Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wait. I have a blog?
A friend recently signed up for a blog of her own, which reminded me that whooooops, I do have a blog! Sorry for the year+ delay in updating this blog. I will come back soon to post an update.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
It's me again...
As always life is busy. But life is good.
Thomas is flourishing in kindergarten. He has an awesome teacher. They have loaned him a communication device called a "Dynavox". It is fairly easy to operate once it is programmed and he is a rockstar when he uses it. It has made life around here a lot easier and less frustrating for all of us.
Jacob is growing fast and doing things ahead of schedule. It's a relief to have him reach milestones early, but bittersweet because I see in him all the things Thomas could have been. Everyone knows I love Thomas as he is, but Jacob is the spitting image of his big brother and to see him doing things already that Thomas still cannot do (sitting on his bottom on the floor) is bittersweet. It's like seeing the baby Thomas *should* have been. That seems so horrible to me to say that, but it's true. That is what I dreamed of for Thomas.
Meanwhile Thomas has taken well to being a big brother. He loves Jacob and is so sweet with him. Jacob adores Thomas and loves any bit of attention Thomas will bestow upon him. Those are the moments that make it worth getting out of bed in the morning.
Thomas is flourishing in kindergarten. He has an awesome teacher. They have loaned him a communication device called a "Dynavox". It is fairly easy to operate once it is programmed and he is a rockstar when he uses it. It has made life around here a lot easier and less frustrating for all of us.
Jacob is growing fast and doing things ahead of schedule. It's a relief to have him reach milestones early, but bittersweet because I see in him all the things Thomas could have been. Everyone knows I love Thomas as he is, but Jacob is the spitting image of his big brother and to see him doing things already that Thomas still cannot do (sitting on his bottom on the floor) is bittersweet. It's like seeing the baby Thomas *should* have been. That seems so horrible to me to say that, but it's true. That is what I dreamed of for Thomas.
Meanwhile Thomas has taken well to being a big brother. He loves Jacob and is so sweet with him. Jacob adores Thomas and loves any bit of attention Thomas will bestow upon him. Those are the moments that make it worth getting out of bed in the morning.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bad Neglectful Blogger
Life with a newborn and a special needs child is a challenge. But now that the baby is almost 6 months can I still call him a newborn? Sorry to whoever still reads along for the lack in posting. Life just gets away from me (if you could see my house right now you'd understand what I'm saying and know that it's true!).
I, once again, will promise to try to get back to blogging as regularly as I can manage. I am now working part time but it feels like full time after all is said and done. Thomas is in school full days five days a week! Jacob is growing like a weed and I can tell already that I will be in for it with him in ways I never experienced with Thomas. I'm excited about that, and to be truthful I'm also a little scared!
For now here is a little peek at my gorgeous boys. These pictures were taken about two weeks ago (by me! I'm a wannabe photographer).
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pictures!
My Handsome First Son
What's in here?
T and his silly self trying on his safety glasses:
Jacob, the little sweetheart!
Sleeping, it's what he does all day.
Brothers
What's in here?
T and his silly self trying on his safety glasses:
Jacob, the little sweetheart!
Sleeping, it's what he does all day.
Brothers
The past 5 months in a nutshell...
Well what's been going on in the past five months? LOTS!
1. Thomas turned SIX and had a fabulous birthday party with a bunch of our family friends. He got way too many presents and our house is overrun with all of his toys. Books were (and are) still his favorite items to receive, but he also really liked the "power tools" he got from Grandma Sue.
2. On Thomas' birthday I went to the doctor and was put on bedrest. Turns out my cervix was "funneling" and so I was ordered off my feet as much as possible. I was allowed to continue working, which helped to make the days more bearable.
3. Thomas now knows the entire alphabet. He can identify every letter upon request in any order. He is using his PECS (picture cards) to let us know what he wants (such as orange juice or chocolate milk) and can use them to make complete sentences (such as "I want to go outside please").
4. Thomas now can do the sign for YES. He does it in his own way, which is close to the correct way. He's been doing it for months but I only learned yesterday that he meant YES when he does it. Even so it has made life a lot easier in just the few hours I've known what it means. He picked out where we should go to lunch yesterday using yes and no, and when I asked if he loved me he said yes!
5. Toward the end of my pregnancy (the last three weeks) I was put on complete bed rest. That meant no more going to work, no lifting, no anything. It sucked! I spent a week in the hospital trying to stop labor, and it worked. I managed to keep the baby baking until 35 weeks and 6 days.
6. Jacob Gary was born on April 30, 2009 at 4:49 a.m. He was 6 lbs 0 oz and 19.5 inches. I had another quick labor. My water broke at 2:30 a.m. and contractions started immediately after (every 2 minutes). Jacob came out at the hospital, delivered by my own doctor, after just three pushes. He is now three weeks and 1 day old and doing great. He came home with a bit of jaundice one day after I was released. He had a billi-blanket for just one day and is doing great. Thomas loves him, and has pleasantly surprised us with how little jealousy he shows and how much he seems to like Jacob.
And that's all the major things. During my stint on bedrest Thomas and daddy did lots of bonding and now have a really close relationship. Thomas also became more social due to all the visitors we had here helping out, especially my sister and my mom who spent the most time here helping.
I'll attach some pictures in a seperate post.
1. Thomas turned SIX and had a fabulous birthday party with a bunch of our family friends. He got way too many presents and our house is overrun with all of his toys. Books were (and are) still his favorite items to receive, but he also really liked the "power tools" he got from Grandma Sue.
