Improvements

Whew, the week is flying by quickly! We started a few new things with Elijah this week in hopes of helping him to feel less overwhelmed and anxious. The main one is shortened school days, of course. We have also been giving him herbal supplements, we've been getting him into bed even earlier (just for a while, until he's caught up), we are cutting way back on screen time (only allowing 30 minutes/day of iPad/phone/tv) and we have started juicing veggies and fruits for both boys since they are so anti-vegetable. Every day they are each consuming: 2 apples (or more), 1 orange, blueberries/raspberries, 1 kiwi and 2 handfuls of kale. We have also been minimizing sugar intake, which is difficult on Halloween week!

We've been doing all of the above since Monday and we have noticed a definite positive change in E's behavior at home. The shortened school days are probably helping the most, with the other things helping by little bits that all add up. Dan and I have noticed that Elijah still has tired eyes. He looks exhausted constantly (although, he's looked less exhausted with each passing day), but he has mostly been able to control impulses and not be as defiant at home. I asked his teachers for a report at the end of the week, so I'm looking forward to hearing that.

I got a note from the school nurse today. Elijah failed his vision screening at school in his left eye. His vision was 20/70. In April it was 20/40. I'm not sure why it would have gotten worse so quickly, so I scheduled an appointment for him to see his ophthalmologist on Friday morning. Friday is Halloween, so we want him to be able to spend the afternoon at school for his "harvest party," so this works out perfectly!

Dan and I have been working like crazy fiends. We are ships passing in the night, as we head to our jobs. I know this craziness is only for a season, so we are pushing through and managing. Soon we will have tons of quality time together, once five out of eight of our jobs slow down.

I feel like there is always so much more to say, but Dan and I are actually at home together tonight so I must go snuggle with him! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of your week!