Apparently, turtles need to go to school too...
Showing posts with label funny moments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funny moments. Show all posts
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Smitten
Yesterday morning we arrived at school just in the knick of time. All of the girls were sitting on the bench. When we walked in they all *gasped* and said, "AAAAJJJJJ!" Oh Lordy. I think I'm in major trouble! Their gasp was like when you see a little girl at Disney World...as she spots Cinderella in the distance, she turns to her Mom and says, *Gasp-Breathe-Gasp* "Mommy! It's Cinderella!" It was too cute for words. He did receive the same greeting this morning, although with a little less enthusiasm.
He has already held hands with the girls, which they initiate, let me just say. I've heard from his teacher that a few of them have really taken to helping him in class. This morning, my heart just melted. One of the girls came over and put his CI coil back on his head when it fell off. When it was time to line up, she came over to me to take his hand and walk to the classroom. I think its the eyelashes!
The only thing-AJ isn't so smitten with his classmates. Any of them.
We've been so blessed to have daily contact with AJ's teacher. Last week he struggled at a water-based activity with "sharing" his space with another child. It lead to tears. He was given a break and then redirected to the water table again and he was still frustrated with sharing his space.
I really dislike this (my lame Ode to Facebook). His lack of socialization is now beginning to scare me. Will he ever get there? I'm also feeling a mega load of guilt. While other kids are playing at the waterpark and eating popsicles, my kid is enduring long drives with hours and hours of therapy and doctors appointments.
When he came home, we knew he needed to bond to us. That's all that was drilled into our heads. Don't let others hold him. Then it was don't let them meet his needs-you only. Oiy. What we didn't know was how behind he was. We thought we as parents would miss a lot, adopting him at 13 months. In a way, God blessed us, as AJ came home at a newborn level. We were able to give him his first solid foods, his first real bath in a bathtub. We saw him crawl and saw him WALK. We saw him HEAR for the first time. However, I don't think it benefited AJ coming home with a history of 13-months of NOTHING. We immediately got him into intense therapy and began his awesome adventure.
There wasn't much time for playdates. And the few playdates I went to, I ended up bawling all the way home. If ever there was a place I didn't feel comfortable and had the reality of AJ's delays and differences in front of me. This was it. And no one was making me feel that way, its just the way I felt given the situation. I spent more time calming AJ, working through his sensory issues, feeding him, and explaining why he was doing "this this and this" to the other parents while everyone else's child was running around in circles, feeding themself and asking for more milk. AJ just "didn't get it", and soon they become unimportant. PT, OT, Speech, Feeding, and his TOD visits were definitely the priority.
Some people have assumed that AJ was used to being around other children since he was in a orphange. We thought so too, at first, but now know he was either held or just layed on the carpet, next to the other children who were more mobile and placed on the foam squares in the play area. Why? Because he was so small and immobile. While I'm thankful they thought about his safety (some of those kids were chunk-a-monks), the other part of me burns with anger knowing his only "friends" were Sylvia, his caregiver, his hand (which he starred at-and still does occassionally), and small rattles. And, if he couldn't hear...yeah. He had no clue those other kids existed.
I'm feeling guilty that he hasn't been around kids more. While I know a part of it is his developmental level, it still bothers me. I'm slightly jealous of those Momma's who live on streets/in neighborhoods that have families and kiddos galore. We live on a country road where we are one of two families that are third-generation. It makes me angry and very sad that we know his brother is in Guatemala and there isn't a damn thing we can do about it. We've TRIED. We would love for AJ to have a sibling or siblings. It makes me angry that adoption is so freakin' expensive. It makes me angry that our experience has made us very leary of opening our hearts again and trusting those in the adoption industry. It makes me angry that politics have essentially shut-down international adoptions. It makes me sad and angry that we can't just say, "Let's have another child." It is simply....Not. That. Simple.
I had another chat with AJ's teacher after school today, which calmed me down a bit. It seems he did well with his peers on the playground today. Per his teacher's suggestion, I am going to make an appointment with his Developmental Specialist, whom we haven't seen in quite some time. He may have some ideas as to how we can help AJ become a social butterfly, well, at least be social. He has not seen AJ in a year and I remember him saying, "Let's do the implant, give him some time, and see where he's at." I think he'll be pleasantly surprised. We are all working together to form the best program for AJ.
