Hello Everyone,
Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Things with a 4 year old get hectic. Since I haven't posted lately I thought I'd give an update on recent events.

School Days?
A few weeks ago, I was told by daycare that since she would be 5 before the deadline, Riley would start Kindergarten this August. When I tell you I was not prepared for this at all, I mean it hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew that she(and I)weren't ready for big school. I had planned on keeping her at her excellent daycare one more year, because she is testing at about a year delay, I felt this would give her some "catch up" time and lead to successful school days. After several hours of crying, and with the help of my wonderful Mom(THANK YOU SO MUCH!!)I was able to explain to the local school board, the special ed coordinator to be exact, our situation. Not only did I not feel like Riley was ready for school she is so small(she only wears 24months-2T and she'll be 5 this year). The woman explained that I did not have to enroll Riley in Kindergarten this year, that she could wait one more year to start and that because of her special needs, school district was not a determining factor because we can send her to the school we feel has the best programs for her. WHAT A RELIEF!! So in August, if she is to old for daycare, then we will be sending Riley to a preschool program at a local elementary school where Gerard's cousin is a Kindergarten teacher, then next year she will attend there and have a familiar teacher. That should help ease my anxieties about school. It is amazing how fast they grow. When Riley was born, I thought it would be forever before I was worried about school, but that day has come.

Ballerina? After 3 weeks of dance class, with no significant progress, I was facing a difficult decision. I did not want to give up on Riley, but with her not participating and spending the entire class running around, nor did I want to pay for her to run(something she can do at home for free). My mother-in-law went with us to dance and was pretty irritated that neither of the teachers engaged Riley or even tried to get her to join the group and participate. I asked for a withdrawal form and then something wonderful happened. Watching on the tv monitors(parents aren't allowed in class) I saw Riley joining the group. The head teacher decided to hold her hand and say Riley you will be my partner. The rest of the class she stood right by the teacher and participated. Even attempting the ballet positions, so I know she had been watching at least. During a bathroom break, I snuck in a told Riley how proud I was of her. The teacher said, "to be honest with you, I was scared to try to make her participate and stand by me because I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but now that I know that this is what she needs she'll be my partner. Riley really seemed to enjoy the rest of the class,I think she felt special standing up front with the teacher, and given the extra attention, she may turn out to be a prima ballerina after all.