For More Wordless Wednesday, click here
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Little Blurb About Aiden's Wish
Make your own Countdown Clocks
- 60" x 60" Castle
- Heavy-Duty Canopy w/Flags
- 4" x 4" Timber Rock Wall
- 4" x 4" Timber Step/Rung Ladder
- Scoop Slide
- 4" x 4" Timber A-Frame Legs
- 2-Station Swingbeam
- 2 Sling Swings (one a specialized reclining swing)
- 360ยบ Tire Swing
- Jacob’s Rope Ladder
- Trapeze Accessory Arm
- 2-Pair Safety Handles
- Ship’s Wheel
- Binoculars
Sunday, September 27, 2009
School Photos
Aiden's school, The Little Light House, had picture day at school a few weeks ago. Yesterday at Mini Laps, we got the proofs to look over and order.
Tomorrow, Aiden doesn't have school at LLH, but it is picture day at the public school. Aiden's assistant asked if I was going to bring him up for that. Chris and I decided that it couldn't hurt and Aiden gets to spend a little more time with the class there.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
It's a Small World, After All (Mini Laps 2009)
Today the Little Light House of Tulsa held it's premiere fundraiser. Mini Laps 2009. The theme was "It's a Small World" and countries from all over the world was represented.
As hinted in a previous post (here and here), Aiden proudly showed off his heritage. We are both Scots and Irish. So Aiden wore a kilt and fly plaid.
The tartan is the Black Watch tartan. Not my first choice, but hey.... to have a kilt made in Aiden's size in our family tartan and shipped from Scotland, is well, a little over the budget since it is something he is going to outgrow in a short time. Once Aiden has reached his growth potential, then I'll go spend the $500+ to have a kilt made. I won't have a problem with it then.
But, without further ado..... here is the pictures from Mini Laps and a video of Aiden's lap (sorry the video is shaky, I wasn't the one filming as you'll see near therear end)
As hinted in a previous post (here and here), Aiden proudly showed off his heritage. We are both Scots and Irish. So Aiden wore a kilt and fly plaid.
The tartan is the Black Watch tartan. Not my first choice, but hey.... to have a kilt made in Aiden's size in our family tartan and shipped from Scotland, is well, a little over the budget since it is something he is going to outgrow in a short time. Once Aiden has reached his growth potential, then I'll go spend the $500+ to have a kilt made. I won't have a problem with it then.
But, without further ado..... here is the pictures from Mini Laps and a video of Aiden's lap (sorry the video is shaky, I wasn't the one filming as you'll see near the
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
918 Coupon Queen Give-A-Way
Even though most of my readers are not in the Tulsa area, I still want to share this give-a-way for those who do. The 918 Coupon Queen is giving away a $100 gift card to Reasor's Grocery.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Attempt at Public School, Take 3
Friday, I took Aiden back to public school. He went into the building just fine and made it to his class room without any crying or melt downs. He went to his locker with me, but didn't want me putting his back pack in there. I took out his straw cup and we sat down at the table while some of the other students were having breakfast.
It was almost time for me to leave as class was going to start (and I had a meeting with the school psychologist regarding Aiden's "developmental issues"), so the teacher Aiden threw up on last week tried to take Aiden from me. Aiden wasn't having any part of that. So, we all went together to find one of the class room balls hoping that it would distract Aiden long enough for me to sneak out.
As I was sneaking out, Aiden noticed that he was not attached to me and started to cry. However, this time he only cried for a few minutes and not long enough to emit projectile vomit on anyone. He even made it through speech therapy.
When I went to pick him up, he was waiting at the front door of the school with his assistant. He was screaming/crying mad as she didn't open the door for him to escape. As soon as he saw me at the door, he stopped crying and when I opened the door, he bolted out. He wasn't going to stay longer than necessary and saw no reason why I needed to talk to the assistant to find out how his day went. He was already heading down the sidewalk and to the car. He also didn't see any reason to go down the ramp in his gait trainer - he went straight off the curb.
Honestly, I nearly freaked out. I was certain he was going to land face first into the concrete drive way, but he stayed up right and landed on his feet/wheels. And continued heading to the car. Once we got to the car, he was holding up his arms to be freed and was more than happy to get into hisrecliner car seat.
It was almost time for me to leave as class was going to start (and I had a meeting with the school psychologist regarding Aiden's "developmental issues"), so the teacher Aiden threw up on last week tried to take Aiden from me. Aiden wasn't having any part of that. So, we all went together to find one of the class room balls hoping that it would distract Aiden long enough for me to sneak out.
