An update on E

E has been seeing a psychologist once a week since July.  I remember the first day I had to take him.  He had a huge meltdown earlier that day.  I had to force him in the car and pull him into the office.  We got into the office and he sat slumped in the chair not even wanting to show his face. 

She called us both back to her office to explain the situation.  It was basically that we had already talked with her and explained some issues he was having.  Everything they talked about was staying between them and the walls of the office.  At that point I was excused and they started working.

He came out with a smile on his face.  I imagine that it was such a relief for him.  It wasn't as bad as he thought and finally someone who could get into his thoughts.  He told me he liked her.  When asked if he thought she would be able to help he, he gave me a definite yes.

So he has been talking with her once a week.  We, the parents, have had a meeting with the psychologist on our own and the three of us have met.  I can't say enough good things about her.  She is wonderful and works really well with E.

In our meeting with her, she was able to tell us a little bit of what they had been talking about.  She actually told us much more than I thought she would be able to.  It was good to finally get a peek in to what he is thinking. 

E thinks (or used to think) that he needs to be perfect in everything he does.  He gets so mad at himself when he messes up.  This was a big problem on the baseball field.  When he got yelled out for doing something wrong he would totally breakdown.  He would cry and throw a fit.  There was NO reasoning with him.  He was not able to recover quickly or at all sometimes.  It was a rough June and I was wanting to get through the season as fast as we could. 

His issue was an obstacle in more than just playing baseball.  But it was definitely more prominent during the season on the baseball diamond. 

We had a really big decision to make during July.  The coaches, including Dad, were very frustrated with E.  I totally understand why.  Based on a conversation that Dad had with the head coach, it was very questionable about having E try out for the team again.  Yes, they have to try out every year.  I can't tell you how upset we were.  We felt bad for E because we were not going to stop Jay from trying out. It was heart wrenching.  I can't even describe it.  It was even worse having to break the news to him.  I think he was a bit upset.

So this is why we have 3 different baseball games in a weekend.  E is playing on a recreational team.  It has frustrated us beyond belief.  The rec team is run so much different that a travel team.  The coaches are a bit less experienced.  It is definitely more relaxed.  We are hoping to work him back onto his travel team and if not that one a travel team somewhere.

Well, at E's appointment today, we were told that we can scale back to 1 visit a month.  He was worked really hard and has really improved dramatically.  He still gets upset but he manages to use his skills and recover.   

I feel so relieved to see his improvement from June.  I felt a bit hopeless at the beginning of this.  I am a true believer in therapy.  She has worked wonders for E and our family.  It is so wonderful to have a happy child again. 

Here is what we have been up to

We are four weeks into the school year and we are all getting used to our routines.  We are back to homework, sports and other fun activities.  So here is what we have been up to:

• Tee has adjusted to Kindergarten very well.  He has made many friends.  I was able to go in and help at lunch the first couple of weeks.  You know Kindergartners need help opening this and that.  One day Tee was sitting next to a girl.  They were talking to each other nonstop.  I asked him what her name was and he wasn't sharing.  So I asked her.  It seems as though he sits next to her many days.    One night at dinner, I asked him if he liked this girl you know as a friend or if he liked liked this girl.  Yep, answer was he liked liked her!  Oh boy.
• E and Jay have both adjusted to the 5th grade.  Yes, I can't believe they are in 5th grade.  They both seems to be doing well.  In past years, I have complained that E has not been placed in the correct math class.  He was not being challenged at all.  I just found out recently that he will be working on 6th grade math like Jay.  The best part is that he will not have to change his math class and will not be in class with his brother. 
• We were able to take the boys to the Baltimore Grand Prix.  We were spectators from a building (yes inside) overlooking the course.  The boys really enjoyed watching the race.  So glad to be indoors.  The cars are so loud.
• We were able to go to a Nationals Baseball game down in DC.  It was a very nice stadium.  We were being threatened with rain but luckily it just sprinkled.
• The boys are all playing baseball.  In fact, we have three boys on three different teams.  We have E taking a break from the travel team.  That is a story for another day.  He plays on Saturdays.  Tee plays on Sunday mornings and Jay plays Sunday afternoon.  Yes, we have full weekends.
• This past weekend, the husband and I were able to get out with some friends.  We went to a Maryland winery for a tasting.  We then sat at a table to talk and have some wine and snacks.  It was a fun time with fun friends.  We really needed that.
• The boys will continue with scouts this year.  The will complete their Weeblos this year.  I don't believe the boys will continue after this year and I am ok with that.
• We recently had our sun room tiled.  The carpet was really gross and we needed a change in that room.  It looks really nice.  I was able to clean it up, which was needed desperately.

The weather has been really nice.  Low humidity and in the high 70s.  In line for the weekend, you guessed it more baseball.