it will be a process. I may get him to take some melatonin before bed, at least for the first few days to help him calm his mind and hopefully sleep. Earlier bed time.
We have two "problems" that I can see at the moment, his refusal to go to daycare/school and his language/temper tantrums at home. I showed him the times that could work, explaining that I need to work a certain number of hours in the day, unfortunately he is not old enough to be home alone for long periods of time, so his choices are daycare before school and walk home after, daycare before and after but for shorter times, or daycare after and on PD days. He wants to go with what we are currently doing, but he doesn't like it. Well I don't like going to work either but sadly we all have to do things we don't like sometimes. Hopefully we can get through that bit!
I'll have a follow up phone call in 4 weeks, right after his birthday, and hopefully things will be improving, at home and at school. He had a note today that he needed to write two apology notes and he'd know why and to whom. I made him do it. He wasn't happy and will not tell me what all happened. I also got a text from the mom of a boy he walks home with that Jackson pushed him off the side walk into the street. Now first of all the other boy plays football and I'm sure weighs twice as much as Jackson. But that's fine, we spoke about it as I was outside going to check the mail when he got home and he was crying. He told me the two boys he was walking with were teasing him and wouldn't stop. The other boy's mom was with them and apparently got mad at Jackson as well, didn't seem to care that her son was calling him names. I told Jackson to avoid walking with them if he can. I know they go the same way he does so it's hard. And yes he needs to learn to ignore these things, but he's not there yet. So it goes.
I guess I need a "self care" plan as well... what can I do for myself to get through this? I'm not even sure to be honest. I know exercise, eating better, sleep should all be top of the list... we'll see!
It was 90 minutes of me talking (and crying, because I am a cryer). Going over everything, from his conception to his birth, to how he was as a baby, and even potty training. She listened, asked a lot of questions, I hope I gave her all the information. Then she made some recommendations.
First is to follow up with the family doctor to see about testing for ADHD, depression and/or anxiety issues.I messages the doctor's office to see if they want to meet with me, him, both or what to get that started.
I'm supposed to talk to my EAP and find out what is covered and seek a psych-ed assessment. I will start that at work tomorrow. I also wanted to check what my insurance coverage is for psychologists and see if I need a referral first (we do).
She recommended a place in Ottawa that specializes in children with possible mental health issues, to help us learn collaborative ways to problem solve. That's free, I think I can call and talk to someone or we can go to a drop in time. We'll see first what happens with the doctor and EAP.
She gave me the names of some places I can go to talk to for support since she thinks I'm carrying all the guilt. I think those are free as well. But again, will wait to talk to EAP first.
She recommends a babysitter so I can go out sometimes. That's hard. We have a crazy puppy, the house is not at a point I'd want other people in it, to be honest I hate it myself and find it hard to keep everything sorted. Work in progress. Drives me nuts. We'll see how that goes!
She recommends Jackson be involved in a community activity. The problem there is he only wants to play hockey and it's expensive, so we need something else. I suggested swimming since he was so good at it. I wish he'd try again.
She recommended two books. One I can find and the other I cannot. So I'll start with the one I can find, I will get it on kindle Wednesday (pay day) as the waiting list at the library seems really long.
And she says to limit technology. None allowed in his room (he's up there now watching YouTube on his iPad) and none after 7 pm. That will be a big fight. He currently uses it to self calm before bed. We will have to go back to me staying with him while he falls asleep, starting it earlier, and for sure it will be a process. I may get him to take some melatonin before bed, at least for the first few days to help him calm his mind and hopefully sleep. Earlier bed time.
We have two "problems" that I can see at the moment, his refusal to go to daycare/school and his language/temper tantrums at home. I showed him the times that could work, explaining that I need to work a certain number of hours in the day, unfortunately he is not old enough to be home alone for long periods of time, so his choices are daycare before school and walk home after, daycare before and after but for shorter times, or daycare after and on PD days. He wants to go with what we are currently doing, but he doesn't like it. Well I don't like going to work either but sadly we all have to do things we don't like sometimes. Hopefully we can get through that bit!
I'll have a follow up phone call in 4 weeks, right after his birthday, and hopefully things will be improving, at home and at school. He had a note today that he needed to write two apology notes and he'd know why and to whom. I made him do it. He wasn't happy and will not tell me what all happened. I also got a text from the mom of a boy he walks home with that Jackson pushed him off the side walk into the street. Now first of all the other boy plays football and I'm sure weighs twice as much as Jackson. But that's fine, we spoke about it as I was outside going to check the mail when he got home and he was crying. He told me the two boys he was walking with were teasing him and wouldn't stop. The other boy's mom was with them and apparently got mad at Jackson as well, didn't seem to care that her son was calling him names. I told Jackson to avoid walking with them if he can. I know they go the same way he does so it's hard. And yes he needs to learn to ignore these things, but he's not there yet. So it goes.
I guess I need a "self care" plan as well... what can I do for myself to get through this? I'm not even sure to be honest. I know exercise, eating better, sleep should all be top of the list... we'll see!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Grade 4!
Jackson has started grade 4. He is doing French Immersion this year, it starts in Grade 4 at his school. He has half the day in English and half in French. He was quite pleased with who his teachers are this year, seems to like them all (so far). He has 4 teachers! Seems like a lot but I think it will be good for him. if there is one he doesn't get along with very well then he only has her for a short block.
He has first block in English - language, religion and family life. Second block is in English as well but with a different teacher, just for math. After lunch he has his Immersion class for science, phys ed, health, music and dance. Then last block is a different French teacher for language, social studies, visual arts and drama. He has friends in his class, as well as his Immersion class which is a different group than the other classes.
He does not like school, doesn't want to go, but hopefully it will go ok this year. He has two weeks of after school daycare and then he will be walking home. I have to sign some forms, but he is very excited for the responsibility. I got a lock box for the front door so he doesn't have to carry a key, just remember the code. It should work ok to start at least. We can see if it is going well or if we need to do something else. He will still have before school daycare because I don't trust him to leave the video games in time to get to school. We will see about next year!
I go back to work tomorrow, so am enjoying a final day off without kiddo, able to watch some something on TV, other than him playing video games. After this, no breaks until the long weekend in October! Ugh. I have enjoyed the time off. I wish it was longer, yet it was quite long. I think the pets are going to be sad tomorrow, especially the dog who spends the day in his crate. Hopefully he'll be able to be out soon, but right now he is just a terror! :-) He gets into stuff, loves to shred tissues and paper, and will do his business when he feels like it, so if I'm not home to let him out he won't hold it. We are working on that! He's good in his crate so I know he can do it, just doesn't like to I guess.
It's back to school and the temperature is hot, heat warnings in effect. At least kiddo's class room is air conditioned, not all of the rooms are. I imagine it will be hot at recess and if he decides he wants to walk home today. I give him the option these few weeks as practice. At least we are doing some walking.
He has first block in English - language, religion and family life. Second block is in English as well but with a different teacher, just for math. After lunch he has his Immersion class for science, phys ed, health, music and dance. Then last block is a different French teacher for language, social studies, visual arts and drama. He has friends in his class, as well as his Immersion class which is a different group than the other classes.
He does not like school, doesn't want to go, but hopefully it will go ok this year. He has two weeks of after school daycare and then he will be walking home. I have to sign some forms, but he is very excited for the responsibility. I got a lock box for the front door so he doesn't have to carry a key, just remember the code. It should work ok to start at least. We can see if it is going well or if we need to do something else. He will still have before school daycare because I don't trust him to leave the video games in time to get to school. We will see about next year!
