Sunday, April 26, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's been a fairly productive week.

The most important thing that happened is that Sylvia and I met with her new counselor. She never got off the waiting list, so I'm taking her to the facility. It costs less than our family therapist, is closer, and I really really like her therapist.

Sylvia, bless her heart, had no trouble opening up and speaking with the therapist (whom I'll call "B" here). She said some things in such a mature way, clearly aware of all the things going on with her, that I'm more confident that she'll be okay. She just needs a little help right now, and more help than I can give her.

B was very encouraging, and praised Sylvia's intelligence and sweetness and expressed a strong belief in Sylvia's ability to get through this. I think B will do a great job in filling the gaps that I can't - for a variety of reasons: time, energy, resources...I'm at peace with the concept that I can't give Sylvia everything she needs, but I can take her where she needs to go to get it.

Sylvia and I talked openly and honestly with B, and through that, I discovered that Sylvia really is taking in the things that I'm telling her; about her dad, about what Sylvia needs to do for herself...Sometimes, I'm not sure if she's listening, but now I know she is.

Of course, we still have our problems, but they're starting to feel more like the run-of-the-mill mother-daughter problems, and not just because of our circumstances.

Sylvia's in a cooking class, and together, Riley and Sylvia baked cookies last night. Today (Sunday), Sylvia and I made brunch together. Sylvia was also in a parade on Saturday with her cheer squad. (Once I take the time to upload pics from the camera, I'll post some.)

Riley had another soccer game, which they lost again. I think Riley's starting to get somewhat discouraged, and has considered quitting, but she also knows that either my dad or I will be there to cheer her on, so she's sticking with it. The oh-so-fun state testing starts next week at school for both of them. I think Riley's school has done a better job of preparing the kids for the tests and teaching them test-taking techniques than Sylvia's, but they're both aware that I don't care about their tests nearly as much as I do their overall performance in school. Sylvia doesn't seem to be displaying the anxiety that she has in years past when it comes to the state testing, and that's good.

I've heard rumors that there will most likely be more lay-offs coming at work, and I'm a little nervous about that. What can I do about it, though? Nothing but keep going to work, doing the best job I can, and just see what happens, right?

I got to speak with FreedomFirst today, and that was really nice. It's kind of funny because I've known her as long as i've known Kori, and yet this was the first time we've spoken on the phone. It's funny, too, because Sylvia was asking who I was on the phone with for so long, and she now gets it when I tell her it's one of my blogger friends.

Thanks to everyone who is also keeping up with me on Examiner. If you could subscribe, too, that would be great. Even if you don't have time to read it all, clicking on the links gets me a little $$, so I'd really appreciate it! And thanks to pisceshanna for helping me with that this week.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for JumpStart! It's a 3-month membership to educational games for kids from K-5.

And with that, I hope everyone has a great (or at least productive) week.

13 comments:

won said...

April, you wrote:

"Sometimes, I'm not sure if she's listening, but now I know she is."

Wow..this is gold! That is worth the price of the appointment alone...in my opinion. I am glad Sylvia is so receptive and smart.

Click on the links in Examiner? I always go by and read, but not sure what you mean by click on the links. Let me know, and I'll be happy too.

I will seriously keep a good thought about your job. Your attitude is commendable.

FreedomFirst said...

I just subscribed. :)

Thanks for talking today. I didn't realize the girls were there or I wouldn't have kept you so long; sorry.

Best of luck with the tests.

Me. Here. Right now. said...

Layoffs are scary. There were four rounds at my company and knock on wood I'm still standing. Don't know how, exactly, but grateful. I will think good thoughts for you.

Jumpstart is great - all my kids grew up with their educational games on my ancient computers - they also have a fabulous program you should check out called Read for the Record - it takes place in October each year and sounds like something right up your alley!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a very productive and successful weekend!

I'm so proud to hear you say 'I'm at peace with the concept that I can't give Sylvia everything she needs, but I can take her where she needs to go to get it.' So many parents just don't get it that they're not 100% perfect and no one can do it all, all the time, and all by themselves. It's clear that you are about what's best for your kids and not what's best for yourself....well done

jenn said...

I think it's wonderful that you can be okay with the fact that Sylvia needs to talk to someone else sometimes. As Shiloh gets older, if she has issues that she needs to talk to someone else about (which I'm afraid she might), then I hope I can find her a good therapist. I've never been to one myself, so I wouldn't even know how to begin looking. I guess we'll cross that bridge when get to it.

dadshouse said...

Sports can be tough, but are a good thing for kids to do. Besides the fitness and teamwork, there's learning to cope when things don't go right. That can be true for a good player who is struggling, or a not-as-skilled player who would like more playing time. My son is trying to get more playing time on his lacrosse team right now, and I'm really proud of the way he's keeping at it, holding his head up high, doing good work, and not giving up even if the coach doesn't give him more time.

Natalie said...

That is sooo awesome that you had that moment where you know Sylvia is listening to you!

You know I've got my fingers crossed with you on the work thing. And my toes. And I'm knocking on wood for you, too. :)

Laura said...

Glad you managed to find a therapist you both like - it is so very very important!!!

Will hold thumbs about the job - not nice to worry about that!!! But its all over - happening daily here to people I know :(

MindyMom said...

Just catching up here. Sounds like a very postitve weekend!

I've been reading your examiner pieces but will be sure to subscibe too!

Mark said...

Glad to hear things are going better for you and your daughter.

Shiona said...

It's so great to see that Sylvia is listening and that your are having run of the mill mother daughter problems. Sorry to hear about the soccer, but losing is what makes you stronger IMO.

Keeping my fngers crossed for you on the job front as well.

Glad you had a productive week (and weekend)

Kori said...

I subscribed. :)

Anonymous said...

Great article April! I knew you would have no problem coming up with awesome stuff!