{Major} Jaxen Update

Wow, seems like a long time since the last time I updated.  Just goes to show you how busy my life has become!  No one very said that raising kids was easy, and now I know why!  It's the most difficult yet rewarding job there is.  But I think I'm doing a pretty good job at it.  Although some days, my children would tell you differently!

Jaxen has gone through all his testing and we've had our meeting with the school district.  I finally have all the paperwork and results in hand so I can share with you all.  Sorry ahead of time if this is long, but they tested so many areas!

First off, I got the official diagnosis for Jaxen's sensory testing.  Jaxen does demonstrate sensory concerns. The tests showed that Jax is not overly sensitive to input from his environment.  He scored in the probable difference level in the low registration and sensation seeking areas.  Which indicate that he seeks sensations MORE than other children his age.  Children who are sensation seekers are active and continuously engage in their environment.  The often make noise all the time, fidget, rub or explore objects with their skin, chew on things, and wrap their body around furniture and people as away to increase input during tasks.  They may appear excitable or seem to lack consideration for safety while playing.  The low registration score indicates that Jaxen may be missing cues in his environment, especially in the auditory area.  This could be due to his constant need for movement and sensation seeking behaviors which do not allow him to notice more subtle things.  He scored in the probable difference levels in four out of nine areas overall.  These scores indicate that he is a definite sensory seeker. 

This means that once he starts school, Jaxen would be provided a sensory 'diet',  This 'diet' would provide him with scheduled, regular times when Jaxen would be guided to play in ways that would meet his sensory needs.  For example, his teacher could not take away recess for bad behavior.  And there could be times when Jaxen becomes a distraction in the classroom that a para would come and take Jaxen on a walk or engage him in an activity that would meet his sensory needs and enable him to return to class ready to focus on classwork.

Even though we did not report any hearing or vision concern, Jaxen was tested in both areas.  He passed a functional vision screening in both eyes.  He also passed both the Puretone Hearing Screening and Typanogram screening for hearing loss. 

For Speech and Language, our main area of concern, Jaxen was tested with three different tests:

The first test, Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-2, assesses the child's ability to produce consonant sounds.  With an average score being 100, Jaxen scored a 69 with 63 errors.  This scores him at BELOW expectations for his age.  He could not produce all age appropriate sounds in at least one word context.  The errors that he made, should be correctly produced by the majority of 3-year-old children.  Jaxen's errors were substitutions and omissions of sounds.

The second test, Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale-3, is a 132-item checklist that uses observational information reported by the parents to identify any major receptive or expressive language problems in infants and toddlers up to three years of age.  {This is the test that Jaxen took at 20-months old that scored him with an age equivalent of 10-months}  Again, with an average score of 100, Jaxen scored a Receptive Language Score of 83 with a Below Average Rating and an Expressive Language Score of 76 with a Poor Rating.  The total Language Ability Score for this test was a 75, putting him at an age equivalent of 21-months.  {He was 34-month-old at the time of testing.}

Receptively, Jaxen understands just about everything {it's not uncommon for this score to be below average} but expressively, Jaxen has some work to do.  He is unable to use a least 50 words, say at least two new words each week, use real words when something has happened to him, use words ending in with -ing, have definite beginning and ending sounds, use words when needing help with personal needs, tell you where something might be (in, by, on), and refer to more than one by adding (S) on the end of words.

The last speech and language test, was a Speech Sample.  This test identifies his sound errors.  A 3 year old should be about 75% intelligible to an unfamiliar listener.  Jaxen was judged to be about 50% intelligible.  This test also inspected Jaxen's oral structures and revealed no abnormalities that hinder speech production.  His mouth, tongue, lips were intact and symmetrical.  Jaxen demonstrated appropriate strength, range of motion, and accuracy of his oral musculature.  Which verifies his burn injuries are not the cause of his speech delay.  His scar tissue is not limiting his ability to produce sounds!

