Serving of the cake was promptly followed by a bath. And yes, neon red frosting DOES indeed turn the water red.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Birthday Pictures
I swear there should be a federal law about which colours of frosting are allowed on children's cakes. Seriously. After Aiden's 1st birthday cake, I swore I would NEVER EVER buy another cake with red frosting. However, Chris bought the cake this year....
Serving of the cake was promptly followed by a bath. And yes, neon red frosting DOES indeed turn the water red.
Serving of the cake was promptly followed by a bath. And yes, neon red frosting DOES indeed turn the water red.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
I Think It May be Time for a New Alternative
When I laid Aiden down for his nap today, he had his pajama bottoms off. I didn't think much about it until I walked in to check on him and this is what I saw
Thursday, August 27, 2009
2nd Day at School
Today was much better than yesterday. There were no meltdowns.
Last year, Aiden refused to walk to the Jeep in the gait trainer after school. This year, he is ready to head out the door as soon as he is situated in the gait trainer. And I have been seen running to catch up with him.
Last year, Aiden refused to walk to the Jeep in the gait trainer after school. This year, he is ready to head out the door as soon as he is situated in the gait trainer. And I have been seen running to catch up with him.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Banned Word Week
This week is full of *insert banned word* here for Aiden and myself. Monday, we had Aiden's IEP meeting with the public school. I did manage to get a PT evaluation for classroom goals.
Then Tuesday was his last therapy session with our EI program, SoonerStart. (Is is wrong to want to get your service providers drunk so that they will forget your little one is turning 3?) We served Karrie breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits and gravy. All 4 of her kids are in the Yellow class at the Little Light House this year. Two of the kids are returning students and the other 2 are first years.
Today, Aiden started back to school at the Little Light House. Here is Aiden arriving at school.
We had to stop and get our picture taken as we were heading to Aiden's new class
Oh, and if you are wondering.......... Yes, Aiden is the smallest in his class this year. There are 4 children with Down syndrome in his class. 2 boys, 2 girls. The others are CHUNKS!!!
Sunday, Aiden will turn 3! I am not ready for this AT ALL!
Then Tuesday was his last therapy session with our EI program, SoonerStart. (Is is wrong to want to get your service providers drunk so that they will forget your little one is turning 3?) We served Karrie breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits and gravy. All 4 of her kids are in the Yellow class at the Little Light House this year. Two of the kids are returning students and the other 2 are first years.
Today, Aiden started back to school at the Little Light House. Here is Aiden arriving at school.
On our way to the Yellow class, Aiden stopped in front of the Orange classroom door. I, sadly, had to inform the child that he wasn't in the Orange class anymore, even though his girlfriend Alyx is. The Orange class is right next to the Yellow class.
Once we made it to the Yellow class, Aiden got his gait trainer stuck on the door frame. He backed up and straightened up then went into the classroom.
I gave Miss Heather our only disclaimer about pictures - any and all pictures are subject to going on the blog. LOL!
Here is Aiden with his new teacher.
Oh, and if you are wondering.......... Yes, Aiden is the smallest in his class this year. There are 4 children with Down syndrome in his class. 2 boys, 2 girls. The others are CHUNKS!!!
Sunday, Aiden will turn 3! I am not ready for this AT ALL!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saying Goodbye
Today Aiden had speech therapy with his EI therapist. We spent a lot of the time going over Aiden's IEP. Cathy works for a neighbouring school district and I wanted her input on the draft IEP. She gave me some good ideas about some things to question and ask for.
Aiden showed off some of his verbalization and blowing skills that we have been working on for the past month since surgery.
When Aiden's session was over it donned on me. Today was Aiden's last session with Cathy. The **insert banned word here** time has crept up on me and I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.
Aiden gave Cathy a huge hug and so did I. Tears were shed.
These therapists have been a part of Aiden's life for 3 years. They have guided both Aiden and I on our journey to Holland. They have been here to help reach milestones and have celebrated with us.
It's hard to say goodbye to people who have become friends of yours. They are almost like part of the family. We text, we send emails.
