12/13/12

Since she has been having a hard time at school the last 2 weeks, Maya and I talked about it yesterday, and we made a plan for today as her teacher suggested. I would sit in the mom area for a few minutes. Then I would giver her the 5 minute warning that I was leaving, and then she and I would do something special together. When the 5 minutes was up, she would walk me to the gate and I would go. She asked me to come back before the goodbye song and I agreed. The first thing she did when she woke up today was say " I dont want you to leave me at school" and burst into tears. It went on like this all day until school. SHe would be fine for a few minutes, then would say the same thing and cry. So we followed the plan, and she still cried on and off for me, but as long as she had a project to focus on, she would stop crying and be ok for a bit. She wrote me another letter today, and was working on a sticker project when I returned. I will also be adding a second job 4 nights a week starting Monday (Im returning to my old stomping grounds All Star Travel where I worked until the day before I went into labor). She will be with Pedja during that time. This is alot for her at once, and we are trying to be as compassionate and empathetic as possible. But shes very brave and Im very proud of her.

December 6

The photo reads "I want mommy. I ate all my lunch. Im sad. I cant wait to see you at the good-bye song. Im gonna give a big hug and big kiss to you. I want you. I love you. Maya" Last Thursday was mayas hardest day at school so far. She cried ALOT. To the point where they almost called me to come back. But she was a trooper. Her teachers gave her lots of support, and teacher Gordon helped her write this letter to me.

1 woman band

Today was a mellow day at school. There were only 5 kids, and when I came back, 2 of them were asleep on teachers. Since they were asleep there was no "goodbye song" like there usually is. Maya decided that wasnt ok, and took matters into her own hands. She took out the parachute and sat on it all by herself, and picked up an instrument (a mini piano I think) and sang it herself. It was so frickin' cute. To backtrack a bit, I left about 20 minutes after arriving and with her in tears clinging to me and trying to hug me through the fence once I closed the gate. I kept in touch with the only other mom that stays (Bela's mom) via text. She said after about 5 minutes Maya was done crying, but would start up again every once in a while but was working through it. Before I left I told Maya I would be back BEFORE the goodbye song, whereas Im usually there AFTER. And I kept my word. I came back at 1 and class is over at 130. When I got there she just looked up at me from her intense lego project, gave me a passing hello and kept working.

sunday funday

Today was Mia's 3rd birthday party at an indoor play place called "under the sea" Maya was asking if A)there would be sand there and B)she would be getting wet and C)why I wasnt putting sunscreen on her. She decided on a red bindi for the occasion. Thats Mia and her mom Michelle. The birthday girl got the special Pirate hat and chair to eat in (it was a Dora/Pirate theme) The bee tattoo Maya got on her hand.

Sunday part II

After the festivities, Maya and I went to work. I was screaching with joy when I walked in and saw her name on the bottom of the board! I dont want to sound cliche, but we never win anything! So what happened was we won a $15 TJ's gift card!! You are eligible to put your name in a box for a weekly drawing for said gift card if you bring your own bags when you shop. Now Im there about 3 times a week and have been for a year and half literally. I knew at some point I was bound to win, and today was the day! A few months back I had a dream Maya won, so I started writing her name on the paper instead of mine. Sad that i dream about winning TJ's gift cards, I know.

seal beach visit

The Sosa/Mirrione clan was down for a winter visit, so Maya and I went to see them on Saturday. The kids got along so well, and as Maya noted in the car she didnt push anyone or pull any hair. She was very proud of herself. So was I. She also noted that she said sorry to Leo after kicking him. I guess thats a step in the right direction.

writing

This was Mayas "homework". Luka shouldnt be the only one having fun right? The YWCA is all playtime, so i try and work with her at home a bit. This was tracing our initials with a bonus "O" for good measure.

good morning

she works hard for her money

Just another day at the office with her favorite girl Janel.

Anarchy girl!

Maya is just as obsessed with sons of anarchy as I am. She was also just as upset that the season is over as I was. Every time we see a motorcycle she says "theres an anarchy guy!" And when we are dressed in black she says "your and anarchy girl mommy!" or "Im an anarchy girl!"