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Moving On Up

At Evie's graduation ceremony from her pre-K class today (she's going to the older pre-K class in the fall), she covered her eyes.  BUT she then got up and walked over to the teacher when her name was called, and then snuck a peek to see where I was, and then walked to me with her head down and threw herself in my arms.  She WALKED to me and knew what she was supposed to do!  I call that a victory!  3 months ago, she may not have done either of those things. 


Evie was prepped by her teachers that this was the last day of school. She was not a happy girl when we pulled out of the parking lot and waved goodbye to the school building.  We are so thankful that she loves school that much.  Why does she love school so much?  Because she gets to do things like play dress up!  I am now scrambling to collect dress up necklaces, dresses, scarves, gloves, etc to accommodate her love for girly accessories!  We went to IKEA this weekend and bought a mirror to put up in her room so that she can play dress up! 


Another way that Evie is growing up is in her communication skills.  Today, I asked her if she wanted to go to the library, and she went to her NOVA Chat communication device and told me "I don't want to."  This was the first time she had expressed herself so fully, instead of making a sound of disgust.  I still wait for the day that I can have full conversations with my daughter, but this is an awesome start.  I am told by the SLP's in her life that she is a superstar with the NOVA Chat, and I am super proud of my girl.

Peer modeling has been awesome for Evie.  She has even started to ask to use the potty, and has done so successfully in the last week of school.  Today, her aide had a chance to say some words in the ceremony, and she beautifully said that her classmates have been so supportive of Evie, and she believes that Evie's classmates have benefited by being friends with Evie as well.  The other parents nodded their heads in agreement, and this mama's heart just got so full.  I am so thankful.  I am also so sad to leave her wonderful teaching team--they have fallen in love with Evie.  I invited them to our home to give her manicures, because she allowed them to do her hair, apply nail polish, and draw a spider tattoo on her arm.  I don't recognize this kid!

Next fall, we get to have the same wonderful aide, and we were able to meet her new teacher on the way out of the building today.  We felt so well taken care of.

What's in store for this newly-graduated 4-year-old?  A lot of trips to the library and the park, and hopefully some beach trips with her grandparents, and then off to summer school (Extended Summer program) for a month so that she doesn't regress too much!  Wishing you all a fabulous start to your summer!

PS Keep an eye out for more info about joining us on this year's Buddy Walk in October!!  Evie's other favorite musician is going to be there! AAAAAAHHH!


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