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5.20.2010

So Proud!

Yesterday Chloe had her first of several evaluations to ensure she qualifies for special needs preschool.

The person who did the evaluation told me beforehand that it was a hands-on evaluation for Chloe to show what she can do, not for me to tell what she can and can't do. I was fine with that. But the very first activity, it was hard for me not to tell the assessor that Chloe couldn't do it - because I didn't think she could.

There was a baby doll sitting on a chair with a table. Then they put five little toys (a plane, a truck, a cup, a toothbrush, and a block) in front of Chloe and said, "The baby is thirsty. Pick the thing the baby can use to take a drink and put it on the table."

It's not that I think Chloe isn't smart. I know that she IS smart. But I didn't think she could pick the right toy because of her limited motor skills. And I really didn't think she could follow the second set of instructions to then put the toy on the table.

Boy, was I wrong! She reached very intently for that cup. She got it. She put it on the table.

And then she went on surprising me, proving me wrong, and making me BEAM with pride and joy!!!

She picked the toothbrush to clean the baby's mouth after the baby had a drink.

She attempted time after time after time after time to put rings on a peg.

She picked a round shape out of many shapes when she was told to.

She stacked blocks.

She eye-gazed at a picture board and 'selected' the correct answer when asked, "Where is the dog?" "Where is the ball?" etc, etc, etc.

She wasn't done making me proud, though. Later we went to the dentist. Her first visit to the dentist went surprisingly smooth, so I guess I shouldn't have been expecting the worst this time. But c'mon.... she's three. Three-year-olds don't like the dentist, do they?

Well, Chloe does! Every time they said, "Open wide," or "Say awwww," she did it! With a smile! Then she'd always look over at me, like, 'Look, Mom. I'm a big girl!'


I couldn't believe it! I was soooooo proud of her. I'm so excited for her future! I can't wait for her to prove me wrong and exceed expectations time after time.

12 comments:

The Pachuilo Family said...

Yeah for Chloe! She is always surprising me with ALL that she does. She inspires me and makes me look at things differently. Thanks Chloe for being YOU! Your amazing! We love you and miss you all. Can't wait to see everyone in a month.

Junior said...

way to go Chloe, we are so proud of you.

The Norseth Family said...

I'm crying, this makes me so happy. I'm sure you know the feeling. We miss you guys already and can't wait to see you in a month.

Emma said...

Yea Chloe!!! That will be a first of many!!!! She is a very smart little girl!! She liked me after all! :)!! Did you get my order for the bows?

Mo said...

Fantastic!!

jennohara said...

YAY Chloe!! That's awesome stuff Tara! Don't you love it when they prove you wrong?

Carina said...

What a great day and memory to hold onto. Looking to the future for many more great surprising Chloe moments. I am guessing with teachers believing in all she could do, she will surprise you many more times. It is awesome that you have so much support to bless your lives.

marie clare said...

Heres to many many more great surprises and to the professionals in her life NEver underestimating her abilities.
BTW like your new addition to ur ipod, go Lee!!

Jamie said...

Yeah for Chloe!
Hey Tara I started a blog for all things "disability" I wanted to share it with you and see if you would consider listing it on your blog. I actually mention your no child left out playgrounds in it. Check it out and let me know what you think. I would love to do a piece on you and Chloe too if you wouldn't mind. In case you are wondering who I am I'm Matt Ormsby's wife and Cristy Shields' sister. Anyway the website is www.resource-ability.com
I would love to hear your comments Thanks! Jamie

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

That is great! It is incredible when they do things that we had no idea they could do. Go Chloe! :)

Jen said...

Wow, Chloe! Little smarty pants- how sweet. I'm excited for her accomplishments.

Jen

jocalyn said...

way to go chloe!!! im soooo impressed! those are all amazing skills! keep it up :)