Squishy stuff.

It's not any secret that Mateo has issues with textures, specifically things that feel slimy or gooey. Even at a year old he did not want to pick up fruit with his fingers, and now, well, let's just say finger painting is NOT his favorite activity. Some of you may have even witnessed him getting upset at his first birthday party about getting frosting on his fingers. Most kids lick things like that off, but Mateo will ask you for a napkin.

There's actually a term for it - tactile sensory disorder. We haven't taken him for a professional consult, but he definitely does fit the criteria for a mild case (issues with textures, picky eater, walks on toes, likes to be clean, etc.). Thankfully he doesn't display symptoms of a serious case (clothing irritations, sucking on fingers, avoidance of touch, etc.). After conferencing with his teacher about that (and other things - he helps clean the classroom, shares with his friends, plays well with others, etc.), I've decided to embark more seriously on exposing him to various textures; some occupational therapy, if you will.

So today on this rainy Sunday we made some all natural play clay. It's made with flour, salt, oil, hot water, and paprika for color. He enjoyed feeling the dry ingredients, and eventually warmed up to playing with the dough. He made a cat and a dinosaur.

Then we cleaned up our area and used soapy, squishy water. Honestly I think he enjoyed playing with the measuring items most.

And then there was this...

Thank goodness he's cute, 'cause that laugh about did me in after a solid five minutes.

YESSSSS!!

Waking up this morning and having to get fully dressed (oh, the horror!) wasn't what the boy had in mind. Still Mateo ate his breakfast and slowly made his way to the car.

The drop-off started out well. We put up his lunch box and water bottle, then went to the chapel for their mini-service they do on Tuesdays. (His preschool is in an episcopal church, but the service this month is about kindness.) He looked a bit whimpery (is that a word?) when I left, but all was well.

As I meandered through the hallway with a friend of mine whose kids also attend there, we begin to hear this loud crying in stereo coming from down the hallway. When we turned to look, there they were - both of our kids' classes. Every kid was a sobbing mess. My friend hid me in the corner so Mateo wouldn't see me, but alas, her little one saw her slip out the door and cried with his little face and hands pressed against the glass. Heart wrenching for sure!! Apparently the two youngest classes didn't do so well in chapel, so they took them back to the classroom.

Here's a photo of Mateo with his two friends P and M during drop-off.

Fast forward a few hours, and there they were playing on the playground. Mateo was mega happy when I picked him up. I asked if he had a fun time, and he replied loudly "YESSSS!!!!" So that made me happy. Upon leaving we stopped by his classroom where he wanted to show me the books. I asked if he was ready to go home, and he told me, "Nope. Bye, Mama," and waved.

At least he had a good time! Hope Thursday goes just as well for him.

New school orientation.

Today Mateo had orientation for his new school. They rolled out the red carpet for their little stars! It was really cute.

Mateo had a grand time playing with modeling clay, puzzles, and books. He seemed to make himself at home very quickly. He's in the Starfish class.

I barely caught Mat's "winky face." He's been making this face for a few months now. It's very funny in person.

The room itself is very tiny, but I figure it must feel more comfortable that way for tiny bodies.

He was very happy with the cookie they gave him. His teacher's name is "Ms. Mamie." I think he'll like her a lot.