As I was sneaking out, Aiden noticed that he was not attached to me and started to cry. However, this time he only cried for a few minutes and not long enough to emit projectile vomit on anyone. He even made it through speech therapy.
When I went to pick him up, he was waiting at the front door of the school with his assistant. He was screaming/crying mad as she didn't open the door for him to escape. As soon as he saw me at the door, he stopped crying and when I opened the door, he bolted out. He wasn't going to stay longer than necessary and saw no reason why I needed to talk to the assistant to find out how his day went. He was already heading down the sidewalk and to the car. He also didn't see any reason to go down the ramp in his gait trainer - he went straight off the curb.
Honestly, I nearly freaked out. I was certain he was going to land face first into the concrete drive way, but he stayed up right and landed on his feet/wheels. And continued heading to the car. Once we got to the car, he was holding up his arms to be freed and was more than happy to get into his
4 Wheelin'
Aiden got his first 4 wheeler ATV yesterday. No, it's not real, it's a toy - powered by his feet. There is NO WAY in h-e-double hockey sticks I'm going to let him on a real 4 wheeler.
The handle bars has buttons that sound like the engine is being started and revving up. And it has a horn that honks.
The handle bars has buttons that sound like the engine is being started and revving up. And it has a horn that honks.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Prayers for Addison
Debbie's daughter, Addison, is undergoing major brain surgery today. Please keep her in your prayers for this extra special little girl.
Touchdown for Down syndrome
ST. JOSEPH | Matt Ziesel doesn’t stray far from coach Dan McCamy on the sidelines during St. Joseph Benton High School’s freshman football games. He likes to stay within earshot.
“I’m ready, Coach. … Coach, I’m ready,” Ziesel says.McCamy says he hears it about 10 times a game, and also at practices, from Ziesel, his 5-foot-3, 110-pound running back.
So in the final stages of Benton’s third game of the season on Monday at Maryville, McCamy decided it was time for Ziesel — a 15-year-old freshman with Down syndrome — to make his season debut.
With about 10 seconds left in the game, and Benton trailing 46-0, McCamy called his final timeout, told an assistant coach to organize the team for the “Matt play” and ran across the field to the Maryville defensive huddle — and to some puzzled looks from the opposing players.
“I’ve got a special situation,” McCamy remembers telling Maryville freshman defensive coach David McEnaney. “I know you guys want to get a shutout. Most teams would want a shutout, but in this situation I want to know if maybe you can let one of my guys run in for a touchdown.”
Several days have passed since Ziesel chugged more than 60 yards down a sideline for his first high school touchdown — but the buzz hasn’t.
The YouTube clip McCamy posted Tuesday morning had received more than 1,500 hits as of Thursday night. The e-mails and messages of support also have been rolling in all week — to McCamy as well as the Ziesel family.
“It’s just amazing how one play can mean so much to one kid and then to a team and then to a community,” McCamy said Thursday after practice. “And now it’s spread not just to the community of St. Joseph, but now it’s spread across the region. How something so simple can impact so many — to me, that’s the amazing part about it.”
Mike Ziesel, Matt’s dad, a longtime high school coach and the athletic director at Benton, was standing near the top of the bleachers Monday when a spectator told him it looked like Matt was about to enter the game. His wife, Patty, was at home. She hadn’t planned on Matt actually getting on the field Monday.
Neither had McCamy. As he headed across the field to talk to McEnaney, McCamy wasn’t sure what the reaction would be. He asked the players to avoid physical contact with Ziesel but to make it as real as possible for him.
“The (Maryville) players, they didn’t hesitate at all,” McEnaney said. “They jumped right on board.”
And so Matt Ziesel ran a sweep to the right and just kept going. This time, it was McCamy making sure he was close enough to be heard — running down the sideline alongside Matt, yelling as loud as he could.
“Come on, Matty! They’re coming!” McCamy yelled, making the play as real as possible for Ziesel.
Benton lost Monday’s game 46-6, but those six points made a bigger impact than McCamy could have ever imagined.
“It’s not necessarily about winning or losing,” said McCamy, a second-year coach who played college football at Missouri. “Obviously up in Maryville we lost the game. The end result, we lost the game, but when we went away, we were all kind of winners.”
After he posted the touchdown video on YouTube on Tuesday morning, McCamy sent the link to the Ziesels, so Patty could see her son’s first high school score, and to five fellow Benton coaches.
