Another week's gone by and we're still here! We have had quite a few volcanic meltdowns this week. Arley is much happier and much more interested in doing things (and even trying new foods sometimes!), but he is also quite explosive, averaging an episode a day. They are over quite quickly but have become quite violent, and he's very remorseful afterwards. The good news is that the kids are actually playing together like real friends, for the first time ever. Voluntarily choosing to play together. It makes all the difference in the world. The last few days haven't been very good, but before that Jeff and I were kind of dumbfounded by their friendship. I truly hope it lasts!
We got out to dog beach this week, as Bella hadn't been there in a while. Arley didn't really want to come, but I now have a bag of goodies I take with us when we go out, and when he realised we had that, he was happy. We started a small fire at the beach using a magnifying glass, and both of the kids did some whittling with their knife. They are really happy to be out as long as they are kept mentally busy. So, I always have to be prepared. It was fun for all of us though.
Yesterday we met up with homeschool friends at the trampoline place. We were supposed to go for lunch at Sawtell afterwards but Carmie hurt her knee pretty badly (of course) so she didn't want to go. It was fun while it lasted though. Carmie is very sore today from all of the running and jumping and climbing. She has had three nights this week of bad sleep, but thankfully last night she slept. The paediatrician is at a bit of a loss regarding her insomnia, and says we can go up to 10mg of melatonin. I hope we don't get to that stage.
As for Arley's meds, his dose of Lovan has been lowered and tomorrow we are starting on a low dose of an ADHD med called Strattera. It is supposed to take about six weeks before we notice a change though, so we're not expecting any overnight miracles!
We had a dietician who specialises in kids with eating disorders come to our house this week to start a plan with Arley. She is concerned with his diet (that's a no-brainer), and we have to get his iron and zinc levels checked. We are going to get Carmie's checked too. We see the dietician again in three weeks. She is coming up with a plan to teach Arley about micro and macro nutrients in a fun way, and getting him to try new foods like he is a scientist. Hoping this helps!
I have just come back from the doctor's this afternoon too. He said my iron levels are completely back to normal (I was close to needing a transfusion!), but I'm not allowed to exercise with my arms for a month, because I have injured both of my shoulders and they are not healing. I have to get x-rays on them to see what is going on. Just my luck. I have hated exercise for my entire life, and now that I'm actually enjoying it, I can't exercise! I can't run either because of a pain in my hip and weak glute muscles. Falling apart!
Not much more to add this week. I think that is a good thing!
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