I go back to work tomorrow, so am enjoying a final day off without kiddo, able to watch some something on TV, other than him playing video games. After this, no breaks until the long weekend in October! Ugh. I have enjoyed the time off. I wish it was longer, yet it was quite long. I think the pets are going to be sad tomorrow, especially the dog who spends the day in his crate. Hopefully he'll be able to be out soon, but right now he is just a terror! :-) He gets into stuff, loves to shred tissues and paper, and will do his business when he feels like it, so if I'm not home to let him out he won't hold it. We are working on that! He's good in his crate so I know he can do it, just doesn't like to I guess.
It's back to school and the temperature is hot, heat warnings in effect. At least kiddo's class room is air conditioned, not all of the rooms are. I imagine it will be hot at recess and if he decides he wants to walk home today. I give him the option these few weeks as practice. At least we are doing some walking.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Hot Summer
We are officially on vacation! For 4 weeks together. I had a few days off before he was done day care for the summer. He doesn't know that though. I was supposed to clean the house, reorganize furniture, do a bunch of stuff. But I didn't do any of it. I did watch some Netflix, catch up on some TV, and spend time wondering what to do. We don't really have any plans this year. No big trips, no Disney. We aren't even going to spend a week at my parent's because they live so close now.
Which has turned out to be a good thing. My dad is suddenly on a few medications and going for a bunch of tests. He has water on his lungs, heart arrhythmia, and went in to the hospital for tests because of his heart burn. Which they still haven't done anything about. My mom is all freaked out, she seems to think he's dying and she was supposed to die first... so it's been fun. My sister is upset because my mom is. And I, somehow, am the one calming them all down. My dad doesn't seem overly worried, he's on some pills which is surprising, he has always been active. Up until a couple years ago he was doing marathons. Until they moved he was walking 5 miles a day at least 5 times a week. He is in great shape, no high blood pressure, doesn't smoke or drink except an occasional glass of wine. He eats fairly well and isn't over weight, or at least not by much if he is at all. So who knows what is going on. I think he had walking pneumonia or something and it's affecting his lungs and heart. I think he also has sleep apnea, but hasn't been tested for it. I hope he will end up going for a sleep study. He has a CT scan with barium on Tuesday, and then we'll have more information.
It is odd that I am the calmest about it all. Being practical I guess. I have some worry but not a lot. Not sure why? I guess we'll see how things go next week. Monday we are going to help move stuff to the basement. It's finally finished so they can move the boxes from the garage, and some furniture, down to the basement. Jackson will just be entertaining I'm sure. My brother in law and nieces will be there as well. I guess it's good they are so close now, it's much easier to help.
There is a heat warning today. I wish we could get out but it's far too hot out there. Hopefully it will clear up evening so I can walk the dog. Or he'll just have to run around the house. I'd love to go get some ice cream, but I shouldn't. It's really good though, and it's so hot out. But I am trying to be good. And will need to be sticking to my diet plan sooner than later. Plus it costs money, which I should be saving. Donor egg IVF is rather pricey.
I think I am settled on a plan of action. I have a plan for my health, a plan for finances, and am hoping to go to my doctor in September before I go back to work, so I can get a new referral, and also one to a psychologist so that will be covered by my work insurance. I think I could contact the EAP and they would likely give me some sort of consult free, but I'd like to be able to see someone who knows stuff about fertility. I'll need to do that before moving forward with donor eggs, etc any way.
I would like to go south this winter, but I can't because of zika, and financially it wouldn't make sense to do so. I need to save everything I have if I want to move forward. Plus I'm reluctant to go to an all inclusive. I've been researching them and it doesn't seem like it would be best for us. We do love to cruise, and go to Disney. My problem is the uncertainty in the US right now. Makes me reluctant to go there. Though I'm considering it for treatment. Oh well. I can't figure out where to go any way. Perhaps if I am successful we'll be travelling as 3 people at some point. But not likely until baby to be is 2 or 3. So in 4 years? Ugh. But that's ok.
I can do this. Somehow. I will figure it out. Somehow. Not sure why I am bothering with things to improve my egg quality when I know I'll need donor eggs. Doesn't make much sense. But I'll keep it up for now. Prenatal, CoQ10, Vitamin D, fish oils, vitamin C, magnesium and a B complex. Most of those are a good idea any way I think? And I'll add whatever is needed as I am closer to moving forward, I think there are a few things good to help with implantation.
So for now, we are on vacation. When school starts again in the fall the plan is for Jackson to be able to be an after school walker. It will save some daycare, give him some freedom, and should work out. I would be home 10 minutes or so after him most days. I will have to get a home phone, and work out something for the door so he doesn't need to carry a key. A smart lock with keypad would work. The home phone I'll sign up for next week, along with new internet, save a bit of money there too. I'd love to get rid of TV as well but there are still some shows I like to watch. For now the $50 or so I pay for that part is ok. If I can get the internet plus home phone for less than I currently pay for internet, well that sounds great to me. Then I need to get a lock and key pad, and we'll be all set. Well except for pants, shirts, shoes, snow suit, gloves, hats, boots, ugh!
Which has turned out to be a good thing. My dad is suddenly on a few medications and going for a bunch of tests. He has water on his lungs, heart arrhythmia, and went in to the hospital for tests because of his heart burn. Which they still haven't done anything about. My mom is all freaked out, she seems to think he's dying and she was supposed to die first... so it's been fun. My sister is upset because my mom is. And I, somehow, am the one calming them all down. My dad doesn't seem overly worried, he's on some pills which is surprising, he has always been active. Up until a couple years ago he was doing marathons. Until they moved he was walking 5 miles a day at least 5 times a week. He is in great shape, no high blood pressure, doesn't smoke or drink except an occasional glass of wine. He eats fairly well and isn't over weight, or at least not by much if he is at all. So who knows what is going on. I think he had walking pneumonia or something and it's affecting his lungs and heart. I think he also has sleep apnea, but hasn't been tested for it. I hope he will end up going for a sleep study. He has a CT scan with barium on Tuesday, and then we'll have more information.
It is odd that I am the calmest about it all. Being practical I guess. I have some worry but not a lot. Not sure why? I guess we'll see how things go next week. Monday we are going to help move stuff to the basement. It's finally finished so they can move the boxes from the garage, and some furniture, down to the basement. Jackson will just be entertaining I'm sure. My brother in law and nieces will be there as well. I guess it's good they are so close now, it's much easier to help.
There is a heat warning today. I wish we could get out but it's far too hot out there. Hopefully it will clear up evening so I can walk the dog. Or he'll just have to run around the house. I'd love to go get some ice cream, but I shouldn't. It's really good though, and it's so hot out. But I am trying to be good. And will need to be sticking to my diet plan sooner than later. Plus it costs money, which I should be saving. Donor egg IVF is rather pricey.
I think I am settled on a plan of action. I have a plan for my health, a plan for finances, and am hoping to go to my doctor in September before I go back to work, so I can get a new referral, and also one to a psychologist so that will be covered by my work insurance. I think I could contact the EAP and they would likely give me some sort of consult free, but I'd like to be able to see someone who knows stuff about fertility. I'll need to do that before moving forward with donor eggs, etc any way.
