Keaton is 1 & The Move

Keaton turned 1 on July 15th!  We weren't sure when we were moving, so we did his party the weekend before at the Herriman Rosecrest Splash Park.  We had cupcakes and lots of family and cousisn came to play with us.  My brother in law took pictures of Keaton which turned out adorable.  He has the greatest smile with all those teeth, and is definitely a Momma's boy.  He loves his brother and sister and playing with toys.  Carter and Keaton often want the same toy and will fight over it.  Keaton is a picky eater but is doing well with whole milk now and loves to eat puffs.  He loves to turn on his side to sleep and has to have his soft bunny or a blanket against his face to sleep.  He was 20% for height and 70% for weight at his appointment.  The shots are never easy for him, he takes a few days to recover.  We love our Keaton Thomas!

We finally got our first house a few weeks ago!  We moved from West Jordan to Clinton, Utah which is about 45 minutes away.  Getting the house was actually a very stressful experience with all the delays and last minute faxes and emails.  We had to re-arrange our moving plans several times also, but we finally got it.  Because of July 24th being a holiday, we had to move most our stuff in the garage until the house posted in our names, which ended up not happening until Tuesday instead of Monday.  So we stayed with my in laws for a couple nights, then took up the beds, rest of our stuff and food on Tuesday evening.  Our new ward helped us get our stuff into the house, so it was kind of like moving twice but so nice for all the help we got.  The kids stayed through Wednesday with my in laws so Chris and I could try to un-pack.  It's been two weeks today and we only have a few more boxes left to un-pack.  The house was built in the 60's so it is an older home and we still have work to do.  But we feel somewhat settled in and like it's starting to be home.  My priority is always to get up the wreath, pictures and curtains.  

The kids each have their own room which is so nice.  We also have a front room now and a family room, so we can keep the toys and TV in a separate room which is nice.  I have my Grandmother's piano in my front room now and it's so nice to be able to play again.  The house is a one level, over 1400 square feet.  There is a one car detached garage and a good sized yard that's completely fenced in and has sprinklers.  There are two nice trees in front and one apple tree in back.  We have space for a garden behind the garage and a covered patio area and porch.  We have just one neighbor, on our left is a storage unit which we don't mind.  The house had an outlet for a gas dryer, so I've still been hanging clothes to dry on a clothesline until the electrician comes out.  The kitchen also doesn't have a dishwasher, so I have a roll-away one that I use.  Just a few differences.  There is a crawl space under most the house that's about 4 feet tall for storage, and another fairly large storage closet which is nice.  There is no hall closet for coats and stuff which is odd.  I love the white siding, I'd like to do shutters in front on two of the windows with a matching star, and a porch swing.  We also want to get a play set and trampoline for the backyard.

Being homeowners is fun so far but busy.  I was excited the first time Chris mowed the lawn and trimmed the trees.  We have a Walmart and many other stores just a few blocks from us, so the location is nice.  We're not too far from the freeway, but are now about 45 min-an hour from family.  There's a Swig that just opened up, I want to try it:)  We lived in the upstairs of my brother in law's house and we're so thankful to him and his wife for letting us stay there so long.  It helped us stay close to family and was a great deal.  Sierra has become so close to the Thorup side of the family now since she got to play with them and see them so often.  This summer was kind of odd because I knew the move would take up a lot of our time.  We didn't go to Lake Powell this year with my family because Chris didn't have anymore time off work from Disney Land, and we also missed a day to Lagoon and weekend trip to St. George because of packing and waiting for the house.  So what's coming up?  Carter starts Kindergarten at the Ogden USDB on the 31st, and Sierra will be starting preschool with Davis Head Start soon too.  Keaton starts therapy back up today with his new therapists, so I hope he can start making some progress.  He's had a rough time with the move I think, he's been fussier and waking up more at night.  Carter sees GI tomorrow for his yearly appointment, and vision in November.  Just two more weeks of horse therapy, then we're done.  It's so far from us now we'll have to find something else for him to do.  Anyway, bye for now!