My new goals are to schedule a playdate for him at least once a week, focus on the good "peer-interaction" days he has and to take the bad in stride, and to give him more opportunities outside of school (other than PT and OT!).
And might I add, I certainly AM SMITTEN with Mr. AJ.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Turning a Corner
Jen, another CI Mom, left a comment on the blog today wondering how AJ was doing. Thank you for doing so, as I have been meaning to write a new post with updates on his progress.
AJ seems to be turning a corner. His spirits are up and you can just see his strength increasing each day. I mentioned in the last post that he had some awesome fine-motor skill gains earlier in the week. His OT brought some of her evaluation tools to start his testing for his IEP. He accomplished the following:
-Put IN and pulled out wooden pegs from wooden peg board
-MARKED A PAPER WITH A CRAYON multiple times
-Pulled plastic pegs apart with two hands multiple times
Needless to say, we were all stunned! The next day, Daddy witnessed him putting the balls from his ball popper into the hole where the air shoots them up. He didn't just put them in the twirly thing that winds the balls down to the beginning (sorry that's not very technical), he put the ball directly into the hole.
On Thursday his PT came (YAY!) and we discussed AJ's issues at length. AJ still has his trunk stability, which came as a surprise and relief. But he's been a noodle from the hips down. His PT noticed his toes curling when he stood up, along with his left leg in the position of when you "stand on your tippy toes". He wasn't putting much, if any, pressure on his left leg. She suggested wrapping his left calf/foot to give him input on that side as well as resuming a more regular brushing program with him. We ran out of VetWrap (coban) tape before surgery when we used the last of it to practice his head being wrapped. Since he laid on his left (weak) side for the 2 hour duration of the surgery, and had minimal time to bounce back before he landed in the ER, his body really shut down when he got sick last week. If he wasn't feeling good, we probably carried him more, taking away opportunities for him to walk, which cause weakness as well. Oiy.
I also admitted to his PT that I actually try not to have AJ walk long distances. Why? His weight. I am terrified of how many calories he's burning while walking. Seeing his regression, I am determined to get him walking again. Of course we have a weight check the day after his activation. The GI Clinic knows about his weigh-in before surgery and the nice gain we had there. They are not aware of his trip to the ER and what has transpired since. I would venture to say he's fluctated, or dare I say it, lost an ounce or two. That would only be fair after watching his body over the last week. So if they aren't happy, too bad. He needs to do all these things at the same time, something always gives. If right now thats his weight, then so be it. I understand, it shouldn't be a continuous thing, but seriously, I think he gets a "get out of jail free" pass on this one.
AJ's TOD came the same day. We discussed the plan of action for AJ post-activation. I also asked what his expressive/receptive language age equivalencies are. We never really get hung up on numbers, but I needed to know for the boatload of paperwork the state wants filled out.
AJ: 33 months/2 years 9 months
Expressive Language Level: 6-7 months
Receptive Language Level: 8-10 months
That was disappointing to hear. We knew they were low, but as hard as we've worked with him, it still stung. She also gave me the name of another family who has a deaf child (CI user) who also has CP, and who also regressed after surgery. I look forward to talking with them, as well as the other CI/CP family we know. it is just so odd that this happened after he got sick, not post-op.
While his TOD was explaining some of the initial exercises we will be doing with AJ post-activation, she said a word that has incredible power.
SAY.
"We'll say BA BA BA and give him a cue that its his turn to immitate and SAY BA BA BA." What? Come again? My kiddo is going to say something?! The excitment about AJ's activation is finally beginning, although we are still guarding ourselves. I don't know, its just something we've learned to do.
