Monday, August 18, 2014

Preschool and biggest brother

This post is all about Little Buddy.  Today he started our public school preschool.  We went to meet the teacher day last Friday and he had so much fun, he was running into the classroom furniture and all the parents and their kids with his walker.  He was so excited and the classroom space is a bit tight, he had difficulty navigating in that space with all the extra people there.  I feel Little Buddy and I might have a detention in our future.  He sort of doesn't mean to run over peoples toes, they just get in his way.  So all weekend long we talked about being nice with our walker, no hurting other children or the teacher, and absolutely no going out of the room unless a teacher is with you.  Lots of rules to remember when you are three. We are fortunate to be in a school system that makes sure kids with special needs get a good head start.  He will get school related therapies while there, and  time with kids his own age.  There are 12 kids in the classroom, a teacher and two assistants.  Six of the kids have some sort of special needs, six do not.  Little Buddy is the only one needing a walker, so at least there will not be two walkers crashing into each other.


Drop off was a breeze, Little Buddy did not even blink when I left him.  In fact he cried big, fat tears when I picked him up right after lunch.  He can stay until 2:30 when the school day is over, but  he has so many therapies that have to be fit in so he will get picked up early every day.  I think 8:30 to 12:30 is enough don't you?


Once he gets used to the schedule he will be fine.  We got home today and he had speech therapy and is now resting after his busy day.  He is going to LOVE preschool.


Mr 20, the biggest brother, leaves tomorrow to return to Ohio.  I can not tell you who is going to be sadder Little Buddy or me.   We have loved having him here for three whole weeks, the longest he has been home since he left two years ago.  He is ready to go and get busy with his life, but we will miss him desperately. Biggest Brother takes you swimming and helps you walk the wall with your hands.


He throws you up in the air so you can squeal at the top of your lungs , and then does it again and again when you say, "more!"


He takes you for rides on the alligator across the pool.

And makes the alligator go round, and round, and round.

He pretends you are a pillow and takes a nap on you.

He also gives great hugs.

He loves to play and makes a big deal of this little boy while he is here.  The love is mutual I'd say.

I don't want you to think I am neglecting my Teenager.  He was able to start school today, right on time.  He is still in a tiny bit of pain, we see the ENT tomorrow and I think there just might be a antibiotic in this ones future.  He loves Little Buddy too, he is just very, very quiet and very shy.  Mr. 20 is a wild ride at the amusement park, the Teenager is slow and steady.  They both have their own unique relationship with this little three year old, isn't he a lucky little one.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Little Buddy is indeed lucky and I can only think Mr. 20 will make a very good daddy one day with all this experience.

Good luck and safe travels to Mr. 20 on his way back to Ohio. Just remember ....Christmas break is right around the corner.

Christina said...

What a beautiful beautiful post Meredith. Your are blessed to have such wonderful boys! I wish we had a good system for children with special needs in this country. I sometimes think, the parents with the most fight in them get the most care. I love Little Buddy's bag! He looks so happy, I am sure he will make friends really quickly at preschool. Cx

Linda said...

What a wonderful post, I remember leaving my children at preschool, it's a big moment for parent and child alike. Both of my children were crying when I left them, which made me fret until it was time to pick them back up, where I was assured by the teachers/assistants that the tears were very short lived.
Those pictures of the two boys are wonderful, what fun they're having.
Good to know your shy lad is recovering and able to go back to school.
I enjoyed this post very much, thank you Meredith x

Betsy said...

I LOVED every bit of this post Meredith. The love and happiness in each photo is so evident and there for the world to see. LB will love pre-school if your anecdotes about him are any indication. He is such an outgoing little soul. And just look at the LOVE and HAPPINESS in LB and biggest Brother's faces when they're together. Yes I'm exclaiming with those caps. :-). My heart is so full for you and your family and the huge hearts for others that you obviously have. I will be praying for Mr. Teenager as he goes back to the doctor.
Many blessings dear Meredith,
Betsy

gilly said...

Indeed you are ALL blessed to have each other. I love these beautiful pics and the lovely memories you are creating. Hugs xx

CJ said...

Mr 20 has made me cry a bit, he is SUCH a lovely brother. Really, quite amazing. I'm so glad your little buddy is enjoying pre-school, it sounds like he's going to have so much fun. It's such a lovely age to be, everything is fascinating, exciting and full of possibilities. I do hope he carries on loving this pre-school time. CJ xx

kathy b said...

Ohhhhhh Big brothers and little brothers seem wonderful all the way around. Our Zach is quiet and shy. Our Al is well……WILD.
I think you have the right take on preschool. Haha A detention is his future ! Spoken like a true mom who has been around THAT block before

Bridget said...

I think you have a very happy, very wonderful family. It's wonderful to see them together.

