more fun and excitment at our house

Our schedule is expanding.  Today, Bug had his first piano lesson.  We are very blessed to know talented teachers and friends.  S was and is the choir pianist for the church choir I was in at the time Bug came home.  She is awesome.  When I asked about lessons, friends immediately recommended her as a teacher.  Bug was a little unsure.  But he listened and played the games with her during the lesson today.  As we left her house, he exclaimed "I love piano".  So I have signed him up. 

Below he is playing a game where he has to stand on the black keys- either the pair or the trio.

here he is working on high and low tones.

I have a keyboard at home from when I took lessons as an adult.  It has sat in the basement for the last 8 years since I only had 6 months of lessons.  But as soon as I brought it up from the basement this evening, Bug was ready to play with it.  I am excited for him to have music lessons.  It was something I always wanted as a child, but due to my biological father's alcohol addiction, I never got to experience.

Since school has started our schedule is slowing filling up.  Right now on the schedule:
Saturday- Soccer (starting 10Sep)
?- piano practice- I am just waiting for S to let me know what night she fits us into the schedule
? - boy scouts- we have sign up tomorrow night.  Bug is excited about this.  he came home from school yesterday and told me that he gets to roast marshmallows.  Which I find funny, since he hates roasted marshmallows.  He loves uncooked marshmallows though. Go figure.

I also need to get Spanish lessons schedule or get us Spanish software, so we can work on our Spanish at home.    Friends told me school would start to fill up Bug's time and my time, I think I was in denial though.  And I realize that I have total control over our activities, but I want Bug to enjoy things and be exposed to things.  I enjoyed Girl Scouts, so Bug is trying Boy Scouts.  I always wanted to music lessons, Bug really wants to be a drummer, so we are starting with piano lessons.  A sport is important just for the fun and exercise.  As far as I am concerned, Bug is at the perfect age to just keep trying things, so he eventually discovers what really interests him.  I think soccer is going to win out at this point in his life, but swimming for fun comes in a close second. Bug is just totally happy to be going, going, going.

that's all for tonight.  Love and hugs,
Deb

A surprise for Bug

Bug, just hanging out on Sunday with his milkshake. 

Bug got a surprise today- I took him to get his own computer.  We have been talking about it for a few months.  I was debating between a computer or a video game system.  I decided against the video game system becuase I would rather Bug play outside and I really don't want to spend money on games all the time.

He definitely has limits on the computer- he has to earn "momma bucks" to get 30 minutes of play time on the computer.  When he earns the momma bucks, he has a choice to either play on the computer or watch a TV show.  I also have complete control of his computer, what sites he gets to play on, etc.  And finally, I loaded only the websites I approve of for him to play on.  But his first statement once he got playing was "momma, I need facebook so I can talk to the girls".  That would Susi, Karla and Andrea- not the girls in his school.  Too cute that he immediately thinks of Popi and the girls.

One happy boy, playing games on pbskids.com.

and a happy milkshake drinking little man.

That's the excitement here.  Wednesday, Bug is going to have a piano lesson to see how he likes it.  

Love and hugs,
Deb

having fun, the first week of school

The first week of school is done.  Bug says he likes everything at school.  So far, there are no complaints and no fussing over doing homework or getting up in the morning.  But he has looked tired in the afternoon.

Being tired has not stopped him from playing hard all week. 

Interrupting play time was the clean out of all the papers from kindergarten.  I filled this 30 gallon plastic box with all Bug's papers, projects, etc last year.  The plan was to go thru these papers over the summer, but I kept running out of time.  So last night, Bug and I sat and went thru everything to decide what to keep.  We ended up with small pile of things that I want to keep to remember his first year of school.   Bug pulled out a few papers that I was going to throw away and he put them in the keep pile.  But we are ready to start filling the bin with this year's papers.

Tonight, I sat and watched Bug ride a scooter like a teenager.  he had all the moves down.  while watching, I also got to see the neighbors next to me have 8  cars drive up with people getting out and going in the house and then- just for me- they drove on my lawn!!!!!  I will be talking to neighbors this weekend, there is absolutely no reason for people to be driving on my lawn, if they can not back a car out of driveway, then they go to the bottom of the street to the circle to turn around and then come back and park their car. 

