Pumpkin Hunting

Today we went to the Pumpkin Patch. Dexter's kindergarten class had a field trip to pick out a pumpkin and go on a hayride. Mr. Cobra volunteered and I tagged along since I didn't have anything else to do. Brixton was home from school since she got sick at school yesterday, so I couldn't work anyways. She was fine and acting normally without a fever, so figured it was just something she ate and not a stomach virus. We had fun helping with the kids and we transported the pumpkins back to the school since they were taking public transport. Dexter loved showing off his little sister, but Brixton pretty much stuck within 2 feet of me the whole time because she was scared of all the big kids.

This past couple of months has been wrought with change. Dexter started kindergarten and Brixton is now in preschool full-time. The house is so quiet during the day now. I dearly miss hearing Brixton running through the house while we work. It was always fun to go up and say hello or give her a big hug. She's doing wonderful at school which is no surprise. She's such a calm, easygoing little person. She takes big changes in stride and she's just such a sweet (but tough!) little girl. She has her little friends she talks about and plays with. Her teachers like her. She had a small stint where she didn't eat lunch, but now that she's full-time, that has resolved. She also had a few nights that she woke up at night, but just needed a hug and some reassurance and she went back to sleep.

Dexter on the other hand has had a rough time transitioning to kindergarten. He's been ok at school, but after school he's been a challenge. He's never done well with big changes. He thrives on a predictable schedule and something has been changing every couple weeks. First he started school, then Brixton started school part-time, then he started a different karate class, then Brixton went to school full-time. It's been a lot to deal with. He's had huge meltdowns that lasted hours 2-3 times a week. He started regressing with having potty accidents and being very aggressive (hitting/kicking).

He's a handful when he's anxious or stressed because he can't stop moving or making noises. He's always seeking stimulation. I'm not really sure if it's normal behavior anymore, but it's definitely worse right now because he's stressed. We need to have him assessed. I've tried volunteering with his kindergarten class just to be around other kids his age. He definitely has a higher energy level and none of the other kids do the same type of odd voice/noise things he tends to do. It's all mild though. I'm not worried about him, just think we might need to some extra help to parent him.

They are growing up so fast. We had to let our nanny go after 4.5 years. It was hard to do and we still miss her. We plan on having "pajama parties" to keep her and the kids in touch on a regular basis. The kids seem to be doing okay. They both have school to fill their days, so that has kept them preoccupied. They have been asking for a pajama party though, so we have one scheduled soon!