From there the highlight and the emotions it stirred just kept spreading.
“I don’t know that I (have) gotten one comment from somebody who said they didn’t cry” after watching the video, Patty Ziesel said.
Mike Ziesel, who coached boys basketball for 19 years, said what made him most proud was the way the rest of the players embraced the opportunity.
“It was just a good thing to see people realize that the value of winning is not (as) important as it is to participate and enjoy the game,” Mike Ziesel said.
Said McEnaney, who co-coaches the Maryville freshman team with Jordan Moree: “It just kind of takes you back to what it all really should be about.”
The truth is, Patty Ziesel had reservations about Matt joining the football team. And after she had taken him for the mandatory physical, she received a call from his pediatrician.
“When they got the report that said he was playing football, the pediatrician’s office said, ‘We just want you to know that (the doctor) doesn’t approve of him playing football,’ ” she recalled. “I said: ‘Well, neither do I, but here’s the deal: He wants to be part of the team, and he will be part of the team.’ ”
To minimize the danger, Matt doesn’t take part in full-contact drills at practices, and on his touchdown run he raced untouched as players from both teams trailed along.
Standing next to Matt on Thursday after practice, Patty said she hoped the players on both teams understood how important Monday’s touchdown — and their roles in it — were for her son.
McCamy is sure they do.
“Some of them get it now, but in due time all these kids who were a part of it will have a better understanding,” McCamy said. “When they grow up and they get older, everybody will realize the impact that maybe that play (has) had — not just on that kid’s life, because Matt will remember that forever — but on some of these other kids and what they may have been a part of.”
“I’m ready, Coach. … Coach, I’m ready,” Ziesel says.McCamy says he hears it about 10 times a game, and also at practices, from Ziesel, his 5-foot-3, 110-pound running back.
So in the final stages of Benton’s third game of the season on Monday at Maryville, McCamy decided it was time for Ziesel — a 15-year-old freshman with Down syndrome — to make his season debut.
With about 10 seconds left in the game, and Benton trailing 46-0, McCamy called his final timeout, told an assistant coach to organize the team for the “Matt play” and ran across the field to the Maryville defensive huddle — and to some puzzled looks from the opposing players.
“I’ve got a special situation,” McCamy remembers telling Maryville freshman defensive coach David McEnaney. “I know you guys want to get a shutout. Most teams would want a shutout, but in this situation I want to know if maybe you can let one of my guys run in for a touchdown.”
Several days have passed since Ziesel chugged more than 60 yards down a sideline for his first high school touchdown — but the buzz hasn’t.
The YouTube clip McCamy posted Tuesday morning had received more than 1,500 hits as of Thursday night. The e-mails and messages of support also have been rolling in all week — to McCamy as well as the Ziesel family.
“It’s just amazing how one play can mean so much to one kid and then to a team and then to a community,” McCamy said Thursday after practice. “And now it’s spread not just to the community of St. Joseph, but now it’s spread across the region. How something so simple can impact so many — to me, that’s the amazing part about it.”
Mike Ziesel, Matt’s dad, a longtime high school coach and the athletic director at Benton, was standing near the top of the bleachers Monday when a spectator told him it looked like Matt was about to enter the game. His wife, Patty, was at home. She hadn’t planned on Matt actually getting on the field Monday.
Neither had McCamy. As he headed across the field to talk to McEnaney, McCamy wasn’t sure what the reaction would be. He asked the players to avoid physical contact with Ziesel but to make it as real as possible for him.
“The (Maryville) players, they didn’t hesitate at all,” McEnaney said. “They jumped right on board.”
And so Matt Ziesel ran a sweep to the right and just kept going. This time, it was McCamy making sure he was close enough to be heard — running down the sideline alongside Matt, yelling as loud as he could.
“Come on, Matty! They’re coming!” McCamy yelled, making the play as real as possible for Ziesel.
Benton lost Monday’s game 46-6, but those six points made a bigger impact than McCamy could have ever imagined.
“It’s not necessarily about winning or losing,” said McCamy, a second-year coach who played college football at Missouri. “Obviously up in Maryville we lost the game. The end result, we lost the game, but when we went away, we were all kind of winners.”
After he posted the touchdown video on YouTube on Tuesday morning, McCamy sent the link to the Ziesels, so Patty could see her son’s first high school score, and to five fellow Benton coaches.
From there the highlight and the emotions it stirred just kept spreading.
“I don’t know that I (have) gotten one comment from somebody who said they didn’t cry” after watching the video, Patty Ziesel said.
