Can She Read?

I took the day off work yesterday and went on a field trip with Lucy's preschool class. We went to the Knox County Airport. It's very small. No security checks necessary.

Like most preschool classrooms Lucy's has some morning routines she needs to complete. One of them to to move a clothes pin with her name from the home side of the chart to the school side.

Lucy is a jokester. She likes to do things just to be funny; for example, sitting on the potty with her pants on, stealing your seat when you get up and many others.

So there we are at the chart when another mother and her son come up. Lucy grabs a name, gets that rotten little smile on her face, and looks at me. "Lucy, is that your name?"
"No."
"What does that say?"
"Tommy."
"Find Lucy."
"Lucy is that your name?"
"No"
"Whose name is it?"
"Ryann."
"Find Lucy." At this point the mom looks at Lucy then back and me and has the biggest look of shock on her face! "Can she read?" I reply with, "She's working on it," and Lucy goes through the game with one more name before she finally decides to choose her own.
The look on the mother's face was priceless. I love moments like that. A moment went Lucy gets a chance to knock someones socks off. A chance to tear down some of the walls of stereotype that are built around people with special needs. It was a good moment.

Birthdays

Turning 5 seems to mark a turning point in birthdays. For us 1-4 has been a gathering of family and a few close friends. I’m not sure if this is how it is for everyone but 5 seems to be the start of the "friend" parties.

We have been to three parties for kids from Lucy’s preschool class. The families have been kind enough to invite everyone from their class. So far we’ve made a point to go to every party we have been invited to.

To be honest they are pretty difficult for me. The kids in Lucy’s class are very kind to her but at parties it’s pretty evident that she is an outsider. She needs a little more help when it comes to the games and sitting and watching the presents being opened. I’m always on guard wondering if she has gone upstairs and found her way into the parent’s bedroom. I’m totally cool with everything but when I see her being left behind it’s hard on me. I wish I didn’t care what others thought but I always wonder what other parents are thinking. Usually I can brush most of this off because Lucy hasn’t quite caught on yet. Recently I’ve seen a look on her face that is making me begin to wonder if she is starting to notice. Ouch!

Some parties are easier than others. This past weekend we went to a turning 5 party for a girl in Lucy’s class. It was great… no organized games, the kids could go upstairs or downstairs. They played, opened presents, ate cake (she’s a pro at this), and played outside. The little girl’s parents were great in the way they talked with Lucy and made room for her to be herself. She is always a big hit with adults.

Spring Break

Lucy and I were on spring break last week. I couldn't have asked for a better week of weather. It was so beautiful out. I thought I would just recap our special outings.


We headed to the Blue Jackets game thanks to DSACO and RJ Umberger. We had a great time. Ian got some one on one time at Nana and Papa's house. I think the popcorn was their favorite part.

We also took a trip to the zoo. The zoo gets more enjoyable every year. This year we are down to one stroller. We take the double stroller. Ian stays in most of the time. He gets a little freedom at the aquarium. We save the second seat for time out purposes. Lucy is still working on staying with us.

We played in the backyard and took walks on the gap trail. It was so nice to bust out the t-shirts and shorts. I thought Ian looked so cute in his shorts, short socks, and little tennis shoes. I kept trying to get a picture of him but he wouldn't stand still long enough.

It was a great week! I was so sad to see it go. I can't wait until summer!

Donuts....mmmmmm

We live in a small neighborhood and there is only one bus stop for the high school and middle school students. Every Friday our church brings donuts and hot chocolate to the bus stop. We are often in charge of getting the donuts.

Donuts are one of Lucy's favorites.

On Friday at around 1 am I heard Lucy and went into her room I laid in her bed and we fell back asleep. I crawled out around 3 am. Friday morning when the alarm went off at 5:45 I noticed a light coming through our bedroom door. I walked downstairs and saw the donuts on the dinning room table and noticed one box was missing. I thought to myself, "Oh no!" I found Lucy at the kitchen table. All of the lights were on. She had opened a package of donuts and gotten herself a cup of water... spilled that cup of water.... and gotten herself another cup of water. The icing was eaten off the top of one donut and another one was out and ready.

She apparently: opened her bedroom door, walked down stairs, (in the dark!), turned on the lights and helped herself to breakfast.

We even have a monitor in her room. She must have moved quietly. I wish I would've grabbed the camera.

Simon's Photography

My Favorite Things By: Simon

Spring Has Sprung!

