twenty-one.12

 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 can only be certain the plan we are on is right is by continually monitoring progress.  The IEP team was empathetic to my concerns, but also joyful in knowing how much we have to celebrate with sweet Alex.  

This summer, Alex did all of the things 3-year olds do!  He participated in swim lessons in our pool, therefore winning the heart of another young lady.  (Miss Jamie--his previous DT's daughter provided those lessons.  Living in a small town is so awesome!)  Alex was cared for by three amazing ladies this summer too.  They each provided unique opportunities for learning and exploring.  They certainly kept the summer fun!  And, Alex rekindled his relationship with his Miss Katie, OT.  I felt it was important for him to participate in some type of therapy this summer so not to lose everything we gained at school last year.

So, as I sit here today, Alex is taking a nap after showing mom that he knows how to pedal his tricycle all on his own.  I may have had a tear or two realizing that he will be competing in the Bicycle Classic next month with his brother and sister.  They have a special race for children with special needs who have an Amtryke.  It is pretty exciting to participate in that race, and I really assumed that would be all he could do.  But, guess what, I am pretty sure that he will be able to do the 3-year old race too!  We have one month to work hard, and that is just what we will do.  He isn't afraid of hard work.  He proves this to me every day.

Last weekend we went camping and there was a super neat playground.  Watching Alex navigate that playground independently was amazing.  That skill and ability came because of some very patient preschoolers and preschool teachers who were happy to open their hearts and share their love with Alex.  Their encouragement created a little boy who does not understand can't, only can-do!  It is exciting to think what this year will do for our sweet boy!  An entire school year at St. Joe with the brightest, most compassionate learners is exactly what he needs.  Our hands may have originally been forced with this decision, but we truly know and understand it was the right decision.

The wonderful IEP team agreed to increase Alex's speech therapy by a few minutes each week.  I voiced my concern that until we have a true understanding of his communication abilities, we will not really know what he is fully capable of cognitively.  It is my hope that we have communication in a place where he will be able to perform at a level where he can continue to be educated at St. Joe.  That's the big goal.  And, I know, just like learning to ride a tricycle, he will do it!  Thanks to Mrs. Potter for understanding the importance of communication and for seeking out additional speech therapy services for all kids who qualify at St. Joe too.  There can never be enough speech therapy, and we are so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by people who understand that too.

Per typical, Alex is rocking that extra chromosome, breaking down barriers we never imagined and changing the world one smile at a time!  








Out for a little Bike Ride!        Resting in mom & dad's bed        Sending Nora & Grant off!

xxx

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