Summer is unofficially over when school starts, and this school year brought us a kindergartner and a preschooler. Andrew started kindergarten at Holy Rosary. While this is his third year at Holy Rosary, this is the first year he has to wear a uniform. I was a little worried because he has a severe aversion to collared shirts, but I was pleasantly surprised. No fussing. I guess he resigned himself to the inevitable. I have really enjoyed the uniform, as we have no more arguments in the morning about what to wear. I'm sure it's only a fraction of the drama that mothers of girls have to deal with. However, it was bad enough that uniforms were a welcome change in our house.
Andrew was very excited about kindergarten for another reason - they don't have to take naps. Andrew has not taken a nap in about a year now but was still required to lay down on his mat during nap time. This results in a bored child who most likely disturbs everyone else who is trying to sleep! He's loving the new schedule. Also, kindergartners get to eat lunch in the cafeteria, which makes him feel like a big kid. He buys is lunch sometimes (on good lunch days: corn dogs are his favorite, pizza, or chicken nuggets are acceptable as well) and usually buys milk. The kids can pick white milk or chocolate milk. Trying to convince a 5 year old not to get chocolate milk every day feels like a waste of time! However, I am very impressed with him on the days he gets the white milk instead. I know it's a tough choice for him, because chocolate milk is one of his favorites.
Noah started school at Sea Isle. They have a great preschool for special needs, with lots of resources for hearing impaired kids and speech therapy. While Noah is not hearing impaired, he does need some extra help with speech therapy, so this should be a great fit for him. I was worried about him, because he's the littlest fish in a big pond now! Of course, he had no trouble making the transition. Even on the first day, there was no clinging - he made himself at home and barely thought to wave goodbye to me. I think he will enjoy himself and learn lots.
The start of a new school year also brings another season of soccer. Andrew has really come a long way from last year. Of course, last year he had a caste on his arm for most of the season, and I think he really held back because of it. Now, he's much more willing to get into the action and run after the ball with his teammates.
Noah has also come a long way - in the spectator department. We can actually stay for the whole game without leaving early - such progress! Of course it helps that the weather has been great, so we are not baking out there in 90+ temps. Maybe this guy will be ready to join the team one day soon...
It's officially fall, and we have an action packed rest of the year ahead of us. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which means it's time to Step Up for Down Syndrome. The annual walk will be held on the 20th of this month, at the Botanic Gardens, as usual. It's a great time, and we encourage everyone to come out to support Noah and others with Down syndrome. If you are interested in learning more, check out Noah's page here.
