A few of my favorie things

Just to keep them on record...

• I cannot even put into words how much I love listening to Cormac read.  His ability to read in general is amazing but what makes me the happiest is the inflection in his voice in all the right places; his excitement when he reads a sentence with an exclamation point and how his voice rises with questions.  To think when he was born we weren't sure we would ever hear him speak is just mind boggling.  We are in such a great place with him.

• Calleigh's emerging language.  She has a long way to go but has also come a long way.  Getting her to actually use her words when she is upset is a whole other issue.  But when she says "Where's brothers?" and answers herself "Oh brothers  at school"  or when I say to her "where is Daddy?"  She used to say "Daddy work" and now she says "Daddy's working".  Baby steps but I will take them.

• Christmastime...I love everything about it.  I love to see it through my children's eyes.  My heart melts when Colin tells me "Mom, Christmas isn't all about getting.  It's about giving and Jesus' birthday".  I hope he remembers this always.

• Hot chocolate with candy cane stirrers.  This is a big favorite of the boys right now.  I prefer mine with a little peppermint schnapps but we try and keep it kid friendly.

• Warm temperatures in December.  We have been able to play outside and at the park more than usual.  Today, not so much.  It's freezing but supposed to be back up to 60 on Saturday.

• I love how Ciaran loves Math.  He is great at it and it gives him confidence which he tends to lack sometimes.  He can't wait to do his math homework each night.

• Sweet Colin.  Sweet, sweet Colin.  His smile changes his entire face.  His heart is worn on his sleeve.  He is either all in or all out.  There is no in between.  He calls my Mom and step father almost every day all on his own.  I always know he is calling because he asks first but I never ask him or tell him to do it.  He talks to them about his day.  I just love hearing his side of the coversation.

I wonder years from now if the kids will like reading this and be happy I kept a journal of their childhood or will they not even be interested?  Either way I still plan on printing this for them.  I hope it's something they will treasure.

Wordless Wednesday

What I have learned since Sandy

Hurricane Sandy or Super storm Sandy whatever you want to call her was a devastating hit to The Jersey Shore.  I love the shore.  I have spent every Summer of my life on the beach and now I am a permanent resident.  My love for all things Jersey Shore is endless.  Most of my best memories involve the shore.

I have learned plenty in the past month.  Here is some of what I have learned:

• You can survive without electricity better than you think.  You also can't believe in 2012 electricity can actually be out for so long.
• It's the lack of heat that gets to you.  Being cold is just not fun. 
• Generators are a must have for all humans.  I mean it.  All homes should have one.
• Verizon Fios works even in a Super Storm.  As long as you have a generator you can hook up a TV.  Sure, Frank works for Verizon, but I have to give them some serious props.
• My kids are pretty darn good in a crisis.  They were so good during all of the chaos and being out of our house.  Honestly, they never complained once.  It made things way easier.
• The boys are now card sharks.  Seriously.  They had never played cards before the storm except for the occasional Go Fish.  We are now very good at many games.
• The Advanced Bionics car charger is awesome.  Just plain awesome.
• Having your entire family sleeping in one room is not good for sleeping but great for cuddling and telling funny stories.
• My faith in the goodness of people has been restored by the outpouring of support in every way possible.
• Our community is one tough little town.  People have suffered great losses but I have seen nothing but positive attitudes from everybody.
• My decision to be part of St. Rose has proven to be priceless.  The St Rose family is just plain amazing.  They came together to get things done for those in need.  From finding them places to live, to clothing , to food.  You name it and it was accomplished.  It will continue as long as it is necessary and I am proud to say I am part of that family.
• I have been living the life of a single mother for nearly a month.  Frank's work schedule is crazy and will continue to be for the unforeseeable future.  He has been staying at my Mom's house since she lives much closer to his work.  He is on forced 12-14 hours a day seven days a week.  The overtime is awesome but you can;t put a price tag on time with your family.  It takes its tole on everyone involved.  To hear your son say to his Meema on the phone "It's just not right to Skype your Father on his birthday.  You are supposed to see him" can reduce you to tears. 
• Seeing piles of people's belongings along the street is very sad.  Trying to explain all of this to small children is difficult.  They say kids are resilient.  That is my hope for all those families who have lost so much.
• Not having access to the beach or Ocean Avenue made me realize how much time we actually spend up there.  We ride our bikes there.  We play football there.  The beach is our backyard.  I find it nearly impossible to believe we will not be allowed up there for almost 9 months. 
• Mandatory evacuation with four kids and two dogs is not simple.  You realize quickly what is most important.  The first thing I packed (after humans and dogs) was all the Advanced Bionics equipment  and our FM System.  It is a lot of stuff when you try and pack it :) I put it in a bag along with my laptop.  I would have fought someone to the death to protect that bag!
• Our life is not always simple or easy.  We have had our share of struggles.  I keep to the attitude of "it could always be worse" and it will be OK.  I think this thought process has gotten my through some really tough moments in the past six years.  Most of the people who I know have lost so much share this same outlook.  It is amazing to see and it makes me smile.

