Big Words

I worked at the extended school year program this summer in the preschool. We had children who need the extra structure of the classroom during the summer - all have IEP's and most receive some kind of services. Speech, OT, PT, etc. So, it hasn't been a breeze. I have enjoyed it, but it is a challenge. We have one student who is older for preschool - he's five, and he has some major anger issues. I often wonder how a young child like that can be so angry. We had come to expect his outbursts of "This is stupid!" "I hate this place!" Don't talk to me!", but last week he said some words that I have never even said. We were sitting at circle time and this child, we'll call him Mouth, was unhappy that he didn't get to sit next to his friend. When it came time for Mouth to do his job for the day, collecting nametags, he was uncooperative. So, one of the other aides got up and helped him to do it right. This just happened to be the teacher who sat in between Mouth and his friend, so he already had a grudge. He started yeling and called her a stupid, f-ing b-! TWO TIMES! We were shocked, none of us knew what to say. The head teacher handled it very well, removing him from the circle and giving him time to cool off before speaking to him. The rest of circle time went to pot after that, none of us knew where to go from there. I think the other kids realized this and we pretty much lost control. Our cutie-pie autisitc student got frustrasted and bit the same teacher that got called the lovely name. She had a rough day!
Thinking about the situation after the initial shock of it all, I realize that this poor kid is really a victim, not just a fresh-mouthed naughty boy. How could he know these words and the context they are used in if he has not seen it modeled in someone else? There were so many times that he showed his true, little boy self and it made me wonder where all the anger comes from? How can a kid who loves Spiderman and makes sure he sees every picture in the books we are reading, turn around and call someone such a vicious name?
Needless to say, I am glad our program is done for the summer. Though, I do kind of wish I had more time to spend with Mouth and show him that not all adults are angry and it is ok to have fun once in a while.

What's In A Name?

My boy is the most clever, hilarious thing I've ever met. Yesterday, he chose a stuffed animal out of the stuffed animal bucket to bring to bed with him. Apparently, Zebra is not cutting it anymore. So, he chose a orange striped kitty that he got at Build-a-bear a long time ago. He was asking me about where he got it and what its name was, etc. All the questions a 3-year old asks, and then some, including why his kitty does not have a bellybutton. I told him that the kitty does not really have a name yet, so he can name it if he would like to. He thought about this for a few minutes and said, "Hydrogen Peroxide". OH MY GOSH...I about died of laughter right there, I held it in and praised his choice of such a creative name. As he was falling asleep he was quietly crooning to the kitty, "Hydrogen Peroxide, goodnight. Hydrogen Peroxide, I love you." I had to leave the room and laugh and tell Joel about it. Where does he come up with this stuff?? He had a splinter earlier in the day and I cleaned it with some hydrogen peroxide so that is why it was fresh in his mind, I guess.
Tonight I had to hug and kiss Hydrogen Peroxide good night after Oliver got his kisses. I'll take some pictures when I can of Ollie and good old H.P.

Where's Joe?

So, I've started something new. I thought for sure after starting Peapod grocery delivery that I would NEVER go to the grocery store again, but the other day I was in the neighborhood of Trader Joe's and I tried it out. I think I am in love. At first, I didn't really like it - it seemed small, unorganized and without enough options. But, the food is good. Really good. After our second trip there, I think I am sold. I think I can either live without or make a seperate trip for the things that we cannot get there. Also, I thought it would be super expensive, but I've been spending less than at the supermarket. Oliver loves that he can stay in the cart while the lady pulls it through to scan the items and he gets a balloon and stickers. The first time we were there he did ask me where Joe was. Too cute. The only bad part, it is a pretty good hike from where we live. Is it worth it? We shall see.
Ollie was in the paper again this week. This time from the fireworks in Hingham. Of course he is never with me in these pictures. Can't seem to find the link now, but I'll put it on here if I find it.

Push Present?

OK, so it is super-late and I am just winding down from the fireworks and surfing the web a bit and I came across this article about Keith Urban's push present for Nicole Kidman. I wasn't aware that this was such a popular thing. Seems a bit much to me. I mean, I got flowers when Morgan was born and nothing (Other than a sweet bundle of love) when Ollie was born. But, major pieces of jewelry, I'm not sure how I feel about that. Yes, it is a lot of work and certainly worthy of mad amounts of bling, but isn't the gift of your baby enough? Maybe the gifts should be saved for mother's day?
Anyone ever get a puch present? What was it? What are your thoughts on the issue?


By the way, best quote of the day:
Oliver when talking to Grammie about seeing the fireworks from her house:
"Grammie, did you see the fire AND the works?"