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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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.
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