Feed Me!!!

We are well and truly back into school mode but unfortunately I am a little out of practice with drying and dressing a child that is leaping around the room! We managed to get downstairs at 8.15am, fifteen minutes before we needed to leave. Breakfast eaten, we dashed out of the door.

I spoke with his teacher this morning about the book and although she initially thought that I would ask her to pull the plug on it, I explained that I thought the book would be a good opportunity for Boy Wonder to learn with the right support about this type of emotional text.

After school we came home and Boy Wonder dashed straight upstairs to watch Minecraft. However he did come off when asked, well after the third request which was still good! We went off to drama and Cat Girl to Ju Jitsu without too much problem. They both came out of clubs happy and excitable.

In the meantime I had been to the supermarket to stock up on high calorie / full fat food for Boy Wonder. Now this was some challenge! Our society pretty much takes the fat out of everything.  Eventually I managed to get some full fat yogurts, cheese chunks, chocolate mousse and spreadable butter.

We arrived home and I started to feed Boy Wonder. Little and often snacks approximately every hour  was the strategy used and he ate everything. In fact he actually asked for snacks. Result!

Whilst listening to music , Boy Wonder fell to sleep on my lap, It was quite late.

Back to School

This morning started early as Superman went off to the airport to catch a flight to Aberdeen for work stuff ( just for the day.) I organised the school things and then woke Boy Wonder to get him into the shower. He sleepily staggered into the bathroom and fell back to sleep in the shower. He took some coaxing to get out and needed full help to dry and dress before we were ready to go down for breakfast. I got Cat Girl ready and we had breakfast.

Boy Wonder seemed a bit all over the place and difficult to co ordinate but eventually we got out of the door to go to school. On arrival I spoke to Boy Wonder's teacher and she gave me a copy of the guided reading book that had caused him some upset re. Dying in his sleep. Something to read tonight, however interestingly the first line states that the 100 year old lady died in her sleep so this is what he had latched on to.

I spoke with the ADHD nurse today about Boy Wonder's diet and weight. She said she will send me some bumph about ADHD specific diets but basically it is a high calorie intake and regular snacks between meals. In short a diet most of us could only dream of! She also said that he would need two high calorie snacks at school and would write a letter to this affect if required. I said that I would request it at the meeting next week and pass her contact details on for clarification if required.

I picked the children up after school and went home to get ready for their first play therapy session. The worker brought the flipping frogs game which started out okay until she attempted to change the rules to help make it easier for Cat Girl. Boy Wonder stated in no uncertain terms that this was cheating and then started bouncing around the room. The game was finished and Cat Girl showed the worker her dolls house. Boy Wonder explained the specifics of the dolls house and then became  quite stressed about the thought of going to Ju Jitsu. We spoke about the difficulty Boy Wonder has with falling back into routine after the holidays. After complaining of tummy ache, shouting and slamming doors the worker said that it was time for her to leave. We also left for piano and Ju Jitsu.

Boy Wonder settled as he got to piano. His tutor said that he did well and was very impressed with his music reading ability but needed to think of a strategy to get Boy Wonder to recognise the rhythm of the tune rather than just read the notes and play them. He explained that most children find this bit easier than learning the notes and reading music but Boy Wonder is the other way round!

He went to Ju Jitsu without fuss and said that he enjoyed being back. He came home and had his hour on Minecraft. Whilst he settled down I read ' The Wreck of Zanzibar.' I think a lot of it will go over Boy Wonder's head, however there are quite a few parts in it that describe death or near death which I think he will focus in on. Something to discuss further tomorrow.  There is going to be no getting away from Boy Wonder reading this type of literature as he grows up so it is a case of being aware of what he is reading and being on hand to explain and reassure.

Boy Wonder fell to sleep downstairs at about 10.30pm. Now to get him to bed without waking him too much ......

Helpful Boy Wonder!

This morning I started to organise the school bags ready for tomorrow, write in the home / school diary ( a bit of an essay!) and generally get sorted for back to routine!

