Sigh

Quite often, sighs are used to express sadness, frustration, or relief. Today, I use it to express all of the above...at once.

I left this morning in a rush, with just enough time to kiss Gaby on the head and drive Savannah off to daycare. I could tell, as soon as we got out of the car, that Savannah was already dreading the moment of me leaving. When we walked in, she made her way to Miss Claudia, and started crying. I'm thinking, I haven't even signed in and she's already crying? I still have to say goodbye!! Of course, saying goodbye made her cry all the more. I told her, the same thing I tell her every time I leave, that I love her and to have fun today, and that I will be back after nap and playtime. It really tears up my heart to see her so sad, and like any mother, all I wanted to do was to stay and comfort her.

Most of my work day was quite interesting. I was looking forward to working with Nicholas--he is SO smart and a delight! He seemed alright when I got there. His mom walked him upstairs and was able to leave the room without any problems. We got busy putting puzzles together and using appropriate language, labeling, and requesting. I figured I could run one of his programs using puzzle pieces to keep him motivated. Umm...NOPE! In fact, most of his session resulted in tears and screaming upon being required to make requests. Also, whatever activity he initiated brought on more frustration and more crying. I could not figure out what he wanted. His mom came up to see what was going on. He was still crying, on and off, even with mom there to play with us. Before the first hour was up, we actually got his mood back up playing ball. Unfortunately, his baby brother woke up and mom needed to leave to tend to him. The tears came back, worse than before. Mom came back and, as she said, it was "in stereo". She suggested that our session end early. Nicki just wasn't himself today. His allergies were bugging him, and so were his up-and-coming molars. I got him to help me clean up before leaving, so at least we ended on a good note. While I was writing in his book, I could hear him crying, and Mom and grandma trying to figure out what was bothering him. He seemed much better when I got downstairs. He said goodbye with a big smile, and ALMOST gave me a hug. I still feel loved, especially when I heard him scream as soon as I closed the door--Grandma says he does that because he's sad when his therapists leave.

Since I was done early, Robert and I were able to meet up in Tustin for a lunch date at Wahoo's. It's nice that we can do that, even when we're driving around Orange County (or LA).

After lunch, I made my way to my next case in Santa Ana. This was my first visit, so I was unsure in regards to my directions. I was starting to feel lost the further I got from the freeway and more towards the middle of Santa Ana. I was already at Bristol, and still had not seen the street I was looking for. I tried calling the parents, but the number was disconnected. I called Crissy, but she wasn't even in the office to help me with directions or get a hold of the family. I also put in a call to the case supervisor and was lucky to have her call back. By then, I had found the apartment complex but still had to run to the office to get a parking permit. Huffing and puffing, I made to their apartment. At this time, it was already 12:30 pm. A woman opened the door and looked at me strangely. I introduced myself and told her I was here to work with Hector. She said, "No...", which was such a strange response that I didn't know what to make of it. I asked if Hector lived there. She said, "Yes.". Okay. At least I was where I was supposed to be. My last question to her was if he was coming back soon. She then told me in Spanish, "No habla ingles.". I really need to learn some basic Spanish! She closed the door, and I called Crissy back to update and left for the mall.

It was definitely a treat to be at the mall, even on a time crunch, and browse around Old Navy. Usually, when I take the girls with me, I make my way quickly up and down the store, scanning for cute outfits and wishing I could take the whole experience at a slower pace.

The end of my work day was back to normal. I got the best "pick-me-up" session with Luke. He was so happy and excited to spend time with me. We played, we learned, and laughed! I got lots of smiles and hugs, and he did so great with his programs. I was so proud of him! I left to pick up Savannah, more lighthearted than when I started my day.

Savannah greeted me with her usual "MY MOMMY!", accompanied with a big smile and hug. I heard good reports from Miss Laura too, about how well she's adjusting and socializing with everybody. She's also been initiating using the potty--ALL BY HERSELF, of course--and might start potty training there in a couple of weeks. On the way home, Savannah told me that she had cried in the morning. I asked her if she missed me while I was working. She nodded, and I told her that I missed her too, but that I always come back after nap and playtime.

Savannah's attitude and behaviors have also gotten better at home. In fact, I failed to mention that after her big tantrum last Friday, she has been doing a better job listening and obeying Mommy. That also includes potty and bedtime.

I am so proud of our girls! They are SO smart, loving, and bubbling with joy. I end this entry with another sigh. As of 9 pm, both Savannah and Gaby are fast asleep, in THEIR bedroom. YES, in THEIR own beds!