Back to School 2012

Having a maternity leave that coincided almost exactly with summer break was amazing.  I knew both our summer and mat leave would seemingly fly by.  The first six weeks or more after a c-section is more sitting and cuddling and aching than relaxing and fully enjoying.  But, I wouldn't trade time with my husband and babies for anything.

So, before I knew it . . . it was time for school to begin again.  And, time for Gavin to officially start school.  Having Gavin in preschool in Canada and last year here definitely eased the transition a bit.  But, there's just something about that bus that gets to a mom.  The bus seems so big and suddenly our baby seems so small.

Autumn started school almost two weeks before the kindergartners.  You don't know how many times I have said something or referenced Autumn being in 1st grade rather than 2nd over the last month.  Obviously this mom is in denial that her little girl is growing up!  2nd grade already.  I remember my second grade year in Mrs. Smith's class.  I love school and still do.  I honestly remember 2nd grade being my least favorite year of elementary school.

Autumn has a really amazing, positive and happy teacher, Mrs. Hansen.  Autumn really loves her and so do we.  So, I'm really hopeful that Autumn is going to have an amazing experience this year.

And, then it was time for our little guy to become a kindergartner.  He has the two boys from the neighborhood in his class and Kyler Hicken, his best little friend.  So, we are thrilled that he is surrounded by good boys that can help him - but, also that treat him just like all the other kids.

Jeff and I let Gavin ride the bus - and then met him at school to take some pictures and walk with him to his classroom.  As soon as we got to the gym, Gavin left us behind and was happy to run over and play with the other kids.  Of course he was sitting beside Kyler and being as silly as ever.  On Gavin's left is Bentley - and directly behind Bentley is Koler - both boys in the neighborhood and in Gavin's primary class at church.

Kyler and Gavin love to make everyone laugh.  The video of these two kids is even funnier.  I'll upload that soon.

Gavin had no problem powering down the hall to his classroom.  They literally walk from one end of the building to the other.  The only thing that slowed him down was a too-big backpack sliding off his shoulders over and over.  I quickly remedied the situation with a new Spiderman backpack and sternum clip combination the next day.  Since then, he hasn't slowed down. 

Since the chin-splitting incident, we have been super conscious of water complications.  When it rains, we send him to school with his walker.  We don't want to take any chances of any other falls.  This winter, we are going to have to send a walker daily.

Gavin also has such a cute and happy teacher, Mrs. Stanley.  She has been so positive and encouraging and happy to work with.  I feel very lucky to have her.  And, she treats us like normal people (hard to explain - but, I've only felt really comfortable with a few of Autumn's teachers so far).  Mrs. Stanley is great for Gavin.

We celebrated the first day of school with our traditional Jell-o jiggler letters.  Grandma and Grandpa Peterson were in town helping us put an entire irrigation system in the backyard and plant grass.   So, rather than the full letter display, Autumn and Gavin cut out their initials . . . and then everyone dug in.

Two kids in elementary school already - and two more to go.  It goes by quickly.

And, I won't linger too long on the subject . . . but, man . . . I felt like I had another full-time job coordinating everything that Gavin would need to be a successful kindergartner.  Gavin has had no problems at all fitting right in and doing it happily.  It's all the behind-the-scenes stuff, that I really don't want him even thinking about, that was so complicating.  I spent hours and hours at school in meetings, IEP groups, 504 coordination, meeting the aides, training the aides, educating the nurse and more.  Not to mention, we've both spent hours coordinating with the bus transportation staff for what ended up being a slightly sub-par solution (Gavin's afternoon bus doesn't drop him off at our door.  So, Jeff has to meet him at the corner.  Imagine that with two babies, nap schedules, and eventually snow.)

In our first large school meeting (including the principal, new teacher, aides, resource leads, district personnel and more), I started by walking through a presentation with pictures on Gavin  and Spina Bifida, including his progression and special needs.  A few days later, the special education lead, Lauren, told me how impressed they all were to see the presentation I had prepared.  She said that you'd be surprised at how little so many parents are involved.  It was very encouraging for me to hear.  I had debated whether or not to give the presentation and then had slightly rushed through it.  Lauren has been an amazing ally.  I really appreciate having such supportive people around to lean on.

