December Dingos Run Through the Holidays! - Page 8

[Nickarolaberry]

Mandy.

Is it possible he is overwhelmed, sensory-wise, in school?

Some kids (and this is me, even as an adult) have trouble filtering out ambient noise/distractions and it takes all their energy to cope with that, then all of a sudden they just can't anymore. It can come out as aggressiveness, inattentiveness, etc. but isn't necessarily a 'syndrome' (like ADHD or something). I don't know, just throwing a thought out there. I have to work very hard in situations with more than a couple people not to lose it, unless I'm heavily focused on something or it's very quiet.

[kerc]

Originally Posted by Realrellim

kerc--did you say recently that you had both of your kids in a Chariot 2? I'm assuming they still fit comfortably? I'm thinking that would be super-useful for snowshoeing next winter because DD doesn't snowshoe very long before she gets tired and it would be nice to not have to carry two kids.

Yes, but walking. IME it's better to have one child in the sled while skiing or snowshoeing. Can you try Gaye's before shelling out the cashola? And FWIW .... if you're running at ~6 months the infant sling can be done away with. We used a towel rolled up to prop Erin up when she was a wee thing.

[bec]

Just wanted to send a out to you, Mandy. Try to take a long view approach. You know he will be adjusted to school in a few years. He will be able to sit and get along with others when he's a teenager, etc.

[tjsmama]

jaygee~Dayton is a great little city. I love that area. My best friend growing up was there when her DH was stationed at WPAFB and they really enjoyed their time there. That said, I'm still rooting for Colorado!!!

kayalana~Welcome! I have a Chariot, and LOVE it. Seriously. They are expensive but soooo worth it. Especially if you have thoughts of biking with your little one(s), as it is also a bike trailer. I didn't get mine until DS was almost a year old, but I have several friends who have used them starting around 6-8 weeks for running with the infant sling. The infant sling is really nice, and they're really secure in there. You can sometimes find them on Craigslist, although around here, they're snapped up almost as soon as they're listed. A couple of the things that I like about mine over other jogging strollers (other than being able to use it as a bike trailer): it's totally encloseable, as in no chucking snacks/toys/books/blankets out; it's totally encloseable, so I can take DS out even when the weather is kind of crappy, he's bundled and warm and cozy inside; lots of storage space; breaks down and folds up really easily.

mandy~

real~You're more than welcome to test mine out if you like, but I don't have the infant sling. As mentioned above, I have several friends who DO have the infant sling and really like it. You might keep an eye out on Craigslist. They're almost impossible to find, but I think this is probably the right season to score one.


I learned a few hours ago that baby Jimmy didn't make it. I'm guessing that he may already have been gone by the time I heard the initial news yesterday, as they buried him with Robin today. I got a message from my advisor that they suspect it was an aortic aneurysm, so she really never had a chance.

My running partner bailed on me for the morning. Sigh. Wimped out b/c of the cold. So I was debating whether to go ahead and follow through with the plans to run in the frigid cold at 6:15, or to go to the Y for 12 miserable miles on the treadmill, or to bag it tomorrow and run Sunday morning, when it will be just as cold (or colder) but I can actually wait until daylight. I think I'm leaning toward Sunday. I'm in the middle of baking cookies, making spiced nuts, and making pulled pork for tomorrow morning's holiday party, and I'm already tired.

rr~Spin/pilates class this afternoon at the Y. I decided to test out my lungs and skipped my inhaler (but took it with me, just in case). It seemed to be ok, although I think I've been coughing a bit more since. I'm definitely not ready to give it up for running quite yet.

[SugarAndSun]

Originally Posted by Kayalana

Hi Dingos! I have been enjoying reading your posts with my little 8 week squirm worm in my lap. DD is 12 lbs and I think she is probably big enough for a jogging stroller on pavement.

A couple questions for the running mamas -
Anyone have any advice for using jogging strollers with the very LO's? I can't seem to find a thread on this, or much info on the internet for that matter.

Do you have any recommendations for a jogging stroller? I will be running mostly on roads and maybe some packed gravel when DD is a bit bigger. I will probably be getting one second hand on Craigslist.

cheers,
Kate

I used to have a double BOB and LOVED it! DH backed over it and I was SO mad. I had an extra sort of cushion in there too.

