Updates...

News on the boys....

Matt and Josh are doing well. Our recent move (In with my Mother-In-Law), while we cope with this crummy economy - and all that its doing to our business....while re-vamping our current employment situations....is going pretty normal.

(that's aka...Living with Mom while goin' BACK to School....)

The kids are ADJUSTING. Slowly.

During the past few months, we've seen a couple of different behaviors (that have exhibited themselves AFTER the move)...

* There's a lot more chasing of Grandma's cats Ernie & Belle. They like the reaction the cats give them....and unfortunately, they're none to gentle when they "catch up". I've talked with the boys' teachers....because, honestly, I wasn't sure if it was malicious or not - some things they've said have disturbed me - in regards to the cat....but their teacher has assured me in her conversations with the boys....they're out for a reaction - they want the cat to LOVE THEM back....however, no amount of persuasion on our part has convinced them that chasing them through the house IS NOT an acceptable practice of love. :/

* We had Matt and Josh's IFSP's with the school. BOTH have met their goals (school wise) that we set - as far as development and behavior! {YAY!} We've set really great goals for next school year. As of now, they're probably going to be seperated come the Fall - into different classes. But we'll re-examine our tentative decision - based on the boys' needs then. A LOT can change between now and then....

- Matt's needs tend to still linger around the developmental areas. He desperately needs help with his socialization - however, he's not on the same level as the kids in the social class. Once he gets his communication and listening skills up to par - he'll be switched into the socialization class. However, he's really good at "tuning us out" and has a hard time responding to even his name being called....(over and over and over....)

- Josh's needs are right on developmentally. His needs are now primarily socialization and he will go on to the next level - learning the socialization skills he'll need with his peers and using the communication skills he's learned. The socialization class (is the same one we hope Matt will attend soon - once we get his skills learned) places the children in "set" situations....for example, there are 8 kids in the class, they're planning on doing an art project for the day - they deliberately set out only 6 brushes. How're the kids going to solve that? It's learning the "give and take" that we take for granted.

Both boys are doing great - health wise....we've just caught some nasty cold bug, and we're fighting it off....all of us. :( It's triggered Josh's asthma a bit - but we've been able to keep everything under control!! (So far this year....!) The allergies have been AWFUL. For all of us. Josh especially, Matt's affected a little - so we keep him on a low dose of Zyrtec, but Josh's full blown on Zyrtec and Singulair through out the summer months.

Both boys are progressing normally - both are in the 50th percentile ranges for height and weight. Both boys have turned into "beanpoles" overnight!!! They don't weigh a whole lot - but they sure are tall and skinny!!! LOL

*Some new faves:

- Matt will only eat "RED" sandwiches as he calls them. It's just a jelly sandwich. Occassionally he'll ask for peanut butter - stating that "he needs a little protein to make his muscles get bigger" (no joke) and every once and awhile he'll let me add a little cream cheese to the other side of his sandwich....but mostly....his sandwich of choice is a grape jelly or homemade strawberry jam sandwich. (Also his preferred snack before bedtime....) ;)

- On the opposite side....Josh will only eat peanut butter sandwiches. No jelly. No "red stuff" as he calls it. (LOL) It's like the ying to Matt's yang...! These are his favorites. I'm lucky if I can get him to even add bread and make it a sandwich....as more often than not, I find him sitting on the chair at the table, eating peanut butter on a spoon, straight from the jar!

- Josh is a very picky eater....! If he were given his druthers, he'd eat gum, candy, plain slices of bread, bacon, milk and macaroni & cheese - all day, every day!!

- Matt is his opposite. He'll try ANYTHING once. :) I'm amazed that he will eat (and likes!) salmon, tuna, shrimp and every other "meat" item we may throw at him. He's amazing!!!! :D

Both boys are doing well....adjusting - albeit - SLOWLY to this new phase of life. We're working on the "acting out" portion of their behavior....and the communication portion too.

They've recently learned how to make their own beds - and can do so unassisted! Hooray!!! They have their chore/schedules posted in their room (complete with pictures drawn by yours truly...MOM!) that they adhere to - and it's helped A LOT - as far as the cleanliness of their rooms....

If I could only depict some of the more "creative" messes they've made.....but ugh....that's one I'm saving - should I ever write a book on motherhood - AFTER - I survive to ages 12 and 13... ;)

We're making progress....we'll be visiting family and friends in Idaho and Utah during the next month and we may be looking into prospects down there....as far as schooling and jobs go. We're none too happy with the way things are being run here - and have thought maybe, just maybe, things may be a little better in states that are typically more conservatively run. Maybe.

But - when we go - a friend of ours is taking photos of the boys...that I'll upload (down there even...!) and post as soon as I get them from her.

I look into the faces of these wonderful boys - and can't believe the changes that are taking place before my eyes. I look for the fluffy blonde down...that used to be my Matty's hair....and all I see is a shaggy mop of darkened blonde hair....that covers the most mischievious pair of twinkling brown eyes I've ever beheld.....and the younger! Oh my! The smile on this imp - even in his restless sleep - when did my baby get to be such a charmer?!

And a gentleman, too, I might add....he insists on holding open the doors for Mommy and shutting them too....helping me in with the groceries....! Land sakes...! The boys got the makings of a southern gentleman...at 3! :D

I enjoy watching them grow....even during these uncertain times....there's one thing I'm absolutely certain of:

I love being their Mom. :)