I have not updated in a while but I was thinking about the times I've told someone my son has Asperger's and how they have reacted.
I've had people say, "I am so sorry!"
Sorry? If you've said this before don't feel bad. It comes from a good place in your heart.... I hope. Saying you are sorry is like saying "poor you to be stuck with that kid" or "poor kid he will never be all right." But I am not sorry. He is the same boy whether or not there is a diagnosis attached to him. Don't be sorry. Be understanding.
I've had people say, "Really? Are you sure?"
Ummm....yea... I am sure. This reaction usually comes from people who have not spent much time with Nathan. They have seen him on his good days and on his best behavior. This comment does not offend me, It reminds me that four years of Social Groups, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy are working. But some do get offended by this statement. I've heard parents say it sounds like you are doubting what they know and they wish you could see the hard days, the tantrums, the stubbornness, the gagging at smells, the loud sounds, the shutting down moments....... Yes....we are sure.
I've had people say, "My kid does those things too. It's normal for boys."
This statement probably also comes from a good place in your heart and hopefully an honest place. Hopefully you are trying to connect and be sympathetic and kind. It does not offend me. In fact it's nice to hear that my kid is "normal." But I can tell you others find it offensive. Why? You are implying that maybe it's a misdiagnosis, over diagnosis, or just not that bad. So just be careful with that one. Maybe say, "My child does some things similar to that at times." Or just nod because maybe the mom needs to vent to you for a bit and just wants a listening ear.
I've had people say, "What is Asperger's?"
This is not at all offensive and should not be to anyone. My opinion is just because you have had to become an expert on a topic such as autism and Asperger's does not mean the rest of the world has had to. So educate yourself and be prepared to educate others in a kind way.
I've had people give me the look.
You know what I mean. That look that says, "Why is your son acting that way?" "Isn't he too old to be doing that?" "Why can't you control your kid?" "He needs better discipline." Yea....that look. When Nathan was four he talked like an adult. He spouted off the Presidents names, first, middle, and last like a party trick and people loved it. He talked about soil erosion and history. So people thought he should act like an adult too. So when he acted like a four year sometimes acts then people give you the look. Because of his obsessive personality he would do things that would make people look. I don't mind people looking but not if they are giving "the look." You know what I mean.
I've had people be downright rude.
"How old is your son?"
"He is eight."
"Really?" said in the most nastiest way you can imagine.
This happened when Nathan was at the park having a fit on his bike. He was crying because he couldn't keep up with the other kids. And this woman was wanting me to tell him to "stop" or "be a man" or "don't be a cry baby" or something. According to her my son was not acting his age. According to her my son wasn't doing or behaving the way she thought he should. Now, there are plenty of times when I have dealt with this and will explain to the person, "He has Aspergers. It's hard for him." But if you are being mean and nasty and thinking your two girls with their perfectly done hair eating cherries like candy are the epitome of your perfect parenting style and my son crying on his bike is not... then you get no explanation. I'd rather go comfort and encourage my son than waste my time trying to change your mind. Sorry. Rude? Maybe? Or just the truth.....
I've had people step away.
I was talking with a woman in Target close to Christmas. She was looking at Imaginext toys. Nathan's favorite. He was not with me. Shopping alone! A mini vacation! :) She looked confused as she browsed the toys. I asked if I could help. She told me what her son wanted, a castle with a orange door. I said, "It's this castle. I know them all. My son loves these."
"How old is your son?" she asked me cheerfully as she grabbed the castle from the shelf.
"He is eight."
"What else does he play with?" she asked.
"Not too much else. He loves Imaginext toys."
She smiled. "Really? But like what other toys? I need ideas for my son."
I shrugged. I was enjoying my conversation with her. She was so friendly and so I thought I'll just open up a bit. "He pretty much plays with Imaginext and maybe a few action figures. He has Aspergers so his interest are limited."
Her face changed then and I am not lying when I say she took a step back as if she might catch a disease. "Oh," she said and then grabbed her cart and hurried away! I was shocked! Her whole face went from friendly to scared in a matter of minutes like just being near me might infect her.
Ignorance!