Some say to look at this as the next step in Aiden becoming a big boy and doing big boy things. I say (and have asked) "Can't we go off of developmental age instead of real age?"
I'm not ready to give up my comfort zone. And that is really what it is. It's my comfort area. I have allowed these strangers to come into my "snowglobe" and shared thoughts, feelings, anxiety, joy and tears with them. It is hard for me to give that up.
Aiden showed off some of his verbalization and blowing skills that we have been working on for the past month since surgery.
When Aiden's session was over it donned on me. Today was Aiden's last session with Cathy. The **insert banned word here** time has crept up on me and I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.
Aiden gave Cathy a huge hug and so did I. Tears were shed.
These therapists have been a part of Aiden's life for 3 years. They have guided both Aiden and I on our journey to Holland. They have been here to help reach milestones and have celebrated with us.
It's hard to say goodbye to people who have become friends of yours. They are almost like part of the family. We text, we send emails.
Some say to look at this as the next step in Aiden becoming a big boy and doing big boy things. I say (and have asked) "Can't we go off of developmental age instead of real age?"
I'm not ready to give up my comfort zone. And that is really what it is. It's my comfort area. I have allowed these strangers to come into my "snowglobe" and shared thoughts, feelings, anxiety, joy and tears with them. It is hard for me to give that up.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
SAP 2009-2010
Today was Aiden's SAP at the Little Light House. The SAP is the school's equivalent of the IEP used in public schools.
Our meeting was at 11:30am. Chris went because he wanted to meet Aiden's new teacher Miss Heather. Chris drove. We had to stop at the bank and Wal-Mart and at Grandma Susan's house to drop of some peaches. (I have been wanting peach cobbler, but lack the culinary skills required to make one.) Since Chris decided to drive, we HAD to take the scenic route through Broken Arrow to utilize that bank branch and Wal-Mart. Not real sure why he decided to waste an additional 25 minutes since both another bank branch and Wal-Mart are located less than 1 mile from my mother's house.
Something happened, I don't know what, but the school and most of Yale street was without power (and this happened in less than 3 minutes from the time we exited onto Yale from 31st street and made it to the school.
Since Aiden had spent an hour in hisrecliner car seat, he was a little irritated by the time we got to school. Once I put him in his gait trainer, he was happy though. Aiden wasn't too sure about going down the hall in the dark. He walked into school and stopped in front of the Orange class (his class for the past 2 years). I informed him that we were going to go into the Yellow class this year, which is located right next door and shares a bathroom with the Orange class. Aiden's girlfriend Alyx will be in the Orange class this year.
Once we got into the Yellow class, several staff members had to come in and say hi to Aiden. He hasn't been at school since his heart surgery other than just a few hours for the Orange class picnic. Miss Amy, who was Aiden's "older girlfriend" came in to say hi and Aiden gave her a big hug.
Miss Heather introduced herself and told us a little bit about herself. She has been with LLH for 5 years. Her background is with mostly hearing impared/deaf children, so Aiden will get A LOT of sign language.
Miss Lindsey will be transferring from Orange class assistant to Yellow class. We briefly discussed Mini Laps in which I was asked what Aiden will be dressed up as. Miss Lindsey knows, but it is still a secret. (Here is another hint to Aiden's costume - plaid.)
We discussed OT goals with Aiden's therapist for this year, Lois. We are going to work on putting shoes on independently since Aiden is showing interest in tying his shoes. Also working on self feeding and lacing beads on a shoestring. Pop beads and pre-scissors will be introduced also.
For speech, the same goals that Aiden's IEP are. And increasing his signing vocabulary.
Physical therapy wise, getting Aiden walking without the gait trainer and climbing stairs.
We also talked about the surgery and future heart-related things. Aiden is still on Lasix, so potty training Aiden to pee in the potty is a little harder for us. Aiden has to pee a lot. So we will be spending a lot of time potty training.
