Updates on Life

It's been almost a full year since I last updated. Where to begin?! 

Noah is now 7 years old and going into 2nd grade. Seriously. He's a super smart and inquisitive kid who loves learning about science and nature, playing Zelda on Dad's new Nintendo, and playing with his adoring sister. He currently wants to be a scientist or a ninja when he grows up. The scientist thing is probably more realistic. ;) We haven't really delved into the world of sports with him, and honestly he doesn't seem particularly interested in anything. While we were recently in Minnesota my mother-in-law set up some private swim lessons and he seems motivated to continue with them. I really want him to learn to swim so that I don't have to worry about him in the pool or the lake. I think Noah is going to be one of the more intellectual kinds of kids though, and I'm ok with that. He has gotten so good at reading and can read 5th grade level chapter books with ease. He only struggles with words not in his vocabulary, which are few. Man this kid can talk. Ha! That's probably our biggest challenge with him. He can't stop talking to save his life, especially at meal time. He has gotten so skinny and it drives me crazy! I don't understand why he doesn't stuff his face like the rest of us! 

Elodie is one month shy of graduating from toddlerhood and becoming a preschooler. I can't believe it! Where did my baby go? But I wouldn't have it any other way. Once upon a time I worried I wouldn't get to watch her truly "grow up," so every minute of it is a blessing. She is the embodiment of a sassy, spunky 2-year-old girl. Holy cow, she gives us a run for our money! It must be true that you can only have one easy kid! In reality, she's incredibly loving and sweet most of the time, but when she's mad, watch out! So many opinions and a scream that can wake the dead. She started off the school year in a home daycare, but it wasn't the best experience. Let's just say she still has the scar to prove it. At the beginning of 2017 we started her in the daycare Noah attended from ages 3-4 and it has been the best experience for her! She and her teacher, Ms. Missy, adore each other and Elodie has a little best friend that she's in a love/hate relationship with. Elodie exited from Early Intervention services in October 2016 after her annual evaluation indicated that she was performing typically (or above) in all areas other than gross motor. She still doesn't have the same core strength as other kids her age, but she can run, jump, and climb better than Noah could at the same age so we'll take it! She actually LOVES jumping and is quite a little daredevil when it comes to jumping on furniture. I always worry about her bumping her head, especially her shunt, but she's one tough cookie! Over Spring Break we also removed her mini button (the port for her g-tube) because she hadn't used it in over a year. We were really lucky because the site healed on its own, which spared her from a surgical procedure. She still needs liquids thickened but is doing so well otherwise. Her big obstacle right now is potty training. For whatever reason the toilet scares her, so although she'll talk about it a bit, sitting on the potty always ends in tears. I know she'll get there in her own time, just like everything else.

The day we removed her button

As for us parents, Brian is still an English teacher at the local high school, and coaches boys cross country and track. He's also still pursuing his side business which is now focused on SAT/ACT prep. Last summer he jumped back into running and over the last year he has lost around 40 pounds. He ran a marathon in May with a goal of finishing in under three hours, and he ended with a time of 2:56:50! He's hoping to run the Boston marathon next April since he is well-under the qualifying time for his age group. I've been so impressed with and proud of his dedication and training, even if it means he's gone for 2-3 hours every morning/afternoon. He seems much happier this way!

I went back to work in the fall and it sucked. Working 4 days a week was awesome, but I didn't love one of my two schools and started the school year with a really challenging student situation. I really missed my old special education teams and just couldn't bond with one of my new ones. By October I was already vowing to leave the district and find a job closer to home. And I did! In April I was offered the school psychologist position that is split between the two local elementary schools and I enthusiastically accepted. I'll get to work in Noah's school this fall! How amazing is that?! I also ventured into the world of direct sales and had my own online LuLaRoe group from October - May. In the end, I fell out of love with the company, but it was definitely a learning opportunity and I made some great friends in the process. And that's our last year in a nutshell! I hope any old blogging friends who might read this are all doing well!