Dingoes Defy the February Slump: Keep Running, Mamas - Page 6

[kerc]

Originally Posted by Geofizz   I'm now thinking that we move him to 1st grade next week. 

Yes. You do.

(err, sorry that's me expressing my opinion about what you are planning on doing with your own kid).

I'm thinking we go in after february break and ask for Erin to be accelerated a year in math. we'll see how that goes over. It isn't a HUGE issue -- she's consistently in the 90+ percentile for math and I just realized it.

[sparkletruck]

geo - 7th grade math and Why would moving ds put him in a montessori-esque environment? Sounds like you are finally making some progress?

NRR: started a new batch of kombucha from an old one that has been sitting on my fridge top nearly empty for...... a year? dh is, as usual, horrified

[Geofizz]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

geo - 7th grade math and Why would moving ds put him in a montessori-esque environment? Sounds like you are finally making some progress?

Woah, there, Nellie.  I've got two kids, and we met on behalf of each of them this morning.  DD should be doing 7th grade math next year with "just" a 2 year subject acceleration.  DS might start 2nd grade math in the coming weeks.

We've got two instructional programs at our school.  The Montessori-esque one has the multi aged classrooms.  They'd want him in there so that all he has to do is adjust to 1 new room and 20 new kids.  It would allow him to be a first grader 6 hours a day, and a 2nd grader doing math 1 hour a day.  Otherwise, we'll have to upend him into a new room for 1st and then he'll have to go to another room for 2nd math.

[babybugmama]

How much is your little guy like your elder?  I know you said she didn't do well in that setting, but is he enough different that he might?  Would trying it out be too stressful, even if he went back to his old classroom?  I really cannot imagine the difficulty that you are going through trying to make sure their needs are met.  I am so impressed, both at their abilities, as well as the amazingly hard work you've done. I'm taking notes too since E seems to be similar.  Although I'm also worried about him surpassing my abilities in the next few years (like, for real), dd is more like me, good in math, but within the average range...her excellence is in the sciences and creative arts.  

Sorry for the serial posting. This may not be the healthiest way to manage grouchiness...but at least it keeps me from fussing at the kids, right? 

[Geofizz]

A year ago, I would have said he was too similar to K to accept a placement like this.  He's now at a table with two majorly disruptive boys, and his teacher reports that he just goes to his desk and gets his work done.  So I think it would be ok.  At its worst, we could move him back next year for 2nd grade.

I'm a little dizzy on behalf of both kids.

And I'm handling this all by serial posting as well.  I need to be getting work done!

[babybugmama]

I can imagine the dizziness, I am just from reading everything you've done.  I cannot even imagine having a clear head as being the primary recipient.  I'm impressed though that the school psychologist was willing to challenge the neuropsychologist.  And even better that you are trusting your own judgment.

Must step away from the computer.  Good grief.

[Geofizz]

Actually, BBM, can you read these neuropsych reports?  Hmmm, I might need a recommendation from you for people that might be local to us for the anxiety bit.

[bec]

I think this is just the next extension of the mommy wars.  It started with do you breastfeed/bottlefeed, cosleep/crib, CIO/not, disposable/cloth diaper.  It just goes on and on.  It's why I cherish the Dingos.  There is only support!

Massive cross posting!  This was in response to BBM's people misunderstanding on FB, and the judgement people get (Kerc?) from not homeschooling. 

Edited by bec - 2/8/12 at 1:58pm

[babybugmama]

Geo my psycho brain is itching to read it, but my ethical brain tells me bad idea...I'm not objective and I may miss things or over/under-represent various factors.  Unfortunately I don't really know anyone in the area.  I asked a ped I know in the area and she never responded...so either too busy to answer, doesn't care, or doesn't know anyone.  I do know a good neuropsychologist in our area...but how do you feel about the children's hospital in C'bus?  I've heard good things for them from here...but no first hand experience.

I'll ask people at work though to see if they know of anyone in C'bus for anxiety, and/or second opinion on testing.

[babybugmama]

I was just thinking that Bec.  It kind of got me because I wasn't expecting it.  I never got into the mommy wars because I do hold so strongly to the belief that until you walk in another's shoes you have no idea.  Blech.  So much better to walk together than apart.

[Geofizz]

Bec, thankfully, I suspect these mommy wars are limited to a smaller segment of the population.  I find them baffling.  This morning I found myself saying over and over again -- I'm so thankful that DD has great teachers so that I can focus on being her parent.  I can see homeschooling DS (full time job aside...), but DD is just not right for it.
 

Originally Posted by babybugmama 

I'll ask people at work though to see if they know of anyone in C'bus for anxiety, and/or second opinion on testing.

Thanks.  I look forward to any info.  Our question for a second (third?) opinion is fairly narrow; is the diagnosis our school psychologist thinks the neuropsych missed warranted based on the evidence at hand. 