Our meeting was at 11:30am. Chris went because he wanted to meet Aiden's new teacher Miss Heather. Chris drove. We had to stop at the bank and Wal-Mart and at Grandma Susan's house to drop of some peaches. (I have been wanting peach cobbler, but lack the culinary skills required to make one.) Since Chris decided to drive, we HAD to take the scenic route through Broken Arrow to utilize that bank branch and Wal-Mart. Not real sure why he decided to waste an additional 25 minutes since both another bank branch and Wal-Mart are located less than 1 mile from my mother's house.
Something happened, I don't know what, but the school and most of Yale street was without power (and this happened in less than 3 minutes from the time we exited onto Yale from 31st street and made it to the school.
Since Aiden had spent an hour in his
Once we got into the Yellow class, several staff members had to come in and say hi to Aiden. He hasn't been at school since his heart surgery other than just a few hours for the Orange class picnic. Miss Amy, who was Aiden's "older girlfriend" came in to say hi and Aiden gave her a big hug.
Miss Heather introduced herself and told us a little bit about herself. She has been with LLH for 5 years. Her background is with mostly hearing impared/deaf children, so Aiden will get A LOT of sign language.
Miss Lindsey will be transferring from Orange class assistant to Yellow class. We briefly discussed Mini Laps in which I was asked what Aiden will be dressed up as. Miss Lindsey knows, but it is still a secret. (Here is another hint to Aiden's costume - plaid.)
We discussed OT goals with Aiden's therapist for this year, Lois. We are going to work on putting shoes on independently since Aiden is showing interest in tying his shoes. Also working on self feeding and lacing beads on a shoestring. Pop beads and pre-scissors will be introduced also.
For speech, the same goals that Aiden's IEP are. And increasing his signing vocabulary.
Physical therapy wise, getting Aiden walking without the gait trainer and climbing stairs.
We also talked about the surgery and future heart-related things. Aiden is still on Lasix, so potty training Aiden to pee in the potty is a little harder for us. Aiden has to pee a lot. So we will be spending a lot of time potty training.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Proposed IEP
Today, I went and picked up a draft of proposed IEP goals for Aiden.
They are as follows:
Cognitive Skills
Goal 1: Given instruction, Aiden will demonstrate knowledge of daily living skills by appropriate performance with 80% accuracy.
Goal 1: Aiden will increase his oral motor/sensory function for speech by doing the following with 90% accuracy
Goal 3: Aiden will improve his articulation skills by using the following developmentally appropriate phonemes with 80% accuracy : a) /pb, t, k, m, n, g, h, w/ in isolation b)/pb, b, t, k, m,n, g, h, w/ in CV, VC, CVC combinations
Services
Direct instruction in special education class 150 minutes 1 X Week (Aiden will attend public school only on Friday due to LLH schedule)
Speech-Language Therapy 20 minutes 1 X Week
Extended School Year to be re-evaluated in March
They are as follows:
Cognitive Skills
Goal 1: Given instruction, Aiden will demonstrate knowledge of daily living skills by appropriate performance with 80% accuracy.
- Aiden will demonstrate ability to care for personal needs by expressing toileting needs 2 of 4 trials
- Given snack or meal, Aiden will demonstrate appropriate eating habits by using acceptable table manners 4 of 5 trials.
- Aiden will drink from a cup independently 4 of 5 trials
- Aiden will use a spoon independently without spilling 4 of 5 trials.
