I Still Can't Believe My Baby's 3...

Samantha is now 3 years, 1 ½ weeks old. The things that she has accomplished in the last 12 months are staggering. I certainly don’t judge anyone or the choices they make about their child’s education, but putting Samantha in preschool at the tender age of 2 years, 3 months old was the best thing we could have done. Having the structured learning environment where her needs were addressed daily has allowed her to blossom. The social aspect of being around other children close in age (and usually older) has provided her with the opportunity to learn so much more than she could learn just from mommy and daddy.

Just a year ago, Samantha would rarely chew her food. This was a huge concern for us, as she would just swallow things whole and choke, so her feeding had to be monitored very, very closely. We kept her on supplemental formula bottle feedings until the day she turned 2, so we would know that she was receiving necessary vitamins and nutrients. Not only did her bottled formula feedings end, but we also saw an end to her reflux. I have to believe that a huge part of that had to do with the formula, in addition to the fact that she was finally walking (she began at 21 months) and spending all of her time upright. When she went into school, they also monitored her feedings closely and encouraged her to chew her food and self-feed by taking smaller bites.

Just a year ago, Samantha wasn’t using any sort of pincer grip. Self-feeding involved her whole hand, and the thought that she would one day hold a crayon was laughable. The OT at school worked so closely and patiently with her, and I was absolutely thrilled the first time Samantha came home with a scribbled piece of paper. That was the most beautiful scribble I had ever seen.

Just a year ago, the idea that Samantha would one day walk into her classroom at school, take off her backpack, put it in her cubby, then take a seat at a table was an incredible one. I’d like to see how they’re going to accomplish that one, I thought.

Just a year ago, I had no idea how many friends Samantha would have, but she thrives at school and the older children dote on her. She says “please” and “thank you,” and understands the concepts of cleaning up and taking turns (well, most of the time). For example, we were at the playground on Sunday and Samantha, in true Samantha style, wanted nothing to do with anything except playing on the swing. If she could have her way, I’m sure she’d swing all day, but there comes a time when the swing needs to be given up for another child who is waiting patiently. I told Samantha it was time to get off the swing, but she clamped her arms to her side and shouted “No!” I could see that I was getting nowhere, fast. Then I thought maybe I’d try a different approach. I turned her to look at the other child and said, “It’s her turn for the swing, okay? Can you share?” Well, my little angel stopped her tantrum and put her arms up so I could take her out of the swing. I was so proud, and thanked her for being so nice and sharing.

I don’t always know exactly what they do at school on a daily basis, but I do know I should never underestimate Samantha and what she may be learning. She’s surprised me many times with the things she knows or can do.

Samantha’s last day of school until ESY begins is Monday. She’ll have a few weeks off, then 5 weeks of ESY, then a few more weeks off before the fall session starts. I’m a little sad about this, as I know she’ll miss her friends and will have to get used to a whole new set of teachers and therapists over the summer, but I think she’ll surprise me yet again with her resilience.

On a side note, please send a big hug to Sammi’s friend, Lila (Lila’s Miracle Life), who had her tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in her ears this morning! We’re hoping for a swift recovery and fantastic results!