Boys with backpacks

Jacob has started preschool! He wasn't too keen on posing with his backpack, but I got a couple random pics. Jacob was accepted into a program as a model peer. There are 8 kids with speech delays and 8 kids that are model peers. There are 5 teachers/helpers in there. He seems to really like it. I like that he is busy making things and playing with other kids. I like that he is learning schedules and how to listen to a teacher, etc. I love listening to him tell me about the things they did. It is five days a week and I am a little sad about that. I wanted it to be 3 days a week but I feel like this worked out for a reason. It is a hard program to get into since there are so few spots. The program for the model peers was supposed to start on Sept 8, but the head teacher wanted all the kids to start together. So, when I called on Monday, she told me he had a spot, but that I needed to come tomorrow. I was not quite prepared to lose Jacob yet, so I was a little sad to leave him there. But, I feel good about the program and that this is really good for him. And he will be prepared for school next year. And I really like that our cost is a huge $8/month. Isn't that amazing? If we qualified for free lunches, we wouldn't have to pay at all. I really feel like it is a blessing. Some of the preschools I looked into were from $220 for just two days a week all the way to $600 for 5 days.
I am excited for the one on one time with Michael. I can now schedule Michael's speech therapy and physical therapy and drs appts while Jacob is in school. This way Jacob doesn't just have to sit back and watch. Michael's physical therapist suggested for PT one day that Michael wear his little backpack with a couple small books in it for some strength training. He was excited to have a backpack like his brothers. :)
You know, I like change in small amounts, but this week has been too many changes for me. Jeremy started back to work on Monday after being off for most of the summer. And of course, auditions were that same night, then call backs and last night rehearsals started. But, he is excited that he is directing this year. And he is learning a lot about the concept of academic casting and all the details that the director is responsible for. He is directing The Diary of Anne Frank. It is going to be a busy semester for him. We will miss him, we are hoping to see him for dinner every night before he rushes back at 5:30.
Andrew started school last week and this week had his first afterschool art class. They offer it right after school on Wednesdays and they are making insects and reptiles, right up Andrew's alley. It is only $10 a month. We will see how this month goes. He liked making stink bugs and a dragonfly puppet.
And Michael has decided he is too big for his crib and is now sleeping in a big boy bed. I will post a picture later, he is so cute. I sang him to sleep last night and after I finished each song, he would sign more(or it could be that he just wanted the itsy bitsy spider again) until I watched his eyes close and he drifted off to sleep. It was so sweet to watch. It also saves my back from holding/rocking him right before I put him into his crib. :)
So, Jeremy went back to work and right into a play, Andrew is back at school and a new class, Jacob is in preschool, and Michael is sleeping in a big boy bed. And I am left jugglng everything making sure everyone is where they need to be at the right time and picked up at the right time, etc. (Jeremy is riding his bike to the bus stop to get to work, so I have helped him a couple times with drop offs and pick ups too. :) )I will get the hang of the schedule, but it so much all at once. Our summer was so laid back, but I am glad to be back to a schedule again. :)