Vivian update.

We were able to get Vivian switched back with her old bus driver - hooray! I have had a much easier time getting her on the bus since then: a couple of days she has walked on by herself and a few times I've had to carry her, but at least I haven't been wrestling with her or chasing her as she runs the opposite direction. This driver (whom we love) picks Vivian up at 6:45 as opposed to 7:15 like the other lady. I know that hour sounds terrible, but it seems to work better as there is not time for Vivian's anxiety to build. Oddly enough, I also think having the others asleep when Vivian departs is easier too as she doesn't have the impression that she's the only one leaving while everyone else gets to stay home. Understand that all of this is pure conjecture on my part as I have only a scant idea of how that crazy little brain of Vivian's operates!

I've received positive reports from school so far. This year Vivian is changing classes more and working with several different teachers. I was a bit leery about how that would go, but Vivian is evidently handling the transitions well. She's even been successfully attending a mainstream art class.

Her teacher reported a funny story about Vivian in art. One of the first days Vivian went to that class, she sat down at her assigned table and then screamed. Her aide, Mr. Kemp, who loves Vivian and knows her very well, ignored her outburst. Vivian repeated it and then told Mr. Kemp, "I scream. I need to go to time out." Mr. Kemp looked at her and said, "We're not leaving." Vivian stared at him for a second and then went right back to work!

I always appreciate your kind words of support and encouragement after I post about Vivian.