2. On Thomas' birthday I went to the doctor and was put on bedrest. Turns out my cervix was "funneling" and so I was ordered off my feet as much as possible. I was allowed to continue working, which helped to make the days more bearable.
3. Thomas now knows the entire alphabet. He can identify every letter upon request in any order. He is using his PECS (picture cards) to let us know what he wants (such as orange juice or chocolate milk) and can use them to make complete sentences (such as "I want to go outside please").
4. Thomas now can do the sign for YES. He does it in his own way, which is close to the correct way. He's been doing it for months but I only learned yesterday that he meant YES when he does it. Even so it has made life a lot easier in just the few hours I've known what it means. He picked out where we should go to lunch yesterday using yes and no, and when I asked if he loved me he said yes!
5. Toward the end of my pregnancy (the last three weeks) I was put on complete bed rest. That meant no more going to work, no lifting, no anything. It sucked! I spent a week in the hospital trying to stop labor, and it worked. I managed to keep the baby baking until 35 weeks and 6 days.
6. Jacob Gary was born on April 30, 2009 at 4:49 a.m. He was 6 lbs 0 oz and 19.5 inches. I had another quick labor. My water broke at 2:30 a.m. and contractions started immediately after (every 2 minutes). Jacob came out at the hospital, delivered by my own doctor, after just three pushes. He is now three weeks and 1 day old and doing great. He came home with a bit of jaundice one day after I was released. He had a billi-blanket for just one day and is doing great. Thomas loves him, and has pleasantly surprised us with how little jealousy he shows and how much he seems to like Jacob.
And that's all the major things. During my stint on bedrest Thomas and daddy did lots of bonding and now have a really close relationship. Thomas also became more social due to all the visitors we had here helping out, especially my sister and my mom who spent the most time here helping.
I'll attach some pictures in a seperate post.
Lost Password Recovered
Hi all! I have to apologize for the huge amount of time that has passed since my last blog entry! I had forgotten my password and in the craziness that is life just had no time to spend worrying about it. But I've got it now and plan to try to post regularly once again.
Thanks for your patience. :o)
Thanks for your patience. :o)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Speech & Other Updates
Thomas had his last speech appointment yesterday. It was kind of sad but in a way I'm glad to have one less appointment each week. But I was able to show his therapist something cool he picked up over Christmas. His teacher sent home a bunch of sheets with pictures on them. The first row contains "I want" and two other things like that. Then there are three rows of activities and the bottom row says "please" "all done" and something else. I think it was on Christmas Eve that Thomas and I were hanging out waiting for others to wake up and I showed him "I want" "to read a book" "please" and he picked it up right away, all day he would pick up his sheet and point out "I want" "to read a book" "please". Between myself, Aunt Erin, and Grandma Mary we must've read at least 20 books a day. So anyway, yesterday at therapy I took that sheet and asked Thomas what he wanted to do, and of course he wouldn't do it. lol Well his therapist uses a laminated piece of posterboard with velcro on it and the same type of images cut out with velcro on the back for him to choose which activities he wants to do next. It so happened that there were three activities on the board that matched the sheet we brought with us. His first pick was "cards". Well she was supposed to be doing his end of therapy evaluation to show the insurance company how far he's come, so she wasn't really going to do the activities on the board (he got ticked when she didn't have it set up so she set it up just to appease him, Thomas apparently likes having a routine). Well he picked cards and she didn't do cards, so he grabbed his sheet and pointed out "I want" "cards" "please". LOL If he could've talked I can only imagine what he would've been saying "lady, I picked cards so lets do the darn cards!". LOL So she did work on some cards with him after he asked so nicely. After the evaluation he also chose book, which he then pointed out on his sheet ("I want" "to read a book" "please") and then a game ("I want" "game" "please").
It was pretty awesome. I need to decide what other card combinations I'd like made up and see if his teacher will do them up for him to use at home. I'd like to come up with a system using poster board or something to have all the words and commands with all the options and choices he could want permanently placed somewhere in the house. We could do food items using magnets placed on the fridge. I'll have to give it some more thought.
It may not be actual speech, but it's finally an effective way to communicate without the whining and frustration of not knowing exactly what he wants.
Since it has been a while since I've done a Thomas update I can also share that he has mastered the art of shaking his head "no". (Something I've been working with him for literally years) Now that he can do that and knows what it means he is constantly answering questions with an enthusiastic shake of his head. If only he'd get "yes" down too we'd be all set. Right now he is the king of NO. lol
For Christmas we got Thomas a "George" in the box (like a jack in the box, but with Curious George instead of Jack). It took him about ten minutes to master the art of turning the crank. That's a huge thing, at first he couldn't do it at all, now he's a pro, and it requires he use his right hand, which he rarely does, so it's a double bonus as far as fine motor therapy goes.
That's about it for Thomas updates this time around. He is doing so well and learning so much. It's still so exciting every time he learns something new and to see the excitement and pride on his face as he realizes just what he has learned.
If you made it this far thanks for reading and thanks for sharing in my excitement over Thomas' accomplishments.
It was pretty awesome. I need to decide what other card combinations I'd like made up and see if his teacher will do them up for him to use at home. I'd like to come up with a system using poster board or something to have all the words and commands with all the options and choices he could want permanently placed somewhere in the house. We could do food items using magnets placed on the fridge. I'll have to give it some more thought.
