It Feels Like Spring!

I'm still here.  We've been so busy!  We will continue to be busy in the upcoming weeks.  I have a lot to share with you.  Two weeks ago I had an IEP (individualized education plan) meeting for Raymond.  Raymond, at that time, was in the 0-3 therapy program provided by the county.  On the cusp of his third birthday, we needed to talk about the transition into the 3-5 program.  For most children, this means going to a center for classroom based therapy.  Raymond however, will continue to receive services at home because of his health conditions.  This also means new therapists - something that I'm not thrilled about.  Change is good, but Raymond is making great progress with his one therapist, Stacey.  He's making good progress with all his therapists, but especially so with Stacey.  At the meeting, I told the service coordinator that I would be willing to get a new physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist but I will not give up Stacey.  I want her to continue with Raymond.  I had a conversation prior to the meeting with Stacey about staying on with Raymond.  I wanted to make sure she was on board and able to handle what was to come in Raymond's therapy regiment.  As the behavioral specialist, she will be key in this transition.  (She tends to be passive-aggressive.)  I feel confident in my conversation with her that she can.  The I.U. is working with me to get this plan in place.  I disagree with the amount of services they are offering Raymond, so for the time being, he will continue with his current therapist until we come to an agreement.  I'm not willing to bend, so it might be awhile. 

On February 11, Lily turned one!!!!  On February 15, Raymond turned three!!!!  Can you believe that???  We had a joint Curious George themed birthday party for them. 

It was lots of fun. 

Lauren, Isabella and Adrienne

Lauren and Lily
(Lauren is Lily's God-mother's daughter)

      

Grandma and Grandpa even came from North Carolina.  Grandpa and Lily have the same birthday : )

Isabella picked out a birthday present for Raymond and Lily.  She bought Raymond a little piano.

She bought Lily these pop-beads.

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I bought Greek-yogurt popsicles at BJ's the other day.  Lily really likes them!

Lily has also discovered that she can climb up on the sofa all by herself.  Yikes!

She's so proud of herself!

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Last week we met Raymond's new neurologist, Dr. Zinger.  Do your best Dracula impersonation and that is exactly what she sounds like.  I liked her.  It will take Raymond awhile to get used to her.  Raymond really liked Dr. Giordano but he left Hershey for a better opportunity in New Hampshire.  He and Raymond knew what to expect from each other.  One thing I really liked about Dr. Zinger is that she asked me if we had local support from a Down Syndrome support group.  We do (EPDSC).  More doctor's (in my opinion) should be asking those types of questions.  Whether the child has Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc..  It shows they care and want better services for their patients. 

Isabella went to the dentist last week.  She has 3 "dents" in her teeth (a.k.a. cavities).  Ugh.  She has to be watched when she brushes her teeth or she only brushes the front.  Hopefully her teeth aren't like Chris'.  His teeth are very soft.  I've never had a cavity.  Hopefully with a little more help brushing properly, when her adult teeth come in, she won't have any problems. 

Today we took Raymond back to see Dr. Williams at the feeding clinic.  Dr. Williams said he was "stunned" and "amazed" at Raymond's progress.  He also said "Raymond's progress is a testament to how hard" we've been working with him.  It was great to hear!  Raymond is really doing fantastic.  He's graduated onto the next step.  Instead of a nuk brush, we will be working with a spoon.  It's very exciting progress.  Hopefully Raymond will be able to swallow about an ounce of food by mouth a day.  Since we have been making such good progress at home, we are going to continue to work with Raymond at home.  Dr. Williams said he doesn't want to change things - like start an inpatient program - when things are going so well.  Yay Raymond!!!

Tomorrow Raymond and Lily have their annual check-ups.  Lily is really starting to get a silly little personality.  She's a character!

Today is such a nice day outside.  I have the kitchen window open and it's so nice having fresh air run through the house.  I'm getting spring fever!

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,