With a score of 100 being average, Jaxen scored a 108 for Cognitive and Intellectual Skills.  Which means even with the speech delay, Jaxen's IQ is ABOVE expectation for a 3 year old.  {We NEVER doubted his intelligence!  He is TOO smart for his own good!}

Academically, Jaxen was given a test called the DAYC (Developmental Assessment of Young Children), which is five sub-tests that measure cognitive, communication, social-emotional development, physical development, and adaptive behavior.  With an average score of 100, Jaxen scored an 84 with a below average rating. 

And finally, Jaxen scored a 120 in the area of social-emotional skills.

SO, after reviewing ALL this information, Jaxen meets criteria for Sound Systems Disorder - Articulation and/or Phonology.  The evaluation report documents the extent to which Jaxen's sound production is outside the limits of State designated normative data and addresses the adverse education impact of the child's sound system disorder.  The student is unintelligible to the unfamiliar listener and the team has determined that as a result of the disability the student requires special education.

So the good news is Jaxen will start speech classes at Cass-Midway in December.  He did not qualify for preschool services.  He is super smart and the ONLY thing is lacks is the speech and language.  Once his speech is caught up, all his other scores will improve also.  At this point there is no need to doubt that Jaxen won't be a caught up and ready to enter kindergarten on time.  He's got plenty of time and a lot of people in his corner.  We meet with Jaxen's 'Team' next week to put on paper a plan of action.  His team not only includes Jerry and I, but also the Elementary School Principal, Speech Teacher, Director of Special Services, and the Parents As Teachers Director. 

Jaxen's Speech :-(

Speech and Language of the 18-Month-Old

*Bold/Italic are the things that Jaxen CAN do @ 20-months*

 

Uses 10 to 20 different words

Recognizes pictures of familiar persons and objects

Starts to combine 2 words, such as "all gone", "Daddy bye-bye"

Uses words to make wants known, such as "more", "up"

Imitates words and sounds more precisely

Points and gestures to call attention to an event or to show wants

Points to own toes, eyes, and nose

Brings familiar object from another room when asked

Turns pages of a book a few at a time

Follow simple commands

Makes a tower of 3 to 4 cubes

Knows and says the names of 5 things

Hums and may sing simple tunes

Mixes real words with jargon, on occasion

Develops a play routine

Practices words and word combinations

 



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As you can see, we have some work to do.  Jaxen's speech evaluation appointment at Children's Mercy was a few days ago because he wasn't talking.  And Jaxen was diagnosed with what Jerry and I already knew. . . his lack of talking is NOT normal and it's NOT because Chloe and Jacob do all the talking for him.  Jaxen was diagnosed with a learning disability.  {Man, that is hard to say out loud!}  Jaxen's Receptive language is completely average for his age group.  He understands and comprehends language as well as any other 20-month-old.  However, Jaxen does not have the ability to express himself.  Scoring only a 75, he was diagnosed with Expressive Language Disorder with Articulation Impairment.  Age Equivalent: 10 months.

As hard as it had been to get an official diagnosis and to have to say, "Jaxen has a learning disorder", I now know that we can do something for him.  He's not alone anymore, we are all on the same path.  As our family, I think it's important to keep you all up to date.  We have to push him to say something and at this point a sound is as good as a word.  But we can't push too hard, he NEEDS to have a positive experience with talking or we won't get anywhere. 

A learning disability.  That is a hard pill to swallow for me, somehow I feel responsible.  Where did we go wrong?  I feel like we've failed him in someway.  Of course, it's only a personal feeling because I know in my heart that Jerry and I have done and are doing everything we can for Jaxen.  We've had him tested early, and from what we are told, NOW is the best time to get him back on track. 

With starting so early, Jax will have an easier start in school.  There is a HUGE possibility that by the time Jax starts kindergarten, he will have caught up with his peers and be "cured" of his disability.  With that being said, no disability is curable, just manageable.  He most likely will need extra attention for a while, and not necessarily Special Education classes or Speech and Language Therapy.  With intervening early, Jaxen should progress well in school.  It will be the responsibility of his teachers and Jerry and I to make sure that he doesn't fall behind and to get him the resources he needs to be successful in school.