It may not be actual speech, but it's finally an effective way to communicate without the whining and frustration of not knowing exactly what he wants.
Since it has been a while since I've done a Thomas update I can also share that he has mastered the art of shaking his head "no". (Something I've been working with him for literally years) Now that he can do that and knows what it means he is constantly answering questions with an enthusiastic shake of his head. If only he'd get "yes" down too we'd be all set. Right now he is the king of NO. lol
For Christmas we got Thomas a "George" in the box (like a jack in the box, but with Curious George instead of Jack). It took him about ten minutes to master the art of turning the crank. That's a huge thing, at first he couldn't do it at all, now he's a pro, and it requires he use his right hand, which he rarely does, so it's a double bonus as far as fine motor therapy goes.
That's about it for Thomas updates this time around. He is doing so well and learning so much. It's still so exciting every time he learns something new and to see the excitement and pride on his face as he realizes just what he has learned.
If you made it this far thanks for reading and thanks for sharing in my excitement over Thomas' accomplishments.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The boys got skills...
There's not a whole lot to complain about here in Thomas' world. He is doing great in school, and while he never wants to actually get dressed to go, once he's on his way he's happy as a clam. I'm still bribing him each morning with new books (thank goodness for Goodwill!), but hey, we do what we gotta do. Speech therapy is going well, and while he's not talking, his communication skills have improved so much that life around here has gotten a lot easier.
The other day I was sitting near Thomas and asking where certain body parts were, and he correctly pointed to my toes, feet, knees, tummy, hair, head, and when I asked where my mouth was he leaned in and gave me a kiss. I counted that as correct. ;o) He gets confused on eyes and nose however, so we're working on that.
On the baby front, after another couple ultrasounds I am pleased to announce that there is one healthy dancing baby in there. I was sad that the second baby pulled a vanishing act, but one will be easier on everyone, including Thomas. I know he'll have a hard time dealing with having to share the attention, the toys, and *gasp* his books! But we'll get through it. When I ask him where the baby is he will point to my belly, which is so so cute. If I'm too far away when I ask, he'll point to his own belly. LOL I'm getting ready to start weekly progesterone shots to help reduce the risk of another preterm delivery. I'm hoping to find out the gender at one of my weekly ultrasounds that are about to start soon too. Then I can start the serious shopping!
That's about it. We're getting ready for Christmas and I must say I am not prepared at all. I still have gifts to buy and nothing has been wrapped. We took a gift to Thomas' speech therapist yesterday and he got mad that he couldn't open. (really what would he have done with a Yankee Candle anyway?) So I think after I do get the gifts wrapped I won't be able to put them under the tree, because Thomas will open them all the first chance he gets. The tree has been up since the day after Thanksgiving, and he is finally leaving it alone - two broken and one missing ornament later! Don't even get me started trying to count the number of candy canes he has snuck off the tree!
Thomas' daddy and I both turned 30 in November. I don't know if it's the pregnancy or the number but I'm definately feeling OLD lately. I'm guessing it's a combination of both.
The other day I was sitting near Thomas and asking where certain body parts were, and he correctly pointed to my toes, feet, knees, tummy, hair, head, and when I asked where my mouth was he leaned in and gave me a kiss. I counted that as correct. ;o) He gets confused on eyes and nose however, so we're working on that.
On the baby front, after another couple ultrasounds I am pleased to announce that there is one healthy dancing baby in there. I was sad that the second baby pulled a vanishing act, but one will be easier on everyone, including Thomas. I know he'll have a hard time dealing with having to share the attention, the toys, and *gasp* his books! But we'll get through it. When I ask him where the baby is he will point to my belly, which is so so cute. If I'm too far away when I ask, he'll point to his own belly. LOL I'm getting ready to start weekly progesterone shots to help reduce the risk of another preterm delivery. I'm hoping to find out the gender at one of my weekly ultrasounds that are about to start soon too. Then I can start the serious shopping!
That's about it. We're getting ready for Christmas and I must say I am not prepared at all. I still have gifts to buy and nothing has been wrapped. We took a gift to Thomas' speech therapist yesterday and he got mad that he couldn't open. (really what would he have done with a Yankee Candle anyway?) So I think after I do get the gifts wrapped I won't be able to put them under the tree, because Thomas will open them all the first chance he gets. The tree has been up since the day after Thanksgiving, and he is finally leaving it alone - two broken and one missing ornament later! Don't even get me started trying to count the number of candy canes he has snuck off the tree!
Thomas' daddy and I both turned 30 in November. I don't know if it's the pregnancy or the number but I'm definately feeling OLD lately. I'm guessing it's a combination of both.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Proposition Two
The people of Michigan have spoken. Majority rules and so, it is with great relief and pleasure that I can say Proposition Two has passed!
For those not living in Michigan, Proposition Two made it legal to use embryonic stem cells for research. There are strict regulations on this research, such as the embryo must be one which the people who "own" it have decide not to use it and it will otherwise be discarded. Also, it must be less than a certain number of days old before being frozen. Also the "owners" will have to sign a consent form for researchers to use their embryo's.
I realize this is a controversial issue. Pro-life people think it is as bad as abortion. I am not going to get into that. What I am going to get into is the potential this research has in curing disease's that as of now are incurable. Stem cells have the potential to treat and cure Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes, Heart problems, CEREBRAL PALSY, and the list goes on and on.