Mike Ziesel, who coached boys basketball for 19 years, said what made him most proud was the way the rest of the players embraced the opportunity.
“It was just a good thing to see people realize that the value of winning is not (as) important as it is to participate and enjoy the game,” Mike Ziesel said.
Said McEnaney, who co-coaches the Maryville freshman team with Jordan Moree: “It just kind of takes you back to what it all really should be about.”
The truth is, Patty Ziesel had reservations about Matt joining the football team. And after she had taken him for the mandatory physical, she received a call from his pediatrician.
“When they got the report that said he was playing football, the pediatrician’s office said, ‘We just want you to know that (the doctor) doesn’t approve of him playing football,’ ” she recalled. “I said: ‘Well, neither do I, but here’s the deal: He wants to be part of the team, and he will be part of the team.’ ”
To minimize the danger, Matt doesn’t take part in full-contact drills at practices, and on his touchdown run he raced untouched as players from both teams trailed along.
Standing next to Matt on Thursday after practice, Patty said she hoped the players on both teams understood how important Monday’s touchdown — and their roles in it — were for her son.
McCamy is sure they do.
“Some of them get it now, but in due time all these kids who were a part of it will have a better understanding,” McCamy said. “When they grow up and they get older, everybody will realize the impact that maybe that play (has) had — not just on that kid’s life, because Matt will remember that forever — but on some of these other kids and what they may have been a part of.”
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Snot, Snot and More Snot
Aiden is home from school today. His nose is producing enough mucus to supply a medium sized day care. Hopefully, the drainage clears up enough for him to go to the Highland games on Sunday.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
2009 Classroom Placement and Mini Laps Kick Off
The Little Light House has received a $60,000 gift. However, the $60,000 is a challenge to the parents. For every donation received through your student’s personal web pages, that amount will be matched up to $60,000 and will be added towards the entire MiniLaps goal of $300,000!!!! Please help the MiniLaps event to receive every dollar of the generous $60,000 challenge by sending your student’s web page to everyone you know and encouraging your contacts to forward it on as well. JUST CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE RIGHT -------->
Disclaimer: this will remain a sticky post at the top of the blog until Mini Laps
Last night was Aiden's school's parent meeting about classroom placement and Mini Laps.
Aiden is leaving his friends, and his girlfriend, and moving to the Yellow class with Miss Heather. We will really miss Miss Kate, Miss Amy, and Miss Lindsey.
And we found out important information regarding the school budget this year.
The school NEEDS money. Serious money. If you haven't looked into what it costs to run a special needs preschool, let me tell you, it costs a lot. Just the therapies/services that the kids get is $17,000 per kid, per year.
If you haven't heard about Aiden's school, I'm going to tell you all about it. So if you know about Aiden's school, either skip ahead or re-read to refresh your memories.
37 years ago, the Little Light House of Tulsa was founded by Marsha Mitchell and a friend who both had children with visual disabilities. At that time, the only school for disabled children in Oklahoma, was a state funded school for the blind in which the children went to live, away from their parents. There was no IDEA or No Child Left Behind. There was no special education program in the public sector. As word spread about the little school, more and more parents of special needs children began to bring their children to the school in hopes of a better education.
Through the years, the school has grown from serving 6 children in the beginning to now serving 64 children with developmental disabilites ranging from visual impairments to Down syndrome and Autism. There are currently 140 children on the waiting list.
The Little Light House is a private, Christian school with a Bible based cirriculum. Aiden learns the alphabet while learning children's Bible stories. This week, they learned about Abraham and Sara and how God blessed them.
Because the Little Light House is a private Christian school, there is no funding from the government or the United Way.
The school also doesn't charge the parents the cost of tuition.
I know you are sitting there scratching your head and wondering how does the school operate? Well, it is quite simple.
With your household, your income is pretty steady while the bills/expenses fluctuate month to month.
The Little Light House, however, is opposite. While their bills/expenses stay steady, their income fluctuates month to month. They control their expenses by the parents volunteering and by people in the community volunteering their time and areas of expertise.
The school has a policy of "check by request". What does that mean? It means that the school pays their bills/expenses first. Then they pay the staff with whatever money is left over. If they don't have enough money to pay the staff, then the staff members who NEED a paycheck, request one.
Here is the problem... the school is running out of money. There is only enough to last for 2 more pay periods. Think about this for a moment and let that sink in.
Where does the income come from?
