Great Job Buddy!

This week has been one of "those" weeks. Lily has been sick and up and down the past couple of nights, the weather is gross, and I'm running around like an absolute nut trying to squeeze everything in that I can in the limited amount of time that I actually have. I almost lost it yesterday picking up Christian early from school and then shuttling him all the way back to our neighborhood for an appointment with our county school SLP. I had to wake sweet Lily up from her nap (again), traffic was HORRIBLE (as always) and I didn't make it the gym (not good). I was grumpy, and certain that what was left of the day was shot.

When I picked Christian up an hour earlier, my mood instantly changed. His teacher reported that they "Had the BEST session EVER" that he did awesome in some background noise situations, that he ROCKED identifying different speakers in NOISY situations, and that he was a superstar in isolating the /f/ and /v/ sound. She even joked "He doesn't need me, seriously".

Of course I was elated and forgot about all the crabbiness of the day. High-fives were given, chocolate milk was toasted when we got home, and I snuck in some big squeezes to my little guy. I'm so proud of him. Honestly, this child works harder than any kid I know. While we technically really don't need speech services any more, the tasks that his teacher is working on with him are almost like drills to prepare him for the "REAL" world when we leave his school and he goes into the public school in our neighborhood with 27 kids a class. He WILL have to work hard to listen in a noisy classroom. He WILL have to work at identifying different speakers in NOISY situations. I'm glad that he's working on all these skills now. I know he'll be ready when the time comes.

One Month In!

Christian's been in his 5-day full day program at his school for just over a month now, and he is doing absolutely phenomenal. Our ONLY concern that we have is that he isn't napping there. I mean, I don't think I would nap if I had such a fun and engaging classroom and teaching staff either! He's having fun playing and learning with his friends, especially in his specials classes like drama, science and music.

I had to take a step back this past week and just take it all in. All we've ever wanted is for Christian to be able to play and learn just like his peers, and he is doing just that and more. I wish that I had a crystal ball 3.5 years ago when I cried myself to sleep every night so I could see just how great things would be. Yes, we have challenges, but our challenges are those of TYPICAL 3.5 year old boys. I'm thankful, forever thankful, for early intervention and our team at his school.