Saturday, already?

Like every other Saturday, Puppy wakes up before me and asks, "Mom, is it time to wake up?" To which I always quickly reply, "No, it's early so go back to sleep."  But then he answers back with, "But I'm not sleepy!" And that is how our Saturdays begin.

Today has been extra special.  We had the chance to spend the day alone with only us two in the house.  Usually we have Ms. H here, she provides PCS assistance during the week and on Saturdays to guide Puppy through the chores and helps me keep my sanity by having another adult whom understands our lives. But she had been helping prepare all week for a fundraiser today and I thought that was something she had to lend her support with and we'd catch up on Monday.

We've been doing most of the same things that Puppy and I do, but because its just us two, I promise Puppy has been extra verbal and a complete chatterbox and repeating phrases all day. And I mean ALL day! I think I've finally lost my mind and can't take too much of this any longer today. Even as I'm writing this blog he is standing at the bottom of the stairs asking if we're going to grandma's for the umpteenth time in the last 30 minutes. I've heard the front door and the back door open and close so many times today that I'm probably going to have to change the worn out locks (Puppy has the habit, although a good habit, of locking the door behind him every single time he enters the house). The back door is already so bad it is difficult to turn, and I got locked out because of his "good" habit when he came indoors ahead of me.

So anyway, I'm going to step away from the computer with just enough energy to make it to the pain reliever medicine and take something for my headache.  I just hope it gives me strength to make it through the rest of the day.  Remember, I take it one day at a time, so I'm not even thinking about how wonderful tomorrow is going to be, just the two of us, again.

Monday finally came

Puppy and I started our new week. Unlike most other days, we were both ready and eager. We are adjusting with the changes, and moving along smoothly.

Monday went pretty well. I drove Puppy to school for his first day of Extended School Year, I went to work, then picked him up at the new daycare where he was left off by the school bus driver and monitor after his release from class. His teacher there said he had a terrific day and I was very pleased to see him surrounded by new friends. They were all on the carpet playing and because he was having fun, I actually had to call his name to get his attention. I liked seeing a big grin on his face that let me know he was having a great time.

Then our ride home goes well, too. And for another first, we were having the person who will be assisting with PCS coming over. She did, and we had an introduction that went better than expected, Puppy liked her! She will be coming into our home every Monday through Friday for two hours in the evenings, and three hours on Saturday.

Let me just say that she is wonderful. She has experience working with many special needs children of different ages. I could not have found a better person to let into our home.

We will continue to set up a schedule for Puppy that covers his new school hours, daycare and PCS hours at home. I can only say that I am getting myself prepared for the roller-coaster ride, and yet...I'm hoping it's a carousel that has no surprises.

Ready for a fresh start

Well, I did it. After much deliberation, today I withdrew Puppy from his daycare with Teacher Ana, and registered him at a different daycare. The change officially takes place on Monday.

I thanked Teacher Ana for all her help these last few years. She has always been there for me. She never said no to early drop-offs and late pick-ups, and to unexpected drop-offs, helping him do homework and keeping the bus driver and bus monitor in line. She taught Puppy many things. She taught him discipline and respect. She was firm and caring. I can write a list, but there's not enough space.

Puppy is very fond of her and this is important when it comes to having someone care for my son. And yes, there were tears. Mostly mine, but it felt good to know that we made a friendship that will last a lifetime. We will miss her.

I am just praying that I made the right decision. Now it's back to learning new faces and people. New rules and new routines. But we are so ready to make a fresh start. Even Puppy seems excited.

My interview for Puppy's PCS assistant was switched from Friday to Saturday. Someone forgot to cross their fingers. But mine are still crossed with hope that we can make a schedule to work for both of us. Oh, and that she agrees to take the job, too.

Well, I have a list of things to do tomorrow and I can hear my bed calling my name. I must listen. Good night Puppy. See you in the morning.

Changing daycare facilities

It's been about a week since I went to visit a daycare facility that I'm considering for Puppy. It's actually a difficult decision to make and is not being made without careful thought and research.

I am very happy with the director at the daycare he has attended for almost four years now. Teacher Ana (as Puppy calls her) was quick to figure him out. She has never had a problem with his behaviors and has even been helpful in continuing lessons learned at home, school or even those she set up at daycare. Routine is very important and we all have to be on the same page.

This January the daycare was moved into the director's home and it is now a licensed home care. It's still the same if you ask me, just limited to one room instead of an entire house. Her license is for children between the ages of 6 months to 12 years. So come this July, Puppy will be too old at 13 years. The director was kind enough to offer us one more year, but with Puppy being the oldest and tallest child, I'm taking it as a sign that we need to move on. Besides, I'm hoping Puppy will get a little more activity, find some distractions away from his obsession and meet a few older kids at this new daycare.

I also got more good news yesterday! I received a call from a teacher aide at a local high school that has answered my ad for PCS hours for Puppy. She has experience working with special needs students for the last 6 years. She may be the answer to my problems. We have an appointment to interview each other on Friday, so I'll write about the results afterward. Everyone cross your fingers!

And we march on

Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember those we have lost while they were at war. I am thankful that our family has not lost anyone while serving their country. Currently, I do have a cousin who is serving in the Air Force and has had two or three tours in the Iraq war. I'm not even sure I said that right, but bottom line is that he has gone and come back in one piece. I regularly say a prayer for him and all service men and women in our armed forces.

However today, I did not attend any local memorial services, I was guilty of staying home. I went through my routine minus the breakfast and getting into my work clothes and instead slept a little later and woke up Puppy for his usual routine. As I mentioned in my previous post, I drive him to school in the morning now. So I did, and I got down to leave the school nurse Puppy's prescription refill for the month of June. Then I returned home and grabbed a load of laundry to wash. Once that was started, I fixed myself a cup of coffee and sat in front of the TV for a while. Re-runs was all there was. I did a little house cleaning, hung up clothes, washed dishes, etc.

I called my sister Margie to come cook us some lunch. I'd provide the food if she would cook because she knows how to put flavor in all her meals. Lunch time came and went faster than I expected. But we ate well, and even left some for Puppy. As I was thinking of Puppy, his teacher texted me asking if I was going to pick him up or should he go on the bus. He was supposed to get on the bus and be dropped off at daycare for me to pick up later. But he knew very well that I didn't get dressed for work and he confidently told his teacher I was picking him up after school. Oh Puppy, I couldn't help but laugh at his genius plot, so I went to bring him home from his day at school.

After settling back home, I made a call to the woman who had shown interest in working for Puppy and me to provide PCS (personal care services). She said that 4:30 PM was good for her and she'd come to discuss details of the job; she seems anxious to start. Well, needless to say that I was still waiting for her at 7:00 PM. I never received a call from her and have no clue as to why she didn't show. I got a bad vibe from this and I fear she may not be responsible or mature enough for the job. Would you think she is?

I contacted a friend who has been helping to find someone to work the hours we need with Puppy, and she said she would continue to search. It's a shame that we couldn't get started already. I'm ready, but I won't leave Puppy in just anyone's care. I am having a difficult time stressing over something that should be so easy. I ask for patience, patience and more patience. And so, we keep going and we march on.