Last Week

I don't quite know WHAT we are doing lately, we just seem to be behind. I guess that's just the way it goes...Monday nights, Jocelyn goes to gymnastics. She has not been participating in flipping over the bars (I believe, due to a fall on her second day in gymnastics). She tells her teacher it is because it hurts her stomach and her last teacher said she didn't have to do it. Her current teacher asked to speak with me after class last Monday night and we discussed it and so hopefully, Jocelyn will begin working on the bars. Jocelyn asked me what we talked about and I said "your teacher says you are strong enough to start doing the bars now!". Jocelyn and I had a talk about how some of the most fun things take a lot of work and we are sometimes afraid to try them. We'll see how tonight goes ...

Tuesday or Wednesday tends to be yard work night for Jason. I try to work in the house, and often end up outside with the girls. This happens less frequently since Joe and Vanessa moved--we could always count on them to draw us outside :) This past week, before going outside, we made a batch of sugar cookies to take to the new neighbors. The girls love to decorate cookies and the poor neighbors here get quite the variety (and quantity) of sprinkles, glitter, etc. We delivered them and got the opportunity to say hi.

Thursday, we skipped school and worked and stayed home to play with Abby & Abe. Sarah had her baby!!! It was a long day for her, but Michael is just as cute as can be. Abby & Abe were very excited. So, we had several little ones to take to Bonkers and Ice Cream. They seemed to have a good time and I was actually VERY surprised how well they all played together. There really weren't any fights at all and I think for an overnight trip that is pretty impressive.

Friday was back to routine after dropping off the kids that morning. It was my last day of work in Internal Medicine. Lynn called from the hospital lobby and I went to visit her while Camryn had her pre-op appointment (to get her tonsils taken out next week). She was such a trooper while getting her blood drawn. She didn't move an inch!! Brave girl :)

Friday night was a really tough night for Olivia. She just could not get settled for bed and was doing her best to stay out of it. After an hour of getting into trouble, getting her toys taken away, etc. we remembered our 'bedtime plan' from the Behavioral Support. No words, physically escort her back to bed and then walk out. Twenty-two times later, she stayed! I know this should be easy and it isn't that much different than what we were doing, but I think the biggest point is--NO TALKING! Olivia likes attention, even if it is negative. She just wants someone there. I'll be in trouble if she gains about 10 pounds though! She is already within 5 pounds of Jocelyn and she's very strong.

Saturday, Jocelyn got something that she has wanted for quite some time and she saved her money to buy it herself. She got an iPod shuffle. She loves it and has had her headphones practically glued on. The funniest part about it is that she still sings at the same volume (as if there was loud music throughout the house and not just for her). We are fully able to appreciate the new lyrics that she gives to each song :) Of course, Olivia, now wants one too. Not to listen to, of course, just to have...monkey see, monkey do. No, she doesn't get one.

Olivia was very well behaved all day (even through church). She is having more frequent 'accidents' (I don't believe they are accidents) when going potty, however. Some of them (#1) probably are, but not all of the #2. She is essentially refusing to go in the potty and just goes in her panties instead. I think I'm going to start up the 'reward system' for #2 again. Just to get out of the defiant habit.

Speaking of which, this will just give you an example of Olivia...yesterday, she went inside for something and when she returned outside, she left the door open. We asked her to close the door and so she walks back to the door yelling "No NO NO I not close the door". Since she went to the door to close it, I didn't comment. She gets to the door, touches it, and turns around as if she is done. Again "Olivia, please close the door". quietly this time, she returns to the door and closes it halfway. Again, we tell her to close it 'all the way'. So, Olivia closes it, it goes all the way shut and as soon as we can get out 'thank you' she opens it so that there is a 2-3 inch crack that is still open. This happens one more time before the door is finally closed. I had a meeting with Boone County Family Resources for Olivia's yearly plan this morning, and honest to goodness, the only way you can describe Olivia sometimes is that she argues just to argue...now we just have to figure out how to chanel that energy :)

In a nutshell, that was our week ...