Disneyland, Preschool, Horses & Appointment

We were able to go to Disney Land in the middle of May, and had a great time.  We went with my whole family except one of my sisters and her family, and Carter.  After debating how he would do with the long drive and different sleep arrangements and lots of time in the wheelchair, we thought it best to leave him home with his Grandma.  It ended up being a wise choice because Carter had a bad cold that entire week.  We started to get it on our trip unfortunately, but I think we were too busy to notice.  Sierra loved all the rides, she said more after each one.  Ariel and It's a Small World were her favorites.  We saw a couple parades and had lunch one of the days at Ariel's Grotto, where we saw several princesses.  Sierra wore a different princess dress everyday and just ate it all up.  By the third day she was getting tired and a little difficult, and the last day there she had a lot of meltdowns.  Three is still really young to go.  Keaton was such a trooper!  He was so good in the stroller or our arms on the rides he could go on.  There were only one or two things we weren't able to do because of time- Peter Pan was closed which is my favorite.  It rained some two of the days there, thank goodness for ponchos.  We stayed just three miles away in a house that had a pool.  My parents gave us the master bedroom and bathroom since both kids slept in our room with us.  It turned out surprisingly well.  We drove Sunday (Mother's Day) to St. George to sleep overnight and break up the drive, then finished driving to California on Monday.  Had a barbecue and swam and got ready for the next day.  Tuesday was in Disney Land, Wednesday and Thursday in California Adventure and Friday in Disney Land.  Saturday we skipped the beach and drove to St. George to stay overnight again, then Sunday came home.

Upon returning home Carter seemed pretty sick, and got worse fast.  I took him to the pediatrician and he had a bad double ear infection, eye infection and cold.  He also threw up a few times.  With eye drops and antibiotics he got better pretty quick.  But soon I got really sick and Keaton too.  Then Sierra threw up a few times and got an eye infection and sore throat.  We were really sick for a couple weeks, even with antibiotics and eye drops.  It was rough.  Thankfully it was over Memorial weekend so Chris was home for four days to help.  I felt like I had just caught up on laundry from our trip then we were so sick for so long.  My sister brought banana bread, my sister in law dinner one night, my parents dinner twice and a get well basket, a cousin brought a basket of treats and toys, and my in laws brought multiple meals- it helps they live so close:)  I'm so blessed to have such loving family.  I hate seeing my kids sick, especially when there's only so much I can do.  Keaton ended up so dehydrated from his sore throat and ear infection that he had to get fluids at Primary Children's.  Little Keaton has had 3 ear infections in 2 or so months, so he is probably going to get tubes in his ears.  Poor guy inherited my ear problems.  His physical therapist moved, so he'll be getting a new one.

Carter had his last day of preschool last Thursday.  My mom and I went to his classroom with the kids to see his yearbook and talk to the teachers.  He was playing in pudding and got it everywhere!  But he loved it.  It was so nice how much they all liked him and talked about him.  They suggested some summer activities and we shared resources with the other parents.  Carter is loaning a push walker over the summer to help him keep up on his walking.  He got a glow stick, cotton candy and bouncy ball to take him.  One of the high school students who had worked with him all year also bought him a birthday gift.  So nice!  His teacher is moving on so he'll once again have a new teacher next year.  She predicted he'll be ready to mainstream soon, so we'll see.  We have been house hunting online and this Friday we start our official search.  Crossing my fingers and toes we stay close to family, but we'll see.