What a relief it has been to be able to spend sometime outdoors these past couple of days. At the beginning of the week I was unsure if we would be able to get out because of the forecast of rain. Thankfully it has held off and we have been able to spend most afternoons outside.
It's amazing how much the kids have grown over winter. Lucy and Simon can now peddle the bike. Ian is a sturdy walker and no longer eating grass, rocks , or what ever else he finds out there. I can sit in a chair and just watch them play.
It's like our neighborhood has come out of hibernation. We chatted over the fence with our neighbors today while they were grilling out. I went into town for something and saw couples strolling hand and hand down the sidewalk.
I'm sure there's a chance that winter could cycle back around but I'm thankful for the break.


Monday we have a parent teacher conference. I'm looking forward to finalizing plans for next year. Right now I'm trying to record Lucy reading her sentences or a book to show to her teachers. I need to find some way to hide the camera. She's more interested in putting on show then reading.

Snow Day # 7

Here we are in another snow day. I was happy with the 2 hour delay. Don't get me wrong I love being at home with my kids. Especially since I've had to work some full days this week. It's just that we are now 2 days into summer break. Boo hoo.

We have enjoyed these days though. We've made cookies, muffins, built tent after tent after tent. I'm trying to think about what special activity could be on today's agenda. I'm guess more baking and tent building.

In other news, Lucy has had some pretty big breakthroughs lately. For the past couple of months she has pretty much become an independent dresser. She can get everything on from undies to socks. She can even get boats on, if we don't make her wear her braces. She's pretty proud of herself.

She has been potty trained since 3. Most of the success has been because of our potty schedule. She rarely has any accidents. As long as we remember to take her on time. She has never had an accident at school. Her teachers tell us that she tells them when she needs to go. She just never tells us at home. For the past week or two she has started to let us know. She has always been telling us after the fact. She would say "Mommy, wet." Well now, she has been saying, "Mommy, wet" before she goes. We have been going praise crazy when she tells us ahead of time. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we are turning a corner!

Our Climber

So I've been collecting these pictures for the past couple of weeks. I really wondered if I should even be taking them since this isn't the type of behavior I want to encourage. How could I resist? Ian is such a climber. He loves climbing on things and then standing on them. The Smith's were over for dinner on Tuesday and James said that he thinks Ian will diffently have a career where he climbs and then stands on things. He hates sitting. When he is in a high chair or even a shopping cart he always wants to get up on his knees. This has added to our parental work load!

Right now it's difficult to keep the kids entertained in one room for any extended period of time unless the TV is on. Simon and Lucy want to play games or puzzles but none of those things are possible if Ian is awake. Ian also won't stand for being gated in while others are free. My hope is in the fact this will pass quickly. I maybe be feeling more frustrated the third time around because I feel like I've been in this stage since 2006. Ian is our last, and thought there are many things I will miss about not having anymore babies around. This stage is not one of them.

One of the benefits of having our kiddos so close together is that they can all fit in a lap at the same time. There's something so magical about holding all of them.

Labels

The other day it was brought to my attention by Simon the power of labels and parents words. When Simon meets a new adult and we introduce him he often covers his head or hides behind a leg. Countless times we've said, "Oh, he's just a little shy." Harmless right?


We have this book titled "Children Are Like Wet Cement." I've never read it but the person who gave it to us passed on a little piece of wisdom. Children become what we impress upon them. I'm a firm believer in this and try saying things like.. "you are such a good eater... you are so kind to your brother.." and try to avoid comments like, "you are so stubborn."


We were at a friend's house for a party and gathering to pray before dinner. Simon said, "I don't want to go in .. I'm shy." Wait.. how does he know he is shy? Because I've said it about him over and over. I never thought that our comment "Oh, he's a little shy" could end up making him feel like he can't do something. There is nothing wrong with being shy. I just don't want him to decide he is shy because he's heard us tell others.

I think we all have those comments or labels that have stuck with us through the years. Maybe from a parent or teacher. Most likely the adult didn't realize what effect it could have. In my job I think about that all of the time. What comments just come flying out of my mouth that a kid could possible remember forever. Scary!

Simon can still hide behind my leg or cover his head when he meets someone. I just don't need to give it a label.

Happy Birthday Simon!

Three years ago today. I can't believe it. 3 years old.

I was so nervous towards the end of my pregnancy with Simon. He just didn't seem to be moving so much. We went into the doctor and he gave me one more ultra sound. Estimated weight - 10.3 lbs! No wonder he wasn't moving as much. The doctor asked if I wanted to schedule a C-section. I asked if I could at least try to go as planned. That was on a Friday and he wanted to induce labor on Monday. Monday we headed into the hospital. At that point we still didn't know if we were going to have a boy or girl. He came out a whopping 9 lbs 14 oz.