Originally Posted by grnmtnmama

So DS had a terrible day in school today. i had a huge voice mail from the teacher and I guess there's paperwork in his backpack that we have to sign because now he has to get professionally evaluated for his behavior problems. I'm at a loss and am completely beside myself. he's not 'that kid' at home and I don't understand why this is happening and I haven't a clue on how to fix it. ugh. i feel awful about it and then i feel awful about crying over this because in the big picture it's not a big deal. but i'm sitting here at my desk .

RR - lifted weights today. but my hamstrings were not cooperating so it was sort of 1/2 arsed. i did do a whole bunch of pushups and planks.

off to go pick up my future juvenile delinquent.

How difficult. Maybe there is someone/something triggering it at school. What does he say about it?

tjs: It IS cold!

We are in Moab and it is super cold! We are running a 10k tomorrow that cost over $35 and then we find out there are over 1,000 people running it and that there are no chips! Rip off! DH is running with the GoBug stroller thing and I am just running. He beat me at the Turley Trot by 30 seconds with the things so I am hoping to beat him tomorrow.

We have been traveling and I ran all of 5 miles this week after running 50 last week and 48 the week before. Darn! I was on e such a roll!

[1jooj]

So sad for baby Jimmy and his family.

Nick, I am glad you found the menorah.

Geo, wish I had some solution for your bra problems.

Mandy, I second Nick's thoughts on all the stim at school. It's worth looking into. But it will get better.

Things here are all right. Buried poor Tooba with dh last night. My mom came today and besides groceries, I got little done. Working on planning dd's and my niece's co-bday party (a mock formal) with my sister, which is a fun thing.

And suddenly, it is below freezing. It doesn't matter whether it comes in October or December, winter is always a shock to my system.

Between running and digging yesterday, I was pretty sore today. Then dh and I did some insane furniture moving (hauling an extremely heavy dresser--because it is too large to fit up the stairwell--up a ladder and into the house via the second floor balcony door), so tomorrow I may or may not be OK to run. Going to try.

[memiles]

Robin and Baby Jimmy. What a tragedy, and I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.

Three miles on the dreadmill. Not very much fun, but done. The same mileage and the same pace outside feels so much easier, I just can't get out of my head while staring at the wall.

I think I'm going to pour a glass of wine and go take a bath.

[bec]

Jimmy and Robin. How utterly tragic.

We took the kids to Pizza Hut (they had those BookIt free pan pizza deals for reading), and then to the lighting ceremony for the tree in town. There were a bunch of really cool fireworks, and the kids were mesmerized. But, man, was it cold!

Rest day tomorrow, but I have a birthday party to go to (and shop for), and girlscout meeting to prepare for Sunday. We're starting a building/architecture try it. It's the way I am going to introduce the bridging ceremony to them (they will be moving from Brownies to Juniors at the end of the school year). I have had the idea that they would build their own bridge to cross! So, we're going to talk about the ceremony a bit, as well as the try it. I'm excited. I love it when ceremonies and the symbolism in them can also be put to a practical use!

[cornflake girl]

lab - DH is a lot slower than me but he is not at all competitive and doesn't get all bent out of shape about women running faster than him. We're doing a half on Sunday and he'll probably finish an hour after me. Yikes, that sounds like a lot of time, good thing he doesn't care!

Gaye - so horrible.

Mandy -

bec - building a bridge for the bridging ceremony is awesome!

We're leaving first thing in the a.m. for our annual kid-free trip to the Vegas half marathon. I'm so excited! I just wish it didn't start at 6 a.m. Oh, and while I'm at it, I wish it wasn't so cold, too. But it's all so fun it doesn't matter. Ciao, dingos!

[tjsmama]

Go, cfg, go!!! Run fast!

[zubeldia]

cfg, have a wonderful time! Looking forward to the RR

Oh, gaye, how tragic. I can't even imagine....

kayalana - welcome! I did just look into this and decided on the Chariot Cougar 2. My ds is almost 5 months and since we live in maine and I do a lot of biking (as does DH) we shelled out the extra cash and decided on the Chariot over the Bob. Like Gaye, I like that it's fully enclosed. It's so cosy in there, and we did buy the sling. We've only just bought it and have yet to use it properly, but I really like the feel of it, the height, and the ease of use.

mandy.

