Progress...

Corban has really come out of his shell over that past few weeks.  He seems to be "putting this and that together", better understanding the world and how things work.  He has been playing with toys more in the way they are intended rather than just sitting and spinning the wheel or rhythmically rolling it side to side.  He is pointing out things he sees and calling them by name (car, airplane, train, door).  I can't wait to see how much progress he makes once preschool starts.  Jason was gone for most of this week, upon returning yesterday it didn't take long for him to notice the progress Corban has made in just 4 days.

So what's happened over the past 3 months...  Tegan and Corban are now potty trained.  Yes, Corban surprised me!  He is beginning to state when he has to potty (the way he says it is cute)- this has been the hardest part, getting him to vocally state he needs to potty.  It is beginning to help that on occasion he his "holding himself" when he needs to go - YAY.  It is always encouraging to me when he does things that seem to be "natural" things kids do.  

The closer we get to the autism evaluation we have set up for Corban, in October, the more I wonder if he just needed time to adjust and catch up.  Either way, I think we will go through with it to be sure.

In July, our family made a road trip to Texas for the biannual  Nevus conference.  It was an amazing experience!  We met many fabulous families and learned great information.  We look forward to going again in 2 years!

At the end of May, we had Corban evaluated by a private speech therapist so he could continue to make progress over the summer.  The program through the school system only works with him during the school year.  Our insurance is very specific on circumstances in which they will cover speech therapy - either it is needed due to an injury or due to a medical reason.  Corban's autism evaluation isn't till October so we don't have a diagnosis but the speech therapist were able to do an evaluation that they submitted to our insurance company to seek approval.  Finally, at the end of June, we received a letter from our insurance stating they would cover 60 sessions for the remainder of the year!  PTL,  they saw that he really needed some help.  

Our four oldest kiddos return to school on Monday.  I am looking forward to the house being a little quieter and less chaotic but I will miss all the extra hands.  They really are a huge help with Corban and Tegan.  I'm sure Corban and Tegan will miss them during the day.

On the flip side, Corban and Tegan will also begin preschool 3 days a week after Labor Day.  I will also be going back to school.  In April I felt it was time to consider going back to school so I can start working once the boys begin elementary.  I was accepted into a masters of social work program earlier this month.  I begin taking classes for the program on August 27th.  Currently, I am working on completing a human biology for social workers prerequisite.  I to write 14 essays, one for each chapter of the book.   As of today, I have 6 of them complete.  May ultimate goal is to have them all done by the 27th but I didn't accomplish as much this week as I had hoped.

The journey over the last 9 months has not been easy but there have been many joyful, happy heart moments.  My patience is challenged at times, the Lord knows this is a difficult area for me.  He also seems to know when to throw a happy heart moment in to make it all seem worth it.  Slowly, I am learning to keep myself "glued" together.  

Next week, a whole new routine begins.  I have a feeling time is going to fly with all the running here and there.  It's inevitable with 6 kids. 

Lastly, the all three of our nevus owners are scheduled for surgery on September 28th.  Corban and Tegan will have tissue expanders placed and Angel will have a few small areas excised.  What a busy time that will be.  They will all three go back for surgery on December 21st as well.

Thank you Lord for my kids, they keep me on my toes and make my heart smile.  I am blessed that you have entrusted me to care for Your children.  What an honor.  Forever praising Your Name!  Amen!