- Aiden counts objects in a set one-by-one from one through five with 70% accuracy
- Aiden identifies numerals one through five with 70% accuracy
- Aiden will correctly identify colours (red, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, white, black, brown, grey) by using words, sign or pointing when given a choice of two, 4 of 5 trials
- Aiden will correctly identify shapes 4 of 5 trials
- Aiden will identify his name in print in a variety of different places in the room 5 of 5 trials with 100% accuracy
- Aiden will spell his nameusing sign, manipulatives or tracing it with minimal assistance with 8% accuracy
- Aiden will correctly identify the letters of the alphabet A-M when given a choice of two by naming, signing or pointing to them with 70% accuracy
Goal 1: Aiden will increase his oral motor/sensory function for speech by doing the following with 90% accuracy
- participate in oral moot activites to increase range of motion, strength, and accuracy of lips, tongue and cheeks
Goal 3: Aiden will improve his articulation skills by using the following developmentally appropriate phonemes with 80% accuracy : a) /pb, t, k, m, n, g, h, w/ in isolation b)/pb, b, t, k, m,n, g, h, w/ in CV, VC, CVC combinations
Services
Direct instruction in special education class 150 minutes 1 X Week (Aiden will attend public school only on Friday due to LLH schedule)
Speech-Language Therapy 20 minutes 1 X Week
Extended School Year to be re-evaluated in March
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Good, Good, Good
We have a CD of Christian children's songs sang at the Little Light House. With Aiden being out for surgery and summer, we listen to the CD a lot; we don't want Aiden to relapse and forget.
I have been trying for sometime to record Aiden signing/singing to the CD, but whenever he sees the camera, he tends to forget what it is he was previously doing. He gets sidetracked.
I have been trying for sometime to record Aiden signing/singing to the CD, but whenever he sees the camera, he tends to forget what it is he was previously doing. He gets sidetracked.
Lemonade Anniversary Celebration
To celebrate the 1 year anniversary of setting the world record for the largest cup of lemonade, ALL Tulsa & Owasso area stores will be giving away a medium glass of lemonade FREE on National Lemonade Day, Thursday, August 20th.
We will also be giving all proceeds of the sale of our gallons of lemonade to The Little Light House!!
So come out & enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade on us THEN take a gallon home & support a worthy cause.
We will also be giving all proceeds of the sale of our gallons of lemonade to The Little Light House!!
So come out & enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade on us THEN take a gallon home & support a worthy cause.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
6 Months
For 3 years I have been waiting to hear this from Dr. Pediatric Cardiology. "Come back in 6 months."
Aiden has seen Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist every 2 - 3 months since birth. This does not include the special trips for pre-cath, emergencies or anything else. Just check ups.
While most Heart Moms are excited at the one year intervals, I know realistically that I will NEVER EVER hear those words. I sat my goal for 6 months. I really did. Realistically, Aiden will never not see a cardiologist. And due to the pacemaker, he has to go in every 6 months for a pacemaker check.
I heard it today for the first time.
And I laughed.
Today was the first time I left the office without a scheduled future appointment.
Barring any incidents with Aiden's heart, I'll get a phone call or a "make your appointment" card in 4 months.
Aiden has seen Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist every 2 - 3 months since birth. This does not include the special trips for pre-cath, emergencies or anything else. Just check ups.
While most Heart Moms are excited at the one year intervals, I know realistically that I will NEVER EVER hear those words. I sat my goal for 6 months. I really did. Realistically, Aiden will never not see a cardiologist. And due to the pacemaker, he has to go in every 6 months for a pacemaker check.
I heard it today for the first time.
And I laughed.
Today was the first time I left the office without a scheduled future appointment.
Barring any incidents with Aiden's heart, I'll get a phone call or a "make your appointment" card in 4 months.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dogg-less
We are officially a dog-free house once again. Dogg the Hound went to live with his new family in Kansas today. Aiden can play in the back yard without fear of being licked, tail smacked or ran over.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Birth Certificates and Public School
Friday, Aiden and I went to the Vital Statistics office located in Tulsa. I got my number, filled out the request for a birth certificate (for the life of me, I can NOT locate Aiden's first birth certificate anywhere in Aiden's paperwork) and took a seat. And we waited. And waited. And waited. We waited for 2 stinking hours while the same 5 numbers were called. Someone said it was like a 4 hour wait. I decided I wasn't going to wait in line that long with a nearly 3 year old.
So, I came home and did some online research. I could drive 2 hours to OKC, order online for an additional $11, mail in the request (4 - 6 week wait) or express mail the request with express mail return postage paid envelope. I don't trust the postal system. Things get lost in the mail.
