It's the end of an era...
This was our lst week of Early Intervention therapy. Truly the end of an era. The girls have been in EI since they were 13 months old, and some of our therapists have been with us since the very begining. It was really sad to say goodbye to these folks - they've been part of our everyday life for what felt like forever. Our schedule has revolved around our various therapies. MY schedule.
It feels like yesterday that I was in their annual review last summer, fighting for additional therapy, fighting for 20 hours of therapy a week per girl. I'm glad I did it, because the girls have made amazing progress in the last year. Watching them over the last couple of weeks has really driven home the point that (a) yes, they're ready for school, and (b) they need to be in a new environment to continue to progress. There's a reason that EI stops at 3 - the kids reach a point where they realize that the therapist is a stranger in THEIR house, and adopt a "screw you" attitude.
This last year brought us the amazing team of therapists that we finally managed to put together. I was so pleased with the way they all worked together, the way they communicated with each other, and with me. We were truly blessed. I'm thankful that the girls are going to continue to see their ABA teachers (who work at the school the kids are going to). In fact, when S. and D. get off the bus on their first day, they'll see Debbie and Lisa, and hopefully that will make everything ok. I made the decision to put the girls on the bus right from day one - I'm afraid that Miss Princess won't want to separate from me. DH is reluctant to put them on the bus...but I think its for the best. We will, however, be following the bus, make no mistake.
This is going to be a difficult transition not only for the girls, but for me too. I've been so deeply embroiled in the girls therapy - I'm in it, I saw it every day, and its like I was a seventh therapist. I'm going from that, to NOTHING. When the girls are in school, I'll have NO CONTROL. Only a little notebook that will be used to communicate with the girls' teachers and therapists. I am FREAKING OUT. I'm already seeing that this is going to be an adjustment.
I was totally blown away by the fact that the school doesn't send out a note to new parents. Nothing elaborate - just a note that says, "hi, we know your kid is coming...here's what to pack for them on the first day...etc etc". Instead the school is now fielding calls from legions of nervous newbie moms. I plan to get involved with the PTA - and be opening my big-ass mouth whenever I can.
The other day I began thinking about a doctor's appointment I needed to make, and said to myself, "I need to call mom and find out what her schedule is..." and then I realized...no I don't. Once the girls are in school, I can come and go as I please. How about THAT!? For the first time since the girls were born, I'll be able to leave the house when I want, and not worry about when I have to get home/is anyone available to watch the girls/what therapist is coming next...?
I was in the supermarket today, buying little treats to put in the girls' lunchboxes, when it all hit me...and there I was in the produce aisle, getting choked up.
I'm such a sap.
I'll be doing some test runs with the girls this weekend - they'll be getting picked up at 7am for school - yikes. Someone hook up my Starbucks IV drip.
It feels like yesterday that I was in their annual review last summer, fighting for additional therapy, fighting for 20 hours of therapy a week per girl. I'm glad I did it, because the girls have made amazing progress in the last year. Watching them over the last couple of weeks has really driven home the point that (a) yes, they're ready for school, and (b) they need to be in a new environment to continue to progress. There's a reason that EI stops at 3 - the kids reach a point where they realize that the therapist is a stranger in THEIR house, and adopt a "screw you" attitude.
This last year brought us the amazing team of therapists that we finally managed to put together. I was so pleased with the way they all worked together, the way they communicated with each other, and with me. We were truly blessed. I'm thankful that the girls are going to continue to see their ABA teachers (who work at the school the kids are going to). In fact, when S. and D. get off the bus on their first day, they'll see Debbie and Lisa, and hopefully that will make everything ok. I made the decision to put the girls on the bus right from day one - I'm afraid that Miss Princess won't want to separate from me. DH is reluctant to put them on the bus...but I think its for the best. We will, however, be following the bus, make no mistake.
This is going to be a difficult transition not only for the girls, but for me too. I've been so deeply embroiled in the girls therapy - I'm in it, I saw it every day, and its like I was a seventh therapist. I'm going from that, to NOTHING. When the girls are in school, I'll have NO CONTROL. Only a little notebook that will be used to communicate with the girls' teachers and therapists. I am FREAKING OUT. I'm already seeing that this is going to be an adjustment.
I was totally blown away by the fact that the school doesn't send out a note to new parents. Nothing elaborate - just a note that says, "hi, we know your kid is coming...here's what to pack for them on the first day...etc etc". Instead the school is now fielding calls from legions of nervous newbie moms. I plan to get involved with the PTA - and be opening my big-ass mouth whenever I can.
The other day I began thinking about a doctor's appointment I needed to make, and said to myself, "I need to call mom and find out what her schedule is..." and then I realized...no I don't. Once the girls are in school, I can come and go as I please. How about THAT!? For the first time since the girls were born, I'll be able to leave the house when I want, and not worry about when I have to get home/is anyone available to watch the girls/what therapist is coming next...?
I was in the supermarket today, buying little treats to put in the girls' lunchboxes, when it all hit me...and there I was in the produce aisle, getting choked up.
I'm such a sap.
I'll be doing some test runs with the girls this weekend - they'll be getting picked up at 7am for school - yikes. Someone hook up my Starbucks IV drip.
posted by scrappintwinmom @ 11:25 PM
1 Comments:
At 12:22 AM,
Unknown said…
Hello via Michelle!
Those first days of school are the worst. Once you get through them, it will be fine.
I work in the Spec. Ed dept. of our local school district. Don't worry that you will be losing touch. I am sure your girls' team will keep you in the loop. And appreciate input from home. I know if we had more involved parents like you, our goals would be easier to achieve. Keep going mommy!
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