50 Days in School

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this week has been full of ups and downs for our dear Alexzander without me bringing up the fact that Thanksgiving time is when we go through his toys and get rid of the ones he doesn't play with.

And let me say, I am SO THANKFUL for the Communication Notebook that Mrs. G has, because I don't think I would be able to remember everything that happens in Alex's week. I may not be able to write in it all the time because of my brain being so fried from homework and research, but it is possibly the best thing that I see in his bookbag every day.

On Monday, it snowed, and Alex loved that. He is a little mad that it didn't stick around, because then he knows that I am going to take him outside to pull him around on the sled again this winter. But I told him that it was coming because this is Wisconsin, and mom doesn't like being cold. So of course it is going to snow. And with snow, comes the music concert at school, which Alex really likes preparing for in music class. I see that the love of singing has definitely passed from mother to child.

Wednesday, however, was not a good day. He hurt another friend during recess, and he did say he was sorry, but I don't think he forgave himself for it. The rest of that day was rough on him. We talked about it when he got home, and I asked him why he kicked his friend, because Alex wouldn't do that for no reason. Of course, he didn't tell me, didn't want to talk about it. But I told him if he was touching him or making fun of him, to tell a teacher.

Which is where I am having a slight problem. I want Alex to be able to stand up for himself, to stand up to bullies. He doesn't have the words yet for that. I do want him to know he can tell adults when he is having trouble with another student, but I am afraid that if later, nothing comes of him telling adults, then what? I mean, I know the school system is not perfect, and often bullied students fall through the cracks. But then again, if anyone knows his Dad, then they really would be stupid to mess with him.

Thursday was their 50th day of school party, and it looks like Alex had a lot of fun!

Not sure which one of the other students she is, but apparently Alex likes her! This is good. I am glad he is making friends, let alone ones that he actually lets touch him! Their theme was The 50's, but Alex detested having his pant legs rolled up, even just a little bit. They had their party with the 1st Graders, which is good that Alex is exposed to the older kids as well.

Friday Alex had a good day again, I got home his quarterly report on his progress toward his yearly goals, but in the afternoon he was obviously tired from all of the fun they had this week. He has sufficient progress towards almost all of his goals, including him being able to name objects and actions when looking at stores, following his picture schedule, complying with directions, and even does the warm up exercises in physical education. But he was listed as having minimal progress of using verbal cues from the teacher when she is teaching them a new activity in phy ed, but he will attempt an activity after watching the other children preform the tasks required. He is making great progress toward his yearly goals already, and the school year is only about a quarter of the way done.

I went out with my best friend yesterday, Alex's Aunt/Godmama Bill. During our hours of talking, Alex came up numerous times, and she told me that she is so proud of him, and he is getting so big. I thought about it, and while working on his paper that I am writing for one of my classes, I have figured out that I think I have nothing to do with it. Alex is starting to get so close to Dad, and even though he still loves me, I think that he is starting to love Dad just as much, and realizing it. I now know what my mother has put up with in regards to how much Alex loves (and often prefers) Grandpa. I watch how Alex is when Dad is home, and then when he leaves for work he is sort of lost for a little bit. He still likes doing things with me, but I think that a part of him wishes Dad could be home, because Mom is kind of boring. While I was with Bill yesterday, Dad introduced Alex to the movie Elf, and Alex really likes it. He is watching it as I am writing this, and waiting for me to come back to cuddle.

A part of me is so proud of how Alex is growing up, and another part of me is so sad that my little boy isn't so little anymore. I am sure that all parents go through this, but I guess with my future chances of having children being so unknown, it makes me a little more sad. But I will never regret having Alex, even if the circumstances were far from ideal. He is truly amazing.