And they are back...

The drum set had gone away for awhile. We weren't sure how Terefech would react to them so we put them up in the attic. The deal with Declan was that we would see how things went and then decide if and when we could bring them down.

We soon realized that not much phases Terefech. She is game for new experiences. Unlike Declan, noise does not bother her. And, she likes what her brother likes. He likes drums, so she likes drums.

We said we would bring them down after the beach and after we had cleared a space for them. For those of you who don't know, we live in under 1400 square feet so a drum set is a tight squeeze for us. With some efficient toy rearranging and a little cleansing of non essential box sculptures, we had procured a space.

This afternoon has been a noise filled extravaganza. Put pictures of both of them in the seat to show that they did let each other take turns at one point. Notice the ear protection...think Rich and I will need some soon.

Confirmation of your decision

You know when you make big decisions and you just hope they are right. Today it was confirmed. We were right to switch him to a different school.

Declan: I love my school. I want to go there for high school and college.

What a difference a week makes!

Beach trip

We managed to squeeze a few days at the beach this summer. We really wanted Terefech to experience the beach since she loved the pool so much. We stayed in a house on Tybee Island which is near Savannah. It was on the marsh, had a great view and was just a short walk to a yummy restaurant. We love the island for how quiet it was and about as untouristy as you can get at the beach.

Terefech loved the water, riding the waves, and jumping into waves. We would often hold our breath as she just disappeared under the water only to appear 5 seconds later 10 yards away. She thought it was hysterical.

We went on a dolphin tour which was incredible. The boats go to where dolphins hang out and you just cruise around. We saw a pod of about 20 dolphins headed somewhere. The highlight was seeing the mother and baby dolphins swimming along together. The baby dolphins were only about a yard long and would jump out of the water. What an incredible experience!

I think one of Declan's highlights was the hammerhead shark. It washed up on the beach and Papa was the first one to spot it. Declan was intrigued by it and ran right up to touch it. He was thrilled that he got to touch a hammerhead shark!

This was our first day at the beach and Terefech's first time in the ocean. She was so excited and a little scared. That only lasted about 30 seconds. Once she realized it wasn't going to swallow her up, she was good to go. It is so amazing to watch somebody experience things for the first time.

Changes in our lives

This summer has been filled with changes...obviously. And they have just kept coming. We have had changes in jobs and schools for all of us. It has been a big challenge for all of us!

Rich is now the assistant director of nursing at RHA Howell-Clear Creek. This is a facility for children and adults who are mentally retarded and have significant health problems. He has switched to a 5 day a week work schedule which has been a big change for us. Rich has been on some kind of other schedule for years. It has been hard on the kids having him gone all week but we are getting used to it.

I am on a 12 month leave from my job as a part time special education teacher. I decided to take a leave at the last moment because I got another part time job. I am working a couple of hours a week at Metrolina Regional Scholars' Academy which is a charter school for gifted students. They have had some students identified with special needs and just needed someone for a few hours. It is going to allow me to take the kids to school and pick them up, participate in school activities, etc. I am excited for a new challenge and for the chance to be home a little more. The plan is I will go back to my other job next year.

Declan has started kindergarten. We are on school #2. He spent a week at his first school. He started off excited about school and ended the week crying, not wanting to go, not sleeping well, not eating well, and generally overly stressed about school. After a very unsatisfying conversation with his teacher at the end of his first week, we brainstormed what we would do. Our plan had been to give it another week. Fortunately, we didn't have to. In the Sunday paper, there was an article about a school being modeled after the charter school we had really wanted him to go to. I emailed the director, we met with her and the educational consultant that afternoon, and Declan went to "open house" on Monday. After his first staggered entry day, this school got a two thumbs up. We are so excited that he is happy at school again and at peace with our decision to switch him.

Terefech has been dealing with all of this change like a trooper. She so missed Declan his first week of school. There were tears and lots of conversations about why everyone was leaving and she wasn't going anywhere. It was actually good for her I think that Declan ended up being home a couple of days before he started kindergarten. Gave her a little break. I do think she enjoys having me to herself as well as spending time with her grandparents when I do have to go to work. She starts preschool next week so we'll see how that transition goes. Declan has been telling her how much fun she is going to have and I think she believes him.

So...we are excited to get all of these changes in place and once again settle into a new normal for our family. Here are some recent pictures....