Donations. Private donations, from people like you and me. And from business and foundations. By holding fundraisers throughout the year. Fundraisers like Links for Little Ones, Laps for Little Ones, The Garden Party and Mini Laps.
Every year, the Little Light House has been blessed with a matching grant from a foundation. However this year, they have lost that grant. Because the school doesn't charge tuition, many foundations are reluctant to give grants. However once the foundation board members hear how much money and volunteering the parents do, they tend to soften their hearts some. Not a whole lot though.
Mini Laps is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Every year, the families of those 64 very special kids, like Aiden, ask their friends and families and co-workers to sponsor their kids. This premier event allows each of the students to glory in the strengths that the Lord has provided. Each student participates by making one lap around the specially designed Little Light House track. They do this with the help of bikes, floats, wheelchairs, skates, canes, their own two legs or the legs of others! At the finish line there is a special award waiting just for them!
This is Aiden's third Mini Laps. The first year, Aiden was Toto from the Wizard of Oz and he was carried in a little picnic basket. Last year, Aiden dressed as Raggedy Andy and rode in his red wagon with his girlfriend Alyx, who was Raggedy Ann. This year is still a secret, but I will tell you that Aiden will proudly be showing off his heritage. But he WILL BE WALKING!
And this is where you come in.... Yes YOU!!!
I want, NO NEED! you to sponsor Aiden in this year's Mini Laps. I know that the economy sucks right now, but every little bit helps. $5, $10, $15, $25. Whatever you can afford to donate and sponsor Aiden. And I'll make this easy again this year. First you can make an online donation through the school's website, by clicking here. And if you ask at work, they may have a corporate matching program where they match your donation.
Also, you can mail a check (with Aiden's name in the MEMO line) payable to The Little Light House.
The Little Light House
5120 East 36th Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
United States of America
Telephone: (918) 664-6746
Fax: (918) 664-2293
or you can mail the check to me and I will deliver it to the school (just email me for address)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Attempt at Public School, Take 2
Friday, I took Aiden to his other school. Our neighbourhood public school. Aiden was happy to go... until we got to the class room.
Aiden stopped DEAD in his tracks. The alligator tears started flowing and he nearly climbed out of his gait trainer to latch onto me with the death grip. I ended up carrying him into the class and pushing the gait trainer with my foot.
One of the teachers and I got Aiden calmed down enough to sit on the floor and play with a ball. One of the other kids had another ball and was throwing it up at the ceiling and Aiden started to laugh and follow that kid around.
Apparently that happiness didn't last long.
As soon as I left, Aiden got upset again. Before 10am, I got a phone call from the school asking if I could come pick Aiden up. Aiden got so upset, that hepuked on "initiated" one of the teachers.
When I got to the school, Aiden had calmed down enough to colour, but when he saw me, he latched on again. We went and sat down next to the lockers in his class and we talked for a few minutes. Miss Jennifer asked if Aiden was calm enough to stay for another hour, but Aiden was adamantly signing "all done" and was definitely ready to go home. I put him in his gait trainer and as soon as I put his straw cup in his back pack, he took off. He was heading straight for the door and wasn't looking back.
He isn't like this at the LLH. There is he ready to stay and if I go into class early, he gives me a dirty look.
We're going to have to figure something out.
Aiden stopped DEAD in his tracks. The alligator tears started flowing and he nearly climbed out of his gait trainer to latch onto me with the death grip. I ended up carrying him into the class and pushing the gait trainer with my foot.
One of the teachers and I got Aiden calmed down enough to sit on the floor and play with a ball. One of the other kids had another ball and was throwing it up at the ceiling and Aiden started to laugh and follow that kid around.
Apparently that happiness didn't last long.
As soon as I left, Aiden got upset again. Before 10am, I got a phone call from the school asking if I could come pick Aiden up. Aiden got so upset, that he
When I got to the school, Aiden had calmed down enough to colour, but when he saw me, he latched on again. We went and sat down next to the lockers in his class and we talked for a few minutes. Miss Jennifer asked if Aiden was calm enough to stay for another hour, but Aiden was adamantly signing "all done" and was definitely ready to go home. I put him in his gait trainer and as soon as I put his straw cup in his back pack, he took off. He was heading straight for the door and wasn't looking back.
He isn't like this at the LLH. There is he ready to stay and if I go into class early, he gives me a dirty look.
We're going to have to figure something out.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Imagination Movers
Aiden has decided that Disney's The Imagination Movers is his absolute favourite show to watch. We have to watch it daily. With school being in session now, Aiden misses the original airing. So we DVR it daily and Aiden watches it when he gets home from school. Well, this morning Aiden didn't go to school because he was sick last night.
