Sarah Rise Weekly Updates

We started Sarah’s Oxcarbazepine a week ago in the evening. That is her anti-seizure medication. I’m trying to learn the name of it so I can direct a sitter to give it to her if need be. If I only remember its other name (Trileptal) that isn’t written anywhere on the box or bottle, then… Read more »

Quite often after I write about something then it changes. Sometimes that makes me want to avoid sharing if things are going really well, but I always share anyway, and sometimes that helps me shift out of whatever was difficult. After my last update, Sarah’s pajama obsession eased a bit. I think it was due… Read more »

Stupid bleeping polka dot pajamas!!! But more on that later. Many parts of this week were wonderful. Sarah started 4th grade. She tied her shoes by herself to get ready for the bus. I gave two Alexander lessons that were for my own practice and were some of my best work. I arranged the details… Read more »

About a month ago, Amy told me that she was excited for the next holiday. I asked her if she meant Labor Day. She said, “No. The first day of school!” She started school this past Monday and loves it. Sarah starts school tomorrow, but she dressed in her uniform for Amy’s first day because… Read more »

We have been going to the pool at my office a lot. I feel like a switch got flipped for Sarah recently and she is just wanting to practice her new things all the time. She continues to jump in ever more independently and to practice her floating. There have been a couple of times… Read more »

This week the girls pulled out all the stops…Literally. They took out all of the “Stop” cards from The Cat In The Hat “I Can Do That” game. It has also been a good week overall. We have been playing regarding Sarah’s allergies with saying “x” or “two thumbs down” or sounding like a buzzer…. Read more »

Sometimes something can be staring you in the face for a long time before you realize it. Sarah took, and continues to take, guidance for her speaking incredibly, astoundingly, amazingly, mind-bogglingly well. This is not the case for other skills. When I try to guide her regarding piano practice or other physical skills she instantly… Read more »

Thanks to the help of sitters hanging out with the girls at home, on Monday I drove to the Poconos to see my two best friends that I’ve had since I was 4. These friends are sisters to each other. I remember when I met them I thought, “oh finally, these are the friends I’ve… Read more »

Parenting is hard. Luckily there are moments that fill my heart so much it hurts with joy. This week I have really struggled sometimes regarding Sarah. She so often ignores what I say, purposefully continuing with what I have said not to do. I know that kids do this, but Sarah does it waaaaaaaaaaaaay more… Read more »

I don’t think I really have much for this week except the humbling awareness that I’m not very good at being relaxed if the girls are helping in the kitchen. I’m also in awe of how Carl can be ungrumpy with whining kids or problems to be solved. This is how he is in general… Read more »