DH just sent me an email full of 4 letter words and worse.  I think it's a good thing we left him out of the meeting.  I don't think his brain has processed the whole thing about DS yet.  We need to make that decision first though.

I just got DD in for tutoring starting Saturday hopefully.  She's going to hate losing much of her free time, but sometimes the parents have to make the decisions for the long term good.  "You'll thank me when your older" or "Now you have something to tell your psychologist when you're 30."  Take your pick, kid.

[Nickarolaberry]

Geo, I have nothing constructive at all to say but wow, you are one awesome mama.

Syria is indeed in flames -- as we speak the Assad regime is firing artillery, using snipers, and mortar fire at the city of Homs -- the residential areas. BBC reports that they are going house by house and dragging people out and killing them.   Homs (also known as Hama) is traditionally the epicenter for anti-regime activity -- in the early 1980's Hafez Assad (Bashar's father) killed tens of thousands when they tried (through the Muslim Brotherhood) to organize a revolt. The Assad regime thinks destroying Homs will destroy the infrastructure of the current uprising. It is very, very dangerous in Syria right now. Most western governments have pulled their diplomatic missions -- at the moment only the Russians are backing the Assad regime. 

Jo also might be referring to the growing tension with Iran, which is making noises that it wants to close the Straits of Hormuz to shipping traffic, which is an international act of war. It is very touch and go there right now also, and the Israelis and Americans are on high alert about intelligence that Iran is setting up terrorist strikes against Jews and westerners in general in the west and  America.

Jo, not sure where your dh is, but prayers that he stays safe. 

I need some vegetarian dinner ideas that don't involve too many 'weird' vegetables. 

[sparkletruck]

Geo - I know which kid is which - dd is 9 no? It sounds like the montessori feature that didnt work had more to do with curriculum than the mixed age feature. I would think that the mixed age part could be great, in that he could have social "peers' and academic "peers"?

ugh, help me again with the line through?...

[Geofizz]

Ok, you got me. Yeah, she's 9, but she'll be 10 when she hits 7th grade math. Does that make it better? Sorry, I guess I'm actually getting used to my kids' crazy placements.

No running tonight which means both my own anxiety is on high and DH isn't getting any relief from my pushing on the decisions to make.

[anjsmama]

I haven't been round at all since January! But I promise I've been out there on the trails...

Will catch up with everyone's recent posts ASAP. In the meantime.... my long run was 12 mi last Friday, and I've had two runs and a gym day since then - a 4 mile & an 8 mile. I'm just about half way through my 26-week marathon training. AND all of a sudden... I think I'm in danger of injury.  My last few runs, my left leg has been getting a bit swollen and tingly and even two of my toes on that side sort of go numb. What gives?  Ugh! My left hip used to be a bit higher and rotated forward, so I think it might be time to head back to the chiro...

And 12 mo DD has the croup. Supposed to do a 10.2 mi this weekend that's a 2 mile warm up, 10k time trial, and 2 mile cool down... now how am I gonna do that when I'm up all night with a coughing raspy frightened babe? I can still run when I haven't eaten great, but when I haven't slept, forget it! Perhaps it's swirling signals from the universe to take this one off until I see the doc...

[kerc]

mommy wars.

urgh.

(still processing all that Geofizz et al. posted, while I was actually *working* no less -- much of my last two days have been b.s., see previous post. gah no wonder I just cannot get a paper written).

Ok I'm considering Jenlove's no coffee crazy challenge. Totally crazy?

Did I say this already? diet coke is what I think I want when I'm thirsty and water (like from the faucet or fountain) is unavailable. Will I loose my green-mama card if I break down and buy bottled water in that setting?   I will?  well sh*t, see line 1.   I know I know, I should have a water bottle at all times. And I usually do. Except when I forget to fill it at work and then I stop for gas. The diet pop is just calling my name. I've resisted. But I would strongly prefer a drink and dang it I'm buying a water until I get my act together with the water bottle. Day 8 and still no diet soda. But I'm also loosing the greenie mommy wars.

and still. no run. no ski. thankyouverymuch coworker.

lecture to write, paper to write, email to write.

69 minutes until bedtime.

go.

[1jooj]

Originally Posted by Nickarolaberry 

Geo, I have nothing constructive at all to say but wow, you are one awesome mama.

Syria is indeed in flames -- as we speak the Assad regime is firing artillery, using snipers, and mortar fire at the city of Homs -- the residential areas. BBC reports that they are going house by house and dragging people out and killing them.   Homs (also known as Hama) is traditionally the epicenter for anti-regime activity -- in the early 1980's Hafez Assad (Bashar's father) killed tens of thousands when they tried (through the Muslim Brotherhood) to organize a revolt. The Assad regime thinks destroying Homs will destroy the infrastructure of the current uprising. It is very, very dangerous in Syria right now. Most western governments have pulled their diplomatic missions -- at the moment only the Russians are backing the Assad regime. 