I pray we never see anything like Sandy ever again.  I know our town will be back better than ever.  I hope someday all those impacted by Sandy are able to once again to see the beauty of The Jersey Shore.

Hiatus...

Superstorm Sandy has made it nearly impossible to update my blog.  The kids were off from school for almost three full weeks.  We were not in our house for a while.  I have lots to post about the whole experience and will once things get a little more normal.  This coming week we only have 2 1/2 days of school for the holiday. 

Flashback Friday...Halloween

                             The first Halloween 2006 The Three Pigs

 

                                          2007 The Three Bears

                                          2008 Three Blind Mice

 

 

                            2009 Super Heros and Calleigh is Batgirl

                                      2010 My favorite ever...

 

 

                                         2011 Smurfs and Azreil

 

Any guesses on this years costumes???

Ten On Tuesday

1.  I got an offer for the job I interviewed for at Monmouth Medical Center.  I will be trained to be a newborn hearing screener and learn how to perform ABR's on the newborns before they leave the hospital.  I credit newborn screening for finding Cormac's deafness and I am thankful every day we had the test.  Early intervention is the key to success so early identification is essential.  I am excited to put all my knowledge to work.  I will be working part time and hopefully be able to balance working and the kids.

2.  Calleigh will be making another trip to the hospital for a growth hormone stimulation test.  Since her pituitary came back normal on the MRI we need to see if she even produces the growth hormone.  She will go in the hospital on 10/29 at 7am.  They will hook her to an IV and test her blood every 1 /2 hour for three hours.  They will be able to tell if she is produces the growth hormone.  They take the blood from the IV so they don't need to stick her so many times.

3.  Today I listened to Cormac teach Calleigh how to sing three new songs.  It's a miracle every day.  My deaf son is teaching my speech delayed songs and they were both singing beautifully while playing the triangle.  Amazing.  Just plain amazing.

4.  Cormac is literally counting the days until the Halloween parade on Saturday.  He can't wait to wear his costumes.  The kids chose adorable costumes this year.  I had nothing to do with it and they chose a theme.  I guess after 6 Halloweens of being a theme they just kind of did it on their own!

5.  Calleigh is the star of the week at school this week.  It's very cute and we made a poster board to show all her favorite things.  I was happy to hear she told the class what all the things were on her poster and even told them her brothers names.  Very proud of her.

6.  We have parent teacher conferences on Thursday.  I am looking forward to speaking with their teacher about each of them.  We need to discuss some options for Cormac regarding his reading.  We need to challenge him more in this area.  His reading and comprehension are off the charts.  The words he can read, understand and then incorporate into his daily speech is unbelievable.

7.  The boys have two half days this week.  They have asked to go the Atlantic Farms for one of the afternoons.  I think it would be a great day to spend the afternoon.  I was just there with Calleigh but I am sure she will love a return visit.

