Well, it happened. Earlier this month, T became . . . a teenager! How did that happen so fast?! I now have two teenage boys at home. They like to eat too! It's funny to go from years of feeding therapy appts to "Mom, can you order me the 11 oz. steak?" Sure, no problem. With pandemic, his birthday celebration was low key. We ordered take out from a restaurant of his choice, made a cake, and opened presents at home. He was perfectly happy with that and we just enjoyed the day hanging out. We just let him have his day. He played his new video game and eventually emerged for leftovers and a movie with the family. He loves drums and with all the growth, it was time to get him a new drum seat. He's more comfortable now and can sit longer for those one-hour drum lessons. Those have been virtual since mid-March. It's actually been really convenient. His teacher is in the high-risk category as well, so it's just easier for everyone.
Today was T's first day of school. He's in 8th grade this year. He has all of the usual core classes, pre-algebra, and taking the second year of high school French. It's amazing the pace one can achieve with an online school. He can't wait to take Japanese next year and plans to take four years in high school. We made a deal: take two years of French and Spanish, and we'll let you choose your third world language. Of course, he chooses a language that neither of us know. We figure we'll be learning right along with him. Well, who knew making the decision to go online all of those years ago would pay off?! Best decision ever! We were once in the same boat. At the time, we felt forced into something that was very new to us. We questioned if we were making the right decision, we were frustrated, questioned how this online thing would work, who would stay home and facilitate, could we afford it, full of self-doubt, you name it. Because we made the leap over 8 years ago, our kids' schooling hasn't been affected. He just logged in today and completed his lessons. We start Live Lessons soon and we'll both be putting that schedule into our planners as it's based on EST.
Now that everyone's school program has started, the day is a little easier to manage. We get to all eat lunch together too. My husband just walks down the hall to the kitchen table. He is enjoying working from home. As schools slowly reopen or make plans to do so, we'll be revisiting what to do there. We are still making payments for last year's hospital stay. We don't need another one, not for any of us.