Somedays I compare raising a teenager to raising a toddler and who knew how true that was. This week Xavier's behavior hasn't been great. He's not sleeping well so I had hoped that was the problem. Last night he tells me he has a sore in his mouth and wants he to look at it. His gum is swollen and when I touched it he reacted very loudly. Looks like a wisdom tooth is trying to work it's way through the gum - in other words, he's teething. I am just about positive that all the issues this week are due to the pain of his teething. He just didn't say anything until he was into day 3. I can sort of understand but after 12 hours he could have mentioned it.
Rob gave him some ibuprophen before bed and Xavier slept harder than he has all week. We'll continue to give him pain pills and Rob is calling the dentist this morning to talk to them about scheduling an appointment. We're not sure if he'll need to see the dentist but they may want to double check that the tooth is coming in correctly.
Poor dear, we're going to put some washrags in the freezer for him to chew on to see if that helps with the pain. Rob thought maybe a teething ring but with the gums so far back I worry about choking hazards.
We do have to change our plans for the weekend. He was supposed to have his cousin over for the night but he's rather ill-tempered right now so we've asked to postpone.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Snow Days
Our week is just a mess. Xavier has been out of school for 3 days due to the snow and ice. The snow fall hasn't been so bad but the drifting caused enough of a problem they shut down the schools. Thursday WSU closed too so everyone was home. It's a little cabin feverish at home because it's too yucky to go outside. We've had some freezing rain so the snow is hard and crusty - no snowmen making here but sledding should be fun if it wasn't so cold.
This weekend should be warm which means flooding. If it does warm up, we'll be heading to the theater to watch Dolphin Tale. We saw Zookeeper last week and it was so much fun. Xavier really likes going to the Children's Matinees and we love the price - you can't beat 8 tickets for $5. That's $5 for one person to see the whole matinee series and they always have a great surprise movie at the end. This year's series has some great movies and we've only seen one so that's perfect. The one we saw is showing on a weekend we can't make it to the show so it's really perfect.
The high school just started the second semester this week. So far, Xavier likes the slight change to his schedule. He's taking PE and the rumor is they will be doing bowling in a couple weeks. Not much going on this week due to the weather but we'll be in touch soon.
This weekend should be warm which means flooding. If it does warm up, we'll be heading to the theater to watch Dolphin Tale. We saw Zookeeper last week and it was so much fun. Xavier really likes going to the Children's Matinees and we love the price - you can't beat 8 tickets for $5. That's $5 for one person to see the whole matinee series and they always have a great surprise movie at the end. This year's series has some great movies and we've only seen one so that's perfect. The one we saw is showing on a weekend we can't make it to the show so it's really perfect.
The high school just started the second semester this week. So far, Xavier likes the slight change to his schedule. He's taking PE and the rumor is they will be doing bowling in a couple weeks. Not much going on this week due to the weather but we'll be in touch soon.
Monday, January 9, 2012
A new year
I can't believe it's week two of 2012. I keep meaning to keep up with this blog and then time passes and I forget. Xavier is growing by leaps and bounds. I know that seems to be every stage but I am so amazed at the mature moments. We've been working on taming his wild hair this past month. For those who have not seen him, Xavier has this super curly mane of hair. He's lost his blond luster and the color is settling into a soft brown. He refuses to accept that it's not blond but we'll see what happens this summer - the blond may return.
However, he has the most beautiful curls and all the girls want to play with his hair. The problem is it's a mess and he hates having anyone touch his hair. We've been working on brushing out all the knots and explaining to him that the only way to get rid of the knots is brusing regularly.
We deep conditioned his hair this weekend, starting with a beer/vodka bath and moving to an overnight application of bee cream. It's improving. He's learning conditioner is his friend.
The other benefit to taking care of his hair is that the acne on his forehead clears up. He doesn't have much acne until he stops caring for his hair and the strands that cover his forehead increase acne production. We're working on that too. I've been working with him to wash his face night and morning. We're just doing water and then I will teach him how to apply bee cream to his blemishes to prevent them from taking over. He doesn't like the feel of the cream on his face but he may not mind a dot here or there.
He went to his first church dance on New Year's Eve. He went alone but had a really good time. The great thing about church dances is there is always food. As a growing boy, he's always looking for a snack.
