I took G to school yesterday to participate in the classroom for about an hour. I left him rather than sticking around and observing because I knew he'd do better if I did. I wheeled him in, and he got down on the floor with the kids. As I left, I was totally tearing up. I couldn't believe how many emotions were swirling around as I exited the building. There was a sense of pride, that my little boy was growing up and didn't cry when I left, a sense of sadness for the same reasons, and a nice panicky sensation that my BABY was in school.

I walked over to my aunt's and we chatted and when I returned I sat and watched for about 15 minutes. G didn't see me come in, and he'd join in with the class sometimes, but mostly he watched the kids. They were so cute and so smart! Afterward, I asked him if he liked school, and he said, "yes" and said something about his friends. Awwwww... :)

I was a bit stressed over the weekend because G fell off a chair on Thursday. He hit his shunt, and HARD. I tried to put ice on, but he was very resistant to it. A few hours later, he had fluid all around the valve. I'm pretty sure it wasn't a goose egg because it was pretty soft. He didn't exhibit any other issues, so I've been waiting it out. I know those things are supposed to be pretty tough to damage. On Saturday, though, he fell on it again and bumped it pretty hard. :( I worried ALL weekend, but so far so good.

Three is obviously a bit more daredevil than two was. He has been climbing up onto all our chairs and climbing down on his own. I'm sure the table is next, but trust me, I'm not going to give him any ideas! Last Thursday, he dove out of his chair after something, and on Saturday he ventured down the stairs on his own. How do you maintain independence and caution??? He gets so angry if I help him (unless he asks), but this surge of independence is wreaking havoc on my hair color.

We went to a wedding this weekend. All the kids did well during the ceremony and afterward, G got in his chair and wheeled around outside. He was having a blast and showing off to no end.

I love the independence this grants him, and even the tantrums that come with that independence insistence are refreshing. What bothers me a little is how much attention he gets. People oooh and aaah over how cute he is, how fast he is, how clever he is, and I worry we're going to create a monster! LOL

At the reception, we didn't bring the chair in and he still went out on the dance floor. Most of the time people carried him, but when it was just the little kids out there he did some dancing of his own. All four of the kids danced up a storm, and they got so worn out, THEY asked to go home!

Things are actually quieting down a little. I'm not so worried about the shunt after the CT and appointments have slowed down. Therapy starts back up this week, and I'm excited to see what things we'll be working with the new therapists.

Sheesh! I am so delayed on updating! G's evaluation went well. He did qualify for school on physical disability alone, but he won't be attending school yet. He is receiving at-home physical therapy because the bus ride would be as long as the school day! Which is about 3 1/2 hours, we figure. He can't sit that long due to his breakdown issues and because he's only three. I'm satisfied with the set up for now, and the teacher and the PT will each come out once a week.

Also, last week we went to the neurosurgeon and G had a CT and shunt series. All checked out well, and I'm very thankful for that. We also headed to IA for a checkup for his clubfeet, and that appointment also went well. It was a symposium we attended for the Ponseti method, and my oldest and G showed off their feet. Afterward, there was a race for all the little ones that were there, and it was so much fun. Dr. Ponseti is 94 years old, and he was there with his beautiful wife. G went around and around the track in his wheelchair and participated in two of the races. It was wonderful seeing him go. Our biggest challenge recently is dealing with the temper tantrums that come with us guiding his chair. Let's just say, he doesn't appreciate any help. LOL Sorry, kiddo, but there are still rules to follow!

I will try to post pics soon and be more diligent about blogging!! I always have things I want to blog about, but I write it in my head and then, poof!, it's gone.