My thoughts and prayers are with my friends and colleagues on the East Coast.  Stay safe amigos!!!!


love and hugs,
Deb

1st grade- the first day and all the fun from the weekend before

Bug received a package from Guatemala and he really got a thrill from the funny glasses.  But he decided he did not like them so much when he realized his nose was getting too hot.  But he is a cutie!!!

Thursday morning, we headed out to visit friends.  Bug was not too happy to have his picture taken at 8 am in the morning.

But by 10 am, he did not know I was snapping pictures as we headed down the road.

We got to CEEC house around 1 pm and had some craft time while little C finished her nap. 

Once little C woke up, there was some sword playing, lots of following the cute boy around.  It brought back memories of how Bug used to follow Big M around when he was 2. 

They have a hidey hole under the steps for the kids to play in- it is like a secret cave.  Bug loved it.

After dinner, there were Popsicle on the steps.

and some rock climbing in the yard.

The kids- Bug (6), Little C (2), and Little E (8).  It was interesting to see how Bug could play in both the older group and the with Little C, whereas Little E was very aware that when the kids were outside that if her friends saw her playing with the younger kids, then she would picked on.  I feel bad, why is it that kids are so cruel to each other, Little E should be free to play with Bug and Little C as she wants and not have to worry about what her friends think about it.  I know peer pressure is coming for Bug, I am just hoping it does not come so fast.

We drove home Friday evening, this was Bug 15 minutes after we were on the road.  He slept the entire way home- all 4.5 hours and then was still tired in the morning.  The trip was quick, but we both had a good time.

Sometimes it is just nice to hang out for a few days.

Saturday, we did some shopping for school.  Bug is so excited to be able to sit in the cart.  It is a treat for him.

And the day is finally here that we have been building to for the last few weeks- the First day of school.

So excited to go back to school.

A happy day.  Bug reported that nothing made him smile and nothing made him sad at school today.  when I asked him later, he was more forth coming.  He liked seeing his friends from last year in his class, he had art today and he learned not to shout "hey" at his classmates.  His lunch came home half eaten, which is better than last year when his lunch came home uneaten for 2 weeks.  He had one paper to do as homework, which he did without complaining (YES!!!!!!!!!).  we got his book bag ready for tomorrow and his lunch made.  I am hopeful that this year continues to be a positive experience for Bug.

After school and homework time, Bug had playtime with Little M.  The boys played swords (do you see a theme in what Bug likes), they rode scooters and then spent the rest of the time drawing on the driveway with chalk.

Bug's house.  I like it- so colorful.  Look at the color on his knees

2 very proud boys.

This was a good day.

We hope your day was a good day too.

Love and hugs,
Deb

The fun never stops at our house

no picture tonight.  I will be posting a bunch later this weekend. 
The excitement of the day at our house:

the call from the county health department alerting me to the test results for Bug.  Apparently testing positive for crypto means an immediate call to the health department.  I was not unprepared for this given Bug's symptoms and the trip to the emergency room on Saturday.  But I could have done without the 20 minutes of questions.

The highlight for Bug- he recieved a package from Guatemala!!!!!!!  The toy inside made for a fun night here.  We have not figured out how to make the moto flip (it was designed to flip per the instructions) but we are getting close.  Bug spent our play time laughing and screaming with excitment.  I wanted to go get my camera, but I was having too much fun with Bug. Thank you Popi, Momi Mireya, Susi, Karla and Nigua.

I am going to take a few days off, no computer.  Bug and I need the down time, seems strange to say that given how sick he has been this week.  But we need the time together before he heads back to school on Monday.

have a great weekend.

Love and hugs,
Deb

Happy 6th birthday to my little bug

We were gearing up for  jam packed birthday weekend, but then Bug got really sick.  The Y where he has been in summer camp closed the pools on Tuesday due to a water borne disease. The infection lasts 2-10 days, but Bug is not allowed back in the pool for an additional 2 weeks. By Thursday night, Bug was in stage one of the infection.  Friday was a day I would like to forget- although this picture of my cutie sleeping is wonderful.

Saturday started out better  and then Bug spiked a fever again and when he threw up, there was blood mixed in (apparently this is pretty common for kids).  We spent the remainder of the afternoon at the hospital to make sure he was OK.  We got the testing kit so they could diagnosis what we all think he has and thank goodness, Mam and Pap went with us.  Being a single parent, it means so much to me that my parents drop everything and go with me when Bug has had to go to the hospital.  Even if they can't be in the room, just knowing they are there, helps to keep me calm. We came home and Bug was pretty exhausted.  Pap was asking Bug if he wanted the blanket, Bug kept saying no, although he was saying he was cold.