Boy Wonder woke up in a very high mood but once breakfast and medication were done he started to settle. In fact he stated very clearly that he was going to be 'helpful Boy Wonder' today. And indeed he was helpful. He showered and dressed himself, helped Cat Girl to pick her clothes as she was being awkward and generally organised himself. It was lovely and so refreshing! We must have gained about half an hour due to Boy Wonder doing so well.  We spoke about our routine for the day which included art therapy and football, the relief on his face when he heard this was immense. I think in most part he has really missed his daily activities.

We went into town to the bank and then to get Boy Wonder some black football socks and them both new drink bottles. We went into the game shop and they both bought a DS game in the sale. Boy Wonder had started to become quite anxious and throughout the journey to town and around town. In the game shop he walked away from me, I shouted after him and caught up with him, explaining that walking off wasn't acceptable and he started to cry, saying over and over that he was sorry. We left town as we had been to the bank and two shops as agreed. Once back in the car, Boy Wonder went very quiet again and when we went to order food at the drive thru, Boy Wonder was very clear that he only wanted chicken and black currant and nothing else.

We arrived at art therapy and Boy Wonder went in for his session. Cat Girl did some colouring and I rang a couple of people regarding the school meeting next week. Lots of messages left rather due to it being the first day back. Boy Wonder looked really happy when he came out but this quickly reverting to high anxiety. He went into panic about being asked to use the toilet before leaving, negotiating the traffic to get back to the car and getting in the car. He then settled again.

We drove to the DIY store to get some clips for his hammock. Boy Wonder got out of the car and walked off. I asked him to stop before crossing the road but he didn't and walked aimlessly accross. I shouted him but he didn't respond. I quickly caught up with him and asked him why he hadn't stopped and waited and he started to cry and repeatedly said 'I'm sorry alright ! ' I reassured him that he was okay and no harm had come to him whilst reminding him of the dangers of crossing the road. However, he really wasn't taking it in. There seems to be a lot of zoning out lately which is worrying.

We went to the barbers that was very busy so decided to go home and call back later. Once home we put up the hammock and chilled out for a bit.

This evening Boy Wonder went to football in his new Barcelona top and I took Cat Girl swimming. She enjoyed her first session back and actually did some swimming! Afterwards we went to meet Superman and Boy Wonder at the barbers for haircuts.

Hair cuts done and showers had to rid the bits of hair that send Boy Wonder nutty, we settled them down. Cat Girl fell to sleep quickly but Boy Wonder remained awake. He got into his hammock and nodded off but when Superman went into his room to turn of the computer, he woke up again. He ended up coming back downstairs to settle with me but became panicky over the programme they was on - Bridgrt Jones. We put something else on and he calmed. It is likely to take some time to get him to sleep tonight I think.

Frozen!

A very late night resulted in a late start and a grumpy little sole. We had a steady morning around the house. The children were babysat by Grandparents for a couple of hours whilst Superman and I nipped out to do some work related 'stuff.'

When we arrived back it was just after lunch time. Boy Wonder had refused his lunch and Cat Girl had opted for cake! We rectified this with the usual jam sandwiches.  Boy Wonder had been playing on Minecraft whilst we were out and was very subdued on our return. We made the decision to go out for the afternoon but as the weather was awful, had limited options. 

We decided on the cinema, to go and watch 'Frozen.' Boy Wonder seemed non fussed but Cat Girl was keen to go. We suggested that we call in at the toy shop on the way so that Boy Wonder could buy the wrestling mask that he wanted. This seemed to cheer him up! 

A brief twenty minutes in the toy shop, Rey Mysterio mask purchased and a bracelet making kit for Cat. Girl and we went off to the cinema. The cinema was busy and the trailers went on for quite a while. Just as it got to the part where the film usually starts, a Disney short film was shown about Mickey Mouse. Boy Wonder didn't like this at all. It wasn't meant to be there as it wasn't a trailer or an advert. He wasn't happy and it went on for about five minutes, five long minutes! 