8.  I am totally over school lunches and snacks.  I am not sure why I despise making them so much.  Tonight I made them right after dinner so it wasn't so bad.  My kid are so simple too.  They eat a lot of options but for some reason I just dread it.

9.  The Voice....cannot get enough of it.  Between Blake and Adam not to mention so many amazing performaces.  I just love love love it.

10.  I have started thinking about Christmas gifts.  Anyone want to share ideas for six year old boys and three year old girl??

The Moment

This is the moment I told Frank it was confirmed  Cormac was profoundly deaf.  He leaned down and kissed him. 

He was not with me at the doctor that day.  He had used up all his time off while the boys were in the NICU so he had to go to work.  My Mom stayed with Ciaran and Colin while I took Cormac by myself.  At the time, it seemed like the worst day of our lives.  It seemed unreal.  It seemed like some type of nightmare I would wake up from.  We had no idea what was ahead of us this day.

When I look at this picture now I no longer cry.  It makes me love Frank more than I already do.  It makes me realize we were destined to have Cormac in our family.  This day changed our lives forever and I would never change any of it. 

In case you are wondering why I posted this picture today. I was cleaning out some boxes in the basement and came across it in a photo album.  It might be my favorite picture of Frank....ever. 

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Calleigh's MRI results are back.  I have only talked to her ENT about the results.  (Her neuroloigst and endocrinologist haven't gotten back to me yet UGH!)  I haven't seen the report myself yet.  According to the ENT the results were normal for what he was looking for except for her semicircle ear canals.  Apparently, you have three on each side.  They are filled with fluid and are responsible for balance.  When you spin in a circle the fluid moves around causing you to be dizzy.  When the fluid stops moving you get your balance back.  One of her canals appears to have no fluid in it.  Considering her balance issues it could be a contributing factor or it could not be a contributing factor.  It could also be it just appears that way on the MRI.  I will be interested in the neurologists take on it.

2.  Calleigh continues to make some big improvements.  Several people have commented on how she seems more steady on her feet.  We have been taking he to a private OT facility and I think they are really great with her.  Combine that with her going to school every day and getting services there she seems to be moving along.

3.  The boys progress reports came home on Friday.  I was very proud of them.  They all did very well but what made me happiest was their reading.  Cormac got outstanding and I wasn't surprised but Colin also got outstanding.  (that is the highest score)  I knew he could read but he is not one to show us how well he is doing.  And then there is my Ciaran.  My boy who has seemed to struggle in this area from the beginning.  He lacked so much confidence it made me sad.  Well, since school has started he has flourished.  He got "good" in his reading!  It's the step below Outstanding and above Satisfactory.  I could not be more proud of him.  He had been really trying so hard.  He is so excited to read his new books to me when he comes home and to Frank as soon as he walks through the door. 

4.  The truck...what can I say about our truck.  It is out of commission at the moment.  We are waiting for a part to come in to the tune of $2500.  When my truck is not working we can't go anywhere with the kids.  Frank's car can't hold 4 car seats (really, how many can??)  The mechanic gave it back to me and said I can drive it locally until it's repaired.  Thank goodness because walking the kids back and forth to two different schools is not easy!  Hopefully, it will be fixed by the end of the week.

5.  I cannot get enough of the show Parenthood.  I want to be a Braverman. 

6.  We had such a warm day on Sunday we went up to the beach.  The kids wound up in the water.  They found crabs and shells.  It was a great way to spend the day.

7.  Last night for dinner I made chicken, broccoli and bowtie pasta. (we didn't have any cavtelli).  I used the multi color pasta that has the vegetables added.  To say it was a hit is an understatement.  My kids at multiple plates of it!  They are usually pretty good eaters but I wasn't sure when you combined it all what they would think.  Nothing makes me happier than to hear my kids say they love their dinner and ask for seconds especially knowing it was all good stuff.  Colin said I should make it every Monday.

