Christmas came early!!

That's right! Yesterday I got a gift that wasn't even on my list because I thought it was impossible to possess and pow! it hit me and now Christmas can be done.  For months, or maybe years, but certainly since his switch to his current school, we have wondered about what Ben would do his 5th year as we want to start him in Kindergarten right when he turns 6 because his birthday is so early.  Well, it was obviously easy for Ryan not to think about this as it was after-all, years away.  Just after I mentioned to Ryan that I thought about this for hours everyday and that it kept me awake at night, I got the answer I'd been told would not happen.  Our plan was just to send Ben to a private 4 year old preschool class that year but then he'd return to his current school as it houses our elementary school's kindergarten.  I knew he'd survive it just fine but hated that he'd have to leave this place he loves and then come back again. As parents we all want what's best for our kids and usually what's easiest for them to facilitate successful learning.  I had been told each Denver kiddo only got two years in preschool as every kid receives some state funding to attend.  
After speaking to the head of special ed yesterday (Ben's speech therapist's boss,) I found out it's very likely he can stay at the school that 5th year for lots of reasons and we put a plan in place to foster challenges and growth in the next couple of years that all puts Ben's needs ahead of numbers and red-tape and money. I hadn't previously talked to the right people and all the answers I had gotten made me terribly frustrated because none of them seemed to put the needs of the kiddos first.   Our current solution does just that while being flexible and leaving the most options open for Ben.
Additionally I found out he will have a really wonderful teacher next year who I've gotten to see in action this year and who people around the school refer to as "the kid whisperer!"

So, that's that! Nothing makes a mama's heart more warm and full than knowing her kiddo's needs will be met in the best way.  I've been on cloud nine for nearly 24 hours and I will certainly be sleeping better for the next couple of years!! ;)