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Yesterday Josh and I went to the boys' school to each lunch with Petey. The school has an open policy about letting parents come anytime to eat with their kids. I think I might make this a Friday tradition, swapping off between Zack and Petey. I really enjoyed it, but not as much as Josh :) It was so cool to see Petey in his element, functioning so well in the school environment. He tried so hard to follow all the rules and show me that he knew exactly what to do and when to do it.

I always find it funny how my boys' classmates will open up to me so readily. Maybe it's because I have such a kid face? The boy sitting across from me at lunch told me that last nigh his dad gave him an atomic wedgie. He was quite proud of that fact, too! After lunch we went outside for recess. Petey took Josh with him everywhere and they just played so well together. This is one of the benefits of our China time: our kids are best buddies. I hope it lasts. Josh didn't want to leave when the bell rang because he was having such a swell time. Petey wanted to take Josh into his class and show him all around.

Petey's teacher emailed me last night:

I just wanted to check in again after week two. Petey is working so hard, and I'm so pleased with his progress. What a great improvement after just 9 days! He's making eye contact, he's raising his hand more, and is really settling in. I'M SO PROUD OF HIM!! He is delightful, Tina! Thank you - a million thank you's - for all of your support. I think we're in for a wonderful year. He still struggles at times with side-talking on the carpet and with staying calm, safe, and in control when we do fun/silly things, but not anymore than any other 6 year old boy!

Have a great weekend and pat that little boy on the back. He's doing great!

Thanks,

I read the email out loud to the whole family. I'm trying hard to use positive reinforcement these days. It's tough sometimes to remind yourself to praise the good and not just criticize the bad. Also, I have to find ways to make sure Zack isn't feeling left out with all this focus on Petey. Zack seems to be doing so well in school. I was worried that he'd be behind the curve, academically, from homeschooling. He's not and what a relief that is! So, I make sure to try and praise them all equally. It's difficult when one kid seems to demand as much attention as Petey does, not to focus most of our attentions on him. But I'm trying to make it fair! I don't want the sibling rivalry to get any worse than it naturally is anyway.

I went to a baby shower last night with the church ladies. I met a woman who is pregnant with her 4th boy! Wow, what a brave person. My own period was a few days late and it got me to wondering....what if I was pregnant, how would I feel about that? I was surprised to discover that I was completely ok with the idea. Of course, it would be a bit traumatic because 1) I have no health insurance right now, but we're working on that and 2) I have an IUD, so I'd be worried how that would affect that baby. Still, when I'm totally honest with myself, I'm glad that I'm past that baby stage of our lives. I like not changing diapers, and not being spit up on. Still, there are times when I really miss nursing and baby cuddles and coo's. Anyway, back to the shower, I feel quite awkward around the church ladies after my outburst on Sunday. I guess it will just take a while for me to get over, but I feel like every time they look at me, all they see is "Yells at teacher!" Although, one lady (Jodie, and hopefully a new friend) did come up to me and tell me she was really glad I spoke up. She has two aunts who are gay and she felt the teacher was wrong to say what she did, as well. She said she was sitting in class thinking "You go, Sister!"

Car shopping today! Wish us luck. I really want to get this resolved so I don't have to be the family taxi service anymore.