Take me out to the ball game

When you have a special needs kid it can sometimes be difficult to find activities for them to participate in that makes them feel like just another kid.  We are very fortunate that our local county recreation has an adaptive sports program.  We've wanted to sign Riley up for their Miracle League Baseball for the past few years but our schedules have always conflicted.  This year I was determined to make it work.  With the recent illness he's had I was worried that he wouldn't be able to make it to his first game but he's been able to make a good recovery and we headed out to the first game today.  It was so much fun and Riley had a blast.  There were some tears at first and then they gave him his jersey and hat and he was all game! Each kid has a 'buddy' that helps them bat and run the bases.  Of course my kid is a natural so he hit two home runs! Go Orioles!

running to first

sliding into home…first home run!

Riley and his 'buddy' playing 3rd base

Special Delivery

Don't adjust your screen...this is for reals! We are thrilled beyond words! Riley is going to be the best brother ever.  He thinks it's going to be a sister (I secretly think he's right). It's going to be quite the life adjustment but one that is well worth it.  Here's to Baby to Be 2014!

Kindergarten

5 years ago if you were to tell me that Riley would be stepping on the bus for his first day of Kindergarten I would have said you were crazy!  To our delight that day actually came and I was able to see my handsome man off to Kindergarten.  He picked out a new backpack and he was so proud of it! Got a handsome new haircut and stylin new clothes.  He was ready to hit the scene! All through out preschool he had a nurse accompany him but this year we decided since there are nurses in the school that we will trial with out one.  I will admit I'm a little nervous about this but I think it will be ok.  So, the first day I went with Riley to go over transfers and to do wheelchair teaching.  There are 7 kids in his class each with their own unique challenge.  There are 2 other kids in wheelchairs and a couple just learned how to walk.  From what I observed all the kids are non verbal.  Riley did great for about the first hour and a half and then it was complete melt down and not just Riley, half the class was either crying or trying to escape.  Big pat on the back for the teacher and all the aids they handle it with such ease and are calm and compassionate.  Today I think Riley did much better.  It will take some time but he'll learn the routine and will love it! I'm so excited for this new school and all the equipment and opportunities he will have there that was such a fight to get at the mainstream schools.  I'm excited to watch Riley learn and grow. 

So tall and proud!

waiting for the bus.  He loves riding the bus

Alright Mom, enough with the pictures!