School Pics, IEP & Changes

This is Carter's preschool picture- not my favorite of him because he has a cute smile, but still one to keep for the memories.  We've been putting him in overalls a lot lately because they're the only pants that stay on well!

We had Carter's IEP (individualized education plan) a few weeks ago, and it went well.  He still qualifies for USDB and will attend until he is 5.  We will re-evaluate every year, and for Kindergarten we may have to consider another school.  I hope he will still qualify for USDB because of the extra time, attention and therapy he gets.  But I will be content with what he can get.  In most of his goals (compensatory, motor, gross motor, social, etc) he is now in the 1-2 year range.  His teacher and I marked him at a 7 month old level based on some tests, which is hard to swallow because he is almost 4 now.  He has come a long way though, and we are all very pleased.  I love his teacher, his school and everything they do for him.  Carter got a new driver (his 4th now) that takes him to and back from school in his wheelchair.  He gets to go up a ramp now, and it means less carrying him for me.

As far as therapy goes, his last day for horse therapy is this Friday.  I didn't sign him up for winter quarter because of the weather, long drive and the possibility for illness.  I hope to sign him up again for spring, but we'll have to see.  He enjoys the horses and sits up straight and tall.  He is still receiving physical therapy weekly at the Rehab Clinic, and we are going to try to get him a gait trainer.  We put him in a Kid Walk last week and took a walk up and down the hall- the therapist had to control his legs but he did well and looked up a lot.  We noticed his neck to back muscles are weak and have tightness, so we'll have to work on that.  It's so fun to see him so tall and standing. 

Starting in January, Carter's dad Chris will be going back to school.  We are excited and nervous for the change.  Chris already has his Associates from SLCC but wanted to go further.  He will be working full time still and school full time as well.  The Davis Applied Technology Center (DATC) is in Salt Lake close to his work, where he'll certify in machinery.  It will take up to 2 years, but hopefully faster because he's worked with machines for 4 years now.  You can start or stop anytime, they accept Financial Aid and you go at your own pace.  Really cool.  They have a 97% rating that students have a job lined up before they even graduate.  I guess machinist jobs are in high demand right now.  This means better security for us and more pay eventually, but also means less Dad around.  A lot less.  So wish me luck!