Embrace the Uniqueness!!!

I know I've mentioned before that I'm not a fan of preschool....it's not that I don't like the teachers, school, curriculum, or anything of that nature....it's the fact, that kids are being forced to grow up quicker than they should!  Now, I know this is a great way to prepare for school and all of that, but it still gets to me.  One thing that has made it easier for me to deal with, is the fact, that Colin absolutely loves it.  He's doing so well and changing so much thanks to Miss Angie & Miss Rose!  This week, he has his Christmas fun going on and yesterday was his preschool concert!  I wasn't quite sure what to expect, knowing that he's not into that sort of thing, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised!  I waited patiently in the pew (wishing his daddy could've made it) and then I heard the little guys starting to sing.  As I turned my head toward the singing, there they were walking down the aisle!  In the arms of Miss Angie was my little guy, burying his head into her shoulder, so I waited (b/c she asked me to sit upfront in case he didn't like it) and with a few looks I got the cue to head to the back.....however, on my way back, I turn around and there he was up on stage w/ Miss Elizabeth.  He wanted to stay up there!  So, Miss Elizabeth (the school administrator) stayed there with him, while they sang, and w/ his head buried in her shoulder!  I was so proud of him for not crying, screaming, having a tantrum in any way....instead, he stayed up there, shy of course, but hey he did it!  The most amazing feeling came over me while I watched....yes, my son was the only child not singing and yes as the lady behind me said, "Oh, that's the autistic boy" not knowing that I was  his mama....I just smiled and thought, "I'm so proud of you buddy" what an accomplishment!  It was that moment when it hit me, after I heard the comment, "oh, that's what this feels like"...but you know, I didn't get upset over it...instead, I took a deep breath and waited as Miss Elizabeth brought him back to me after the performance!  I know, I see it, that Colin is not your typical 4 year old and in moments like yesterday, when all the other kids had their reindeer ears on and singing their songs it's very apparent, he's different, has his quirks, and certainly very shy; however, at the end of the day....he's still a 4 year old little boy that I love dearly!!!  When we walked out of the school, hand and hand, it was that moment that meant the most....his heart is huge, his smile is the best, and his kisses melt me!  This little boy is our blessing and during this season, he helps us to remember that it's not about having the "perfect" child singing cute little songs, but rather embracing the uniqueness that each child brings to a "performance" that completes it.....in our situation, it's about that little boy that had his head buried in the shoulder of the ladies that are helping to mold him into the little boy that he wants to be!  And, to that, as Colin would say....YIPPEE!!

not sure what it is, but I'm told Colin made it just for us

This is a little add on to this post, but I wanted to keep it all together....Anyway, today, is Colin's last day before Christmas break and he is having a PJ party, book exchange, and having a "special" visitor.    I'm so proud of this little boy....what a great year its been, thus far!  He has conquered so much and as his mama, I've seen and see such huge changes....I love that he loves his school and proud that he is accomplishing all that he is!  The past week he's been saying "see 'ose" (see Rose)...Miss Rose, is Miss Angie's helper in his class and he adores her and Miss Angie, too!  I can't say it enough, but God heard my prayer and blessed us with great ladies that adore him, too!  They really are the best & we are so thankful for them!!!

12/18/13 PJ Party Day