No matter where Aiden is located in the house, whenever he hears the Imagination Movers theme song, he comes running. Today, he happened to be playing in his bedroom.
No matter where Aiden is located in the house, whenever he hears the Imagination Movers theme song, he comes running. Today, he happened to be playing in his bedroom.
Monday, September 7, 2009
When You Wish Upon a Star
If you recall a previous post about Aiden having a secret, I am going to reveal a little more.
While Aiden was in the hospital for his most recent heart surgery, a few friends of mine contacted the National Make-a-Wish Foundation and inquired about Aiden receiving a wish. Based on Aiden's heart, Aiden did qualify for a wish. However due to HIPPA privacy laws, my friends were not able to refer Aiden to Make-a-Wish. So, the secret surprise was revealed to me one night via instant messaging.
Honestly, I have never thought about asking for a wish for Aiden. Chris and I discussed the possibilities of what to ask on Aiden's behalf. And I spoke to Aiden's doctors, Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Secondary Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Secondary Heart Surgeon and Dr. Pediatrician. They were all in agreement.
So, the referral was made in July. At the end of July, I received an email from the Oklahoma chapter of Make-a-Wish and Aiden had indeed been granted a wish.
Then another month had passed. Last week, I received a phone call from Megan. And plans were made to meet with Megan and her partner, Janae, at a local Braums Ice Cream and Dairy Store.
Today we met with Megan and Janae.
Mommy, on the other hand, filled out a LOT of paperwork. LOL!!!
While Aiden was in the hospital for his most recent heart surgery, a few friends of mine contacted the National Make-a-Wish Foundation and inquired about Aiden receiving a wish. Based on Aiden's heart, Aiden did qualify for a wish. However due to HIPPA privacy laws, my friends were not able to refer Aiden to Make-a-Wish. So, the secret surprise was revealed to me one night via instant messaging.
Honestly, I have never thought about asking for a wish for Aiden. Chris and I discussed the possibilities of what to ask on Aiden's behalf. And I spoke to Aiden's doctors, Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Secondary Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Secondary Heart Surgeon and Dr. Pediatrician. They were all in agreement.
So, the referral was made in July. At the end of July, I received an email from the Oklahoma chapter of Make-a-Wish and Aiden had indeed been granted a wish.
Then another month had passed. Last week, I received a phone call from Megan. And plans were made to meet with Megan and her partner, Janae, at a local Braums Ice Cream and Dairy Store.
Today we met with Megan and Janae.
Megan and Janae are Wish Granters. Wish Granters are volunteers with the Oklahoma chapter of Make-a-Wish foundation. And they surprised us with a surprise birthday party for Aiden. Seriously... Not something I was expecting in any way, shape or form. Aiden ate birthday cake ice cream and french fries.
They asked about Aiden, his heart, the Little Light House, about what Aiden likes to eat.
And Aiden got to open his presents. Aiden is fascinated with jump rope. And he couloured in a Mickey Mouse colouring book and wore really big sunglasses.
Mommy, on the other hand, filled out a LOT of paperwork. LOL!!!
The number one most wished for wish is the DisneyWorld trip of a lifetime. Some families take cruises on the Disney Cruise Line.
So, I talked to other families I know who have had wish trips granted. Aiden is a little too young to take a trip and really enjoy it. So, we wished for something else. Something that Aiden is going to enjoy for years. Now, I'm not going to reveal the wish just yet. But here is a hint....
Friday, September 4, 2009
Hoping I Made the Right Decision
Aiden began his public school class today. The morning started off early as Aiden decided to wake me up at 5:30am. He was able to go back to sleep, Mommy was not.
I ended up waking Aiden back up at 7am with his "milkshake" and then got him dressed for the day.
Now the school is literally just minutes from the house and I can see it from the front yard. However there is not a street that goes from the house to the school. There is a church that stands directly between Point A and Point B. So, I have to take the less direct route through the neighbourhood.
As soon as I turned onto the street to take Aiden to school, there was a TON of flashing lights. One of which was a fire truck. Now at this intersection, sits two gas stations. There could have been a gas spill. However, there was a car turned over on it's side. So now we are stuck in a traffic jam and there is no way that I can get turned around and go a different direction - there is only ONE way to the school.
Finally, we made it through the accident scene and to the school parking lot. I get Aiden's gait trainer out of the back of the truck, get Aiden loaded up and grab the things he needed. It then started a torrential down pour.
