Off to Preschool

I know--two posts in one week, but with such awesome news, we just had to share. Today was Declan's first day of preschool. I think it's still hard for it to sink in--it's super amazing and exciting that he's made it this far, that we've made it this far, and that it really has been three years since his birth. I think it makes it harder because he develops at such a slower pace than other kiddos that we sometimes realistically forget his true age. We just go by "Declan age" at home, and it works just fine, but until the rest of the world goes by "Declan age," we keep plugging along. Plus, so many times we've also had to take it in little moments of survival that we haven't been able to look to the future, so it kind of sneaks up.

As for preschool, Declan will be attending in the afternoons two days a week at one of the local elementary schools. We know he's going to love it and learn so much because he is super nosy, and they also have a lot of toys and developmental equipment to use for him.  It is still going to be a massive change for him to get used to, though, especially with missing out on nap time.

He started by having the bus pick him up at daycare. Amy was awesome to send us a picture (We knew being there for the pickup would be extra weird for him--he wouldn't understand why Mom or Dad showed up to put him on a strange vehicle.)

Doesn't he look so grown-up in a tiny sort of way? It's a good thing they don't have a weight requirement to ride, or this kiddo would be out of luck, since he borderline meets the minimum in his car seat to turn him forward facing even.

He spent the rest of the afternoon playing and doing all sorts of things. The teacher already informed me he's a class favorite, and that they'll spoil him to no end. Today he firmly let them know he didn't want his snack by throwing it repeatedly, and the typical peer in his room thinks he's the best thing ever, so he already has made friends. He also got to play in the ball pit, and his teacher, Miss Julia, said he loved it.

After the fun, he headed home. The whole family got to be home to see him get off the bus.

 I would have taken a couple more pictures outside of the bus, but it was starting to thunder and lightning, so I wanted the driver to be able to get on her way to drop the other kiddos off in case of rain. Apparently he was not a fan of the ride home, as he cried because the other kids were being quite loud, and he was exhausted by then, too.

Clearly this kiddo was worn out after his first day. He fell asleep not long after being home. Note that he was still clutching the string he was playing with (one of his favorite toys), and yes, one arm is stuck under the couch. We finally had to wake him up at five for dinner, or I think he would have slept all evening. 

I think he's ready to do it again, though!

Yipee, Yipee, Someone's Three!

Brotherly love at 6 a.m.

 Today was Declan's third birthday. It was such a monumental day for so many reasons, and every birthday that comes for him brings so many emotions, but above all else, we are thankful. Thankful for all of the prayers that have been answered for this child, for all of the positive developments he continues to slowly make, and the laughter and fun he brings us regularly. While he has caused more than a lifetime's worth of worrying and difficulties, we couldn't imagine it any other way and we are just thankful that he gets to be a part of our lives.

We had his party yesterday, keeping it low key with just some family. This was perfect for Declan since he sometimes becomes overwhelmed with too many people and too many loud noises. He was more into opening the gifts than I thought he would be, but the paper was still definitely the more fun part of it. And yes, he wore a necklace--this was a recent new purchase to help with his oral sensory need, and they have been a lifesaver. For yesterday, though, we'll call them his party beads.

After the party, Callum got to play baseball with his Great-Papaw. It's not every kiddo that gets to play with a ninety-one year old!

 Declan got to swing, which is still one of his favorites. I think he was unimpressed by the lack of attention he was receiving at this point, though.

The best grandparents/great-grandparents!

 Today we spent a basic day relaxing. We would like to celebrate by taking Declan to the Children's Museum, but after the party yesterday, we decided to relax and celebrate that later. Declan didn't seem to mind getting to stay in his pj's all day.

The birthday boy

Official Squeaks Picture

His birthday definitely brings a range of emotions, as it always does, but this year is a bit more because it signifies the end of his early intervention services. We now have to sign him up for some outside services, which he definitely still needs. Also, on Tuesday, this tiny kiddo will officially start preschool at the local elementary! He will go two days a week in the afternoons I know he will love it--he loves being around others and is always nosy, so I'm hoping the other kids will push him to improve his abilities. On the other hand, changes always bring about filling out numerous forms, which is never easy to do, especially when some focus on development. We know he's come so far from the dark early days, but it sometimes doesn't make it any easier to check "no" for almost all basic milestones for his age. I just wish they had a choice for marking cuteness and stubbornness. He'd pass those easily!