Nate recieved his very first invitation to a birthday party several weeks ago. Ofcourse it was on a day that was already quite full but I clear some activities and saw that he went. I feel it is important for inclusion to work its best is to have Nate attend this birthday party so early in the school year. The party was most likely an invitation to the entire class but that is okay as this is very typical in Kindergarten to do. Nate was a little nervous and excited to go as was I.

The party was yesterday and Nate really was into painting pottery and I was so impressed how well behaved he was at the party in comparrison. He tried so hard answering some questions when asked. It was so cute to see his friend Leo translating for him. So...I have come to the conclusion that Nate just may not need to be draggging mom along for the rest of his life. His freind Nathan also stated loudly "look at Nate's bowl he did a really great job on it...wow!" Just brough a few tears in my eyes.

What a beautiful day today, I thought it was going to be cool and it was just a perfect day. I went to an Indian Summer celebration with my 4th graders class and we learned some history of the early settlers and Indians in our area. My photos are still on the camera but I will add them in a few days when I down load them.

I returned to my daughters school and had lunch with her before I went off to Nate's school to do some volunteer work in his classroom and stuff the Friday folders. It took over an hour to stuff each child's folder with all those important papers. The positive is that the mailboxes for the children are just outside the pod classrooms, so I was able to interact with some of the students and observe the class. It was almost like being that fly on the wall. I am lucky that I will be able to do this every week as today was my first day.

Nate is doing very well in his Kindergarten class. They have a total of 100 Kindergartens in 4 classes. I was concerned because it is open classrooms in a huge Pod with computers and a work are with sinks and such in the middle. The classes are divided with movable walls. It seamed to be so overstimulating to me and I was worried Nate would feel that way as well. His teachers are constantly telling me just how good he is. I don't know what their expectations were for him but I am assuming they didn't expect Nate to be Nate. I am so happy that his classmates are also seeing Nate as Nate.

Nate has one boy, Nathan, who has really attached to him from day one and is his biggest helper and watches out for him. Soon other boys and some girls have followed Nathan's lead and it makes me smile to see just how happy they are to see Nate every day. They high five him and he has even started to give a few students some hugs which if you knew Nate this is huge as Nate has not been that hugger kind of kid. He has always reserved a hug for just a few people. Not sure how I like him hugging other students....so I will keep an eye on it to see it doesn't get out of hand. I would rather he use his words.

Stay tuned for tomorrow....Nate has his first classmates birthday party. The boys in his class seamed very excited when I told them Nate was attending. I will be hanging out with him as we will be painting pottery. Don't want to stress out the birthday mom by doing a drop and run so I will stay and help. Not sure if she knows that Nate has Down syndrome... so it will be an interesting day. I didn't say anything when I called to RSVP as I didn't want it to be a concern or issue.

Grab This Button

Getting ready to post 31 for 21 in honor of raising awerness for Down syndrome starting tomorrow. I have so much to share about Nate, Kindergarten, his first birthday party invite, speech, friends, our buddy walk and a few pictures or two....it is going to be a great month.

Kindergarten...received the email with the date, time, and instructions on where to report for Kindergarten orientation. Bittersweet. I have been waiting for so long for this day. Nate is so ready...but is he or is it just mom not ready? Who are all these other families that this email was sent in bulk too? Is Nate now officially apart of the crowd? I think anxiety is kicking in gear.

Come along and share our journey to Kindergarten. Next up orientation.

Do you ever feel like you are the one that is outside of the lines? Disconnected...just peering in or rebellious...just being stubborn. It seams like life is just flying by and I am waiting to jump in and particiapate. Waiting for the time.

My youngest is in his final year of preschool. I cannot wait for it to be over. It seams like I have been waiting forever for the bit of freedom that comes with having your children in school full-time. But what am I waiting for? Will there be that freedom? I have been caring for young children 24/7 for almost 9 1/2 years. Where did all that time slip by.

Coloring Outside of the Lines

Just finished reading a post about a mom getting a note home from the kindergarten teacher. The second week of school and the teacher has some big concerns--her son colors outside of the lines and writes his name in all capital letters. I decided immediately that this would be a great title for a blog. Coloring Outside of the Lines. So here I am....I'm Coloring Outside the Lines.