DAY 3

Gabriel at the Halloween party today

Today was another early day. Skate lessons at 9am for all 3 kids.  Gabriel had yet another successful lesson and actually got through TWO of his routines today with minimal help (he's just learning this routine)   But he never skated away from the coach or said that "it's too hard". 
After skating, we went to go eat lunch.  The kids had skipped breakfast (I know, bad mom....but we were late and didn't anticipate not being able to get breakfast on the run).  So we were discussing what's for lunch, and Gabriel said he wasn't hungry.  This scares me.  This is a common side effect from the medication Adderall, or any of the ADHD medications.  Gabriel doesn't eat very much to begin with, and he can't afford to lose more weight.  We decided to go to Pizza Hut, his favorite food.  he ate all of 1/4 of a breadstick, and half a glass of lemonade. 
We went to the grocery store after that, and I picked up some PediaSure which says it GUARANTEES weigh gain in children.  We'll see about that.  I just know he needs the nutrients.  I got the vanilla flavor as per his request.  Hope he likes it because a pack of 6 cost $10.99.  For sure will be scoping out for coupons next time.  My plan is to give him one a day, so at least I know he's getting something each day.  Then I will also add a multivitamin as well.  That will give me piece of mind.  I will admit though, when it comes to daily things, like remembering medications, I'm bad, so I hope the vitamins get maintained.  Being a night shifter, my schedule varies, so it's hard to remember things!  But I'm just going to put the vitamins next to the Adderall and then I'll remember.  Now to find some vitamins that don't cost soooo much as the ones at the store today, and to have them be characters that Gabriel will like.  (Don't I DARE get princess ones). 
We were invited to 2 Halloween parties today, and I wanted to hit both, however, it was just too hard.  We are always running running running, and I'm trying to slow down to make more of a schedule for Gabriel.  So we went to the one party and it was nice.  Real nice.  It had bouncy houses, and hayrides, and pumpkin decorating, and a pinata.  He kept busy. It was nice to let him run and bounce and play with other kids, and for once, I could relax a little because he wasn't his aggressive self.  He still had a tendency to want to play to fast, or talk to loud, but he's getting better. 
Now it's bedtime and he doesn't want to go to bed.  My husband has tucked him in, and he just isn't ready for bed.  He never is.  My oldest and youngest go right to bed.  Gabriel needs some wind down time.  I feel like this is "his" time.  He likes having me to himself at night.  Poor guy has to compete with 2 sisters to get a word in sometimes.  But, I'm trying to keep a routine as recommended.  It's just hard.  I find myself baby'ing him now since the medication.  I think I keep telling myself that if I tell him he's doing great, and that I love him and show encouragement, then he won't regret the medication when he's older.  As though I want him to see the benefits.  he says he can't feel any differences yet.  Either he truly doesn't feel different, OR he's just too young to realize them.  But needless to say, one of the coaches today, actually said it's like normal Gabriel, just a little toned down.  He's still himself, he's still funny as heck, and still engaging, just not as rapid or intense.  I like it. 
Thats it for today.  Cedar Point Halloweekends tomorrow.  He loves Cedar Point, and it's great for the family!