My husband and I are actually going to bank the cord blood stem cells from our new baby and have them injected into Thomas. I have heard stories of children like Thomas, who could not walk or talk, receiving stem cell injections and actually growing brain tissue. The result: they can now walk and talk. Such a simple thing to do, a painless procedure, that can mean so much to a little boy who doesn't yet know that he is different, and a family who knows how hard life is going to be for him.
So thank you to all in Michigan who voted yes. Controversy aside, this research could save and improve millions of lives. Including that of my little boy.
For those not living in Michigan, Proposition Two made it legal to use embryonic stem cells for research. There are strict regulations on this research, such as the embryo must be one which the people who "own" it have decide not to use it and it will otherwise be discarded. Also, it must be less than a certain number of days old before being frozen. Also the "owners" will have to sign a consent form for researchers to use their embryo's.
I realize this is a controversial issue. Pro-life people think it is as bad as abortion. I am not going to get into that. What I am going to get into is the potential this research has in curing disease's that as of now are incurable. Stem cells have the potential to treat and cure Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes, Heart problems, CEREBRAL PALSY, and the list goes on and on.
My husband and I are actually going to bank the cord blood stem cells from our new baby and have them injected into Thomas. I have heard stories of children like Thomas, who could not walk or talk, receiving stem cell injections and actually growing brain tissue. The result: they can now walk and talk. Such a simple thing to do, a painless procedure, that can mean so much to a little boy who doesn't yet know that he is different, and a family who knows how hard life is going to be for him.
So thank you to all in Michigan who voted yes. Controversy aside, this research could save and improve millions of lives. Including that of my little boy.
A lot of NEWS!
I have woefully been neglecting my blog. I admit it. However there has been a lot going on around here to keep me busy.
Thomas has completed 8 weeks of pt/ot and is working through his second 12 week session of speech therapy! After all these years of fighting with insurance companies we finally have one that was willing to give speech a chance. They approved 12 visits, and his progress was so good they approved an additional 12. Now, he's still not speaking, not even a single word, but he is comprehending, understanding, following directions, pointing, and making his wants and needs known. It is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of him!!
We also just received a new set of AFO's, nighttime splints, and a pair of Hatchback shoes for my growing boy. The splints were covered 100% between our two insurances, the Hatchbacks were out of pocket. $65 well spent I would have to say. If you haven't heard of Hatchbacks, they are a pretty neat shoe that actually can be semi-bent to fold open at the sole so they are easier to put on. They are a little wider than regular shoes as well to fit over afo's.
On the momofthomas front, I started a new job. It is a wonderful position in which I help mentally and physically handicapped people to be able to use their computer for fun, work, school, etc. I go to their homes, install hardware and software which makes it easier for them to use their computers. I also teach them different software programs to help with everyday skills they need to get through the day (reading, math, etc). It is a very rewarding job, and the pay is great, but the best part is I can make my own schedule. I work only while Thomas is in school and am home to get him off the bus. I love it! That is the main reason my time here has been limited and some online friends are feeling neglected.
And possibly the biggest news of all: We are expecting a sibling (or maybe two!) for Thomas! Soon I will be momofthomas&____________! I am almost 12 weeks along, my due date is May 30, 2009. At my early ultrasound (I had spotting so they did an ultrasound) they discovered TWO fetal poles! The doctor says there is a chance one of the twins will be what is known as a "vanishing twin". However, at not quite 12 weeks I have already outgrown my regular jeans, even though I have lost 2 pounds. Either it's twins in there, or Godzilla. LOL
I'll post more about my pregnancy later. The doc thinks I have what is known as either a uterine septate or a bicornuate uterus. I have an appointment with a specialist next Thursday to find out more. I'll try my hardest to get back here and update y'all on my progress.
Thomas has completed 8 weeks of pt/ot and is working through his second 12 week session of speech therapy! After all these years of fighting with insurance companies we finally have one that was willing to give speech a chance. They approved 12 visits, and his progress was so good they approved an additional 12. Now, he's still not speaking, not even a single word, but he is comprehending, understanding, following directions, pointing, and making his wants and needs known. It is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of him!!
We also just received a new set of AFO's, nighttime splints, and a pair of Hatchback shoes for my growing boy. The splints were covered 100% between our two insurances, the Hatchbacks were out of pocket. $65 well spent I would have to say. If you haven't heard of Hatchbacks, they are a pretty neat shoe that actually can be semi-bent to fold open at the sole so they are easier to put on. They are a little wider than regular shoes as well to fit over afo's.
On the momofthomas front, I started a new job. It is a wonderful position in which I help mentally and physically handicapped people to be able to use their computer for fun, work, school, etc. I go to their homes, install hardware and software which makes it easier for them to use their computers. I also teach them different software programs to help with everyday skills they need to get through the day (reading, math, etc). It is a very rewarding job, and the pay is great, but the best part is I can make my own schedule. I work only while Thomas is in school and am home to get him off the bus. I love it! That is the main reason my time here has been limited and some online friends are feeling neglected.
And possibly the biggest news of all: We are expecting a sibling (or maybe two!) for Thomas! Soon I will be momofthomas&____________! I am almost 12 weeks along, my due date is May 30, 2009. At my early ultrasound (I had spotting so they did an ultrasound) they discovered TWO fetal poles! The doctor says there is a chance one of the twins will be what is known as a "vanishing twin". However, at not quite 12 weeks I have already outgrown my regular jeans, even though I have lost 2 pounds. Either it's twins in there, or Godzilla. LOL
I'll post more about my pregnancy later. The doc thinks I have what is known as either a uterine septate or a bicornuate uterus. I have an appointment with a specialist next Thursday to find out more. I'll try my hardest to get back here and update y'all on my progress.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Back to School
It's back to school time. Thomas was taken by surprise and was not happy about this change to his daily routine, which consisted of waking up when he wanted and relaxing in bed until he felt like getting out of it. It was a shock on the first morning when I had to wake him and instead of lounging in his pj's he had to get dressed and head out the door.
