Coulda Woulda Shoulda

Ben is all set to start Early Achievements on Wednesday of this week. 

Ben and I went to the orientation last week.  I was unprepared for the flood of emotion as I stepped back into that classroom.  It was there that we watched Addie come to life, and there that I made many good friends, and there that I saw my daughter's true personality emerge. 

In addition to the flood of emotions from five years ago I am battling my brain with the "should we's"??  At this point in time, after Ben's intense, but very fun, time in Little Learners, he is doing so well.  He has many words, he is starting to combine words, he can label all the things we do and see, and he can fully get his needs met.  While we have committed to the Early Achievements program, and I know how beneficial it is, I'm wondering if it really is the best thing for Ben.  When I have these thoughts I usually feel selfish because Ben is going to have a wonderful time no matter what...it's me that I worry about.  (see--SELFISH!!) Addie will have to go to before-care, Cassie will have to go to before care and after care, and I'll be doing a LOT of driving back and forth to all things. 

On the other hand, this is a huge opportunity for Ben--and for me.  Ben will continue to great early intervention and learn new and exciting things everyday.  I will be able to continue to shout from the rooftop just how wonderful we think Kennedy Krieger is, and I'll be meeting new and wonderful people whom I hope to call friends. 

In the meantime we'll be updating Ben's IFSP (the document that lays out the services that Ben receives through our local Infants and Toddlers organization) to get a speech consult, continue physical therapy, OT consult, and anything else that we may have questions about.  I would much rather have it all checked out now than find out we have missed a crucial "window" opening somewhere along the way. 

In a related note--if you as a reader have a child (or know someone who does) who is not meeting developmental milestones--please do not hesitate in contacting your local Birth to Three/Infant & Toddler program.  I am happy to answer questions as well, though I am by no means an expert! You'll find my contact info on my profile here.  Here are a few other helpful links.
www.kennedykrieger.org   (key in Early Achievements at the search input)
http://www.vineseis.com   The Vines Early Intervention Services in Towson, MD

Thanks for reading, folks!!