While both Patrick and I will "wrestle" with the boys, Patrick is definitely the more energetic one with them . . .
 |
| TOP: Ryder LEFT: Jarrett RIGHT: Harvick |
Monday, April 16, 2012
Playing with Dad
All three of our boys love. LOVE. to play on the floor. They love to be rough, and already all of them love to "wrestle" (well, they love when they are caught and tickled!). It makes me happy to see our boys interacting so well with eachother...and a little nervous for future wrestling matches in the Family Room...
While both Patrick and I will "wrestle" with the boys, Patrick is definitely the more energetic one with them . . .
While both Patrick and I will "wrestle" with the boys, Patrick is definitely the more energetic one with them . . .
Friday, April 13, 2012
Apraxia of Speech . Week 15
Ryder met with his private Speech Therapist, as well as the Early Intervention Therapist this week. Ryder continues to make (very) gradual progress overall, but it is hard to see it when reviewing it a week at a time.
The private Speech Therapist reported that Ryder did well in Therapy. She uses multiple tools, including her iPad, to engage him in various speech exercises. Additionally, she asked for pictures of our family, and she would work with Ryder to learn the correct pronunciation of each person's name/title.
In Early Intervention Therapy, Ryder participated fairly well, but when you compare it to the first several months, he has improved in participation immensely.
Neither therapy had anything new to work on, just to continue the exercises he has been given. The more consistent we are with Ryder's speech expectations, the more he accomplishes.
Ryder has been scheduled for a Preschool Evaluation later this month, so we should know more about what next year holds for us, soon.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
The private Speech Therapist reported that Ryder did well in Therapy. She uses multiple tools, including her iPad, to engage him in various speech exercises. Additionally, she asked for pictures of our family, and she would work with Ryder to learn the correct pronunciation of each person's name/title.
In Early Intervention Therapy, Ryder participated fairly well, but when you compare it to the first several months, he has improved in participation immensely.
Neither therapy had anything new to work on, just to continue the exercises he has been given. The more consistent we are with Ryder's speech expectations, the more he accomplishes.
Ryder has been scheduled for a Preschool Evaluation later this month, so we should know more about what next year holds for us, soon.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Harvick & Jarrett . 49 Weeks
49 weeks old
22 pounds, 2 ounces (Harvick)
22 pounds, 11 ounces (Jarrett)
(Compare to Ryder at 49 Weeks)
Harvick has (finally!) increased his tooth count to 3. He has another 2 teeth along the top ready to cut through, but have yet to make an appearance. Jarrett remains steady at 4 teeth.
These boys are growing too fast! I can't believe that in less than 1 month they will be 1 year old. Having twins is so hard. So very hard. But, they are the greatest little boys! They both have such good (overall) dispositions. They interact with each other so well, and are already each other's worst enemy and greatest friend. They completely adore their big brother, who in turn adores them. They find the smallest things to be overwhelmingly hilarious, and have the cutest - very different from each other - laughs.
We're getting ready for their 1 year party - watch for invites soon!
22 pounds, 2 ounces (Harvick)
22 pounds, 11 ounces (Jarrett)
(Compare to Ryder at 49 Weeks)
Harvick has (finally!) increased his tooth count to 3. He has another 2 teeth along the top ready to cut through, but have yet to make an appearance. Jarrett remains steady at 4 teeth.
These boys are growing too fast! I can't believe that in less than 1 month they will be 1 year old. Having twins is so hard. So very hard. But, they are the greatest little boys! They both have such good (overall) dispositions. They interact with each other so well, and are already each other's worst enemy and greatest friend. They completely adore their big brother, who in turn adores them. They find the smallest things to be overwhelmingly hilarious, and have the cutest - very different from each other - laughs.
We're getting ready for their 1 year party - watch for invites soon!
 |
| Ryder, helping Jarrett with his morning bottle. |
 |
| YAY for Peeps!!! (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
 |
| Two naughty boys standing in the tub. They both know they aren't supposed to do this! (Jarrett on the left, Harvick on the right) |
 |
| More swinging pictures! (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) Jarrett will close his eyes when he is laughing hard and/or when he thinks he is funny...it's cute until I want a picture of him doing something he is enjoying! |
 |
| Trying on Ryder's safety glasses. (Jarrett on the left, Harvick on the right) |
 |
| Jarrett wasn't sure about giving Harvick a ride in the walker. |
 |
| Look at those blue eyes! (Harvick) |
 |
| Playing together. (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Easter . 2012
On Easter Sunday, our church held 3 services (instead of the usual 2), to accommodate additional people attending. We chose to go to the earliest service. Ryder, for the second time (ever), did not want to go to class - he stayed with us during the Praise & Worship songs, but quickly realized he would have more fun in class with his friends, once the sermon started. Harvick and Jarrett have attended class a few times now, but typically stay with us (when we go at our normal time, they will fall asleep in the car (morning nap) on our way, and stay asleep for more than half of the service). This week; however, they were not wanting to sit with us, so we also took them to class!
