Look at the dude!
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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.
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83 comments
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
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Way to go Simon!! He is looking taller and older. Great picture!
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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
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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
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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!:)
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What a cute little dude! If there was ever a perfect school picture, I think that would be the one! So cute!
Yea to Simon for being so brave and props to good schooling, caring teachers and awesome parents like you and Chris. He's lucky to have you!
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Ali - what a sweet picture of your little man! Our son attends an early intervention preschool program (for children with delays/disabilities). He went in with a speech delay and some other motor skill delays, but after 9 months - he's right where he should be. These programs and teachers are amazing! I'm glad you guys found the right programs for Simon and say a little prayer of thanks daily for early intervention. :) Thanks for sharing with us!
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so cool, A. can't believe how big simon is getting. :)
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aww Ali... what a great post. Way to go Simon. I think children are braver than we sometimes give them credit for; trying new things, going new places, experiencing new things. Good for him. Prayer said.
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such a cute picture, such a good thing that he is enjoying school, and the bus and it is a good thing that you are able to get things done! Cheers for that!
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so happy all went well, ali!
he is a brave little dude.
that is hard to do!
i love your thanksgiving prayer
idea--off to do some thankin'.
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Awesome news, Ali! What a brave little guy. And so handsome in his school picture, too! :-)
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In many, many ways not so different from dropping the boy off at college. :) He just has different toys to play with. I AM the praying type and will say many for your little fella and his new teachers. May God continue to bless you.
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What a darling photo! I wish all my school pics had been so good LOL! All my best to the Edwards family as you continue through this time of so many transitions. Your strength, adaptibility and joie de vivre are inspiring on a daily basis :)
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:0)Sweet!
Will pray for you all.
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Hey Ali...I am also the praying type, and will pray for Simon and his new experience. What a great first day! So glad it turned out well. What a blessing!
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Ali, I can totally relate. My son Zach started kindergarten this year and it was so hard to say "gotta go, buddy" and walk away while he was crying and calling out for us. The teacher had to physically restrain him so we could get out of there. It was so heartbreaking to see. He's an old pro at it now and just loves school and all his new friends, but it was very difficult at first. Sounds like Simon is going to do just great. It's just a transition. And it's wonderful that he's in such a great school with caring teachers. That's always important. He looks so sweet in his little school picture. :)
Prayers for a quick adjustment to all these changes in your family! :)
• Kris
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Ali,
I'm so happy for you... knowing all too well right now how tough transitions can be.
M
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I just said a prayer of thanksgiving, because I know all too well what you are thankful for :) My son has Down syndrome and I've been through a lot of what you just wrote about! Nothing like good schools, caring teachers and little boys who are happy where they are. Lots to be thankful for, you are right!
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We'll, I am also the praying type, so a prayer will be said.
That is awesome that Simon was brave and able to adapt to the environment that was new and that was different. Good for him!!!
And BTW...that is an adorable picture of him...great!!!
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