Change

Colin's fine with change.
I'm okay with change.
Abigail embraces change...if it's in her favor.
Henry hates change.
Johanna is loving change.

When I started my new job in July the transition went surprisingly well. The kids were okay with it because Colin was home with them most days while I was at work. I was still working at night waitressing so that wasn't any different for them. The days were filled with me working and the kids going to the cottage, playing with cousins and friends and enjoying every day.

When school started I also stopped being scheduled to work at night. I can still pick up shifts (and have picked up 1-2 every week so far) but the majority of my work is during the day. Abby and Henry are in school all day, every day. Our nights are short, filled with dinner, homework, some playtime, baths and prep for the next day.

Colin's days are filled with kindergarteners, first, second, third, fourth, fifth and eighth graders. Then an 8, 6 and 2 year old at night. He's still working 2 shifts a week at the Grille too.

Busy, busy.

Abby was SO excited for school. She got the teacher she wanted and lots of friends in her class. The first two weeks went great.

Henry was a little apprehensive, but also excited for school and the newness of a new school, teacher and class. The first two weeks went great.

Week three is a little more challenging.

Abby's stuttering is the worst it's been. She's more aware of it than ever. She has told us how some kids tease her, roll their eyes when she tries to talk or say "Just talk" to her when she struggles. She's trying to find her place among her friends. She's often the third wheel. That hasn't been a problem until this year but it's more difficult now. Her anxiety is high right now. She constantly needs to know where I am, when I'm working, etc. Bedtime is a bitch, no other way to say it. It's always been terrible with Abby, but it's awful now. Most nights end in yelling (by Colin or me), crying (by Abby or me) and anger (from Colin and me).

Henry tried so hard to hold back tears this morning. School is just "so long" for him. He likes his class and teacher but feels like just one of the masses in his big class. He needs security and when he goes out for recess without a teacher it's tough for him. He needs security and when he doesn't see YoYo or Dad at school it's tough for him. We're encouraging friendships and he's played with Elliot, Angel, James and Emma along with cousin Sylvie of course. His anxiety is up, but still manageable. I bribed him for the remainder of the week. No tears = a trip to the Peanut Store on Saturday.

Johanna's loving life. She spends her time each week at "Shrama Rita's" house and at Auntie Jean's house. She loves it, especially gettin so much attention from Grandma. She's spent time playing with "her buddy Josh" too. They need to work on the playing and sharing instead of the pestering and fighting. She's made the transition beautifully and for that I'm thankful.

Transition has never been as tough for this Mulder family as it's been this year. We're still in the midst of it and trying to enjoy, embrace and like it. We will...one day at a time.