Carter was able to start back up with horse therapy.  Chris took him and he loved it so much he cried when he had to leave.  He was able to wear a helmet just fine this time.  Our parents and one anonymous donation helped us to get him going again.  They were surprised how big he is, it's been a few years I think.  Chris also celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday.  We also had South Jordan Days, we had a parade and went swimming.  Then my sister's new baby boy was blessed.  11 grandchildren now for my parents, crazy.  Carter had another yearly appointment today at Shriner's.  I got to take all three kids with me, yay (sarcastic).  I can't do a stroller and wheelchair, so when I'm with all three I have to do a wagon.  It was tricky but it worked.  He had x rays of his hips and spine since last year it was curved a little.  His orthopaedic doctor said it was orthopaedically perfect.   Because he's walking and climbing things now, his spine is straight and hips where they should be.  I'm so glad!  Oh, Carter also lost his third and fourth tooth within days of each other.  He looks a bit homeless now:)

What's next?  Well, getting through the summer:) with horse therapy every week and house hunting vigorously.  Then getting Sierra ready to start preschool and Carter Kindergarten.  We'll still be working on therapy with Keaton.  I love my kids and their different personalities and needs, they challenge me to be a better person.  More loving, kind and patient.  Until next time, adieu!

Resources & Updates

Carter had his yearly appointment with Dr. Nancy Murphy, his comprehensive care doctor.  She was a bit surprised when he yanked her hair hard, which I was just about to explain to her he does.  She doesn't think he has a mean bone in his body, but she was surprised that he wouldn't let go even when asked to.  Stinker.  He's 75% in height and weight so doing well, he has chunked up a bit.  She was pleased with what he is doing and didn't need to make any changes.  I spoke with the social worker for some resources for the summer, which I'm still looking into.  Carter is registered to do horse therapy this summer, once a week.  That will be fun for him to do again.  I also just applied for HopeKids http://www.hopekids.org/  who I was told do monthly movies for the family as well as other activities, and Push To The Finish http://www.pushtothefinish.org/  where they race with your child in their wheelchair.  I think Carter would love that since he loves going fast, and it's cool because it's like they are racing even though they can't physically run.  

Carter was able to get a family zoo pass through Angel Hands this weekend, who also sponsors his baseball games.  This month we have a meeting with Wasatch Adaptive Sports http://www.wasatchadaptivesports.org  Carter will be able to bike this summer and ski this winter in Snowbird with the family.  I'm excited for these cool new activities we get to try together.  It's so nice too that they involve the family.  It's hard to do things all together since all my kids have different abilities.  I'm also looking into Camp Roger and CAST which is Catch a Special Thrill.  It's a fishing day for special needs kids and their parents.  I also heard that the Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation department has a lot of things for kids with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.  I love finding out new things and resources for Carter to get involved in.

Update on Keaton:  Keaton had his 9 month appointment and he is 30% for weight and 50% for height.  Not as heavy as I thought he was.  We are doing a swallow study in a few weeks because he gags on his solids.  He also doesn't like people food or putting things in his mouth much.  I just want to make sure he isn't aspirating and he may possibly need OT to help with feeding.  It's interesting the path Keaton has taken, some of it very similar to Carter's.  They both wore helmets, both had physical therapy and swallow studies.  I'm not saying I think Keaton has a diagnosis or anything, it's just interesting.  I think it is also personality, because both boys are good natured and laid back.  We need to get Keaton motivated to move so Carter can't keep attacking him.  Keaton is a good baby, sweet and happy.  He still wakes up once at night and fights naps, but otherwise has the cutest bluest eyes and sweetest smile.  He has been a real sweet addition to the family.

Update on Sierra:  Sierra had her 3 year appointment following her My Little Pony party over the weekend.  She is 80-85% for height and weight.  I knew she was tall because she wears a lot of 4T dresses and pants.  She is pretty close to being potty trained and is talking more.  She loves apple juice and chocolate milk and dancing to music and wearing pretty clothes and shoes.  She loves to imitate people or things and when people ask her name she now says 'I Elsa'.  Lol.  She kisses Keaton a lot and calls him 'cute baby' and gives her brothers toys when they cry or are sad.  She loves to swing and jump on the trampoline.  She is full of life and so pretty and funny.

