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.
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!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
so cool, A. can't believe how big simon is getting. :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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'.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Awesome news, Ali! What a brave little guy. And so handsome in his school picture, too! :-)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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 :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
:0)Sweet!
Will pray for you all.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
I'm so happy for you... knowing all too well right now how tough transitions can be.
M
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
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!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
OH ALI!! I got a bit teary reading this today. What a big day you had. This is a big step for any child (and parent) but for your Simon, it is huge! As you know, I am the praying type, and they are coming your way!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Awesome! I am so happy for you and your family and I agree, you are blessed to have such a great school program in place for Simon! CONGRATS on a successful day! Bus's are scary, exciting things for little boys! You did GREAT! Kudos to Mom and Dad, Kudos to Simon, Kudos to the Bus and School and Teachers! YOU ALL ROCK! ;O)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I will be honored to say a prayer of thanksgiving for Simon, and school, and the web of support around the three of you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, that picture of Simon is gorgeous!!! What an adorable little boy! I love reading of his progress and how well he is doing. I taught preschool for 10 years and have had some experience with autistic children in my class. They brought me so much joy; I loved working with them. Glad to hear Simon is doing so well with his new situations. You and Chris are great parents to him.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Love the Anna Quindlan quote from her best essay...I'm pretty sure it is the one where she says she finally learned to listen to the right experts---her children--when it came to mothering.
Also loved the articel on gratitude you referred to last post.
I give thanks for good schools, caring teachers (I used to be one), brave little boys (now I have one), and generous artists like you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Very cool. So glad he is doing well! I consider myself very lucky because my kids have been blessed to have wonderful daycare teachers. Glad you are finding the same thing. It makes leaving them a little easier.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Sounds like a cool little dude you have Ali! Cute, cute pic! Prayers being said for many more days like today for you, Chris & Simon!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali that is so cool!
Man... he's a cutie ;)
~deb~
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You and Chris are, how can I say it, charming. Is that goofy? Oh well, I'll own it.
Will you be keeping us informed about Chris's campaign? Is there a website yet? I'll contribute. And I'll buy the next book too.
Take care...
Sign in or sign up to comment.
YAHOO!!! What a big day for your family! You must be SO SO proud of your little guy. Beaming with pride are we?? :-) Gotta love school pictures - you never know what you are gonna get but looks like you got a keeper this time. Yippee!! The best prayer is one of gratitude so I'm sending some your way! :-)
Sign in or sign up to comment.