This week has been good - not as busy as normal because tennis was cancelled on Tuesday, then we didn't go to the homeschool meet on Wednesday because I had a guest interview for a podcast (yes, I'm going to be a guest on a podcast, and I'm lining up another one today!). Jeffrey took the kids to the park at Sapphire Beach so I could have quiet for the interview. Last night Carmie started coming down with something, so she went to bed early, and she is still sick today, so she skipped horse riding, as well as swimming. I took Arley to horse riding, and he has definitely gone backwards as far as skills go (he has gone from cantering to being lead again!!!), but he and his instructor had really good rapport today, so I was pleased. He pretty much has been refusing to do anything beyond loosely hold the reigns. He won't steer, but he will trot if she is running along next to him making the horse trot. It is infuriating for me to sit on the sidelines watching because I know what he is capable of. But I just have to be happy that he is smiling up on the horse, let alone getting up on the horse!
On Saturday we took the kids to the tidal pool at Mylsetom. It's just before the river meets the ocean, and the river is netted off, with a boardwalk around the outside that you can jump off. The kids LOVED it, and met a boy there they were playing with. And while we were swimming in the pool area, three dolphins were swimming close by in the river. We will definitely be going back!
On Sunday morning, Jeffrey and I took Arley to dog beach with Bella. Carmie wasn't feeling so hot so she stayed home and slept. I wish she had been with us, because it was gorgeous out! At the north end of the dog beach there is a river that meets the ocean, and it has a strong current, so we took pool noodles and had floating races out to the ocean. It was so fun. We could have stayed all day, but we had to get back to Carmie. But I think that will be a regular activity for us too, as even Bella can come! She does get very upset though when we are all floating along the river. She runs along the edge after us, no matter who is in her way!
On Sunday afternoon, the kids' friend Will came over for a sleep over. It went smashingly well, until bed time. Arley was desperate for Will to sleep in his room instead of Carmie's room, and Will was being very diplomatic about it, but it was Carmie's turn (Charlie slept in Arley's room a few weeks ago). Arley just couldn't get it through his head that Will didn't want to sleep in his room, and when it eventuated, he was heartbroken, and sobbing and started having a meltdown. I gave him lots of cuddles, then I gave him melatonin and told him he could have a sleep over in my room instead, so that's what we did. Arley and I went to bed and chatted and read until he fell asleep. The poor little guy. He was devastated.
The next day we met Will's mother, brother and little sister at Urunga for a swim. I keep saying how amazingly beautiful it is down there, but it really has to be seen to be believed! The kids had a great swim and play, and I got totally, utterly sunburnt!
My good news for this week (or month!) is that Arley and I went to see the paediatrician today, and we liked him! It is so rare that I find a doctor I like these days, one who listens and doesn't fob me off. This doctor actually told me that I had more depth of knowledge (about autism and medications) than any parent he had come across. I am patting myself on the back for that one. This doctor actually listened and understood, and seemed to have empathy too. Arley is trialing Ritalin tomorrow (we actually want to start him on a different medication, but legally he has to try Ritalin first - that's bureaucracy for you!). The good news is that this doctor isn't going to stop until we get some help. He said Arley's anger won't go away with any drug, that it is part of his specific autism makeup along with his anxiety disorder, but maybe we can find something to help him a little. My hopes were high, and they have seemingly been met, so I am really happy with the outcome! I'll update next week as to the Ritalin - fingers crossed.
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