Griffin is now going to school. We had a long, heartbreaking process to get him into a school that could help him with his speech issues, without treating him as if he is autistic or mentally retarded. Thankfully, the director at one place downtown saw that he was not at all like the evaluation done on him, and spoke to the school district about a change in their recommendations. All this summer, he'd been going to a place that was a mix of regular and challenged kids. G's grandfather was very generous, and we were able to put him into the all day program for a few days a week. He bloomed while he was there, and we were able to get a firm handle on his screaming.. and his vocabulary started to pick up. It was also the first place where the teachers wanted to work with me to help Griffin, instead of trying to kick him out immediately. I felt like a weight had been lifted off me, like there was some hope and a point to all this.

So, now he's going to school. The screaming showed back up in between the time his summer program ended, and school began, so we're all working with him on it. Usually, he screams during transitions he doesn't like. His vocabulary is improving rapidly. He's regained an interest in his instruments. He seems happier in general. And he loves the school bus.
He loves the bus so much that he doesn't want to get off the thing in the afternoon. As he leaves it, he asks to get back on it (and also for his father).

He's changing, and it's hard to keep up, but it's easier to connect with him, and that makes me very happy. I am hoping that within a few months, he will be speaking much more coherently. I think we'd all be so much happier and stronger together. This summer went well. Griffin became so confident in the water, that he learned how to swim mostly on his own. We didn't have to hold onto him anymore, and could play some games with him. He never wanted to leave the pool. Honestly, I didn't either. I wish I could be a kid again, and not have to make the decision that we have to leave, really. Or remember to pack everything we need. I have gotten pretty good at packing for all the things we'll need; diaper explosion, burned faces, toys. Food, sometimes. I wonder if this is an ability that you get when you get pregnant. Like milk production!

Eric and I have been thinking of another one, but circumstances being what they are with the economy, I don't think we'll be getting a house until we're well past that stage. Right now, we can't fit another one into the equation. And I would like to keep losing weight. It would probably destroy things None of that matters to certain parts of me. My heart wants a girl. Given Eric's genes, I'll get a boy. Though I suppose that could be fun too. He could use someone to roll around with, once he's grown a little.

So over all, we're optimistic, and happy to settle in for a very long 10 months of schools.