I have thought about blogging here and there over the last year and a half that I've not posted anything here. But, today is just as good as any and I see my last post has to do with Isaac crawling, and all the excitement that goes with that.
Isaac is now 2 years old, and not only walking (of course) but running, talking, and understanding much more about life than I could ever imagine he could at this age. Every day he amazes me with his strength, his will, veracity, and humor. He is a light in our world, that's for sure. Now, if I could only get him to stop hitting his brothers...
As for Evan; today is picture day. He's in first grade. It is a miraculous feat in and of itself that he's in first grade - let alone actually enjoying himself, thriving, playing with friends, and truly enjoying school. Last year was a difficult one, to say the least. His kindergarten teacher was on her way to retirement at the end of the year. Apparently, she'd never run across a child of his tenacity or character. The school district is once again safe, now that she's no longer working in it.
Ah, but I digress. Evan's first grade teacher is embarking on her second year of teaching. She has a new style, presence, and patience with me - which is really important. One of these days she'll be getting a card and a gift from me, thanking her for her patience and generosity when she gets the continual flow of notes, phone calls and emails from the likes of me. I only do it to prevent a recurrence of last year's events.
Otherwise, Evan is doing remarkably well in first grade. His best friend, Thomas by his side. They appear to work well together, despite the giggles and laughter at gross things the way boys are.
Evan fell on the playground one day, skinning his knee and hand pretty badly. Thomas saw it all happen, and nearly fell to tears just watching Evan in pain. Thomas' parents told me of how he refused to let a teacher help Evan, but instead cleaning Evan's bleeding hand and knee himself; took care of him; even put band aids on them. It's wonderful to think Evan could have a friend as good as this. They really do care about each other.
Thankfully Thomas lives just one street over from us.
So here's to picture day of a first grader! Yahoo!!
Damien has done remarkably well also. He's received his first grade card of middle school - bringing home 5 A's and 3 B's. Not too shabby for a kid with disabilities. He's struggling, but persevering. Being in the school play as one of three sixth graders is also a motivator to keep the grades up. He enjoys the rehearsals and the theater so much that he'll do just about anything to stay involved in that. So, he works extra hard to keep the grades where they need to be, because he'd hate to lose that privilege.
