Monkey Say, Monkey Do

It has been a while since I sat down and wrote a detailed blog. It's late right now, so hopefully I can keep my thoughts in line. Most of you probably keep up with Wendy on facebook ( www.facebook.com/BabyWendysJourney ) which is where I post updates a few times a week, as well as adorable photos of her.

Wendy is growing (slowly) and learning (quickly). Preschool taught her so much and I am so thankful for Ms. Jodi, Jennifer, and Brenda. Wendy is signing MORE, which means easier communication and LESS tantrums from Wendy and tears of frustration from Bubby.

Oh, and Bubby is me, mom. Wendy can say pronounce a few single syllable sounds: ma, pa, ba, ha, etc. but she refuses to call me Mama, Mummy, Mom. When I point at myself and say "Wendy, who am I?", she plainly answers, "my bubby" every single time.  

Wendy's words are not forming yet, but her mind is steadily expanding. Monkey mimics us really well! We were riding the Ranger a few weeks ago (this is when I first noticed her truly trying to copy me) and I had my legs crossed and one arm folded. Sweet Wen kept looking over the side of her carseat to look at me and ended up crossing her leg and folding one arm just like me! Now she copies everything! Whether it's brushing teeth, bathing, going potty (which she will tee-tee in the potty now!), etc. she just loves mimicking us!

Monkey will be 45 months old this week and I am just bursting with pride. I know the general conception of special needs parents is that we're not as proud of our children because they're delayed and can't do as much as "normal" children, but that perception is totally untrue. At least in the case of Wendy, it is. My world revolves around my little munchkin and I am in awe of all the obstacles she's overcame and the miracles I've been witness to through her. One things for sure, Wendy's got an incredible life ahead of her and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of it.

PS---- I know I haven't been blogging near as much as I used to, but I will try to get back in the groove!   ;)

My Daughter Rides the Short Bus....

Well, technically, Wendy doesn't ride any bus. I drive her to school. 

Back in September, a month before her third birthday, we began visiting the preschool and doing developmental assessment, IEPs, the works. The day after my baby turned 3, she had her first day of school. 

She was wearing a black and white polka dot skirt, a big white bow in her hair, and a little white onesie that read "though she be but little, she is fierce" more of a reminder for me that Wendy is tough enough to go to school and to be away from mummy. Wendy was much more prepared for this than I was. My palms were sweaty as her dad and I walked her down the hall to Ms. Jodi's Special Ed class. It seemed like the hallway was neverending and I was ready to turn and break into a run to take my baby home... which is exactly why we had to bring daddy along. Once we got into the class Wendy was all smiles and ready to play. She didn't even look back at us as we left her. 

That's been five months ago and I am so glad I made the decision to send her to a public preschool. I honestly never thought I'd feel comfortable leaving Wendy with "strangers" because I rarely even let family keep Wendy. I'm very overprotective and like to know exactly what she does all day long. It's hard for a mum to leave her entire world in someone else's care. But I knew how much it would benefit Wendy and eventually benefit me as well. 

I remember hearing parents complain about Blackwell even back when I was in elementary (and Blackwell wasn't just a preschool, but a K-5 like our 4 other elementary schools). I heard complaints about the school academics, the location, etc., etc. but I was taught not to judge based on other opinions, so I decided to check it out myself. And I was amazed. I'm not sure what the normal pre-k classes are like, but Wendy's special needs classroom is incredible. Her teachers are beyond great and I love that she gets all of her therapy at school now! Not to mention, everyone seems to love Wendy. 

I can truly say Paul J. Blackwell has given Wendy the building blocks for her foundation for her future education.  There is no place I'd rather Wendy be.