March Update

I'm working at the moment so I'm not sure how much sense this update will make. I really really do want to get into blogging but I just can't seem to DO it! It's a work in progress. I think if I could keep updating regularly and get my thoughts in order, it'd be a really great thing, especially for Malie to read when she's older.

I started infusions for my RA in January. WOW! At first I was discouraged because I didn't really notice a difference. However, last week I had strep throat again (which I personally think started the whole thing last year) and I was in agonizing pain -- which made me realize how far I've come and how well the infusions must be working! I think I am just discouraged because on Prednisone (the steroid), I felt awake and alive and almost free of pain but I also had all this energy. On Remicade and MTX...I am so exhausted 100% of the time. It's very rare that I have any sort of burst of energy. I want that too...I want the energy WITH the freedom from pain. Is that too much to ask? I saw my psychiatrist and although I am already obviously on folic acid with my MTX, she gave me a second folic acid-type vitamin that also assists as an anti-depressant. I'm not sure how, although I have a rough idea, but I didn't explain it very well. Anyway -- so far, no luck. I am going to start taking Omega-3 capsules again as well. I really do feel better when I take them. P.S.: I got over the strep a LOT faster this year! No Scarlet Fever and I went in to see my doctor on the 3rd day instead of putting if off. At least I learned my lesson a bit!

Malie was doing great in kindergarten. And actually...I still think she is. She is popular with her friends, involved in activities, and seems to have lots of fun. However, she is struggling with the academics. I really feel like she's not far behind -- the problem is that she cannot read a book by herself, she can't or won't write sentences without dictation and she struggles a bit with her numbers. I feel like that is not so bad for a kindergartner! We were not doing (in kindgerarten) the things she is doing now, so I was not at all worried. Average is fine with me -- it's AVERAGE. However, according to "The Standars", she is behind. I don't have any decisions to make yet but I might at the end of the year. Her teacher also stated that maybe a visit to the doctor would help -- she is wondering about ADD. Malie refuses to do some of her work, gets up and wanders around the classroom (especially to the window) during work time and has lots of trouble focusing and listening. These are all things I know about her -- we will definitely make an appointment. I have to go to the pediatrician's office today to pick up their ADD packet and then we will see. I'm not too worried about it. She's not horrendous. She's well-behaved, caring, and polite and really, that's all I can ask. She's MORE than I could've asked for -- she attacks life full on, grabs it by the horns. It brings me so much joy to watch her just live. I won't be medicating that. But I am sure there are other ways to "redirect" her energies in the classroom.

I am keeping her busy. She is in dance on Fridays with her favorite Miss Anna at West Coast...we popped in for a visit and I somehow decided to sign her up for recital. I really did miss it there! She's also in AYSO soccer for the first time. She is on the U5 team so they play and practice Saturday mornings. A parent-involved practice before a scrimmage sort of game. She loves it. Her friend Sammi is on her team and her friend Isabelle is on the U6 team that plays next to them. Then Wednesday nights she has cheer practice. Last weekend they performed at Knott's Berry Farm and then we wandered around Camp Snoopy with Sammi's family. It was SO much fun, the most fun I've had in awhile. I loved watching her perform her little heart out and then just be a kid at an amusement park with her best friend. Sammi's family are all very nice too and treated Malie and I like their own. I'm so lucky Malie found friends with such nice families.

I'm REALLY trying to get my house clean for spring. We are moving in June and I feel like if it's all cleaned up and cleaned out the move will be easier. Ugh, just thinking about moving is so stressful but I can't stay here. This neighborhood is AWFUL and I don't feel comfortable here with my 5 year old. I'm thinking we'll be heading to Ontario...and I hate thinking about taking Malie out of her school but we may have to do that as well.

www.archstoneapartments.com

That is where we want to move -- Terracina in Ontario. It's so pretty, in such a nice, residential neighborhood (surrounded by farm/dairy land) and the three schools (elementary, junior high, and high school) are all in walking distance -- not that I'd let Malie walk. I just hope we qualify.

I know I need to post pictures of Malie. I just hate doing it on here, it takes forever and lots of moving around. I wish there were an easier way! But I will get on it....I will hopefully have some pictures from Knott's soon!