Bank

Jaylin formed this friendship with one of the bank tellers at my bank. Her name is Abby and she is so bubbly and sweet. Sometime at the beginning of the year we started seeing her every time we went. She started talking to Jaylin and giving him candy (so of course he adored her lol). She worked at Tully's for a little bit and was excited to tell us when she started working there because she knew it was Jaylin's favorite restaurant from previous conversations she had with him. She was actually working one time when we went and Jaylin was excited that she was there. We stopped seeing her for a couple weeks and I thought she no longer worked at the bank anymore. Well, she only was doing weekends and for some reason we were only going in during the week. When we went in and she was there Jaylin was excited to see her. Well, today I went in to deposit my check and Jaylin stayed over at Dollar Tree with his new Res Hab provider. When I didn't see her I told the tellers I was glad Jaylin didn't come in because he would have been disappointed that Abby wasn't there. The teller told me she just recently moved to another town in a different area and she was working at the branch there. Another teller came over and told me that Abby kept telling her that she could not bring herself to tell us she was moving away because she knew she would start crying because she would miss us especially Jaylin. I was very touched by this. I appreciated that and will remember things like things when other people can be so judgemental.

Thankful

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things I am thankful for. First and most important, Jaylin. He is such an amazing person and I am proud to be able his mother. His laugh and smile can make any bad day better. We have been through so much together and I am amazed at the man he is growing up to be. He always keeps me focused and reminds me to "be nice" in my grumpy moments. Will, my best friend. He helps me keep my sanity. He is the person I open up to the most and no matter what I need to talk about he is always willing to listen and give his advice. We have had some interesting conversations over the years. He always tells me things exactly how he feels, there is no sugar coating with him and I love and respect that. I have gotten through a lot of things with his love and support. Even though he lives in DC he is the most supportive person in my life. Annie, my best friend. I always enjoy our talks, shopping trips, and dinner outings. We don't get to see each other as much as we both would like but when we do get together things always fall back into place. She is always there for Jaylin and I. Jaylin is lucky to have such an amazing godmother. Miss W (Bonnie), Jaylin's amazing teacher assistant. In the last 3 years she has turned into Jaylin's second mother. That being said she gets all his grumpiness, stubborness, love, hugs, kisses, bad moments, and accomplishments. She has been our biggest support system and I am always grateful for that. She loves Jaylin and wants the best for him. I couldn't ask for better. Dr Jones, Jaylin's pediatrician, and her staff. Dr Jones made it so Jaylin was comfortable going to the doctors. She always takes my opinion into the decisions she makes when it comes to him. The staff at Syracuse Pediatrics has always made it a warm, comfortable environment for both of us. Special Olympics, Friends Bowling, and Challengers Baseball. I have seen such a growth in Jaylin since he has been involved in these organizations. We have had great memories and have made great friends through this. I enjoy every moment of the times we spend there. Familycapped, Nick, and John. Familycapped is such a great organization that I am glad we are apart of. We have had a great time at the events they throw and appreciate them helping Jaylin get some sensory stuff to help him. Nick is the director of Familycapped. He has a passion to help the families and to do anything to make the community better for our kids with disabilities. John is Jaylin's service coordinator. He is also my co-coach for Challengers baseball and Jaylin adores him. He has been a great help to us in the last couple months. Y Kids Inc. A program that I use to work for and that still takes care of Jaylin. We love the staff that is always there to help Jaylin, take him swimming, make him workout on the treadmill, and play basketball with him. I am glad that the transition of me not working there anymore has gone so smoothly. We have formed great relationships with the other participants and staff over the years. Aimee and Alex. I am glad that we have become so close. We have had many dinners out together, times at the park, and had a great time at the Buddy Walk this year. Aimee and I vent a lot to each other about the frustrations of life as a single mother. Lisa, Paige, Chris, Kathleen, Barb, Alyssa, Mary, and Donald. I am glad that Jaylin has Paige, Kathleen, Alyssa, and Donald to hang out with and we have done a lot of great things together over the years. Chris, Barb, and Mary have been great friends of mine. Lisa and I are a lot alike. I adore her love for her family, sarcasm, and crazy ways. She has taught me that my constant involvement in Jaylin's life is okay and to always fight for what is best for him. I try my best to tell these people as much as possible how thankful we are to have them in our lifes.

Honor Roll

Jaylin came home Thursday with his report card and he made honor roll. I am proud of him. His work is modified to his ability but he is still doing well so I am happy. It's been a bit of an adjustment transitioning from middle to junior high school but I think he's finally getting the hang of things up there. He misses his old team of teachers (so do I) but he is starting to get comfortable with the new team.

New Job

On Thursday I officially started my new job. Since September I have been subbing as a one to one at a preschool through Enable. I was offered the position at the end of October but turned it down at first because I was also offered a position in a program that is being created. I told the director at Enable that I would still work there until they found someone. This program that is being created is going to be great when it is up and running as of right now they don't know when it will start so I needed to make sure that my family had a steady income coming in. Last week I asked the director if she was still looking for someone for the position and she said yes. I told her if she was still interested in me that I would accept the position. She gave me a hug and told me absolutely. I didnt officially start until Thursday because it was the middle of a pay period and it was best to start off a new pay rate on a new pay period. Like most preschools there are two classes. I have one child in the morning and two children in the afternoon that are "my kids". I love the children in both of my classes. They are a great group of kids. My co-workers are great. We all get along and work well together. These ladies have so much love the kids that they help its amazing to me and I am glad to be apart of it. The pay is not what I was hoping for but it is a consistent 40 hours and more than I am making now plus I will finally be able to get insurance in February when my 90 days are up.

Spa Day

On Fridays Jaylin participates in this social group called Hope Club. This week they had a little spa day. Jaylin got a massage, foot soak, and facial. He has never had any of these done before but loved them. I was a little nervous about how he would do with someone massaging him but he loved it and wanted more when he was done. I think I am going to have to go out and buy a foot bath tub and one of those hand held massagers.

Bowling Halloween Party

Jaylin's bowling league had a Halloween Party on Sunday. Spongebob helped Jaylin score 84 & 78. Darius, his friend and team mate, also was a hot dog for Halloween. Jaylin had fun bowling, hanging out with friends, and eating good food.

Halloween

Jaylin had a great Halloween. He went trick or treating with Paige, Donald, and Alyssa. They had a ball and got lots of candy. What a beautiful night it was.