School Rolling Along

Last two weeks have been really crazy. Lauren started school in late August and Brandon the day after Labor Day. Lauren's first day sent her into a tizzy. When I got home she was in a full blown panic. She was working on a spelling sheet and was having problems with a section involving phonics. She then told me she didn't go to the special language arts class. She was scared that she was going to be staying in the normal class for reading and spelling. After we finished the spelling pages and I got her calmed down, I discovered that her agenda said she had 3 days to complete the spelling pages. Oh well. The next day I tried to call the school and later found out that Lauren class was just delayed and started the second day. In the end, she is happy with both her teachers. She got the teacher we wanted for the regular class and they switched the teacher for the language arts class.

So far Brandon's class is going good too. He has the same teacher as last year and they kept him with his best friend. I think they did it on purpose. They are about the same level in reading and Brandon is taken out for a harder math class.

Porn Sheet

On Tuesday Brandon started school. He was very excited to be back. At dinner I was trying to get the kids to talk about what they did in school and how things went. Brandon piped up with a lovely comment. "I've got a new PORN sheet in my back pack". As you can imagine, my head popped up on that one. After a question, or two I figured out that he meant POINT sheet. I think this will qualify as one of those things I will remember for the rest of his life.

Rough Start to New Meds

This week we started Lauren's new meds. I waited till I had a day that I was off work so I could watch her on her first day. Kind of glad I did. The drugs made her very sleepy. In one way, it's a good sign. You see the drug they give is a stimulant. It is supposed to stimulate the neurone on the brain and make them function better. The fact that she was sleepy means that it was working. This means that she is definitely ADD. If she wasn't, she would have been hyper. At lunch she hardly ate anything. But by dinner her appetite was back and she started to wake up. On day 2 of the meds, she didn't have the sleepy problem, but she complained of an upset stomach or really stomach pains. Not sure if this was the meds. Don't remember either of the boys having this issue. Lunch was more normal, but the stomach pains were causing her some problems. On day 3 she was just generally freaked out about eating because she didn't want her stomach to hurt. In the end, it was hurting because she was hungry. Today seems to be going fine. No sleepy issues, no stomach pain issues and appetite is OK. Thankfully, we have not had any issues with sleeping at night. That was one both the boys had when they started their meds. On the positive side, she has not fallen this week. Time will only tell if this is just luck or the meds helping her focus to walk. Next week we are on vacation and that should be the true test. There will be LOTS of walking and hiking all over the place. If she can make it through next week without falling I will be a true believer.

Back from Camp

On Saturday night Brandon and Jim got back from Cub Scout Camp. Brandon has not stopped talking about it since. He really had a great time. The first thing he did was show me some targets and tell me about the baby (bebe) gun he shot. I have tried to correct him about 5 times a day, but he still calls it a baby gun. He was apparently pretty good at it and hit the bull eye. Last night he wanted me to scan the target and send it to everyone he knew. I haven't tried it yet, but have a feeling I will. He also got to shot a bow and arrow, a sling shot, and a catapult. From the pictures, it really looks like he was right in there doing just what the other boys were doing with no problems. I'm so proud of him. Here are some pictures that Jim took while they were there.

Expected News in an Unexpected Way

OK, let me explain. We went and saw the Neurologist. We talked, he read all the reports, we talked more. Then he put Lauren through several tests. The good news . . . its NOT dsypraxia, just ADD. He then went on to explain the I'm too used to the boys version of ADHD. Lauren has what he calls the GIRLS VERSION. OK. He then went on to explain that girls have different issues, especially when they're not hyper. He thinks most of the issues she's having, expect for the dsylexia, is all due to ADD. The falling, the memory, the lack of focus the panic attacks. The falling part surprised me and I even asked if he was sure it wasn't dsypraxia like Brandon. He assured me it was not. He thinks she falls and trips due to a large problem with inattention. She so distracted that she doesn't focus on walking or going up and down the steps. SO, he suggested we try the meds that Brandon takes. Now don't all you people freak out. I know there are people out there that are fully against meds, but not me. I've seen the difference it can make for my boys. If it helps her stop falling and the emotions that are running wild, I'm all for it. Of course we will be keeping a very close eye on things for the first month. With Arion I kept a log, think I will do it again with Lauren. Things like how she feels, if she falls, change in appetite and if it effects her sleep. So, wish us the best. I really hope this makes a big difference in her life.

Packing For Camp

This week is a little crazy. I am trying to get two kids packed for camp. Lauren is not too hard. She was just there last month. I really only had to get some new batteries for her flashlights (yes, two . . I assume she will lose one). I guess the bigger issues is Brandon. This will be his first year at camp. Last night we went out and got him a new pair of hiking boots. His old ones were just too small to go another year. As we shopped, we were talking about what he needed to bring. He wants to take everything. I told him he could take his blanket and ONE stuffed animal, but then he wanted to take his dream catcher. I told him that the dreams he has here wouldn't travel and he would have camp dreams. I know, lame. Then last night he was having nightmares about having nightmares at camp and I decided that I would squeeze it in. I guess I am also worried that he will have a good time. At least at boy scout camp, Jim will be with him. The whole troop goes at the same time, so they will all know him. I guess it will be an easy first time out.

Stability Sneakers

So, the PT therapist thought it might help if I got Lauren these "stability sneakers". They're really stability running shoes. She gave me a coupon for a running shoe store. Went there yesterday and saw a whole wall marked "STABILITY". Explained what I needed and sort of why. Funny, he looked at Lauren and then back at me and then checked that it was her and not me that needed the shoes. Now I know I walk with a limp, but come on. Of course he started out my showing me some for $140 and then $100. HELLO, she's 10. NOT HAPPENING. I kindly told the man that I had a problem with spending that much for a 10 year old that might only get 6 months out of them. He then mentioned "last years model". Like I'm worried some guy who reads running magazines is going to notice her out of date foot wear. With my coupon, the clearance shoe was only $57. That, I can do. They better work or we won't be getting any more. Definitely going to check some other store to see what prices they have.

Last Night of PT

Tonight will be Lauren's last night of PT until she can see the Neurologist. I am hoping he will write another prescription for her to continue. She fell again yesterday. No major damage, just hurt her chin and shoulder. In the 6 short weeks since she started, her endurance is better. I'm not so sure that it has had any effect on the clumbiness. I guess there is no quick fix. This is going to take a while. I feel myself getting nervous about the upcoming appointment. What if I'm wrong. What if it's not the dyspraxia and it's something else. I guess the known is better than the unknown. It least I understand the dyspraxia. Then there's always the chance that he says nothing is wrong and then what do I do. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there. I should have more faith in this doc. I've known him for more than 15 years. He's always know what to do. I guess I'm just tired and worried that the next fall will break a bone or need stitches.