Thanks for feedback and support re: weight. Since these are vanity pounds I know I have to be even more patient. DS is almost 5 months. I've heard from a lot of people that that bf'ing makes them hold onto the weight until they either wean or the lo transitions to predominantly to solids. Eek. I'm sure the chronic sllep deprivation doesnt help one bit, either.

I just posted some new pics of Rafi

http://usandpoppet.blogspot.com/

rr: group power on Thursday left me with very tired legs (so much squatting!). Yesterday Raf went to the nanny for a few hours so i could get some work done. I decided to take advantage of the spare half hour I had and sucked up feeling awful to run 5 miles. So glad I did as we;re all coming down with something now and working out may be difficult.

Snow coming too...

[mommajb]

CFG!

mandy, I hope you are able to help your ds sort out school. Given it is not behaviors seen at home I have hope you can help him solve the problem he is having in the school environment. It doesn't mke it easier but maybe more hopeful?

gaye, what a terrible time for that family and a reminder for us to value each day with ours.

jo, my girls would love a mock formal!

My hope is to get some speedwork in while the little girls are at gymnastics. I really can't sit there for two hours without going insane but apparently so I usually leave for the middle hour. Apparently they had sibling issues last week and had to be separated and then cried to be together.

[Geofizz]

: Mandy, is there more than one kindergarten class at that school? I wonder if he needs a different environment. Also, if the school wants him evaluated, they should do the evaluation. They can recommend you do something privately, but they will need to do their own. The advantage of doing an evaluation at school is they can watch him in the environment where things are a problem. I take it he does fine with playdates as well? Is kindy full day or half day? Wasn;t he still taking a nap until recently? (Or do I have the wrong dinglet?) Do you have any signs he has allergies (something he might be exposed to at school)? Is he bored? What does he have to say about the situation?

School is hard. Growing up is hard work.

I wore the "gee, I guess I don't really need to breathe" torture device last night with the outfit. A colleague spent about 20 minutes telling me that she was shocked to see me more dressed up and that I never wear clothes that look good, and she and another colleague have fantasized about kidnapping me and taking me shopping. That does wonders for my self-esteem and doesn't make me at all self-conscious. :

Must run. Between a bazillion activities this week between me and my RP, I haven't run since Monday.

[kerc]

Originally Posted by Geofizz

A colleague spent about 20 minutes telling me that she was shocked to see me more dressed up and that I never wear clothes that look good, and she and another colleague have fantasized about kidnapping me and taking me shopping.

WHAT?!! What a horrible thing to tell you. I'm glad you found something that looks good, but geez I'm so sorry you had to deal with that.

[Penelope]

Yeah, holy rudeness. That's unacceptable behavior. Especially since you're highly skilled in your field! Which is more important than dressing to her stupid standards! Seriously, would she trade you for someone girly/fashionista but professionally useless? How sexist and annoying.

[Mommabelle]

Mandy..(hugs)

Geo..how rude of them! urghh

Gaye..that is such a tragedy. So sorry.

It's really cold here. I will be enjoyingthe treadmill this week! I'm still just doing really small runs.

I think I dropped the Thanksgiving lbs this week. I ate a ton of green veggies and carrots. Actually felt pretty good, so I'm gonig to try and keep it up.

Hope you all enjoy the weekend!!

[memiles]

Geo, those colleagues need to get their booties kicked! Nothing ticks me off more than judgement of women based on clothing. You are brilliant and talented and strong and beautiful!

It's 24 degrees outside and Courtney has a soccer game. This is nuts.

[loftmama]

Originally Posted by tjsmama

I learned a few hours ago that baby Jimmy didn't make it.

(((hug)))

Originally Posted by grnmtnmama

I'm at a loss and am completely beside myself. he's not 'that kid' at home and I don't understand why this is happening and I haven't a clue on how to fix it. ugh.

