twenty-one

  School Well, we have officially had our 2nd IEP meeting for Alexander.  While we went into this meeting with little expectation to get more services, there was still a little glimmer of hope.  The IEP Team went over the results from a recent evaluation each therapist completed with Alex.  Alex continues to excel in communication.  If you have met him, you know how much he loves to talk.  We are able to understand more and more each day, and he has even said 3-word sentences.  Additionally, he made progress in a few other areas.  There were a couple of areas he lost a few points, however, his last evaluation was completed on 2-year old norms.  I am very proud of him, but I also realize the reason for this continued success is because of the early start and very intensive therapy he had for three years.  I continue to worry about what the lack of therapy will create for us down the road.  When Mr. Whittler agreed to evaluate him again, I was quick to say yes!  I think the only way we c

 Inclusion "Down with Kindness" Inclusion.  It's such a cliche word.   It may be cliche, but it is terribly important.  It is especially important in my eyes because of the inclusion of children with special needs.  Have you seen the impact a person with special needs has on his or her peers?   Well, thankfully because of an amazing school, I have seen this impact firsthand.  And, it is our Alex who is impacting these neuro-typical children.  Alex is breaking down all kinds of barriers because of the amazing administration and staff at St. Joseph School in Olney!  More than that, Alex's classmates are showing me what inclusion is! "One day on the playground, I witnessed V help Alex on the swing and then push him! We should note that Alex has to weigh more than V!!" I really cannot explain to you how much these relationships mean to our family.  We have the most loving and supportive group of cheerleaders at St. Joe.  Remember a few months ago when I updated

 THREE! Alexander turned three in November.  As you know from my previous post, this means he aged out of the State of Illinois Early Intervention Program.  The program which introduced us to the most beautiful ladies who delivered the most amazing therapy to our Alex.  On his third birthday, the 7 (yes SEVEN) hours of therapy Alex received per week ended.  Just like that, it was all over.  Because of COVID, those therapy sessions were still happening via ZOOM or in a very safe manner (usually outdoors).  We were unable to have a "traditional" exit meeting to discuss Alex's progress and just how far we have come.  We were unable to hug those ladies who brought us so far and made such a difference.  But, we did meet them at the park and enjoyed a socially distanced play date so we could give them a good-bye/thank you gift.  Those ladies have become a part of our family, and my goodness do we miss them, their love and their beauty.  Every day we miss them. As I am sure you

 2 months. Yesterday during a Developmental Therapy Session, Alex's therapist (the awesome Jamie) said just 2 more months before this guy turns 3.  Yeah, I knew it was coming.  I have been thinking about it so much.  But, for some reason when she said it, it was real.  Last night, when everyone in the house was asleep, and I had a rare moment of quiet, I sat on the couch and burst into tears.  Don't all moms do that when they realize their baby will be 3 in 2 months?  No?  Probably not.  I certainly didn't with the other two kids.  Thinking about their birthday 2 months before the day is really nothing this "fly by the seat of your pants" mom ever considered.  That was until this date became so important.  I'm sure you all remember the days I have asked you to pray and think about how we can make a change in the way children age out of Early Intervention.  The program which provides the amazing therapies Alex receives.  Well, in 2 months, Alex will be 3, and n

Alexander's 2nd Birthday has come...and gone! That means he has been with us for 24 months, and I have written a whopping 8 blog posts.  I could make a truckload of excuses.  Most of them would point to B-U-S-Y!  Our whole family is busy!  Lots of activities to track and participate in.  Lots of laughs to have and love to give! This school year, we welcomed a German host student, Nikolas into our home.  We opened a door, and in turn, our hearts have been opened too.  He is a great fit for us.  I secretly watch him build a very special connection with Alex.  He nonchalantly is often doing therapy with Alex.  And, in that manner, Alex is quite fond of therapy.  Also this school year, Grant started Kindergarten.  It has been an adjustment for him, and I have finally in his life seen a few days where he is totally worn out.  This fall, Nora and Grant both played soccer.  It wasn't really intended for Nora to play, but she went along with it and ended up enjoying it.  She was act

I'm sure you have seen the latest picture of our three kiddos--Alex is wearing a shirt that says, "Yes I Can!"  It's among some of his great shirts--a few others say, "Current Family Favorite" and "Dinosaurs are Scary, Down Syndrome Isn't".  It's amazing how a shirt with a great saying and his smile can just make your day.  But, earlier this week, I asked Valerie to send me a picture of the three kids after school.  I needed this picture because I was asked to be a small part of an upcoming Webinar discussing ABLE accounts.  I'm always happy to help other families in anyway I can, so I saw this as a terrific opportunity.  When the main presenter asked for a bio and picture, I quickly sent a bio I had written for something else and my business head shot.  Then, I thought..."this isn't about me."  This ABLE Account we have for Alex is for him.  But, more than that, it is for his siblings too.  See, we know some day, one or b