And I've had people be kind to me and Nathan and their children be kind.
So what is the right reaction?
If you don't know then ask questions. How did you know? How was he diagnosed? How does he do in school?
If you don't know what to say then maybe keep quiet or ask the mom or dad how they are doing. Some days are rough!
If you want to comfort then comfort but most of us don't need comfort. We want you to just understand and help your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews understand and to be taught kindness.
Ask how you can help?
Sometimes we have a lot of appointments and places and therapies and it can help to watch other kids or to even offer to go with the mom or dad to some of the appointments.
Be a friend. Sometimes we have to be hard on our kids or always on them to try and prevent meltdowns.
Warn us. People with Aspergers like a plan and they liked to know what will happen. So let us in on details for a play date before it occurs so we can prep.
Treat our children like normal children. Just have a little extra patience and kindness.
Be a friend. Encourage your children to be a friend.
Family
"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to give you a hope and a future."
Friday, January 17, 2014
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
Some choose to remain silent and not talk about their loss and I think that is just fine and some choose to frequently talk about their loss, to blog about it, to facebook it, to tattoo their baby's name or due dates on their body.
We had already announced our pregnancy and had shared photos of us surprising our family on Christmas Day. Since our pregnancy was public so was our loss. But we are so grateful for the outpouring of love we received, the cards, the well wishes, the Bible verses, the flowers, and the prayers!
People choose to grieve or to remember in many different ways.
We don't really need a day to remember our loss as we remember all the time. But it sure is nice to have a day to remember we are not alone.
To all who have lost a pregnancy, had a still birth, or lost an infant, you aren't alone. Many will choose to light a candle between the hours of 7-8 tonight. We usually do not.
Here is an interesting article about today.
<3 p="">
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/14/on-national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day-a-mother-with-a-candle-to-light/
Some choose to remain silent and not talk about their loss and I think that is just fine and some choose to frequently talk about their loss, to blog about it, to facebook it, to tattoo their baby's name or due dates on their body.
We had already announced our pregnancy and had shared photos of us surprising our family on Christmas Day. Since our pregnancy was public so was our loss. But we are so grateful for the outpouring of love we received, the cards, the well wishes, the Bible verses, the flowers, and the prayers!
People choose to grieve or to remember in many different ways.
We don't really need a day to remember our loss as we remember all the time. But it sure is nice to have a day to remember we are not alone.
To all who have lost a pregnancy, had a still birth, or lost an infant, you aren't alone. Many will choose to light a candle between the hours of 7-8 tonight. We usually do not.
Here is an interesting article about today.
<3 p="">
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/14/on-national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day-a-mother-with-a-candle-to-light/
Monday, September 9, 2013
School School School
After a busy and fun filled summer the kids had their first week of school last week and have entered into the second week today.
So far so good!
Emma likes her 1st grade teacher and is doing really well. I think she tends to respond better to other people teaching her than her own mother! She is reading and doing more math than I thought she could do. She always tells me she doesn't know how to read but this momma caught her reading! Stinker. She is still always on the go and never stops. As soon as her head hits the pillow it's light out. If you don't hurry to say good night then she will be asleep before you get there to tuck her in.
Katelyn is 19 months and a busy bee. She is not thrilled that her brother and sister are now in school. She is absolutely in love with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and now has taken a liking to Dora. We call her the hoarder because she likes to walk around the house with her arms absolutely full of toys! I stopped nursing her at 18 months. I am not weird. I am not insane. :) But it was time for us to end it. She is a easy going baby (Toddler: ahhh) and a true joy to be around.
Nathan has done great at school! He loves his teacher and he really thrives on the set schedule. He acts like a movie star waving and talking to all the teachers and staff and knows their names and room numbers. He is excited that this year might be harder for him. His teacher is talking about getting him into the gifted program this year. He will continue to do PT 2 times in a 6 day cycle and he will also see the school psychiatrist 2 times in a 6 day cycle which is actually more than last year.
The mornings and nights are cooling off and it seems like fall is already in the air! I love this cooler weather. Time sure passes fast with kids. They are growing up very fast.
Time for homework!