He broke my heart with his tears, which lasted until he saw the bus. Thankfully he loves school busses and was almost excited to see it. Once he and his stroller were on the lift heading up to the bus, he had stopped crying. When I got to the school with his personal supplies he'd need he had already arrived. His teacher said he wasn't neccesarily happy to be there, but he wasn't crying either.
Day two went a little better. I was better prepared for this morning, with a brand new book he could take with him on the bus. He cried when I got him dressed, cried when I rolled him outside, but slowly became all smiles when I pulled out that book.
Wiggling through the years...
Thomas discovered the Wiggles when he was two years old. We were visiting someone who happened to have The Wiggles playing on her tv. After that he just couldn't get enough of the fab four from down under. They have done so much to help his development and it doesn't hurt that they are fun to watch. Thomas first learned to clap by watching and imitating them as they sang "Everybody Clap". We had been working on clapping for over a year in physical therapy, and it only took the Wiggles a few weeks to get him doing it.
Now that Thomas can point, he can correctly identify each Wiggle by name and by color, as well as Wags, Dorothy, Henry, and Captain Feathersword. He loves when I help him follow along with the dance moves, and when I need a smile for a portrait I can almost guarantee one by doing a Wiggly dance.
I took Thomas to his first Wiggles concert in 2005. I learned that the Wiggles host Meet & Greets for special needs children before each show, and was lucky enough to get one for Thomas. Thomas was not in a good mood when we arrived at the venue. He was in an even worse mood as we stood in line waiting to meet the Wiggles. At that point he didn't understand where he was or what was going on. He was screaming and crying and just an overall mess. We were at the end of the line so he couldn't see the Wiggles until the very last minute.
We finally got our turn and I said to the guys "I'm so sorry, he is not in a good mood today" and of course the Wiggles were great about it. They all spoke at once to tell us it was okay. As soon as they spoke Thomas turned his head from my shoulder and stopped crying mid-scream. He was in total and complete awe. He couldn't stop staring at them long enough to even look at the camera. It was such a great moment, and one of those forever memories you know will always be cherished. Thomas was so happy that day, the entire concert was spent with a constant smile stretched across his face.
We went to a second concert that year, but didn't request a meet & greet. Thomas still had the best time.
We have since been to 3 more concerts, one per year. By the third year Thomas was so familiar with the venue that he automatically knows what we are doing when we get there. He gets so happy and wiggly in his stroller. Each year I have applied, and been approved for, a meet & greet with the Wiggles. Sometimes I feel bad about being a meet & greet hog, but when I see the joy on Thomas' face, it doesn't matter. I will do anything to put that smile on his face and that memory in his heart. As long as he loves the Wiggles, we will go to their concerts and if possible meet them before the show.
We have since been to 3 more concerts, one per year. By the third year Thomas was so familiar with the venue that he automatically knows what we are doing when we get there. He gets so happy and wiggly in his stroller. Each year I have applied, and been approved for, a meet & greet with the Wiggles. Sometimes I feel bad about being a meet & greet hog, but when I see the joy on Thomas' face, it doesn't matter. I will do anything to put that smile on his face and that memory in his heart. As long as he loves the Wiggles, we will go to their concerts and if possible meet them before the show.
First Concert and meet & greet in 2005.
Also in the picture are my aunt and cousin.
Also in the picture are my aunt and cousin.
Third Concert - 2006
with our friend "Wiggly" Jo, who makes all our concert attire.
with our friend "Wiggly" Jo, who makes all our concert attire.
Fourth Concert - 2007
Fifth Concert - 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Summer Vacation
I must say, I am enjoying my summer "vactation". Although it was kind of forced upon me with the absence of our babysitter, I have embraced the time off and been pretty productive with my time.
Thomas is enjoying have his mom home every day. Sometimes he will even work with me on learning to identify shapes. Mostly we just hang out. He loves to come back to my home office and play around while I work on web sites. Occasionally he crawls on my lap and types emails to his grandmas. I'm not sure which language he is using, but they seem to be able to interpret them pretty easily.
Meanwhile I am quite busy with my web design business. I was hired to do another site that could lead to many more, I completed a site I had in progress, and did updates to another. Now I am just waiting on my clients to send me my money. My business is in the black which is great! I won't be able to support my family with it anytime soon but it's a good start. Now that I'm home I have more time to learn some new programs that will eventually make my job easier.
So all in all losing our sitter turned out not to be so bad. I've even managed to squirrel away some money into our savings account! Go figure! I manage to save more money when I'm not working than I did when I was.
Thomas is enjoying have his mom home every day. Sometimes he will even work with me on learning to identify shapes. Mostly we just hang out. He loves to come back to my home office and play around while I work on web sites. Occasionally he crawls on my lap and types emails to his grandmas. I'm not sure which language he is using, but they seem to be able to interpret them pretty easily.
