I had a great afternoon/eve with S5 yesterday. We ate dinner at my studio and relaxed for just a bit. He was teary and so tired, not getting enough sleep, poor little guy. W admits this about him and herself, too. Everyone in my sitch is sleep-deprived.
He went 2 for 2 and scored twice in his TBall game. Importantly, he was able to tell me when a bigger, older boy was being mean to him, and he was able to experience his Dad talking to the boy and his father before the game, making sure that didn't happen anymore. I let him experience life, but I also love making him feel sheltered and protected when that needs to be done. I enjoyed manning the concession stand, cooked up dozens of hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, and talking to folks.
At dropoff, when I described S5's game and behavior, she noted that he seems so much more confident/different than when its just her at the games. She noted that he is a proud little peacock when I show up at his swim lessions, doing daredevil moves and then looking for/waving at me in the stands. He sure was strutting as he rounded the bases last night - almost got tagged out at one point for that. Good to see him happy for a time, regardless.
We sat down in the entryway of the house and talked for a good 30 min last night. W continues to show anger and see herself as a victim in many ways. Overall though, she seems a bit less depressed. Interesting: I renewed our family pass at the local zoo, and gave W the 2nd copy of the membership card. W brightened and said that she had already done the same for the local children's science/history museum membership, noting with a smile, "They don't have to see whether we have a M license or not." Looking back, maybe it was a risky move to hand a symbol of our 'family,' but it just seemed like a natural thing to do. She seemed to appreciate it.
S5 seems to quiet and retreat to his room, playing but listening intently to us whenever we talk. When I saw this last night, I went to him, sat him on my lap and kissed and hugged him, just reconnecting with him for a bit. I don't want him being anxious about us any more that he already is.
Going to lunch with some friends, then walking my students thru graduation ceremonies tonight. I'll have S5 Sat and Sun.