After AJ woke up for his nap this afternoon, he surprised me by schooching down his bed to the floor and walking to me holding onto his bed. More progress, he didn't just crawl. After raiding Farm & Fleet's supply of VetWrap tape, AJ became an 80's child (think legwarmers, gloves, and Flashdance). We noticed he had been sucking his thumb so much and so hard that with all his teeth now, he was beginning to wear down his skin and yeah...it wasn't pretty. So we cleaned, bandaged and taped his arm/hand to prevent him from sucking on his thumb. Of course he can still get the tip of it, but at least the skin crease can heal while we google "How to get your child to stop sucking their thumb as their comfort." We also taped his leg and "treated" him PT style throughout the day. This evening he somehow scaled a Rubbermaid bin, kneeled on it and played the piano, cruised the couch, decreased his toe curling, and took 6 steps on his own. He discovered how to play peek-a-boo with himself and the end table, figured out how to crawl in and out from under the end table, and launched a beach ball at me. I think he's feeling better.
Today was Opening Day for our Milwaukee Brewers, who won 4-3 against the Cubs. WHOO HOO! Go Brewers! Daddy found an adorable t-shirt for him that we had him wear today while we watched the game. He even chugged his apple juice as I am sure many a fan were chugging their ice cold Miller Lite. AJ ended our evening with such a sweet smile, a nice change of pace from the last few weeks.
AJ seems to be turning a corner. His spirits are up and you can just see his strength increasing each day. I mentioned in the last post that he had some awesome fine-motor skill gains earlier in the week. His OT brought some of her evaluation tools to start his testing for his IEP. He accomplished the following:
-Put IN and pulled out wooden pegs from wooden peg board
-MARKED A PAPER WITH A CRAYON multiple times
-Pulled plastic pegs apart with two hands multiple times
Needless to say, we were all stunned! The next day, Daddy witnessed him putting the balls from his ball popper into the hole where the air shoots them up. He didn't just put them in the twirly thing that winds the balls down to the beginning (sorry that's not very technical), he put the ball directly into the hole.
On Thursday his PT came (YAY!) and we discussed AJ's issues at length. AJ still has his trunk stability, which came as a surprise and relief. But he's been a noodle from the hips down. His PT noticed his toes curling when he stood up, along with his left leg in the position of when you "stand on your tippy toes". He wasn't putting much, if any, pressure on his left leg. She suggested wrapping his left calf/foot to give him input on that side as well as resuming a more regular brushing program with him. We ran out of VetWrap (coban) tape before surgery when we used the last of it to practice his head being wrapped. Since he laid on his left (weak) side for the 2 hour duration of the surgery, and had minimal time to bounce back before he landed in the ER, his body really shut down when he got sick last week. If he wasn't feeling good, we probably carried him more, taking away opportunities for him to walk, which cause weakness as well. Oiy.
I also admitted to his PT that I actually try not to have AJ walk long distances. Why? His weight. I am terrified of how many calories he's burning while walking. Seeing his regression, I am determined to get him walking again. Of course we have a weight check the day after his activation. The GI Clinic knows about his weigh-in before surgery and the nice gain we had there. They are not aware of his trip to the ER and what has transpired since. I would venture to say he's fluctated, or dare I say it, lost an ounce or two. That would only be fair after watching his body over the last week. So if they aren't happy, too bad. He needs to do all these things at the same time, something always gives. If right now thats his weight, then so be it. I understand, it shouldn't be a continuous thing, but seriously, I think he gets a "get out of jail free" pass on this one.
AJ's TOD came the same day. We discussed the plan of action for AJ post-activation. I also asked what his expressive/receptive language age equivalencies are. We never really get hung up on numbers, but I needed to know for the boatload of paperwork the state wants filled out.
AJ: 33 months/2 years 9 months
Expressive Language Level: 6-7 months
Receptive Language Level: 8-10 months
That was disappointing to hear. We knew they were low, but as hard as we've worked with him, it still stung. She also gave me the name of another family who has a deaf child (CI user) who also has CP, and who also regressed after surgery. I look forward to talking with them, as well as the other CI/CP family we know. it is just so odd that this happened after he got sick, not post-op.
While his TOD was explaining some of the initial exercises we will be doing with AJ post-activation, she said a word that has incredible power.
SAY.
"We'll say BA BA BA and give him a cue that its his turn to immitate and SAY BA BA BA." What? Come again? My kiddo is going to say something?! The excitment about AJ's activation is finally beginning, although we are still guarding ourselves. I don't know, its just something we've learned to do.
