Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Working Out the Wolf

Austin has achieved so much in that last few years.  He can read so well but to comprehend and describe stories, especially chapter books, is a challenge.  The other day I met with his teacher and she had to show me his wanted poster which includes a description of the big bad wolf from Little Red Riding Hood.  I am really amazed at how well he worked it out, and of course, he has he own unique spin on it. I just LOVE how he makes me smile!  I hope it brightens your day too!


It reads:

"The wolf is super wild because he will eat you!  the wolf is also rude inappropriate words!  he is sneaky because he took granny out of the house he is also lazy because he needs sleep  He is also naughty because he was going to eat red!  the big bad wolf is wicked because he will grab you!  Look out!"

WELL DONE Austin! :)

All the best!  *HUGS*

P.S.  Thank you J! :)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Aspiring Artist

The psychologist went to Kaleigh's preschool to observe her and she said there was nothing that concerned her about Kaleigh.  I was very relieved!   I know that I can overreact but Kaleigh is very shy and opposite than me.  She is very much like her Father, really, they look alike, they like the same things and she is very shy, just like him.

I have to remind myself that Austin is a book worm and Kaleigh is a little artist.  I think for just turning 5 (yesterday actually), she is doing really well.  She loves to draw, paint and be all around creative.  Sad that my Mother is not around to see it because she is a lot like her in that way.

So, everything is fine with Kaleigh.  One of her teachers described her as sometimes being "intense" and was not sure if that was the right word or not.  No, it was the right word ... she definitely is a pistol.  We did get a few suggestions from the therapist and we meet with her in a few months, before Kaleigh starts school, to make sure her transition into Kindergarden goes as smoothly as possible.

Thank you for all your kind words, support and understanding!

All the best!  *HUGS*

(A self portrait by Kaleigh)


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Tunnel Vision

Lastnight I spoke to my husband about Kaleigh.  We both feel that so much time is spent helping Austin that we have not put the time in to make sure Kaleigh is where she should be for her age.  Things like spelling and numbers came so easily to Austin, it is more of a challenge for Kaleigh.  She is definitely the hands on and artist in the family.  Where Austin has strengths, Kaleigh has weaknesses and where Austin has weaknesses, Kaleigh has strengths.  They are polar opposites.  They are both very bright, just in different ways.

I am not as sad this morning.  I do feel a lot of Mommie guilt because I think that I have let her down.  Spending a lot of my time helping Austin and taking for granted that she is "typical" and does not need help, not like Austin anyway.  My husband and will put in time with her to bring her up to speed.  The child is as sharp as a tack and we feel she can learn these things easily, we just have not given her the chance she needs or deserves.  Sometimes it is really hard to admit that you made a mistake or taken something for granted.  I am there today but we will do our very best to get Kaleigh to the place she deserves and needs to be.  We love you Sassy! :)

All the best!  *HUGS*

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hurting Heart

Today I took Kaleigh in for a speech assessment.  She has had two falls and lost some front teeth because of them.  I started to become concerned about her speech so I took her in today to be seen.  It wasn't too bad but the speech pathologist did have a few concerns.  We are going to work on somethings and bring her back to speech to make sure her speech develops properly.

When the speech therapist was speaking to me, she mentioned that she had a few concerns about Kaleigh's academic development.  There are a few things, not two pages worth but a few.  This is important because Kaleigh's preschool expressed concerns about her back in November.  After listening to the teacher, I decided to have the Psychologist come in and she will be there on the 16th of March to observe Kaleigh.  We are very interested to see what she has to say about Kaleigh.

Today, I came home and I am alone, which does not happen often, but the kids are out with Grandma for a while.  I became very sad so quickly.  I guess the pain of going through Austin's diagnosis is surfacing.  Thinking that Kaleigh may face some challenges, not the same, or as severe as Austin, but something, is crushing my heart.  I am surprised at my reaction.  I have prided myself in taking things in stride and being so headstrong, I run at things head on!  I know the sadness will pass but it is tough.  I will fight just as hard for Kaleigh as I do Austin.  Whatever may come of Kaleigh's evaluation, I know I can deal with it.  Some days though, I feel like my heart could drown in my tears ...

*HUGS*