Mandy, What does your gut tell you? Is there a different environment you can put him in with a different class size or different group dynamics or different structure? Even if the teacher and other kids seem wonderful to you, there's no telling what the dynamics are that trigger it. What does he think? Does he like anything about school? Before we homeschooled ds1, he went to a variety of preschools and kindergartens before we found one that worked - the right class size, structure, schedule, amt of kids, etc. (I personally liked them all.) It was such a beautiful thing once we found it. Not every kid thrives in the typical kindergarten classroom. What does the mama inside you think? What is ds feeling that can't be put into words?

GO CORNFLAKE GIRL AND CORNFLAKE DH!!!

Geo, how rude! I don't know what comes over some people sometimes (though I've said idiotic things that I wish I could take back.) A wide berth, perhaps?

Kerc, what did you decide about your sister? When we baptized our two sons, we very carefully arranged each event around the godparents' calendars. It was a bit tricky and one in particular was inconvenient for me but I felt like that inconvenience was mine to bear since I was so thrilled about the godparents even making it - especially all at the same time - a minor miracle.

Our advent activity today is "Find tree." As soon as they're finished with their sausage and Belgian waffles, we'll hike through the woods with saw in hand to find just the right tree in the same fashion we did 30 years ago when my dad was alive. I'm so excited. Then this afternoon our town is having it's first ever clothing swap, followed by a parade in which my kids are participating, then off to a kid-movie at the church and hot dogs. Busy day! Phew! Oh and it got down to 20 last night, so this hike's going to be purty darn cold!

Have a wonderful day, Dingoes. Enjoy!

[grnmtnmama]

Originally Posted by Geofizz

: Mandy, is there more than one kindergarten class at that school? I wonder if he needs a different environment. Also, if the school wants him evaluated, they should do the evaluation. They can recommend you do something privately, but they will need to do their own. The advantage of doing an evaluation at school is they can watch him in the environment where things are a problem. I take it he does fine with playdates as well? Is kindy full day or half day? Wasn;t he still taking a nap until recently? (Or do I have the wrong dinglet?) Do you have any signs he has allergies (something he might be exposed to at school)? Is he bored? What does he have to say about the situation?

School is hard. Growing up is hard work.

Thanks for the compassion everyone, I'm still quite hurt and frustrated by the whole thing. The school is going to bring someone in to do the evaluation, I guess that's good because maybe we'll get a clue into the triggers and so forth. He does fine with playdates and fine at home it's just school that we're seeing the problems.

Kindy is three half days and one full day and one day off. After kindergarten he goes to an afterschool program. He was napping regularly before full days, and tiredness could be involved. Now that it's the quiet season for the bike shop we should have DH take him out early for more downtime, see if that could maybe help.

He says that his brain tells him to do the bad things and then his robot arms do them and he can't stop them. there is no lack of imagination. he's advanced in his class, but not so advanced that he should be bored. i can tell he's learning things. his reading and math skills are leaps ahead of where he was at the beginning of the year.

there is another class, i don't think they like to move students around. I think he might fare better in a more structured environment, despite his teacher saying that he can't. I know this kid will sit and color for 45 minutes at a time. Sit on the couch and 'read' books to himself. So it's not adding up to me why he's after this negative attention.

sigh.

FM - i got up and out on the trail at 9am this morning, which was great except that it wasn't nearly the quiet, solitude I was looking for. I saw hunters and a big pack of passive-agressive older women hikers. I had the dog with me and so I couldn't go out of the trails to finish on the road and I didn't want to keep running into the other folks, so I quit. My head is just all messed up right now and it wasn't meant to be.

Geo - I bet you looked fantastic last night. I'm sure they meant those comments as a compliment, though it didn't come out that way.

[Geofizz]

Ah, Mandy. This really sucks. I wonder if you could talk to him about reprogramming the robot arms? He needs a restart button that can reset what his brain is telling him and tell him to not involve himself/find something to draw on/close his eyes and reboot. Work with the imagination instead of against it.

Have you moved his bead time forward? In kindy we moved K's bed time forward 15 minutes a week until the tantrums stopped. We ended up with adding an extra 90 minutes to the night. She also got lots of back rubs, snuggles, and very quiet time. And a lot more food.

Morning baking and granola done. Time to go in search of books for K. And rewrite my student's conference poster. He's going to be ticked that I'm deleting huge swaths of the content as unnecessary.