a deep sigh of relief

Tonight we had the kids' parent/teacher conferences and I've been chomping at the bit to meet with the teachers.  I'll start with Izzy since I've been chronicling her potty issues.  I won't say that her potty issues have been resolved but she is definitely improving.  Her teacher told me a week ago that even though she still will not use the potty, she does go into the restroom and wash her hands when told to and she no longer yells at the teacher when asked if she has to potty.  We're considering it a small victory for the time being.  We also have been pushing her to use the post-its and go potty at swimming lessons and she's gotten better at pulling off the post-it herself.  I'm really hoping time will heal all wounds.  But, when walking into conference, her teacher had a nice smile on her face.  She started off with "I have to admit that at the start of the year, I was really worried about how Isabel would do this year.  But now, I'm starting to love her little personality!"  She said that Isabel is a big helper, "a little me running around the room".  She always reminds the classmates that sit at the same table to listen to the teacher and makes them stay on task.  Mrs. Frey said she appreciates it b/c there are a few kids at Izzy's table that could use the reminder.  She also is now playing with others at recess and even said today "follow me guys!"  Mrs. Frey said that she had to stop and blink b/c it was so unlike Izzy.  Her academics are spot on with a few things that we need to practice.  But overall, Mrs. Frey is starting to see Isabel's personality and growing to love her.  That's all a mother can hope for.
Now on to Sam.  I haven't mentioned much but we've also struggled with Sam a bit as he's been failing his spelling tests this year. It's been a bit baffling b/c he's really exceptional at reading and at first Kurtis assumed that Sam was just being lazy.  But lately, studying for spelling is a full on battle for everyone and Sam has really been down about doing not so well.  Tonight at the conference, Sam's teacher basically said that what Sam struggles with most is "self-expectations".  He gets so down on himself if anything is a bit hard and doesn't come naturally.  But honestly, he's scoring above average on reading, math and language arts. His only struggle academically is spelling.  I did mention some issues that he had during speech and Mrs. Hamlin is going to talk to the special ed teacher about any kind of learning disability that this might be.  Overall though he really is doing well.  He's even 10th in AR (accelerated reading) points for the entire 2nd grade for the month of September!  I was so sure to mention that to him and boost him up as much as possible.
Overall, I'm breathing a sigh of relief that the kids are doing well.  No, we are not 100% but they aren't perfect so I shouldn't expect perfection.  They are doing well and we'll work through all the rest.  We'll get there!  I'm so thankful for my babies!  I love them each deeply for the little individuals that they are.  They drive me nuts, true!  But I would give up all my sanity if it means that I get to love and adore each of these children for the rest of eternity!