Weekly Therapy Update & More

"Raymond did really well today with good attention for approximately 30 minutes before becoming defiant.  Raymond practiced right and left side sit with more tolerance and high kneel with support.  He worked on trunk strengthening in sit on the ball and belly time over my lap.  Raymond practiced stand through half kneel.  He stood through half kneel 1 time spontaneously and 1 time independently when placed on his knees.  Great job Raymond!"

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

08/28/2012

 

On Wednesday we met Lisa at the park for physical therapy.  She didn't give me a note from the session yet, but I can tell you it didn't go so well.  Raymond had a very hard night and he wasn't in the mood for anything except Mommy.

 

 

Miss Lily had fun though!

 

 

She just takes off!

 

 

Can you see Raymond's face in this picture?  NOT happy!

 

 

He was happy running back over to me.

 

 

Not even happy going down the slide : (

 

 

This is all Raymond wanted to do...snuggle with his mama.

 

Can you see my little Lily bean?

 

So, Wednesday, the third day of school, I received a call from the school nurse.  Earlier that morning Lily had accidentally poked Isabella in the eye.  As the day went on it got worse and worse.  After I picked her up from school we went to the doctor and she has a scratched cornea.  Now she has a pirate patch!

 

 

While we were at the doctor, Isabella needed to be weighed.  The nurse kept saying, "Right this way." and motioning Isabella to go left.  This happened several times.  I saw the "look".  Yes, Isabella has a look.  The annoyed look she gets right before she speaks her mind about something.  Then she stopped and asked the nurse, "Why, if you want me to go left, do you keep saying right?"  She did present a good point!  I thought it was funny!

 

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,



KINDERGARTEN!!!

Isabella had her first day of school on Monday.  She was very excited!  She got dressed and put on her name tag. 

 

Her name tag also has her bus number on it.  Isabella's bus stop is right outside our house.  We went out five minutes early like the note home suggested.  She had her backpack and outfit ready to go for weeks.

 

Finishing up her breakfast at the bus stop.
 

There are two other little girls that get on the bus at the same stop.  They are in 1st and 4th grade.  When the bus arrived and the door opened Isabella took off like a flash to get on.  I told her to stop because I wanted to get a picture.

 

Please note the look of disgust on her face that I made her stop and turn around for a picture!  LOL!

When she got on the bus the bus driver introduced herself to Isabella and me.  She gave Isabella her assigned seat, which was the first seat on the bus.  There was another little girl already in the seat and Isabella plopped down right next to her and started talking.  I waved goodbye but she didn't even notice.  That's my girl.  SO ready for school.
 

Raymond and Lily were still asleep when Isabella left for school.  They both woke up right around the same time.  Raymond spent a good part of the day calling Isabella's name and knocking on her bedroom door.  When I opened her bedroom door and she wasn't in there he looked a little confused.  I think it will get a little easier for him as time goes on.
 

Lily had a doctor's appointment Monday for a check-up and immediately after we went to pick Isabella up from school.  She told me all about her day and how much she liked the library.  She also told me that she chose chicken nuggets, french fries and chocolate milk for lunch. 

Isabella's second day was also a success.  Lily watched her get on the bus and waved goodbye.  She kept saying, "Buh-bye."  I was sent a large packet of papers to fill out and included in them was a permission slip to be around therapy dogs.  Our school district uses therapy dogs on a regular basis in the elementary school.  All kids must have a signed permission slip in order to interact with them.  I personally think it's a great idea.  I know Isabella will really enjoy it.

It sounds like she is going to have a great year!

 

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

  

Down Syndrome Radio

I've been listening to Podcasts by The Down Right Awesome Dads.  Jason and Mark offer the first of it's kind radio show from a dads perspective about raising children with Down Syndrome.  They touch on many different topics and give a real, genuine account of their lives, experiences and stories of fatherhood.  I've really enjoyed it.  I would recommend any one, not just dad's, listen to the show. 

All episodes are free on Itunes.  

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,

Wishful Thinking!

Oh how I do love Johnny Depp!
 

Until Next Time!
Lots of Love,

Weekly Therapy Update & More

On Monday I took Isabella to meet her kindergarten teacher.  Her name is Mrs. Hodnik and she has 31 years teaching experience, most of which were teaching kindergartner's.  Isabella had the opportunity to ride the bus.  She sat with her very best friend Violet, who is nervous about going to school.  I think it will help Violet a lot that she has Isabella in her class.  They sit on opposite sides of the classroom but that might be a good thing because I have a little chatter box.  Isabella's seat is right next to Mrs. Hodnik's desk.  I think she'll enjoy being right next to the teacher.  I am however a little nervous about the boy who sits across from Isabella.  His name is Ian and I got a very strong impression from his parents that he's a handful.  While the kids were riding the bus, the parents had a meeting with their child's teacher.  While she was going over her rules and disciplines, this little boy's parents were laughing and actually said that Mrs. Hodnik would have their phone number's on speed dial.  UGH.  Isabella isn't a fan of boys in general.  This should be interesting.  Maybe once rambunctious Ian is in a classroom setting he'll settle down.  Hopefully.  Once the children returned from their bus ride, they got to spend time with their teacher's and the parents went back into the auditorium for a presentation by the principle.  This leads me to my next subject...people are RUDE!  Now, I understand that this might not be your first time sending a child to kindergarten, but come on.  People were on cell phones and other handheld devises.  The woman sitting next to me was on Face Book the entire time.  I'm a fan of social media and all, but if you can't go 30 minutes without updating your status, that's pretty bad.