Jo also might be referring to the growing tension with Iran, which is making noises that it wants to close the Straits of Hormuz to shipping traffic, which is an international act of war. It is very touch and go there right now also, and the Israelis and Americans are on high alert about intelligence that Iran is setting up terrorist strikes against Jews and westerners in general in the west and  America.

Jo, not sure where your dh is, but prayers that he stays safe. 

I need some vegetarian dinner ideas that don't involve too many 'weird' vegetables. 

Mostly I am thinking about Iran. If you aren't super-familiar, take out a map and note, it's across the water from me, placing us between Iran and its enemy, KSA. Iran has "parked" military vessels in the port at Jeddah. They have a lot at stake if Syria falls, so they are more belligerent. US/Israel's insistence that they stop enriching fuel + covert ops is adding to their anger. The Arab Spring has not been the Islamic Revolution Iran's top dudes would want, upping the weirdness. Strait of Hormuz is just up the road. Thing is, I don't *think* Iran has threatened the GCC countries overtly, but the US has interests in basically every country here. Dh would not travel to Syria (regs don't permit doing business there), but could go anywhere in the GCC, plus Jordan, Egypt and all of NA. (Only reason he would not go to Israel is because he'd have trouble coming back in.) My main concern would be getting out on short notice with him in another country. Dh said yesterday it looks like there are some talks scheduled for April, which should help keep the tone down some for the next couple months.

As long as they can keep it down until May to June, I'm fine. Then I'm going home anyway, and if it's crazy, dh can expect to go too. Wouldn't that be something...the Brits here seem to think they can rely less on their embassies/consulates, something to do with not paying taxes as expats. But, after what happened last year in Egypt and Libya, there are stories.

I was that kid testing out 6 grade levels ahead in math and reading. I was also that kids whose teachers in one school didn't know what to do with. So, Wendy, I think it's really pretty awesome, the attention you're giving this issue. It can make the difference in a million other, not-specifically-math-related issues.

And yes, on the hs/mommy-war thing. wth? It's kinda funny to me because I'm dealing with the decision on such a pragmatic level, it's obvious it's about what everyone needs, and not that one camp is intrinsically better than another. I do admit that I have dream-wishes of all my favorite people doing the same thing I'm doing, whether that would be having our kids in the same school or hsing together, but that's just my fantastical imagination.

[1jooj]

kerc, do you like fizzy water? Like the lime grapefruit flavored kind? As a bridge? Maybe keep a 12-pack at the office, if that works.

JenLove, been meaning to add my love for your G. I thought of her first thing when I got up this morning. I may have been dreaming about you and your family. 

[tjsmama]

jenlove~I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family tonight.

geo~I am for you AND the kids.

So, an interesting development today...XH told me that he and his wife are starting a case against his wife's XH because XH is refusing to take their son to preschool. This is kind of a prelude to a bigger case, hopefully resulting in XH and wife successfully winning a change in custody arrangements such that they could move to Denver! While XH did say when he moved last year that they hoped to be able to move back to Denver at some point, I honestly just thought it was lip service. If this actually works out, it would be fantastic, both for DS and for me. We could even potentially arrange things so we wouldn't need childcare other than occasional babysitting. If the court case works out, they would look at filing the bigger case this summer, to potentially move by next summer. Which would, um, work out well for training were I to decide to go for ironman in 2014. NOT counting any chickens yet, but oh, it would be so nice.

rr~The track is still under about a foot of snow, so we took the workout to the park across the street. One lap of the park (about 2.5 miles), followed up by 6 sets of strides with a crapload of lunges. Ouch. My butt hurts.

[babybugmama]

Jo and Nick thank you for explaining in more depth what's going on.  It's dizzying to me to follow.  And Jo, yes to that totally selfish wish that everyone I know would do what I do just so I'd have company...but soon as I write that I realize that by my friends being different our relationships have depth.  I wish my brain would just allow me to be selfish and tell itself to shut up.

tjsmama very interesting indeed!

I have a new running partner...we have tremendous overlap, our boys are good friends, we work together, and we're in book club together.  You'd think it was too much, but I really like her.  Of course I worry whether she would feel the same, but I'm doing better in that regard.  

I'm closing in on 6 weeks of no sugar.  I'm feeling stronger in my resolve, but I've been having a lot of tummy issues that make me think I need to look at the rest of my diet.

Kerc - would the fizzy stuff help or would that trigger more cravings?  Your body is as important as the planet, for this bridge, get the water.  Eventually you'll form a new habit and remember your water bottle.  I wonder if you could get one of those brita filter thingies...or is that bad greenie mom stuff?  I really, really need to be drinking more water. I think it would make me feel better.  Good for you for 6 days!

I still hate running on the bike path because of finding that guy.  I really hope that goes away eventually, I feel like one of the easiest routes has been taken.  I still run on it, but it gives me a stomach ache.

Oh and no one new for SS, kind of a smaller group this year.  I'll post to the fb dingos in case there are those that would like to participate and aren't here as much.