Thursday, February 28, 2008

More Vacations...

Chris and I don't know what to do with ourselves...

Cooper left town with Nana yesterday for his own little vacation to San Diego. All reports are that he is doing great- they went to the zoo today, and he was having quite the time bossing Nana and PopPop around. (Is he even going to want to come home??)

It's such a funny time right now, with a new baby coming soon, and Cooper moving so quickly into preschool. The school where I teach houses the preschool where our little group will go. He got his backpack right before he left for points south, and has been wearing it all around the house the last few days, making sure, of course that everyone noticed it. "Back...pack..."

I met with the specialists in the school district Wednesday for the "qualification" meeting. This basically says that he's delayed enough to qualify for special education preschool. Hmmmm...how does a mom think about that? On one hand, I want him not to need it, so I point out how far he's come, how much he can do, and how well he adapts. On the other hand, he does need specialized instruction, or at least extra support to continue to do as well as he's doing so far. So, do I want his scores to be low, or high???

I feel like the impact of speech delays is just becoming clear to me. Cooper's just now beginnning to put two words together- "Go cat!", or "Oooooh baby!", or his favorite, "No, that (dat)!" It's not that he's not coming along swimmingly, but it's just hard for him. It takes his little brain so much work to get the words out sounding right. I can see how, as he gets older, his delays will continue to have an increased impact on his relationships with his peers, and I'm sad for that possibility. Even in our community that is so supportive and loving, it's just different- it takes more work for kids to communicate with Coop, and to understand what he's trying to say. Blah.

So, I'm thankful for all the things that are going well, and the amazing community that we get to be a part of, and looking for the best in all of us.

4 comments:

Nordmark family said...

What an exciting time for you guys! Are you home alone? I bet that feels realy wierd but also nice. Just love to see what you are up to from your blog. Enjoy your time before the new baby comes!! I can't even imagine #2 yet! Love, Kate

Eva and her 'rents said...

Amen, sister. It's that whole "two freight trains" metaphor.

Anonymous said...

Cooper, I love you. I loved your pictures so much. I love how well you're walking. I'm impressesed with Cooper holding the ice cream and eating at the same time. Can't wait to see you soon. Say hi to Chris and Gretchen.
Love from your friend Maggie

Sandi said...

Cooper you are one WELL TRAVELED little boy! I envy your iteneraries :)

I'm so glad to hear that Cooper, Eva, Max and Dylan will continue their educations together. What wonderful friends to have stay together.

Glad to hear your pregnancy is going well. I can remember that last month or so was so tiring for me. Hang in there!