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Friday, December 18, 2009

Joy to the World

I always loved school. Really. I was one of *those* kids.

But, now, school is scary. Nausea-inducing-scary. I want Ellie to be one of *those* kids too. But, what if she's not? What if kids make fun of her? What if her aide is incompetent and mean? What if, what if, what if...

It was very difficult for me to bring Ellie to preschool in September. I knew that she would have a one-on-one aide, but this person was a stranger to me. I feared that Ellie would be trampled in the crowd. I was scared that the other kids would notice Ellie's "special-ness" and make fun of her because of it. I was especially terrified that Ellie would feel different.

NONE of these fears have been realized. I couldn't have asked for a better aide for Ellie. She has included Ellie in all of the activities and my sweet baby girl has flourished at school. Ellie has made friends and when the kids see the wheels of her walker turning the corner into the classroom, she is greeted to a chorus of, "Hi Ellie"s! It is glorious.

I was once again blown away during Ellie's first-ever school Christmas pageant this week. Her amazing aide made sure that Ellie was always part of the action. And Ellie loved it! I wondered if Ellie would stick out like a sore thumb, but she didn't. The precious girl was getting into each song, doing the actions as best she could. It was truly heartwarming.

Thank goodness Richie-Rich is freakishly tall, as he was actually able to get a few good shots of our little reindeer, even from our back-row seats. Isn't she amazing?!


Lifting up her Christmas Star (*I* should have been the one receiving the star, for having the self-control to not go up on stage and push Ellie's antler-ear hat back onto her head!)


Workin' hard to do the actions right...



Gettin' ready for her special part in the show, when she gets to lift up her dolly...


Perfect!


Making sure that everyone else has their letter...


Singing and resting her tired legs...


Waving her Christmas candle (aren't we all glad they're FAKE?!)


Lettin' her little light shine....

4 comments:

my life: said...

Seriously...way too cute!
I am in LOVE with her outfit and bows...wanna share where you found them? ;0)

Amy said...

Oh, for some reason this made me cry like a baby! I love this--the whole thing--the inclusion, the way Ellie tries so hard, the kids lovin on her, the aide, the holding up of the doll!! Perfect is right!! This made my day, and I love your girl!! Ellie is amazing!!

Sheila said...

Oh Chrystie, your sweet Ellie brought tears to my eyes! Oh how I understand the fears you had about sending her to school. Thankfully our fears were not recognized either and the other kids are amazing! But my sweet girl's class didn't do a Christmas show! How I would love to see her performing like sweet Ellie! Way to go, Ellie! Merry Christmas!

Me said...

OH, that made my face AND my heart smile! I was so praying it would all go well. What a joy to see Ellie getting to participate like all the other kids. She looks like she did her part just great! Gooooo Ellie! Sussern Mama is sooooooooooo proud of you!