Carter's last day of school is June 4th, his preschool graduation.  We also have Disney Land next week.  We are still house hunting but no luck yet.  This weather has been beautiful and fun to be out in.

Over my Head

So lately I seem to be reading a lot of blogs written by moms and dads alike, about the daily struggles of parenthood.  I wish I was a better writer but a lot of things they said were exactly how I felt.  I've struggled sharing my thoughts because I'm afraid people will look down on me, judge me, or even question why I'm a mother.  In fact, I've even had someone tell me that maybe I shouldn't be a Mom.  Imagine the nerve.  I am pretty open about sharing a lot of my feelings, the good and the bad.  It seems like people don't always want to read the bad.  Like they just want to see those great family pictures and family vacations, etc.  But what about the day to day things?  I like to see people post a little of everything:  their meals, vacations, kids going to school, kids games, rough days, tired days...it means they're human like me.  I think some people like to just display their good side to the world.  And keep the hard or ugly things hidden.  Some things truly are tmi (too much information) or private, I get that.  But for a mom, a stay-at-home Mom...it kind of helps to know others are roughing it too.  That some days they can't wait for their kids to go to bed, that they are struggling to discipline their child, that their child had a major meltdown in the store...it's normal.  Refreshingly so.

Before I was a Mom I probably would have scanned over those posts.  But now...I DEVOUR them.  I breathe them in.  It gives me a sigh of relief.  Thank you to those moms for sharing your hard times too.  I can't thank you enough.  On the days when I don't know how to explain my feelings, you say it just right for me.  You get it.  You understand.  I admire moms and dads whether they work or not, whether they have one kid or ten, or whether their house is clean or not.  I have learned to keep an open mind and to really try hard not to judge.  I don't know their situation.  I will be kind.  I am not perfect, but that is my goal.  So when I see the others people in the grocery store wince at me when my kid is whining and I'm ignoring them...you get it.  Right?  Because sometimes, you are so tired and just need to get in and out of the store.  You just need a few things.  And please, heaven forbid, your children will behave so you can get out.  But no, sometimes they do freak out and sometimes you do have all three kids and one of them is handicapped so you are trying to manage them in one cart or maybe a double stroller while your toddler is running off.  And you get those looks and winces.  Sometimes I want to snap at those people, but I'm learning they either forgot what it's like or they don't know what it's like.

Every once in awhile someone very nice, who understands, will lend a hand or give a smile.  That is ENORMOUS in my world.  Thank you!  To the moms out there in the stores with screaming kids, possibly without shoes...I get it.  I do not judge.  I smile and wish I could help, but my own hands and legs are already taken up.  When I see that mom in church looking exhausted and annoyed with her kids, I get it.  When I see the mom looking put together and serene and her kids well behaved I think, good for you.  You are lucky.  Maybe she is one of those that really is just that good at her job, or maybe her kids really are just that good.  Who knows.  I try not to envy her, but I do relate more to the moms not so put together.  I relate to the moms with pony tails, tired faces and excitable kids.  I especially relate to the moms I see with handicapped children.  It is another level of multi tasking and backbreaking work, literally, if you have to carry them.

I used to have high expectations of myself as a mother.  That I would stay in shape, have a nice home, well behaved and smart kids and a happy life.  Problems?  Nah, no problems.  I don't even think I wanted that many children because I knew, even then, it must be a lot of work.  So the first kid came and what, it was a boy and he ended up with a diagnosis and early intervention and multiple appointments.  What?  This already wasn't cracked up to what I was hoping for.  Then a beautiful, smart and typically developing girl.  Then the gamble, a third kid.  A beautiful, big and happy baby boy.  He ended up needing a helmet and therapy too, and being a bit behind developmentally, but he was my sunshine.  My kids are still little; 5, almost 3 and 9 months.  I am in the thick of it.  My 5 year old acts like a baby to a 3 year old, depending on the skill.  My almost 3 year old threw us for a loop when she went through the terrible two's.  This I have understood.  They will get older, they will progress, they will be able to do more for themself (except my oldest in some ways), but there will always be problems.  Maybe money problems, maybe a job loss...who knows.