I know school is a long ways away for Jaxen, but that is the goal that we have set for him.  Ideally, we want him ready to enter kindergarten.  Of course, his speech and language will still be developing so the use of a speech class may be needed.  However, the doctor said that Jaxen's burn to his mouth and tongue could have just set him back.  They have seen cases where when the child has experienced a trauma in his life, there speech/language is affected.  But with speech therapy he should catch up pretty quickly.

Now for our game plan.  Because Jaxen is 50% behind in two categories - Expressive Language and Articulation he should qualify for Missouri First Steps.  Which is like a "Head Start" Program; however, Head Start doesn't start until age 3.  I have called Missouri First Steps to see if he qualifies for speech/language therapy but I'm still waiting to hear back from them (Holiday Weekend).  Children's Mercy Hospital put him on their speech therapy waiting list but we are looking at at least a 4 to 5 month wait.  And I am looking into Parents As Teachers through the school district for help.  

I've made a million calls for help and advise.  We are really wanting to get him on track before he falls too far behind.   Yet another hurdle that we will climb with Jaxen!!  It's a good thing we love him!!  Keep him in your prayers.

This is how I juggle. . .

Just Imagine.  6:30pm.  Four kids hungry.  An 18-month-old screaming for attention.  An infant wanting to be held.  Dogs barking.  Phone ringing.  Total chaos.  One Mom.  Yup, that's my life!  What do I do?  Sit back and smile.  :-)

Pancakes for dinner.  It's quick.  It's easy.  Chloe and Jacob take Jaxen to the boys' room and play with him while I pack up Tyler in the sling and get busy in the kitchen. 

Come knocking on my door while Jerry's at work, around dinner time and this is what you will see:

I'm a baby wearing mommy, just trying to get things done.  What will you hear?  Screaming, Crying, Laughing, Giggling, Fighting.  Oh, the joys of motherhood just bounce off these walls!  :-)

And I count my blessings, that this little man -

. . . Can sleep right through it all.

Forgive the lack of updates. . . things get really, really crazy around here sometimes!

It's A Boy!

Introducing Our Newest Addition!!

Tyler Grayson Daily

 

Born on Wednesday, 

June 13, 2012 at 3:32pm

8 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/4 inches long

What am I doing wrong?!

Let me start off by saying that I KNOW that there are a lot of missing pieces in this blog!  I'm not sure if there is enough time in the day for me to fill you in on everything that has gone on in the past couple of months.  I can tell you that thing have been insane!  I hope things things are finally settling down for us and I believe we have made all the right decisions for our family.  Only time will tell and with time all will be revealed on here!   :-)

With everything going on, I really think it was/is too much for Jacob.  He's is absolutely driving me crazy because he has had a GIANT set back in using the bathroom.  My once 100% potty trained 4-year old is back to not going in the potty - AT ALL!  By 9am this morning, Jacob had already peed and pooped in his underwear.  He will sit in it and he will wear it all day long.  He will go get on the potty if I ask him to, but he will not go on his own.

I have tried EVERYTHING!  I'm almost to my breaking point.  I've punished/spanked, awarded good behavior, taken toys/monkey away, made him stand in the corner,bribed, sent him to bed early, praised, given him more one-on-one time and looked the other way.  I just don't know what else to do.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Jacob says that he doesn't know when he has to go. . . which I find hard to believe because he's been potty trained once.  I also find it hard to believe because he sits in it until I find it. . . it doesn't phase him to have dirty underwear.  I'm sure it's all the changes that have taken place in the last month - new house, him and Jaxen have to share a room now, etc. 

Jerry and I are literally clueless.  Any suggestion would be appreciated!!  Any other parents gone through this?!

No-Tax Weekend

Wow!  We have spent a ton of money this weekend - thank goodness for the Savings Account!  This weekend was 'no-tax' weekend in Missouri.  Which means that school supplies, computers, clothes, and diapers are all tax free!  Since moving to Kansas City (Sedalia/Pettis County doesn't participate in it) we have always taken advantage of the No -Tax Holiday.  It saves us quite a bundle in back to school shopping - especially when added to the 10% Walmart Employee Discount.  And Jerry and I save for months to afford no-tax shopping, but with 3 kids we really can't afford not to participate in the tax free holiday.  The following is how we spent 5 hours and just over $2,000!