So far so good!
Emma likes her 1st grade teacher and is doing really well. I think she tends to respond better to other people teaching her than her own mother! She is reading and doing more math than I thought she could do. She always tells me she doesn't know how to read but this momma caught her reading! Stinker. She is still always on the go and never stops. As soon as her head hits the pillow it's light out. If you don't hurry to say good night then she will be asleep before you get there to tuck her in.
Katelyn is 19 months and a busy bee. She is not thrilled that her brother and sister are now in school. She is absolutely in love with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and now has taken a liking to Dora. We call her the hoarder because she likes to walk around the house with her arms absolutely full of toys! I stopped nursing her at 18 months. I am not weird. I am not insane. :) But it was time for us to end it. She is a easy going baby (Toddler: ahhh) and a true joy to be around.
Nathan has done great at school! He loves his teacher and he really thrives on the set schedule. He acts like a movie star waving and talking to all the teachers and staff and knows their names and room numbers. He is excited that this year might be harder for him. His teacher is talking about getting him into the gifted program this year. He will continue to do PT 2 times in a 6 day cycle and he will also see the school psychiatrist 2 times in a 6 day cycle which is actually more than last year.
The mornings and nights are cooling off and it seems like fall is already in the air! I love this cooler weather. Time sure passes fast with kids. They are growing up very fast.
Time for homework!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Nathan's 504 for the coming year
I am finally getting around to updating about Nathan's 504. It actually means a lot that a few people have asked me to update and let them know how things went. Thanks to all who prayed!
First we got a great report from Nathan's Physical Therapist. She said Nathan went through a slump where he refused to do anything, said he couldn't do it, it was too hard, and would just give up. This must have been when we got the report that was less than stellar and I found to be very discouraging. Let me also make it clear that I have no desire for my son to become some super star athlete and that we are beyond grateful for what he can do. We look at him receiving PT (physical therapy) as a way to help better him in a few areas that are lacking. So please don't ever think we are complaining. We are glad Nathan can walk and run! Anything after that is icing on the cake.
Anyways, his therapist said she was considering contacting me and telling me Nathan wasn't cooperating and she wasn't sure what to do. That he had given up but then something changed. She said Nathan began to doing what he was supposed to do and even trying hard to do it for longer than his goal time! His last report was glowing! He has met many of his goals.
In the coming school year he still qualifies for PT. They will work on environmental awareness: not tripping over objects, paying attention to his surroundings, and things such as that. They will work on him catching a ball. Nathan rarely can catch a ball that is thrown to him. They will work on his kicking a ball that has been rolled to him. He can't kick it if it's rolling. His timing is too off. These may seem like minor goals but the real point of these goals is a focus on Nathan's motor skills which are lacking.
Nathan will meet the with school Psychologist once every 6 days. They will focus less on not interrupting and taking control of the class and more on the aspects of friendships and what being a friend means.
They are also considering the use of noise canceling headphones during loud times at school. Nathan has been very stressed this year when there have been assemblies, loud lunches, and too much noise in his classroom. Strict guidelines will be put in place for use of the headphone due to Nathan's obsessive personality.
So that's about it for his 504. We have more paperwork, more things to sign, and we are grateful for all of it!
Emma did very well for her kindergarten year. She was sad to leave her teacher and friends but happy about the summer. She has learned to read a little and do some math.
Katelyn has hit the terrible 2's even though she's only 16 months old. She goes from happy to crying in 2 seconds flat! The words "no" really makes her angry!
This week at church we are doing a VBS. The first day was yesterday and we had a great turn out. Nathan has made friends with a boy from his school and it's nice to hear the two of them chatting away to each other.
Some of the neighborhood boys have "disappeared" and don't come around anymore. It's difficult for Nathan to keep the friends he makes.
Chris and I notice more things are definitely to do with Nathan's Asperger's and his way of thinking than just typical 7 yr old boy thinking. I won't go into details but Nathan pitched an absolute fit the other day because the kids weren't playing the way he wanted them to play. He wanted them to stop their game and play his game and when they said no he lost it. It's time like these I wish there was more understanding because Chris and I both tried to reason with him and make him understand but he would not and could it. It's during times like these his Asperger's is more apparent. It's just a funny way of thinking he has.
