Ode to Helping Hands

Gavin and I have approached a moment we have been dreading for, oh, 3 years now. Since Owen was 2, almost 3, he has been in a loving, caring, safe haven called Helping Hands Preschool. He has been spoiled beyond belief and loved unconditionally by his peers, teachers, and therapists. In the words of my cousin Jordan, Owen is a like a rock star at this place. Every morning and every afternoon while getting in and out of the school van, one can hear the excited shrills of preschoolers saying, "There's Owen!", or "Owen's here!", or "Bye Owen!". The kids have always been so excited to see him. And the teachers...the teachers are amazing, angelic even. They not only have gone above and beyond what Owen needs, they honestly spoil the crap out of me as well. Ms. Shelly and her gang have worked so hard to both help Owen succeed and make Gavin and I comfortable, satisfied, and happy. Though Owen's condition makes it difficult for him to make consistent strides developmentally, I honestly feel that these ladies have done everything and more to help Owen be the best that he can be at this point in his life. But....all good things must come to an end. Owen graduated from preschool this last Thursday and will be moving on to elementary school next year. And though the thought of him going all day to school with new students and new teachers frightens the daylights out of us, we knew this day would come. We are ready to tackle this new exciting adventure, but we are sad to say goodbye to Owen's safe, happy life at Helping Hands. Thank you Ms. Shelly, Ms. Ros, Ms. Angela, Ms. Kathy, Ms. Nicki, Ms. Sandy, Ms. Patti, Ms. Coleen, and Ms. Karla!!! You all are awesome!

 

 

Here are some pictures of Owen's preschool graduation...



 

 

Owen with his helper; he stared at him pretty much the entire ceremony:)

Grandma and Grandpa drove 2 hours on a work night just to be at Owen's graduation

Best attempt at a family picture...epic fail.

Going through the graduation line, shaking Ms. Shelly's hand

Owen with his teachers...awesome, awesome ladies!

Though it doesn't show in this video, Owen had a hard time giving up his shaker throughout the song; he kept giving his buddy the stare down after he took it out of his hands and set it on the risers. It was entertaining.:)

Happy Mother's Day

My boys are so sweet. After thinking I picked out my own Mother's Day present (a sweet pair of sweats for this pregnant fatty), my boys still surprised me with some awesome gifts. Owen brought home from school a cute little butterfly painting he made with his footprints; I will never forget the huge smile on his face when I took it out from under his wheelchair and thanked him for it. He genuinely looked so proud of himself and happy to give it to me. And if that wasn't enough, I received in the mail--wait for it--my all-time favorite Shari's Berries cake pops. I love my adorable, thoughtful boys (I guess that includes Gavin too:))!!!

Artist in the making

 

 

So proud of those cake pops

iPad Fun

Owen is finally beginning to get into his iPad. However, he has to be jamming to music on Pandora while he's playing on another app. That's our boy.