Look at the dude!
Simon's preschool photo came home this morning. I tend to hold my breath before opening them - you just never know what may be staring back at you.
Talk about pure delight.
He is getting so big. So tall. Growing so very fast.
And today, he rode the bus. Yep, a big yellow school bus.
He started his afternoon care program today. We had been on the waiting list since before we moved - took awhile but it was the place we wanted for him so it was well worth the wait.
Part of the services Simon recieves includes busing - either to/from school or to another care provider after school. So in preparation we have been talking a lot about buses around here. How cool they are - pointing them out whenever we see one around town. He seemed to be all over that - identifying things is really big for him.
So today was the day. Chris and I drove over to the school so we could watch him (from a hiding place becuase if he saw us it could totally be a no-go) get on the bus. He walked right out there and climbed right on and got buckled into a carseat (cool that they have those on buses). Such a brave dude.
From there he rode the bus to his afternoon school. Chris and I went on ahead while the other kids riding the bus got dropped off. We met with the teachers and got everything settled so that when he got to the school we could help begin the adjustment process and welcome him.
The bus pulled up. We went out to greet him along with one of his teachers. He was super excited - seemed to enjoy the bus ride and he bounded right up to the door of the new afternoon school. We were totally all smiles.
Inside we went - into the classroom. From there he became a bit skeptical of this whole deal. You could see him start to get uncomfortable and not so sure. Um yep, that is usually how I feel in a brand new situation. We stayed for awhile and showed him around. It is an awesome classroom set up with tons of tables and toys and pottys and sinks right inside the room. He was all over the toothbrushes. Yep - they have toothbrushes there too.
We told him we would be back later in the afternoon. He cried. We gave him a hug and a kiss and then one of the teachers took over.
Man it was hard to walk out of there.
I miss him being here in the afternoon - even though it becomes pretty much impossible to work. But I know he is in a safe place with cool stuff to play with and learn and other kids to become friends with over time.
When we picked him up they said he did great. He knew some of the songs they were singing and because of the picture schedule we use here (and his morning school uses) he knew the procedures for things like washing hands, etc.
And he was super happy to see us.
It was a big day here all around. I got a ton of stuff done. Chris got a ton of stuff done.
And if you are the praying type, maybe you could say a little prayer of thanksgiving for good schools, for caring teachers, and for very brave little boys.
Oh Ali this photo is just gorgeous! I was only looking at some old CK issues the other day where Simon is soooo little.
He is growing up so quickly and is still as gorgeous as ever.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Hi Ali! I'm the praying type :) So proud of your little guy - what an accomplishment for him! I'm proud of you guys, too, for being able to let go - I know how hard that can be (Samuel just started preschool this year). Sounds like an awesome program - so glad Simon is able to go there. Plus I know how hard it can be to get work done with someone who is too "big" for naps! Very cute photo, too. Simon is such a great mix of the two of you. happiness to you,
J
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Firstly...let me just say that you scored big with that school photo. You should see some of the photos (horrors!!) I have paid for over the years LOL
Second...so glad that simon is doing well. With all the changes going on around him he seems to be doing so well. Go Simon!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh Ali, he is getting so big. I can't believe the difference in this pic. They just grow too fast. I can imagine how proud he is that he got to ride the bus all by himself. How exciting. So sweet that yall were watching from afar. Just adorable.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
How exiting is this ! Simon looks so georgous and so grown up. It is so great he could ride the bus on his own, what a achievement ! You are doing great job, and it is wonderful you have found a great school, so important.
take care
M
Sign in or sign up to comment.
dude, Simon is sooo big! my heart was breaking when i got to the part where he cried (i had to endure this milestone of "breaking away" 3 times. actually, just twice because Jessica was a social butterfly from day 1 and was the only non-cryer. The teacher always had to kick me out because i was the one who couldn't let go! LOL)
and prayer... you got it sistah
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Give Simon a high five for me!!! So proud!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
how cool - be proud of him!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
so so cool, the picture, the bus...
victor is moving in his day care group this week, one day a week he'll no longer be with the "little kids" (1-2 year olds) but he'll be with the big kids (2-4 years old) we've been preparing him as well -- telling him about his new teachers, his new classmates... should be interesting to see how it goes on Friday!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Little ones grow up...man, it is tough, but much easier knowing Simon is growing in other ways at this great new school, isn't it? Blessings and prayers abound!