Chloe's school supplies & Jacob's school supplies

Jerry used some of his school money to get a new laptop, now he isn't tied around home - he can take it with him if we go somewhere or visit family.  Which makes it super nice and convenient.  Now to keep the kids and dogs away from it. . . that's the hard part!  I'm so glad his schooling paid for the laptop, no way I would have saved enough for a laptop and school supplies/clothes!  {SO yeah, didn't really spend 2,000 of our own money since about half of it was the computer but it sounds good!  :o)}  On the computer alone we got a $79.70 Discount and saved $67.55 in taxes for a total savings of $147.25!  I consider that a score!  So this year we replaced both the desktop and laptop - we should be good for a couple years, hopefully!!

Mom's stash!

And I know I said it before but we took full advantage of this weekend. . . Normally, it's all about the kids and their needs but this year Jerry and I saved enough money to splurge on us too!  Jerry and I got new clothes, lunch boxes and work boots to go along with our normal socks and underwear splurge.  Jerry got about 11 $3.00 shirts and I got 8 $2.00 t shirts and 2 pairs of Blue Jeans.

Of course it was the kids that hit the jackpot. Many of their clothes were on clearance. I don't get my employee discount on clearance merchandise but I still get them tax free, so it was nice to get shirts at $2 and $3! Especially since they grow out of them so fast and will need more next year!

Chloe's school clothes

Besides all her 1st grade school supplies, Chloe hauled in a whooping 8 t-shirts, 3 outfits, 2 purple dresses, 4 blue jeans, 1 pair of khakis, a pajama, a ladybug raincoat, 3 Hello Kitty socks, a pair of Hello Kitty tights, 14 pairs of underwear, Hello Kitty sneakers, and Hello Kitty dress shoes!!  The theme was Hello Kitty this year. . . Everything was Hello Kitty!!  I had to eventually say no, because she would have gone on forever!!

Jacob's School clothes

Jacob had fun shopping with Daddy for his school supplies!!  {Jerry took Jacob and I took Chloe - it's so much easier if we both a tackle a list.  Because with two kids going in different directions I get flustered and end up forgetting something!}  Jacob ended up going with a theme - Mario!!  Definitely his Daddy's son!  Jacob didn't need as many school supplies but he definitely kept up with Chloe in the clothes department.  Jacob hauled in 12 t-shirts, 4 pairs of pants, 3 Blue Jeans, a raincoat, and 20 pairs of socks!

Jaxen's diaper stash

And don't think that Jaxen was just around for the ride!!  Diapers are tax-free this weekend also, so like every year, we take the opportunity to stock up on a diapers!!  Jaxen is currently in a size 3 diaper, but since we don't know how much longer he will be in that size, we bought one package of size 3's and two packages of size 4's plus a huge box of baby wipes!!  This household has never been without baby wipes in the 6 years Chloe's been alive!!  Baby Wipes are every parents 'Must Have'!!  Besides the diapers, Jaxen also got a pair of tennis shoes {he refuses to wear socks and shoes, this is going to be a problem come winter if we don't get him used to them now!}, 3 long sleeve rompers and 2 long sleeve / long pants outfits.  Jax needs winter clothes and not much is out there for warmth right now.  So I'm afraid I will have to shop for him another time.  He is also going to need a winter coat - the other two got new winter coats at the end of last year so they should be good.

So with that huge back to school shopping spree, I saved $64.52 with my discount and $51.42 in taxes.  I know that's nothing compared to the amount we had to spend ($688.83) but it helped a lot because it's stuff they would have needed anyways!!  I think it's time to start saving for next year!!  I'll take donations!!  LOL

It's a good thing we save up for months for this weekend because then on top of all that, I still had to shop for groceries. . . Price Chopper ($34.00), Walmart ($209.36) AND Sam's Club ($287.47)!   Major ouch on the pocket book, but I think we are going to be eating and dressing like rock stars for a while!!  :-)  Thank goodness for the 'No-Tax' Weekend!  My little family had a total savings of $263.19 - just by shopping this weekend!

