Get this.  GET THIS.  Unbeknownst (I had to look up the spelling on that one) to me, the “special seat” I had asked the driver to put Mason in was RIGHT NEXT TO THE BULLY.  SAME SEAT.  I didn’t know this at the time, because I didn’t know what bully looked like.  But Mason got off the bus in the afternoon and I asked him about his day and the bus rides.  And he confirmed that it was the bully he sat next to in the morning.  Can you believe it?

Here’s how it went down.  Mason was going to get on the school bus, and was totally fine.  On his way up the stairs, he started freaking out and started running back home.  I ran after him, talked to him and he was nervous about the bully.  Apparently the bully was right there, peeping over the seat and gave Mason quite a look.  I talked to him and told him nothing would happen to him.  I walked with him to the bus, and I got halfway on (as not to embarrass Mason) and asked the bus driver if there was a “special seat” just for Mason.  And that’s when he put Mason RIGHT NEXT to the bully.

I’m sorry.  Where is this lack of communication coming from?  Apparently we’re not all on the same page.  And apparently some of us are not the sharpest tools in the shed.  Who does that?

That afternoon, right after we got home, I called the principal.  We chatted and she said that was completely unacceptable and that she would be calling the trans. director immediately.  I assured her that if I needed to contact someone on my end, I was perfectly happy to do so.  And I told her that Mason wouldn’t be bullied off of the school bus.  That this kid needed to be kicked off before Mason would stop riding it.  She assured me she’d take care of it.

So now I wait and see what happens.  Do I say something to the bus driver this morning?  I don’t want to cause more anxiety or embarrassment for Mason, but I gotta stick up for my kid when <obviously> the bus driver won’t.  Do I spell it out for him?  I’m at a loss for what to do this morning.  And unfortunately Brett is out of town, otherwise he’d be dealing with it for me.  I’m not a good confrontational person.  That’s why I hire advocates and attorneys.  Just kidding.  <kind of>

I talked Mason through it.  Told him that nothing like that would ever happen to him.  This kid was a bully and he was picking on Mason.  I calmed Mason down.  I took all the information that he remembered and wrote it down.  And then I had to just think about it.  I had to process it in my own head.  I’m not sure what my deal is, but I can’t process events like that quickly.  It takes time for things like this to sink in.  We went about our day with homework and baths, the same routine.  In the evening, I was able to sit down with  the piece of paper that had the details.  And I started writing.  I emailed the teacher, principal, director of transportation, and cc’d my advocate for good measure.  I knew they would take this very seriously, and I needed them to know that we were taking this very seriously.

I got an email from the principal that night reassuring me that they would be looking into this.  Come Friday, I found out that the principal talked to Mason (who was definitely a bit nervous going into the principal’s office!) and Mason pointed the boy out, and watched video of the school bus.  Side note- so happy they have video on school buses now, but how sad that it’s come to that, right? Mason was sitting in the front of the school bus so we actually couldn’t see him or the boy in the video.  She did mention that she saw other disturbing things on the video…standing up, switching seats, throwing things, etc.  I’m glad she saw this as our bus driver isn’t as strict as I would like to see him.

The director of transportation emailed later on Friday and said that he spoke with the bus driver who didn’t hear anything.  And also corrected any behaviors that don’t fall in place with transportation procedures.  I certainly hope so.

I emailed the principal again today to follow up.  I asked if the boy in question had been called to speak with her, questioned about the incident, or confessed to anything.  I am awaiting a response.

I hate bullying.  I severely dislike bullies.  They make me mad.  No one has the right to make my child/children feel scared or threatened.  And it’s important to me, for Mason, that he sees that negative behaviors will yield negative consequences.  I’m so proud of Mason for telling me what happened.  And very proud of how brave he was to talk to the principal.  Our principal is wonderful, as is Mason’s teacher.  However, for a 5 year old, the principal’s office can be daunting!

l.o.v.e.