(secret confession, my kids are 13, 10 & 7 and I still miss them even when they go to Nana's for the afternoon)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Prayer of thanksgiving going up from this side of the pond! Great news that the first day went so well. It's so hard to walk away from that crying, but you know it's for the best. Well done you!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Yay Simon!
My boys prefer the bus and hate to see mommy at school. ;-)
And I'm jealous of the pic, ours tend to look like mug shots.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
I can totally picture you and Chris sneeking a peek from afar. That's awesome!
I am happy to hear that the transition went well -- and that you and Chris survived it as well :)
Give Simon a big hug for me.
Love,
Jessica
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, You are such an inspiration. I'm a school teacher so I understand your and Simon's struggle with Autisim. When I read your blog I feel such a positive force within you. I can feel the smiles that you must be generating as you write. I wish you all well with your struggles and accomplishments.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
okay, i have to say i'm a little misty looking at that picture of Simon and reading your story. ali, he is such a beautiful boy and i think he is just perfect in every way -- exactly who he should be. many blessings to you and your family.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
know that feeling of missing them when they're at school and knowing they are being well cared for but still a bit misty hearted anyway. thanks for sharing. Happy Tuesday to you!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Saying a prayer of thanksgiving! Thanks so much for posting the link to that Yoga Journal article too. Wow.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali the picture is great .... but what I see in this post is YOUR STRENGTH. Way to go!!! Hang in there and keep breathing.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Hi Ali. I've been following your blog for a few months now, but finally felt the nudge to post a comment. First, I just want to thank you for sharing your life with us. I am amazed at your energy for your job, your son, your life. I have long been a fan of your work, but now I'm a fan of you as well! :) Seeing you post Simon's pre-school picture makes me realize again a commonality we have. I almost cried when my son brought home his first preschool picture two weeks ago, they grow so fast! Just wanted to thank you for being real with us. I live in a tiny crackerbox of a house too, so I understand your struggles with down-sizing. Fortuanately for us, after 3 years living in 500 sq. ft we are finally moving to 1400 sq ft. But just to encourage you, it can be done. It's amazing what you can live without. Anyhoo, hope you are doing well. Thanks for posting so often, it's a pleasure to get to know you. -a
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Look at your boy!!! He took such a nice picture.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I'm the praying type and prayers work! as much as good teachers and good schools. I'm so happy for you guys. My son has ADHD and we moved him to a private school last year and he's turned around 360 degrees! from a 'problem' to a great kid! We knew it all along but it took tons of research on our parts to find the best place for him.
You'll do fine cause you guys are caring parents and those are the kind of parents all kids need.
Adorable photo!
Suzanne
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Way to go Simon!! He is looking taller and older. Great picture!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Hey Ali-I don't ususally comment on your blog (althoutgh I read it regularly), but felt compelled to today. I just came from dropping my kids off at a new day care facility, so I can relate to that feeling when you leave them in a new place for the first time. It's a heart wrencher sometimes. Their new place is more 'institutionalized' than the small, private home environment they were previously in and I am in a bit of culture shock. It is hard to be strong for them sometimes. I kept it together until I left, then lost it in the privacy of my car. Yes, I am a pathetic mom.
It is nice to see Simon doing so well. I have a nephew with autism and early schooling is the best thing you can do for him. Oh, did I mention that he is a cutie!!
Best wishes!
Connie
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Just had to write and tell you how great you are doing with Simon. My Ryan is 6 (also has Autism) and we seem to be in the same phase of life with our kiddos. Don't you just love it when you find a service provider /school that just "gets it" . We were blessed with our Ry. He progresses every day and we celebrate those daily triumphhs. Nice to read that others are finding luck with services. Keep up the great work and thank you so much for the scrapbooking inspiration. It really helps me to think outside the box and develop more as an artist. God bless you. Kim
Sign in or sign up to comment.
ali, he is so sweet!...that is a great picture! (i ALWAYS had to go for retakes!:)...so glad you found the perfect place for him...he's brave, but you are too! it's not easy to leave your baby in a new place...i'm sending up a prayer of thanks for good schools, good teachers, brave boys & brave moms & dads!:)
Sign in or sign up to comment.