Seven and a half days

That is how many days the McBean has left of Kindergarten. Since he doesn't go every day, it is spread out over the next 3 weeks, but still. It seems like only yesterday I was so worried about him riding the bus and making friends. Now he is a experienced rider of Miss Connie's #27 bus and sees his classmates when we go to the grocery store. First grade will be here before I know it. Especially since we have lots planned for the summer. On the McBean's last day of school (half day) we are heading West to Missouri to out friend's wedding celebration (they eloped and are having a party, to which I say "right on"). On the way back we are meeting Bob's folks who will keep the McBean for a week on their farm.

At the end of June, Bob and I are headed to Baltimore. Bob is attending a conference and I am tagging along because I have never been to Balitmore. The McBean will be staying with my parents while we are away and I just found out that my sister's kids (well 2 of the 3) will be there as well. McBean will have so much fun playing with his cousins.

Then sometime in July, Bob's folks are coming to get McBean on their way to Kentucky to visit Bob's sister, who Tommy really likes. So the McBean won't have too much down time this summer, but we will try to get to the lakeshore a few times and spend as much time outside as possible.

Before we know it, it will be August and Bob will be gearing up for the next school year. I hope the McBean and I can have lots of fun "free" time in August before he heads to Mon-Fri 8:30-3:30 First Grade. It will be an adjustment, but I am sure that he will do well. He loves going to school now and I can only hope that his First Grade teacher will be as wonderful as his Kindergarten teacher has been. Plus, since he will be at the same school, the McBean should be pretty comfortable.

31

So today is my birthday! So far it has been a great day (and it is only 9 am). I have been thinking about all the changes that have happened in this last year.

The McBean started Kindergarten. Last year at this time I was so nervous about Kindergarten and how he would do. Now he is doing great and has only 5 more weeks of school. Now I am all worked up about 1st grade.

Also during this past year we all have come to be more comfortable taking about and dealing with the McBean's Autism diagnosis. We did an IEP with the school and have been meeting with his psychologist. And recently we have added a psychiatrist and a low dose of Ritalin to the mix. While we still have lots to learn and there with be lots of ups and downs, I think our family is off to a great start in living with Autism.

My job has taken lots of positive turns this past year as well. We are now fully staffed and I have gained 3 great new co-workers whom I am not sure how I got along without before. I am looking forward to the next academic year with great hope.

Unfortunately, I am also a little sad today. My Grandpa Duke and I both had May birthdays and since he passed away last year in June, I don't get to share our May birthdays this year. It will be especially hard when the 26th rolls around. I miss him everyday, but I think May will be the toughest for me.

Luckily, I have a great family and great friends! Here's to a great year counting down to birthday number 32.