Little Boys & Tools

Never underestimate the intelligence or brains of a 4 year old boy. While dad's away, they know exactly where his tools are, which tools to use for what and how to disassemble and fix small motorized vehicles and appliances. Amazeballs!!
  
I walked outside to discover Rocco disassembling the seat on his small 4 wheeler, to get to the battery, so he could recharge it. I was shocked... he had all the right tools out (and knew where to find them... I don't even know where to find them!), and had taken the screws out, etc. 

This is not the first time I've discovered him with a tool or two of daddy's, without telling me what he was up to. 

Let's hope he works on his plumping skills next... I could use a good, reliable plumber in the house too! 

Writing skills keep improving!

Rocco is getting so great at writing his letters and numbers.

One year ago, he had little interest in saying the alphabet, much less practicing writing letters or numbers. Now, not only is he holding his pencil like a first grader...but he seems to also enjoy practicing his writing. Getting to practice on a marker board definitely helps with the motivation a little bit too.

School days also result in a few letter or number oriented worksheet activities. I always enjoy seeing the work that comes home and he's always so proud to show me... as if to say "look how hard I worked at school today, mom!".

Rocco is also improving so much with his letter sounds, and number and letter recognition. So often, I'll find him watching and listening as Gabby reads books. And at times, he'll pretend to read books to himself. If Gabby says "Rocco, you're not REALLY reading.", it will start a little spat between the two of them. Regardless, he is realizing the connection between writing and reading and that is what I love.

Sitting!

My sweet hunk, little Marco, is now sitting all by himself, without help from anyone or anything!

So bittersweet.

The little guy is growing up.

Matteo's Dream Fund Donates Money to Seattle Children's "The Journey Program"

On October 5, 2012, Matteo's Dream Fund sent a $1,000.00 check to Seattle Children’s Hospital's “Journey Program”, a service that assists any family who has experienced the death of a child by providing support to help parents, siblings and extended family members cope with death, loss, and the grieving process.

The Journey Program assists approximately 200 patient families every year at Seattle Children’s Hospital through support groups, individual and family counseling, providing reading materials and referrals to community resources. They also provide grief support to schools and communities, assist employers with how to help a parent go back to work after losing a child, and provide constant phone support to anyone and everyone who contacts them.

This is such an amazing program, and it truly benefits the entire community, as they will not turn anyone away. So, yes, even non-patient families who experienced the death of a child benefit from this program.

This donation was made possible by a number of donations received at a private event hosted on July 4th by the Dunkin family. HUGE thanks again to the Dunkin family, and everyone who donated money to Matteo’s Dream Fund!

 

If you or anyone you know are in need of support after losing a child, please take a moment to contact your local children's hospital and find out if they have a grief support service.

 

And, just a friendly reminder since we are approaching the season of thanks and giving... remember to set aside some money or time to donate goods or services to those who are in need. There are so many people who need help in so many ways, and we all have the ability and power to make the world a better place.