bittersweet graduation

Max has been in speech and occupational therapy since he was 2 1/2 years old. Early intervention with the regional center and then when he turned 3 he was moved to our school. I had Max assessed fully and sometimes got eyes rolled at me I'm sure but I had to cover all my bases.

I think because of this early intervention he did so much better than he would have without it.

Because he blew his goals out of the water...he was tested out! That is a good thing and a bad thing to ME.

Good because he no longer qualifies for special education and has made dramatic improvements in speech and how he regulates his body due to his sensory needs. His fine motor skills are great and he really just needs prompting on holding his pencil the correct way.

Bad because his therapists and I are concerned about the transition to Kinder, following 2-3 step commands and attending to task.

Because of this his wonderful speech teacher, who is Damian's too, wrote mock goals for him so we can keep him on a consult only. That means monthly they will check in and see how he is, pull him out for therapy if he needs it, etc.

I really love that these therapists recognize how knowledgeable I am, they remind me often :), and are wanting the same things we do for Max and Damian.

So today was his last day of seeing them until Kinder when we all believe he will surprise us and need no more services. I know he won't qualify anymore next year and that is our goal always, for him and Damian. Damian will always qualify because of his diagnosis but my goal was to get Max to this point.

I wanted them to remember Max's sweet smile so I gave both of them frames I made with recent photos of Maxie to say thank you for helping him be the best he can be.



So now our Friday mornings are clear and that is I must say sort of nice!

Just means more time for him to bug his little sister.

Or it can mean watching Mila's shoes light up in the washer. They stayed there for almost 20 minutes cracking up with the lights off.



I'm so proud of both Max and Damian. All of my children are special but Max and Damian are there own little unique beings.



Damian will be starting his social skills group on April 7th on Thursdays and Fridays. We found out 2 kids he knows at school attend as well so I see car pooling in the future! Sac State is a pain in the butt driving to in rush hour. He will go from 3-6p.m and it will be hard at first because he will miss me tremendously but I think he'll warm up.

Then he will have Adaptive Skills training here at home to help him with tasks and daily living skills in the home and community.

Tonight is his debut as a guitar strumming cowboy in a Gold Rush play! He is always the star of the show in my eyes. The fact that he can hold the guitar is big for him. He is definitely in his element. Loves music and loves performing. My drama king..literally! We even get to attend the cast party afterwards and then home for pizza with Nana, Papa and Matt.

A great day to celebrate and reflect.

I love my life.
...........
xo