The film eventually started and as usual Boy Wonder asked lots of questions throughout. What we didn't expect however, was for the King and Queen ( parents of the young starring princesses) died within the first few minutes. This wasn't great and Boy Wonder asked why this had happened ? (Which wasn't made clear in the film ) and then spent some  time squirming in his seat. This is likely to contribute to his death obsession and nightmare material! It just goes to show that we can't always protect them from their fears as much as we endeavour to. 

We arrived home and Boy Wonder played a game with Superman and then played wrestling whilst wearing his new mask. Cat Girl and I made rubber band bracelets which took some practice! 

On settling down, Boy Wonder wore his mask and talked at me for sometime about wrestling and the use of masks. What was funny though was the fact that he said that Rey Mysterio has hair like Daddy's, except for the patch! Got to love him! 

Boy Wonder settled down upstairs but so far he has been up and down stairs several times. Think it will be another late one!

The makings of an Obsessional Interest

The start of Friday wasn't great. A very high Boy Wonder versus a very mardy Cat Girl who had been found wide awake late last night, cuddling her kitten! Boy Wonder bounced around the house whilst I attempted to dry and dress him, not an easy task!  I decided to pass on the next big task of breakfast on to Super Gran and Biker Gramps who were on babysitting duty for the day.

We arrived at the Grandparents, Boy Wonder laden with his lap top, DS and Minecraft books and Cat  Girl crying and stropping because I was going to work and she was tired. A few messages received throughout the day suggested that Cat Girl had cheered up and Boy Wonder was engaging in activities. He later played Minecraft with his cousin and uncle. They stopped for tea and I picked them up afterwards.

That evening, Cat Girl was very giddy and over tired. She went up to bed fairly soon after getting in ( without the kitten!) and was asleep soon after. Boy Wonder seemed distracted and skittish. He finally came to settle down on my lap. We spoke about the next few days and that he would be going back to school on Tuesday, just to try and give him a timeframe. He responded angrily by saying ' I hate school. I am not going back!' I asked him if there was any particular reason and he said ' I just hate it, alright and you can't make me go !' Wonderful ! I explained to Boy Wonder that Mummy and Daddy know that he finds school difficult and that we are trying to do everything we can to help make things better for him, but this could take some time. He said that he knew but that was all he said. I lightened the conversation up by saying ' Well we don't need to talk about this now as we still have some holiday time left.'  He fidgeted some more, got up for snacks and finally fell to sleep about 11ish.

This morning we left Boy Wonder to lie in. He had, had an unsettled night as usual. When up and about he was high and erratic. Jumping around, singing and shouting whilst dressing, eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. Superman took Boy Wonder to his activity group that started at 11am until 4pm. He was very excited.

Cat Girl and I took down the Christmas decorations and then did some baking. Superman returned home and started to strip the bedroom walls. We had a very productive day. Boy Wonder returned from his activity and seemed to have a good time. He wanted to know immediately what the football scores were and then started looking for wrestling figures on the Internet. He seemed to be in a good frame of mind and was engaging with us.

The evening Grandparents visited. Boy Wonder remained in his bedroom throughout the visit. Although we attempted to get him downstairs on a couple of occasions, he quickly made his excuses and went back to his room again. This evening he is watching Minecraft videos on the Internet. It seems that Minecraft is becoming a bit obsessional. Something to monitor I think.

Green Face Sickness

Boy Wonder was pacing late into the night saying that he felt unwell. He couldn't elaborate on that verbally so I asked him to draw a picture or write down how he felt. He went to his room and came back shortly after with a picture that he had drawn  on himself with a green face and a circle in his tummy that was red with a blue outer circle.  Boy Wonder explained that the green face meant that he is ill and the red bit in the tummy meant pain. He eventually settled down after quite a lot of reassurance that he would be okay after a good sleep. ( and he would wake up in the morning !)