Yes, we are Gavin's best advocates. And, no, it's not easy.  But, he's worth it.

Dad says my nickname is "Stitches"

Gruesome alert . . . even when I look at these pictures for the 50th time, I get the same jolt of nerves that shocks me from the inside out from complete dismay and disgust . . .

My poor, sweet Gavin.  We've pushed him so hard to use his canes more (otherwise known as arm crutches).  He's even got a deal right now with Jeff that he can earn $1.00 for every day that he uses his canes all day.  Gavin is working hard to earn enough money to buy a new game for the Wii.  And, he's been dedicated.

But, let's face it.  His canes are not as stable as his walker or his wheelchair.  And, he's five.  So, he's not the most observant.  He doesn't notice papers on the ground or a welcome mat or countless other things that trip him up.   And, he definitely doesn't notice little spots of water.

At his back-to-school night, Gavin was valiantly walking through the halls - gathering the typical stares and smiles of admiration.  The administrators had blocked off the corner with tables to sign up for PTA - making the corner tight around the water fountain.  And, just as we rounded the corner, I yelled for Gavin to stop.  But, it was a split second too late and he was down on his knees, angry that I had not given him enough warning.  Because - as you could guess - he's very sensitive about feeling so unstable.  He gets really upset when anyone makes him feel off-balance.

So . . . back to this Friday's events.  Jeff and I - and the babies - all went to school in the morning to volunteer at the school's Walk-a-thon.  We walked/spun with Gavin (in his chair) and jogged/walked with Autumn (who, by the way, set a goal the night before to get 10 laps - and was so proud that she accomplished her goal . . . and Mommy was super proud that she followed through).

Afterwards, Jeff grabbed lunch with Johnny and I took care of the boys.  While I was putting Gage down for his nap, he coughed so hard he puked everywhere.  Yes, everywhere.  After his bath, my wash down and a fresh change of clothes for everyone, the glider and the floor . . . I finally went to the library to work on an uber big report that was due by the end of the day (since Jeff had cancelled our internet access the night before - to set up a new one on Monday).

About two hours in, Jeff sent me a note to come home and feed Garrett.  I called Jeff on the short drive home and heard those dreaded words a minute into the conversation, "I GOTTA GO!"

I walked in to see Jeff wiping up the last drops of blood from the floor.  I wasn't even sure who or where he was referring to when his first words were, "he's going to need stitches."

This is why . . . prepare yourself . . .

I scooped Gavin up into my arms and rocked him like the baby that he is.  I wanted desperately to go to the hospital with him - but, Jeff needed me here with Garrett.  So, I watched them go and started calling the doctors' offices immediately to find the fastest and best solution for him.

Gavin was a trooper.  He came home happy as a clam.  He never complained about it again.

He showed me his stitches and described, in his five-year-old way, that his whole chin was numb.

The next day he said that his chin tickled.

This kid amazes me.

But, I'll be honest . . . part of me wants to put those canes up high on a shelf and revert back to something else way more stable.  I told him he was not allowed to fall again.  Ever.

But, he also has a way of not listening exactly.

I can live with tough love.  With pushing him beyond the limits that he thinks he has.

But, I've had to watch on the sidelines as he cries through difficult medical procedures.  To watch as he stays behind when the other kids go somewhere that even his canes can't take him.

And, I'll be honest.  It's awful.  My heart aches for him.  And, I try to make sure that all he sees on my face is a smile of encouragement . . . when I'm just crumpling inside.

Yes, I cried on his first day of kindergarten - like so many other moms - as he got on that big yellow bus.  But, I also cried three days later when I watched him be lifted up on the automatic lift (because the district refuses to let him work to get up the first step) and bravely maneuver to his seat.  To sit alone.  Every day.  On that big yellow bus all by himself.  Not one single friend that can sit with him.  Ever.

Oh man.  That's tough.

I've got a lot to learn from Gavin about courage and attitude and perseverance.  He's amazing.

Attitude is everything (*she says with a lump in her throat*).

A little of this and that . . .

It's amazing what you find when you download photos from a not-often-used camera.

