The first few weeks

So we are almost concluding week four of school- can't believe Paige has been a kindergartner for a month and Hunter has been in preschool for that same amount of time.  Our lives have never been busier- I feel like we are constantly on the go for therapy, sports, playdates, parties...it never stops.  Here's a little (long) re-cap of the last week.

Hunter has been having great days at the private preschool, alongside his two ABA therapists, Miss Lara and Miss Bonnie.  Even though they have met a few challenging behaviors, his sweet teacher, Miss Gina, told me that "he is in the right place."  Warmed my heart!  I know he can have REALLY hard days, but she takes it all in strides and loves on him just like the others.  Here's an example of the daily reports we get from his therapists:

Areas of Skill Deficit Addressed Domain Program Target/Prompt Score Comments Mand Instructions & Explanations 3 step preferred ¼ Mand Politely Mand Any request politely 50%,80% Play Skills Pretend Play Dog and cat 2/2 Play Skills Independent Play Puzzles NA Social Skills Imitate Peers Any action 50% Social Skills Mand to Peers Any phrase 3/5 Social Skills Statement Matching My name is 100% Social Skills Asking questions to maintain conversation 2 follow-up ?s ¼ Listener Responding Respond to name Within 1 foot 50%, 4/4 Visual perception Categories and sorting Sort animals, food, vehicles, clothes, and toys NA Social Skills Social questions What is your mom's name and What is your dad's name? NA General Challenging Behaviors/Barriers to Learning Stims: __96/hr (lunch) Non-compliance: __NA/hr New Programs Introduced Parent Concerns Therapist Concerns Hunter had a great day! He has the job of door holder this week and did awesome holding the door for his peers. During journal time Hunter did not want to do his work so he sat in his chair and didn't get to go to centers or receive a sticker on his picture book. Hunter took home journal to be completed at home. During recess Hunter played very nicely with Molly and other peers on tire swing. At movement they played soccer, Hunter scored two goals! During Lunch he ate his entire PBJ sandwich, carrots, juice, and grapes. Hunter listened nicely to story and was picked second to go pick centers because he was one of the quietest. He eared all of his stickers and got to pick a prize. Keep up the good work Hunter! Plans for next session/Materials needed Continue work on goals from assessment 8/16./12. Therapist Signature

Seeing the 96 barriers to learning/stims during lunch was a little alarming, but they said it could be as simple as looking away when the teacher is talking or flapping his arms in excitement. 

Hunter has been taking the bus home from school on Mondays to the daycare, and although they have brought him to the wrong location twice (either there or here), he doesn't give the driver anymore trouble.

Paige has been loving school- her teacher is phenomenal, with so many different class activities and projects.  She made her mama proud one day with this:

She colors and "writes" stories non-stop.  This little lady loves kindergarten!

Sports have started to overtake our schedule...Paige started soccer with coach Daddy and she has been a star!  No goals yet, but an assist the last game and more aggressive playing.  She can do it!

paige and one of her besties

go orange crush!

Love this little face!!





Adding another "s" sport- swimming!  Paige tried out for the city swim team last weekend and made it!  She is a great freestyler and backstroker.  She was so excited and seeing her practice has left me with a big smile on my face.  Love that she is into something that was a big part of my life!

swim team tryouts

kicking with the kick board- used to be my favorite!  you could chat with your friends while doing a workout



always a princess

 First big meet is this Sunday!  I signed her up for a relay, a 25 free, and a 25 back.  Can't wait to see her eyes light up!

Hunter has been wanting to join in on the action, but he is not able to do the swim team practice.  I found out at the Y that they offer an adapted swimming program- a very reduced rate for private thirty minute lessons.  I was so excited to find this out- now he can keep up his skills and hopefully one day join the team.  I feel like swimming would be such a great sport for him.  It's an individual sport, but in a team atmosphere, perfect for a kiddo like him.  He loves the water and it is so therapeutic.  Hoping to start the lessons tomorrow or next week.

Had to add a couple of pictures from our immunologist appointment at the hospital a couple weeks ago.  If there is a Heaven for each of us, this would be it for Hunter...

We went to a party for our sweet NICU friend Sophia- it was held at an old church that renovated the inside as a children's playground.  The kids had a blast- and Hunter actually stayed in the room for the birthday song!

love the bounce house!

shooting baskets (in between hair twirling)

daddy and peyton climbed all the way up and slid down.  thought i saw an urgent care visit in our future.

playing in the home center

Just a few more pictures from this week.  Paige had picture day and nursery rhyme day at school. Hunter actually did OK, as the hallway was loud and there were a lot of parents and children crowding the area.  He didn't want to stay in Paige's classroom after the parade, but we stayed outside the door and I was still able to hear Paige's nursery rhyme.  She chose "Wee Willy Winkie"- she had really wanted to wear her jammies to school. :)  Love our elementary!

She was so proud to have her brother there. :)

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY

Ok, promise these are the last pictures.  We crafted this weekend after church to send our (late) grandparent's day art.  Peyton was into it!

These kiddos are amazing. We have been having so much fun spending time as a family the past few weekends.  Hunter's behavior has become manageable in the sense that we are finally able to venture out to carnivals, parties, stores, etc.  We spent last Friday night at the indoor pool, everyone swimming and splashing.  It was the first time that we all did a group activity and did not have trouble.  Keep on moving- full steam ahead.