Category: Uncategorized

1st Day of School Blues

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Today is ‘J’s’ first day of Pre-K. The big question is: Who is handling it better, me or him?

For nursery school last year, he went two days a week for 2.5 hours each day. This year he’s still going 2 days a week but this time for 5 hours. So much time (for me)!

Of course I have the normal mommy fears and I want him to be happy and have a good day. Selfishly, I hate leaving him and I want to keep my baby with me. I know that although the transition time may be rocky, he’ll be into the routine in no time and hopefully loving it as much as he did last year.

I left the classroom with him playing with a new friend. Last year, I left him as he was crying so we’re already a step up! I just hope it continues throughout the day. On the drive, he was saying he wanted the “same school” with his teachers from last year. Luckily one of his teachers is the same from last year, which I think will help.

Stay tuned to hear how his day went!

What Happened to Summer?

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I think something is wrong with my calendar. It seems as though we’re in the last week of August, summer is coming to an end and school starts next week.

It went way too fast. I had ideas for the summer, things I would be doing with the extra time we’d have everyday and most of those things didn’t happen. Don’t get me wrong, we had fun, saw friends for playdates, saw immediate family and some of our adult friends. At the same time it seems like we should have done more. But in the paraphrased words of Carrie Bradshaw, we shouldn’t “should” all over ourselves.

Let’s recap what I had hoped for from my pre summer posts.

  • Potty Training
    • Attempted, no success
  • A daily schedule
    • Written out, happened twice
  • A road trip to visit some of our friends
    • I can’t remember if I wrote about this one but regardless, it didn’t happen

Here we are at the end of summer. As I await details of ‘J’s’ class information, I wonder how his adjustment back into the routine will go. Monday and Wednesdays he’ll have Speech and OT again and Tuesday/Thursdays will be school. He went two days a week last year for about 2.5 hours a day. This year, he will be there for 5. I wonder which of his friends will be in his class again and my hope is that he’ll love it as much as he did last year. I know that won’t always be the case so if we cant hang onto it for now, that would be great. As for ‘Baby J,’ we’ll get back into a Mommy and Me class routine and I’m sure she’ll be missing her playmate around the house during the day.

A schedule is great but I want to hang onto these summer days just a bit longer.

Mets Overload

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

This past weekend, we went to a Mets game. ‘J’ has been quite a few times in his 4 years and ‘Baby J’ went once last year. However, this was our first game of the season.

We went with my family which meant three kids 4 and under (my niece is right inIMG_2097 between the ‘J’s’). Knowing the kids probably wouldn’t sit through much of the game, we got seats in the highest section…also known as the boonies. Some more background for you: it was also one of the hottest days of the summer and the game started when nap time is normally happening for all three.

If you’ve been to a game, you know there are lots of announcements, plenty of loud music and crowd chanting. Being so high up, we were pretty close to the speakers. Within a few minutes, the first announcement was made and ‘J’ was freaked out. He wanted to leave and said it was too loud. Him and I went back down, found a shady spot out of the way on the next level down and had a little hot dog and french fry picnic. We talked through it, walked around a bit and he wanted to try again. I’m happy he tried two more times but it was still too much for him.

He definitely has a sensitivity to sound and certain things are very overwhelming for him. What we have learned is that if we keep talking to him and maybe get him to cover his ears, it can sometimes help. The thing that has helped the most has been letting him know there’s a way out and a safe space. We know the signs/cues from him and we don’t want to see him go into ultimate freak out mode especially if the sound is affecting him that much. Once we found a calmer/cooler spot, he was ok.

Eventually the sun started invading our seats and we all hung out on the next level down before heading home. Back in the day, we used to stay the whole game…or at least until the 7th or 8th inning. Now we never make it past two hours. We did manage to get some adorable pictures which was great!

Oh and by the way, ‘J’ was asleep as soon as we got out of the parking lot.

Below are two videos from Sensory Spectacle regarding auditory difficulties.