Gavin had his own 'first day of school' celebration this year (September 2011) complete with Jello jigglers to celebrate his first day of preschool.  He was definitely excited.

Later in September, Autumn participated in a little cheerleader camp.  She performed during the halftime show at the high school football game.  She practiced every day and loved showing off her moves.

The night of the game was rainy and wet.  I love how she was one of the only girls that modified the dance so that she didn't have to lay on the cold, wet ground.  And, even when she gets knocked over . . . she immediately wipes her hand off.  But, she also has a nice high kick at the end.  The rain didn't dampen her spirits!

And, last but not least . . . this cute picture doesn't need much commentary.  What's not to love about that crinkly smiley face.

First Day of First Grade!!

Autumn has had a lot of 'first days of school' already.  One for preschool in Canada.  One each for Junior and then Senior kindergarten in Canada.  Another yet for the 2nd half of standard kindergarten in Heber, when we moved home.

And, now first grade!!!

Autumn handled the experience like an old pro.  Because she is now starting at the school within the boundaries of our house-in-progress, we will be driving her to school until we move in . . . whenever that is!

I worked from home so I could be part of the whole family trip to take her to school on her first day.  I was lucky enough to be able to walk her in.  And, I was waiting to pick her up and hear all about her day when she was done.  Those are days I wouldn't trade for anything.

And, then I made some special '1st grade' Jello jigglers to celebrate!  They were a hit.  I just wish I would have taken pictures of her gobbling them down.

A little about Autumn . . .

Autumn is as artistic as ever.  She still loves to draw, make jewelry, color, paint and invent new crafts.  And still, along with her artistic nature comes all of the passion and drama you might expect.  Her mood can change within seconds.  

Although she would rather not take the time to learn the notes on the staff, she can memorize piano music that is far beyond her current level.  She composes music, memorizes everything, and writes songs.

She is always being silly and trying to make other people laugh.  She hasn't perfected her sense of humor though, and we are constantly reminding her that what might be funny the first time, probably isn't as funny the fifth time!

Although she acts crazy and is more outgoing than ever in some ways, she is incredibly shy and sensitive.  She goes out of her way all the time, trying to make friends or talk to neighbors that are older than her.  And, my heart sinks when they ignore her.  We are always hoping that Autumn is a good friend and makes good friends.   

When she gets in trouble, she tends to try to make people laugh (which usually doesn't go over too well).  And, she gets terribly embarrassed when being reprimanded.

Although Autumn and Gavin sometimes fight like other typical siblings, Autumn has been handed a very heavy responsibility in caring for her brother.  And, she is so tender and thoughtful of him and his needs. 

Autumn has her own sense of style . . . and is very concerned about being modest and private.

She adores animals - especially kittens - but, will hold, capture, keep and love any animal that comes her way . . . from bugs to snakes to birds to house pets.  Nothing makes her happier than getting to ride a horse.  She's a natural cowgirl.

Autumn is a wild little daredevil.  She has quickly progressed on her dirt bike and loves her little snowmobile, too.  She learned to ice skate in Canada and is learning quickly how to roller blade.  She is learning to be a great little swimmer.  And, is the first to tell me how she doesn't need help with any of her activities.  Her overconfidence is fantastic . . . but, sometimes a concern.

She is currently very into Space and can tell you all about what happened to Pluto, how long small and big stars live and how she wants to be an astronaut one day.

We end most nights thinking of new ways to express how much we love each other . . . more than there are grains of sand, more than drops of water in the ocean, more than the number of stars in the sky.

But, most of all . . . despite her sassy attitude and her wild behavior and her sometimes awkward sense of humor, Autumn is kind and sincere.  I love spending one-on-one time with her, when she finally opens up to me about her thoughts and questions.  She makes me laugh constantly.  Nothing makes me happier than her laugh and her smile.

She is our beautiful little brown-eyed girl.

Back to school

Although Jeff and the kids returned from almost a month in the Mountain Time Zone just a few days before the start of school (making 8am feel like 6am) . . . we hyped them up on sugary donuts and cake to prepare them for their first day!

