Back to School

So much has happened since I last remembered to post to the blog...  Nick started back to school on August 9, and Tyler went back on the 19th.  I've been trying hard to get some intervention for Nick so that he can actually be taught on his level, which is around K-1st grade in all subjects, i.e., math, reading, and writing.  After much insistence on my part, we FINALLY got to have a meeting with the committee at his school this week to outline an approach to getting his educational needs met. 

I don't remember whether I've mentioned before that Nick never passed a grade level in his first country.  He went to the orphanage at age 6, started first grade (where he was taught a different language), didn't pass any subjects, yet was moved to second grade, etc.  He is now in 5th grade, and has never enjoyed any academic success.  We have a huge challenge on our hands!  He doesn't seem to believe that he's capable of learning like other kids do, so it's unfortunate, but we have lots of work to do.  He's also emotionally very immature, probably more like a 7 year old.  Orphanage life is just not conducive to maturity and self-assuredness.  Clearly, his emotional development was stunted upon entering the orphanage.  In Nick's orphanage, it seems that the kids who have contact with some family members have a leg-up on those who don't.  Apparently, it is typical for those who have visiting family members to receive gifts from them, and those gifts and relationships (many times including a little money) are very much coveted by the other kids.  Nick has a huge persecution complex and is forevermore looking for some injustice to be done him.  Luckily, he is very physically coordinated, and is very good at sports, so he has an outlet for self-esteem building!  Right now he's playing soccer and tennis, and he says he wants to play baseball again next spring.  :o)  He's a sweet boy.

Tyler's also playing soccer and tennis, and as usual is doing pretty well in school.

Randi started PT school on Monday, and she's having a good experience so far.

Lane started crawling this week!!! Wow-already!  He is such a cutie!  Oh, and Julie and David are doing well, too - ha!