I would like to go south this winter, but I can't because of zika, and financially it wouldn't make sense to do so. I need to save everything I have if I want to move forward. Plus I'm reluctant to go to an all inclusive. I've been researching them and it doesn't seem like it would be best for us. We do love to cruise, and go to Disney. My problem is the uncertainty in the US right now. Makes me reluctant to go there. Though I'm considering it for treatment. Oh well. I can't figure out where to go any way. Perhaps if I am successful we'll be travelling as 3 people at some point. But not likely until baby to be is 2 or 3. So in 4 years? Ugh. But that's ok.
I can do this. Somehow. I will figure it out. Somehow. Not sure why I am bothering with things to improve my egg quality when I know I'll need donor eggs. Doesn't make much sense. But I'll keep it up for now. Prenatal, CoQ10, Vitamin D, fish oils, vitamin C, magnesium and a B complex. Most of those are a good idea any way I think? And I'll add whatever is needed as I am closer to moving forward, I think there are a few things good to help with implantation.
So for now, we are on vacation. When school starts again in the fall the plan is for Jackson to be able to be an after school walker. It will save some daycare, give him some freedom, and should work out. I would be home 10 minutes or so after him most days. I will have to get a home phone, and work out something for the door so he doesn't need to carry a key. A smart lock with keypad would work. The home phone I'll sign up for next week, along with new internet, save a bit of money there too. I'd love to get rid of TV as well but there are still some shows I like to watch. For now the $50 or so I pay for that part is ok. If I can get the internet plus home phone for less than I currently pay for internet, well that sounds great to me. Then I need to get a lock and key pad, and we'll be all set. Well except for pants, shirts, shoes, snow suit, gloves, hats, boots, ugh!
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Regrets
I try to live my life with no regrets. I don't like to dwell in the past, or feel like a choice I've made was a mistake. I like to believe that I am who I am, where I am, and I like myself, because of all those choices I've made. I may not be where I thought I would be at this age but I think I'm doing well.
Right now I am trying to not regret my choice to not move forward with having another child. It is proving difficult. I'm not sure why. I know it's best for me, for Jackson. But I always wanted to have more than one kid, three in fact, and now here I am at 42, almost 43, and it's too late. I never followed through last year, I would need to start over, new referral, wait 3 months to get seen, wait 3 more months to even try. My odds were 5% at 41, now what? Maybe 2%? what would be the point? And I will be too old for the covered IVF. I don't want to afford that. I could, I'm sure, work it out, but I don't want to. Never mind my cycles have been very irregular lately.
Canada is changing the mat leave rules, I'd be able to take 18 months off. It would be the same amount of pay as over the 12 months currently, but my employer tops up 12 months to 93% of my current salary. My son's school/daycare is going to be offering a toddler program starting soon, that starts at 18 months. Of course he's already in grade 3, so getting to a baby and that baby 18 months it might only be one year of overlap in the same place.
And I have about 14 years until I can probably retire, new baby would be 12 or 13 then? That would be difficult. I don't want to have to work an extra 10 years! I want to retire, buy a mobile home and drive south every winter! I know Jackson would have a hard time sharing me with a sibling, he has already said he wouldn't like it because he wants to be the baby. But of course today he wanted to be a big boy and walk to the park by himself, because it snowed and I didn't want to go out. We ended up at the park, after some yelling on my part. I wonder if my temper can handle another strong willed child.
So here I am, filled with regret over not trying for a second child when Jackson was 2, or 3 or 4... or even last year. Trying to get over it, with great difficulty.
Right now I am trying to not regret my choice to not move forward with having another child. It is proving difficult. I'm not sure why. I know it's best for me, for Jackson. But I always wanted to have more than one kid, three in fact, and now here I am at 42, almost 43, and it's too late. I never followed through last year, I would need to start over, new referral, wait 3 months to get seen, wait 3 more months to even try. My odds were 5% at 41, now what? Maybe 2%? what would be the point? And I will be too old for the covered IVF. I don't want to afford that. I could, I'm sure, work it out, but I don't want to. Never mind my cycles have been very irregular lately.
Canada is changing the mat leave rules, I'd be able to take 18 months off. It would be the same amount of pay as over the 12 months currently, but my employer tops up 12 months to 93% of my current salary. My son's school/daycare is going to be offering a toddler program starting soon, that starts at 18 months. Of course he's already in grade 3, so getting to a baby and that baby 18 months it might only be one year of overlap in the same place.
And I have about 14 years until I can probably retire, new baby would be 12 or 13 then? That would be difficult. I don't want to have to work an extra 10 years! I want to retire, buy a mobile home and drive south every winter! I know Jackson would have a hard time sharing me with a sibling, he has already said he wouldn't like it because he wants to be the baby. But of course today he wanted to be a big boy and walk to the park by himself, because it snowed and I didn't want to go out. We ended up at the park, after some yelling on my part. I wonder if my temper can handle another strong willed child.
So here I am, filled with regret over not trying for a second child when Jackson was 2, or 3 or 4... or even last year. Trying to get over it, with great difficulty.
Monday, November 13, 2017
A day off, without kid
Today is one of the rare times I am off work but school is still on. It's usually on November 11th for Remembrance Day but because that was on Saturday I have today instead. Normally I would attend the ceremonies at school, losing the morning to that. But they happened last Friday instead so I have the whole day to myself. I had planned to go see a movie but I think I'm going to stay home and watch some Netflix. I do have to fix my roots. After I bleached my hair blond, it is starting to grown back in so I picked up the supplies to fix it up. Hopefully it works out! I gave myself a hair cut on the weekend too. I googled how to do it, watched some videos and started cutting! I felt very brave, and I think it turned out really well. Though I did cut off more than I had planned.
It is strange to have the time to myself. I don't usually get this. And with no work to rush off to. Even in the summer when kiddo goes to my parent's place I have to go to work. I wish I had more days like this sometimes. But I also know that I am lucky to get so much time with my kid.
We were talking yesterday about having more people in our family. He said he would like to have a brother or sister, ideally older (of course lol). I was looking at adoption sites, he wanted to know what that was about, I explained, he said he wouldn't like that because they wouldn't really be part of the family. I explained more and then he was only concerned that the other child wouldn't look like him. We talked about the whole thing, he was snuggled beside me while watching TV and he said it wouldn't be good because there would be another child to share that with.
I am certain we will only remain a two person household. I am 42 now, and feel my age. We like to travel, it is easier to do with just us. With just us, I can be looking for a two bedroom place when I am able to buy. However that is perhaps still possible with another child. Money is tight, paying for daycare is a trial, even though he is only in before/after care and full time during certain breaks, it is going up. How would I possibly do that with another?
It is hard sometimes. I read about other women who have let go of their dream to meet someone and get married before having kids. I feel like I am letting go of my dream to have more kids. I know what's best for us, but it's still hard really. I wish I had done something sooner, I wish I had done it right away when he was two, I wish I had planned better, saved more, spent less. I wish a lot of things. But I don't regret my choices. I certainly don't regret the fun travel we've done. Our time on those trips is something he will remember forever (I hope).
So now here I am at home, binge watching TV, dreaming of having another baby, or going on way too many trips. I am certain of one thing, my life is not how I imagined it would be while I was growing up. Better or worse than the dream, I couldn't really say.