 

Letter Sounds

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As you know from a previous post, “Mom…Mom….Mama….Mommy,” we waited a long time for ‘J’ to say Mommy and Daddy.

From the time he was 1.5, he was obsessed with letters. Before he was 2, he could match puzzle letters to his name spelled out on paper. We had an app on our phones that was easy for him to tap to go from letter to letter and his favorite show (once he graduated from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) was Super Why. It’s still one of his favorite shows. He always understood everything we were saying, just needed some work on expressing himself.

After I made an appointment for a speech evaluation two years ago, I did what any mom does. I went straight to Google and YouTube so I would know what to expect.

A song we had been familiar with was “Letter Sounds” by Barbara Milne. As I was searching through YouTube I came across a Speech Therapist, Alina Mihai. She had recorded a session with a child where she went through this same song while showing pictures for each letter. ‘J’ was instantly hooked. He knew the song and would slowly start to react to the video. I thought that maybe it would lead to some words, but we had to wait a little longer for that. She also had another video posted “Two Word Phrases: Lego Play.” The title explains it all and ‘J’ loved watching this one. Over time and being involved in our own speech therapy, we didn’t watch the videos as much but would still sing the song often.

‘Baby J’ is 1.5 now and has a good vocabulary forming. One day I put the video on again for them both to watch. ‘Baby J’ was hooked and would repeat what she could. ‘J’ has now memorized the video and can repeat it word for word without even watching it.

It’s times like these when it’s amazing to see how far he’s come. In the Fall it will be two years since we started Speech Therapy. Although it seems like yesterday, it’s amazing that we went two and a half years without hearing any words from Mr. Chatterbox.

I’ve Been There, Buddy

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I was so excited to hear that Muppet Babies was getting a revival. It was one of my favorites when I was young and I was happy that my kids would get to experience an up to date version.

From episode 1, ‘J’ was all in. Most new episodes have come out on Fridays and if you have the Disney Now App, it is waiting for you when you wake up. Not that we ever wake up and immediately put the TV on in order to help mommy and daddy come out of zombie mode from their 6AM wake up call….

Each episode is a half hour, but broken into two different segments. This past week, the second story was titled “Animal Kong.” Animal was upset because Miss Nanny took away his drum sticks during quiet time. If you’re a parent of young ones, you know the tantrum that can erupt when they can’t do what they want to do. This was the same for Animal and because of those feelings, he turned into his larger self, Animal Kong.

This story is an excellent lesson in feelings. Much like Daniel Tiger teaches that it’s ok to be mad and how to turn it around, Animal’s friends talk through different ways to calm down when you’re feeling angry.

Summer sings a song to Animal to let him know it’s ok to feel angry and the feelings won’t last long. The song is called “I’ve Been There, Buddy.” A bonus to this episode and song is that ‘Buddy’ is one of ‘J’s’ nicknames.

I think it’s great that so many shows now not only teach ABCs and 123s, but also feelings and how to handle real life situations.

If your child wants to play along, check out the Muppet Babies Figure Set on Amazon!

*Eligible for commission

 

Armchair Expert

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Armchair Expert Podcast premiered in February of this year. download

I have been a fan of Dax Shepard (and of course his lovely wife Kristen Bell) for a long time. If I were to have a celebrity dinner party, they would be on the invite list. And I’ll totally get around to that celebrity dinner party, I know so many are waiting on their invite…

In late February, my dad went into the hospital and ended up staying for two weeks. Prior to this, I had only listened to the first episode of the podcast. For two weeks, I was back and forth to the hospital everyday, which was about a half hour commute. Considering I live on Long Island, most of the time it was longer. During my drive, Dax, and his guests on those early episodes, kept me company. Some of those drives felt more nerve racking, and overall no one wants to see their dad in the CCU. Being able to zone into the podcast helped. Luckily my dad went home after two weeks and knock on wood, is healthy! Today is his 66th birthday.

