Greetings to everyone.

Yet another milestone today for Rebecca and me as parents: Xavier's first parent-teacher conference. I have looked forward to it since learning about it last week. Rebecca arranged it late in the day so I would be able to attend.

The teachers observe items across several categories: Social-Emotional/Self Help, Cognitive Skills, Fine/Gross Motor Skills, Specials (Physical Education, Music), Artistic Expression and Spiritual Development. Apart from a checklist, the class teacher writes up points which occur to her in each category.

Xavier scored high in some categories, like Social-Emotional, Artistic Expression and Spiritual Development (Glory to God!). Others he scored normal like Fine/Gross Motor Skills.

It was educational to learn how Xavier compares in the Fine/Gross Motor Skills since we have nothing to compare him against. He has problems putting together an inset puzzle; however, this is an age-appropriate difficulty. Over all, his motor skills track normally for his age. Compare that to the assessment given by the Eating Clinic last June. Xavier has caught up nicely.

One of the things we walked away with is that Xavier is social; he is not a loner. He will play with other children, and he lets other children play with him. He doesn't hit or push them away. It was nice to learn this. We don't have many opportunities to observe Xavier with other children; we were concerned he was not developing social skills like he should.

His teachers have also observed much of what we have seen in the home environment. It's nice to have others on the outside confirm your own observations.

His teachers commented on his activity level and like for physical activity. Next year, when Xavier goes two days a week, he will have a gym class. We learned about the gym teacher at the conference; Xavier will love gym class next year!

Xavier loves art time. Often, we were told, he is the first to the art station when that time comes up. He also enjoys exploring different mediums.

Also next year, he will get a music class. His teachers remarked on his like for music and song. It's great to have a place where Xavier will be able to explore the arts and give his parents a peek into who he is.

The school is doing something new this year. Each class is working on an art project. The materials and textures will differ from class to class. The projects will be put out in a common area one night for parents to come and see. A school art exhibit, but each class contributing something different. That is planned for a few weeks from now. It's all very secret; we won't know what the Bumblebees (Xavier's class) are working on until we attend the exhibit.

The most interesting thing Miss Lisa told us today concerned Xavier's play skills. The way Miss Lisa spoke of them and the intonation of her words underscored how out of the ordinary Xavier's skills are. "Most children," she said, "will happen upon a toy and start playing with it. Xavier plays with intent. He goes looking for what he wants."

Sometimes, we were told, Xavier will stand in front of a shelf of toys looking them over with purpose. He doesn't happen upon a toy, he chooses one intentionally. Xavier also notices when new toys are introduced into the room, or toys are removed. He even notices when furniture is moved, finding where the toys have moved to. His teachers find his observation skills above the curve.

Two and a half years ago, Rebecca and I had doctors telling us our baby would not make it into the world. He was defective; something was wrong. Three times doctors counselled us to terminate the pregnancy. Today, we are learning how normal Xavier is in some areas, and how extraordinary he is in others. God is good! So very, very good!