It is strange to have the time to myself. I don't usually get this. And with no work to rush off to. Even in the summer when kiddo goes to my parent's place I have to go to work. I wish I had more days like this sometimes. But I also know that I am lucky to get so much time with my kid.
We were talking yesterday about having more people in our family. He said he would like to have a brother or sister, ideally older (of course lol). I was looking at adoption sites, he wanted to know what that was about, I explained, he said he wouldn't like that because they wouldn't really be part of the family. I explained more and then he was only concerned that the other child wouldn't look like him. We talked about the whole thing, he was snuggled beside me while watching TV and he said it wouldn't be good because there would be another child to share that with.
I am certain we will only remain a two person household. I am 42 now, and feel my age. We like to travel, it is easier to do with just us. With just us, I can be looking for a two bedroom place when I am able to buy. However that is perhaps still possible with another child. Money is tight, paying for daycare is a trial, even though he is only in before/after care and full time during certain breaks, it is going up. How would I possibly do that with another?
It is hard sometimes. I read about other women who have let go of their dream to meet someone and get married before having kids. I feel like I am letting go of my dream to have more kids. I know what's best for us, but it's still hard really. I wish I had done something sooner, I wish I had done it right away when he was two, I wish I had planned better, saved more, spent less. I wish a lot of things. But I don't regret my choices. I certainly don't regret the fun travel we've done. Our time on those trips is something he will remember forever (I hope).
So now here I am at home, binge watching TV, dreaming of having another baby, or going on way too many trips. I am certain of one thing, my life is not how I imagined it would be while I was growing up. Better or worse than the dream, I couldn't really say.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Time change
So today was fun. It sucks when the time changes, either way it goes. Today kiddo got up at 7 on his clock, which was 8 on mine, but of course that doesn't really matter. I knew that bedtime would be a disaster, and of course it was. He was wired but I left him just after 8 and I think he fell asleep. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should be in bed but I'm not tired. Or I am. Not sure. Tomorrow morning will be the challenge of course. And it's March Break, so no school for kiddo, just daycare! But I still have to work, and I have a lot to do as work is having some issues and we are in the middle of it. I need to get it together and get to bed. At least kiddo's lunch is ready for tomorrow. Mine is not, and it should be. I have been buying my lunch way too often lately. Money I can't afford to spend. Ugh.
Friday we get out puppy, I can't wait! He is so cute and I hope it goes well. I am rather nervous about having a puppy in the house. I know some of Jackson's toys are going to get chewed. I trust the cats will get along ok. They will have escape routes and their nails are clipped so no one will get hurt. We have been watching shows about puppies and how to take care of them. I hope that Jackson doesn't get jealous at all, he should be ok, this puppy will be his buddy after all. I know I won't be getting a lot of sleep. At least puppies grow faster than children, puppy will hopefully sleep through the night before he's 3 after all :-)
It should feel like spring, the time changes in spring doesn't it? Yet it doesn't feel like spring. We have had some nice days and a lot of snow has melted but we still have lots out there, and it was very cold today. It is supposed to warm up this week, I hope it does since we will have potty train to contend with. No walks for a bit until puppy gets his next shots. At least that's what I think is supposed to happen. I put in my paperwork for my August weeks off. My manager is changing so I wanted to get it done before he's gone. I love being able to take the time off with kiddo, hopefully in coming years I will be able to take longer and not have to pay for daycare. Daycare currently I pay the same rate all year round, but can't take weeks off. Next fall it changes to be by the day, and if I don't want him to go for March Break or a few weeks in summer I won't pay for those. It will save money. Eventually I may just do before school care and have him get home on his own. We are not there yet, and no way I would trust him to get there on his own.
We've been looking at home plans, again. I still have no idea what I'm going to do. Hopefully I get my paperwork soon so I can get the last payment I'm owed and then I have 3 months to decide. I'd like to go new, but I also have this dream of a small, self-sufficient home on land somewhere. That is perhaps a retirement dream though, and something more practical will happen before then. I think Jackson will have to change schools, not sure if that will be at the start of the school year or mid-way. Daycare worries me more than the school situation. All the schools in the board he attends here are very good. Some are bigger than others, I'm not sure it matters though. He is a friendly kid and he will make friends. I did, we moved a lot when I was growing up.
Alright, time to attempt some sleep. I hope that I get enough. Tomorrow it will be hard to get kiddo up, of course.
Friday we get out puppy, I can't wait! He is so cute and I hope it goes well. I am rather nervous about having a puppy in the house. I know some of Jackson's toys are going to get chewed. I trust the cats will get along ok. They will have escape routes and their nails are clipped so no one will get hurt. We have been watching shows about puppies and how to take care of them. I hope that Jackson doesn't get jealous at all, he should be ok, this puppy will be his buddy after all. I know I won't be getting a lot of sleep. At least puppies grow faster than children, puppy will hopefully sleep through the night before he's 3 after all :-)
It should feel like spring, the time changes in spring doesn't it? Yet it doesn't feel like spring. We have had some nice days and a lot of snow has melted but we still have lots out there, and it was very cold today. It is supposed to warm up this week, I hope it does since we will have potty train to contend with. No walks for a bit until puppy gets his next shots. At least that's what I think is supposed to happen. I put in my paperwork for my August weeks off. My manager is changing so I wanted to get it done before he's gone. I love being able to take the time off with kiddo, hopefully in coming years I will be able to take longer and not have to pay for daycare. Daycare currently I pay the same rate all year round, but can't take weeks off. Next fall it changes to be by the day, and if I don't want him to go for March Break or a few weeks in summer I won't pay for those. It will save money. Eventually I may just do before school care and have him get home on his own. We are not there yet, and no way I would trust him to get there on his own.
We've been looking at home plans, again. I still have no idea what I'm going to do. Hopefully I get my paperwork soon so I can get the last payment I'm owed and then I have 3 months to decide. I'd like to go new, but I also have this dream of a small, self-sufficient home on land somewhere. That is perhaps a retirement dream though, and something more practical will happen before then. I think Jackson will have to change schools, not sure if that will be at the start of the school year or mid-way. Daycare worries me more than the school situation. All the schools in the board he attends here are very good. Some are bigger than others, I'm not sure it matters though. He is a friendly kid and he will make friends. I did, we moved a lot when I was growing up.
Alright, time to attempt some sleep. I hope that I get enough. Tomorrow it will be hard to get kiddo up, of course.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Family Day
Monday was a holiday, for some. It is Family Day in Ontario but my job is federal so I had to use vacation to get it off with kiddo. We spent the day at a high school that was set up with bouncy castles, hamster balls, laser tag and other things. He had a lot of fun. Luckily one of his friends was there so he had someone to play with. I was able to sit and chat, and wait. We got there at 10:30 and closed the place at 4. He was the last kid to get his face painted. We ate expensive pizza, expensive popcorn, and kiddo burned a lot of energy.
It was a nice day off, I was a little cranky, but it was good over all. It is always nice to have a day off! It makes for a strange work week though. It's short, but that is good too of course. Work has been busy the past few months, and of course change is coming as always. End result will be good though.
The weather has warmed up, snow is melting. I am glad to be able to see when I am backing up from my driveway. I will be very glad when I can see the grass, but that is still a ways away I think. Jackson enjoys the winter and playing in the snow, but even he is a bit tired of it and anxious to get back on his bike, and back to the park. I hate to feel like I am rushing time but I would really like to get through winter. I find it so hard with the snow, ice, cold and lack of sun. The past few sunny days have been lovely, though I also feel I don't get to enjoy it very much. Hopefully spring is on the way.
