So, I've been asked to provide updates on how the kids are doing. I'll add updated pics soon.
AJ: AJ started kindergarten this year. He started his first half the year at a Groveport Elementary School. Then we moved to Gahanna, and he had to change schools. His first teacher in Groveport teared up when I told her he would be leaving. She said she would like to have a class full of AJ's. The first week of school, the teacher wanted me to consider moving him to 1st grade. Since I knew he would be changing schools, I declined. He has been in his new school like three weeks. AJ has told me several times how much he loves his new school. AJ makes friends so easily, he had no problems fitting in. He has told me a couple of times that what he likes most is his teacher. I spoke with her a week after AJ started school. She went on and on about how good AJ is and how smart he is. She said he is doing very well. She admitted she was concerned when he started that he might be behind because most kids who transfer in from other districts are usually behind, but AJ is actually ahead.
AJ seems to like our new house too. He got to decide how he wanted his room to be decorated. I'll get some pics of his room decor. He has a new bed and and wall decor to decorate with castles, knights, and dragons. AJ is excited that we have a neighbor who takes care of her 6 year old grandson every day after school. He was so worried about not having a friend in the neighborhood, but now he does, so he is thrilled.
Over the past year, AJ has been experiencing these episodes where he will complain of a very bad headache. He'll hold his head and and he looks miserable. The next thing you know, AJ is throwing up everything. At first, there were months between incidents, but then it started occurring more frequently, happening more like every few weeks. We took him to the doctor. The doctor sent AJ for an MRI to be sure there was no cause to be concerned about a tumor or other reason for pressure in the brain. Thankfully, the MRI results were normal. However, the doctor does believe that AJ is experiencing migraines. My poor baby. Otherwise, most days, AJ is happy and healthy. He continues to be actively involved in sports. We are currently taking a break from flag football. He has been playing basketball most recently.
It is so hard to for me to believe how time has flown this past year. It is crazy to realize that Declan is over a year old now. Delcan is the sweetest baby. I just want to keep him a baby forever. Like AJ, he has learned some sign language. He has no problem letting us know when he is hungry. The boy eats and eats and eats. In fact, at the daycare, if they do not provide him with a back up plate of food immediately after he finishes his first plate, then he will start stealing the other kids' food. Despite being such a big eater, he still remains a little guy. And that is just fine with me since I want him to stay a baby and not grow up. It gets harder every day though because he is walking all over the place now. For a long time, he didn't show any interest in walking. He was the fastest crawler I have ever seen. Then even when he was walking, he actually crawled more because he could do that faster than walking. But now, even though slower and toddling, he walks all over now. Recently, Declan has started making this funny squinty cheezy smile face. He usually does it when I bring out a camera, but has learned that it makes us laugh so is doing it randomly at times just for our reactions.
AJ and Declan are great together. They each love each other so much. Sometimes they each get annoyed with the other. Sometimes Declan tends to beat up on AJ a bit, but for the most part, they are fun to watch as they play and hug each other. Well, I have to admit, it's kind of funny to watch Declan tackle AJ too. Though I do try to be sympathetic to AJ and come to his rescue when he starts yelling for help.