Mason has a heart of gold.  His awesome teacher, Mrs. K., just became a first-time grandma.  And she has pictures of Baby B all over the classroom.  Mason wants to make a card for Baby B.  And give Baby B gifts.  He found his drawer of baby keepsakes that I have held on to.  And he wanted to give Baby B his first pair of shoes.  They’re Vans and oh-so-cute!  He also found his favorite baby toy and wanted to give the baby that.  I tried to explain why these things meant a lot to Mommy and why we couldn’t give them away.  He got so upset because he just wanted to give Baby B a gift.  I promised Mason a trip to Target to pick out something special for Baby B’s first Christmas.  And fortunately that was a good answer!  I absolutely love my little guy’s heart.  His range of compassion and empathy far outweighs most 5 year-old boys, I think.  Of course, I may be a little biased.

Baby Toy and First Vans

We started the journey last night with a “meet the teacher” night at school.  He saw his room, desk, name EVERYWHERE!, met the teacher, the aide, the student teacher, met with the principal.  He had a great night.  Here’s a few from last night:

Cutie pie at his desk!

I'm not quite fond of the fact that he's a "ladybug", but whadaya gonna do?

This morning he woke up hesitant. He was still nervous about the bus, even though we talked about it a lot. To everyone. It was so great to have my in-laws come up to see him off, too. I’m bummed I didn’t get a picture of him with them.

All I can say is that I tried.

I'm not gonna lie…there were tears.

But he made it (and I beat him there!) and even had a semi-smile working.

We got in the classroom and did our thang...

…read a story and then I bolted with no more tears from him. (should I get bangs? Forehead looking massive.)

Caught him off the school bus.

As it turns out, he does like the school bus!  The first thing he said was, “mommy, I love the school bus!  I cried this morning, but I didn’t cry this afternoon.  It was fun!”  Huh.  Turns out I just might know a thing or two.

While Mason was learning, Emma had her first post op since surgery.  I meant to take a picture at the mall, because when we were there, she didn’t have to wear her pillow!  No more pillow during the day, just at night!  She was extremely excited about this news.  Oh, and the doctor said that Emma could go to school whenever she was up to it.  To Emma, that meant today.  She wasn’t so happy when I wouldn’t drop her off at 1:40 this afternoon.  I promised she could go tomorrow, and she begrudgingly accepted that.  This girl is EX-CI-TED!!

Oh, and I will be posting pictures of her first day tomorrow!!  She will be attending the private school that we wanted her to attend.  I am so excited for her to be in a place where she feels comfortable and enthusiastic about learning!  I know she’s going to bloom at the new school!

On Wednesday, I will take Mason to his open house and to meet his teacher.  He’s cautiously excited about Kindergarten on Thursday.  However, he wants no part of the bus ride.  I’ve gotten a few suggestions on how to handle the bus situation.  I definitely want him to ride it.  We have the ability, we’re going to use it!  And, plus, it’s fun.  Eventually.  I think what we’ll try come Thursday morning, is to put him on the bus (hopefully not kicking and screaming) and follow him to school.  And we’ll meet him at school to get all the pictures my heart desires.  What would you do in my situation?  Perhaps let him get 2 days of KG under the belt then have him ride the bus Monday?  I’m up for any and all suggestions!  I don’t want him to fear it, but he often goes into new situations very nervous and anxious.  And then he gets there and says “hey, this wasn’t so bad!”  The bus will be the same thing.

Okay, let me have them!  I want your suggestions!

Below: picture of Emma holding her little brother who is 3 days old.  Precious.

7-2-06

On another note, I leave for Paris in 4 days.  Eeek!!  I have a mix of emotions…excited, happy, nervous, anxious.  Butterflies in my tummy more and more.  I’ve never left my kids this long.  And I haven’t been out of the country since having kids.  But I keep at the forefront of my mind all of the wonderful experiences I’ll have.  And that creates excitement.  Last night I had a dream I slept all through the flight(s).  I wish.  Why haven’t they invented teleportation yet?  Since 14 hours on a plane is a must in order to get to our destination, I am thankful for these things: family to keep me occupied, iPad, Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones, books on iBook, Ambien, and Xanax. (the last two not to be mixed together, nor with the free alcohol I hear you get on international flights)

Some necessities for travel…thought I’d share.  Water bottle (see how cute it is?) if tap water is declared potable (Paris is). Large reusable bag, especially useful in Europe. Travel candle, Scentsy.  You never know how your accommodations will smell.  Laundry bag. Umbrella. Baby wipes, you just never know.  Learned that lesson in Russia. One nice pair of shoes to go with multiple outfits: hello Tory Burch! Hat.  To the right…rolled clothes…to save space.