We are both excited about our Disney trip in August. It will wrap up the end of our holidays, so far away! I do love going on these trips with him though, I feel like it makes better memories for us, and allows me to get to do all those things that I never did as a kid myself. I am trying to live in the moment more, to enjoy things and do things even if they push us a bit. I want to create memories for him. Outside of school and daycare, and home.
I am still debating what to do about a house, but until I get some paperwork done, get the money, I can't make a decision any way. So I will continue to dream and flip flop on which house, which situation, we will find ourselves in. I know he will more likely have to change schools. I think he will be ok with that in the end. He makes friends easily, he is a good kid. I am more concerned about finding before/after school care for him in a new situation. But even that I know we can work out. Getting a dog means we need a yard, which means different homes than I thought we'd be looking at. Wanting to travel still, means the budget is smaller so we can afford to keep doing that. It will all be good in the end, and we will end up in the house we are meant to. Perhaps this summer, perhaps next. We are ok here for awhile any way.
It was a nice day off, I was a little cranky, but it was good over all. It is always nice to have a day off! It makes for a strange work week though. It's short, but that is good too of course. Work has been busy the past few months, and of course change is coming as always. End result will be good though.
The weather has warmed up, snow is melting. I am glad to be able to see when I am backing up from my driveway. I will be very glad when I can see the grass, but that is still a ways away I think. Jackson enjoys the winter and playing in the snow, but even he is a bit tired of it and anxious to get back on his bike, and back to the park. I hate to feel like I am rushing time but I would really like to get through winter. I find it so hard with the snow, ice, cold and lack of sun. The past few sunny days have been lovely, though I also feel I don't get to enjoy it very much. Hopefully spring is on the way.
We are both excited about our Disney trip in August. It will wrap up the end of our holidays, so far away! I do love going on these trips with him though, I feel like it makes better memories for us, and allows me to get to do all those things that I never did as a kid myself. I am trying to live in the moment more, to enjoy things and do things even if they push us a bit. I want to create memories for him. Outside of school and daycare, and home.
I am still debating what to do about a house, but until I get some paperwork done, get the money, I can't make a decision any way. So I will continue to dream and flip flop on which house, which situation, we will find ourselves in. I know he will more likely have to change schools. I think he will be ok with that in the end. He makes friends easily, he is a good kid. I am more concerned about finding before/after school care for him in a new situation. But even that I know we can work out. Getting a dog means we need a yard, which means different homes than I thought we'd be looking at. Wanting to travel still, means the budget is smaller so we can afford to keep doing that. It will all be good in the end, and we will end up in the house we are meant to. Perhaps this summer, perhaps next. We are ok here for awhile any way.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
September already!
I can't believe August is already over. Time just seems to fly by. I'm not sure what we did all month. I know there were some parks, way too much shopping, a quick trip to my parent's, and a few daycare days. School starts on Tuesday, but I don't go back to work until Monday the 12th. I have some time off while kiddo is in school. I do have an appointment with the nurse practitioner for my women's check up (and hopefully a tetanus shot which apparently I need), and I have to go get a follow up TSH test for my thyroid. Tomorrow kiddo goes for the last day of summer daycare. He has moved up to group C, from group D. Even though he is the youngest in the grade they moved him up because it meant so much to him. I hope it goes well. He doesn't want to go but I feel it's important to get back into "school" mode a bit. Tuesday I will take him to school to see who his teacher is, and then he'll go to daycare after and I'll pick him up from there. Last year he was sick the first day, looking back now I think it was nerves. He won't be doing that this year.
I switched his bed to the bigger double from the twin he had. The first night was rough but he likes it now. I had to get some new sheets for the bed, and would still like another fitted just in case, we have a bunch of top sheets for it for some reason. He sleeps right in the middle of the bed. I like it for bedtime, since I sit in his room for what seems like forever while he settles down. And of course it is much more comfortable for story time. I was worried it would take up too much space but it fits well. The twin is in the guest room now, and there is actually room in there for a crib to go with it, should that be needed.
His fish is doing well. I had to really clean the little tank after our trip to my parent's. I put in a weekend feeder which was way too much for the little guy. I don't think he really ate any of. I would like to get a timed feeder for him, there is one on amazon I will look at getting. Of course now (as I tend to get obsessed with ideas) I'd like to get him a big proper 5 gallon tank with filter, heater, and all that. But I will hold off. I'd like to wait until we buy a house but who knows when that will be!
Speaking of homes, we have looked at quite a few model homes. One set was really nice. We looked at the big homes we can't afford. But even the basic townhome had a model we really liked. Jackson's room would have a cheater door to the bathroom, which he loves, and I could get the laundry upstairs, as well as a really nice master en suite and fancy kitchen. The best thing is the basic finishes are the granite I love (undermount sink!!) and hardwood on the main. I really like the homes, and the builder seems to do a great job, with nice finishes. But of course it's at the top of the budget, and in an area of town where I lived as a kid but haven't been to as an adult. It would be a further commute, not sure about the schools but that would likely work out ok. As I sit here watching tiny homes on HGTV. Yeah. I'd love one ha ha. But I know it won't happen until I'm retired I'm sure. Then who knows.
Jackson finished his swimming lessons, passing with flying colours, and moving on to level 3 starting mid-September. It will be interesting to have lessons once a week. But at the end of level 2 there were doing almost all the swimming required for level 3 so I am thinking he will pass. We shall see I guess! There are 13 lessons, it will be every Sunday morning. I am hoping he'll go for a haircut before lessons get too far so his hair is easier to deal with after the lessons, coming home with wet hair in cold weather is not a good idea. I am so proud of him for being able to swim so well already though. A month ago he couldn't swim at all. Now he can do 10+ meters on his front, and at least that on his back and side as well! Crazy.
He also learned to ride his big boy bike with no training wheels. That was fun. Not really. His bike broke basically, the chain fell off, his training wheels fell off. I bought him a new one, the old one was bought used for $20. Any way. The new one, I couldn't get the training wheels on so I told him he'd better figure it out. We went out and he did it. For a few meters any way, then he got wobbly and wouldn't try any more. I kind of fixed the older bike and he took that for the last bike day, but the training wheels really broke, didn't just fall off but fell apart. Tonight I took them off and off he went. He can ride! Then the bike broke, the wheel got all stuck and weird, so tomorrow I put the bell on the newer bike, and he'll be riding that from now on. Phew. What an adventure. He should have been able to do it before but he is quite cautious.
I really want to plan another trip. But I can't. With Zika, and buying a house, we just can't afford it, and I can't afford to get that virus if I do manage to get going on baby 2. Which I keep wondering about. I think I am worried it won't be possible and am bracing myself for that. I also worry it will take forever, and I will waste money on trying. I wonder if I will have to take time to get my thyroid working properly, and hopefully lose weight with that, and then there is testing, blood work, who knows what else. And of course I'm 41 already. Why oh why did I wait. Well I know why. I knew I wanted another baby when Jackson was under 1, but of course knew I had to wait and "pay back" at work so was waiting for that. Then it just seemed expensive. Then I had my gallbladder issues and before you know it I was turning 40 and thought that was it, impossible after that. I thought I was ok with it, that I could let it go. But I can't really. Not without at least trying, or finding out if I am too old, and my eggs are all gone.