Bug fell asleep at 7 pm.

Sunday was his family birthday party.  We had all the family over and that includes Hermano and his parents.  Bug was still not feel well and actually, he would have probably gone to sleep, except Hermano arrived.  Bug had 2 bites of his hot dog and that was the extent of his food for the day.

The rest of family had delicious corn from the farm, some yummy burgers, hot dogs and brats and all the veggies you could want.  It was good.

Bug, as usual, does not like to hear the singing.  He wanted cupcakes, so we had those.  It worked out great.  There was lots of fighting for the rainbow sherbet that we had instead of ice cream- who knew???

Not listening to the singing. Hermano was happy to sing, although he was not too sure what Pap was singing.

Plenty of breath to blow out the candles.

High fives instead of hugs.  Bug is just silly.

Bug wanted a pillow pet, so his momma got him one.  He was one happy boy.  Between all the Transformers and all the cool tools Hermano got him, he is one blessed little man in terms of birthday presents.

Bug got to stay home today and this was his morning face.  He will be home again tomorrow.  Unless his G.I. issues are gone for 24 hours, he can not go back to summer camp.  His last day at summer camp is supposed to be Wednesday.  Go figure.

After Bug's birthday celebration on Sunday, we had a skype call with his foster family in Guatemala.  Hermano and Bug were fostered together, so it was a cool call.  Bug was pretty quiet as usual on the call, but Hermano was all out entertaining.  He sang, shared his new Spanish vacabulary and had no problem chatting with Popi, Momi and the girls.  I think we need to have Hermano over every time we have a skype call, he sure lessens the time I have to talk and is a sure sight more entertaining.

Since Bug has been so sick, I promised a separate dinner with just me when he feels better, whatever he wants.  So far, the menu includes chocolate cake.  Bug is a boy after my own heart!!!!!

School starts in a week.  We know his teacher and his classmates.  A few of the boys from his kindergarten class are in his 1st grade class.  None of the girls from his K class are in his 1st grade room.  But there are only 2 classes, so he will be seeing the other class pretty regularly.

I hear him stirring, so I have to go check on him now and head to bed myself.

Love and hugs,
Deb

YMCA, friends, and being sick

 We are coming to the end of Bug's summer camp experience.  Each morning, we go in this door, Bug with his back pack and water bottle. He starts off in his swim suit since they have camp welcome and then immediate go to the pool.  But, before camp starts, Bug  goes to pre-camp.

 I sign him in here.  These are the sign in ladies and one of Bug's friends from camp. 

 At pre- camp, he gets a snack.  This is the snack lady.  Bug also goes to post- camp once the day camp is over.  The same snack lady is there with an afternoon snack.

 Y and her momma came over on Tuesday evening to play with us.  Bug was so excited to play shield and swords with Y. 

And we ended the week on a down note- Bug is sick. This is a picture of him taking his second nap for the day.  I spent most of the morning cleaning up after him- I will spare you the details.  The early afternoon was nap time and some calm cuddle time on the couch.  Now, it is early evening and the bad stuff is back, though not as bad as it was this morning.  Prayers are much appreciated for Bug's speedy recovery as this is his birthday weekend.  We are currently scheduled to be at my dad's union picnic tomorrow at a local amusement park and then Sunday the family is coming over for Bug's family birthday.  Part of the birthday celebration will include Hermano and his family coming over to celebrate with us and then a call to Guatemala.  Bug has a busy weekend and I know he is not happy about being sick. 

I am off to take care of him.

Love and hugs,
Deb

updates to the last post

So I have been thinking and analyzing the last few days.  I really knew immediately the other night what Bug was saying. 
A rite of passage is the statement to your parents that you want to run away.  For Bug, that is scary, but to say that he wanted to go back to Guatemala- that is safe.  he knows what love he would go back to.  He also knows that he misses the girls terribly.  So to state he wants to go back is to be expected.  I expect he will say it many times.  I expect that it may be his choice when he is 18.  It is OK and I am fine with that, is that not what we want for our kids, that they grow up knowing they are free to be the person they want to be??

I think Bug is also struggling with change- which is normal for him.  Summer is ending, school will be starting in just over a week.  He has watched me buy his school supplies, he has watched me buy his school uniforms, he hears me talking about going back to school.  This is change and in his mind, change is not always good.  But, I am confident he will be fine.  He just needs a few weeks in school and all will be normal for him again.

