Injuries

It has been a tricky couple of weeks since the holidays ended.

While visiting mom, Sophie purposely head-butted her and possibly damaged mom's nose- she is going to the doctor tomorrow. A couple of days before, while on the couch, sophie unintentionally thrust her head back in frustration and cracked me in the jaw. It was like a punch to the face. Fortunately it felt better after 2 days or so- like it never happened. Boy did it hurt though and I was pretty just amazed at the whole thing.

I have been really upset about this incident at mom's house because now I can't trust Sophie to not hurt mom. I feel like I can't really safely leave her in mom's company without worrying she may do something purposely (using her body to control) or inadvertently. I am unsure how to navigate their near future visits- how to handle it. The guilt that she did this is overwhelming me and I am trying to press upon sophie that spending time with her gram is a privilege and that she must be gentle with her. I tell her that all the time, even before this happened. We have been talking about it a bit though she seems always to connect with what she did - like she can't really swallow admitting responsibility every time I bring it up.

It is hot again after only two weeks of cooler temperatures- the sun feels glaring and there are high winds blowing for three days in a row now. It makes walks with Alex outside immpossible so his naps are annoyingly only in the car.

I told Sophie about starting her new preschool in a couple of weeks. She generally seems amenable to the idea. I promised her more art projects, she will be in a class with Sophia and Kaylin, and that she will get to meet some new friends. My fingers are crossed that the transition goes smoothly. Need to confirm with the school one more time that she has the spot...

Joined the YMCA over the weekend- family membership. Should be good, tumbling class for sophie, a workout place for Geoff, family swims on the weekend.

I am tired and feeling a little cooped up somehow. I am definitely happier out of the house with the kids. We spent all day out on Saturday- at the Gull wings museum in Oxnard and then several hours at mom's for dinner afterwards.

Am reading a good book, "The Wonder of Boys" about how to successfully raise little guys- giving them good outlets for the energy and leadership, mentoring. Boys need space. They need to move objects through space. They need skills and purpose and competition. I am getting a lot out of it so far...

Am feeling distant from Geoff- we seem to both be operating on our own axis- chipping away at the days until bedtime collapse. Ash from the fires two months ago continues to drift downward- powdering the patio and turning the bottom of the pool murky with organic material. I wish it was more like winter- cool and invitational for park play and afternoon walks.

I think I just need some exercise...