8.  I interviewed for a job as a newborn hearing screener at our local hospital.  The interview went really well and within an hour of leaving the interview they called and said they were starting my background check.  This issue is so near and dear to my heart.  If not for newborn screening I don't know when we would have realized Cormac was deaf.  I am so grateful every day he had the screening.  What I like about the company is they do the test by the bedside with the mother watching.  They are focused on education and follow up.  I will not know for about 2 weeks if I have the job.  I feel very confident I will get an offer.  This journey our family took all those years ago when Cormac was diagnosed has really opened so many doors for us. 

9.  Calleigh is having her first school pictures taken today at school.  I am hoping she cooperates. She normally loves her picture to be taken.

10.  Here are some pictures from our beautiful Sunday at the beach.

Hearing Health Magazine

I was asked to write an article for Hearing Health Magazine and it is featured in their latest fall issue.  I am excited to see it in print.  I am honored I was asked to write for them as well.  If you look on page 11 of the magazine you will see the article.  If you click here you will be directed to the current issue.  Scroll to page 10 and look for three smiling faces. 

When I wrote the article I was not aware of how many words I was allowed.  The article I submitted was longer than it was supposed to be.  I was a little nervous about them editing the article but I am pleased with the end result. 

The Hearing Health Foundation is a wonderful organization. 

Anesthesia...again :(

Tomorrow Calleigh will have an MRI of her brain and pituitary.  She needs to have anesthesia because she would never stay still long enough for the test.  (It will probably take about 2 hours or so).  This will be the 6th time Calleigh will have anesthesia.  It scares the crap out of me and I really wish she didn't need it.  We are fortunate because three different doctors wanted an MRI and we coordinated so one MRI would cover all of them.

Calleigh's ENT wanted an MRI to take a look at her ear canals.  She is still testing with mild conductive hearing loss.  He wants to check out the structure of her ears.  The placement of tubes in her ears could even be the cause of the mild loss.  I am hoping it's the tubes.  Ciaran and Cormac have sensioneural hearing loss and not conductive loss. 

Calleigh's neurologist wanted a repeat MRI of her brain.  She had an MRI of her brain when she was six months old.  It showed she had benign hydrocephalus.  Everything else was normal.  Since we are still trying to get to the bottom of the balance issues her neurologist wants to take a look at her again.

Lastly, Calleigh's endocrinologist wanted to take a look at her pituitary.  She is still not a growth chart for height.  She is leaning towards starting growth hormone and we need to look at what is going on first.

I am hoping to get some answers about her balance and her very low tone but am not counting on it.  Calleigh also needs blood work for creatine kinase.  It could also give us some answers on her low tone.

Tomorrow will be a long day.  The smooch can't eat anything after 8:30am.  For those that know her well you know the girl likes to eat.  However, in the past she has never been too bad while being deprived a meal.  She can hang.  She is tough.  Our only request will be for milk and we will try our best to keep her busy.  She doens't go into the MRI unti 2:30 in the afternoon.  We only got this appointment so quickly because we were on a wait list.  Our actual appointment would have been December 12th!

Keep Calleigh in your thoughts and prayers if you could.

Ten on Tuesday

I seem to be neglecting my blog a little lately.  You would think now with all the kids in school I would have more time but it hasn't happened yet.  Calleigh isn't gone all day so it's not like a I have 8 hours a day to myself.  We have had lots of big changes this year.  Luckily, we have made the transition to first grade pretty smooth.  The boys are still learning first grade is not Kindergarten.  There are more rules to follow and serious learning going on.  It has been an adjustment for them.  A few bumps in the road but I am happy to report they have been three "shining stars"  for the last two weeks.  (They get a shining star sticker at the end of the day.)  They are so proud to run out and show me their star stickers.

Ok, let's get to the Ten on Tuesday:

1.  Calleigh continues to struggle with the school drop off.  Today I was late (on purpose) and it went a bit better.  I think I will be running late every day.  Just saying....

