(Chris, Bekah, FirePapa, Nana, Kayla, Valerie in CA)

(Bekah at private speech therapy with Miss Elisabeth – look at that concentration!  Kayla is always right there helping and learning)

Things are going well at school and Bekah couldn’t be happier.  Her classroom is filled with children who love her and treat her kindly.  There are some very active children in the classroom and Bekah loves to watch the action.  I asked the teacher about getting more help in the classroom especially because I know Bekah is content to sit in her chair watching what’s going on.  When she is engaged and working, she makes so much more progress.  The county has promised to try to find someone else to put into the classroom, so we will see when that happens.  Bekah’s teachers are very sweet and work really hard to make sure she is included in all activities.  They had a little halloween party and Bekah came home with all kinds of treats that she could eat.  They had bought special treats just for her – – some peas, the little melt-away snacks, all kinds of stuff – – so nice!  The biggest difference from last year is that the teacher/parent communication level is so much higher.  Bekah’s teachers send me pictures, email, and text.  It’s so great!  Her progress reports aren’t great, but I think that is due to not having enough hands in the classroom for all the needs they are supporting.  Her teachers names are Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Hutson.  Please pray for these precious ladies.

Bekah has determined that she is a big girl now and big girls don’t take naps.  She is really adjusting to the longer day and makes it to about 8 o’clock now for bed time.  We’ve taken bananas out of her diet now and she is sleeping so much better.  She still wakes a few times in the night, but no where near the hour long periods we used to have.  Many people I’ve talked to have said that bananas upset their stomachs too.  I am so glad we figured that one out.  

We have been going to a therapy company that is sort of like a library for adapted toys.  Bekah (and Kayla) can try out toys, computer programs, switches, etc. that work to make it easier for Bekah to activate and to be engaged.  Mrs. Lisa is amazing and always has new and excited things for us at our monthly visits.  At the end of each session, Mrs. Lisa lets us have a bubble party.  We sing and dance in the bubbles and we all leave happy and sticky!  =)

(Bubble Party at Lekotek)

Kayla has been doing a fantastic job in second grade.  We’re enjoying our second year in our co-op and Kayla is making huge strides.  We do school at home (or wherever we see fit for the day) on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  I love being involved in her learning process and feel honored to be able to help her day to day.  Kayla has a new love – – BOOKS!  If her voice ever falls silent, she is probably in her bed reading.  She has such an appetite for books that we’re making regular trips to the library to bring home a large tub full.  She has finished several large projects for school this year, which are right up her alley because she loves drawing and crafting.  Her teachers are loving and she has made lots of friends, many that go to West Ridge Church with us.  This summer at VBS, Kayla decided to begin her journey with Christ.  She wants to be baptized so that she can make a public profession of faith to her friends and family.  She has been so inquisitive and eager to learn about a personal relationship with Him.  It really is contagious to watch!

Thank you so much for loving our family and continuing to lift us up in prayer.  We know that only by God’s strength is the journey of life possible.  We are seeking to honor Him in our family and in our day-to-day activities.