Ok, so it's been a very, very, very, VEEERRRRYYYY long time since I have posted.  So much has happened as the time has passed.  N is now starting 2nd grade in the Fall, A is starting Kinder.  I have a Master's Degree in School Counseling and M is getting the swim people to soar to high heights!!!

I am currently redecorating.  I have zero vision for what that will look like, yet I feel renewed as I feverishly post on craigslist and, one by one, watch items go.

The latest news is that N has been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder also referenced as Sensory Processing Disorder (this is not yet in the DSM V).  We have, for a long time, known that he was a brilliant boy that struggled a bit with making it all fit together.  This last year, that became more prominent as the stress of school, schedules and transitions were too much for him.  This diagnosis has given us a lot of insight to how his brain works and things we can do to help him learn how to manage himself in the world.  It's a day by day learning experience... I learned earlier last week, I just have to wait for the thoughts to be expressed.

As we were getting dressed for swimming lessons, we had a delightful conversation about equity between women and men:
N: Mom, I really want to wear my swim shirt to swim lessons today.
Me: Ok, sounds good, how come?
N: Because I don't want to show my nipples.
Me: Ok, how come?
N: Well, you know it's not fair.
Me: What's not fair?
N: Well, girls, you know like my sister, can't show theirs so I don't think I should show mine.
Me: Well ok, then, let's find your shirt.

WOW!  I had no idea that would be in his brain!

He will be going for an EEG on Thursday of this week to verify suspicion that he has absence seizures.  He and I wikipedia-ed the procedure and he is excited to look like a robot... he even asked if he would be able to bring the electrodes home (He thinks they would make a great costume!)!!

A has been a gem through this whole process, recognizing the appropriateness of being supportive and talking to and encouraging her brother when he is frustrated and helping to break tasks into small steps.  She deserves the best sister award... I hope I can show her what a special 5 & 1/2 year old she is!  She is VERY excited to be finished with Preschool and looking forward to Kindergarten.  Soon we will be searching for backpacks, pencil boxes, supplies and clothes!  I don't know who is more excited, A or me!!!  We just rearranged her room so she has more play space and can have her castle tent up all the time (thanks Grandma Sweetie!).  She has already planned play dates with friends to use it!

That's all for now!!!
LOVE from all of us.