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Meredith,

Thanks for such a lovely post! What a special relationship these two have, thanks for all the great photos! Wow, little buddy is starting school already! Good luck to all your sons! What a wonderful family you have!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Toni said...

What a great big brother!!! And glad to hear the other great big brother is finally feeling better--quite an ordeal!

Gracie Saylor said...

Such a precious post, Meredith.....a wonderful diary for your family, documenting the joy of building loving relationships and inspiring for us to witness as well!

I am so glad that LB is getting such great opportunities to encourage his healthy growth and I sympathize with his challenge of being in charge of a wacky walker. The times I have used a walker or been in charge of pushing a grocery cart for that matter could well have led to some detention or censure from the innocent folk around me :)

Am still wishing your Mr. Teenager, well, and am glad that he is healing! xx

RedSetter said...

What utterly beautiful pictures of such a happy time. Little Buddy is going to be devastated when his BB is gone as he looks like crazy fun for a little boy.

Three is so early to be starting little school and what a lot of instructions for a tiddler. I was laughing at him crying....on the way home....! Must have made you glad he had enjoyed it but a bit miffed he howled on the way home...! I think you are right keeping him balanced timewise with his therapies. The first few days are ok but he's got a long road ahead and a long school day and then therapies on top mean he'll probably get really tired and not reap the best from both. Love his bag, its nearly as big as him!

Lynne said...

This was a beautiful post Meredith. Having a son is such a blessing... and you have three!!!!

Susanne Tyree said...

Funny how 2 children who have the same parents can sometimes be as opposite as night and day. My oldest is the social butterfly, my youngest, has a couple chosen friends and prefers to be more of the loner. Yet, there are many similarities as well. I think the new little brother fits in perfectly with the older ones. No doubt he will miss your oldest when he returns to school. Every one will miss your Mr. College. I agree, 3-4 hours in the day for Buddy will wear him out, a long day. My grandson is 29 months and he gets all excited too when he is around children his own age. I'm sure you are excited for him, worried a bit, but none the less happy that he is not crying his eyes out when you leave.
Thanks again for the help with the shawl. I will let you know how things turn out when I start it again.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Claudia said...

I'm so proud of all my nephews, each one unique and wonderful and amazing. Love these photos, Mer. A big kiss to all my nephews, please.

xo
Claudia

Linda @ A La Carte said...

The love shown in those photos is amazing! My three year old Grandson started big boy pre-school and it has had it's ups and downs. He likes it but misses all that time with his Dad and Mom. You are blessed by your boys for sure!
hugs,
Linda

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith.. I'm home! Loved seeing that handsome happy wonderful son of yours having so much fun with LB! I read all your missed posts while I was gone too.. I sure wish that our lake wasn't so primitive.. but at least I got a lot of crocheting done. Sure sounds like LB is going to love school. Our little GS starts kindergarten in 7 days. Our DIL is counting the days.. for some reason.. :-)
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

kristieinbc said...

Such handsome boys you have! I love how your two older sons have taken Little Buddy under their wings and given him so much attention. And I can't believe he is off to preschool! It must be a relief to see he likes it so much.

Mrs. Micawber said...

I don't even know them but I want to hug them all! (Poor guys, how that would horrify them.) :)

Yes, I think 4 hours at preschool are definitely enough for a 3-year old. LB is going to learn so much there.

Boy, school in Florida starts early, doesn't it? Here the kids don't go back until after Labor Day.

Bless you all.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Brilliant post Meredith. Totally loved it. All the pics are so fab, Little Buddy looks so happy, and Mr Biggest Brother looks like he just adores him :) Glad Mr Teenager was well enough for school. Gosh it was a hot day to be in school! We spent the day in a water park!
Hugs, Jillxo

My Garden Diaries said...

OHHHHHH!!!! Where do I start!!?!?! Ok yes...I do think that 8:30-12:30 is enough time!!! My beans will both be in preschool this year as they are a year apart and they go from 8:20-11:10. I can't wait to hear more stories about his experience!!! And how touching are these photos of your boys!!! My heart just melted...there is nothing better than the love between siblings...and oh how lucky is Little Buddy to have such love from his brothers!!! How blessed you are!!!! Happy week you! Nicole xoxo

EMMA said...

Lovely post Meredith and those pictures of Little Buddy and Mr 20 together are so beautiful.

mamasmercantile said...

The loves between brothers shines through, you are certainly blessed. That little man seems to love pre-school already, you are so lucky. Regrettably the special needs system is not brilliant in this country yet. Christmas break is not too far away and then another break for Mr 20.

Jo said...

A post full of love and warmth, thanks Meredith I am ready for my day now. Jo x

gaia said...

Lovely...

Vera said...

