GOODBYE, ECI :(

Well, the year has come and gone and it's time to say goodbye to ECI. We are very sad that Dara will be gone, Riley loved her so much. Also, Brooke who was such a comfort and big support for me said her goodbyes today. Riles has learned so much this year. Here is a list of things that he has started to do and was not doing at this time last year. I guess it depends on what day that you ask me but I think that he has made lots of progress! YEA!! I would throw him a party but his birthday is in a couple of weeks and he just might get confused.

• He has started to repeat words. YES!!! (Thank you, ABA!)
• He is starting to request items (juice, cookie, outside, go...)
• He will look at me and give me a cheesy smile
• He will say "cheese" for the camera
• He can say "no" instead of scream (not always)
• He throws things away for me.........cute, except throwing away the bathtub stopper is not so cute when Mommy really wants to take a bath!
• He will come and let me know if he has pooped or peed
• He gets in the van, climbs up to his car seat, and is ready to go when I say, "Let's go!"
• He doesn't cry in the van if we go a different route anymore
• He doesn't spin anymore.....I never thought that would end!
• He can take ALL of his clothes off. He struggles with putting his shirt on, but he is getting the hang of dressing himself
• He will sit on the potty without crying
• He will play some games with me and Kylie
• He imitates Kylie and tries to push play on the DVD by standing on top of something and climbing up the armoire to get to it
• He can sit through a whole meal if we go out to eat
• He fills in words to songs we are singing or will sing his own little songs

I could go on but these are things that I am most proud of today. He still can't sit through church without screaming or making a scene during the sermon but we keep trying. I know that he will make so much progress this year and I can look back and see how far he has come. I love you, Riley Roo!

Saying "cheese" with his new haircut!

The Tough Ms. B

Yesterday was Riley's first session in a couple of months with Ms.B. Ms.B is a tough behavioral analyst who makes Riley sit down and talk. They do abc puzzles, food puzzles, and flash cards together. If he throws a fit, she says "I'll wait until you are ready", VERY calm! A couple of times she asked, "ready?" and by george he said, "ready." Amazing things happen when Ms. B comes but I can't decide if she is best for Riley or not. She thinks that he needs intense ABA which we did with ECI and that's when he started repeating words for us. I just don't know if there is a school that would work with him or if the one on one with her would fit us the best.

I know that we are going to send him to the local elementary school but they are dragging their feet. I sent in the paperwork the next day (two weeks ago) and when I called yesterday they still hadn't received it. "We've moved and there are many places that it could be. We will let you know when we get it!" I replied, "Well, you haven't got much time because his birthday is Sept. 2 and I want him in school by then." Here she goes with her guard up, "Well we don't know how many birthdays are before his and we will start evaluating by birthdays so I have no idea when we will get to your son!"

Okay, first of all HOW many kids are going to qualify for PPCD around here that would have birthdays BEFORE him???? If there are alot, am I going to want to put him in a class of 15-20??? Are they really THAT unorganized?? Can I hire someone to cut through the BS that this school is going to hand out?? I just got a strange vibe that she was on the defensive for SOME reason!!

Did anyone send their 3 year old to the elementary school and if so, were you pleased? What other option do I have??