Since I last wrote, Xavier has been involved in FFA. He joined the trapshooting team. He had a mishap at the last shoot which has made him ineligible to shoot at this next one. It was just an accident but they want him to get more comfortable with the gun before shooting again (his gun slipped and he shot the ground near his foot). We're working on that and he'll be getting his own gun when we get our tax refund next month. Having his own gun will allow him to be more comfortable.
He's joined a shooting sports crew and this weekend they have their first event - an archery shoot. He's very excited.
Well there's more I'm sure but that's something to start with. I promise to post at least once a week. At the moment our camera is not working but I might be able to post the occasional video. As soon as we get the camera working or replaced, pictures will follow.
However, he has the most beautiful curls and all the girls want to play with his hair. The problem is it's a mess and he hates having anyone touch his hair. We've been working on brushing out all the knots and explaining to him that the only way to get rid of the knots is brusing regularly.
We deep conditioned his hair this weekend, starting with a beer/vodka bath and moving to an overnight application of bee cream. It's improving. He's learning conditioner is his friend.
The other benefit to taking care of his hair is that the acne on his forehead clears up. He doesn't have much acne until he stops caring for his hair and the strands that cover his forehead increase acne production. We're working on that too. I've been working with him to wash his face night and morning. We're just doing water and then I will teach him how to apply bee cream to his blemishes to prevent them from taking over. He doesn't like the feel of the cream on his face but he may not mind a dot here or there.
He went to his first church dance on New Year's Eve. He went alone but had a really good time. The great thing about church dances is there is always food. As a growing boy, he's always looking for a snack.
Since I last wrote, Xavier has been involved in FFA. He joined the trapshooting team. He had a mishap at the last shoot which has made him ineligible to shoot at this next one. It was just an accident but they want him to get more comfortable with the gun before shooting again (his gun slipped and he shot the ground near his foot). We're working on that and he'll be getting his own gun when we get our tax refund next month. Having his own gun will allow him to be more comfortable.
He's joined a shooting sports crew and this weekend they have their first event - an archery shoot. He's very excited.
Well there's more I'm sure but that's something to start with. I promise to post at least once a week. At the moment our camera is not working but I might be able to post the occasional video. As soon as we get the camera working or replaced, pictures will follow.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
FFA and the Humane Society
Xavier finally got time to contact the humane society last week. He needs to do 45 hours of community service for his science class. The teacher prefers an agricultural based project but the Humane Society is a good alternative.
Xavier did his orientation on Saturday and his first service hours on Sunday. He loved working with the animals and was proud that he got all his work done in the first 45 minutes of his two hour shift. He was the only volunteer that showed up for the shift.
He played with the few dogs and cats at the shelter. He had a blast and loves working with all the animals. He couldn't wait to sign up for another shift. The next open shift that wasn't during school is November 12. No volunteers signed up at all that day. He started to sign up for the 8:30 am shift and I reminded him that it was awfully early and he liked to sleep in. He switched it for a 1 pm shift (the next shift).
I found out on Monday that the morning of the 12th is his safety orientation for trapshooting with the FFA so that worked out well. He'll still have to get up early but he doesn't have to rearrange his schedule. He's borrowing a gun from a friend which worries me. I'll talk with the owner and make arrangements to pick it up and drop it off. I don't know anything about trapshooting so I guess I will be learning along with Xavier.
He really likes FFA and is working hard to remember when the meetings are.
Last night he took a few neighborhood boys trick or treating. This is the last year Xavier is going trick or treating so he wanted it to be a good one. It did mean missing his FFA meeting but he signed up for a project that meets on Wednesdays so he feels like he's still getting time in this week.
I'll be working on making it to the parent meetings now that I know when everything is. It's fun to see Xavier really excited about things and the possibilities for his future.
Xavier did his orientation on Saturday and his first service hours on Sunday. He loved working with the animals and was proud that he got all his work done in the first 45 minutes of his two hour shift. He was the only volunteer that showed up for the shift.
He played with the few dogs and cats at the shelter. He had a blast and loves working with all the animals. He couldn't wait to sign up for another shift. The next open shift that wasn't during school is November 12. No volunteers signed up at all that day. He started to sign up for the 8:30 am shift and I reminded him that it was awfully early and he liked to sleep in. He switched it for a 1 pm shift (the next shift).
