We are doing amazingly well, and we are further along than I thought we would be at this point! I am so proud of how far Jacob has come. He amazes me every day with how well he is adjusting and how fast he is learning.
Jacob and Elijah started preschool in September. They go 2 mornings a week. We hadn't planned to send Jacob, but he asked to go! The school was really fantastic. They let us transition slowly. I stayed in the classroom with Jacob for a couple weeks. Then I only stayed in the class for part of the time and in the hallway for the other half of the time. Then, I was just in the hall. Finally, I was able to leave him there. Jacob's teacher has been so wonderful and understanding. He hasn't had any problems in school! I love seeing him make friends and enjoy going to school. I think going to school has helped him break out of his shell. He and Elijah are in different classes, and that has helped each one of them to socialize on their own. I think that has helped them also be best friends at home. They really love each other. It is so sweet, and it warms my heart to see them together!
Jacob speaks fantastic English. I am amazed at how fast he has learned English. He also knows his colors, letters, numbers, and even how to spell his name! He is showing interest in reading and writing. I think having Elijah has helped with language. He used to repeat EVERYTHING Elijah said, which helped him learn quickly. He is still working on expressing his emotions.
He is also attaching VERY well. He runs up to me and gives me big hugs in the morning. As his attachment increases, I see his self-confidence rise. We had a big breakthrough the other week. He woke up from a nap with a nightmare. He woke up screaming "I not! I not going!" and then screamed. I ran up and scooped him up. I rocked him and told him it was just a dream and not real. I told him Mommy is right here, and he is going to stay here forever. I held him tightly and prayed for God's protection over his dreams and his mind. I prayed that Satan would have no control over his mind or dreams. When a Mom prays a prayer of protection for her babies, it is a fervent prayer! He calmed down and went back to sleep. He woke up different. More self-assured than I'd ever seen him. With language skills even more advanced. He has since shown us more of his sense of humor (he is so silly and funny!). He has shown control over his emotions that he previously didn't have. As in, he was upset about something yesterday, and instead of throwing an hour long tantrum, he was back to being happy in 15 minutes - this is really huge.
He is such a sweet and loving child. He is gentle and loves to cuddle. He loves books and playing with cars and trains. He also has a flair for the dramatic. As I am typing, he is picking up a small bucket that has a couple little toys in it, and he is picking it up and carrying it like it weighs 100 pounds. He is grunting and pretending like he can barely pick it up. In reality, it is very light. :) He and Rob are so very much alike. Both are task-oriented introverts, and they don't easily change their plans. They are both fiercely loyal. It's funny how much they are alike. Especially since Elijah and I are both very much alike. We are both people-oriented extroverts.
We have good days, great days, and bad days just like everyone else. Parenting a child who has gone through trauma is not always easy, but it is so rewarding to see him grow. What many consider small victories, are huge victories for us. I wouldn't have it any other way. We feel so blessed to walk this road!
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