It has almost been a month since the last update and we have been BUSY!! Life in Minot seems to always keep us on the go.
Kaylyn is still LOVING school! Mommy got a chance to put her on the bus a few days in September when "Grandma Betty" was gone to Chicago to watch the Cubs play. The bus driver and the aide on the bus are remarkable---they are very friendly and so good with the kids. Of course, the kids were all very curious about me and who I was. When I made sure Kaylyn was safely buckled in, I turned around and said "Have a good day, Love you!" All the kids on the bus (except Kaylyn, of course) yelled, "see you later Kaylyn's mom!!!" It was hilarious! I have to admit that I had a few tears in my eyes when I watched the bus disappear down the street! She is still so little but is sure independent. Jim, the aide, sits beside her in the bus---she really likes him! Of course, we had to deliver a small little gift for each of them the last day I put her on the bus---we appreciate everyone so much and all that they do to make Kaylyn's preschool experience wonderful! The last day I was with her on the bus one of her classmates asked me if Kaylyn had 2 mommies---I was a little confused. She said, "Who is that other lady who we sometimes pick Kaylyn up at." I had to explain that was Grandma Betty but Kaylyn only had 1 mommy and 1 daddy!!!
Kaylyn is constantly talking and signing--especially colors and animal names. She loves to color and is so proud of the fact that she knows her colors. In fact, they were working on the color orange this week. When I picked Kaylyn up at Ronda's, Ronda told her to show me what was in her pocket. She pulled out a unifix cube and signed orange. She was so proud of knowing the color she stole a unifix cube to show us!! Of course, we sent it back in her communication notebook and apologized!!!
Kaylyn LOVES to read Brown bear, Brown Bear What to you see at school. She has memorized the story and reads the book during her free time at school. She is also singing, "The Wheels on the Bus" constantly----we hear, Beep, Beep, Beep---through the town!!!
We had company last weekend when Alysa, Brian, and Max came to visit. It was a busy weekend as Zach had a football game and then we had everyone over for supper. All the cousins and Auntie Renae and I ventured across the alley to the park. Those kids keep us so busy and really seem to enjoy the park. It is a good outing when it gets to be a little crazy inside. Jake, Max, Kaylyn and I spent some time up in Kaylyn's playroom. All three kids were doing their own things but loved the space to roam. I think every one of Kaylyn's toys was out somewhere in the house when everyone left!!
This week was a busy week. Kaylyn and I attended a Hearing Loss Awareness Picnic in Oak Park on Monday evening. It was nice to meet new families and see lots of familiar faces. Kathy, Kaylyn's Infant Development home visitor, was there and we hadn't visited with her for quite a while. She was amazed at all the talking Kaylyn is doing. Kaylyn was happy to show off for her. Kaylyn was covered in dirt from head to toe by the time we left to go home.
Tuesday Kaylyn and I went to Zach's football game. Jake, Kaylyn and I spent quite a bit of time in the long jump pit playing with sand pails and shovels. We enjoy watching him play and spending time with the boys. Kaylyn things Jackson is the best cousin ever---she is always asking to go to Jackson's house.
Wednesday evening was spent at a Parent Panel discussion for an introductory course in special education. Cory and I enjoy sharing our story with others and the group this was the 2nd time the same group of parents was part of the panel so it was fun to visit with the other parents. There are always many tears as memories from the past are shared by all and new roadblocks that families have overcome. It always makes us so thankful for Kaylyn and all the obstacles she has overcome through pure stubborness!!!
Thursday night brought a first for kaylyn and I. We attended the Rodeo at the All Seasons Arena. Ben, Renae and boys invited us along. Kaylyn enjoyed it---she was busy signing "horse" and "cow." We had to take her hearing aids out almost immediately because it was so loud but she sat in her chair and watched intently. She threw a kicking and screaming fit when we left at 9:00 because her cousins got to stay and she had to leave!!
Tonight is the first night in a LONG time we have enjoyed a quite evening at home. It is nice to just spend some time lounging and enjoying the house! Keep posted for more to come---the countdown to Todd's Wedding is at 14 days---We'll see how our little flower girl does---she is very, very excited about wearing pretty shoes!!!
hope all is well with everyone!!! Keep checking the website--I'll try to update more often!!!