Jono grew to love school. I dreaded the conclusion of each day because he always got a progress report home denoting his behavior. I never knew when it would say he pushed other kids. He struggled with impulsive behaviors and I was pulling my hair out, wondering why I could not parent better, helping him to quit these alienating behaviors I swore MY kid would never do.:)
At the beginning of May, Jamie and I met with Jonathan's teachers for his IEP (Individual Education Plan) where we set goals for him for the following year based on how he mastered/did not master his goals we set for this year. I did not prepare because I thought after having constant dialogue with his teacher all year, I knew what was ahead. I did not.
We began the meeting discussing his mastery of goals. Slowly, the conversation got to his impulsive behaviors and how it interfered with his learning. Then it was his speech pathologist's turn to speak. Ever since he turned 12 months, we had been asking for extra speech, worried something was wrong. We were always told it was his delay, being a boy, etc. and not to worry. He still is not speaking clearly and we were aware of that. We had lots of communication from the occupational therapist but not the speech therapist. The first thing she said was, "Is your goal for Jonathan still that you would like for him to speak?" I felt like I had been hit and I fought tears. I said, "You are the professional. Should we not expect for him to speak?" at which point she launched into talking about technological assistive devices, etc. Jonathan will say the first part of a word but truncate the second part. She mentioned this and said she had never seen it and told us to get him evaluated. We discussed his impulsive behaviors again and his teacher and therapist both said it interfered with his learning.
Needless to say, Jamie and I made an appointment with Jono's pediatrician and began him on meds
immediately. We wanted to see if his teachers would see a difference. They did right away. I cried the first day I gave the medicine to him. I was so afraid he would be a different kid and that by giving him the medicine I was revealing the failure I was as a mother. I realize that each time I hit points with our kids like this, it is my pride. I have to admit I don't have all the answers and that I do make mistakes. It took a little bit of tweaking, but that medicine works like a charm and he is talking more, putting two and three words together. He is able to concentrate and stick to one activity at a time. He is less impulsive and more obedient. It is wild.
I got pretty nervous in May, wondering how I was going to handle all three boys at different stages. I finally
determined that I would not go to the pool on my own. Jonathan will jump and run all over the place and I cannot keep up with Joel at my side. Friend and Doc have been kind to let us wear out their pool. We go there several times a week and usually bring a friend for Jackson.
Jackson has been to our Vacation Bible School (because of Elisabeth Souders), baseball camp (he got so hot that he vowed never to return), art camp, and is now at another VBS. Jono had school two weeks in June and two weeks this month. Our faithful babysitter, Cara, has often come to relieve me so I can run errands sans kids.
We sent to SC for the fourth of July. We had a great time and I have no pix. I will have to get some from my mom. The weather was wonderful. We rode bikes, went to the State Museum's pirate exhibit, went to a church picnic complete with a parade of decorated bikes, played baseball in the backyard, jumped on the tramp, and shot off fireworks. It was fun!
Jamie left for New Zealand a few days ago and will be gone for about ten days. His parents have been great to help me in the evenings with dinner and baths. The boys are too occupied to be missing Daddy too much. I am so grateful!
Julie:)
p.s. I apologize for how this is laid out. There is a new way to do this and I have not quite mastered it!
Jono got bit by another child at school but since he cannot communicate clearly, his teachers did not know. They knew he was crying on the playground but not why.
Joel has bionic ears when it comes to the dishwasher. He loves it.
Joel got bit by a duck when we went to a petting zoo with his class. We got there late and everyone else had been warned to stay away from this white duck. It waddled up to Jonathan and he was seated on the ground. It literally just pecked him in the face and pinched him with his beak. I thought Jono was making a big deal of nothing, not knowing he had been bit. I felt so badly afterwards!
This was I Love Homewood Day. I think I have Joel on my person - bijorned.Joel and Jono rode in the I Love Homewood Parade. 
Jackson's teacher, Mrs. Wilson, Jackson, and his classmates on their float in the parade.
Jackson waiting for carpool.
Mothers' Day breakfast with Jonathan.
Mom and Jack at his Mothers' Day breakfast!
Jack doing a handstand push up.Jono doing a push jerk.
Joel doing a handstand push up!
Memorial Day weekend we met up with the Cundiffs and Mixons. The kids entertained us with their version of "Thriller."
Jamie got caught on the side of 459 out of gas with a vehicle his company was giving away. That van just kept having problems that the owner failed to mention...
This is Joel's token look.
Jono taking a snack break at Nana's.
Eric and Jackson creating with Legos.
Aunt Emmy and Emma playing Barbies.
Twins.
Eric and Emma made posters to encourage Jackson during his game.
Jackson, Gracie, Emma, Eric, and Jono at Joel's family birthday party.
Granny, Friend, and Doc.
Emily and MAV.
Pops. 
Nana and Joel.Sarah and James.
Uncle Ryan.Joel's first birthday cake.
Joel had a face plant. We started calling him Gorbachev.
Warren boys.
Jono and our friend, Hale, before he and his family moved to Tennessee!
