Back in Jan we started Brady at the local Montessori School 5 days a week. We were nervous about 5 days, but thats what Montessori believes helps children adapt to change. Well, needless to say at the end of our 5th week both Brendan and I had had enough of the crying, throwing up and bloody noses. Bradys teacher actually approached me first and recommended we pull him out. So thats what I did, that day! At that point I tagged on to friends who homeschool and we began that journey. So far so good. We are extremely pleased with Brady's development. He is becoming much more sociable and confident. However, we still struggle with his speech. Public schools hate parents like me, unfortunately. It just doesn't seem right to me. I have a child with special needs who requires therapy and because I do not have him enrolled in their public schools they fight me on everything. Fortunately though I have an amazing parent advocate and wonderful support through local friends. It's amazing to me how many other families are in similar situations. Very sad though because it's the children who loose. So I have decided to reach out and help other parents find and get the resources they need for their children. I was all alone for Brady's first IEP (Brendan was deployed). It was awful. I cried a lot and I don't want other parents to go through what I did. Once you who know who to contact and how their "system" works its not that scary. So, I am helping my first family this week. It's funny because they are going through the same maze that I did. I actually ran into a mom last night at the park who approached me crying over what the Special Ed department was telling her. Its so frustrating. Oh well, we learn, and then help others!
Today we decided, with Brady's help that we were going to try "school" again. We decided not to do MOntessori only because 5 days is too much for him. He will start at a local Baptist church here in O'Fallon. I also don't think that Homeschooling is for us (nor do I believe I am cut out enough to take on that challenge) but if it's what we need to do then I am prepared to do what is necessary. Brady will start next Tuesday, and go 2 days a week. School is 9:30a-1:30p so it will be a long day for him. He is nervous, but excited because he has friends at this school. I am also trying to get Drew enrolled, but right now they only have a 1 day a week program open for 2's. Deciding to put Brady back in school was hard, but now that we have made the decision we feel really good about it. I only hope Drew isn't mad at me. He's the one who keeps asking to go to school! So keep your fingers crossed for us.
Today while I was working on language with Brady, Drew was playing with the plastic letters. Drew must have been down on the ground for 30 minutes by himself. Finally I looked down and asked Drew what he was working on. He told me "busy momma!" So I said "ok Drew, you finish your work and then we will go outside for a break." He didn't respond, which is typical of Drew. Once he is busy he is busy and he does not like to be interrupted! Well Brady finished, got down and said "hey momma, Drew spelled his name!" Sure enough there was "DREW" spelled out on the floor. Although the "W" was an upside down "M" Well shoot dang Drew! Its crazy how much he retains from what Brady is working on. Drew has an amazing memory and a stubborn level of patients. He really is ready for more of a challenge. The challenge for me at home has been Brady's level of confidence. Brady does not like seeing Drew work on what he is working on. Brady always tells me to let Drew "color". So for now Brady will start school and I will be able to challenge Drew more at home.
These dudes are crazy but I love them so much. I will miss Brady while he is at school but I have to keep reminding myself that it is only 2 days a week! So, I need to get over it!!!
In the mean time we have a few more activities planned before fall is over and our trip to cali. Brady has decided that he wants to be a firefighter, and Drew I think Tigger, but thats still debatable. The boys are so excited because they will be able to go trick-or-treating with their nini and papi in cali! We are loving having Brendan home right now. Hopefully he will be home until he leaves again Oct 30th for 6 weeks. The boys really need him, and I do too. It's fun being "married".