Fine, I will wait until Monday morning. I left the house before 7:30am to make it to the Department of Vital Statistics. I was there before 8am to insure a good place in line. The office doesn't open until 8:30am. I was number 10 in line. What should only be a 20 minute procedure (according the the Department of Vital Statistics in OKC) was an hour and half. Apparently, 20 minutes goes a lot quicker in OKC than in Tulsa. Of course my explanation: the longer they take, the more people leave, the less work they have to do.
Then I had to go to the LLH to get a copy of Aiden's immunization record. I just handed in a current copy for the 2009-10 school year. Dr. Pediatrician's office charges $150 to print off the same piece of paper.
Then I drove back home and went to our neighbourhood elementary school.
Now you may be wondering why I did all this....
Aiden is **insert banned word here** out of our Early Intervention program in 20 days. And Aiden must be enrolled in the local school system to continue to receive services.
**PUKE**
While I love, love, love the Little Light House, Aiden must also learn academically. So, Aiden will attend both the Little Light House and our public school system.
Yes, I am scared. BEYOND BELIEF!!!!
I know Aiden is ready. But Mommy isn't.
I have a comfort zone in the Little Light House. But the services received there doesn't last forever. Mommy must slowly **insert banned word here** herself.
I think Aiden will be fine at the new school. I know he will be just as loved as they keep threatening to spoil him; despite my objections. They have no clue what they are in for once Aiden turns on his charm.
I walked in with the required paperwork. A copy of Aiden's birth certificate, Aiden's immunization record, the end-of-year student evaluation from LLH, all but proof of residency. Crap! The administrative assistant was quite impressed with everything I did bring and let me bring the enrollment forms home to fill out. I filled out the forms and returned them to the school in less than 20 minutes. Yes, we live that close to the school.
The IEP will be scheduled this week. It must be completed before Aiden's 3rd birthday or the school takes a hit.
**PUKE**
I asked for a draft of the IEP before the actual meeting due to the fact that some of the people I asked to be there can not attend. If I have a draft, then I can get copies to the people needed to help with the IEP. Aiden's pediatrician, his teacher, his ST and the child psychologist. If not, then I will have to take the 10 days alloted by law to do all this. Unfortunately for the school to not take that hit and have the completed IEP, Aiden's IEP will have to be on or before August 18th. The only day I have open is the 17th.
Not a good way to start off at a new school.
So, I came home and did some online research. I could drive 2 hours to OKC, order online for an additional $11, mail in the request (4 - 6 week wait) or express mail the request with express mail return postage paid envelope. I don't trust the postal system. Things get lost in the mail.
Fine, I will wait until Monday morning. I left the house before 7:30am to make it to the Department of Vital Statistics. I was there before 8am to insure a good place in line. The office doesn't open until 8:30am. I was number 10 in line. What should only be a 20 minute procedure (according the the Department of Vital Statistics in OKC) was an hour and half. Apparently, 20 minutes goes a lot quicker in OKC than in Tulsa. Of course my explanation: the longer they take, the more people leave, the less work they have to do.
Then I had to go to the LLH to get a copy of Aiden's immunization record. I just handed in a current copy for the 2009-10 school year. Dr. Pediatrician's office charges $150 to print off the same piece of paper.
Then I drove back home and went to our neighbourhood elementary school.
Now you may be wondering why I did all this....
Aiden is **insert banned word here** out of our Early Intervention program in 20 days. And Aiden must be enrolled in the local school system to continue to receive services.
**PUKE**
While I love, love, love the Little Light House, Aiden must also learn academically. So, Aiden will attend both the Little Light House and our public school system.
Yes, I am scared. BEYOND BELIEF!!!!
I know Aiden is ready. But Mommy isn't.
I have a comfort zone in the Little Light House. But the services received there doesn't last forever. Mommy must slowly **insert banned word here** herself.
I think Aiden will be fine at the new school. I know he will be just as loved as they keep threatening to spoil him; despite my objections. They have no clue what they are in for once Aiden turns on his charm.