This is my very favorite time of year.  I don't like the idea of my kids growing up or spending the day with anyone but family . . . yet, I love how excited they get about making friends, learning new songs, letters and words, reading books and feeling so independent and courageous.

I love how the weather starts to cool down and you cozy up with a sweatshirt.

I love football.

I love Halloween.

I love pumpkins and pumpkin patches and our annual Spookley the Pumpkin FHE.

I love everything about Autumn time!!

Fall is kicked off with our first day of school activities.

Jeff gives each child a father's blessing the night before school begins.  I loved Autumn's shy little grin both before and after Jeff laid his hands on her head.  And yes . . . Gavin freaked out and screamed and refused to sit quietly . . . so, we are hoping to try again in a few days when he's caught up on sleep.

I took Autumn to school and walked her inside.  Unfortunately, after all of us completely fell in love with her Junior Kindergarten teacher, she opted to teach music lessons full-time.  So, Autumn has a new teacher this year.

As sweet little thoughtful Autumn does, she - completely on her own - decided to make a necklace for her JK teacher (with an "M" for Ms. Shin), her new teacher (with a "T" for teacher), herself (featuring "AP") and her best friend, Alida (she ran out of A's - so, it was just pink and white beads).

Her new teacher is all business.  As soon as we walked through the door, she grabbed Autumn by the hand and pulled her around the corner . . . leaving me yelling after her like the crazy mom I am, "I love you, Autumn!!  Have fun!!"  And, that was that.  You'd think her teacher takes that approach to prevent any meltdowns from nervous students.  It could be her reasoning was to cut off the tears that were rapidly forming in my eyes.

Jeff took Gavin to his preschool.  He was excited at first to see his favorite teacher again.  And, then when he realized that Daddy wasn't staying all day . . . he broke down in tears.  He's such a sensitive little guy.  And, that's why I chose to take Autumn and Jeff took Gavin.  Doing the thing you know needs to be done . . . walking away during those tears . . . is something that daddies are better at.  By the time Jeff came to pick him up, Gavin was eating a Freezy and having a great time.

I called from work to get a quick update from the kids and then told them I wanted to hear all the details as soon as I got home.  I hadn't even shut the door when Gavin wheeled up with his walker to say, "School was great, Mom!"

The kids decorated our 'first day of school' celebration cake.  Autumn drew a school with multiple levels of windows - 'just like her school.'  Gavin created the blue swingset with Daddy's help . . . then proceeded to immediately lick it off.

(Gavin is clearly still working on his camera smile)

We are so proud of our two little school kids!

Oh Happy? Graduation Day

At Autumn's preschool Christmas performance, she might have been the only one who refused to wear her angel halo. I was surprised she even let the teachers put her graduation cap on . . . clearly, she was no happier to wear it. We had a hard time sorting through the many sad-faced pictures to choose one. Pretty much the whole first hour, this was her expression. The amazing thing is that I have never seen a more perfect frown. She's talented, I tell you. Perhaps Hollywood is in her future.

Once graduation was over and the cap came off, Autumn let loose a bit for some dancing and bubble popping. This is her best little friend, Alita. Jeff and I were cracking up watching and hearing Alita sing during the performance. Her little mouth was open so big and she was singing her heart out. Autumn, who picks up the words of all songs with unbelievable speed, refused to sing at all. We're hoping they will be in the same Junior Kindergarten class. Alita lives nearby and they get together for play dates. Gavin absolutely loves "A-li-li."

Autumn and a few of her teachers. Giselle (on Autumn's immediate left) runs the program and was Autumn's favorite teacher.

Autumn is already sounding out and writing words on her own. She loves any and all books. She has become quite the artist and loves to cut every drawing out. I come home everyday to a pile of fresh confetti under the kitchen table. Autumn is dramatic and moody and emotional . . . but, with that comes a little girl that loves to sing, is passionate about all animals (we always have a collection of snails, worms, and lizards), is so sweet to her little brother . . . and makes us laugh constantly.

We're so proud of Autumn and how much she has learned during her preschool year. In Utah, she would have one more year of preschool. But, here in Ontario, she is set to start Junior Kindergarten in just over a week. I'm not sure I was prepared to send my little girl off on the bus so soon.