Once we got home from church, we set up our own Easter Egg Hunt in our backyard, like we did last year.
We had intended to stay home for the day, but decided at the last minute to keep with what we did last year, and go out for lunch - to Village Inn. I know, breakfast food isn't a "traditional" Easter meal, but we love it!
After lunch, we came home, and put all three boys down for their naps. Upon waking up, Ryder got to open an additional present!
Finally, at the end of the day, I really wanted to capture a family picture. We set up the camera outside (thanks to Jim for the tripod!), and attempted a family shot. Ryder realized it was great fun to run with Patrick as he would get the camera set up, and then run back to get in place...we may have to try that trick again!
We had a great Easter this year. It was definitely fun to have the boys participating in activities. And, as much as we had fun, we kept things (presents) very simple. It was perfect.
Once we got home from church, we set up our own Easter Egg Hunt in our backyard, like we did last year.
 |
| Ryder had fun finding all of the eggs. This year, I filled them with Colorful Goldfish, Fruity Cheerios, and Trix - that way, all 3 of the boys could enjoy it. Ryder opened them all up into one bowl to mix them together. And, a side note - Ryder has been able to learn a new word..."robot"...interesting, considering it is his only 2-syllable word he says correctly. Good thing his Easter basket (purchased last year) had a robot on it! |
 |
| Harvick (orange) and Jarrett (blue) may or may not have snacked on the goodies! |
 |
| Opening presents. Harvick (top) and Jarrett (center) were given stuffed lambs to sleep with - Ryder got the same thing for his first Easter! Ryder opened the remainder of "realistic looking" tools that I bought for him before we was born - I couldn't pass up the clearance, and have been waiting a long time to give them to him - he has been given a couple previous to this. |
After lunch, we came home, and put all three boys down for their naps. Upon waking up, Ryder got to open an additional present!
 |
| Our train-obsessed boy finally has a track to play with his trains! |
 |
| Easter . 04.08.2012 (Kayleen, Harvick, Ryder, Patrick, Jarrett) |
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter Egg Hunt . 04.07.2012
Hooper holds an Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children, ages 1-12. They separate the children into 4 different age groups, throughout the park. Ryder was able to participate in the "age 1-3" group this year (we did not attend last year...you know, since I was only 10 days away from delivering Harvick and Jarrett).
We talked with Ryder all week about attending the Easter Egg Hunt, and explained to him that he would take his Easter "basket" and find all the eggs at the park. He agreed that he understood...
...and, he did! The park was overwhelmingly crowded, and a lot of people (older children and adults) were seemingly incapable of following the rules. Ryder had more than one egg stolen away as he was about to pick it up...always by an adult. Thankfully, Ryder could not have cared less. He enjoyed the hunt while it lasted (maybe 30 seconds?!), and was very excited that he had managed to grab 2 "fruits" (fruit snacks), an M&M package, and a "blue" (Almond Joy) for Patrick. Upon "finding" all of the eggs, Ryder put his basket on the stroller, and headed for the playset!
I'm definitely glad we went - Ryder had fun, and because he had no expectations of what he was doing, he really took the whole thing in great stride. I; however; was irritated with the adults. But, after talking with a couple of co-workers today about the Easter Egg Hunt, I was given an "Egg Hunt Strategy" to use next year...and, I can't share the strategy...if word gets out, it won't be as genius of a plan!
We talked with Ryder all week about attending the Easter Egg Hunt, and explained to him that he would take his Easter "basket" and find all the eggs at the park. He agreed that he understood...