We have been through many shocks and challenges in our 5 years of being parents.  I have learned it is very hard, exhausting work.  I know I am in the thick of it.  So it is hard for me to see the finish line, or easier times.  I am often tired, even irritable and overwhelmed.  I am a perfectionist in some things and others not so much.  I have my weaknesses and my strengths.  I share my feelings in the hopes I can help others.  When I say it is hard, it doesn't mean I don't love being a Mom.  Because there are those moments that almost break your heart.  When your toddler hugs you and says "I love you Mommy" and your baby goos and smiles at you and your handicapped son hugs you and his eyes say he loves you even as he is pulling your hair so hard for the millionth time...amidst the same day to day routine, the piles of noisy toys, the same shows for the hundredth time...I manage to find something great each day, sometimes a few things.  And even if I only get a little bit of alone time, I pray it is enough, because I have to clean, then sleep soon to start a whole new day again.  Do I dread it?  Oh yes, I do.  A lot.  And I get discouraged at the messes and the things I'm trying to work with my kids on and they don't seem to be getting it.  So much to worry about and so little time.

But this I know- my three children are a beautiful, amazing gift from God.  He has entrusted them to me.  I will never be this loved or needed in my life.  This touched.  Sometimes it is too much to take, but I take a deep breath and embrace it.  Instead of being on my phone I try to look at my kids in the eye to let them know I am present.  I love them.  So much.  I never knew I could feel so much at once.  It's insane.  I never knew how hard or fun it could be.  I never knew that someone saying 'enjoy every moment' would make me want to pull their hair.  But I am so grateful that I get to stay at home with them, to see all those milestones and special moments.  To take pictures and play with them.  To teach them.  I try to take the good over the bad and appreciate what I have.  But I'm not perfect.  I'm still trying.  To the mom reading this also trying to take a deep breath and forge on, I get it.  Four hours to bedtime.  You can do it.  I can do it.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  Sometimes you just have to give what you can and ask God to do the rest.

Deseret News and Update!

In January the Utah Symphony and Opera hosted an event just for special needs kids and their families.  It was at the Capitol Theatre for about 45 minutes, and Chris and I went on a date with Carter there.  He originally sat in his wheelchair by us, then we moved him to a seat next to me.  He loved how it rocked and seemed to enjoy some of the music.  The rest of the time he kept spinning in his seat.  It was neat to go to an event where we didn't have to worry about how loud Carter was, because many kids there were doing the same.

The Opportunity Foundation of America: Eagle Eyes hosted a Wheels on Ice event at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center.  I was excited to go take Carter ice skating in his wheelchair because I know he likes speed and even better, it gave us some alone time.  We were joined by other Eagle Eyes workers, the mayor, Olympus High students that volunteer at several schools and other kids with their families.  I haven't been skating in forever and it was tiring, but Carter loved it.  He just wanted to go faster and faster.  He kept waving his arms and smiling.  The mayor Kelvyn Cullimore Jr. offered to help take turns going with Carter.  Several of the volunteer students knew Carter and introduced themselves.  It was nice to meet people that love and work with him too.  I noticed people taking pictures and as we'd signed a waiver already, Deseret News asked us after for our names and Carter's diagnosis.  Surprise, we were in the Deseret News paper on Sunday!  Here are some pictures from the event.  After it was over he literally cried for an hour straight, he was so sad to stop.