I found out on Monday that the morning of the 12th is his safety orientation for trapshooting with the FFA so that worked out well. He'll still have to get up early but he doesn't have to rearrange his schedule. He's borrowing a gun from a friend which worries me. I'll talk with the owner and make arrangements to pick it up and drop it off. I don't know anything about trapshooting so I guess I will be learning along with Xavier.
He really likes FFA and is working hard to remember when the meetings are.
Last night he took a few neighborhood boys trick or treating. This is the last year Xavier is going trick or treating so he wanted it to be a good one. It did mean missing his FFA meeting but he signed up for a project that meets on Wednesdays so he feels like he's still getting time in this week.
I'll be working on making it to the parent meetings now that I know when everything is. It's fun to see Xavier really excited about things and the possibilities for his future.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Pictures
I promised pictures of Xavier holding Bianca and I have finally put them on the computer. She looks so happy to be held by her cousin.
He was a little nervous but so happy she liked him.
On another note, we brought home a new cat. His name is Cody. He's 1 1/2 and a black DLH. We think he might have some Maine Coon in him. His previous owner had found him as a kitten in an alley and took him home. She had three cats and two dogs. Cody was proving to be too big for the other cats to play with and she was worried he would hurt on of them just because he was just so much bigger than they were.
He's settling in well and has a great personality. Xavier just loves to play with him. Rob and Xavier are teaching him to use the toilet. He's a smart cat and is just going with the flow.
Xavier was so happy that he told us he didn't need any Christmas gifts from us because he got what he really wanted. He's sweet kid and we love him a lot.
He was a little nervous but so happy she liked him.
On another note, we brought home a new cat. His name is Cody. He's 1 1/2 and a black DLH. We think he might have some Maine Coon in him. His previous owner had found him as a kitten in an alley and took him home. She had three cats and two dogs. Cody was proving to be too big for the other cats to play with and she was worried he would hurt on of them just because he was just so much bigger than they were.
He's settling in well and has a great personality. Xavier just loves to play with him. Rob and Xavier are teaching him to use the toilet. He's a smart cat and is just going with the flow.
Xavier was so happy that he told us he didn't need any Christmas gifts from us because he got what he really wanted. He's sweet kid and we love him a lot.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Ghost Hunting
Last night Xavier got a great opportunity to do something he has always wanted to do. John Zaffis of Haunted Collector (SYFY channel) was invited to speak at WSU. While free for students, there was a $5 charge for the public. Xavier's uncle Josh so nicely gave us the $5 to pay his admission. We didn't tell Xavier what he was going to see.
His grandmother picked him up at 6:30 and took him to the CUB auditorium. I don't know how we managed to keep it a surprise but we did. Grandma slept through most of the lecture but said that Xavier was riveted by John Zaffis. She said he raised his hand to ask a question and she got a little nervous because she didn't want him rambling. She said he asked the most concise and intelligent question (more so than anyone else).
When the lecture was over, a handful of people were selected to go on a ghost hunt. Xavier was one of those selected. When he came home, he had such wonderful stories to tell. John (Xavier got to be on a first name basis with the man) took them to two different buildings on campus - Webster and Bryan. They used a radio to communicate with the dead. Apparently Xavier has the knack because John had him talk to a few ghosts that seemed to respond well to Xavier.
Xavier came home with a "girlfriend". A ghost named Joyce was particularly fond of Xavier and would only respond to him.
Whether or not you believe it's true, Xavier had a wonderful experience. He loves watching ghost hunting and paranormal shows. He has plans for exploring the paranormal as a career (on top of being a forensic entomologist). I know his passion lies with discovering cryptids (animals considered mythical) but we may have a future ghost hunter on our hands.
Xavier is highly intelligent and has such a dynamic personality that I believe we might just see him on tv some day - whether it's hunting the paranormal, Mythbusters or becoming the next Jeff Corwin/Steve Irwin.
For more information about John Zaffis visit his website.
His grandmother picked him up at 6:30 and took him to the CUB auditorium. I don't know how we managed to keep it a surprise but we did. Grandma slept through most of the lecture but said that Xavier was riveted by John Zaffis. She said he raised his hand to ask a question and she got a little nervous because she didn't want him rambling. She said he asked the most concise and intelligent question (more so than anyone else).