...and, he did! The park was overwhelmingly crowded, and a lot of people (older children and adults) were seemingly incapable of following the rules. Ryder had more than one egg stolen away as he was about to pick it up...always by an adult. Thankfully, Ryder could not have cared less. He enjoyed the hunt while it lasted (maybe 30 seconds?!), and was very excited that he had managed to grab 2 "fruits" (fruit snacks), an M&M package, and a "blue" (Almond Joy) for Patrick. Upon "finding" all of the eggs, Ryder put his basket on the stroller, and headed for the playset!
 |
| Ryder has really gotten great with going down slides on his own! |
 |
| Ryder waited patiently for a swing to open up, and when it finally did, it was one of the seat ones. He didn't care - he just wanted to swing. After swinging for a bit, the swing on either side became available - and it was too cute of a picture to pass up! We have 3 boys who definitely like to swing! (left to right: Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett) |
 |
| (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
 |
| Before leaving, Ryder rode down the (very) tall with Patrick twice! |
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Egg Dyeing . April 2012
It shouldn't be a hard thing to admit. But. It is. I may take too many pictures. May. Not sure, though. Regardless, I have several Easter posts...we'll start with the oldest...
Last year, when we dyed Easter Eggs with Ryder, he was completely mortified at first, but grew to love it - so much so, that we did it at home, and again with the neighbors.
This year, Ryder remembered how much fun he had last year, and was eager to participate! Patrick and I took the day off on Monday last week (we had actually originally requested it off to go to Colorado for a long weekend, but the plans didn't work out). The boys stayed in their jammies all day. We chose to not leave the house, and get many of our household chores done. In preparation for the day, we went on strike with laundry for the preceding week...and had to do 9 loads to catch up. Anyway, we spent time in the afternoon dyeing eggs...
Our egg dyeing adventure didn't end there. Ryder had the chance to dye eggs again later that week...on a night before taking a bath (hence, the lack of a shirt)...
Last year, when we dyed Easter Eggs with Ryder, he was completely mortified at first, but grew to love it - so much so, that we did it at home, and again with the neighbors.
This year, Ryder remembered how much fun he had last year, and was eager to participate! Patrick and I took the day off on Monday last week (we had actually originally requested it off to go to Colorado for a long weekend, but the plans didn't work out). The boys stayed in their jammies all day. We chose to not leave the house, and get many of our household chores done. In preparation for the day, we went on strike with laundry for the preceding week...and had to do 9 loads to catch up. Anyway, we spent time in the afternoon dyeing eggs...
 |
| Patiently waiting for the dye tablets to dissolve. Ryder would stir them frequently to help out! |
 |
| Watching as I demonstrate the first one. |
 |
| Dyeing the eggs! |
 |
| And, perhaps one of my least favorite pictures of myself, but when I have a shot where Ryder is in a picture with me, looking at the camera, AND smiling, I have to show it. |
 |
| Dyeing the eggs, again. |
 |
| Telling you he just put an egg in the "green" dye. |
 |
| Our final product! |
Friday, April 6, 2012
Apraxia of Speech . Week 14 . "b" and "p"
SOUND: "p" and "b"
PRIMARY WORD(S): puppy, people, baby
ADDITIONAL WORD(S): Peep, beep, purple
HAND SIGNAL: "p" and "b" (buh) - with your palm facing you, tuck your thumb into your palm (so it's not visible to someone looking at you). Place the tips of your fingers just above your top lip, and as you say "buh", fold your fingers over your thumb.
Ryder had Speech Therapy at Primary Children's this week. Of his three therapies, he seems to often struggle most in this setting. It's a combination of many factors (including being the only non-familiar setting (Early Intervention is done at home, private Speech Therapy is done at school) that cause Ryder to struggle; however, this week he did quite well. He participated for nearly the whole 1/2 hour, but when he decided he was "all done", he was firm.
---
Did you realize that as you speak you make "front" and "back" sounds, depending on the sound you are using? Say "puh", "tuh", "buh", "duh". Notice how those sounds come from the "front" of your mouth. Now, say "c/kuh" and "guh". These sounds are coming from the "back" of your mouth. Words that combine "front" and "back" sounds are the last (typically) words a child with Apraxia of Speech is able to say correctly.
Now that Patrick and I are also in Speech Therapy (with Ryder, not separately!), we both find ourselves noticing how words are pronounced. Thinking twice before we "simplify" a word (green to "geen"), or pick between word options.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
PRIMARY WORD(S): puppy, people, baby
ADDITIONAL WORD(S): Peep, beep, purple
HAND SIGNAL: "p" and "b" (buh) - with your palm facing you, tuck your thumb into your palm (so it's not visible to someone looking at you). Place the tips of your fingers just above your top lip, and as you say "buh", fold your fingers over your thumb.