2.  Ciaran has struggled with his reading since we started trying to learn.  He gets so frustrated and lacks confidence.  Well, I am happy to report it has finally clicked.  He is doing amazing and is no longer struggling.  He is totally getting it and is right where he needs to be.  His confidence is up and he loves to come home and read me his books from school. 

3.  Colin is fully reading.  He has been reading since the Summer but he doesn't like to read to us to show us his abilities.  I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief for getting past the reading hurdle. 

4.  Calleigh has made huge leaps in speaking.  She really talks all the time now.  She still gets frustrated sometimes because I think she forgets she can talk.  She is stringing 3, 4 and 5 words together.  "I wear pink tutu"  "I got Mommy's bed"  "Where Daddy go?"  "I want milk please"  I a very pleased.

5.  We are still waiting on the MRI for Calleigh.  With three doctors asking for the MRI (ENT, Neurologist and Endocrinologist) it was tough to get all the scrips to the right place.  We are waiting on insurance approval.  Columbia also has a wait for an MRI.  I am hoping it's not too long.  I asked to be put on the cancellation list so we can go at any time.  The only problem with that is Calleigh has to have anesthesia for the MRI and she can't eat before anesthesia.

6.  Calleigh started private Occupational Therapy at a great center.  She has gone a few times and they are working primarily on her balance issues.  She is doing obstacle courses, climbing, tumbling.  You name it and they are doing it.  I am so pleased I found a place who truly understands her.

7.  The boys teacher of the deaf is great (anyone we have had from Summit has been amazing).  She sees the boys (Cormac and Ciaran) weekly.  She rotates their schedule so she sees them at different times.  It is working great.  She was surprised at how well the boys did in gym with no FM.  She couldn't believe how well they listened and were able to follow directions.  She also said she got to see another side of Cormac.  Normally, "he is so serious and focused in class" but on the playground "he was quite silly and giggling and playing" 

8.  I continue to be thrilled with our boys school.  I know many people think Parochial school is not possible for their children with hearing loss.  I plan on writing an entire post about it this week.  I am not saying it's easy and all schools will be the same but we are having a great experience. 

9.  Fall has arrived.  While I love fall and all things fall (apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay rides, farm trips, Halloween) it seems like someone just turned a switch and shut off Summer.  And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Summer. 

10.  Colin has his first surf lesson.  The day he went it was cold and raining and the ocean was really rough.  I was thinking the instructor might tell me it was too rough for him to go in but he didn't.  Colin had never been on a surf board before.  He taught himself to surf on a boogey board which is totally different.  The first wave he took in he rode in on his knees.  The second wave he caught he stood all the way up and rode it all the way to shore!  Not to shabby for a six year old.  He has incredible balance and looks like a natural on the board.  Of course, I missed taking video of him surfing but I took some pictures.

Here is the ocean.

Sitting on the dock of the bay...

 

 

We spent yesterday afternoon crabbing.   Richie and my Mom planned on coming down and take the boys since Richie has a friend whose house is on the bay.  We found out on Friday Trish, Dan and the kids were heading down to Lavalette so I told her to let the kids go crabbing while they went to Lavalette.  Frank and I decided to go with them crabbing. 

It was the most beautiful afternoon.  The sun was shining.  The sky was so perfect.  We tossed out some lines and the crabs started biting.  Lots of them were too small to keep but I caught a pretty big one.  We wound up only catching three big enough to keep so they got a reprieve and we through them back. 

It was the first time my kids had ever gone crabbing.  They loved it!   We will be crabbing again for sure.  Considering we can just go down the block from our house and crab anywhere we will have to get some crabbing supplies.

Crabbing cousins....better than crabby cousins, right??

                                                                          My catch

                                    Everyone waiting to see if the first line got a crab on it.

Just to make sure I have it on record.  Here are some recent funny quotes from the kids.

