Craptastic day.

[VClute]

Today's my birthday. I have a number of things to bitch/whine about:

I'm sitting here with both children in the house, waiting for our new washer and dryer to be delivered. I didn't want a new washer and dryer. But DH loves buying big ticket items for our house. Apparently, INSTEAD of buying me a gift. :(

Did I mention both kids are home today? They're currently screaming in the kitchen over froot loops (yes, you read that right) while I'm taking a time out on the porch.

My son has been in early intervention pre-k for two years. He's supposed to start kindergarten in the fall, and they've told me they're recommending the self-contained autism classroom for him. I tour that next week.

His pre-k teacher knew I was sad about the recommendation and ready to fight them on it, so she's suggested I also tour a regular kindergarten class. Probably to try to make me realize he couldn't handle it. I'm so scared that they're right...

I've been schlepping ds to therapy and extra-curricular activities out the wazoo to try to get him ready for k. But we had a fight this am because he REFUSES to try to write. He was doing so well last year, using his left hand to write his name. But sometime this year he started trying to use his right hand (was he encouraged to? told to? or is he just copying the other kids?) and now his handwriting is terrible and he HATES to work on it. He even flat-out refused to draw me a picture for my birthday. :(

Did I mention both kids are home today? They've moved their screaming match upstairs. But first they locked the door from the porch to inside the house. So now I have to figure out how to get back in the house.

And I'm OLD. And FAT.

That should do it for a while...

[bubbaray]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Seriously. I mean that -- because it sounds like you need a hug and someone to sing Happy Birthday to you! :grouphug: :hug:

You have a lot going on. I think the kids locking you out is a sign that God knows you need a break. Just relax and count to 10. The kids will be fine. When they need you, they'll find you -- if they can lock the door, they can unlock it to (though it may take a while).

You may need to remind your DH that the w/d isn't your b-day present and you are looking forward to whatever it is that he is giving you. Before midnight.

If it makes you feel any better, we will be RVg on my b-day this year. Did I mention, I really don't like camping??!!

[boogiemomz]

Happy birthday!!! :bighand:

sorry it's not the greatest. looks like the weather in NC is great today, so enjoy a few moments in the sunshine with nothing but your own pleasant company. hope your DH will come through with a nice gift for his lovely wife!

(((hugs))) hopes the day gets better!

[Wife_and_mommy]

:hug: to you. I'm so sorry.

If it helps you feel better, my 4yo boy has the fine motor skills of a 3yo. I'm feverishly looking for engaging activities for him to do to work on them as he is not interested in most of them.

You're a good mama no matter which room DS is in. Internalize that so it's not a judgement on you.:hug:

And happy birthday! I agree with Bubbaray. W/D do not count unless you want them to. :wink2:

[jerigirl]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

Happy Birthday! I hope your day gets better!

[infomama]

Aww mama...Happy Birthday from me!! Taking a minute to post was a good idea. I hope you got back in the house and the kids calmed down for a bit. :hug:

[elizabethkott]

:grouphug:
Awww mama... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I hope your day starts to turn around.

[sste]

Have a wonderful birthday!!

Just to help you look at this a little differently so you can enjoy your birthday (!) a bit more, the self-contained autism classroom is not: 1) a done deal; 2) a lifetime choice; or 3) a bad thing with respect to services - - in fact, I wonder if it would be preferable for him to work with autism specialist teachers in terms of him making the most rapid progress possible. Maybe TOMORROW :) you can start thinking about a compromise solution where he is in the autism classroom but mainstreamed for a subject area or elective or two that he is especially strong in - - that may be the best of both worlds and set him on the path of gradual integration into a typical classroom.

I know this doesn't solve coming to terms with a potentially lifelong difference in your child, but I am not sure you need to cross that bridge yet (and certainly not today) - - there are some moms here with amazing stories of improvement in autism features in their kiddos over the years.

If you haven't done so already, we are ordering you to plan a nice birthday dinner, take yourself out for a pedicure, or make yourself a favorite birthday celebration drink - - and no morning is not to early to drink it!

[ewpmsw]

Happy Birthday. I hope it gets better. If DH won't do something thoughtful, do something nice for yourself. :hug:

[sidmand]

Happy Birthday! Really!

And I literally just came from our Kindergarten recommendation/update IEP and can totally relate to that. DS has been in preschool fulltime for the last two years. In his case they are recommending the regular K and I'm terrified about that. There's the size of the class (20+ kids and 1 teacher), the fact that he can't/won't open many foods and I'm afraid he won't eat anything, that he has trouble "defending himself against his peers," etc. Many of his friends are going into non-integrated classes and I know they're not happy about that either. But I know they're trying to find the best placement and many many kids are completely different at school than at home in a quieter setting and, especially with all the budget cuts, they want them to be in the least restrictive environment. It's hard to hear though but as others have said, it's not a done deal and it's not forever. If they find he's doing great they'll move him.

