What a week…
Monday, we started off strong fighting traffic to get to Bev’s last burn appointment (traffic is rare here, but there was an accident). After waiting forty-five minutes, I asked someone if they’d forgotten us (which they probably had). They pulled us back fifteen minutes later. We waited another hour to see their NP only for her to take two seconds to look at Beverly’s back and say, “Wow! Looks good! I’ll check you out!” They really should have a faster pace line for “last appointments.” Regardless of the wait, it was good news. The biggest issue I had with the wait is I knew it would be a fast appointment so I volunteered to help at the Elementary school’s book fair. I went straight to the school to check Beverly in and get to work at the book fair. When I pulled up, I got a phone call from the school saying that Harvey had been moaning for the past two hours about his stomach. I told them I was on the property and would come check him out. He did look miserable, but I didn’t want to completely abandon my post at the book fair so I asked Harvey if he could go back to class and when I was done I’d pull him out. I missed the Kindergarteners session, but Harvey had already picked some books out. I only had to put one back, because we already had that book and I was sure he only picked it for the giant fake shark tooth. I helped with the second grade group only to realize Beverly wouldn’t get to go till the next day. I went home and grabbed a quick bite and headed back for fourth grade. I helped them (and Mav) find some books and grabbed Bev from lunch so she could get a book while I was there. Beverly and Harvey have lunch about the same time, so I checked on Harvey. He was eating and laughing and playing with his friends… so I figured he’d be fine to spend the rest of the day at school. I don’t think he was faking it. Andy talked to him after school and got more details on his symptoms and told me that it sounded like acid reflux. After some yogurt and tums he’s been doing much better. After the book fair, I went home, got some writing done, then headed to Max’s school for one of three annual resource committee meetings, then went straight home and finished making dinner (I had started it before school), took Mav to baseball practice and finally called it a day at 8 PM.
I handled the first two months fairly well, but the last few weeks have been challenging. I really think it is for two reasons. 1) I did a lot those first two months and probably wore myself out. 2) The longer Andy has been gone, the harder it has been on the kids… so the harder they have been for me. I am trying to be patient with their outbursts, but it is hard. I tell Bev as she cries because she misses her dad that I miss him too. I hadn’t really cried too much yet, but I’ve been on the verge of tears the past couple of days. A lot of stuff has happened not just with our own family, but my extended family, and then stuff with my ministering assignment, and on top of it, just trying to keep the kids healthy and happy. We’ve been dealing with a lot of sicknesses since school has started. That is also probably one of the reasons I’ve been struggling this week. I’ve been feeling sick and I’ve had migraines. I’m not sure if one caused the other, but the migraines have gotten more frequent and worse. Andy started me on a new med yesterday that will hopefully help my stress level, which will hopefully consequently prevent or decrease my migraines. After Max flooded his room while trying to refill his fish tank (and then getting distracted) and then a few things getting broken (not of any significance, just one more thing…), I’ve had a rough weekend.
I met with my OB on Thursday. He was very sympathetic to my migraines, sharing that he too suffered from them. He shared with me an injection he takes and told me he’d be willing to preauthorize it for me too if I wanted. I am trying Andy’s method first, but if that doesn’t work, I’m definitely going for the monthly injection. He also referred me to a neurologist, but my appointment isn’t until March 17th. Hopefully my migraines will diminish by then.
After lamenting to Andy about my rough weekend and my struggle with the kids, he asked me, “But isn’t there anything good about them?” Well… that certainly hit a nerve. Of course. And he’s right. I need to focus on all the good they are doing and how wonderful they are. So I will try that this week. Tonight, after dealing with another temper tantrum from Bev, Mav came up and gave me a hug. He is so tender and always seems to be in tune with the emotions of others. A couple of weeks ago, one of the kids clogged the toilet. I didn’t get a chance to look at it till bed time. I went in with a plunger and a prayer and began to pump for a good thirty minutes before I started wondering who I’d wronged on the other side. Max was still awake and my prayers were going unanswered so I asked Max if he could say a prayer for me, because we all know the faith of a child is something fierce. And sure enough, the minute he finished his prayer, the waters parted… or drained… honestly it was a miracle. And despite him flooding his bedroom, I have to note it was because he was trying to be independent. I told him that it would help me more if he would get me for help when it was a two man job. He felt awful and so did I. Harvey has been scared to be in a different part of the house to bathe, pee, etc. So that’s been a challenge as I’m insanely busy so to stop what I’m doing to watch him pee takes every ounce of patience left in my already depleted stores. BUT, he too gives the best snuggles and cheers me up with his random songs he makes up, the books he makes, and the new catch phrases he tries out on me. He kept asking me if I forgave him the other day. When I said, “Of course buddy, but I don’t know what I’m forgiving you for.” He said, “What does forgive me mean?” I love his curiosity that’s been building up with him. I love his love of numbers and the stories he tells, even if they’re not all true. He likes to tell me these outlandish stories of things that happen at school. When I tell him I’ll talk to his teacher about it, he says, “No! Mom, don’t!” So… at least I have a way to tell if they’re true or not. Beverly has been my most challenging kid lately, but she has such a desire to do well in school, learn how to cook, and has been making up fun little dances with her friends. She reminds me a lot of myself. Probably why she’s the one I struggle with the most. It’s hard to face your imperfections, especially when you see them reflected in your child. Her curls are getting more and more adorable. She is growing like a weed and I love how she loves to be my shadow… even if I would like a minute or two to myself.
I’ve really been enjoying Mav’s games. He got to walk to first base twice this week because he got hit by the pitcher! He was a good sport, even if his leg was a little bruised. He made four runs this week and made it all the way to third base after one of his hits. He’s improving so much this year.