17th

You are Full of Surprises:
That's certainly true when you're dealing with your child. You know that surprises can be a great way to motivate, amuse, distract and discipline, and you try to always have a big bag of tricks on hand.
But you have the element of surprise going for you in other areas, too. Doctors may be surprised to find that you have strong opinions about your child's treatment, and observations to back them up. School personnel may be surprised that you have well-thought-out suggestions for how your child should be taught and handled, and have done your homework when it comes to your rights and the school's responsibilities.
But the one who may be most surprised by your abilities is.... you! Who knew you could do this?!
Terri Mauro
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I've NEVER had to suggest something to my school staff (after the push for all-day kindergarten). In fact, it's quite the opposite. On the other hand, I HAVE had several battles with organizations who are in the business to HELP Special Needs!!! It's been my experience that "regular" classes are MUCH more tolerant and accepting than those that are designed to provide for Special Needs only. Go figure.

I DO carry around more stuff in my bag'o'tricks than I did when she was a baby. I have fidgets, chewy, paper, crayons, diapers, juice, munchies, pictures, you name it. My back is strong "like bull". :-)

S and I went to get our haircut on Saturday. The pampering was totally lost on her but I do think she really enjoyed the "girl's day". She has elected to grow her hair LONG! I'm still not sure how much she's going to tolerate - but I'm game. Harriet and I both told her that when it gets long in the summer she will need to pull it back off of her neck. So here we go. "The girling up of S" (as O calls it).

She also made a deal with her dad that when she wears big girl underwear and poops on the toilet she will get a Little People Tree House. She SAID she'd start on Saturday. It's Sunday afternoon and I've seen no underwear. :-) But I just keep asking every so often. No pressure. Just a little carrot out there in the air. :-)