Another neat thing for Carter to participate in, is the Miracle League baseball at the Gene Fullmer Recreation Center in West Jordan, close to where we live, hosted by Angel Hands.  He will get to play with assistance, and I think it's awesome that there are things like this out there.  We haven't done this before, so I'm excited.  I also am trying to raise funds to help us put Carter back in horse therapy this summer when school is out.  Insurance doesn't cover it or respite, which ended in January anyway, and it is expensive.  We are starting to look for a house or condo, so lots of big changes coming our way.  We also have Disney Land in May to look forward to.  It's crazy how fast time goes.  Chris is busy working and going to school, working hard for us.  Sierra is potty training and doing pretty well.  We are also looking to get her into preschool this fall, and dance next spring.  She turns 3 next month! Keaton is 8 months old and sitting up, and getting six teeth.  Poor guy.  He's had a few sicknesses and ear infections, so hopefully his luck will get better here soon.  He is done with his helmet but needs Early Intervention because his gross motor is slightly behind.  He won't stand or bear weight on his feet, like Carter used to do, so we will do physical therapy twice a month at home.  While I was disappointed, I realized I at least have the experience to help him.

1p36 Deletion Syndrome & Awareness is having their annual conference in July in Florida.  We've never been able to go because of funds or having babies, and they are taking applications for a grant to go.  I hope we will be able to go with Carter and meet people.  We'll see.  We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in February, and I just recently cut a lot of my hair off.  It's nice to have a change.  On Feb 2 Chris lost his step grandpa and we attended his funeral in Idaho.  Carter has a 3rd loose tooth and molars coming in.  He is climbing stairs and onto couches and people, anything really.  He loves to swing or go outside.  He is doing so well walking with assistance, better than with his gait trainer in fact.  His school therapist is going to look at something different for him to use.  He got new daffo's (braces) and had a parent/teacher meeting.  Carter is making great progress in all his goals.  His teacher described him as such:  'loves to be the center of attention, a rebel.  Has to be reminded to not grab peer's hair.  He escapes at any opportunity.'  That's my boy.

Carter can find his name when given two choices in big font.  Carter can match ten objects with their picture, he will pat his play sign when he wants a toy but a lot of times will just go get it himself, he is better at taking turns and sharing, he is getting good at stacking and doing puzzles if you almost line the pieces for him, he is still working on using two hands to do an activity.  He is obviously doing great at scooting fast and walking if you help him.  I am so pleased with how he is doing.  I love hearing his teacher talk about him glowingly.  Life is almost always busy with three kids and daddy in school, but I'm trying my best to keep up:) and provide all the needs for my kids.  I am thankful for everything I have and for our health.  We got a new nephew last week named Colin, so that makes 11 grandkids on my side- 6 boys, 5 girls.  I love seeing families grow!

2014 in Review

I noticed a lot of people have been writing about their 2014 year, so I thought I'd so the same!  2014 was a good year for us, pretty healthy and no hospital stays!  That is a huge plus for us.  We had our share of colds but nothing serious.  In January I turned 28 and Chris started school at DATC (Davis Applied Technology Center) in Kaysville.  He is in a machinist certification program that will take around 2 years to complete.  Chris works in this area so he already had several years experience and was interested in it.  This is an intense and pretty hard program.  We also sold our Subaru that was having lots of issues and bought a Kia Spectra 5 for the gas mileage for Chris.

In February we had Valentine's Day of course and then celebrated our 5 year anniversary on February 27th.  Chris and I were able to go to Zions and stay in St. George for three or so days in my parents' second home.  It was so nice to be able to get away for longer, although I sure missed the kids!  I was over four months pregnant at this time so we weren't able to zip line like we wanted to.

We had Easter which was fun because the kids got to attend several egg hunts and got new outfits.  Then it was Sierra's 2nd birthday!  We did a Minnie Mouse party.