Now back to penny pinching and saving for next year!!  :-)

Blessing in disguise?!

Okay, so I'm really, really nervous about this new job move.  I totally have it made in the position that I am in.  I hate walking away from a job that I love!  But after days and days of mind boggling thoughts, I believe the pros out way the cons!
Pros.

• Only working 3 days a week - Saturday, Sunday, Monday
• Having 4 days off with Jerry - currently we have no days off together
• More time with my kids.
• Shorter commute to work - less gas
• Off by 330pm on the days that I do work
• Off for doctor's appointments
• Off for most Girl Scout events and meetings
• Available for Chloe's school parties and field trips
• Jacob can go to preschool - simply wasn't an option before.
• Available for Jacob's school parties and field trips
• WAY more money!  Over $800 a month more.
• No responsibility - do my job and go home

Cons.

• Giving up a job I love for one I'll probably hate
• Working in the freezer - negative 52 degrees!!
• Stuck in the same position for 6 months - at least!
• Giving up my weekends off - no trips to Iowa once the kids are in school
• Being at work at 4am - Ugh!
• Jerry and I overlap an hour and a half Sunday and Monday morning. . . have to pay a baby sitter
• Jerry and I work opposite shifts so the 3 days we do work are going to be VERY long days
• Still only have 1 working vehicle.

I could probably go on and on forever but I don't think I have to.  One of the things I am most proud of and one of things that just wasn't an option because of work schedules and money - sending Jacob to preschool!!  I am going in tomorrow and registering him for Thursday-Friday Preschool Classes.  It was a lot of money that I couldn't justify with three kids and the rising cost of gas, rent, and car payment.  But now that I will be bringing in quite a bit more, it's totally justified.  Plus, I will be off those days and able to take him to and from school!  I am so excited, it's something I started doing with Chloe three years ago but Jerry had to take over once I got the Department Manager position.  So starting in Mid-August on Thursdays and Fridays from 8am until noon, Jaxen will be the only kid at home!!

Also, today we went and registered Chloe in cheerleading. . . so I am officially a cheer-mom!  She is totally stoked, she got to try on a uniform {for sizes} and everything!  So my schedules getting full again!!  Starting tomorrow - Monday and Wednesdays until school starts - Chloe has Cheer practice on the school football field.  Once school starts practices move to Tuesday and Thursday - which are better for us anyways!  Only have to figure out how to get her to and from the games that fall on Saturdays. . . because Jerry and I will both be working.  Hopefully, another mom will help me out with that. . . if not oh well, it's just for fun anyways.  :-)

So begins my crazy, busy life as mommy!!  Wish me luck. . . I will have 2 kids in school!!  Splitting my time between work, preschool, first grade, mommy, cheerleading, girl scouts and wife!  Poor Jerry's gonna get left out I'm afraid!  Oh wait!!  We will have Thursday and Friday without 2 of the 3 kids!!  :o)

Teaching my kids the power of volunteering. . .

It's 1230am.  I should be sleeping, but I'm not.  I'm sitting here enjoying my kid-free time.  I should be cleaning, but I'm not.  I'm sitting here proud.  I'm proud of what my family did this weekend.  So proud, I want to share it with you!

For most of you, it comes as no surprise that I've been raised to help others the best you can.  Many of you may notice nowadays when you are shopping at Walmart, you may be asked to donate to CMN.  The month of May brings a 6-week marathon of fundraising for Children's Miracle Network, each store is asked to try and raise $20,000 to help local hospitals help local kids.  In the beginning of May, I was in the right place at the right time and asked to be a part of my stores CMN team.  We had meetings of brain storming ideas on how to raise some money.  Hot dog cookouts in the front of the store, selling CMN t-shirts, all you can eat $5.00 breakfast for associates, $2.00 Blue Jean Fridays, Root Bear floats on the weekends, and a kid's carnival. 