I walked in with the required paperwork. A copy of Aiden's birth certificate, Aiden's immunization record, the end-of-year student evaluation from LLH, all but proof of residency. Crap! The administrative assistant was quite impressed with everything I did bring and let me bring the enrollment forms home to fill out. I filled out the forms and returned them to the school in less than 20 minutes. Yes, we live that close to the school.
The IEP will be scheduled this week. It must be completed before Aiden's 3rd birthday or the school takes a hit.
**PUKE**
I asked for a draft of the IEP before the actual meeting due to the fact that some of the people I asked to be there can not attend. If I have a draft, then I can get copies to the people needed to help with the IEP. Aiden's pediatrician, his teacher, his ST and the child psychologist. If not, then I will have to take the 10 days alloted by law to do all this. Unfortunately for the school to not take that hit and have the completed IEP, Aiden's IEP will have to be on or before August 18th. The only day I have open is the 17th.
Not a good way to start off at a new school.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Mini Laps Costume
Aiden's Mini Laps costume came in yesterday via UPS. I think he knew that the delivery was for him. When I sat down to open the box, Aiden was all over it waiting - somewhat impatiently - to see what was inside.
When I took the garment out of the box, Aiden grabbed it. And I put it on him to check the fit. He really seems to like wearing it also! Which is good, because there are a few events happening in which he'll be able to wear it.
And yes, the costume is still a secret for another 2 months. But here is another hint....
When I took the garment out of the box, Aiden grabbed it. And I put it on him to check the fit. He really seems to like wearing it also! Which is good, because there are a few events happening in which he'll be able to wear it.
And yes, the costume is still a secret for another 2 months. But here is another hint....
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
3 Year Photo Shoot
I took Aiden in today for his 3 year photo shoot. I know it's a little early, but I want/need to have the pictures back before his birthday actually rolls around later this month.
I was so not impressed with the photographer........ I swear she didn't know what she was doing and must have had very little experience. Oh, and she kept calling Aiden by the name "Avery".
So, without further ado here are the photos
She kept wanting to add "enhancements" to the portraits. The enhancements made no sense what-so-ever. In one of the photos, Aiden is holding a football. The photographer wanted to add a Guitar Hero background. Huh?
Some of the enhancements were cute, but I just don't see paying extra for them. I buy the disc, I own the copyrights. I have photo editing software. I am perfectly capable of "enhancing" the photos myself.
Out of 11 7 pictures taken, I only liked 5 poses.
I was so not impressed with the photographer........ I swear she didn't know what she was doing and must have had very little experience. Oh, and she kept calling Aiden by the name "Avery".
So, without further ado here are the photos
She kept wanting to add "enhancements" to the portraits. The enhancements made no sense what-so-ever. In one of the photos, Aiden is holding a football. The photographer wanted to add a Guitar Hero background. Huh?
Some of the enhancements were cute, but I just don't see paying extra for them. I buy the disc, I own the copyrights. I have photo editing software. I am perfectly capable of "enhancing" the photos myself.
Out of 11 7 pictures taken, I only liked 5 poses.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Cling On
Aiden has become very clingy lately. If I even think about walking outside, he will start whining and hold his arms up to go outside also. He'll even go to his room to get his shoes IF he thinks there is a remote possibility that he is going to go somewhere.
Yesterday, Aiden went to his first birthday party. It was for his girlfriend Alyx, she turned 3. Here is a picture of him swinging at the park the party was held at.
After the party, we went to Grandma Susan's to wait for Chris to get off work. His work van is being serviced this weekend and he had to leave it at the office, requiring a ride home. Aiden was happy as he was out of the house most of the day.
And here are some pictures from Grandma Susan's house.
His wound is looking better today. It isn't as red and the drainage is less. He keeps trying to help change the dressing. It's sad when your almost 3 year old knows how to do that.
I ordered his MiniLaps costume on Friday, it should be here on Wednesday. But you'll have to wait until MiniLaps to see it. I also bought me a matching piece for MiniLaps also.
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