I was sitting in the truck with Colin, Cormac, Calleigh and my niece Devon.  Frank went into the Shoprite to pick up two things.  He was taking forever so I said to my niece "what is taking Uncle Frank so long?"  Before she could answer Colin says "maybe he asked someone to shave his back and his armpits".  Devon nearly fell off her seat laughing.  I have no idea what possessed him to say that.  It came out of nowhere. And really, what was he thinking???  Frank isn't even hairy!  And why was that his immediate answer??  I am still laughing so hard I am crying just thinking about it.

Cormac: Only one more sleep until A FULL DAY of school. I can't wait I am so excited. Colin: I am pretty sure I am going to totally love first grade. Ciaran: All we do at school is work, work, work. Yep, that pretty much somes up their personalities!

Calleigh has a few perfect sentences :"Where is the hot dog man? and I want the IPOD please" She has her priorities straight...

When you thought I wasn't looking....

This was posted on our school's website by one of the teachers.  I thought it was worth sharing.....




WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING.  A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

 When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a higher power I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in those thoughts.

 When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

 When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

 When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry

 When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Pre K 3

Calleigh started Pre K 3 on Thursday.  She starts school at 8:10 am which is exactly the same time the boys start.  Logistically it's a little difficult because you can't be in two places at the same time, right??  Getting four kids up, fed, cleaned up and all the rest by 7:50 can be challenging but it's been alright.  I drop the boys off at 8:00 and they line up for school.  I then hightail it over to Calleigh's school and just barely make it there by 8:10.

Her first day she was completely overwhelmed when we walked up and to the school.  There were a lot of families all waiting to go inside for the big first day.  Calleigh gets a little overwhelmed with lots of people and noise.  Normally, she does not want to be held.  She likes to walk but she immediately said "Mommy, hold you" (which means "hold me").  The aide for her classroom said I should walk in with her so she wouldn't get too upset on her first day.  I walked in with her and was telling he she was going to her classroom.  It is the same room she was in for the Summer but she had a different teacher.  When we got to her room she said "my cwassroom".  She went right to her seat and got in.  All smiles at that point.  I took that as my cue to leave.

 

 

According to her teacher she had a wonderful day.  She was happy and smiling.  When I went to get she ran out and tackled me.  She was yelling "Hi, Mommy" and hugging and kissing me.  I couldn't stand how cute she was at that moment. 

 

 

She is in an integrated class of 10 kids.  She is the youngest and the smallest in the class.  And when I say the smallest it's by ALOT.  I was sort of freaked out about how much bigger the other kids were but Calleigh is a tough chick.  She can handle herself pretty well. 

 

Here are some pictures of her before she left for the day.

 



Day two was a success too.  She walked in on her own without me going in with her. One of the other kids came up and gave her a hug before they went in.  So adorable. She had a great day again.  Her teacher said "she has her own little ideas and the cutest personality".  I love how she has an aide with her at all times.  It reassures me she won't get hurt or fall down and someone is keeping an extra close eye on her.

I miss her...alot but I know she is where she needs to be.  She will do so well.  The program she is in is a great program.  She was so tired the last two days when she was done she could barely walk!

All in all a great start to the school year for all the kiddos!  I am so thrilled they are all happy.  It makes sending them to school so much easier.

1st Grade

Not sure when it happened or how it happened but my babies started 1st grade on Wednesday! It seems like yesterday I was bringing them home from the hospital.  The phrase "the days are long but the years short" is so true. 

The boys were all pretty excited to go to school.  We had a meet and greet on Tuesday.  It was basically just to meet the teacher and let them see their classroom.  I took this opportunity to show their new teacher the FM system.  This is her first experience with the FM.  I also prepared binders for both Cormac and Ciaran.  They had information on their hearing history along with tips on teaching a child with hearing loss. 

At the meet and greet we were able to see the boys' classroom for the first time.  They loved finding their seats and seeing who would be next to them.  The boys are all in the same class but they don't sit anywhere near each other.   I also love how the desks are set up.  They are in a square letter "C".  Does that make sense?  Well, it works awesome for the boys.  They can see everyone in the class when they are speaking. 