I switched his bed to the bigger double from the twin he had. The first night was rough but he likes it now. I had to get some new sheets for the bed, and would still like another fitted just in case, we have a bunch of top sheets for it for some reason. He sleeps right in the middle of the bed. I like it for bedtime, since I sit in his room for what seems like forever while he settles down. And of course it is much more comfortable for story time. I was worried it would take up too much space but it fits well. The twin is in the guest room now, and there is actually room in there for a crib to go with it, should that be needed.
His fish is doing well. I had to really clean the little tank after our trip to my parent's. I put in a weekend feeder which was way too much for the little guy. I don't think he really ate any of. I would like to get a timed feeder for him, there is one on amazon I will look at getting. Of course now (as I tend to get obsessed with ideas) I'd like to get him a big proper 5 gallon tank with filter, heater, and all that. But I will hold off. I'd like to wait until we buy a house but who knows when that will be!
Speaking of homes, we have looked at quite a few model homes. One set was really nice. We looked at the big homes we can't afford. But even the basic townhome had a model we really liked. Jackson's room would have a cheater door to the bathroom, which he loves, and I could get the laundry upstairs, as well as a really nice master en suite and fancy kitchen. The best thing is the basic finishes are the granite I love (undermount sink!!) and hardwood on the main. I really like the homes, and the builder seems to do a great job, with nice finishes. But of course it's at the top of the budget, and in an area of town where I lived as a kid but haven't been to as an adult. It would be a further commute, not sure about the schools but that would likely work out ok. As I sit here watching tiny homes on HGTV. Yeah. I'd love one ha ha. But I know it won't happen until I'm retired I'm sure. Then who knows.
Jackson finished his swimming lessons, passing with flying colours, and moving on to level 3 starting mid-September. It will be interesting to have lessons once a week. But at the end of level 2 there were doing almost all the swimming required for level 3 so I am thinking he will pass. We shall see I guess! There are 13 lessons, it will be every Sunday morning. I am hoping he'll go for a haircut before lessons get too far so his hair is easier to deal with after the lessons, coming home with wet hair in cold weather is not a good idea. I am so proud of him for being able to swim so well already though. A month ago he couldn't swim at all. Now he can do 10+ meters on his front, and at least that on his back and side as well! Crazy.
He also learned to ride his big boy bike with no training wheels. That was fun. Not really. His bike broke basically, the chain fell off, his training wheels fell off. I bought him a new one, the old one was bought used for $20. Any way. The new one, I couldn't get the training wheels on so I told him he'd better figure it out. We went out and he did it. For a few meters any way, then he got wobbly and wouldn't try any more. I kind of fixed the older bike and he took that for the last bike day, but the training wheels really broke, didn't just fall off but fell apart. Tonight I took them off and off he went. He can ride! Then the bike broke, the wheel got all stuck and weird, so tomorrow I put the bell on the newer bike, and he'll be riding that from now on. Phew. What an adventure. He should have been able to do it before but he is quite cautious.
I really want to plan another trip. But I can't. With Zika, and buying a house, we just can't afford it, and I can't afford to get that virus if I do manage to get going on baby 2. Which I keep wondering about. I think I am worried it won't be possible and am bracing myself for that. I also worry it will take forever, and I will waste money on trying. I wonder if I will have to take time to get my thyroid working properly, and hopefully lose weight with that, and then there is testing, blood work, who knows what else. And of course I'm 41 already. Why oh why did I wait. Well I know why. I knew I wanted another baby when Jackson was under 1, but of course knew I had to wait and "pay back" at work so was waiting for that. Then it just seemed expensive. Then I had my gallbladder issues and before you know it I was turning 40 and thought that was it, impossible after that. I thought I was ok with it, that I could let it go. But I can't really. Not without at least trying, or finding out if I am too old, and my eggs are all gone.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Kiddo is home
Well vacation is over :-) He's home! I did not get nearly as much done as I wanted to but his room is reorganized and I think it looks good. He is happy to be home. He looked like he was going to cry when he saw me at the restaurant. He gave me a hug. He talked non-stop on the way home from there, except when he was close to falling asleep. Thankfully he did not fall asleep so that was good. He came back with two boxes of treats. Big boxes filled with Froot Loops, nutri grain bars, kool aid, freezies... and some cheese and radishes for me. He is now eating one of those freezies which are not quite frozen any more. But I guess they still taste good!
He seems to be in a good mood, I guess his sleep stores are replenished. He said that Nanny taught him it is good to pick up one type of toys before bringing out anther, and then to clean them all up at the end of the day before bed. You know, things I've been nagging after for years! But now he's going to do it because "everyone" agrees it's a good idea. Uh huh. We'll see how it lasts but I guess I'll cross my fingers!
I have a lot of cleaning and decluttering to do, especially since the houses I am looking at buying are smaller than this place, with a lot less room for boxes of stuff. Stuff I'm not quite sure about any more. We shall have to clean up the basement, which is a big project! There is a lot of stuff down there, it's where things get put when they aren't quite ready for the garbage but we don't really want them any more. I think some of the stuff down there will have to go in the garbage even if it isn't really garbage, I'm just not sure I can face trying to sell it or donate it.
The one place I think I've settled on buying is small, it's only two bedrooms. So I'm not sure it's really the best option if I want to have another baby. And there is no yard, but there is a balcony at least. I am terrible at yard work, I hate mowing the lawn, or gardening. I get big ideas but they fail to happen when I get overwhelmed by the actual steps. So I don't really want a yard, and if we are close to even a small park I think that would be enough. We barely use the yard we have here. Even when he had a play structure back there, he hardly used it. So it seems like a waste of money, $50K more at least to get a small yard, plus put a fence in. Ugh. I am looking at homes that are below what I think I'll be able to afford. I want to keep my mortgage etc as low as possible, so if that means buying something smaller I will probably do that. But I'm still wondering about schools, do I keep him here (and spend more on a home) to stay in the same school and daycare, or buy something cheaper, with a new school and hope we get a good before/after school situation. It's hard!
I haven't made it to the doctor yet but will at least in August, I have the time off and can send him to daycare at least for awhile so I can go during the day. It's hard to get evening or weekend appointments. Hopefully I'll be able to get the referral done, get the referral appointment and go for the blood work, before I go back to work. And hopefully my union finally signs a contract instead of talking about it (for 4 years now). That back pay will pay for a lot... even after they take half for taxes!
I'm happy my kid is home. TV has not yet been turned on. He's playing some toys. He made an aircraft carrier at my parents from some wood and cardboard. It is now a dock at the beach for his jet ski and kayak. I love his imagination. And his talking, it's non-stop. Certainly adds some noise! Hopefully I will be able to sleep better tonight now that he is home.
He seems to be in a good mood, I guess his sleep stores are replenished. He said that Nanny taught him it is good to pick up one type of toys before bringing out anther, and then to clean them all up at the end of the day before bed. You know, things I've been nagging after for years! But now he's going to do it because "everyone" agrees it's a good idea. Uh huh. We'll see how it lasts but I guess I'll cross my fingers!
I have a lot of cleaning and decluttering to do, especially since the houses I am looking at buying are smaller than this place, with a lot less room for boxes of stuff. Stuff I'm not quite sure about any more. We shall have to clean up the basement, which is a big project! There is a lot of stuff down there, it's where things get put when they aren't quite ready for the garbage but we don't really want them any more. I think some of the stuff down there will have to go in the garbage even if it isn't really garbage, I'm just not sure I can face trying to sell it or donate it.
