Homemade Laundry Detergent

I whipped up my first batch of laundry detergent this past weekend using this kit from Lehman's:

Homemade Laundry Soap Starter Set

Yes, I know that I could have purchased all the supplies separately and saved some money, but this was just easier. I'm a big fan of easier these days.

The process was really quite easy, just a little messy. The instructions warn you that this is a low suds formula, so I wasn't surprised when I ran my first load and there was no froth at the top. It was a bit unnerving though, and I had to fight off the urge to dump in more soap. My first load is in the dryer now, and I'll report back later if any member of my sensitive-skinned family breaks out in a rash. I've used the same detergent for years (Tide Original Scent) because of this problem, so I have my fingers crossed.

Russian Orphanages

Good article from the Washington Post about the conditions and practices in Russian orphanages that can lead to Attachment Disorder, among other things:
Adopted Boy's Return Highlights Problems in Russian Orphanages

Weighted Blanket

It took me about a week, but I finally finished the blanket over the weekend. J-Man is happily snuggling under it at night and, I think, sleeping a little better. What does such a thing look like? Well, funny you should ask.



There are 660 2" squares, each containing 5 grams of special polypropylene pellets that can be washed and dried. The blanket weighs 9 pounds, 14 ounces. I ordered the pattern for a weighted vest this morning, so that will be my next project. Can't wait.

More About Adoption

First:
This is one of the few things I've read in the media about the recent incident that I found to contain accurate information. A quick read. I highly recommend it.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/mom-who-sent-adopted-boy-back-to-russia-vilified-but-some-understand/1088171

Second:
The husband and I took J-man to the Fetal Alcohol Clinic at the University of Michigan today. His attachment therapist joined us free of charge, for which I was grateful. We came away with a tentative diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder based mainly on the reports we got at the time of his adoption, as well as some measurements of his facial features. (I was surprised by this, as I've never really thought he looked FAS.)

While the diagnosis is helpful, the behavioral therapist who joined us at the end of the appointment was not. I'm tired of being dismissed by people with a lot of letters after their names because I'm JUST the mom. I'm not sure how they think they got to know my kid better in 10 minutes than I have in 2.5 years, but many of them do. She questioned many of the decisions we've made and services that we've sought out for J-Man and she seemed to think that a behavioral chart with some smiley face stickers would solve all our problems. I was really glad that our attachment therapist was there to back me up. I feel sad for parents of children with attachment disorder who have the misfortune to make this clinic their first stop. A definite thumbs down.

International Adoption

I'm sure everyone has heard about the mother from Tennessee who put her adopted son on a plane and returned him to Russia. I just finished listening to this excellent program that ran on NPR.

http://thedianerehmshow.org/audio-player?nid=12403/

If you're interested in understanding more about the challenges in international adoption that could lead to such a terrible conclusion, then I highly recommend the first 10 minutes or so. The whole thing is good, but I think the first little bit is really the best part. Much more insightful than listening to Katie Couric tsk-tsking.

There is also an adoptive mother who calls in at about 38:45 and describes very accurately the day-to-day challenges of living with a Reactive Attachment Disorder child.

Update

I realize I haven't posted anything substantial in awhile, but I've been so busy that it keeps getting pushed aside. Today I have a nasty cough and I can't read to anyone. So I have a few extra minutes to post an update about what I've been up to.

We've discontinued (for now, at least) J-Man's attachment therapy and moved on to sensory integration and occupational therapy with a side of interactive metronome. As a result, I'm now in the process of making a weighted blanket. Which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It will weigh roughly 10 pounds when I'm finished. J-Man likes the pressure against his body...he finds it soothing and calming. Since they cost $150-$175, I figured I could give making it a go. Slow and tedious, but coming along steadily.

I'm getting ready for the spring consignment sale, so my storage room has clothing hanging everywhere. I'll be glad to get more stuff out the door. We are now officially past the Little People stage, so all that stuff can go, too. Yahoo!

Some of you know that I buy and sell books as a hobby. Unfortunately, my favorite part is the buying. Which means that I often have way too many books sitting around waiting to be sold. So right now I'm trying to get several eBay listings ready to go. Hopefully by the end of the week.

I'm also pondering a bedroom reorganization in our house that would involve everyone shifting around. The main objective would be to get J-man out of the center of the house, but it would also give all the kids more floorspace in their bedrooms. Still thinking this one over.

I have another MRI scheduled for May to see if anything new has developed. The very nice lady who made my appointment for me asked if I'd like a sedative before the test. To which I said: "Yes, please". I've developed a rather strong dislike for the MRI machine.

And then, of course, regular life. Getting school accomplished every day. Running people to tennis lessons, piano lessons, art lessons, doctor appointments, therapy appointments, you-name-it appointments. Trying to keep the house clean, laundry and dishes done and dinner on the table.

I'm so glad that Spring is here and the kids can spend the evenings in the back yard with Daddy. I'm sure it's good exercise for them. :-) I'm looking forward to summer vacation and a slower pace coming in roughly 7 short weeks!