Counting down while packing up!

Where’s the most exotic locale you’ve been to?

just born

My sweet Mason turns 5 today.  We have a wonderful day planned for him.  Before it can start, though, the 5 of us will head downtown to visit Emma’s ortho doc for her pre-op appointment.  I’m anxious to learn more about what the surgery and the recovery will entail.  Of course I’ll post an update, along with exactly what they’re going to be doing to make her hips more stable.

But…after that the fun begins!  I think we’ll hit up 5 and Diner for lunch complete with shakes.  Then we’ll go to take the kids to Cars 2.  Are we the only family that hasn’t seen it?  I refused to go opening weekend.  Too crazy.

Tonight, per his request, we’ll have a pizza picnic.  That’s when we move the ottoman out of the way, throw down a blanket, and eat pizza on the floor while watching a movie or kids show.  Right now my kids LOVE Wipeout.  Pure silly family fun.

Do you have any special traditions you do for birthdays in your home?

I haven’t talked much about Mason since blowing off the dust on this blog!  But he’s the same (very) active 4 year old as before! He’s pretty cute…when he’s not challenging us. His interests right now: keys, cars, key fobs, goldfish crackers, gum, keys, our dogs, summer camp, keys, exploring different sodas, California…did I mention the keys? One might say it’s a slight obsession. That “one” might be every”one” who knows him. I chalk it up to his dad working in the car industry. But it all started with a ride in his Uncle Brett’s mercedes (Uncle Brett is (my) Brett’s best friend).

One big thing I love about this kid (beside his dimples that are so deep they collect lint, and the fact he still loves to cuddle with his mom and shower her with kisses) is that he is so good with Emma. Don’t get me wrong. They have their battles. What siblings don’t? But in general, he’s very sweet and very patient with her. And very willing to help out. Sometimes too willing.

Mason was born 2 months after Emma’s diagnosis.  What a trying time! To deal with a child who now has serious medical needs and now a newborn.  We were so lucky that he was the easiest baby ever.  There is no exaggeration to that statement at all!  What’s interesting about our little family, or at least interesting to me, is that Emma is one one side of the spectrum as globally delayed.  Mason, on the other hand, is very bright.  As in bright enough to be in a gifted program later on.  Because why wouldn’t I have two kids who are polar opposites like that?  <wink>

One thing that I am struggling with right now is the fact that we don’t have him in any “extra-curricular” activities. No sports. No swim lessons (which is a huge shame). We simply don’t have time right now. How do I fit all of our schedules, including Emma’s schedule which includes multiple doctors appointments, therapies, and gymnastics, and then include an activity for him? I need another me. Or a husband who is independently wealthy and doesn’t have to work so he can coach Mason’s soccer team. I’m sure it will get easier to squeeze in something for Mason…as soon as this whole “school” thang gets sorted out. Until then, we enjoy our time hanging out at home, or doing different activities that include sister. He will get his time to pursue what he wants. Fortunately he can be good at being patient!

*pictures from our recent trip to Indianapolis for a family reunion. It was a Mason and Mommy trip!
Any suggestions for this mom who’s feeling a wee bit guilty?

The thought of a family photo session with anyone else would create huge anxiety with me.  But not when the photo shoot is with him.  Even when Emma’s been in a “mood” (and he’s seen her in some pretty nasty “moods” before), he can still capture her spirit and her beauty.  That, in and of itself, is huge talent.  Because at that precise moment I’m not even seeing  by beautiful daughter!

He featured a few of his photos on his blog.  You can see that post here.  But here are a few of the photos that he took of us.  If you’re looking for an amazing photographer in the Phoenix area (or elsewhere…he travels!), please do me a huge favor and check out Keith Pitts.  I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

p.s. these pictures were taken at Papago Park.