Meanwhile I am quite busy with my web design business. I was hired to do another site that could lead to many more, I completed a site I had in progress, and did updates to another. Now I am just waiting on my clients to send me my money. My business is in the black which is great! I won't be able to support my family with it anytime soon but it's a good start. Now that I'm home I have more time to learn some new programs that will eventually make my job easier.
So all in all losing our sitter turned out not to be so bad. I've even managed to squirrel away some money into our savings account! Go figure! I manage to save more money when I'm not working than I did when I was.
It might not be so bad...
Saturday Thomas goes for another round of botox injections. Do you know what that means? it means I managed to win against an insurance company for a change! He gets to go to the same botox doctor that he has been going to for almost two years now.
YAY!
Turns out that the insurance company is letting us go to him under the "continuity of care" clause. However I found out they actually don't have a pediatric physiatrist signed up with them, so they really had no choice. Now they are trying to recruit our guy to be one of their members. Whatever the reason, we'll take it. Such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders with this decision.
Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts you all have sent out for us over this situation. They are much appreciated.
YAY!
Turns out that the insurance company is letting us go to him under the "continuity of care" clause. However I found out they actually don't have a pediatric physiatrist signed up with them, so they really had no choice. Now they are trying to recruit our guy to be one of their members. Whatever the reason, we'll take it. Such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders with this decision.
Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts you all have sent out for us over this situation. They are much appreciated.
Friday, July 25, 2008
By the way...
If you've read my post "Anyone know a good babysitter" then you'll understand why I am posting this link:
http://www.littleladydesign.com
It is for my web site design company that I recently started up. Granted I don't know everything there is to know about web site design, but so far all of my clients have been happy with the job I've done. If there's something I don't know how to do I research it and learn how to do it. My prices are reasonable and generally cheaper than pretty much anyone else out there.
So, this is my shameless self-promotion. If you know anyone wanting a web site of their very own, send them my way!
http://www.littleladydesign.com
It is for my web site design company that I recently started up. Granted I don't know everything there is to know about web site design, but so far all of my clients have been happy with the job I've done. If there's something I don't know how to do I research it and learn how to do it. My prices are reasonable and generally cheaper than pretty much anyone else out there.
So, this is my shameless self-promotion. If you know anyone wanting a web site of their very own, send them my way!
Anyone know a good babysitter?
Well, it seems I am on vacation for the rest of the summer. My babysitter, who was on unemployment after being laid off from her full-time job, got called back to work. She got the call yesterday that she was needed today, Friday. I too was needed at work today. Unfortunately I don't have anyone else nearby who can watch my little rugrat.
For five years I have been a stay at home mom. Mostly by choice. Before Thomas was born my hubby and I decided I would take a year off to be home with our son. When Thomas came out 8 weeks early and ended up having problems, we knew we had made the right decision. 18 months, and hundreds of appointments later, I was still a stay at home mom, only now I was the stay at home mom of a special needs child. I couldn't go back to work. For one, Thomas sometimes had appointments five days a week for months at a time. Occasionally those appointments would slow down to just one or two a week, and rarely we'd have a week with no appointments. Who wants to hire a person who needs to leave early every day or who needs every day off? No one, that's who.
Finally, five years into life with Thomas and I think I am ready to rejoin the work force. I find a job that is just a temporary position, which is a great way to test the waters and see if this will work. It's got to work. Ater five years on a single income things are getting tight. Luckily my immediate supervisor is great at being flexible with my schedule and the job works out. Even more lucky is that I found a sitter who would come to my home and watch Thomas for very little money. Before that job ended I was looking for another job. This was working out okay, right? Why not shoot for a permanent position?
I found another job working for an insurance company for which I had previously designed a web site. The owner knew about Thomas and our special circumstances and promised flexibility with my schedule. Boy, if only she had known what type of flexibility I was going to need! Less than a month later I was giving her a zero day notice. "Sorry boss, I can't come in tomorrow, or Monday, or any day actually, until after Labor Day. Sorry."
Am I the world's suckiest employee or what?
Fortunately for me, my boss is pretty awesome. She didn't bat an eye and told me my job will be waiting for me, whether I can find a sitter again for the summer, or if I have to wait until school begins in the fall. If I were her I would have told me to hit the road and not look back. I think, in part, she feels for me because of Thomas and his special needs, and because she has a son with a different set of special needs.
So now I am wondering how on earth are we parents of special needs kids supposed to make it in today's world? A boss like mine is a rare find. There are few jobs that are willing to be so flexible. Besides that, I am once again without an income. It is now the burden on my hubby's shoulders to carry this family all on his own. We just can't do it. For five years he has been carrying us as slowly our saving's has dwindled to scary little numbers, and just when I think we are finally going to be okay, life happens.
I applied for social security for Thomas. I was denied because as a family of three we have an income greater than $1300 a month. Yes people $1300 a month for a family of three, and that is pre-tax income. That is what the government thinks a family of three can survive on. I can't possibly see how a family of three can survive on that income, especially a family of three in which one is disabled which means only one of us can work. I contacted a lawyer, surely that is just a ploy by the government to try to get out of paying. Nope, the lawyer said them's the rules so tough luck sweetheart.
Am I wrong to think something is not right with that picture? I guess I should be thankful we don't meet the income requirements to qualify, instead of whining about not qualififying. But the way things are going, we'll qualify before too long. Thanks Uncle Sam.
On a completely unrelated subject, did you know the President makes $400,000 a year? I'm sure he gets free healthcare in there too, as well as his own limo, airplane, house and all the other extras at no additional cost to him. Granted, the President's job is hard, and important. But ya know what? So is mine.