In May Carter had a sleep study and we found out he no longer needed his bi pap to sleep or oxygen, so that was great news!  I also helped drive my sisters in law home from middle school a few days a week.  In June Chris turned 28, Carter went on summer break and did some annual appointments:  Shriner's for orthopedics, the dentist, and Neurology.  Carter was able to get a one time respite fund from DSPD (Division of Services for People with Disabilities) so we got him an aide through RISE, named Brenda.  I was nervous at first how this would work out, but she was great!  She took him 4 days a week for six hours to give me a break.  By this time I was big pregnant and really struggling carrying him.  In fact, the last month of preschool I had family help get him in and out of his wheelchair for school and my mother in law helped get him into bed at night as well.  She was amazing!

End of June my parents threw their annual Family Reunion/South Jordan Days.  We went to the fair, saw a parade and went swimming.  In July, Chris finished his class so he could be home with me for the baby.  My parents were going to pay for our air fare to go to the annual 1p36 Deletion Syndrome & Awareness Conference, but I couldn't go because of the baby.  My mom had surgery during this time and was recovering.  I was induced the night before I was 39 weeks, since nothing was happening to put me into labor.  In fact, Keaton was breeched for a bit but luckily turned.  I ended up being in labor for 22 hours before having him.  Don't worry, I had an epidural!  It was a long, frustrating process but everything worked out well and he was big!  Keaton Thomas Thorup was born at 6:33 pm on July 15th at 9 lbs 7 oz and 21.5 inches long.  He had a light red hair and was so cute and chunky!  

Chris was able to be home for two weeks from work.  Adjusting to 3 kids is still in progress!  Keaton is a super sweet boy and calm and happy.  We got lucky!  Carter's aide came back until the end of the summer when Carter started school back up.  He got a new teacher, shorter school day, new bus driver and a new school building with lots more room.  We took the kids to the zoo, the Aquarium and Wheeler Farm since we weren't able to do Lake Powell this year.  We got a new nephew named Kayson end of September, and that's about when we blessed Keaton.  Carter had his annual eye appointment and GI.  I had my own 10 year high school reunion with some close friends, mostly Heather's:) at Olive Garden.

 
In October my brother proposed to his fiancee Nichole- I already blogged about that with a link to the YouTube video.  Over 10,000 views now!  It was also on Fox 13 News.  Halloween was fun, we had a ward trunk-or-treat and made Carter a tractor/train.

In November we got another new nephew, Michael Logan.  We also had Thanksgiving at my parents which was nice and then had family pictures on both sides.  The one was a Christmas surprise for my family with all the grand kids, and the other was family pictures with the Thorup side. The pics are on the right sidebar if you want to see them.

In December Carter turned 5, although we didn't throw a party this year he still got visits and presents.  Then on December 13th Parker and Nichole got married- all 5 siblings are married now!  Then we had Christmas, which was wonderful.

It was a good year, busy and full of fun activities: showers, parties, Sunday dinners, baby blessings, swimming, new baby, appointments, visiting Grandma & friends etc.  Carter is in school and doing great.  He had his aide again for 4 days over Christmas break.  He lost his 2 bottom teeth and grew his adult ones and got a Kid walk this year.  He can stand for 30 seconds or so at a surface with no support.  He went from 5 meds to just three.  Only 1 seizure in the entire year.  He is growing well and got new nighttime diapers which helps:)  We had to have his wheelchair adjusted and get new daffo's because he is growing so big.  He is 75% in height and weight.  Sierra is 2 1/2 and so busy and smart but also a challenge at times.  She loves juice, babies, playing, her blankie, watching Curious George or My Little Pony, and visiting Grandma.  Keaton is now 5 1/2 months and has a helmet to help shape his head.  He can roll and tries to sit up.  This new year Chris is back in school, we will be moving and going to Disney Land in May.  Something always has to change:)  Looking back at this year I can tell how the Lord has blessed us and been mindful of my needs and wants.  I have tried harder at keeping and strengthening family relationships.  Happy New Year!!