This morning Boy Wonder and Cat Girl went the Grandparents laden with tablets and a laptop. What happened to toys?! They said that Boy Wonder had been very quiet and disengaged throughout the morning.

I spoke with Boy Wonder's Psychologist about his eating and weight. He was concerned as much as we were and after sorting out a weight/ height appointment for later in the day, we discussed possible distraction techniques whilst eating. He also suggested getting some literature for Boy Wonder on healthy eating and help him to make a healthy eating plan. Although we agreed that this had potential for becoming obsessive, we agreed that as he is no where near a suitable daily intake, it was probably a safe tactic.

I picked the children up mid afternoon and took Boy Wonder to his clinic. He remained very quiet and said that he felt sick. At the clinic we were pleased to find that he hadn't lost weight but had stayed more or less the same. Good old Complan!! At least we can now concentrate on a developing a healthy menu plan rather than worrying too much about his weight. Although this remains our worry and wasn't shared with Boy Wonder who accepted that the clinic appointment was just routine.
On the way home, Boy Wonder threw up all over the back seats of the car!

We arrived home and after cleaning Boy Wonder and the car, Biker Gramps and Super Gran came over as its was Biker Gramps birthday. Afterwards Boy Wonder played on Minecraft . He announced that he is planning his next biggest  challenge , building  the Barcelona fC stadium  on Minecraft. He made a start this evening.

As we settled down he watched a programme on dolphins which he said he preferred to watch whilst upside down. Consequently he spent the the next half hour jumping around and throwing his legs in the air. I sat, fingers crossed hoping that he wasn't going to be sick again. Luckily this seems to have passed. He later lay on my lap and tried to getting sleep but was very, very fidgety!

Happy New Year!!

New Years Eve brought the final touches to the decorating of Boy Wonder's bedroom. I did the easy bit and ordered the curtains, wall stickers and bed set which should be here in a few days.

Superman reported that Boy Wonder had been very quiet all day, hardly eating anything despite regular encouragement,  and saying very little.

On my return from work we prepared to go out for the evening. First to my sister's to see them and Grandad London, then to a friend's and finally on to Superman's Brother's. It was going to be a busy night and although Boy Wonder had been well prepared, we were pretty apprehensive about the whole thing.

Boy Wonder remained quiet for much of the evening unless there was a specific activity happening and then he engaged. He ate very little and became preoccupied by minute details such as specific times for events, meanings of words such as  'pumps' and ' bed spreads.' We played bingo at the last party which Boy Wonder enjoyed after taking a while to get into the rules. He also danced a bit to 1D and playing Fifa 14 on the computer. Cat Girl played in the conservatory and even danced a bit too!

We saw in the New Year and then made our way home. Boy Wonder was very lively at this point and jumped around his room for some time.

This morning we met friends at the local pub for breakfast. Boy Wonder looked tired and remained very quiet throughout. He ate half a slice of toast and stood and hugged Superman for some time. .

Later on Sister, Grandad London and families came over for dinner and stayed for the evening. Boy Wonder spent a lot of time in his room with his cousin playing Minecraft, He came down for dinner, hardly saying a word. Superman had a chat with him and he stated that he was worried about eating .
 He takes Concerta for his ADHD which suppresses his appetite a bit so we have to ensure that he eats well. However over the past couple of weeks he appears to be becoming food phobic. He explained that he can feel food inside him, going into his stomach and giving him pain. He also says that potato clogs up his throat making it difficult for him to breathe. We are getting to a point where he is eating very little and is now starting to refuse the supplement drink that we give him also. Boy Wonder ate a small amount of chicken but nothing else. He later had a bit of chocolate and ice cream.

Boy Wonder taught the guests how to play Top Trumps and consequently beat them until they started getting good! Uncle set up the Raspberry Pi and gave Superman a crash course in it.

Boy Wonder settled down late  although he is looking very tired.

Happy New Year!!