I think I've decided to allow Isabella to ride the bus to school.  It's only a 5 minute ride and this way I won't have to drag everyone else out of bed and into the car.  I would have to have her at the bus stop at 8:30.  The stop is right outside our house.  Sometimes Lily and Raymond aren't up that early.  Their normal wake-up time is closer to 9:00.  I will pick Isabella up from school.  She would be on the bus for well over an hour on the way home since they go in the opposite direction at the end of the day as they do the beginning.  Isabella wants to ride the bus.  This entire process is so exciting for her.  She is beyond ready.  People keep asking if I'm ready.  Part of me is and part of me isn't.  I know she can't wait which is a big help to me.  I just worry she'll get lost or something.  At the meeting they did stress the number of PTO volunteer's that will be there the first two weeks of school to be extra eyes and help the kindergartens get to where they need to go.  After that the teacher's will be there by themselves and have the kids all line up.  I guess I shouldn't be worried but I am.  That what mom's do.  We worry.  I think it will be interesting to see Raymond and Lily's reaction to Isabella not being home.  I think it will be a little bit of a hard transition for Raymond.  He's very attached to both of his sister's.  Hopefully it will be a smooth transition for him as well.  Monday is the big day!

This past Tuesday we took Isabella to Sweet & Sassy.  We bought a Groupon earlier in the summer and it expired soon.  She was very excited!   

Lily slept through the entire thing.

In her element...

 

Her shirt says I Love My Style.  How appropriate.

Daddy walked the runway too.  He's a good sport. 

***

Therapy was back on track this week.  It seemed to take Raymond a little bit to get back in the swing of things but he was happy to see everyone.  Here are some updates...

"Raymond was very self directed and difficult to engage in on organized activity.  Today he practiced:

1) Walking on a 4" track with one hand held 2 steps before step off

2) Step up on stool 1 time independently

3) Ball activities for trunk strengthening

4) Standing on one leg for 2 seconds

5) Attempted kneeling and side sit positions but he was not cooperative

6) Stand through 1/2 kneel pushing up with one hand 2 times with physical cueing"

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

08/20/2012

"Raymond was cooperative today-We worked on labeling colors-In color book-Worked on following directions-With adult directed tasks-used gestures to label colors-"Bear"-"Grrr"-Very attentive at table following directions"

-Stacy, Special Instruction

08/21/2012

"Raymond was much more responsive to therapy today.  We went outside and practiced using a scooter.  Raymond did a nice job after practice he propelled the scooter forward with minimum assist with his left foot on, push with the right.  He next practiced kicking a ball.  He has a hard time lifting one leg to balance himself and kick at the same time.  Ended the session with seated floor activities in the house.  He did a nice job sitting in right and left side sit."

-Lisa, Physical Therapist

08/21/2012

Lisa, Raymond's physical therapist recommends we buy Raymond a scooter.  She said it will really help his balance and strengthen his hips (which are still a problem area).  I put one on his Amazon Wishlist and hopefully we will be able to buy it soon.  He really seemed to enjoy using one with Lisa.  Not to mention he looked like such a big boy on it!  : )
 

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,



Indelible

I recently found Indelible, India's official film for The World Down Syndrome Congress 2012.

An interesting fact about Down Syndrome is that it effects every race and ethnicity the same.  No one culture is more effected then another, which you tend to see with other trisomy's.  This is long, about 15 minutes without the credits, but I really enjoyed it.  If you have the time, please watch.  I think the more people see that Down Syndrome is a global genetic condition, which can effect anyone, the more empathetic they will be.  I think this can also help people feel more comfortable around those with Down Syndrome - help to break some of those stereotypes. 

Yes, our children are different, but in such beautiful ways. 

All you have to do is take the time to get to know them.  Your life will forever be enriched by it.

Truly.

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,



Longwood Gardens with Family

With the passing of my grandmother, my brother and his family came to stay with us for the funeral.  On Thursday we decided to go to Longwood Gardens.  This was their first time there.

Alexander & Isabella

Hugs for Lily!

My sweet boy

Aunt Lori, Alexander, Uncle Bobby and Isabella

Alexander enjoyed the children's area.

The lady on the bench was explaining to Isabella and Alexander that this cat (I can't remember his name) lives at the gardens.  We've never seen him before.  He sure was a big cat!

My grandmother's funeral went well but was emotionally draining.  My brother and Chris, along with some of my male cousins, were pallbearers.  The service was a lovely reflection of her life.  Thank you to everyone for the emails, phone calls and text messages.  I received all of them even if I didn't reply yet.  It's been a little chaotic around here.

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,