When the lecture was over, a handful of people were selected to go on a ghost hunt. Xavier was one of those selected. When he came home, he had such wonderful stories to tell. John (Xavier got to be on a first name basis with the man) took them to two different buildings on campus - Webster and Bryan. They used a radio to communicate with the dead. Apparently Xavier has the knack because John had him talk to a few ghosts that seemed to respond well to Xavier.
Xavier came home with a "girlfriend". A ghost named Joyce was particularly fond of Xavier and would only respond to him.
Whether or not you believe it's true, Xavier had a wonderful experience. He loves watching ghost hunting and paranormal shows. He has plans for exploring the paranormal as a career (on top of being a forensic entomologist). I know his passion lies with discovering cryptids (animals considered mythical) but we may have a future ghost hunter on our hands.
Xavier is highly intelligent and has such a dynamic personality that I believe we might just see him on tv some day - whether it's hunting the paranormal, Mythbusters or becoming the next Jeff Corwin/Steve Irwin.
For more information about John Zaffis visit his website.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Update and a poem
Things have been going well with Xavier. He was moved to a new resource room when a new Special Ed teacher was hired. I've had some good talks with her via email and I think some good things are going to come out of this year. Xavier was disappointed to lose his only male teacher but I told him that he can still talk to Mr. Bauer or Mr. Johnson, the school psychologist, if something comes up and he needs a guy to talk to.
Xavier has a new goal - to get out of resource room so I told him he has to get his grade up to As and Bs and then we'll talk. He's smart but not good at organizing his stuff or time. We're working on the paper organization and they will do so at school as well. Ms. Kruger, the special ed teacher, said she will help him organize his homework and make sure it's getting done. We'll start with reminding him on a daily basis and then taper off so he can do it on his own. If it works and he can demonstrate that he can manage on his own then we'll start the discussion about leaving the resource room and gaining a new elective.
I'm not 100% comfortable with him leaving the resource room but if it motivates him to improve then that's great.
He has to do a year project for his science class that involves agriculture. The teacher said he could volunteer at the humane society if he couldn't do anything else. He's been trying to find someone who can help him raise chickens but all of us live in places where chickens are not allowed. I mentioned talking to our apartment manager but he didn't want to. The Path program is looking for volunteers so that might be an option as well.
This week Xavier sent me a poem he wrote for his English class. I want to share that with you. He, also, went to writer's group with me this week and loved it. We may have another writer in the family.
Rescue/foster cat
As I go to go to the ASPCA
I see the perfect cat
She was a long haired Persian
Ironically her name was Perfect
She was 9 years old
she passed at 17 years old
but now we have to part
she has taught me a lesson that ill never forget
that boy and cat can have true happiness
and now I can never find a cat like her anywhere
Xavier has a new goal - to get out of resource room so I told him he has to get his grade up to As and Bs and then we'll talk. He's smart but not good at organizing his stuff or time. We're working on the paper organization and they will do so at school as well. Ms. Kruger, the special ed teacher, said she will help him organize his homework and make sure it's getting done. We'll start with reminding him on a daily basis and then taper off so he can do it on his own. If it works and he can demonstrate that he can manage on his own then we'll start the discussion about leaving the resource room and gaining a new elective.
I'm not 100% comfortable with him leaving the resource room but if it motivates him to improve then that's great.
He has to do a year project for his science class that involves agriculture. The teacher said he could volunteer at the humane society if he couldn't do anything else. He's been trying to find someone who can help him raise chickens but all of us live in places where chickens are not allowed. I mentioned talking to our apartment manager but he didn't want to. The Path program is looking for volunteers so that might be an option as well.
This week Xavier sent me a poem he wrote for his English class. I want to share that with you. He, also, went to writer's group with me this week and loved it. We may have another writer in the family.
Rescue/foster cat
As I go to go to the ASPCA
I see the perfect cat
She was a long haired Persian
Ironically her name was Perfect
She was 9 years old
she passed at 17 years old
but now we have to part
she has taught me a lesson that ill never forget
that boy and cat can have true happiness
and now I can never find a cat like her anywhere
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