The night before there first full day here is what they had to say:

Cormac: Only one more sleep until A FULL DAY of school. I can't wait I am so excited.

Colin: I am pretty sure I am going to totally love first grade.

Ciaran: All we do at school is work, work, work.

The next day was the first "official" day of school.  I was a little nervous about getting the boys up and out by 8am since we haven't done that all Summer.  The morning went really well.  I made a list for the mornings to make things go easier.  Everyone knows what they need to do before we leave.  (Eat breakfast, clear dishes, get hearing aids, get FM hooks etc)  This seems to be working for us.

We were out the door and off after a few pictures.  They were very excited to see their friends.  They were hugging lots of people.  The boys will continue to be in the same class this year.  Their seats are not near each other.  For now, this works for all of us. 

When I went to pick them up later here is what they had to say:

Ciaran: I loved it so much I don't want to leave.

Colin:  I thought Kindergarten was fun but first grade is even more fun

Cormac:  It was the best day ever.  I love school.

Sounds like a big success to me.

Their teacher used the FM all day with no issues.  They handed it off to the computer teacher with no issues.  The boys said it was up and running perfect all day.  Huge relief.  Their teacher of the deaf was changed this year.  Their new teacher is someone from Summit Speech school and she actually worked with Cormac when he was three years old and attended the school there for 8 weeks after he aged out of early intervention.  We are so lucky to have her again.  She has already been to the school and spoke with their teacher, has their schedules and is setting the date for the inservice.  I am so thrilled everything is set up and running so smoothly.

A few of the highlights for the boys"
1.  They each have a own locker in the hallway. (they share with two other kids)
2.  They no longer eat lunch in their classroom.  They walk to the cafeteria and eat.
3.  They love sitting in desks and not at tables.
4.  Colin loves he is "surrounded by girls".  (He has a girl on either side of him)
5.  Ciaran was so excited because his good friend has the same new shoes as him.

Lots of mixed emotions about them being in 1st grade. Honestly, their excitement and energy for school just makes me happy. Going to pick them up and the reaction I get is priceless. I know it won't last forever but man, do I love those running hugs/tackles they do.

Seeing them on the playground with their friends all just running and playing you forget it was no easy journey to get there. That is the thing...you actually forget for a few moments. You realize your kids are just like the other kids

Today when I went to pick them up their enthusiasm was still the same.  They had a great second day.  One of the other mothers from the class was in the class the first two mornings assisting the teacher.  She told me this afternoon "the boys are so good in class."  They listen to the teacher, they are very quiet and just so well behaved.  I asked few questions and she said "no, really, they are just so so good and you have nothing to worry about"  It completely made my day.  I know the transition from Kindergarten to first grade can be difficult.  Kindergarten is much more laid back.  In first grade they don't mess around.  I also purposely put them in the class with her very structured and organized teacher who is just great.

Calleigh started school today. I can't post about it tonight but I will. I think she deserves her own post for such a big milestone :)
                                                  
Here are some pictures.  They are looking so grown up and while I love seeing them flourish  I can't seem to feel a little sad how quickly it goes by.

                                                                       Ciaran

                                                                       Colin

                                                                    Cormac

 

Here they are from a year ago on their first day of Kindergarten!  Ciaran looks the most different to me.

 

Kite Flying

My sister, Robin, gave the kids a kite for their birthday.  Can you imagine we never used it until today??  I am not sure why we kept forgetting to play with it.  The boys asked a million times but it seemed like they always asked after we were up at the beach and we didn't get to it. 

Today we woke up to a not so great beach day but a amazing kite flying day.  We walked up to the beach and let it fly.....

                                                                  He was so excited!

                                                              It's a Space Shuttle kite.

                                                               Ciaran flying the kite

                                                                Colin loved it too!

                                                                Me and the Princess

                                                               Calleigh was loving it!

                                                And of course so time to goof around!