When you were born, and the we were hit with one issue after another, we had to question constantly whether you would see your first day of Kindergarten. In those early days of so many question marks, they weren't sure how you would develop... after the meningitis and multiple brain surgeries, the state of your little eyes at birth and the long road of surgeries ahead. We worried every day if you would walk, talk or see. Eventually, you started to show us all how miraculous you really are, because one by one, you checked each of those boxes, and erased some of the question marks. We started to hear at check-ups how amazed they were at how well you were doing. That they're surprised you're even walking, talking, seeing. It's a bittersweet thing for a mom and dad to hear that, because we were jumping for joy while still feeling sad that you even had to struggle, or that you looked worse "on paper." Of course we continue to live with question marks, worries for the future, and that long road ahead. That will never go away. Leading up to this day, you've been through more than we could've ever imagined. But despite all of the surgeries, doctor visits, illnesses, tests, therapies and struggles, you have grown into the happiest, strongest and most beautiful kindergartener that I've ever known. You remind us daily that whatever we may face, you will be okay. You have spent the last 2.5 years growing and developing by leaps and bounds in Pre-K. We are fortunate to live in an area where opportunities and services for differently-abled kids are pretty darn amazing. From day one, we've had a team guiding our way and making sure that you have access to anything you need. It truly takes a village, and our village is exceptional. With their continued support, I have no doubt that you'll keep amazing us all.
Speaking of that village, you have quite the entourage to help you along the way. In June, you left behind one of the best group of educators I know, and I worried we'd never be able to match their effort, passion and love for you. They set the bar high, and letting go of them was like throwing away a security blanket. But in meeting your new team, I'm confident that they will carry on the same amazing work. Besides Ms. Barrett, your wonderful new teacher, you have Ms. Laura to continue to teach you how to utilize your cane in getting around this big world; Mr. Joel, your new vision teacher consultant, who will be making sure you have all the equipment you need to see what everyone else is seeing, or experience it in your own way, and to teach you Braille. Then there's Ms. Karen, your speech therapist (a familiar face from Addams) who will endure your stubborn side as she helps improve your communication; Ms. Amy, your physical therapist, and I know I'm missing someone else. There are also several parapros who will be making sure you don't rub your eyes, reminding you to keep taking bites at lunch, and helping you navigate this new school. Over the last few months, we have had several meetings with this incredible team, and everyone is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your time in school. We don't even have to worry much, because we believe they will take care of you just like you're their own. You've already won the hearts of many of them with your adorable smile and personality, walking the halls of Helen Keller like you own the place. A few people have already commented that you'll have everyone falling in love with you day one. While we make plans for your year ahead, I can't help but wonder how you will be doing a few months from now, or how I will do, since this will be the longest I've ever let you out of my care. You'll be gone all day, every week day! But that's a good thing, because if you really are, it means you're healthy enough to do so.
The weeks leading up to your first day have been hectic - which seems to be the case with many big events in our life. You had your first retina issue come up at the end of the summer, as well as your brand new cornea (#8) failing shortly after you got it (on what was supposed to be your last day of Pre-school). The big surgery to fix these issues ended up being just four days ago, and was a pretty big deal, so the doctors want me to stay with you tomorrow, and then wait until next week to go on your own. Nothing about your life has been typical - so we are continuing the theme and doing Kindergarten on Avery time. We are no strangers to missing out on things; whether it's plans we had to break, or activities that you just aren't allowed to do. It sucks and makes us angry and sad, but there's rarely an alternative. And that's okay. I was starting to get sad about all of this; how plans rarely go ... as we planned. But rather than continue to be disappointed every time stuff like this happens, I'm trying to look at it as: this is our life, and it's probably never going to slow down or be easy, so you can either be miserable, or embrace what it is and carry on. Because in our little world, we have so much to feel grateful for. For proving early fears wrong that you may never be healthy enough to walk, or talk, or see. That you may never walk right into your Kindergarten class, shouting, "Ms. Barrett is here!" Things could be so, so much worse, and that is the perspective we need to keep. I'm so proud of you - it can't be said enough. Kindergarten has never seen a cooler chick.
Some of your current favorites:
- the ipad! You can navigate YouTube, Amazon Instant Video and the Nick Jr. app like a pro.
- Reading - especially books about Peppa Pig, Bubble Guppies, Paw Patrol or Dora. You just got a special Leap pen reader and you're doing a great job of holding it. You also make up your own stories by looking at the pictures. It's adorable.
- Exploring new places, especially stores like Barnes & Noble
- Hearing a familiar voice, and announcing as loud as you can that they're "here!!"
- Cracking up when we tell you your feet are stinky, or your hair is messy or anything is yucky or gross.
- Turning the lights in the basement off, and giggling as you wait for a reaction.
- Never wanting to finish a meal - announcing "all done" after two bites. Except for cookies or anything with sugar!
- Telling us who you're going to see that day. "We're going to see... Dr. Dunn/Mrs. Kay (your former parapro who you love)/Grammy's house/Auntie Kaffy, etc... fill in the blank." and you'll repeat it over and over.
- Asking us to roll the car window down.
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