Changes

It's always fun for me to compare the photos from the first day of school to the last to see how much has changed in that period of time.  In looking back, the changes that we see are not just the physical ones, but the ones that describe who our children are, how they behave, what they have learned, their likes/dislikes, and makes them happy (and in Kailey's case, it's more like what makes her UNhappy).  

Colin's first full year of the preschool program came to a close yesterday and we are so happy with his placement and his team.  He has made so much progress with his communication and his teacher has said that his volume in talking with his friends and in front of his class has also increased.  His speech therapist found that what motivates his communication the most in their one on one sessions is to use pictures of his family.  She uses the ipad a lot with him and originally I was emailing her photos to use.  However, I have since shared the blog with her and now she accesses that to work on specific things with him.  Phyiscally, it's hard to believe that it wasn't that long ago that he still was not walking yet because he has taken off with running, jumping, dancing, etc.  We have also seen that his little temper is blooming as well (unfortunately, Kailey suffers the most from this) and managing behavior is something we are ALWAYS working on.  What we are finding right now is that he is deliberately (and at times, continuously) doing the things we ask him not to, and although I am finding that this is also an age appropriate thing, we also see with Kailey that she wills top much sooner than he will.  

1st Day of School: September 2012

Last day of School: June 2013

1st day of School: September 2012

Last day of School: June 2013

 Kailey's physical changes are the most obvious in her pictures.  She went from looking like a little baby to such a big girl.  We get asked a lot if they are twins because she grew so tall so fast that she just about caught up to Colin.  Educationally, Kailey has grown so fast as well and we are often amazed at the things she says to us (she has quite a little vocabularly and is speaking in full sentences) as well as the things that we find she can do.  Her counting, shape identification, alphabet recognition and even writing skills have drastically (and quickly) improved.  We also find that HER behavior needs some improvements as well because most of how she handles things is to throw herself on the ground and cry and scream about things.  I am often annoyed, but try  not to be, at this because some days it's just really tough to take.  We keep our consistency in dealing and managing it, but it can be rough at times!  Unfortunately, I found out at the dentist yesterday that ALL of her 2 year molars are yet to come through so I have a feeling we have some tough times ahead!  Aside from that, she is growing into such a big girl in many ways!

1st Day of School: September 2012

Last day of School: June 2013

1st Day of School: September 2012 (Some things do NOT change)

Last day of School: June 2013

Colin and Kailey's relationship TOGETHER has also changed in many ways.  They have learned how to play together more often than not.  Kailey is little Miss Bosspants and tells Colin what to do, where to go, and how to do things.  He enjoys following her lead though because when given the opportunity, he often will pass it off to Kailey.  As much as they have learned to play together, we have really had to keep the two wrestlers apart when they aren't getting along.  Colin doesn't tolerate her tantrums very much and we often have to keep him from screaming "that's enough!" at her.  She doesn't like it if he interrupts what she is doing and will make that very clear to him.  

1st Day of School: September 2012

Last day of School: June 2013