We're all doing good around here. Abby is growing like a weed, doing excellent in school and talking up a storm. Her teachers consider her "gifted" and hope that once we get her caught up with language and communication she'll be able to not only be mainstreamed, but be in a gifted and talented program. However, she's only been implanted for a year, and although we don't want to lower our expectations, it is likely that she will not be mainstreamed in Kindergarten. She would instead continue with the regional day school program in a mainstream elementary school that pulls out for the services she will need. But first grade... she'll be mainstreamed. I have full confidence.
Abby has been having bad dreams lately and therefore is fighting me like crazy to go to bed. Putting her to bed used to be one of my most favorite times of the day, but now its my own little nightmare. I know this won't last forever, but when you're in the thick of it, its pretty frustrating.
On the flip side however, me and Abby are tight. She is such a sweet, compassionate little girl and HATES upsetting me or making anyone unhappy. She is cuddly and loving, which is totally opposite of how she was when she was a toddler. She has lots of friends and has her teachers in the palm of her hand. She has matured so much and we are able to have full conversations, which is something that I have longed for for so long.
Raising Abby and Carter has not been the easiest thing in the world. Because of their hearing loss, communication wise I felt like I had two 2-year-olds for three years. Do you know how frustrating that is? To not be able to communicate with your children they way you want to? Anyway, we are coming out of that tunnel and it's so nice!
Carter is also growing up and doing so well in school. He's talking more and more and even creating long 8 and 9 word sentences. The other day he was playing with one of the teacher's assistants in the play kitchen in his classroom and he told her "I'm going to pour it all over your pants." And he also has quite a sense of humor. That same teacher was pretending to iron with Carter and she told him to "get all the wrinkles out" so he put the iron up to her face and started ironing out her wrinkles.
He is totally potty trained now (YAY) and so we will be diaper free for less than two months before we start the diaper routine all over again.
Carter is growing out of his constant grouchiness, but he still has his moments. And he is still a pretty sensitive kid. Carter and Abby are the best of friends and the worst of enemies. They love to play together, and I hate to say it, but I think they love to fight too. It's maddening, but when you have kids that close together, I think its inevitable.
So that's Abby and Carter in a really small nutshell.
7 comments:
They are too, too cute and getting so big!
I wouldn't write off mainstream K5 yet! She is making amazing progress and with the right support, I imagine it would be a possibility.
They are getting so big. Abby looks just like you. It's wonderful that they are progressing so well. Hope you are feeling alright too.
Your kids are amazing! I love to see Abby's incredible progress. I often forget now that she even has hearing issues because she communicates so well! It is quite miraculous! I bet she will advance in school quickly! You are a fantastic mom and the joy they both radiate totally shows that! Your family is beautiful!
I don't know if I could keep a straight face if Carter tries to iron out my wrinkles...it's been very exciting to see their growth in the last year!
Frankly, I wouldn't worry about keeping her in the program one more year. Right now she has the advantage of small student/teacher ratio, and that extra time will just build on her strengths and confidence. This is only kindergarten we're talking about. She'll be way ahead when she gets to 1st grade. You guys have done wonders with your kids--and we are constantly amazed at their abilities. We love you all--Mom
This was a wonderful post! So good to hear about your kids! I guess we'll be hearing more about you soon enough? They really have progressed amazingly. I sometimes wonder what Heavenly Father saw in us when he sent us these "special" kids, but it's comforting to know that He knows both us and our children better than we do. Things will turn out all right and Abby will be mainstreamed when the time is right.
Carter's last picture is hilarious!! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!! Oh I would love to see him on a daily basis! I am very proud of you, Mandie, and am constantly in awe of what you are able to accomplish despite the language barrier :) Good for you!
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