Rough Week

We've had a rough week here at the Peterson household. Poor Jane had a fever for three days, the same fever that Josh had for three days last week. This fever came with a runny nose and cough and while it hardly phased Josh, it knocked Jane flat. Part of that had to do with the fact that I had no idea how much she weighed and was giving her infant doses of medicine rather than the children's versions. I guess I'm in some serious denial about my baby girl being a toddler now. To me, she's just my squishy little dolly and I'm in no hurry for her to grow up. Seriously, I wish she could stay like this forever or for at least at little bit longer.

Because Jane was sick we didn't have the usual parade of teachers coming to our house for Josh each morning. Josh is turning out to be far more sensitive to routine changes than I previously thought and so we had our fair share of meltdowns this week. I am finding new ways to keep him in timeout so he can learn to regulate his emotions. Kids in general struggle with this and kids with autism seem to have extra trouble. On top of all this, this week Josh was observed in his preschool setting by someone I don't know from the school district to help determine his placement for kindergarten. I could not be there for the observation because my presence would have too much of an impact on his behavior. I agree with this decision but I heartily wish his classroom had one-way glass like on the cop shows. Having never met the observer, I could only hope and pray that she was a kind soul who had Josh's best interests at heart. I talked to Josh's preschool teacher tonight on the phone and got the scoop on what the district is considering for him. Nothing has been decided yet but they are considering Josh for a special program for kids with more "global needs." This translates to lots more adult support than a traditional kindergarten in a smaller class setting with some mainstreaming during the day with typical kindergartners. It's one of the more restrictive kindergarten environments and obviously, not at all what I hoped for my child. But I have had some time to prepare myself. I've had some time to pray and I trust the Lord. I think this will be a good environment where Josh will be able to thrive and progress. I have not lost hope that someday he will be able to be mainstreamed into a traditional classroom environment. I know he will go on to do great things whatever his path in life. He is a joyful boy who is a tremendous blessing to our family. Still, any prayers you might offer on our behalf during the time of transition would be greatly appreciated.