Sorry I turned this into a bit of my own worries!

I've also finally learned that DH will never pick up on any of my hints about a gift and if I really want one I tell him, "I want a gift and I don't want a GC to my hair salon because I'm going to go there anyway and that's not really a gift!"

I say give them lots of Froot Loops and TV and take a break for yourself!

[Gena]

Happy Birthday. I hope it gets better.



My son has been in early intervention pre-k for two years. He's supposed to start kindergarten in the fall, and they've told me they're recommending the self-contained autism classroom for him. I tour that next week.

His pre-k teacher knew I was sad about the recommendation and ready to fight them on it, so she's suggested I also tour a regular kindergarten class. Probably to try to make me realize he couldn't handle it. I'm so scared that they're right...



:hug: This was us a year ago. I understand how hard this is. Our DS is thriving in his K-2 autism classroom and we have been amazed by the progress he has made this year in behavior, social skills, language, motor skills, and academics. We are thrilled with this program, its staff, and the services DS receives. He will be in the same classroom again next year and we are excited about the new goals that are being set for him.

There was a time when I said that I wanted DS to be mainstreamed in Kindergarten. Then I said that the self-contained room for K would be all right of he could be mainstreamed by 1st grade. Now I've finally stopped setting my own timeline for mainstreaming and put more emphasis on DS being in a learning environment that best suits his unique combination of abilities, interests, and needs. But it's still hard at times.

[elektra]

Happy Birthday mama!
SO sorry the day is craptastic so far. It's not over yet, maybe things will turn around. Here's to hoping they do! :54:

[mytwosons]

I'm sorry! Not what you deserve on your birthday.

DS1 is recovered from autism and I know what an emotional toll it takes on you. Hugs. You are allowed to grieve and hope/believe at the same time.

I hope your day improves and your DH manages to pull his head out of his @ss before tonight.

[JTsMom]

:grouphug: Happy Birthday!

I'm so sorry about the school stress. I hope everything works out as well as possible.

[LMPC]

I'm dying to know....did they let you back in yet??!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! :yay:

I agree....men do not take hints!! Typically, I just order something for myself -- at least I'm happy with my gifts each year :)

[catroddick]

I agree....men do not take hints!! Typically, I just order something for myself -- at least I'm happy with my gifts each year :)

I used to have a real problem with this idea. But I just ordered my Mother's Day present on Tuesday (Esty- thanks to you all). So I guess I'm over it. And I think I'm going to love it!!! ;)


Amy- Happy, happy birthday! Sorry the family is not cooperating. But we all wish you the best!!!

[boogiemomz]

i think there's something to be said for picking out your own gifts. i'm just sayin.

[g-mama]

I'm sorry you're having a crappy birthday. Birthdays, of all days, are supposed to be easy and light, though as moms, we don't always get that kind of day. It's not fair.

2 out of 3 of my kids have been home sick from school this ENTIRE week being grouchy and high maintenance, and it is making me a bit crazy. I totally get you on that.

Be direct with your dh and tell him you need him to help turn this day around for you. I know you probably feel you shouldn't have to, but do it anyway.

:hug: Try to have a good weekend, mama.

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

Happy Birthday!:grouphug: You mean like a 1950's housewife you didn't want a washer/dryer, that you could use while wearing a perfectly ironed dress and apron, cooking everything from scratch and washing the floor on your hands and knees?:wink2:

Sorry.Hopefully you get a break later to chillax.

[kristenk]

:cheerleader1: Happy Birthday! :cheerleader1:

I'm sorry this day isn't going as well as it could and should. If you can't do something for yourself this evening, take some time this weekend and do something *for you* *by yourself*. I really like the special birthday cocktail idea, too, though!

And if the kids will be happy and quiet eating Froot Loops, then go for it. A day of Froot Loops won't hurt anyone (food allergies/dietary restrictions aside, of course) and if they'll give you the gift of a peaceful house, then fabulous!

I almost forgot. You are definitely not old OR fat. I think you look fabulous!

:grouphug: I hope your day is going much better now and that you're back in the house - if you want to be in the house!

[elephantmeg]

I'm so sorry! Happy b-day!

[Momof3Labs]

Happy birthday...

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[hollybloom24]

Happy Birthday!!! I hope your days gets better!!! I have totally been there!!!

[kijip]

Amy, I hope you are feeling better today. :hug: and happy Birthday. Tell your husband that he can do all the laundry forever as your birthday present.