Hurricane Irene

So we weathered the Hurricane this past weekend just fine. We didn't even loose power. This was my first experience with hurricanes in North Carolina and I have to say it was different from what I was accustomed to. I grew up in Houston and then went to college in New Orleans so I'm pretty familiar with Hurricanes. Growing up I somehow came to believe that hurricanes that enter the Gulf of Mexico are somehow much more serious than those that sweep up along the Atlantic coast. I don't know if this is an extension of the belief that "everything is better/bigger in Texas" or if there is real science behind this belief (ie. maybe the water in the Gulf of Mexico is warmer leading to a stronger storm or storms also seem to stall in the gulf getting stronger before slamming into the coast while those in the Atlantic Ocean seem to fall apart). My point being that I had the impression that storms off the Atlantic Coast are typically weak. Secondly Houston is a huge market so the weather men would compete to hype the storm up and make it seem more exciting. It's all about the ratings after all. People in Louisiana are just crazy, and hurricanes send them over the edge. Half the population thinks that the mere mention of a hurricane is cause enough for a hurricane party and begin drinking heavily as the storm approaches and the other half of the population thinks that they must hunker down and protect their property at all costs. I never really understood this part, protect your house from what, the water? the wind? what are you going to do exactly, threaten Mother Nature? (I am of course exaggerating, there are a fair number of reasonable, rational, level headed people in both Texas and Louisiana.)

North Carolinians seemed so calm, so rational. There was no oversensationalizing things on the news. They delivered the facts, provided information and instruction. Everyone seemed to be able to go about their business and prepare for the storm at the same time.

In the end the storm weakened significantly before reaching the coast. We were well prepared, pantry stocked, gas in the cars, patio furniture secured, toys moved inside. But nothing happened, it was windy but we got very little rain. Hurricane Irene did significantly less damage than the tornadoes that swept through our area in April. We did enjoy spending the extra time together. So here's our Hurricane Irene recap.

Mike and Peter played Guitar Hero



Olivia and Daddy got in some extra cuddle time



We watched Toy Story at least 3 times



We got a beautiful sunset on Saturday evening!



I know some of our friends to the north didn't fare so well. You're in our thoughts and prayers!

First Day...

Today was Olivia's first day of Kindergarten! I think she loved it. We have a silly little song that I sing to her as I'm getting her dressed for school. I haven't sung it all summer but when she heard me singing it this morning she lit up. She was very happy waiting with Mike and I for her school bus (thanks 82nd Airborne Division for deciding that it's important for military parents to be there for the first day of school, it made our morning extra special).

Olivia got very excited when she saw the school bus. Mike and I were much more nervous than she was! It seemed very peaceful at our house today. Peter really missed Olivia and couldn't wait to see her. I got a little teary but managed to keep things under control. I know Olivia loves school so that makes it much easier for me. Olivia's teacher and her 1:1 both sent home notes saying that Olivia had a good day. Her teacher wrote : "Olivia had a GREAT first day!! She laughed and payed attention very well. I was so impressed". According to the daily log Olivia was a happy and excellent participator in all their activities, expecially Math.

Back to School

Monday night we all attended the Back to School/Open House night at Olivia's new school. Olivia begins Kindergarten this year and in terms of education it's a whole different ballgame. Services in North Carolina are divided into 2 categories...Early Intervention (mainly serving people from birth-to-three years) and the K-12 system. In North Carolina the kids in the 3 and 4 year old category fall into a grey area, they qualify for and receive early intervention services but the administration of these services varies widely based on what geographic area of North Carolina you live in. Olivia turned 5 over the summer so we're officially crossing into the threshold of the K-12 education system and all the federal laws and guidelines that go along with it.

Last year Olivia attended a preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds at the public school in our neighborhood. Students have to have a qualifying condition in order to attend the preschool program and those conditions ranged from physical and cognitive disabilities to communication challenges and economic status.

This year Olivia will be attending a different elementary school in our school district that is better equipped to serve students with special needs. At Olivia's new school they have several classes of children with special needs divided by diagnosis. Olivia will have the same 1:1 aide as she did last year and this is he area of her education that we're most pleased with. We like the teacher but we're not sure that Olivia's class will be the best fit for her. Olivia will be in the ID (Intellectually Disabled) class. There will a total of 6 kids in Olivia's class, 1 teacher, 2 classroom aides, and Olivia's 1:1. We know that we're moving soon so we aren't going to push it.

Olivia enjoyed visiting her classroom. Some of her classmates will be in wheelchairs so the classroom is a large open space. There's not a lot of furniture which is good since Olivia won't be tempted to climb on it, there's plenty of room for her to run around and nice big windows.



There are a ton of new toys for Olivia to discover. I was nervous about how Olivia would do in her new class at her new school but within the first 10 minutes Olivia had gone right over to the play area and was happily entertaining herself with some of the toys and books.



Peter also enjoyed visiting Olivia's classroom. I know that he'll love school when he's finally able to go. He is such a laid back little guy. He really is a very easy kid. He impressed everyone when he announced in his loudest voice that had to pee pee. After that was taken care of he announced that he was ready for a snack, he pulled up a chair and sat down at the table to enjoy his snack while Olivia explored her new classroom and Mike and I were able to chat with the teacher.


Olivia's first day of school is on Thursday. She'll be riding the school bus all by herself for the very first time. Check back later in the week to see how it goes.

A Very Special Person

A very special person in my life is my Grandmother. I love her dearly and words cannot even begin to express how special my relationship is with her. My Grandmother recently celebrated a birthday. Last year we were able do spend her birthday with her and almost all of my extended family at her 90th birthday celebration. This year we weren't able to squeeze a trip in but thanks to another very special person in my life (my cousin Katy) and her blog I almost feel like I was there. I'm so excited that we're going to be moving closer to family and I will be able to see my Grandmother more often.

To see a few pictures from the birthday celebration click on over to my cousin's blog: Me & The Boys