Beautiful, lovely post Meredith. Lucky boys to have each other...lucky you to have them all. I'll bet Little Buddy has a great time at school...even if detention is in his future - lol.

Jennifer Hays said...

Such a nice post. I am sure Little Buddy will do great in preschool. I'm glad he has such wonderful brothers to love and support him.

Unknown said...

OMG! Just reading and seeing the photos put the biggest smile on my face!

Dawn

Tammy said...

I think you are all so lucky! How wonderful that Mr. 20 year old takes Little Buddy on his wild ride. Ha! And how absolutely fantastic that Little B has started school. My girlfriend in Lebanon has the same type of classroom. She got her special education degree 2-3 years ago so has a split class. She would love working with your little guy! :) I'm so glad to know he is loving it. That means he is well-adjusted and secure. Yay! Hugs and blessings, Tammy

moonstruckcreations said...

They are so lucky to have each other but even more lucky to have you there as their Mum.

I bet LB just cant wait to start pre-school!

Helenxx

Tanna said...

Sweet. Sweet. Sweet. LOVE seeing the two of them together!! And, glad to hear Mr. Teenager is improving, though obviously not all the way out of the woods yet. I know you will miss Mr. 20 when he leaves. Hugs and blessings ~ tanna

brsmaryland said...

Very sweet! These photos warm my heart.
Hope the beginning of school is good for one and all.
hugs,
Beth

Chris said...

Wow! Your family is absolutely awesome!! Such an amazing family with such an amazing story. Absolutely wonderful!

Yarnism said...

This post has made my day Meredith..I was smiling the entire time I was reading it...Little buddy is indeed very lucky to have such lovely brothers.. The pictures of LB and Mr. 20 are adorable..

God bless,
Sabrina

Caffeine Girl said...

Yes, he is a lucky little guy -- in so many ways!

It is so nice to hear something positive about our schools! I am so glad that Little Buddy is getting all the support and services he needs. As a special ed teacher, I laughed outloud at the the thought of him buzzing around with his walker!

Amy at love made my home said...

They make a great team!!! Obviously a lot of brotherly love between all of your boys. xx

Carla from The River said...

A beautiful post about brothers. So special to me. xx oo

Have a fun week!
Carla

Cari said...

Your boys are all that !! Beautiful post all about LOVE.

Hugs

Pradeepa said...

Beautiful post and wonderful photos! Those have to be treasured. Little Buddy is lucky to have all of you and you are lucky to have such an adorable boy like Buddy.

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely post Meredith, it brought a lump to my throat. How wonderful for little Buddy to have two such very different yet very thoughtful brothers.

It's always a little sad when your child enters the busy world of nursery school, I'm sure he'll absolutely thrive and love every minute of his time there.

Kristen said...

I LOVED this post. What a beautiful, sweet relationship they look to have. :)

RURAL said...

Your little one, and your big one look so happy together, great shots of the both of them.

School already...it feels like summer has just started...but it's so good that he is excited to attend.

Jen

Judy S. said...

Great post, Mere! I loved the photos, too.

Heldasland said...

Fabulous post, brilliant pictures. Your big lad will make a wonderful father in the future. Well done Meredith for raising such a wonderful man.
little man looks so cute I just want to give him a hug but I think the queue just gets longer and longer.
Have a lovely day

Jay said...

I got a little teary reading and seeing Little Buddy & Mr 20 together in your post, there's lots of love in those photos.
Good luck with pre-school, I'm sure he'll have a great time making lots of new friends.

elns said...

Mere, I love your posts. Seriously so sweet and fantastic. I love that your eldest has enjoyed spending such quality time with Little Buddy, really warmed the cockles of my heart. And I love that you see your children as the great individuals that they are. It's the best way to love them. I'm excited for Buddy starting school. He's going to be a bigger star than he already is.

Annie Cholewa said...

What a delightful post. All three of your gorgeous boys are the bees knees.

Little Buddy and pre-school ... that's clearly going to be a fun combination!

Unknown said...

aahh reading this beautiful post today had brought a tear to my eye. So much love, fun and tenderness is a blessing to read with the horror that is currently in the news. It lovely to stop here and read this today. Little Buddy and your son are adorable and I glad he has been able to be home with you all for 3 weeks. Lovely memories to hold dear. dee x

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Hope Buddy is still enjoying preschool. So nice to see the fun times the two "boys" had.

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Beautiful photos of your boys, yes, not sure who is having more fun! Oh, you will miss your eldest son again when he leaves, it doesn't get any easier does it? But think of the all the happy times you've had in the last 3 weeks
Best wishes
Caz xx

gigi knits said...

What a beautiful family !!

Mindy said...

OH, what a blessing!

Liz said...

I love this post and the photos are great. Your sons are all so handsome. I bet you are mighty proud. I bet your oldest is going to miss you all like crazy too.