Ryder had Speech Therapy at Primary Children's this week. Of his three therapies, he seems to often struggle most in this setting. It's a combination of many factors (including being the only non-familiar setting (Early Intervention is done at home, private Speech Therapy is done at school) that cause Ryder to struggle; however, this week he did quite well. He participated for nearly the whole 1/2 hour, but when he decided he was "all done", he was firm.
---
Did you realize that as you speak you make "front" and "back" sounds, depending on the sound you are using? Say "puh", "tuh", "buh", "duh". Notice how those sounds come from the "front" of your mouth. Now, say "c/kuh" and "guh". These sounds are coming from the "back" of your mouth. Words that combine "front" and "back" sounds are the last (typically) words a child with Apraxia of Speech is able to say correctly.
Now that Patrick and I are also in Speech Therapy (with Ryder, not separately!), we both find ourselves noticing how words are pronounced. Thinking twice before we "simplify" a word (green to "geen"), or pick between word options.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Harvick & Jarrett . 48 Weeks
48 weeks old; 11 months old
22 pounds, 2 ounces (Harvick)
22 pounds, 11 ounces (Jarrett)
(Compare to Ryder at 48 Weeks)
No real "updates" this past week. Harvick remains at 2 teeth; Jarrett at 4. Both boys continue to stand up using anything they can, but neither can balance for more than a few seconds without holding something. Harvick will walk along a bench/ottoman/couch, but Jarrett rarely takes steps without being prompted.
Their little personalities continue to develop - Harvick remains the whinier one (providing "notice" when he is about to get upset), while Jarrett is more quick to anger (he gets upset with no notice). Both boys are happy babies, and laugh easily. Harvick laughs at other people doing things more easily, but Jarrett finds things he does hysterical.
They continue to crawl on and over each other, and neither seem to mind. They enjoy being together - they will often play separately, but are almost always within eye-shot of each other. Harvick and Jarrett both adore their big brother, and have really started to interact well with him.
22 pounds, 2 ounces (Harvick)
22 pounds, 11 ounces (Jarrett)
(Compare to Ryder at 48 Weeks)
No real "updates" this past week. Harvick remains at 2 teeth; Jarrett at 4. Both boys continue to stand up using anything they can, but neither can balance for more than a few seconds without holding something. Harvick will walk along a bench/ottoman/couch, but Jarrett rarely takes steps without being prompted.
Their little personalities continue to develop - Harvick remains the whinier one (providing "notice" when he is about to get upset), while Jarrett is more quick to anger (he gets upset with no notice). Both boys are happy babies, and laugh easily. Harvick laughs at other people doing things more easily, but Jarrett finds things he does hysterical.
They continue to crawl on and over each other, and neither seem to mind. They enjoy being together - they will often play separately, but are almost always within eye-shot of each other. Harvick and Jarrett both adore their big brother, and have really started to interact well with him.
 |
| Standing! (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
 |
| Playing in the tub together - they love to put the toys along the ledge, so I often face them away from me, as to not have them knock the toys out of the tub. (Jarrett on the left, Harvick on the right) |
 |
| Ryder continues to enjoy helping his brothers drink their milk. |
 |
| Again, with the weird tuck the ribbon behind the pacifier for comfort...seriously...it doesn't matter how many times you pull the ribbon out, Jarrett will tuck it back in. |
 |
| Cute boys, going for a walk. It's still cool enough in the evenings that the boys wear their winter hats, along with mittens to keep their hands warm. And, really, they are so cute with the hats! (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
 |
| With the warmer weather, we often spend a little time outside when we get home. All of the boys love it! (Harvick) |
 |
| My babies are looking much too grown up. They both love the musical play table, especially when they stand to play. (Harvick on the left/bottom, Jarrett on the right/top) |
 |
| Harvick loves the bead maze! |
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Hogle Zoo . 03.31.2012
On Saturday, we took advantage of our Family Membership to the Hogle Zoo. It was such a nice day outside - warm and sunny (and a little windy).
Ryder continues to enjoy the elephants the most (we had to visit them a second time before leaving). The giraffes (again), along with the leopards took second place. One of the leopards was pacing alongside the viewing window, and Ryder thought it was the funniest thing to watch him go back and forth!