One thing he is worried about is me going to Boston again- which will be in September.  I think he remembers last year when I went to Boston early in the school year and then at the beginning of summer.  And yet the same thing is happening again.  I know I am going, I am just not sure of the dates, but likely mid September.  Hopefully things will be settled enough that a few days in Boston will not throw off everything, but I will have to watch it as it compounds Bug feeling unsettled.

I have started working with Bug to set some goals for this coming school year.  I need to do some checking and have a long talk with his teacher, but we are really going to work goals this year.  Setting up some mini goals, some big goals and some stretch goals for him. Good thing we will be seeing El soon so I can get everything formalized.

The next big thing is the planning for going back to Guatemala in 2012.  We had to cancel this year's trip, but we can not cancel the trip in 2012.  As this year closes, I will be able to see when the window of opportunity to go back to Guatemala will be open and I will be planning in earnest.  Although I had to have the talk with Bug about how we can cut spending now to help defray costs next year. 

So that is the update for now.  Things are good and getting better.

Love and hugs,
Deb

no pictures- just adoption related stuff

Bug and I were talking last night after we had a skype session with Popi, Mireya and the girls.  Bug made the statement that he would like me to drive our car to Guatemala and leave him there.

yea- he said that.  My son, the one who refuses to sleep in his own bed because he needs to be near, the son who can't play more than 2 feet from me, the one who has to follow me down the hallway and stand outside the bathroom door, so he knows where I am.  Yes, this son told me I could take him back to Guatemala and leave.

His reasoning, he could swim in the pool every day (his follow up comment today).

I know it is hard for him to process that we can go to Guatemala and come back, but at this time, the girls, Mireya and Popi can not come to visit us.  I know he misses them and I known the calls bring it all back to him. 

But I also know that the conversations help him- they keep Popi, Mireya and the girls real to him.  He does not have to wonder if they still love him, he hears them say it.  Int he last few calls, the goal has been to allow me to talk to them and Bug can play in the background, where they can see him.  But alot of time has past since the last call, and we all forgot the plan.  I was encouraging Bug to talk to much and show off his toys.  A reminder to me that Sunday night's call should be more of Bug playing and less of Bug having to interact with me or the girls. 

It is hard to hear that he would be happy to have me drop him off, but I have to remember that he is 5 going on 6 and what he says it not always what he means.  So getting to the bottom of his meaning is paramount.  This is not to say that I am dismissing his statement, he may in fact decide to go back to Guatemala when he is 18, but that will be his decision.  Right now, he is a 5 year old trying to express the emotions in his heart and saying that he wanted to me to take him back in our car was an expression of missing the girls and remembering the fun we had on our last visit.

It is always something, each interaction is a chance to help Bug understand his past and come to terms with the emotions it stirs.  The important thing is giving Bug the skills to help him make positive decisions in the future.  his feels are valid, his thoughts are valid.

I know lots of things are changing for Bug right now, school will be beginning soon, he changed classes at church, his Y camp will be ending.  So all the changes would cause him to think back to the one place that he sees as never changing- Popi's house.  It does not help that I have been busy for the last month, working most evenings.  But things will get better and settle down as school starts.

I know there are going to be people who tell me to stop the calls to Guatemala- but I do not accept that as a solution- it is a short term fix for a long term issue and invalidates Bug's past.  I will not do that Bug and I will not do that to Popi, Mireya and the girls or to me. We are all a family, connected by one precious little boy.

Love and hugs,
Deb

Birthday party with friends

Bug celebrated hsi 6th birthday today- this was jsut the friend party- his actually birhtday is still another week away. 

Bug wanted a transformer birthday party, so of course, I agreed.

Bumblebee is his favorite transformer. 

We set up the "put the badge on bumblebee" game.

All the kids playing in the pool before cake and ice cream and then presents.  The pool was a hit.  Bug told me before we went outside that he was not getting in.  See how long that lasted.

half the crew, readyto dry off and go in for cake and ice cream.

We played the game after everyone dried off.  Big M got the badge closiest to the actual spot. The kids loved the game

This is where Bug put his sticker.

My shy guy, hiding his face while everyone sang to him.

blowing out the candles!!!!!

It was a good party.  Bug had lots of fun.  His friends had lots of fun.  I am tired. Bug is busy playing with his new toys.

Love and hugs,
Deb