When we made it inside, we had to stop at the office and check in. Aiden was fascinated with all the new stuff and I could see the wheels spinning as he was thinking of all the stuff he could destroy! LOL!
Due to the wreck, Miss Jennifer (Aiden's teacher was late) and she met us at the office. Going to the class room was an open door to the boy's bathroom, which Aiden decided he just had to check it out and was not a happy camper when Mommy directed him to keep moving forward.
Once we made it into the class, there were 4 children (out of 10) in there already. One of the little girls started crying immediately. Aiden doesn't like crying.
But Aiden had found a new friend in the class and was happily "chatting" with him when I left.
Aiden goes from 8:30am until 11am. Just another 30 minutes of school left today.
I ended up waking Aiden back up at 7am with his "milkshake" and then got him dressed for the day.
Now the school is literally just minutes from the house and I can see it from the front yard. However there is not a street that goes from the house to the school. There is a church that stands directly between Point A and Point B. So, I have to take the less direct route through the neighbourhood.
As soon as I turned onto the street to take Aiden to school, there was a TON of flashing lights. One of which was a fire truck. Now at this intersection, sits two gas stations. There could have been a gas spill. However, there was a car turned over on it's side. So now we are stuck in a traffic jam and there is no way that I can get turned around and go a different direction - there is only ONE way to the school.
Finally, we made it through the accident scene and to the school parking lot. I get Aiden's gait trainer out of the back of the truck, get Aiden loaded up and grab the things he needed. It then started a torrential down pour.
When we made it inside, we had to stop at the office and check in. Aiden was fascinated with all the new stuff and I could see the wheels spinning as he was thinking of all the stuff he could destroy! LOL!
Due to the wreck, Miss Jennifer (Aiden's teacher was late) and she met us at the office. Going to the class room was an open door to the boy's bathroom, which Aiden decided he just had to check it out and was not a happy camper when Mommy directed him to keep moving forward.
Once we made it into the class, there were 4 children (out of 10) in there already. One of the little girls started crying immediately. Aiden doesn't like crying.
But Aiden had found a new friend in the class and was happily "chatting" with him when I left.
Aiden goes from 8:30am until 11am. Just another 30 minutes of school left today.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
3 Year Check Up
Aiden had an appointment with Dr. Pediatrician today. For the first time, I let Aiden walk from our car (we don't have a handicapped parking permit) into the building. He did really well, but got tired of standing there waiting on the check in area - even though there was NO ONE in front of us. But it is still a long process as they go over every bit of information including address, emergency contacts, phone number, insurance information and now they want your email address.
When we finished checking in, Aiden turned his gait trainer around and headed for the elevators. Sadly, yes, he does know exactly where we are going.... Once out of the elevator, he turned to the left and waited for me to hand his chart page over to yet another receptionist. Then we went to sit down. At least this is what Mom had planned. Aiden had other plans. He was ready to go back and see Dr. Pediatrician even though his name had not been called.
When his name was called, he went around the chairs and to the door to go to the exam rooms. Aiden HAS to stop and look into every single open door. He impressed his nurses and Dr. Pediatrician who was standing there outside the exam room Aiden was going into.
Poke, poke, prod. Any questions? Ummm, yeah. Just one....
N1H1 vaccine.
Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist feels that Aiden really needs the vaccine. Getting the actual virus so would not be good for Aiden's heart.
Apparently Dr. Pediatrician feels the same way.
Yes, Aiden will be getting the controversial 2 dosage vaccination. Everyone in the house will. According to NINDS no one knows exactly what causes Guillain-Barre syndrome. It could have been a coincidence in 1976 that 25 people contracted the condition at the same time the last N1H1 virus came through the United States. I have to look at the real numbers; how many people DID NOT suffer any side effects? Aiden has never had any issues getting the regular flu vaccine and he has had it for 3 years. However, contracting the N1H1 virus does cause respiratory issues and that would affect his heart. Plain and simple. And, honestly, I'm relatively sure that the same antibodies are not being used in 2009 that were used in 1976. Strains mutate; we know this from the different flu shots made every year. In fact, most of this years flu vaccines were made 2 years ago, so they may not even work this year. Did you know that there is now an AIDS 2? The original HIV virus has mutated.
So, we will be checking in periodically to find out if the vaccines have made it to the office. Also, Aiden will get the regular flu shot.