The one place I think I've settled on buying is small, it's only two bedrooms. So I'm not sure it's really the best option if I want to have another baby. And there is no yard, but there is a balcony at least. I am terrible at yard work, I hate mowing the lawn, or gardening. I get big ideas but they fail to happen when I get overwhelmed by the actual steps. So I don't really want a yard, and if we are close to even a small park I think that would be enough. We barely use the yard we have here. Even when he had a play structure back there, he hardly used it. So it seems like a waste of money, $50K more at least to get a small yard, plus put a fence in. Ugh. I am looking at homes that are below what I think I'll be able to afford. I want to keep my mortgage etc as low as possible, so if that means buying something smaller I will probably do that. But I'm still wondering about schools, do I keep him here (and spend more on a home) to stay in the same school and daycare, or buy something cheaper, with a new school and hope we get a good before/after school situation. It's hard!
I haven't made it to the doctor yet but will at least in August, I have the time off and can send him to daycare at least for awhile so I can go during the day. It's hard to get evening or weekend appointments. Hopefully I'll be able to get the referral done, get the referral appointment and go for the blood work, before I go back to work. And hopefully my union finally signs a contract instead of talking about it (for 4 years now). That back pay will pay for a lot... even after they take half for taxes!
I'm happy my kid is home. TV has not yet been turned on. He's playing some toys. He made an aircraft carrier at my parents from some wood and cardboard. It is now a dock at the beach for his jet ski and kayak. I love his imagination. And his talking, it's non-stop. Certainly adds some noise! Hopefully I will be able to sleep better tonight now that he is home.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Almost back to work
Two more days. That's all I have before it's back to work. I am not looking forward to it at all. I don't think I really like my job. In general it's a pay cheque but certainly it's not something I ever thought I'd be doing. What did I expect? No idea really. But now I'm 40 and 15 years (hopefully) from retiring, so it feels like it's too late to change that. I can change positions within the organization, and I will probably be looking to do that. I do not like some of my co-workers at the moment and my boss is so not ready to be the boss. I'm not either but he is just so new to it, and it is frustrating. I'm not sure how to fix it, or help, or change it at all. I do have a test for a sort of promotion, it's a different level but kind of equivalent so I'm not even sure I'd want to do it, except that I could escape the people I work with for a year or so. It's not permanent. In order to really move up, I need to learn French, and I am not good at languages.
Tomorrow is Jackson's last day of summer. He starts Grade 1 on Tuesday. He is quite excited, I hope it goes well. I will be able to take him for the first day, and have him go to daycare after to get used to that. Then Wednesday it's back to it for both of us. Back to some better eating for me, and exercise too. I am looking forward to those parts. Weird. We have no real plans for the day, getting lunches ready, clean the house a bit, perhaps play at the park, if the weather is good because it has been so hot lately!
Today we went swimming at the pool, it was fun. But it was the last time for awhile. I also cleaned out the closets, All the old clothes that don't fit. Got 4 bags of clothes to go! Crazy how much stuff we have that we don't need. It was a starting point any way. There is still a lot to clean up. If we are going to move in a year, then I expect we will need to get rid of a lot of stuff. I know we need to purge some toys too. I've told Jackson he needs to decide on some to get rid of before his birthday in December, and before Christmas. Nothing new until something goes. We'll see how that goes! Today he had so many set up, all over the floor. He was having a lot of fun though, train set, boats in the "harbour" and two airports. It was crazy and messy, and he had a lot of fun. So it was nice.
We actually had a busy week. There were 3 play dates, and swimming, and he had two days of daycare. I kind of enjoyed those two days. It was nice to relax a little on my own. Though of course I also did some grocery shopping, cleaned the house, and did laundry. I'm sure Tuesday will be nice as well, after I drop him off at school I have the day to myself. But I have to prepare for work. And that could be difficult for me. I am not looking forward to it. I think I said that already.
Tomorrow is Jackson's last day of summer. He starts Grade 1 on Tuesday. He is quite excited, I hope it goes well. I will be able to take him for the first day, and have him go to daycare after to get used to that. Then Wednesday it's back to it for both of us. Back to some better eating for me, and exercise too. I am looking forward to those parts. Weird. We have no real plans for the day, getting lunches ready, clean the house a bit, perhaps play at the park, if the weather is good because it has been so hot lately!
Today we went swimming at the pool, it was fun. But it was the last time for awhile. I also cleaned out the closets, All the old clothes that don't fit. Got 4 bags of clothes to go! Crazy how much stuff we have that we don't need. It was a starting point any way. There is still a lot to clean up. If we are going to move in a year, then I expect we will need to get rid of a lot of stuff. I know we need to purge some toys too. I've told Jackson he needs to decide on some to get rid of before his birthday in December, and before Christmas. Nothing new until something goes. We'll see how that goes! Today he had so many set up, all over the floor. He was having a lot of fun though, train set, boats in the "harbour" and two airports. It was crazy and messy, and he had a lot of fun. So it was nice.
We actually had a busy week. There were 3 play dates, and swimming, and he had two days of daycare. I kind of enjoyed those two days. It was nice to relax a little on my own. Though of course I also did some grocery shopping, cleaned the house, and did laundry. I'm sure Tuesday will be nice as well, after I drop him off at school I have the day to myself. But I have to prepare for work. And that could be difficult for me. I am not looking forward to it. I think I said that already.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Ah summer
It is summer time and things are good. I am finally on vacation, and we are not doing much. It's actually kind of nice. Yesterday we went to my sister's cottage for the first time. It was a lot of fun, and Jackson loved going tubing on the boat a few times. He was VERY upset when it was time to leave. It took a lot of convincing to get him in the car and he refused to hug anyone. He was quite hungry as he refused to eat while we were there, it might have made him miss something after all! That didn't help how he behaved. He was much better after we got home. I imagine we won't be going back until next year at least. It would be nice to stay a little longer than 4 hours too. We got very lucky with the weather, it rained before we left, and as we were driving home.
Today was another good day. We went to a community pool and swam for about an hour. It was quite nice and he had a lot of fun. We'll go again next week, perhaps try a different pool, there are a few around. Jackson had a lot of fun, he really enjoyed it. I had fun watching him have fun. And we stopped for a treat on the way home, he had a frozen lemonade and a doughnut, I had an iced coffee. We then went to dinner, and he ate a HUGE meal, adult sized. My parents gave him a gift card for dinner and we used it pretty much all up lol. He does have some leftovers, hopefully he'll eat them. He's not keen on leftovers most of the time.
Tomorrow he is going to daycare. It is basketball day according to the calendar and he is quite excited to go. I am happy he's going at least one day a week over the 5 weeks we are off, he needs to keep up with it, and to go have fun with his friends. He wants to go on all the days they go to special parks. We will find a week or at least a few days to go visit my parents, probably mid-month.
He goes back to school on September 8th, and I go back to work on the 9th, so I'll be able to take him for his first day of grade 1. I am sure it will be exciting and he'll be a bit scared. At least he will have lots of friends.