IEP

Carter's IEP was last Friday and I dread and anticipate these meetings.  I was excited to hear how he does and if he could stay at USDB.  At his last meeting they reminded me it's the goal and law to continue their education in the least restricted environment possible.  But of course, whatever is best for the child.  This meeting was much smaller as his speech and physical therapist were not present.  The director is new as well so I got to meet her.  We discussed Carter and compared him from last year with his goals.  His physical therapist usually sets a goal to improve by 5% and he did by 12%.  She left notes about how well he is doing in his walker and is using a more appropriate crawl at times.  She said if Carter receives help with getting up from his knees to standing, that he can stand for over 30 seconds at a table or surface.  It's amazing how far he has come in strength.  Then we discussed her new goals for him in the next year.  Then the speech therapist phoned in and talked with us about him and her goals for him.  Based on a questionnaire Carter would do best learning print instead of braille, so she wants to use pictures to communicate with him.  They tried a communication device that also talks but he didn't seem to like that.  She said they will start using pecs, a communication system, with up to 10 pictures so he can come up and pick what he wants from the pictures.  The idea is to work up from there to more pictures or to where he can pick it out himself without prompts.

The PECS Approach

• In Phase one, the trainer (therapist/me) works with the learner and their caregivers to figure out what might be most motivating to that individual learner (a ball, toy, food, etc.). Cards are created that picture that motivating item, and a pair of trainers helps the learner discover that, by handing over the card, they can get the desired object.
• In Phase two, the trainer moves farther away from the learner, so that the learner must actually come over to the trainer and hand over the card. This is a life skill lesson in seeking and obtaining another person's attention.
• Phase three requires the learner to discriminate among multiple pictures when requesting an item. For some learners this is easy, for others it's tougher. Some learners learn best with photos, and others with graphic images that approximate the appearance of an object.

His speech therapist seemed very pleased and surprised with how social and engaging Carter has become over the last year.  He comes up to you immediately and engages with eye contact, touch and noises.  You can tell by his facial features that he is usually excited to interact.  She couldn't believe how much he has changed.  His teacher Athena is new, she's had him just since school started end of August.  Her background is in vision and she said she considers Carter's vision to be a strength now instead of a weakness, which is her goal.  She went over her goals for him which include vision/compensatory, cognitive/social and communication.  One of her goals is to get him to recognize his own name in print, which is a good thing to learn for Kindergarten.  His OT works on his fine motor and he discussed how his grip strength is better.  He is going to work with Carter on stacking objects, simple puzzles and taking things in and out.  He still needs help with that.

It was a consensus that Carter continue attending USDB, but his teacher said she thinks he'll be ready to move on fairly soon.  I don't know when that means.  She said he hates art and as soon as he sees the picture that it's time for art, he'll try to take off.  So funny!  He struggles having to sit there and attend to something when he doesn't want to.  She said he gripes less but still doesn't like it at all.  As soon as the classroom door is open he tries to take off (he does this at home) and one day she decided to let him 'escape' and followed him.  He went into the boy's bathroom and was making noises because it echoed.  Funny.  He is always going in our bathroom at home and I wondered why.  He loves his classmates especially Emma.  He gets sad when she is gone.  The teacher has noticed them actually play together, which is another one of his goals to play more with his peers now that he is interacting so much more.  He even lays by them when he's tired or not feeling well.  She has him walk distances in the walker, like to the gym or front office.  He loves when the high school students visit twice a week.  They also cook something once a week and he loves to help mix she said.  Even though most the kids can't eat, they still play with food for sensory play.

I enjoyed hearing her comments about him and how well he has improved.  I am so grateful he can attend school there with trained professionals in a smaller classroom, in a huge room where he can move around and play.  He is growing so much, although to the casual observer perhaps not so much in the sense of walking.  But he is getting there, he is building strength.  If you hold his hands he will take steps.  I'm so pleased with Carter and I love that he enjoys going to school.  Heaven knows I need the help and don't have the time to help in all the areas that he needs.  He had picture day this week so pictures will be forthcoming.