Thanks to the boys' Aunt Julie for the Zoo Membership - we had a great time, and are looking forward to many more visits!
Next time you see Ryder, ask him about the zoo - he will most likely sign (and make the noise for) elephant, and tell you "TRAIN!".
 |
| Family picture, in front of the wooden elephant! Left to right: Patrick, Kayleen, Ryder, Jarrett, and Harvick. |
 |
| Harvick and Jarrett took their morning nap a little early, as we drove to the zoo. When we got there, they were ready for the bottle they usually drink before their nap. |
 |
| Ryder, doing the obligatory pose in front of the monkey size chart (see how much he has grown since last time we visited!) |
 |
| Riding the carousel...if you link back to our last visit, you'll notice he is riding the same character. He chose the elephant on his own this time! |
 |
| Ryder kept saying "Moe" when he saw the turtles...that is because the turtle in his classroom is named "SlowMoe". I'm pretty sure he thought the bigger one was the one he sees every week! |
 |
| Patrick took time to help Harvick and Jarrett practice walking. Harvick is much more enthusiastic, but both boys enjoyed the time out of the stroller! (Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right) |
 |
| Our three boys - peering through the fence at the giraffes. Once Ryder realized he was so much taller than his brothers, he kneeled down to be at the same height. Too cute! (left to right: Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett) |
 |
| Ryder, taking a break on the "sit" part of the "sit and stand". He did really well the whole time at the zoo. He loves to walk on his own, but definitely took advantage of standing when we would walk a long distance (or when in a big crowd, and we asked him to stand), and sitting toward the end of our time! |
 |
| Family shot, on the train. Ryder absolutely loved the train, I have a feeling that we will now never be able to leave the zoo without taking a ride on the train...too bad the ride is only 2-3 minutes long! (front: Kayleen, Jarrett, and Ryder; back: Patrick and Harvick) |
Thanks to the boys' Aunt Julie for the Zoo Membership - we had a great time, and are looking forward to many more visits!
Next time you see Ryder, ask him about the zoo - he will most likely sign (and make the noise for) elephant, and tell you "TRAIN!".
Monday, April 2, 2012
Apraxia of Speech . Week 13
Oops . . . a little late on posting this week . . .
Ryder had 2 sessions of private Speech Therapy this week.
Clearly, Ryder does not have the ability to tell us how he feels about Speech Therapy. Getting a feel for how each session progresses is a combination of asking Ryder (usually yes/no) questions, the Speech Therapist's session report, and the opinion of the teachers at Ryder's school. Ryder always has a positive reaction when being asked questions about the Speech Therapist, and is particularly fond of a game she introduced to him, involving a blue ball (two words he can say). His therapist provides detailed reports back of items covered, as well as Ryder's success (or areas where he continues to need improvement). The teachers (three, so far) have all commented on how well Ryder seems to interact with the Speech Therapist.
All signs indicate things are going well.
On another, speech-related, note - Patrick and I had our School District's Early Intervention "Transition Meeting". At this meeting, we reviewed (with the Early Intervention Speech Therapist and the Preschool Director) Ryder's progress, as well as the next steps. Early Intervention ends at your 3rd birthday. Services for children age 3 and 4 (and 5, until Kindergarten) are available, but are based on developmental need.
Ryder's case is not "cut and dry". Apraxia of Speech is not like many other speech disorders - Ryder's cognition and comprehension is unaffected by his disorder. Oftentimes, this severe of a delay in speech is a combination of multiple factors. We are fortunate that Ryder "only" faces speech issues, but it can make some decisions more complicated.
Ryder will be evaluated later this month for the School District's Special Education Preschool. If he qualifies (developmentally), then he could attend Special Ed Preschool - it is M/T/Th/F, as long as the School District is in session (they have the same breaks as the district). School is 2 hours/day. There are 3 sessions/day offered.
It boils down to having 3 options (in no particular order):
If Ryder qualifies for Preschool:
1: Ryder can attend the school that we "belong" to, based on our home address. This school is great, in that it is an "inclusion" program. Special Needs children, as well as "typical" children attend together. Ryder would be able to receive the intellectual stimulation, as well as the speech-focus curriculum. However, this school does not provide transportation. And, we work.