Apparently he's been doing really well in daycare. He had one "friend" who he loves to play with but they are just not good for each other. They have been separated and so Jackson has had a chance to show his own personality and explore new things to do. He loves to do sports and has been playing with the older kids, up to grade 6. He also likes to play card games and apparently will play with anyone, he gets along with all the other kids and will join in with everyone. He has his moments of course, he is only 5 and the youngest kid in the "schoolager" program. But he is doing well, after a rough start. I'm happy. It's a nice transition to real school. Kindergarten is about fun and playing, Grade 1 is about sitting and learning. Daycare for grade 1 is about group activities. You don't get to go do what you want when everyone else is playing a game.
I am pretty happy to be on a long vacation. I don't get paid for my time off but they average the unpaid days over a year so it's just a small pay cut and doesn't affect things like my pension or benefits. I hope to do it every summer, and save my paid vacation days for other times like Christmas and winter. We won't be able to take a trip this winter sadly, I have some debt to get paid off and am (finally) deciding to put some effort into it. Even with the pay cut. Once that is done we'll be able to travel more I think. If my union would finally sign a new contract I'd get enough in raises, back pay and pay out that I'd be able to pay off my debts and probably have a down payment for a house... it would at least make up for the 5 unpaid weeks this year. Fingers crossed it'll happen this year.
Today was another good day. We went to a community pool and swam for about an hour. It was quite nice and he had a lot of fun. We'll go again next week, perhaps try a different pool, there are a few around. Jackson had a lot of fun, he really enjoyed it. I had fun watching him have fun. And we stopped for a treat on the way home, he had a frozen lemonade and a doughnut, I had an iced coffee. We then went to dinner, and he ate a HUGE meal, adult sized. My parents gave him a gift card for dinner and we used it pretty much all up lol. He does have some leftovers, hopefully he'll eat them. He's not keen on leftovers most of the time.
Tomorrow he is going to daycare. It is basketball day according to the calendar and he is quite excited to go. I am happy he's going at least one day a week over the 5 weeks we are off, he needs to keep up with it, and to go have fun with his friends. He wants to go on all the days they go to special parks. We will find a week or at least a few days to go visit my parents, probably mid-month.
He goes back to school on September 8th, and I go back to work on the 9th, so I'll be able to take him for his first day of grade 1. I am sure it will be exciting and he'll be a bit scared. At least he will have lots of friends.
Apparently he's been doing really well in daycare. He had one "friend" who he loves to play with but they are just not good for each other. They have been separated and so Jackson has had a chance to show his own personality and explore new things to do. He loves to do sports and has been playing with the older kids, up to grade 6. He also likes to play card games and apparently will play with anyone, he gets along with all the other kids and will join in with everyone. He has his moments of course, he is only 5 and the youngest kid in the "schoolager" program. But he is doing well, after a rough start. I'm happy. It's a nice transition to real school. Kindergarten is about fun and playing, Grade 1 is about sitting and learning. Daycare for grade 1 is about group activities. You don't get to go do what you want when everyone else is playing a game.
I am pretty happy to be on a long vacation. I don't get paid for my time off but they average the unpaid days over a year so it's just a small pay cut and doesn't affect things like my pension or benefits. I hope to do it every summer, and save my paid vacation days for other times like Christmas and winter. We won't be able to take a trip this winter sadly, I have some debt to get paid off and am (finally) deciding to put some effort into it. Even with the pay cut. Once that is done we'll be able to travel more I think. If my union would finally sign a new contract I'd get enough in raises, back pay and pay out that I'd be able to pay off my debts and probably have a down payment for a house... it would at least make up for the 5 unpaid weeks this year. Fingers crossed it'll happen this year.
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| On a boat for the first time |
Monday, December 29, 2014
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
Our holidays were a little subdued this year, my parents didn't come to visit. We did go to my sister's place for dinner, but otherwise we were home for pretty much all the time. It was quiet but nice. Jackson of course got a lot of toys, and had a lot of fun opening gifts. He was quite excited about Santa coming, and left out 4 cookies. He was thrilled to see that Santa ate 3 of them and left one with a bite out of it. I guess Santa got full. We didn't have any milk in the house so we left some water, I think Santa probably appreciated the change. Jackson ate a lot of junk on Christmas day, candy, chocolate, chips. And then a lovely dinner at my sister's. He ate turkey and gravy, peas, mashed potatoes and hash brown casserole. That night, around 2:30, he threw up. He is such a big boy, he went to the bathroom on his own and threw up in the toilet. Twice. I put him back to bed after the first time with a little bit of water, and checked his temperature. No fever. After the second time I gave him a gravol and he slept until almost 9 am! That is unheard of, and the only day over our time off that he slept so late. Every other day it was 6:30 or 7. He complained of a sore stomach off and on, but no other symptoms, and he seemed to be fine otherwise, though he ate little since he was worried he would be sick again.
Today he is at daycare, They are open over the holidays, though I think fewer kids get sent in. Since I have to pay for it any way I send him. I think he has fun, and it is a little break for us. I have some plans to do things like clean the house, get a hair cut, go for a massage. I may leave the house today, other than to get him there and back, but I'm not sure yet. We got Netflix, and I am liking it. I am also loving my Google Chromecast, which lets me watch Netflix on the tv from my computer. We watched a lot of Dinosaur Train yesterday, and I am watching some not good for kids movies today.
On Christmas Eve, I finally settled our trip plans! We are going on a cruise. We are going to travel south and I am crazy excited! We will be going to Nassau, San Juan, St Thomas and Grand Turk. I cannot wait to sit on some beaches, build sandcastles, swim, eat! Jackson is also very excited. I suspect the ship will be lacking in young children, but we will manage quite nicely. I think he will enjoy the kids club more that way any way, more attention, perhaps a couple friends. We arrive in Florida two days before the cruise, so we will hopefully stay in Disney and go to Animal Kingdom, though we still haven't booked that bit of it. It is going to be a somewhat lean trip, I won't be able to get many souvenirs, or fun extras, but it should still be a lot of fun, and hopefully the first of many. The cruise is paid in full, and the flights. Just the hotel bit at the part, and a few little things like transfers to the port and excursions to worry about. Either way, we will have fun, and it will be a great vacation. Only 32 days away.
Today he is at daycare, They are open over the holidays, though I think fewer kids get sent in. Since I have to pay for it any way I send him. I think he has fun, and it is a little break for us. I have some plans to do things like clean the house, get a hair cut, go for a massage. I may leave the house today, other than to get him there and back, but I'm not sure yet. We got Netflix, and I am liking it. I am also loving my Google Chromecast, which lets me watch Netflix on the tv from my computer. We watched a lot of Dinosaur Train yesterday, and I am watching some not good for kids movies today.
On Christmas Eve, I finally settled our trip plans! We are going on a cruise. We are going to travel south and I am crazy excited! We will be going to Nassau, San Juan, St Thomas and Grand Turk. I cannot wait to sit on some beaches, build sandcastles, swim, eat! Jackson is also very excited. I suspect the ship will be lacking in young children, but we will manage quite nicely. I think he will enjoy the kids club more that way any way, more attention, perhaps a couple friends. We arrive in Florida two days before the cruise, so we will hopefully stay in Disney and go to Animal Kingdom, though we still haven't booked that bit of it. It is going to be a somewhat lean trip, I won't be able to get many souvenirs, or fun extras, but it should still be a lot of fun, and hopefully the first of many. The cruise is paid in full, and the flights. Just the hotel bit at the part, and a few little things like transfers to the port and excursions to worry about. Either way, we will have fun, and it will be a great vacation. Only 32 days away.
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