speedy week

this week has been a balance of high and low moments. some things are getting easier while others are getting more complex. r has worked out some dawdling (well just a little) and he and i are making progress on it.

however, both kids have "discovered" anger. k has been hitting and pushing another friend at school. and r, i believe, threatened to punch me when i asked him to finish his shower and get out. this display of anger and aggression on both of their parts is important in developing autonomy, sense of control, and articulations of their feelings. the idea is now to help them channel these things in productive ways. today k happily reported that she did not push or hit her friends or teachers. i gave her great kudos for that. and r was pretty much on track most of the day and i told him that he earned extra cooperation stars. both were happy with the positive feedback. i am also learning how to give them feedback -- not just good job. but that is very mature/responsible/kind/etc. of you. it shows me how much you have grown and how ready you are to be a preschooler/kindergartner. they really respond and blossom with such feedback. i am also trying to be more mindful and present when i am with them. i think i get impatient waiting for them to finish their tasks or play when we are transitioning. and i have to say there are times when it is difficult to get excited about seeing the 40th hole he has dug this week. but i do try to remember to engage and find out his/her perspective. it is not always obvious or easy to do.

r had a great swimming class and will begin the next round next week. dad biked to work. i tried to work out but it irritated my sore spots today. after the quick medical procedure i had monday, i have not gotten back to my old self and therefore am a little uncomfortable these days. waiting it out... but i think the procedure has to repeated 2-4 times. ouch!

the kids dug for fossils today. k did not eat much dinner but enjoyed her school lunch. on the other side, r loved his dinner and declared it the best meal he has ever eaten (green bean casserole, broccoli frittata, and rice). it was nice.

tomorrow we let dad work and i have the kids all day. i have been trying to finish some writign and it is going so slow. i am very very close to being done with another project. if i can just be focused and plow through...