For five years I have been a stay at home mom. Mostly by choice. Before Thomas was born my hubby and I decided I would take a year off to be home with our son. When Thomas came out 8 weeks early and ended up having problems, we knew we had made the right decision. 18 months, and hundreds of appointments later, I was still a stay at home mom, only now I was the stay at home mom of a special needs child. I couldn't go back to work. For one, Thomas sometimes had appointments five days a week for months at a time. Occasionally those appointments would slow down to just one or two a week, and rarely we'd have a week with no appointments. Who wants to hire a person who needs to leave early every day or who needs every day off? No one, that's who.
Finally, five years into life with Thomas and I think I am ready to rejoin the work force. I find a job that is just a temporary position, which is a great way to test the waters and see if this will work. It's got to work. Ater five years on a single income things are getting tight. Luckily my immediate supervisor is great at being flexible with my schedule and the job works out. Even more lucky is that I found a sitter who would come to my home and watch Thomas for very little money. Before that job ended I was looking for another job. This was working out okay, right? Why not shoot for a permanent position?
I found another job working for an insurance company for which I had previously designed a web site. The owner knew about Thomas and our special circumstances and promised flexibility with my schedule. Boy, if only she had known what type of flexibility I was going to need! Less than a month later I was giving her a zero day notice. "Sorry boss, I can't come in tomorrow, or Monday, or any day actually, until after Labor Day. Sorry."
Am I the world's suckiest employee or what?
Fortunately for me, my boss is pretty awesome. She didn't bat an eye and told me my job will be waiting for me, whether I can find a sitter again for the summer, or if I have to wait until school begins in the fall. If I were her I would have told me to hit the road and not look back. I think, in part, she feels for me because of Thomas and his special needs, and because she has a son with a different set of special needs.
So now I am wondering how on earth are we parents of special needs kids supposed to make it in today's world? A boss like mine is a rare find. There are few jobs that are willing to be so flexible. Besides that, I am once again without an income. It is now the burden on my hubby's shoulders to carry this family all on his own. We just can't do it. For five years he has been carrying us as slowly our saving's has dwindled to scary little numbers, and just when I think we are finally going to be okay, life happens.
I applied for social security for Thomas. I was denied because as a family of three we have an income greater than $1300 a month. Yes people $1300 a month for a family of three, and that is pre-tax income. That is what the government thinks a family of three can survive on. I can't possibly see how a family of three can survive on that income, especially a family of three in which one is disabled which means only one of us can work. I contacted a lawyer, surely that is just a ploy by the government to try to get out of paying. Nope, the lawyer said them's the rules so tough luck sweetheart.
Am I wrong to think something is not right with that picture? I guess I should be thankful we don't meet the income requirements to qualify, instead of whining about not qualififying. But the way things are going, we'll qualify before too long. Thanks Uncle Sam.
On a completely unrelated subject, did you know the President makes $400,000 a year? I'm sure he gets free healthcare in there too, as well as his own limo, airplane, house and all the other extras at no additional cost to him. Granted, the President's job is hard, and important. But ya know what? So is mine.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I Hate Insurance Companies
I.
Hate.
Insurance.
Companies.
There, I said it. Now tell me any of you out there disagree with that comment, I would find it hard to believe. Recently my husband's employer decided to switch insurance companies. This meant I had to find a new pediatrician for Thomas and had to wait and worry if all of his specialists would be covered. Luckily they almost all are. All but one to be exact.
Unfortunately that one is the one I most wanted to keep. He is Thomas' physiatrist, in charge of managing his cerebral palsy. He is the second one we have gone to see and the only one we ever want to see again. This guy can deliver a dozen injections of botox in Thomas' legs without Thomas even shedding a single tear! He agrees with me, so far, on everything. We have the same views on treatment and on how I should let Thomas live his life.
I cannot give him up. I won't. I'll take out a loan, remortgage my house if I have to. In a world of so-so doctors who may or may not actually know what they are doing, this one is genuinely knowledgeable and up-to-date on all the latest treatment options. He travels across the globe to gain this knowledge. And now my insurance company won't cover him.
I. Hate. Insurance. Companies.
There is hope. I can possibly keep him under a "continuity of care" clause in which the insurance company will allow Thomas to continue seeing this doctor based on their history together. I'm nervous because it has been only 13 months since we found him, I don't know if that is long enough. Another loophole could be if there are no other physiatrists near enough who will accept pediatric cases. If I remember correctly there aren't any others around, except our old one who, when giving Thomas his botox injections upon which Thomas would cry his little heart out, would say "stop being a baby!" Ummm, hello?!? HE IS A BABY!
So, those of you who pray, those of you who meditate, those of you who sacrifice chickens or other livestock, please do what you must so we can keep our beloved Dr. Dabrowski!
Hate.
Insurance.
Companies.
There, I said it. Now tell me any of you out there disagree with that comment, I would find it hard to believe. Recently my husband's employer decided to switch insurance companies. This meant I had to find a new pediatrician for Thomas and had to wait and worry if all of his specialists would be covered. Luckily they almost all are. All but one to be exact.
Unfortunately that one is the one I most wanted to keep. He is Thomas' physiatrist, in charge of managing his cerebral palsy. He is the second one we have gone to see and the only one we ever want to see again. This guy can deliver a dozen injections of botox in Thomas' legs without Thomas even shedding a single tear! He agrees with me, so far, on everything. We have the same views on treatment and on how I should let Thomas live his life.
