The FIVE J's: November

Today is Tuesday and I have a sitter come to watch Joel so I can go out and run errands. I have a lot of things to do but I realized that I could go eat lunch with Jono at school unhindered by the youngest Warren. I decided to head that direction.

When I got to school, Jono was the line leader and did not seem surprised to see me. As he was leading his class to the lunchroom, one of his teachers, Mrs. Kendall, said he told her I was coming to lunch. I never told him this.:) I suppose he does have that sixth sense because of the Down syndrome...:).

He got in line and ordered his pizza, pears, corn, and other foods. His head teacher, Mrs. Connie, said they normally don't let him have chips but she did today. She had him open his own straw and helped him open his milk. She had him practice wiping his hands and face. She made him try all of his food. He seemed to thrive on doing all this on his own. He just turned five and all that sounds great for a typical five-year-old, but sometimes it is simply easier to do it for him. Sitting there, watching this transpire made me realize that I still do too much for him.

It was good just to be with Jonathan. So many times Joel tries to dominate whatever Jonathan wants to do and Jonathan just lets him. Jonathan cannot do anything without Joel wanting to be in there with him. Many times, this is a great problem, but often, I miss time alone with Jono.

To back up and catch up, I went to Raleigh for a shower for my sister, Betsy, on Halloween weekend. I was torn because I didn't want to miss out on the dress up extravaganza. All three boys were going to dress up like Star Wars characters. I only have a few pix, but Jamie said it was wild.

Jonathan celebrated his fifth birthday on the 14th of this month. He knew exactly what was going on and did not have to be told. He knew it meant presents for him ("Yeah, presents! Cake! Eat!") and he was very intent on opening his gifts. It was neat to see how he has grown.

Many people have commented on how Jonathan is winking so much. I took him to the eye doctor and he prescribed some glasses for Jono. The prescription calls for bifocals because the doctor thinks as Jono begins to squint, he crosses one eye. Apparently, bifocals help with that. He does not enjoy wearing them and I fear pushing glasses that are not the right fit.

My sister got married to her finace, Bryan, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Between one of our babysitters, Kayla, Jamie, and his mom, I was able to leave early. We had a stomach bug scare right before but that is all it was. Jackson was sick to his stomach and had to be retrieved from school the day before I left. But, either God heard my cry and spared him, or it was just him being overtired. I drove to SC with my Aunt Nancy. She and I along with my cousin, Jane, my other aunt, Gail, and family friend, Elizabeth, hosted a bridesmaid shower for Betsy and her bridesmaids on the 20th. It was wonderful being able to participate without having to stop and start with the boys.

Betsy and Bryan tied the knot on Sunday the 21st. It was a great ceremony and a wonderful reception. Everything looked great - purple and gold everywhere. Everyone danced and I jumped in there, realizing I was as many as 20 years older than some of the kids dancing!!! Again, thanks to Jamie, Jim, and Betty for watching the boys so I could enjoy the wedding and be a part.

Jamie and his parents left Monday morning after the wedding. I stayed an additional day with the boys so they could see my family. We left Tuesday, found Em on the interstate, and followed her to Birmingham. We stopped at one point, and she let Jack ride with her and the kids the rest of the way to Birmingham.

Uncle Ryan arrived Wednesday. We went back and forth for the remainder of the week between our house and Jamie's parents. It proved to be a lot of fun and quite exhausting. Both Joel and Jono are congested but seem to be on the right meds to be on the mend.

Jackson continues to be a great big brother. He helps play with his brothers and then entertains himself when I have to cook or clean. He loves his dad and likes to stay close to home. We are working with him on his behavior at school, which has improved. He also has a tough time following directions but seems to be talking out of turn less. I think it is tough being a boy in public school.

Jono has glasses. His behavior has drastically improved. He is still doing crazy things (eating metal, painting himself with watercolors, digging for treasure in his dirty diapers, etc.) but is much more compliant and repentant. He also has begun to say many more words and knows it so he names everything he can. It is so neat and such an answer to prayer. Now we need to work on potty training (going on his own) and possibly finding an assistive speech device.

Joel cracks us up. He continues to speak his own language. He is starting to swat at us so we are learning about gentle hands. He is not laid back but lots of fun. He, like his brothers, does not require a lot of sleep so he is up early. He still does not sleep consistently through the night but we sure sleep like logs when he does!

We currently are getting back into the routine of school. We hope to get our Christmas tree this week. I am listening to Christmas music all the time, trying to maximize the season! Our lives continue to be crazy but full.

Julie:)