I love watching documentaries, learning about people and listening to people talk. I’m also a big fan of pop culture so when those talks happen between celebrities, especially in an atypical setting, it’s even more appealing. Hearing Dax and his guests talk is interesting, entertaining and informative. I’m left wanting more at the end each episode.

This is a parenting blog and I swear there is a tie in here! Dax recently started incorporating “Experts on Expert.” The first of these episodes was with an author and child psychologist, Dr. Wendy Mogel.

As a parent, you receive advice from everyone you meet. They could be a parent of 4, a parent to a parrot or not a parent at all. You will receive advice constantly and mostly when you haven’t asked for it. I tend to take it all with a grain of salt while also appreciating the knowledge being shared.

I loved listening to Dr. Mogel speak about parenthood, marriage and human nature. I always knew I wanted to raise my kids to be good, strong human beings. But there is also a want to keep them in a bubble. Not actually. Well maybe…

I digress.

Dr. Mogel speaks on the importance of making your children independent self thinkers. Teaching your children to learn as much as they can, do as much as they can while being there to support and guide along the way is a balancing act, but one I’d love to master. Dr. Mogel’s take on human nature is incredibly interesting.

I would say so much more about her episode, but it’s better if you listen to the interview.

Thank You Dax Shepard for creating Armchair Episode. I was hooked from the first listen and I’m excited to see where it continues to go!

Click here to listen to Experts on Expert: Dr. Wendy Mogel on Armchair Expert

Click here to get “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Timeless Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children” by Dr. Wendy Mogel

Click here to to get “Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say it, and When to Listen” by Dr. Wendy Mogel

Thank You Regal!

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The following blog is not an advertisement, just an honest review of our experience.

Back in October, my husband took ‘J’ to a Disney Jr event at the movie theater. We thought it would be a great way to test out the movie going experience with our then 3.5 year old. The event was showing Halloween episodes of some of his favorite shows and he’d be able to dress in his Woody costume. Sounds like a win right?

Nope.

Once he turned down the dark hallway to the theater, he ran the other way. After attempting to get him back, including FaceTiming with me, we decided he wasn’t ready. We eventually added this to the list of red flags we had when figuring out his Sensory Processing Difficulties.

Regal Cinemas has a fantastic summer event; Summer Movie Express: $1 Movies all summer long! Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Regal will show previously run/older movies. Both days will offer the same two movies but they change weekly.

SMX

We decided to give the movie theater experience another try. I was talking with a friend and we met up on Wednesday to check it out. Between us we have four kids: two are age 4, one is 2 and one is 1.5. So we definitely didn’t know how this would go!

‘J’ was doing great until we entered the theater. The lights were dim, it was a room he had never been in and he froze. Our friends sat down and we were hanging out in the entryway to the theater as he told me that he wanted to go home. After some time, some reminders of the snack stash I had in my bag and emoji games showing up on the big screen, we slowly made our way to our seats. We were there to see Sing, a current favorite. I did not expect to make it through the movie expecting he might get too overwhelmed or his sister would get way too fussy (after missing her morning nap).

I was amazed that we made it to the credits! All four of them did great. There was some fussiness here and there, some switching seats, but overall, it was a success! I still can’t believe it and it’s two days later.

Thank you Regal for creating an experience where parents feel comfortable in the theater (since its a morning movie filled with other kids) and a price point that eases the pain of possibly needing a quick exit at any moment.

I don’t think ‘J’ is all in on movies just yet, but perhaps a few more summer days at Regal and we may be ready for new releases soon!

Back Into the Writing Groove

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

After being way behind on blogging I’m back and getting in the writing groove.

We had a rough June with a crazy virus. That virus turned into blood work and some other tests for ‘J’ and we’re still waiting to hear about one. In the meantime, we have an appointment with a GI next week to make sure there’s nothing else going on with ‘J’s’ stomach. I’m personally wondering if we’re on the brink of another food allergy (he already has a dairy intolerance). But more on all of this over the next couple of weeks!

June was the end of school, speech and OT for the summer. With ‘J’ being sick on top of it, any kind of new schedule goal has gone out the window. Luckily July seems to be getting better so hopefully we can enjoy the rest of the summer!