After AJ woke up for his nap this afternoon, he surprised me by schooching down his bed to the floor and walking to me holding onto his bed. More progress, he didn't just crawl. After raiding Farm & Fleet's supply of VetWrap tape, AJ became an 80's child (think legwarmers, gloves, and Flashdance). We noticed he had been sucking his thumb so much and so hard that with all his teeth now, he was beginning to wear down his skin and yeah...it wasn't pretty. So we cleaned, bandaged and taped his arm/hand to prevent him from sucking on his thumb. Of course he can still get the tip of it, but at least the skin crease can heal while we google "How to get your child to stop sucking their thumb as their comfort." We also taped his leg and "treated" him PT style throughout the day. This evening he somehow scaled a Rubbermaid bin, kneeled on it and played the piano, cruised the couch, decreased his toe curling, and took 6 steps on his own. He discovered how to play peek-a-boo with himself and the end table, figured out how to crawl in and out from under the end table, and launched a beach ball at me. I think he's feeling better.
Today was Opening Day for our Milwaukee Brewers, who won 4-3 against the Cubs. WHOO HOO! Go Brewers! Daddy found an adorable t-shirt for him that we had him wear today while we watched the game. He even chugged his apple juice as I am sure many a fan were chugging their ice cold Miller Lite. AJ ended our evening with such a sweet smile, a nice change of pace from the last few weeks.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
King of the Mountain
Well, AJ hasn't been feeling the greatest. He does have an infection, but its viral. Meaning: no antibiotics. We have to wait it out. Not what the parent of a kiddo who's 28 days away from CI surgery wants to hear. Alas, we keep pluggin' away at this virus. The cool mist humidifier I got the other day is awesome. We steam, bathe, apply Baby Vicks vapor rub, REPEAT. His cough has decreased today and the "junk" is making its way out. Better out than in.
Despite not feeling well, AJ has made some fantastic gains in the last week or two.
Here's a list:
-Able to climb off and on his riding toy (airplane) from BOTH sides
-ABLE TO TURN ON AIRPLANE propellar BY HIMSELF, multiple times
-Pushes/Pulls dump truck
-Increased walking distance (example: walking from fridge to middle of living room without stopping)
-Standing and "walking" as he closes a door
-Walking holding sippy cup in both hands!
-Walking & DRINKING at the same time!!
-Biting and chewing animal crackers...and lots of them
-Standing and "walking backwards when you open a door and he's behind it
-Improved balance & coordination
-Grasps concept of eating, placing fork/spoon down on table, grabbing sippy cup, drinking, placing cup back on table, picking up fork/spoon again and eating
-Improving skill of getting into car seat on his own
-Tracking/Grabbing our DVR "screen saver" on the TV
-Paying attention to people coming and going
And for his GRANDE FINALE:
-Beginning to climb out of his booster seat AKA playing King of the Mountain
That's right ladies and gents, he's supposed to be doing this. It is indeed a PT goal. Oiy! He is to turn himself around and go down with his belly facing the booster (just like the car seat).Tonight, he decided to show us all his talents! Even though we don't want to make this a habit, it is truly incredible to us that he is able to do this!
(Note: Daddy was right there in the case of a quick descent!)
Whoa, check out the view from up here!!
Yeah Mom, that's right, I'm standing on my chair
La, la, la, la, la, la I'm ignoring you!
Oh alright, I'll kneel and start getting down...
I made it!
Despite not feeling well, AJ has made some fantastic gains in the last week or two.
Here's a list:
-Able to climb off and on his riding toy (airplane) from BOTH sides
-ABLE TO TURN ON AIRPLANE propellar BY HIMSELF, multiple times
-Pushes/Pulls dump truck
-Increased walking distance (example: walking from fridge to middle of living room without stopping)
-Standing and "walking" as he closes a door
-Walking holding sippy cup in both hands!
-Walking & DRINKING at the same time!!
