Big First for Xander!

Yesterday we had a big moment in the Bruno house. (At least it was for me, men aren't as sensitive to these kinds of things!) Xander brought home the phone number of a classmate and asked to have a playdate at her house. Yup, it's a girl!

This may not seem like a big deal, but given all the trouble we've had this year with Xander's behavior I think it's very exciting that someone from his class wants to hang with him after school. The sessions with the school counselor are really working! (Thanks, Dawn!)

I talked to the girl's mom and we set up a Saturday playdate for Xander and Drea. Then Xander surprised me by talking to Drea for an additional twenty minutes on the phone. He never talks to anyone that long! He asked questions about her siblings, her house, her toys. Then he asked me if he could have a sleepover. I told him we'd try the playdate first, LOL! And yes, I took a picture of him talking on the phone, which he was doing in the privacy of his own room.

Now we just have to wait and see how he does on Saturday. Don't worry, I'll post an update on that here on Monday!

Summer Already?

It's hot.

I know I shouldn't be complaining, since we had snow this time last week. But it's supposed to be up to 90 again today, and I just need a slower transition from cold to hot. Where's the Spring weather??

Xander's more than happy about the temperature change, though. This weekend he was being a "Soggy Ghostbuster" with the hose, and had me get out the sprinkler so he could play around in it. I just happened to have my camera on hand (shocking, I know!) and took these cute pics. If I have to be too hot too soon, at least I can be entertained!

Parent-Teacher Conference

Joe and I had our second conference with Xander's teacher today. Xander wasn't so thrilled, since he had to hang out in the gym with a bunch of teachers and aides. The school counselor joined us, and I have to say the news was good!

Academically, Xander is exactly where he's supposed to be. His writing is coming right along, and his teacher says he's showing a steady interest in science. On a recent test of word sounds and following directions, he scored 106 out of 119. That's my boy!

Socially, Xander has really improved over the last few weeks. He's been playing more with the other kids, and with the counselor's help he's been using his words instead of pushing. She's been role-playing with him, so that when situations come up he already knows what to do.

A new student just started in Xander's class this month, and Xander's teacher said that he's just taken charge. He helps the new kid get around the school, helps him out in the classroom...he's really made the new student feel welcome.

So it was a great report! Xander's teacher says that he should have no problem sliding on into first grade next year. Yay!

Endless Biking Spring

This Spring is one of endless biking! Every nice day we have, Xander wants to be out there working those pedals. Most of the time he does pretty good, and only needs a little help. Yesterday he was trying to see how fast he could go up and down the driveway.

And sometimes he just can't stay on the darned thing. Then he gets all mad, starts kicking tires, and tells me he'll never ride his bike again. Drama king, anyone?

So April isn't even over yet and already I have like fifty or more biking pictures. I need to stop taking them! But he just looks so cute!