Oh, and I asked about whether or not to do the neck xrays for AAI/AOI. While I don't think Aiden has this condition also, I do wonder about the validity of the xrays on someone Aiden's size. I'm not sure that the xrays will be clear enough to read at the present time. Dr. Pediatrician agrees. We will wait until Aiden is a little bigger before we go to xray. And with the pacemaker device implanted in Aiden, he can not have an MRI.
While the AAI/AOI topic was being discussed, Aiden decided that it was definitely time to leave. He was ready to go and let everyone on the second floor know about it. Honestly, you would think that the child was being physically abused by the way he was screaming and crying. As soon as we were back in the lobby/waiting room, Aiden's tears were dry and he was smiling. (**I think he did that on purpose before Dr. Pediatrician ordered some test to be done on the child**)
Aiden was done with his appointment in time to go to school. There he suffered a goose egg when he was pulled out of the chair he was sitting in by one of the kids in his class.
Yep, that is going to leave a mark.
Tomorrow, Aiden's class will be celebrating Aiden's birthday and having a party for him and another little boy who shares the same birthday with Aiden. Yes, I promise to take pictures.
Oh, and last night I received a call regarding Aiden's secret. We will be at a meeting Monday afternoon to discuss it and I may reveal a little more then. LOL! So until then, Kwisteena and Renee and Kris SHHHHHHHHH!!!
When we finished checking in, Aiden turned his gait trainer around and headed for the elevators. Sadly, yes, he does know exactly where we are going.... Once out of the elevator, he turned to the left and waited for me to hand his chart page over to yet another receptionist. Then we went to sit down. At least this is what Mom had planned. Aiden had other plans. He was ready to go back and see Dr. Pediatrician even though his name had not been called.
When his name was called, he went around the chairs and to the door to go to the exam rooms. Aiden HAS to stop and look into every single open door. He impressed his nurses and Dr. Pediatrician who was standing there outside the exam room Aiden was going into.
Poke, poke, prod. Any questions? Ummm, yeah. Just one....
N1H1 vaccine.
Dr. Pediatric Cardiologist feels that Aiden really needs the vaccine. Getting the actual virus so would not be good for Aiden's heart.
Apparently Dr. Pediatrician feels the same way.
Yes, Aiden will be getting the controversial 2 dosage vaccination. Everyone in the house will. According to NINDS no one knows exactly what causes Guillain-Barre syndrome. It could have been a coincidence in 1976 that 25 people contracted the condition at the same time the last N1H1 virus came through the United States. I have to look at the real numbers; how many people DID NOT suffer any side effects? Aiden has never had any issues getting the regular flu vaccine and he has had it for 3 years. However, contracting the N1H1 virus does cause respiratory issues and that would affect his heart. Plain and simple. And, honestly, I'm relatively sure that the same antibodies are not being used in 2009 that were used in 1976. Strains mutate; we know this from the different flu shots made every year. In fact, most of this years flu vaccines were made 2 years ago, so they may not even work this year. Did you know that there is now an AIDS 2? The original HIV virus has mutated.
So, we will be checking in periodically to find out if the vaccines have made it to the office. Also, Aiden will get the regular flu shot.
Oh, and I asked about whether or not to do the neck xrays for AAI/AOI. While I don't think Aiden has this condition also, I do wonder about the validity of the xrays on someone Aiden's size. I'm not sure that the xrays will be clear enough to read at the present time. Dr. Pediatrician agrees. We will wait until Aiden is a little bigger before we go to xray. And with the pacemaker device implanted in Aiden, he can not have an MRI.
While the AAI/AOI topic was being discussed, Aiden decided that it was definitely time to leave. He was ready to go and let everyone on the second floor know about it. Honestly, you would think that the child was being physically abused by the way he was screaming and crying. As soon as we were back in the lobby/waiting room, Aiden's tears were dry and he was smiling. (**I think he did that on purpose before Dr. Pediatrician ordered some test to be done on the child**)
Aiden was done with his appointment in time to go to school. There he suffered a goose egg when he was pulled out of the chair he was sitting in by one of the kids in his class.
Yep, that is going to leave a mark.
Tomorrow, Aiden's class will be celebrating Aiden's birthday and having a party for him and another little boy who shares the same birthday with Aiden. Yes, I promise to take pictures.
Oh, and last night I received a call regarding Aiden's secret. We will be at a meeting Monday afternoon to discuss it and I may reveal a little more then. LOL! So until then, Kwisteena and Renee and Kris SHHHHHHHHH!!!
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