He as grown into an amazing little boy. I looked back to my post when he turned two and was surprised how much is still very true. He is so loving and kind, shy and tender hearted. He is also all boy. He loves to jump and run and throw. He loves cars, trains, puzzles and books. He is becoming quite the helper. The other day he said, "I love sweeping the floor." I considered getting it on video so that I could save it for a later date when I'm sure he will no longer love sweeping.

We've had quite a week. Simon and Ian have been a strange kind of sick. Every once in a while they throw up and don't have much of an appetite but other than that they are acting perfectly fine. For example, Simon has thrown up at least once in the past 3 days. Monday was at McDonald's. I decided to be brave enough to take all three of them to McDonald's playland by myself. We were just starting to eat and it happened. I had to rely on the kindness of a stranger to help me clean up and gather them into the car. It was one of those days when you are like.. "They are being so good. I bet I can do this." Then it all seems to fall apart so quickly. The second time was at lunch yesterday (at our house). Then last night was while he was sleeping. I was afraid last night would be a long night but it was just once and he woke up wanting to eat. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we make it through today.

Snow Much Fun!

Once the fridged temps finalliy broke and before it melted away Simon and Lucy were able to enjoy the snow while Ian napped. One of Lucy's favorite snow activities is making snow angles. As you can see, she also loves snowmen.

Vanicream

This is my second product endorsement. Lucy's cheeks are very sensitive. During winter she always used to have cheeks that looked red and chapped. We tried lots of different lotions and creams. Our pharmacist suggested Vanicream. It has worked wonders. It has helped to prevent chapped skin and if we didn't apply it before she she was out it works quickly at restoring. If we apply it twice a day it seems to do the job. She doesn't even fight it anymore. Which make me pretty sure it is providing relief.

Posting Marathon

Well, my computer and blogger and finally friends again. I've finally been able to update. Enjoy!

Madi, Lucy and the Boo Boo

Here were are in Chicago waiting in the train station to take a ride down town. Aren't these two so cute!! You can also see Lucy's over bandaged hand.

Today we went to our doctor to have him remove the stitches. It was worse than our ER experience. The ER doctor told us not to mess with it and the gauze had clotted to her finger. To say the removal was painful would be putting it lightly! Good news- the doctor said it looks like it will heal well and he thinks that most likely her nail will grow back.

Thanks Aunt Susan and Uncle Jose!

Chirstmas Day!

On Christmas we always try to spend most of the morning together at our home. This year we had a little bit of a shorter time than usual because we were able to travel to Dayton to surprise our good friends James and Kelly with a special gift. Then it was to Pataskala to spend the day with my parents and my sister's family.

Here's more unsuccessful attempts at a picture by the tree!

Christmas Celebrations

I can’t believe the Christmas season is over. Most decorations are down and it’s back to work. We have really had such a wonderful season this year. Simon and Lucy were so excited about presents and traveling to visit family and friends. I’ll just do a little recap with pictures.

This was Christmas with Grandma Marcum. Simon got a Thomas set that he insisted on sleeping with and as you can see Lucy is loving her new doll.


On Christmas Eve we celebrated with Kevin’s parents. It was so nice to have some one travel to us! This was our attempt at getting a picture by the tree.

Later that evening I made an attempt at a new tradition. We made a birthday cake for Jesus, and took some time to reflect on why we celebrate.

No Pictures

I have this post all set up and ready with our cute Christmas pictures but for some reason I can't get a picture to up load.

Anyway the newest news in our house is that Lucy had a little mishap on New Year's Eve and we found ourselves in an ER in Chicago.

We had gone to visit our good friends Ben, Carey, Madi, and Luke. We had had a great time. Our kids play so well together. Madi and Lucy would have tea parties and Simon even shared his Cars cars with Luke. We had a crazy lunch at the rain forrest cafe and rode the train into the city.

All four of them were in a bedroom and then we heard a painful cry. Lucy's finger got shut in the closet door. We weren't sure how bad it was and if we needed to go to the ER but the bleeding wasn't stopping so off we went.

After a long wait and x-rays we learned that it wasn't broken but that the nail had just come out of the nail bed and that the doctor would need to do some stitches and try and put the nail back.

Our job was to try and keep her calm. We sang and told stories. Unfortunately because her nail is so small the doc wasn't able to get it back in place. She said that most nails grow back but it's not a guarantee.

I'm a little worried about the nail. It's on her right hand and what if she wants to paint her nails when she gets older? I really hope it grows back.

She has a huge bandage on her hand right now. I'd post a picture but stinkin' blogger.