-Biting and chewing animal crackers...and lots of them
-Standing and "walking backwards when you open a door and he's behind it
-Improved balance & coordination
-Grasps concept of eating, placing fork/spoon down on table, grabbing sippy cup, drinking, placing cup back on table, picking up fork/spoon again and eating
-Improving skill of getting into car seat on his own
-Tracking/Grabbing our DVR "screen saver" on the TV
-Paying attention to people coming and going
And for his GRANDE FINALE:
-Beginning to climb out of his booster seat AKA playing King of the Mountain
That's right ladies and gents, he's supposed to be doing this. It is indeed a PT goal. Oiy! He is to turn himself around and go down with his belly facing the booster (just like the car seat).Tonight, he decided to show us all his talents! Even though we don't want to make this a habit, it is truly incredible to us that he is able to do this!
(Note: Daddy was right there in the case of a quick descent!)
Whoa, check out the view from up here!!
Yeah Mom, that's right, I'm standing on my chair
La, la, la, la, la, la I'm ignoring you!
Oh alright, I'll kneel and start getting down...
I made it!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Go Fish
Do you have a surgery date?
No. Go fish.
After talking with AJ's audi today, I was informed that the surgery scheduler is out of the office today. Fantastic. Insert, another oh so fabulous "You've GOT to be kidding me." We won't know AJ's surgery date until after the weekend.
I was also informed that usually it takes about a week after insurance authorization to schedule surgery. Well, whada ya know. That would have been nice to know months ago. We just kept hearing the surgery scheduler will call you once he's been approved. If I had known it would take I week, I wouldn't have been so quick to contact her and ask what in blazes was going on.
In other news...
AJ begins toddler group at the Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing on Monday. I haven't really had a chance to think about it with all his CI stuff going on. He'll be attending the toddler group Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11:15am. We were able to successfully reschedule his OT and Feeding Therapy to allow for this opportunity. Parents are required to stay during the group and are "involved" at the beginning and end of group. We are so excited that he will have a chance to be around his peers. He needs this so badly. Perhaps I won't feel so guilty then that he never has a chance to play with other kiddos. When you've got a schedule as full as his, there doesn't leave time for much else. I will be sure to post pictures of our little man "at school" next week.
Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and concern. While all of this hoopla has been going on with AJ's CIs, my grandma has been in the hospital. It has been a stressful time for all of us. She is doing well and will be moved to a rehab facility for a week on Monday. She is sad that we are not able to bring AJ to the hospital, but she gets her daily dose of AJ updates and has his picture displayed proudly on her bedside table.
We've got a busy weekend ahead of us, so I thought I'd post some recent pictures of AJ now...enjoy!
Hard at work pulling pegs out during OT
Who needs toys when you've got an oatmeal container & shower curtain?
Yoga Boy-Down Dog Position
Move Mom, your in my way...
No. Go fish.
After talking with AJ's audi today, I was informed that the surgery scheduler is out of the office today. Fantastic. Insert, another oh so fabulous "You've GOT to be kidding me." We won't know AJ's surgery date until after the weekend.
I was also informed that usually it takes about a week after insurance authorization to schedule surgery. Well, whada ya know. That would have been nice to know months ago. We just kept hearing the surgery scheduler will call you once he's been approved. If I had known it would take I week, I wouldn't have been so quick to contact her and ask what in blazes was going on.
In other news...
AJ begins toddler group at the Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing on Monday. I haven't really had a chance to think about it with all his CI stuff going on. He'll be attending the toddler group Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11:15am. We were able to successfully reschedule his OT and Feeding Therapy to allow for this opportunity. Parents are required to stay during the group and are "involved" at the beginning and end of group. We are so excited that he will have a chance to be around his peers. He needs this so badly. Perhaps I won't feel so guilty then that he never has a chance to play with other kiddos. When you've got a schedule as full as his, there doesn't leave time for much else. I will be sure to post pictures of our little man "at school" next week.
Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and concern. While all of this hoopla has been going on with AJ's CIs, my grandma has been in the hospital. It has been a stressful time for all of us. She is doing well and will be moved to a rehab facility for a week on Monday. She is sad that we are not able to bring AJ to the hospital, but she gets her daily dose of AJ updates and has his picture displayed proudly on her bedside table.
We've got a busy weekend ahead of us, so I thought I'd post some recent pictures of AJ now...enjoy!
Hard at work pulling pegs out during OT
Who needs toys when you've got an oatmeal container & shower curtain?
Yoga Boy-Down Dog Position
Move Mom, your in my way...
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