Appointment with School Psychologist

I set up a meeting with the School Psychologist at Gabe's school for today. I wanted to just kind of chat with her about what we could do to help Gabe in school and what kind of resources are available. Really, as far as academics are concerned he is doing fine. But, he does have some trouble spots with transitions, controlling his body, boundaries, and he may start seeing a speech pathologist. Gabe frequently uses descriptions instead of the names of things. And, that can lead to some very long and sometimes frustrating conversations. For example, the other day instead of saying the kitchen counter, he told me "where we put the dirty dishes." Another time he didn't know what the dishwasher basket for bottles pieces was called. So he told me, "it is green and white and it is on top of the thing that makes the things with yummy stuff inside that you put frosting on." The basket was on top of our toaster oven which we use to make toaster strudels.

For now, we will hold off on doing an evaluation of Gabe through the school until he is 6. But, we are going to continue working on boundaries, and following directions. Also, the School Psychologist is going to observe Gabe in class and work with his teacher too. It is really great the we got to have this meeting today with the Psychologist, and Gabe's teacher, and Ben and I were both able to go as well. Working together hopefully, we can help Gabe with his challenges.

Christmas

I'm a little behind on this. Anyway, we spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house and we opened up presents from each other there that night. We had dinner, and played a game as well. It was a lot of fun, and the kids loved their presents. I think this year is the most excited Gabe has ever been waiting for Christmas and also in getting his presents. He loved his presents, and was more excited with each one. We celebrated Christmas morning at home, which was nice. Again, the kids were very happy with their presents and were even very excited about the new tooth brushes that Santa put in their stockings and they couldn't wait to brush their teeth. Kira enjoyed chewing on her new toys, clothes, or anything she could grab. She had a nice first Christmas, which included a huge blowout in her fancy Christmas clothes on Christmas Eve right after we finished opening presents. I had to give her a bath. That is what I get for dressing up my baby.

Christmas Eve


Christmas morning

Visit with Family from CA

About a week before Christmas, my Aunt and Uncle and 2 cousins came to visit. We had a big family dinner with everyone who lives in Salt Lake area and them at my parents house. Carissa and Gabe had lots of fun playing with Kailee. And Carissa and Kailee even got to have a sleep over together before they left.

Kira updates

This year for Christmas we decided to get Kira an exersaucer. Only problem was that we didn't have anywhere to hide/store it until Christmas so we let her have it early. Besides, she doesn't know about Christmas and presents yet anyway. We've been using it for a few weeks now, and she is figuring out how to work the toys. She seems to like it. Kira has a little frog/blankie/lovie and she will cuddle with it and rub it when she goes to sleep. Also, she will take and likes a pacifier. It is so nice. Gabe and Carissa never would take a paifier, and I tried every version there is with them. Last update for the day is that since Kira is now 4 months old we gave her rice cereal for the first time today. She had a lot of it come back out, but she seemed to like it. She would open her mouth for bites and even leaned forward to get a bite. I think that she liked finally getting to try something other than milk.

New haircuts

Today, Carissa and Gabe both got new haircuts. Carissa wanted her hair cut short, to her chin. Gabe wanted a Mohawk or fauxhawk. Carissa's hair was probably half way down her back before it was cut, and I was kind of sad to see it go. But, it is her hair and it will grow back. They were both very excited and happy with their hair cuts.

Christmas tree

This weekend we finally got our tree up and the kids decorated it. I guess at this point it is kind of a family tradition now. The kids decorated the tree all on their own again. They use the step stool to reach the higher places, and the only thing that either Ben or I do is put the star on top of the tree. They love doing it, and I think they do a pretty good job.

Kira's hair

Kira has so much hair and I love it. At 1 year old Carissa didn't have as much hair as Kira at 3 1/2 months old. Well, Kira's hair finally got to where it was in her eyes so I gave her a little trim.
Before


After


Also, I love her curls.