Friday, September 08, 2006

For some of you that are wondering the interview went grrrreat! I met with the public defender on Wednesday to talk about where they could use me and he came up with occasional part time work at the Juvenile Center on Classen and 57th. They seem to be having problems getting those kids to open up and talk about their lives. Imagine that. Most of these kids have been abused and/or neglected their entire lives and can't trust a flea. I don't know if I can make any head way, but surely I'm better suited than some underpaid lawyers. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they are pretty good at what they do, but trying to get an adolescent to talk is hard under the best of circumstances. So we'll see. I'm supposed to call him back on Monday to find out the final word. Again, wish me luck. I have never worked with kids (except my own, who are on the opposite spectrum of abused/neglected) and from everyone I've talked to, they are by far the toughest population because they feel invincible and haven't fully grasped consequences. So there you go! I'm way excited to put my skills to use. Let's just hope I don't screw them up more!

Now onto the fireball, aka Sydney Robin. She's killing me. Jamie, help me out here. How old was Max when he went through that phase where all he did was cry/whine/grunt/moan? I remember asking you at the time what was wrong with him and you mentioned that he was going through a phase. And then I slightly remembered those random obnoxious phases that they go through. So anyway, she's definately going through something. It's like she is happy one minute playing and then she'll just be furious and start bawling/screaming. I know I need to practice patience but since I waited so long between kids I have competely forgotten all the little phases and quirks that go along with it. Blah. Blah. Blah. Boring fodder for all of you. I need to just get over it!

6 comments:

Keithclan said...

I would love to give you advice, but not today. He is having a very bad day. If I gave you advice today, it would be "sell her now, because babies depriciate quickly after the first year." And sell her while she is sleeping, and clean. But I think yesterday my advice would have been more along the lines of "it will get better. Look at pictures of her whn she was a newborn, blah, blah, blah,"
Oh, one bit of actual advice is use Tylenol reditabs. They disolve as quickly as teething tablets and Max LOOOVVEESSS them.

Keithclan said...

My advice does not come free. Go to my blog and order something from my kids' fundraiser. Or I get an airhorn and come to Sydney's window at 3:00 a.m. (Don't think I won't, I'm up with Max anyway)

ginny said...

I'm not talking about teething anymore, per se. Her teeth don't seem to be bothering her anymore just a general bad mood/screaming fits. Please don't tell me she's entering into toddlerhood already! You better not come over here because I'll sic curly and peanut on you;)

Keithclan said...

Who says a kid has to be teething to get medicine? My advice is good regardless, and worth a roll of ridiculously priced wrapping paper.

Anonymous said...

It definitely is toddlerhood, Ginny. If her quick-to-temper past behavior is any indication, she will probably soon hit the tantrum stage (right after she's walking) and hit the floor at the slightest whim. As you already know, all you can do is walk away- busy yourself with something else, and she'll come looking for you.
Even now, I would try just moving away from her when she starts in. From what Brooke has written about Charley, I bet she throws tantrums as well- she could probably tell you. Anyways, this is the age that Alys began all of this.
So, I can't wait to hear about whether the job pans out tommorrow- working with abused/ neglected children will certainly be heartwrenching, and hopefully you can feel as if you're making a difference. I think it would be hard not to bring alot of them home with you. -Camille

ginny said...

camille- this toddler phase was the exact reason I put off having a 2nd child for so long (that and colic). As far as the job, I agree it will be hard leaving that at work. I remember when I worked with sexual offenders Grace was 6 months old and it definately gave me a different perspective. The work is important and needs to be done though.