Thursday, December 1, 2011

1st Day of School

Laik entered the world of "school" today.  And like every mother before me, I am sad, but very happy.  Todd and I toured the Siskin Children's Institute the Monday prior to Thanksgiving.  We agreed that it was the perfect place for Laik to be.  Luckily, a spot was available for us to attend two days a week.  (and we found out, we will get a third day beginning in January)  Just yesterday on November 30, we had our meeting with the TEIS team and the Siskin team to set new goals for Laik while attending the Institute.  And today, December 1, 2011 was Laik's official first day!  What a way to begin such a special holiday month.  We have so much to celebrate this holiday season!  The journey is just starting...

After several stops and an intense search for an "art smock" I was finished with the "Supply List" for his class.  We labeled all our goods, double checked that we had everything, and packed the bag.  Oh, and chose the "first day" clothes, and we were ready to go.

Laik was up at 6:30 am this morning, it was as if he knew he had to get up early today.


We arrive, yes, all three of us, and enter the butterfly gate to the main entrance! Siskin has such a beautiful area for the children to play.  (Weather permitting, the children go out twice a day.) 
 Daddy and Laik are at it again, the big first day is an event to be documented.


Down the hall and checking everything out!  And there is plenty to see.  


Here is his classroom door.  I did get teary eyed when I saw the ornament (purple) with Laik's name!


In the classroom, meeting Laik's new friends!


Ms. Amber, Laik's teacher.  How long will it be before he has her wrapped around his little finger, too??


The classroom view, Ms. Mary, our classroom Foster Grandmother, is in the rocker waiting on her babies to arrive for the day!  


A view from the other side of the room.  (Look at "security" checking out the new friends and teacher!)


Friends playing and making the "new kid" feel welcome.


Is that an Alligator Xylophone??  Oh, Laik is going to be just fine....possibly his favorite toy!


The two of us having our "serious" conversation about the day ahead!  ;o)


And then, I left.....I made it to the parking lot exit before the waterworks turned on!  I just left my baby with complete strangers!  The feeling I had when I left him in the NICU was just the same....he is supposed to be with me!  But then I returned at 3 pm and found this precious boy in the swing!


He was smiling and laughing, all the while with his hair blowing in the wind!  And in different clothes....he introduced Ms. Chris to some of his "fountain" potty skills during a diaper change!


Laik and Ms. Chris.  Looks like he might be trying to swoon her with an apology about the diaper.


And then, it was time to go back inside.  This might have been my favorite thing to see!  He and his friends look like they were at an amusement park on a ride.  Their "ByeBye Buggy" was the cutest site to see!  I am unable to share all of my pictures, out of respect for other families, but it was so dang cute!


Look at them!  He does look like the big boy on the top row!!!


Back in the car and headed home to tell Daddy all about the great day!


Overall, two big claps....which in Laik's world means.....I LIKE IT!!!  GIVE ME MORE AND DO IT AGAIN!


His daily report included, THE diaper event, a breakfast of cornflakes with milk, a lunch with tacos and black beans, a  nap of 3 hours (not unusual for the new kid adjusting to the schedule), PT and meeting 10 new friends!  

We are going to like this....we go back next Tuesday!  

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful House Full!

Thanksgiving is such a special time to spend with family and friends.  This year, Todd and I welcomed my mother's side of the family for dinner!  And the house was filled with great food and laughter!  To be exact there were 45 of us this evening, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!  

My most precious two, Todd and Laik!


People were spread out everywhere to eat!


And the line begins!


The kitchen table crowd!


Todd and Laik, who looks like he is getting ready to enter a sweet potato coma!


More eating!


I love this crowd!




This picture really doesn't show just how many cars were in the driveway...


One more of the smiling boy...


Now, these are the people that continually support us.....Todd, Laik and I are very thankful for each and everyone that entered the doors this evening!  These are the folks that make our journey joyful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

New Territory!

I quit reading the "what to expect the first year" book when Laik was about 2 months old.  So, I do not know exactly when an infant is truly expected to self feed.  But today, Laik did it!  This afternoon was the big day....put a check beside MILESTONE MET!  We have been working on this for a while.  He has done it before, though by accident....slobbery hand + dry puff = stuck to hand!  Needless to say, Todd and I are very proud of Laik.  Upon sending the picture to close friends and therapists....one replied, "Food is the way to his skills!"  I could not agree more.  The Leffew family is all about tasty treats as motivators!  So, celebrate with us and enjoy a cheese puff!

More Good News:

Several weeks back, Todd and I agreed that it was time to pursue getting Laik into a center based program.  I sought out advice from a few close friends and professionals too.  We were all in agreement, it was time.  Laik has progressed and he has been doing great, he just isn't too motivated to move!  We think that being around other children his age, non-typically and typically developing, will ignite a spark in our boy to get him moving.

After a few phone calls and lots of prayers, Laik was approved for two days a week at Siskin Children's Institute.  He hasn't started yet, but we should know very soon when he will begin.  Todd and I are a bit anxious for his start at Siskin for multiple reasons.
  • This will be Laik's first time in childcare outside of our home.
  • We will have to say goodbye to our current EI, PT, OT and FS....all of whom we LOVE!!!
  • We will be meeting Laik's new therapists and teachers....
  • We will be getting ALL 3 of US showered, dressed, packed and out the door by 7:30 am daily!!  (This could be the most difficult of our MY concerns!?!?!) 
It is going to be a new experience for us, but it is certain to be an adventure!  Because Living Leffew is always just a bit different from the norm!  Join us in the laughter, tears, celebrations and blessings to come! And please, add us to your prayer list, especially those of you that pray each morning!  :o)