Weekly Therapy Update & More

On Monday I took Isabella to meet her kindergarten teacher.  Her name is Mrs. Hodnik and she has 31 years teaching experience, most of which were teaching kindergartner's.  Isabella had the opportunity to ride the bus.  She sat with her very best friend Violet, who is nervous about going to school.  I think it will help Violet a lot that she has Isabella in her class.  They sit on opposite sides of the classroom but that might be a good thing because I have a little chatter box.  Isabella's seat is right next to Mrs. Hodnik's desk.  I think she'll enjoy being right next to the teacher.  I am however a little nervous about the boy who sits across from Isabella.  His name is Ian and I got a very strong impression from his parents that he's a handful.  While the kids were riding the bus, the parents had a meeting with their child's teacher.  While she was going over her rules and disciplines, this little boy's parents were laughing and actually said that Mrs. Hodnik would have their phone number's on speed dial.  UGH.  Isabella isn't a fan of boys in general.  This should be interesting.  Maybe once rambunctious Ian is in a classroom setting he'll settle down.  Hopefully.  Once the children returned from their bus ride, they got to spend time with their teacher's and the parents went back into the auditorium for a presentation by the principle.  This leads me to my next subject...people are RUDE!  Now, I understand that this might not be your first time sending a child to kindergarten, but come on.  People were on cell phones and other handheld devises.  The woman sitting next to me was on Face Book the entire time.  I'm a fan of social media and all, but if you can't go 30 minutes without updating your status, that's pretty bad.

I think I've decided to allow Isabella to ride the bus to school.  It's only a 5 minute ride and this way I won't have to drag everyone else out of bed and into the car.  I would have to have her at the bus stop at 8:30.  The stop is right outside our house.  Sometimes Lily and Raymond aren't up that early.  Their normal wake-up time is closer to 9:00.  I will pick Isabella up from school.  She would be on the bus for well over an hour on the way home since they go in the opposite direction at the end of the day as they do the beginning.  Isabella wants to ride the bus.  This entire process is so exciting for her.  She is beyond ready.  People keep asking if I'm ready.  Part of me is and part of me isn't.  I know she can't wait which is a big help to me.  I just worry she'll get lost or something.  At the meeting they did stress the number of PTO volunteer's that will be there the first two weeks of school to be extra eyes and help the kindergartens get to where they need to go.  After that the teacher's will be there by themselves and have the kids all line up.  I guess I shouldn't be worried but I am.  That what mom's do.  We worry.  I think it will be interesting to see Raymond and Lily's reaction to Isabella not being home.  I think it will be a little bit of a hard transition for Raymond.  He's very attached to both of his sister's.  Hopefully it will be a smooth transition for him as well.  Monday is the big day!

This past Tuesday we took Isabella to Sweet & Sassy.  We bought a Groupon earlier in the summer and it expired soon.  She was very excited!   

Lily slept through the entire thing.

In her element...

 

Her shirt says I Love My Style.  How appropriate.

Daddy walked the runway too.  He's a good sport. 

***

Therapy was back on track this week.  It seemed to take Raymond a little bit to get back in the swing of things but he was happy to see everyone.  Here are some updates...

"Raymond was very self directed and difficult to engage in on organized activity.  Today he practiced:

1) Walking on a 4" track with one hand held 2 steps before step off

2) Step up on stool 1 time independently

3) Ball activities for trunk strengthening

4) Standing on one leg for 2 seconds

5) Attempted kneeling and side sit positions but he was not cooperative

6) Stand through 1/2 kneel pushing up with one hand 2 times with physical cueing"

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

08/20/2012

"Raymond was cooperative today-We worked on labeling colors-In color book-Worked on following directions-With adult directed tasks-used gestures to label colors-"Bear"-"Grrr"-Very attentive at table following directions"

-Stacy, Special Instruction

08/21/2012

"Raymond was much more responsive to therapy today.  We went outside and practiced using a scooter.  Raymond did a nice job after practice he propelled the scooter forward with minimum assist with his left foot on, push with the right.  He next practiced kicking a ball.  He has a hard time lifting one leg to balance himself and kick at the same time.  Ended the session with seated floor activities in the house.  He did a nice job sitting in right and left side sit."

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

08/21/2012

Lisa, Raymond's physical therapist recommends we buy Raymond a scooter.  She said it will really help his balance and strengthen his hips (which are still a problem area).  I put one on his Amazon Wishlist and hopefully we will be able to buy it soon.  He really seemed to enjoy using one with Lisa.  Not to mention he looked like such a big boy on it!  : )
 

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,