a little bit of our story: Charlie

Showing posts with label Charlie. Show all posts

october 11, 2012

I have been praying that the right people are placed in Charlie's life at the right time, especially regarding school. I could do that or I could let the anxiety attacks and feelings of hopelessness take over. I figured the first option was the better way to go.

I had no idea that the school years were going to be this tough. And we are only in the second grade. I feel sick to my stomach when I think about going through this for ten more years.

We are all trying to figure out what is best for Charlie. That boy. He is one complex, amazing little person.

Originally his teacher dismissed my concerns because she was only looking at academics. He is working several years above grade level in many areas and it is easy to focus on that. I was shut out and told that the school district wouldn't do anything for him unless we got some kind of diagnosis.

Then Charlie had a meltdown at school. It was a pretty big one. And although I am not proud of this meltdown, I am happy it happened because the teacher began to wonder if she was missing something. Then the counselor got involved. And now we might be a little closer to getting Charlie what he needs at school.

It has been a few weeks and they haven't done anything yet (that I have seen), but I am trying to trust in the process.

Only ten more years. Deep breaths.

september 20, 2012

A random note from Charlie on the pantry door. Love it.

August 2012

August was pretty much a blur. Not quite sure why, but the days all ran together and before I knew it, it was over. So, here is August in a nutshell.

We crossed a few more things off our Summer to-do list, including a few science experiments. The boys loved the naked egg experiment.

A picnic in the park.

Bowling at Pinz. Charlie started off strong, but mom walked away with the win.

And the fair. It was smokey and hot, but the boys loved it. The ticket lady exaggerated on how many rides Cannon would actually be able to ride because of his height, but for the most part he was pretty understanding when he had to sit out on some of them. We had pronto pups and strawberry shortcake. We enjoyed the animals and petting zoo. We avoided the carnie games like the plague. It was all the fair is supposed to be.

We also played at the splash park. Cannon was cautious at first but then he had no problem jumping in. Just don't splash him because you will definitely hear about it.

We celebrated 13 years of wedded bliss. Awe.

We had donut dates with cute boys.

We bought school supplies for a certain second grader.

And that second grader started school.

We also had special treats to celebrate the first day of school. Charlie can't get enough Kinder chocolate. It is probably his second favorite thing, after Nutella, of course.

Whew! August, you were a busy one.

We had a great summer. Definitely one of the best for sure.

june 18, 2012

Father's Day weekend was pretty much perfect. It was busy and sometimes crazy, but it was full of the best kind of activity: time together.

We kicked off the weekend with the Meridian Dairy Days parade. (and I only took one picture!)

This was Cannon's first parade. He seemed a little confused at first, but once we told him they were going to be throwing candy out, he was all over it. As usual, the boys bickered their fair share and they got upset when the candy distribution wasn't even, but overall, we had a great time. The music, horses and candy were the highlights of the evening.

We did some things around the house on Saturday and went to dinner at Famous Dave's, Eric's choice of course.

On Father's Day we headed to Eagle Island for some fun in the sun. The adults hung out on the beach area while the boys played in the water and sand.

The guys tried to do a little fishing, but there were too many people around so it wasn't the best conditions.

Charlie wasn't as into playing in the water as much as he was into "relaxing". He does NOT like to be splashed on so he would freak out a little when the rambunctious kids got too close. He was perfectly content chilling out on this float tube.

On Monday we took the boys to the zoo. We got there right after they opened and it was perfect because it was not very busy and the weather was awesome.

Charlie in the same spot 4 years ago, July 2008.

Awe, he looks so young. Mr. Charlie just keeps growing up on us!

It really was a great weekend. Now that I am working I find that I am appreciating these times even more than before. I am happy for the reminder that we are so very blessed.

june 13, 2012

We have been getting out for bike rides as often as possible now that the weather is so beautiful.

Charlie has improved a lot over the past year. He still gets frustrated easily, but he is working through it and the hard work is paying off.

And Cannon is struggling a little on his new big boy bike, but he is slowly getting better as well.

He will be doing so good and then he just slams on his brakes. We always know where he has been because he leaves a little trail of skid marks wherever he goes. Crazy kid.

june 11, 2012

Charlie really struggled in first grade and we are trying to figure out what we can do to make school a better experience for him. The biggest problem was that he was just plain bored. He is working a few grades ahead in his head, but he has a hard time demonstrating what he knows because of his motor planning and fine motor skill deficits. When things get hard for Charlie he has the tendency to give up easily. He gets silly and tries to deflect his struggles or he tells jokes. He learns things very quickly and almost always knows the answers but completing worksheet after worksheet just isn't his cup of tea. His teacher knew of his struggles and she expressed concern to me, but when I asked for help I was told that he was too smart to qualify for any services. Even though it was affecting his school work, even though his teacher was considering dropping him a reading level because he couldn't keep up with all the busy work (the absolute worst thing she could do), even though the school psychologist said "it just broke her heart" to see how Charlie struggled to use scissors in the classroom, the school wasn't willing to help because "he's too smart".

We have been looking at other options and making some tough decisions. We looked at private schools that are twice as much as our mortgage (!), we looked at Christian schools and charter and magnet schools. And we just didn't feel good about any of it. So, for now we have started private occupational therapy and are hopeful that some of this stuff will start to click for him. So far, he really likes it. :)