Dear Friends,
I have missed you. I'm sorry I've been gone for so long. I promise I haven't been idol. We moved. Again. It was our 4th move in 2 and a half years. I'm staying put now. Forever. If you are new to this blog or have just forgotten while I left you hanging here is the recap:
March 2010 sell everything, rent out our house, and move to Beijing China
May 2010 have a baby in China and rush back to the States with her to wage war on lymphatic cysts
July 2010 husband and two other kids move back from China with the suitcases of what we have left
August 2010 move into 120 year old farm house as the house we own is still under contract
July 2011 move back into the house we owned only to realize it doesn't fell like our house anymore
July 2012 move up the mountain to the house where I wish to remain until the day I die. Really.
So much has happened with Maaike as well. She has healed up nicely from her tongue reduction and is making real strides with the Passey-Muir valve. We did a coblation laser treatment to her tongue and lip that caused massive swelling and in the end produced no results. We are gearing up to have her tonsils and adenoids out in December to help open up her air way a little more. And some other stuff that I can't remember.
But, what I really want to talk to you about is hibernation. I'm worried this year. In years past she was too small to notice that she was always left behind. She never cried when we the rest of us went off to a holiday party, Sunday church meetings, or the grocery store. This year she is painfully aware. Her first questions of the morning are usually: "You not going?" and "I going too?"
I'm not sure how to handle it. I have ramped up the crafts and books, but I'm wondering what you do. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about getting a little indoor slide for her for Christmas. I'm wondering about trying to find someone to come and do a gymnastics class at our house. Or dance? Maybe art lessons? Something that is her special thing. I'm wondering if I can find a fun 12 to 16 year old that would want to do it. Brainstorming phase here. Any other ideas?
It is hard to be so protective when she is doing so well. I want to take her everywhere and let her experience everything. I have to remind myself that this year we don't have the protection of the synergist vaccines (RSV vaccine) and that she still got RSV with the vaccine last year, though thanks to the vaccines it was mild. But, we have to do what we have to do. And more than just enduring it I want us to enjoy it. Time to put on our thinking caps and work together.
Have you tried board games? I am surprised that my almost-three-year old really loves them at there are a few that are for 3+. There is the Richard Scary Busy Town that she absolutely goes nuts for. She doesn't get the rules, but she loves that we are doing it together. Also, how is Maaike with cooking? There is something about helping me cook that really changes my little one's demeanor and she is learning to peel carrots and eggs and other simple tasks. We are eating a lot of cole slaw lately as a result and I will admit some of the food she prepares doesn't make it into the final dish. The next thing I am going to try is books on tape. I have seen other kids listening to the recording and turning the pages and they seem to really enjoy it. Good luck. I will ask around and see if any other ideas are floating around.
ReplyDeletevjacjno,
ReplyDeleteI love these ideas! Thank you so much for your input. We do have a few puzzles and a game of "Go fish" that she loves, but I think moving into some more challenging board games and having her help me out more in the kitchen are great ideas. I'm going to look up the Richard Scary game now. Thanks so much!
I say get her a race track for next year. If she wants art go for it. Maybe find something special for to do when you are out. The times she is left behind should be exciting for her. I hope you found a solution for your little one.
ReplyDeleteRian, hi! I can't get you out of my head this evening for some reason. I wanted to check in to see how you and your kids are doing? How are your two oldest? I think I still have pictures of them from Beijing that I've never sent you. Shame on me. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd how is sweet little Maaike is these days--wondering if you're still having to hibernate for the winters? Bless your soul. And your family!
I wish you a happy happy holiday season. I hope everyone is ok!
Hugs!~ Erynn Wilcox