Great day in 1st grade!

Joey got 100% on his first phonogram quiz! We studied everyday for it! He also got 100% on 2 math worksheets (12/12)! I am so happy and excited about his progress, success, and all the great things that are yet to come in 1st grade. I have to admit that I was a little worried after curriculum night last night but now I'm excited about how much he will learn and grow. I'm also pretty happy that when I asked my cousin about the 1st grade curriculum in NY before we went into the curriculum night meeting, a lot of it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Once we reviewed the curriculum, I was happy to realize there were a lot of similarities.

So proud of my big boy!

1st Day of 1st Grade...will we survive?

The 1st day if 1st grade was rough! We have been prepping for this day all summer, telling Joey how great school was going to be this year, and what a big boy he is. Our comments and attempts to build him up were met with "I don't need 1st grade," "Staying at the heavy house all day long makes me happy," and "I'm 10 times smarter than both of you."

Bryan was able to go in late so he could join us on the journey to school. He was in Seattle last year so he definitely wanted to be a part of it. I'm not sure if that was a good or bad thing. I had too many emotions to worry about soothing that morning: Bryan's anxiousness, Joey'a anxiety, and my sorrow as another milestone was fast approaching and I wasn't ready for it.

The walk was long and sweaty, thanks to the 116 degree weather but we trudged through it. Getting him into class, making sure we filled the picture quota, and getting him settled at his desk happened all to quickly. And why were almost all of the other children already seated? Did their super parents feel the need to out-do everyone else and get them 20 minutes before the bell? Being someone that is always running behind, I was pissed that I was early (a few minutes before the bell) and I was still made to feel like we were late. Can't I catch a break?:)

I was forced to give him a peck and leave abruptly, as teachers are always doing their job by trying to make "goodbyes" swift and painless. And then it happened. Two little hands reached out and grabbed my forearm. And I heard the words I hate to hear: "Don't leave me. Stay here." My heart broke as I said goodbye, pried his fingers off my forearm, and turned to leave.

It's going to be a long year.

"The staring made me break the rocket."

On Saturday morning (7/2), Joey asked me if he could play with his Lego rocket. You know, the one he got for his 6th birthday that was $100 and for children 16+? Yeah, that one. The one that Bryan rebuilt as soon as he came back from WA, taped closed and put on a shelf, never to be played with again.

We had promised Joey he could play with it if he was super duper careful. He was so cute when he asked that I knew I couldn't say no. And then he said something really bizarre.

Joey said: "The staring made me break the rocket."
Me: "You know you stare?"
Joey: "Yeah, sometimes. It feels like I'm in outer space."
Me: "It does?"
Joey: "There's like a door that brings me back to the real world. There's a lot of things in outer space that I play with, like first things, like my green (Lego) airplane."
Me: "You're staring is called Epilepsy."
Joey: "Yeah. I know. I heard you say it on the phone before."
Me: "That's why you take medicine."
Joey: "Well, it doesn't work."
Me: "You stil stare/"
Joey: "Like 2 times."
Me: "A day?"
Joey: "No. 1 time."
Me: "Everyday?"
Joey: "Yeah."

I was stunned. Not sure what to think. He is so smart, that's for sure. Maybe now he can give me insight as to what happens, when he has them, and how he feels.

Fitting in

I dropped Joey off today at rec. While I waited to find out if he was definitely going on the jumpstreet field trip, I watched Joey walk around, attempt to engage some friends who said hi, and go over to talk to a counselor. I saw him point to me and then he came over with the counselor. We said goodbye and I watched him wander around solo. He took a seat on a bench and observed the kids. I'm not sure if he felt my eyes on him because he turned his head, gave me a look out of the corner of his eyes, smiled and waved goodbye. I left with a heavy heart, wanting to sit by him until he made a friend, but I knew I shouldn't. I thought of how far he has come to put himself out there and I got a little choked up. I've sat on the bench alone many times too. I know what it's like. I am so proud of my boy. Another milestone has been achieved.

Saying goodbye

Tonight, Joey says goodbye to his Dad for 3 months (instead of the usual 5). When I asked Joey this morning if he was sad, he said "About Daddy leaving? No. About you taking me to school? Yes." Typical Joe.

Update(6/20/11): Joey's daddy left 5 days ago. They said goodbye last Tuesday. Joey gave a hug and a kiss and a "see you soon Daddy." It was more than we expected and all we could ask for. They speak their own language.

ABA Parenting Blog

I am eventually going to have 1 site where all my information will be merged but until then...I created a new blog, the ABA Parenting Blog, which will focus solely on Applied Behavior Analysis and how to apply it to everyday parenting.

I'm a mess

Graduation...










Can't believe my little man has his last day of Kindergarten tomorrow. He's my oldest and my baby so I do everything with him for the 1st time knowing it will also be my last. I'm sure I will shed a tear or two tomorrow. I'm a mess!