So Far, So Good

Riley has done great with his transition into glasses.  He got them first thing Saturday morning and he was very excited.  Casey and I both took him and it was a bittersweet moment.  First of all, it changes his whole look.  He looks so much more grown up and that makes me so sad.  I just kept picturing my baby, not a grown boy.  Then, we just are a little apprehensive of other kids.  I will just have my heart broken if anyone makes fun of my baby.  You just don't ever WANT your child to be in a situation that makes them more prone to getting made fun of.  We all know how mean kids can be.  I also worry about him losing something so expensive and let's face it, he is only 4 and a half years old. With all of that being said, I have kind of been a basket case about this whole transition. 

After getting his glasses, we went to our soccer game later that morning and we saw Anna and he put them on for Anna and was fine with it then.  He wore them all day, taking a break every now and again for his eyes and head to rest.  He cleaned them constantly and kept up with his case very well.  Sunday, he wore them to church and at home.  Well, when it came time to get out of the car today at school, he didn't want to :(  He kept asking me if he looked "cool."  I totally assured him that he did and he went into school.  It was touch and go while I set up our room, one minute he would be ok and then next, he was taking them off.  I talked to him and to his teachers and they did a GREAT job of helping the whole class transition into Riley's new look.  I must say, I was so worried....really makes you think about others who have true disabilities and other challenges they face.  This is nothing compared to some things and it all boils down to you hurting or worrying when your child is hurting and worrying.  At the end of the day, I am happy to report that he had a great day and was very confident when he left school.  I prayed for him all day and just as God always does, he answered my prayer :)

New Looks

We went to the opthamologist on Monday to see about Riley's vision.  He had a screening at the pedi office and he failed it.  After having him examined again, it has been determined that he needs glasses.  He has a stigmatism (has to do with the curvature of the eye) and he is also farsighted.  So off to the glasses store we went.  Riley knew what he liked and didn't like.  He chose some blue wire rimmed glasses.  I know nothing about glasses, so I talked to the optomostrist and she was telling me about our insurance and 20% off for the dr referring us to her, etc and I was doing the calculation based on the sticker attached to the glasses that Riley was trying on.  WOW, boy was I off....you actually pay for the lenses separately.  After the grand total was given to me, I must admit I almost wet my pants.  But, small price to pay for seeing good.  He should have them tomorrow or Friday, so as soon as I have them, I will post pics.

Riley

I just had to brag on my little man!  We had parent/teacher conferences this morning and Casey and I were so proud.  As a parent, you know your child and you of course think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread (well most of the time ;), but it feels so good to hear other people tell you great things.  This was his review on where he is at this time and what their recommendations are for kindergarden. 

First, he knows and aced all of the academics.  There were 2 lower case letters he mixed up (b and d/p and q).  He also didn't know what sounds x, y, and q make.  Other than that, he knew everything else.  His teachers went on to say that he also participates and knows the answers to almost any question they ask.  He is always willing to clean up and always helps others (still wondering why this doesn't happen at home).  His teachers said he is very repsectful of them and of others.  This is the one thing that really hit home with me.  Casey and I really stress the importance of respect. 

We are just so proud of him!!!!  We love you Riley and thanks for being such a good, smart, sweet kiddo!

My Prince.....and my Princess

I have not been the best blogger lately....too much going on.  I have not felt well so by the time I do everything I have to do, the things I enjoy doing, just haven't gotten done.  But here is a quick little update as to what is going on with R and B.

Riley is doing so good in school.  We are up for renewal for registration for preschool and Casey and I both agreed to keep him in another year.  It has nothing to do with his academic ability or even socially.  His teachers were really shocked that he is not going on to kinder.  We just do not want him to be the youngest in his class.  He will be going to school 4 days in the bridge class at Copperfield.  He is playing soccer this spring and his daddy is coaching.  He is also SUCH an avid sports fan.  He was watching the SuperBowl with my mom and she was just shocked at how much a four year old actually comprehended the game.  It is pretty amazing.  And yes, he still knows more lyrics than any child his age I guarantee it!  I got the newer Taylor Swift CD (thanks Ricky), and he already has the whole CD memorized.  In about 3 weeks!!!  He is an amazing little man and although, he is not perfect, he is perfect to me.

Bentley, well, she is just Bentley!  She is really a sweet little girl who has really grown up lately in so many ways.  She is also a singer (but OH MY, it is pretty horrid).  She adores Riley....absolutely.  He makes her giggle when nothing else can.  If I get on to her, she goes to him for comfort.  She wants to do everything he does (good and bad).  It is so cute, she is just now really getting into the whole princess phase.  She wants to be the princess and go to the ball and such.  She just told me after watching Beauty and the Beast that she wants to marry Riley and dance with him like Belle does with the Beast.  Riley, of course, looked at me like WHAT?  She is such a beautiful little girl and while she is EXTREMELY strong willed, she is a blessing as well.  She is also very smart (she and Riley must get this from me ;)  J/K.  Everyday, she tells me something new.  Yesterday it was about starfish.  Today it was about an octagon.  CRAZY!

I am seeing an allergist and we are still working on my sinuses.  I go back in 3 weeks (hopefully well) and they are going to run more allergy test and do a scan of my sinuses.  Prayers are appreciated.

Look at Bentley!!! Doing great with her breathing treatments.

January is gone....onto February

I cannot believe today is the first day of February???  Where did January go?  WOW!

We are still on the mend at the Bryant household.  I am getting allergy tested next Monday to see if I can get some resolve to my allergy/sinus issues.  If not, I will need to visit with the ENT.  Bentley has entered the wonderful world of breathing treatments.  She has another sinus infection (2nd one this year) and bronchitis.  We are doing breathing treatments, antibiotics, cough meds and allergy medicine.  We also got Riley's hearing and vision screened at the pediatrician yesterday.  The school is now requiring it.  He can hear like a champ, but he failed the vision screening.  We have an appointment with the pediatric opthamologist on 2/14, so we will know more then.

Maybe one day we can all be well and get out and do some funner stuff to blog about......one can only hope.