Exclusion

There is a group of neighborhood boys that get together and play next door. They have a lot of fun. They jump on a big trampoline and rough house.
Arwen stares over at them, her lip quivering,  her face flushing, so sad. She desperately wants to play with them.
They don't understand her. She doesn't play appropriately.  Her gross motor skills are underdeveloped and she's clumsy.
Her exclusion hurts me. Her sadness rips my heart out. Her pain is my pain...And this is only the beginning.

Preschool

Rowan is supposed to start school on Tuesday. I still haven't heard from anyone!  I sent another email. ..no reply.  I'm getting frustrated and impatient.

Sorry

I have to apologize for all the errors on this blog. I am often interrupted numerous times before completion. 

Genetics

Rowan's lab results came back.  He does have the  "deletions" which are tiny parts missing in the chromosomes.  This missing part is known for causing disabilities and autism. He now also has to see a geneticist. We will probably all have to get tested.  I don't know what this means for him but I still hope that he will get better and better.  I talk more with the doctor tomorrow. For some reason ...i feel like crying.

Fiasco

Last week I got a letter in the mail that said Arwen had to have a kindergarten screening and that her teacher was to be determined.  In May, I had a meeting with a panel of people who had assessed her for kindergarten.  This consisted of a psychologist,  speech therapist,  occupational therapist,  district supervisor,  and her itinerant teacher.  (And probably a few more I'm forgetting)
We created a plan for her, deciding to place her at a school that offers a smaller special needs group,  with an extra adult.
They also offer transportation with a para professional on the bus to assist her.
(I can't even tell you the terror I feel about trusting someone in this situation)
We did a little tour of the special needs room and therapy room. I was introduced to the teachers and therapist.  I've been dreading the first day of school because I'm pretty sure Rowan starts on the same day.
Anyway. ..back to the screening letter.  I thought it was odd that they screen her since she had already been placed.  I thought because it said "teacher TBD" that they were meaning to place her based on this screening.  My first thought was that they had made an error.  I called. .. The phone rang and rang with no answer.  I emailed the special needs supervisor for the district.  She replied and said that all kindergarten students must take it.  I understand that. 
So, last night was the school orientation.  What a disaster.  The kids fidgeted through the principal's address, then we were off to meet her teacher and visit the classroom.  When we looked on the door it only showed a room number for her class. .... We walked down to the classroom and it was dark. Confused,
checked a second time for her teacher's name but none was listed. 
We found the assistant principal, who informed us that her teacher transfered and the new teacher officially starts on the first day of school.  We did talk to a therapist and she helped Arwen feel welcome.  We left discouraged with all her school supplies.
In a way, I was glad she was scheduled to have the screening so she could see the place again and get more familiar.  I got everyone up  and ready this morning.  I left a few minutes early so I could go to the bank. At the bank the phone rang...

The school canceled the screening. ....30 minutes before we were to go.  So now. .. We start school blind. I'm worried because I think Rowan starts the same day and there has been ZERO contact from his school.  I've called and emailed a few times and was pretty much told to wait.  School starts a week from today. 
I have no information and two special needs kids to prepare. 
I don't know what to think.

One day at a time. ......

Words

This morning my husband gave my son a bowl of dry cereal to snack on before he left for work.  Rowan loves cereal but I didn't really see him easy any.  Later, as I'm doing the morning shuffle, Rowan says "want omelet. "
I immediately ran into the kitchen and cooked his omelet. Every word is a blessing and lime his speech therapist says, " if he asks, try to give him what he wants. "
I can't even express how grateful I feel.  Yesterday he said " Get the ball. "
With every word. ..my fears are lessened and my heart is filed with joy. 

Progress

Today, I tried the same as yesterday and got him to pee om the potty twice already! !!
And yesterday he said "get the ball"!!!

Major progress!