Take 5 minutes and watch the following.
It DOES help those little ones!
It certainly helped our little Julianna. We are actually in the vid
Who needs another tie, toy, or hand lotion set?
Take 5 minutes and watch the following. It DOES help those little ones! It certainly helped our little Julianna. We are actually in the vid
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Nice weather on Sunday for some late fall full.
The three youngest kids enjoyed some outside play time with Daddy. Each year since I have been married to Kenny,he has insisted on taking a "first day of school photo- Licata tradition apparently. So, as time went on, each year, we would take an opening day photo of anybody that started school.
This year, we were challenged.... Here are the reasons - 1. Mom didn't start school on day one this year. 2. Dom and Francesca drove to Bishop McDevitt and left at 6:35am most mornings. 3. Gabby had swim practice from 5:30-6:30am M,W, & , which meant Kenny or I was with her. 4. Tuesday morning was gym day for Vincent so he didn't have his regular uniform on. 5. Julianna didn't start school until near the end of September. 6. Angelo started pre-school on October 12. 7. Gabby and Vincent didn't leave for school until 7:35am most mornings. So....On Columbus Day, before Gabby and i left for a funeral, Kenny took a photo of the six kids for their "traditional" opening school day photo. Check out how enthusiastic Vincent and Dominic are in the photo. Julianna got her glasses on Tuesday, October 12. So far…she keeps them on at school and when we push her to at home. We got the 2 year warranty on these glasses that you can bend in any direction …and yes, they are scratch resistant. I think she will get used to them. They are quite strong.
I was pleased with the new place we went to eyeglasses for Julianna. Kenny’s insurance covered most of the cost. I made an eye appointment for Vincent, who had an exam on Monday, October 11. Yes, he needed glasses too. So, we ordered them and they will be here by the end of the week. He has a convergence issue as well as being farsighted. He will only be wearing his for his homework and school time. Take a gander at J’s new look with her glasses. Angelo turned three years old today. It's funny how we in the western world are so consumed with age...but three...it's a magic number in the world of early intervention. We now have an IEP for Angelo and he is covered for his services by the Intermediate Unit in this area of the state. He will be attending class (and yes, riding a bus) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings. He will receive, Sp & Lang, OT, PT, and of course support for his cognitive development from a special education teacher. We visited yesterday...I think he's ready. Mom is definitely not. Mom was very melancholy all day today...just can't believe he's three already...and neither can his sisters!
We had red velvet birthday cake and Ang blew out all the candles....hopefully there will be pictures to post on this blog when Daddy gets "aroundtoit" :)! All is well in our life. We are very blessed and appreciative of the life that God has chosen just for us! (Took that from Fr. Speitel's homily...he'd be happy to know that he made our blog!) Until later.... Angelo's mommy Angelo performed in his first concert on Saturday, October 2, 2010. He was the youngest of 13 performers...and we think the cutest. Listen and enjoy for yourself. This is the standard phrase that Julianna's teacher taught her to say when she leaves school each day. She cheerfully tells her busdriver each night, "See you tomorrow, " when she is dropped off at the door. Julianna also uses the phrase when we leave the house for a short period of time. We are working on "See you later."
The cutest observation the other day was when Angelo, after breakfast, announced "Bubble bath," - it was loud and clear! There was no misunderstanding what he was asking for...before I could respond, Julianna said in word and sign, "Later, Angelo, later." How adorable! And there are those who think that my children can't communicate. Today, Julianna motioned in gesture as though she wanted to drink from a straw. I knew what she wanted, but instead said, "What do you want?" She said in words, "Juice please." So...if required, Julianna will use the words that she has learned. Julianna and Mommy do clash at times, especially when Julianna doesn't listen and she wants to do things "her way." For example, today, I told Julianna that it was time for her homework. She said, "nyet (no)" and ran off. I calmly said, "Julianna, your teacher asked you to do this work with me...we must do it before school today." "Nyet," was her response. So, I tried a number of other ways to convince her that she must do the homework. Finally, I told her that I would count her and time-out would ensue if she didn't get started on the homework. After one time out, she figured it was better to listen to Momma. She does not like to sit in the time out chair. She cries and tells me how sorry she is for not listening. After a 3 minute time-out...she gets out ot he chair , gets a hug, and is reminded to listen to Momma. The last two days at lunch...Angelo has fallen asleep. I've attached a couple of the priceless pictures that are worth more than these words. More to follow soon... Annie Yes, it's the same author...just had a thought to share.
