Sorry, I forgot to write an update about Garrett's school. I wrote earlier that the first day (when I stayed the whole time), went great and Garrett really warmed up after about 10 minutes. The second day (when I left) was not so great. The third day, we were welcomed by blood curdling screaming as soon as he saw the school from the street.
Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. After the third day, I spent some time with Garrett looking back at the pictures of him at the orphanage. It dawned on me that he and I never talked about it and therefore he did not know that we called it an "orphanage". So we talked about how at the orphanage, he is Igor and he does not have a mommy, daddy, sister, dogs or cat. But at here he is Garrett and has a family and goes to school and church. And school is not an orphanage.
I was hesitant at how much this really sunk in but low and behold, the next school day was a thousand time improvement. So I pushed my luck and told him the time after if he did not cry when I left, that he could have a piece of candy when I came to get him (that of course was clearly understood the first time!!!)
Not a tear since :-) His teachers have said that he is doing absolutely great! He is so observant and catches on within seconds to what his peers are doing. He is talking (in gibberish and sign language of course) non-stop about school! Today he even stood up in front of class and introduced himself and lead the song for the day! A bit amazing for a little guy that kept being told he could not talk.
Garrett attends the local school district early education program. Mon-Thurs from 8:30-11:30 is preschool. Here Garrett is in a class of 8 with 1 teacher, 2 teachers aide, and several specialists that visit -- speech pathologist, language specialist and occupational therapist. Garrett is recieving special attention from all three specialists. This week was the first week he went all 4 days and he did absolutely great!
Starting next week, Garrett will begin attending the afternoon daycare (at the same facility). Very slowly (increasing time every day), although I suspect this transition will go really well. He will have lunch there and take a nap. I am very happy about the nap since this will allow him to continue to stay up late (9pm) to spend more time with us.
We are very lucky to live in such a highly rated school district with so many services available to help us. We are so lucky to have my parents and my wonderful Godmother Fran so close by to help with Garretts transition as well.
I go back to work the week of Thanksgiving (insert a gigantic sad face here). But thankfully it will be a short work week.