I also have a part time virtual job teaching English to children in China. More hours are available over the summer which is great money wise, but also an adjustment for me to get back to working nights. I love talking to the kids and in terms of flexibility, this job is perfect.

All this to say, thanks for bearing with me and for following this blog! More posts coming soon (maybe as early as tomorrow 😉 ).

A Summer Potty Party

On By justmymomsenseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Two weeks ago was the end of school. Last week was the end of Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. And now it’s summer.

My biggest goal? Potty training! A Summer Potty Party.

‘J’ is 4 and we have attempted potty training since he turned 2. It’s never gone well. He’s gone on the potty here and there and we’ve celebrated! We’ve tried the three day rule. We’ve tried no pants. We’ve tried underwear. We’ve tried a Paw Patrol Potty Seat, an Elmo Potty and a Mickey Mouse Potty. Bribes big and small. Aiming for Cheerios. You get the idea. We’ve been through it!

Understanding more of his Sensory Processing difficulties also helps us understand why this whole potty thing might not be so easy for him. Things have never progressed past a few hours because he is so overwhelmed, upset and affected by the process. Hesitation and some resistance is one thing. I definitely expect that. I expect accidents and I don’t expect things to go smoothly. But I also don’t want him to feel scared and that’s what I’ve seen in the past. Overwhelming fear.

I haven’t even pushed potty training in awhile, just mention it here and there, letting him know that it’s available. Now that we don’t have a set weekly schedule, which allows for more flexibility, I’m hoping we can come up with a plan he feels comfortable with and we can move on from the diaper days.

And hey, maybe ‘Baby J’ will show interest and I’ll have two potty trained by the end of the summer!

I kid…I don’t actually think that will happen.

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

Milestones

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

First off, I promised a blog everyday this week and I failed yesterday. But it was for a good reason!

‘J’ turned 4 on June 5th. 4! How did that happen? Remember when High School felt like forever? And college?! And yet you start on an awesome adventure of being a parent and 4 years go by in a blink.

In 4 years he has grown and changed so much. I’ve been lucky enough to witness every milestone: rolling, first steps, the long awaited first words and so much more! Toddler days are over and the personality he’s always had continues to flourish. He’s loving, sweet and funny, strong and smart, cute and full of energy. I see him interact with his friends and have flash forwards to years from now catching a glimpse of who he might be. I want the best for him and hope that when life lets him down, he can use his new strength to navigate out of it and turn it into something positive. His smile and laugh are contagious and I never want to see that fade.

Yesterday, ‘J’ had his closing ceremonies for his first year of school. Much like the first day of school can be more emotional for the parents, I think the same can be said for the last day. After talking with some of the other moms, I’m thankful to know I wasn’t the only one not accepting this change. This has been our routine for the past 9 months. We hit the jackpot with his teachers and the kids in his class. We’re going back to the same school in September but with different teachers and kids. I know it won’t always be as good as it was this year which only adds to not wanting to let go. I’m so thankful he found a safe and happy place in his classroom. He knew if he felt overwhelmed, he could go to his teachers for comfort. I heard about a day he was randomly crying and saying he missed me. His teachers said his friends gathered around him to make him feel better. Hearing that makes my heart explode. Of course I want to be there to scoop him up and make the tears stop. But I love that if I can’t be there, he found comfort in his friends.

I’m so proud of how he did in school this year. We continue to navigate through his speech and sensory difficulties. He works so hard everyday between school and his therapies. He’s insanely smart and blows us away daily. At the same time, he’s only 4 and sees everything as a way to play. And isn’t that the best way to learn?

It’s hard to see time go by so fast. I want my babies to stay babies forever, but I also want them to grow to be healthy, strong, independent adults. This is nothing compared to what I’ll be up against in the coming years. I look forward to all of it!

In the meantime, I’ll try to hide my lack of enjoyment when it comes to change so he’s just as excited for school in September as he was this year (hopefully).