The kid's carnival was totally my idea.  My mom's a Girl Scout and did the Starcraft Kid's Games for years!  Surely, we could come up with some games to play while we sold hot dogs, chips and a drink for $2.00!  Everyone loved the idea and wanted to do it Memorial Day Weekend out front of the store.  But as the days got closer, we weren't getting anyone to volunteer to help run the carnival.  Management and I put on a full-fledged campaign to get people to volunteer.  Almost every responded the same way, "Why give up my 3-day weekend when I'm not getting paid?", "I already have plans that weekend." and "Why should I help Management out when they don't help me out?".  It was all really frustrating, but with the small group of six people that we had - Asst. Mgr Biz, Asst. Mgr Joanna, ZMS Robert, Dept Mgr Heidi (that's me!), IMS Fannita, and Grocery Sales Associate Karen - we were determined to make it happen! 

So I enlisted the help of my family.  Jerry and the kids were happy to help. . . it was important to me and the kids were pretty cheap labor!  I am so proud of the work my family did.  Jerry ended up being the money maker with his balloon animals... totally bring in most of the $510 that we raised the first day!!  Everybody loved him and wanted a balloon animal.  Parents were giving $5 and $10 donations!!  Jerry had to work this weekend, so he was only able to volunteer one day of the kid carnival.  Everyone missed him the second day.  My management team had nothing but high praises for him!  I love you, Jerry!  Thank you so much in helping make my idea a reality.  And thank you so much for being a wonderful role model for our kids!!  I know we aren't perfect parents, but I think we are doing an awesome job trying!

Chloe and Jacob got plenty of compliments!!  The ran the kids games like pros!  I had two VERY BEHAVED, VERY POLITE children.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  Jacob loved being a helper and "in charge" of something!  He was such a big boy and I'm so proud of him!  Chloe understood why we were there and could charm any parent into donating to CMN.  In her own words, she can tell you why we worked so hard raising money this weekend.  "We give it to the hospitals, so when kids are hurt and they don't have any money, they can still go to the doctor to feel better and not have to pay because we helped them!"  It was enough to melt any ones heart and open their pocket books.  :o)  I'm pretty sure if  you'd of seen me this weekend I'd be grinning from ear to ear with pride while holding back tears and a lump in my throat from the compassion that she showed and her willingness to help others!  I am SO proud of the girl she's become. . . And it makes my heart so happy to know that I am the one who helped shape her into the woman she's going to be!  To Chloe and Jacob - I love you!!  I am so proud to be your Mom!  I couldn't ask for better kids...and I definitely couldn't have done it without you this weekend! 

Even my little Jaxen was there helping out!!  Okay, he wasn't running any games or making balloon animals BUT he was totally content sitting in his stroller watching everything that was going on in front of him.  He was the perfect baby... and besides all the compliments on his hair, he got compliments on how easy going he was!!  I love you Jax!!  Thank you for being YOU!! 

Besides helping me out tremendously, the kids got to enjoy the carnival too!  They had so much fun this weekend, Chloe wants to do it again next weekend!!  :o)

My family and I volunteered because we wanted too! We had a GREAT family weekend and I think volunteering together made it a thousand times better! Jerry and I want to raise our kids to give back to those who need our help! We didn't need nor expect to get anything out of it besides the joy and satisfaction of helping others. But in return, I see what this weekend did for my kids. I couldn't have asked for anything better!! My 3 and 6 year old did more for Children's Miracle Network than most of the adults I work with!  After the kids and I helped clean up the carnival, my managers thanked us whole heartily and handed me an envelope.  When we got home, I was shock to see what was inside:

$30 Applebee's Gift Cards and a $20 Pizza Hut Card!

So I ask everyone reading this, next time you are shopping in Walmart and you are asked to donate to CMN, please do so!!  Every little bit counts!!  Just ask Chloe!  She was just as happy to see .50 as she was $10!!  And believe me, she knows the difference!!!

