November 10

The week with no iPod for Sarah went beautifully. She easily found other things to do. This has reminded me to keep turns short because then the upset at the end of a turn is much less than if a turn is long. Sometimes I have let turns be long because it seems like I then have time to do something uninterrupted. No more. 

Wednesday was a great day for Sarah. She focused well during piano, despite wearing her favorite piano staff/note scarf (which usually draws her focus intensely). She also did amazingly well during gymnastics. She did the best floor work I have seen from her in ages and she got up on the high beam and did lots of walking with help. Often she refuses to get on the high beam at all. She just seemed more energetic and daring than usual. Her teacher and I kept exchanging surprised glances. 

I got a new winter coat for Sarah and she loves it. There has been no further issue about wearing a coat.

I’ve started requiring Sarah to do one short bit of homework before she watches her afternoon tv show. This worked easily two days in a row. On the third day suddenly she would have none of it and was screaming and banging on the table. Amy and I sat with her until the storm passed and then we both helped her focus on the homework. Amy was amazing. She was so patient, kind, encouraging, and supportive. She is such an incredibly wonderful sister to Sarah. 

I will note that on the daily walk home from Amy’s school when Amy is probably tired and hungry, she is mad at Sarah no matter what Sarah is doing or not doing. Sarah is usually quite easy at these times, just walking and pushing the stroller that she always brings. 

Sarah has been having fun pretending to be dancing to music at a German restaurant that has a fake sky with a moon, as we experienced a couple of years ago at Disney World. With Carl’s help she put her starred winter coat up high, and Amy made a paper moon. Sarah then has us play her favorite Christmas album and she gallops around the room. For all of the tough moments, it is lovely when she is so stinkin’ cute, creative, and adorable. 

Love, stars, and moons to you.