This has been a huge year of growth for Jude, and that makes my mama-heart so happy! He amazes me often, and it's really encouraging to see him maturing in so many great ways. Due to his challenges with Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, & hypoglycemia, we started him in kindergarten a year later than we had originally planned. So he's a year older than most 5th graders. But this year he really began to make some strides with school and was able to move beyond his grade level in some subjects. He's also been learning the art of conversation in his weekly social skills therapy & I'm always so impressed with his ability to learn and adapt. He uses manners, and is interacting with people well, and loves to socialize with cashiers at stores. He use to keep to himself when kids would come over to play, and now he joins the group, is even willing to share his things and he allows others into his world.
He's also maturing past some of the little OCD things that he use to get caught up with, and he's been able to relax and let things go! We still regularly use the phrase, "please go with the flow," and he's able to adapt and do just that. He still faces challenges in new settings or situations where he doesn't know what to expect, or what is expected of him, but he's aware and can overcome the challenges with time and space and reassurance. I'm so, so grateful for Jessica, his social skills & speech therapist, who works with him each week! She has been working with Jude for 3-4 years now, and when he first started therapy with her he couldn't even have a conversation or stay on topic. Now he loves to say, "Hi Jessica, how are you today? Have you had a nice week? What have you been up to?" and the conversations carries on easily from there. It's really sweet to see the transformation happening, and I love that because of his growth in conversation, we're able to see his humor shine through so much more often! Jude has a great sense of humor and an incredible imagination, and we're able to enjoy them so much more now.
This may be Jude's last year with Jessica, as she may be employed somewhere else next school year. When Jude found that out last week he said, "Well Jessica, maybe we should use this last session to have you tell me everything I need to know." :) I thought that was pretty cute, and also super sweet. He clearly sees her value!
We give thanks for you Jude! God knew exactly what he was doing when He made you and we are the blessed ones to get to be with you every day. You bring us so much joy! We love you forever and a day, Jude-bug! xo
1. Benny's Donuts
2. Visit the Lego store
3. See the chicks at Wilco
4. Go bowling
5. Open presents
6. Watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi
7. Have cake and ice cream
1. At Benny's Donuts - they even lit a candle for him!
And offered to take a family picture for us.
2. To the Lego store!
3. Visiting the chicks at Wilco. (As Jude would say, "not the hot kind.") ;)
4. Go bowling!
5. Open presents!
He got his traditional $2 bills that he loves so much, from Granddad and Grandma. And he got to have a special phone call with Grandma Jill about a Lego shopping trip. And Grandpa Mike & Grandma Chris has stopped by a few days earlier to drop off a Target gift card. He was well loved and showered in gifts. :)
6. Watch the new Star Wars!
7. Cake and ice cream!
May your 12th year be full of joy and adventure, new growth & more understanding of God's unconditional love. You are loved loved, Jude!! xoxo
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