I cannot give him up. I won't. I'll take out a loan, remortgage my house if I have to. In a world of so-so doctors who may or may not actually know what they are doing, this one is genuinely knowledgeable and up-to-date on all the latest treatment options. He travels across the globe to gain this knowledge. And now my insurance company won't cover him.
I. Hate. Insurance. Companies.
There is hope. I can possibly keep him under a "continuity of care" clause in which the insurance company will allow Thomas to continue seeing this doctor based on their history together. I'm nervous because it has been only 13 months since we found him, I don't know if that is long enough. Another loophole could be if there are no other physiatrists near enough who will accept pediatric cases. If I remember correctly there aren't any others around, except our old one who, when giving Thomas his botox injections upon which Thomas would cry his little heart out, would say "stop being a baby!" Ummm, hello?!? HE IS A BABY!
So, those of you who pray, those of you who meditate, those of you who sacrifice chickens or other livestock, please do what you must so we can keep our beloved Dr. Dabrowski!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Smarty Pants
I have always known Thomas was smarter than anyone gave him credit for, but his recent accomplishments have surprised even me. Mr. Man has discovered the joy of pointing. He gets that little finger out and just starts pointing away. He loves to point to objects, colors, characters, etc. and have whoever is nearby tell him what they are. Now comes the smarty pants part. Thanks to his newly found skill, Thomas is able to demonstrate just how smart he is. If I ask him "where's red?" he will find something red in his book or on his sheet of colors and point to it. He can do this for red, blue, black, yellow, green, pink, brown, gray, orange, and purple. He can correctly identify about a dozen different animals. He knows all his Disney characters, and of course all the Wiggles and their Wiggly Friends.
Is this kid a genius or what? ;o)
Seriously, I did not know just how smart he was. I'm in shock and awe of his brain power. I have always known he had it in him and have also known he just needed a way to get it out. Now that he's found that way I am over the moon, and so is he! He is so proud to point and show everyone everything he knows.
The smile that lights his face could light the world.
Is this kid a genius or what? ;o)
Seriously, I did not know just how smart he was. I'm in shock and awe of his brain power. I have always known he had it in him and have also known he just needed a way to get it out. Now that he's found that way I am over the moon, and so is he! He is so proud to point and show everyone everything he knows.
The smile that lights his face could light the world.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Common Bond
Finally I have discovered something my husband and my son both enjoy and can do together. Up until now they have had no common interests. Thomas enjoys Clifford, Curious George, the Wiggles, and picking his nose. Daddy enjoys none of these things, although he may pick his nose in private, I don't know...
So Saturday night we decided to give the local race track a chance to receive some of our hard earned money. The cost wasn't high and Thomas got in free, so if he didn't like it we didn't have to regret spending the money to get him in.
When we first arrived Thomas was in good spirits. He didn't know what was going on, but with a belly full of McDonald's french fries and sprite, he was ready to party. Upon walking in he spotted one of his new favorite things (as long as he isn't on it) - a bright yellow school bus. The bus was offering free rides around the track and into the pits for anyone interested. Thomas was content, more like downright giddy, just to watch the bus circle the track. When it was time for the race I got a little anxious. Would they cars be too loud? Would he get bored? Would we end up having to leave before the first race even ended?
Turns out I needn't have worried. Thomas was in complete euphoria, sitting there watching the races. The louder the cars the more excited he became, bouncing on first my knee and then his dad's. Wriggling, squirming, kicking his legs, he had to be passed back and forth between his daddy and mommy so they could each have a chance to relax before trying to keep that crazy happy boy from bouncing right off our laps.
It was truly a perfect moment. There aren't many things my boys can do together that they both enjoy. It's hard to find an activity that Thomas can participate in with at least a basic understanding of what is happening. It was thrilling to watch him as he watched the cars circle the track. My heart was full to bursting as I watched father and son sitting together, eyes following the cars around the track, both with huge smiles on thier faces.
And even though I am not a big race fan, I can't wait for the next one!
So Saturday night we decided to give the local race track a chance to receive some of our hard earned money. The cost wasn't high and Thomas got in free, so if he didn't like it we didn't have to regret spending the money to get him in.
When we first arrived Thomas was in good spirits. He didn't know what was going on, but with a belly full of McDonald's french fries and sprite, he was ready to party. Upon walking in he spotted one of his new favorite things (as long as he isn't on it) - a bright yellow school bus. The bus was offering free rides around the track and into the pits for anyone interested. Thomas was content, more like downright giddy, just to watch the bus circle the track. When it was time for the race I got a little anxious. Would they cars be too loud? Would he get bored? Would we end up having to leave before the first race even ended?
Turns out I needn't have worried. Thomas was in complete euphoria, sitting there watching the races. The louder the cars the more excited he became, bouncing on first my knee and then his dad's. Wriggling, squirming, kicking his legs, he had to be passed back and forth between his daddy and mommy so they could each have a chance to relax before trying to keep that crazy happy boy from bouncing right off our laps.
It was truly a perfect moment. There aren't many things my boys can do together that they both enjoy. It's hard to find an activity that Thomas can participate in with at least a basic understanding of what is happening. It was thrilling to watch him as he watched the cars circle the track. My heart was full to bursting as I watched father and son sitting together, eyes following the cars around the track, both with huge smiles on thier faces.
And even though I am not a big race fan, I can't wait for the next one!
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