Kati's Last Day

So yesterday was Kati's final day with us here in Colorado Springs but we definitely kept busy!

I was at the school yesterday to observe JJ and Hazel in the classroom together. I had the staff laughing as I was stealthing around the building to keep JJ from seeing me. The problem with this week is that he didn't have a normal day of routine all week. The first day of training in school, they had a puppet show by the local zoo, on day 2 they had a nutrition presentation in the classroom which was not usual. The day I visited, the zoo was back with animals for the kids to meet and again, this was a big deviation from the typical schedule.

However, JJ seemed to be in good spirits and although he was definitely struggling behaviorally, it wasn't a surprise given the changes. Life has been so busy for all of us in the past few weeks that he has been struggling with all of the changes that has brought his way.

JJ had a good day in school though, both he and Hazel did a great job with the zoo animals, I'll admit I was a little nervous when the brought out the skunk, but they were both calm and relaxed. JJ went through his day without any major issues. He has always struggled with transitions and he definitely was testing his boundaries yesterday, he will continue to test boundaries for a while I think until he is used to Hazel being a part of his routine and his life. Kati did tell me yesterday that at one point, JJ sought Hazel by leaning against her. This was so encouraging to me!

JJ petting Tigerlily, the skunk, while Hazel patiently watches

After school yesterday (which JJ never did see me by the way!) JJ and Elliott had Occupational Therapy at their clinic. So off we all trucked in the car. JJ did great in the clinic, at first he stayed tethered to Hazel, playing on his iPad but after a bit he wanted to go play with the toys in the waiting room. His OT, Miss Lisa, came and we all went downstairs to the sensory gym (we figured some good heavy work would be the biggest benefit for him). JJ had a great time in the gym and when we reclipped him to Hazel, he was ready to go. The hardest part for JJ leaving the OT clinic is getting his sticker, because of where they are kept, he often wants to dart into other therapy rooms because of the toys he sees. Today was the first day that he couldn't do that. He handled that very well actually.

After therapy, Josh wanted to go to Barnes and Noble to check for a book. Off we all went. JJ was a rockstar in B&N. We went to the children's section with Hazel and we picked a Thomas stage 2 book and JJ sat nicely and read the book to Hazel and me.

JJ reading to us

We went through Starbucks (mommy needed caffeine) and then headed for home. We did pick up a couple of awesome busy books for JJ and Elliott while at Barnes and Noble. They are a story book that comes with a play mat and also with little toys from that book. JJ got a Thomas book (of course) and Elliott wanted Toy Story.

We decided to go out for dinner with Kati that night as it was her last night and then she joined us briefly back at our house to say goodbye. It was tough to say bye to her. JJ and Elliott really loved her and enjoyed their time with her. This entire training experience was so amazing and overwhelming and yet empowering. There is a panic with that much information thrown at you, yet as you go and continue working through things, it becomes manageable and second nature. I pray that Hazel will acclimate to us and that JJ will continue to seek her out and bond with her. I pray that we have patience with her and with ourselves as we are all on this journey together.

Our family!