Hi all, just a quick drive-by post tonight to mark our little man Tyler’s SEVENTH birthday. It was just a few days ago (or so it feels) that we were celebrating Tyler’s 6th Birthday with his cake at the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou, before returning from his Adoption journey.
As a SAHD (for the time being), I usually have the chance (and I try to use every chance I get) to volunteer at our kids’ elementary school. It’s fun to see them in their school environment and see them interact with their teachers and friends – it’s so very different than at home. Today was my first chance this year to visit Tyler’s Kindergarten class. Since it’s his second pass through Kindergarten, he is enjoying meeting a completely new set of friends. His Teacher is remarkable in her ability to guide her class and understand all of their unique needs. She’s become almost family for us, since she has taught Ashley, Ryan and now, Tyler.
From the moment I arrived in class today to see Tyler and his friends, I was completely amazed at how different he was behaving, in comparison to last year. Gone was the need to come to me constantly, the need to wander out of his seat, and the desire to explore the classroom, despite his teacher’s direction. Last year he was just starting to understand typical classroom expectations and norms, so he was a bit overwhelmed by the experience. And his behavior was a challenge for everyone.
What a difference a Year and a Summer have meant to him. Once I arrived in class, I said Hello to him, and asked him to return to his table to rejoin his friends and to listen to what his teacher was asking. He did that exact thing – immediately and without the need for any redirection or additional encouragement. He was patient; he paid attention to her instructions; and he pretty much ignored me (which was GREAT, don’t get me wrong!) to focus on his class activity. He was so very well behaved that I was almost speechless. I caught the Teacher’s eyes every so often, and her looks back at me were saying “Look at him and how well he’s doing!” Her pride was matched only by my amazement. It was such a momentous thing for me to witness that I couldn’t wait to share it with Lisa. It was so heartening to watch how he carefully handed out his Birthday Gift Bags to all of his new friends, making certain that everyone got one. He was so happy that it was HIS birthday, and that he was the star of the show today. I’m still in a bit of shock over the transformation I saw in him and how he has progressed in his classroom activities. I can’t wait to go back and volunteer again!
Tonight after dinner, we all sang Happy Birthday and Zhu Ni Shenri Kuaile, as he sat contented in front of his cake, ablaze with SEVEN candles. Here’s to a wonderous start to his Eighth year and continued success and progress in school.
We Love You Very Much, Tyler. HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us.
Love, Mom & Dad