I went to family fitness center that we joined. Gabby swam at 5;30AM practice and I walked/ran on the treadmill. I had never taken Gabby in the morning....it has always been Kennny who goes and works out, while I work out at home. So...this was a new experience for me. I looked around - surveyed the area - watched what others were doing. I noted the people whom I had seen or met before at various swim events. I noted a few parishioners from my church. I watched others who were looking at me as if i took "their" equipment. Then it hit me. I could somehow in a very small way feel how Julianna must feel most of the time when she enters a new situation - looking for clues, listening, watching behavior, seeking familiarity (like Mr. Mike at the pool after one visit :) ) - she is demonstrating normal behavior...just like we all do when we enter into a new situation. Yet, she is doing it with such grace and confidence...with limited understanding of our language (although it is increasing every day). I think her advantage is LOVE. She is now loved and feels loved and appreciated. She in return has a whole host of family members and family friends to love. And even her own "teacher" to please! What a champ! Have a g Today was another awesome day for Julianna. What a blessing to receive a detailed follow-up to Julianna's first day! I have copied the text that we received from one of the special education coaches who was with her all day, shadowing her to support her success toda...and successful she was indeed! Please read below...and peek at the pictures that Kenny posted in the previous blog...Enjoy...Annie
Julianna had a very good first day! She located her name in the cubbie area and placed her belongings in her space with one cue. Her table group is "yellow". She joined the class on the rug area and listened and watched all the other students during opening activities(calendar, weather, songs and a story). I sat back from the group and she occasionally would look back at me and give a beautiful smile. I gave her a nod and she turned her attention back to Mrs. Nowlan each time. Toward the end of the activities, she started to stretch out on the floor. Mrs. Nowlan directed her to "sit up" and she quickly responded. Next was journal time and I did sit next to her to assist with the task. Mrs. Nowlan had made a sentence strip for her to copy the sentence starter as the class copied it from the board. Julianna was very focused on the writing. She was fascinated by the large erasers at her table and methodically erased and brushed the crumbles from her paper. She definitely likes order and is tidy. I did redirect her to her work and told her no more erasing for now. When she finished her work she chose a puzzle to complete. She did a number puzzle and a Goofy puzzle. She transitioned easily between activities. Next was computer class, navigating an alphabet activity. She did wear the headset, but really wanted to "type" on the keyboard. She wanted to do the mouse by herself and didn't want my help, but when she kept clicking and opening other items, she did allow me to assist and get back to the site. The next class activity was letter/sound association, with Mrs. Nowlan showing the class photographs and choral response. Julianna participated and copied the gestures being used without any cueing from anyone!!!! The last photo was a yellow tulip and she pointed to the yellow crayon in the basket. She was all smiles when I held it up and showed the teacher that she recognized the similarity. The guidance counselor presented a mini lesson on how she helps students with their feelings. The students had to draw a picture of something that makes them happy. Julianna and I talked about her playing ball and she drew some circles and colored them. Mrs. Kaloz asked the students to raise their hands if they wanted to share their picture. She volunteered and was so proud to have the teacher show her work. Indoor recess was the end of the day. Julianna got her snack and then played with a Lite Brite. Another student, Alison joined her and when I asked her to tell her new friend her name she did. When it was time to leave, Mrs. Nowlan asked the one other student getting picked up to help Julianna to the cafeteria area. Olivia told Julianna that she would teach her English, if Julianna would teach her, her language. It was precious. |