(Totally going to bed now. . . it's 1:23am!!  I should be sleeping!)

Big Update!!

  Potty Traing a boy about killed me.  Day time is easy, now trying to train him at night. . . somedays we had way too many accidents during the day and most nights Jacob would wake up with a wet diaper.  So ultimately to make things easier on me. . . I know, I'm ashamed. . . we always put him down for the night in a diaper.  Never gave him a chance to night time train.  However, last Sunday night, I was feeling a little brave and Jacob was fighting the diaper, so I gave in and decided to let him go to bed without a diaper on.  Worse thing that could happen is I would wake up to even more laundry that needed to be washed! 

Jacob surprised me. . . and that's sad for me to say, I should have believed in him. . . but Monday morning Jacob was dry, woke up and went straight to the potty like a pro, and WE HAVE NOT WORN A DIAPER OR HAD AN ACCIDENT SINCE!  I am so proud of him!  And he is so proud of himself!!  We officially put the rest of his diapers in Jaxen's room with his diaper stash. . . Jacob finally potty trained!  I'm kinda wishing I would have cold turkey'd him a long time ago.  He was ready, he's been for a while. . . but Mom just had to let him.  I see now that going between underwear and diapers, we were confusing him, he was going in the diaper because it he could. 

So with this blog I proudly announce that the Daily family only has ONE child in diapers!!!!  Another parenting lesson learned, I'm blogging this as a reminder to myself when it's time to potty train Jax.  Trust the kid, when he's ready, he will do it! 

(And to all those reading this with kids on the way, that are wondering why I didn't learn this lesson with Chloe. . . Girls are SO much easier to potty train!! LOL)



Oh geez, I have a kindergartener.

Well today was a huge day for Miss Chloe!  She officially became a kindergartener. . .

The morning started off around 6:30am.  Daddy got up and made scrambled eggs before she got up and had them ready for her on the kitchen table when she came downstairs.  She didn't eat much breakfast because she said her belly hurt - I know it was just nerves so we didn't push her to eat all of it.  She was more interested in getting dressed up anyways!!  Ta-Da!!

Since we were ready for school way earlier than we needed to be - she got to watch about 20 minutes worth of cartoons.  We also woke Jacob up this morning with Chloe, so he could see her off to school and say goodbye.  It won't be neccessary to wake him up every morning because her bus stop is just outside our house, in front of the neighbors yard.  And we could see her bus pick up the kids down the road first.  So on cold days she could wait on the porch with Dad until they see the bus and then met the bus at the driveway.  Basically Dad will only be outside for a few minutes. 

 Here we are waiting for the bus #1!

 It's here!  Mommy wanted to cry. . .

 But once Chloe was on the bus, Jacob's face made me laugh! 

He was sad to see her go to school without him, but he was happy to have Mommy and Daddy to himself!!

Once Jacob, Mommy and Daddy were on their own for the day, we had to find something to do!  So we did yardwork on this beautiful, not so hot, over casted, breezing day!  We spent close to two hours mowing, weeding, watering and treating the yard.  After all that fun, Jacob got a bath and then sat and watched cartoons with Daddy the rest of the day, while Mommy cleaned out the refrigerator, folded laundry, and washed the kitchen floor.  Currently, both boys are sleeping. . . and I am patiently waiting on Chloe to get out of school.  :o)

Here comes the bus. . .

Chloe's home!

Chloe really liked school. . . she found her friend Taylor first thing and together they found there classroom.  For those who don't know. . . Taylor and Chloe were in preschool the last two years together and they played T-Ball together this summer.  Taylor is the only little girl that Chloe's knows here in Freeman, so it was nice to have them in the same Kindergarten class.  I know it made it a lot easier on Miss Chloe.  Chloe had a few complaints about her first day of school - mainly because it wasn't exactly like preschool and she didn't get to do everything she wanted.  But she was happy and excited that she could go again tomorrow.

Day 2 started out just the same.  Breakfast, get dressed, do her hair, and wait for the bus to pick her up.  Here's Chloe before her second day of Kindergarten. . .