2: Ryder can attend a different school - based on his babysitter's address (where he spends most of the day). This school is great, in that they provide transportation. They would pick Ryder up from the babysitter, take him to 2 hours of school, then bring him back to the babysitter. BUT - this is not an "inclusion" program. He will only attend with Special Needs children. Not all have cognitive/comprehension delays, but we have been told it is a higher percentage of the children. We want to ensure Ryder is intellectually challenged.
3: Ryder can attend a preschool (and, with that, we have found 2 viable options) separately from the district. Both of our options would allow Ryder to attend 2 days/week (like he does now), and stay with his babysitter the other 3 days/week. The biggest downside to this option is two-fold - both preschools are pricey (one more so, but it is more conveniently located), and it would require Patrick and I to take off work at least weekly to take Ryder to Speech Therapy appointments with the school district - all of which have to take place between 9:00am-3:00pm. And, again, we work - full-time.
. . . Before we "put the cart before the horse", we need to (patiently) wait until Ryder has the Preschool Evaluation. Based on his results, we will know if we have to decide between 1 and 2; or if we need to follow the option 3 route (and choose between our preschool options).
So, pray for us to have patience. And wisdom. It feels impossible to know which is the best option.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
Ryder had 2 sessions of private Speech Therapy this week.
Clearly, Ryder does not have the ability to tell us how he feels about Speech Therapy. Getting a feel for how each session progresses is a combination of asking Ryder (usually yes/no) questions, the Speech Therapist's session report, and the opinion of the teachers at Ryder's school. Ryder always has a positive reaction when being asked questions about the Speech Therapist, and is particularly fond of a game she introduced to him, involving a blue ball (two words he can say). His therapist provides detailed reports back of items covered, as well as Ryder's success (or areas where he continues to need improvement). The teachers (three, so far) have all commented on how well Ryder seems to interact with the Speech Therapist.
All signs indicate things are going well.
On another, speech-related, note - Patrick and I had our School District's Early Intervention "Transition Meeting". At this meeting, we reviewed (with the Early Intervention Speech Therapist and the Preschool Director) Ryder's progress, as well as the next steps. Early Intervention ends at your 3rd birthday. Services for children age 3 and 4 (and 5, until Kindergarten) are available, but are based on developmental need.
Ryder's case is not "cut and dry". Apraxia of Speech is not like many other speech disorders - Ryder's cognition and comprehension is unaffected by his disorder. Oftentimes, this severe of a delay in speech is a combination of multiple factors. We are fortunate that Ryder "only" faces speech issues, but it can make some decisions more complicated.
Ryder will be evaluated later this month for the School District's Special Education Preschool. If he qualifies (developmentally), then he could attend Special Ed Preschool - it is M/T/Th/F, as long as the School District is in session (they have the same breaks as the district). School is 2 hours/day. There are 3 sessions/day offered.
It boils down to having 3 options (in no particular order):
If Ryder qualifies for Preschool:
1: Ryder can attend the school that we "belong" to, based on our home address. This school is great, in that it is an "inclusion" program. Special Needs children, as well as "typical" children attend together. Ryder would be able to receive the intellectual stimulation, as well as the speech-focus curriculum. However, this school does not provide transportation. And, we work.
2: Ryder can attend a different school - based on his babysitter's address (where he spends most of the day). This school is great, in that they provide transportation. They would pick Ryder up from the babysitter, take him to 2 hours of school, then bring him back to the babysitter. BUT - this is not an "inclusion" program. He will only attend with Special Needs children. Not all have cognitive/comprehension delays, but we have been told it is a higher percentage of the children. We want to ensure Ryder is intellectually challenged.
3: Ryder can attend a preschool (and, with that, we have found 2 viable options) separately from the district. Both of our options would allow Ryder to attend 2 days/week (like he does now), and stay with his babysitter the other 3 days/week. The biggest downside to this option is two-fold - both preschools are pricey (one more so, but it is more conveniently located), and it would require Patrick and I to take off work at least weekly to take Ryder to Speech Therapy appointments with the school district - all of which have to take place between 9:00am-3:00pm. And, again, we work - full-time.
. . . Before we "put the cart before the horse", we need to (patiently) wait until Ryder has the Preschool Evaluation. Based on his results, we will know if we have to decide between 1 and 2; or if we need to follow the option 3 route (and choose between our preschool options).
So, pray for us to have patience. And wisdom. It feels impossible to know which is the best option.
One-step-at-a-time.
Review: Previous Weeks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)