Preschool has begun!

Well, Preschool has officially begun for Reid. I had issues with sending him. Not because I didn't want him to go, or because I thought the program would not be good for him. Actually, just the opposite. I think that the structure and daily routine is good for him, and I think that having him go into the program that he is in is wonderful. It is a gift to Reid, for sure. Reid qualified to go because of speech issues. He really speaks quite well, and I am so proud of how far he has come. He tries to say anything you ask him to say, and usually with little difficulty. He does have lacking sounds and some nasality issues, but all in all, we are blessed by what his speech teachers have been able to accomplish with him so far.

Reid had an IEP written for him in the areas of speech and language development, and was able to go to a wonderful preschool program with speech services weekly targeted for his IEP goals. What a gift. And even more so, he can go for this year and the next two....with no cost. What a blessing. And my issues, you ask? He is my baby. Yes, he is stubborn and so strong-willed, but he is just 3, and he seems so little yet.

My mom was able to go to a Thanksgiving celebration in his class last week, and she was able to report that Reid was able to listen to directions, follow along, participate in a class "play" and even walked up to the microphone and clearly state, "I'm thankful for my family." Mom had wonderful things to report to me, and said that he just looked at home there. My heart is relieved. She took some pictures, and I wanted to share. Now, keep in mind, in his class are 3, 4, and 5 year olds. It's funny to see him as the "little one" because he is so big....but I think he is in good hands, and I think we are blessed to have him in this program.

Reid's class. Doesn't he look small!!!! He is the last one on the right.

My baby.....first in line for food! Wonder where he gets that trait????

This little one has a true place in my heart. This is Makenna. She was also born cleft. Her family and ours live in the same town, and have become great friends through this journey that we are on together. Reid and Makenna share a bond much deeper than just the cleft. They are, and hopefully will be, great friends for a long, long time.

How did I think he would not like preschool? I think this picture says it all. And I think everything is going to be just fine.