Busy Friday

I am looking forward to a busy day tomorrow. First is Richard's "signing." He will be signing a letter of intent to run for his college. Isn't that exciting? I'm supposed to bring cookies to share and you know I'll be there with a camera, too.

In the afternoon I have Ralph's first ever IEP meeting! I hope that it is very straightforward. I know which services he qualifies for. I know what I will fight for now and what can wait for later. Anyway, I will let you know how it turns out.

After the IEP meeting I'm going to start cooking up some enchiladas! I'm making these as an adoption fundraiser. $20 per dozen. I'm still taking orders if you live in the area.

What a busy way to end a great week!


Here is Ralph at school the last day of his testing. He wasn't really interested in me or looking at the camera. He's all about school, a real serious student.

Hanging up his sweater.
Gotta make sure the door is all the way shut!

Picking out a book for circle time!

Preschool testing.

What a fun week it was for Ralph! Not only was grandma visiting but he had a chance to attend school for the first time ever.

If you know me, then you know that I'm a big fan of home schooling. I had imagined that I might keep Ralph at home for his education. But, if you know Ralph, then you know that all this kid wants to do is GO! He is forever grabbing a bag, a hat and some keys and heading to the front door. NOBODY is going to hold this boy back! He's going to thrive in school.

Now that he is relatively healthy, I feel better about him being in a classroom situation anyway. I'm not as freaky about him catching a cold as I used to be. There was a time when there was a sign on my front door asking people to wash hands and remove shoes when they entered. I hope those days are gone forever.

Anyway, school was a huge hit! Even though Ralph missed his normal nap time three days this week, it didn't affect him too much. He was pretty wiped out, but took a shorter nap when he got home.

The teacher did say that Ralph really kept them on their toes! No surprises there. I have also become familiar with the other "R" word. Yep, they have labeled him as a "runner." I prefer to call him opportunist. He sees an open door as a opportunity...for I don't know what. Excitement? Thrill of being chased? Adventure? Sometimes I wish I could get into that cute little head and find out what he's thinking.

Soon I'll be initiated into the IEP brotherhood. I know I have a lot to learn. His meeting is scheduled for April 23 and he will start attending school for real on the following Monday.

Ralphie

Ralphie is taking a very big step tomorrow.

He starts preschool!

OK, not really. He starts his IEP testing at the preschool, during preschool hours, in the preschool classroom. So you see what I mean!

I don't really know what to expect, but I think he is ready. He has been showing some great signs of growing up lately.

Like one day he was standing at the back window watching the other children play outside. His little face was so dejected! I asked him if he was sad. And then, get this, he pulled his face down with his hands and stuck out his lip. That was the sign for sad!! It's possible that he simply signed sad because I said the word. I choose to believe that he is getting in touch with his emotions!

One problem, his testing is in the afternoon during prime nap-time hours. I tried to keep him up today, but he fell asleep on the family room floor. Oh well, I told the school that he is no good in the afternoon, but that is the only time available. On the bright side, if he performs poorly, we may end up with more services!!

IEP in a couple of weeks! My initiation is on the horizon.