1st Day Back at School

Tom's 1st Day of Preschool (Year 2)

Here's my big man all ready for school this morning. He's so different one year later. Now he's a pro at school. Last year we waited patiently for him to turn three so he could join his class. Tom's birthday is in late September so we missed the first couple weeks of school. This year Tommy got to start on the official first day of school. It felt kinda special.

Wearing his Tony Hawk t-shirt on the first day of school.

Tom took it all in stride. He has been going to daycare at WPSBC and so it's a fairly smooth transition. He is in the same building and even on the same floor, but in a different room.

All his favorite people from school are back and I know he'll start talking about them again. I heard about Rhoda (one of his classroom aides) all summer. Ben his gym teacher was also a favorite. I can't wait to hear from Miss Lisa, his OT that works with him on feeding therapy, has to say. I hope he eats for her- and not just mac n' cheese.

I wonder if he sang them his newest song yet? He learned it in daycare and it goes, "Put your fingers on the wall, on the wall"....and repeat! He prefers to sing it as loud as possible.

The song is to get visually impaired children to trail their fingers on the wall as they go. Trailing came naturally to Tommy. He is an explorer! It would be hard to get him to stop touching things (like his g-tube - grrrrr!) but that's a nice problem for a blind child to have. Many kids can be tactile defensive, which can be a barrier to learning and interaction.

Tom came home with a great report from school but he was a little strung out. The difference in what is expected out of him in daycare and school must have been hard.

He was sort of weepy and temperamental when I picked him up from his grandparents' house today after school. And that was with an hour nap! I guess it will just take him a little while to get used to school again. He got spoiled with a one to two hour nap at daycare that they don't do in preschool.

The note from school said that the next few weeks will assess where the kids are at and then get into their individual programs. I can't wait to see what they think of all the little changes in him. His communication skills are so much better and it makes life easier and more fun. He has always been sweet and fun but now things flow so much easier. I can respond to his requests and he has less frustration.

Attempting to sit nicely for a picture.

I love being able to understand more about his personality. Recently he fell off the couch and he was actually able to tell me what hurt (toe.) That was a total breakthrough! You can't imagine how difficult is it to not know what is wrong because your child cannot express it. He is really learning the power of his voice. I can't wait to see and hear what's next.

Remember, Tommy could be the lucky kid that wins a Perkins SMART Brailler...if you vote for him!

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