Welcome Distraction

Sometimes, you just have to say screw it, let's go get a kitten.

There is a part of me that wants to tell you all about what is going on behind the scenes here. I know so many of you love my kids and are invested in what happens to them, especially Andrew, after following this blog for nearly 6 years. At the same time though, as they are growing and becoming more independent, I am starting to feel like their stories are becoming theirs to tell, not mine. And another part of me, just wants to protect them/him. It is a fine line to walk and understand. I know there will be times that I cross it, pour my heart out and ask for support, and there will be times that I hold it all back, sharing nothing. This is a blog about my life, and it is in a constant state of change, so we learn together what is right and comfortable. Yes?

While I was in England, Andrew was involved in an incident at school that led to a 5 day suspension. It was a situation of four bullies against one, and my one overreacted. There are just too many details to tell them all, but the events of the last week have led school to feel that they can't keep Andrew safe and they can't meet his emotional and mental health needs. At an emergency Committee for Special Education meeting on Wednesday, school decided to transition Andrew into a BOCES program in another district that will have him in a 6:1 classroom with professionals trained in understanding and supporting children with emotional disabilities. We haven't had a lot of time to process all of this, and honestly, I can't say what I am feeling about it. I waver every couple of hours it seems.

The transition process into this new program is going to take several weeks and Andrew will be home with me until then. I am taking him to tutoring every afternoon for two hours so he doesn't fall too far behind in the curriculum. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be running round town to doctor's appointments, intake meetings and interviews, tutoring, school, and learning how to be home with just Andrew. So, something has to give. It was with a very heavy heart that I called yesterday to cancel my participation in The Fine Craft Show (an art show I have done for the past three years at the local art gallery). I know with my whole heart that my place is with my family right now, not my studio, and with them is where I want to be. I get teary when I have to talk about it, but, in my gut, I know I am doing the right thing.

Back in August, I started whispering to Ron that, come Fall, I was going to get a kitten. He just shrugged his shoulders and ignored me (he isn't the pet person I am, and I understand that/ love him anyway, wouldn't keep me from wanting/getting one though). Well, yesterday, Andrew and I went on an adventure across town to bring a welcome distraction from all the yuck in life right now. He might just love animals more than I do. The five of us (YES, FIVE!! Ron loves her too) are so so excited to have a new baby in the house to pour love and affection into. And no, we haven't forgotten about our Mr.Rusty Sprouts either... he is getting lots of extra love these days too.

The new baby is an 8 weeks old little girl. She comes from a litter of 5. The Momma wandered into the host family's life unannounced and expecting. They couldn't bring themselves to turn her away so they gave the Momma a home and cared for the kittens. It was so hard to choose. Andrew and I decided that this little one was just right for us. She has a wonderful sweet temperament. We love her stripes, we love her freckles, and we love her sweet little meows. And, as a family, we named her...

Lola Boomer Jane Bogert... Lola for short ;)