Yellow Belt Pride

Seth is absolutely thriving. He is killing it at school. Here's some of the awards he's recently gotten, pictures courtesy of his principal.  

He's been going to Reach, an alternative therapeutic school, but has been transitioning back to our neighborhood elementary school, Waters. Reach has considerably less students and a greater focus on social skills and strategies for emotional regulation. Our district doesn't let students stay at Reach indefinitely, (our district won't actually even call it a school, rather a "program") but wants to get kids back on their feet and transition them back to their traditional school. Seth has been doing half and half (half day at Reach, half day at Waters) for over a month now and is doing so well in both places. Starting this Monday, he will be back at Waters full time. He is so excited and proud of himself. We are too! 

Another huge area of growth for Seth: friends! Baylor came over the other day to hang out, and stayed for dinner and a movie. And of course Isaiah comes over several times a week, but is starting to play with Seth quite a bit more, rather than Ollie and Jonathan. Yay! 

This picture is from Halloween, as Seth was a karate person? warrior? ninja?, but note the yellow belt. In the last couple weeks Seth had a belt test and has gone from white to yellow. So far we have all loved his Karate experience. Seth takes it very seriously, and is a very attentive student. Jon and I have also really liked it because they cover a theme every month like anger management, courtesy, respect, or focus. They talk about it in class and the kids do homework over the months theme. It's helpful to have these instructors, men that Seth admires, talk to him about the same things his parents, teachers, and therapists have been telling him about for years. It is apparent that he is in a season of growth and maturity and is ready to take in these messages. 

I know many of you have prayed for Seth and our entire family over the years- thanks! He really is thriving right now, I'm happy to report. We love him so much and are so glad to share his progress!