Chris said he recently heard someone say that kids with Autism and Aspergers are just disobedient kids needing discipline. We couldn't disagree more. We know when Nathan is just being a naughty seven year old and needs to be disciplined and believe me he gets put in the corner and has things taken away. We never let him use his Aspergers as an excuse to be bad. But we also know when he is reacting as a child with Aspergers to something. When a tantrum is "not normal" but we also don't let him get too rude or wild. There is a limit. If he needs to go to his room and shout and scream because he's angry or upset or something didn't go the way he pre-planned then he is allowed but only before for so long. After a while we make sure he knows enough is enough.
We are human. We get frustrated. We get perplexed.
First we got a great report from Nathan's Physical Therapist. She said Nathan went through a slump where he refused to do anything, said he couldn't do it, it was too hard, and would just give up. This must have been when we got the report that was less than stellar and I found to be very discouraging. Let me also make it clear that I have no desire for my son to become some super star athlete and that we are beyond grateful for what he can do. We look at him receiving PT (physical therapy) as a way to help better him in a few areas that are lacking. So please don't ever think we are complaining. We are glad Nathan can walk and run! Anything after that is icing on the cake.
Anyways, his therapist said she was considering contacting me and telling me Nathan wasn't cooperating and she wasn't sure what to do. That he had given up but then something changed. She said Nathan began to doing what he was supposed to do and even trying hard to do it for longer than his goal time! His last report was glowing! He has met many of his goals.
In the coming school year he still qualifies for PT. They will work on environmental awareness: not tripping over objects, paying attention to his surroundings, and things such as that. They will work on him catching a ball. Nathan rarely can catch a ball that is thrown to him. They will work on his kicking a ball that has been rolled to him. He can't kick it if it's rolling. His timing is too off. These may seem like minor goals but the real point of these goals is a focus on Nathan's motor skills which are lacking.
Nathan will meet the with school Psychologist once every 6 days. They will focus less on not interrupting and taking control of the class and more on the aspects of friendships and what being a friend means.
They are also considering the use of noise canceling headphones during loud times at school. Nathan has been very stressed this year when there have been assemblies, loud lunches, and too much noise in his classroom. Strict guidelines will be put in place for use of the headphone due to Nathan's obsessive personality.
So that's about it for his 504. We have more paperwork, more things to sign, and we are grateful for all of it!
Emma did very well for her kindergarten year. She was sad to leave her teacher and friends but happy about the summer. She has learned to read a little and do some math.
Katelyn has hit the terrible 2's even though she's only 16 months old. She goes from happy to crying in 2 seconds flat! The words "no" really makes her angry!
This week at church we are doing a VBS. The first day was yesterday and we had a great turn out. Nathan has made friends with a boy from his school and it's nice to hear the two of them chatting away to each other.
Some of the neighborhood boys have "disappeared" and don't come around anymore. It's difficult for Nathan to keep the friends he makes.
Chris and I notice more things are definitely to do with Nathan's Asperger's and his way of thinking than just typical 7 yr old boy thinking. I won't go into details but Nathan pitched an absolute fit the other day because the kids weren't playing the way he wanted them to play. He wanted them to stop their game and play his game and when they said no he lost it. It's time like these I wish there was more understanding because Chris and I both tried to reason with him and make him understand but he would not and could it. It's during times like these his Asperger's is more apparent. It's just a funny way of thinking he has.
Chris said he recently heard someone say that kids with Autism and Aspergers are just disobedient kids needing discipline. We couldn't disagree more. We know when Nathan is just being a naughty seven year old and needs to be disciplined and believe me he gets put in the corner and has things taken away. We never let him use his Aspergers as an excuse to be bad. But we also know when he is reacting as a child with Aspergers to something. When a tantrum is "not normal" but we also don't let him get too rude or wild. There is a limit. If he needs to go to his room and shout and scream because he's angry or upset or something didn't go the way he pre-planned then he is allowed but only before for so long. After a while we make sure he knows enough is enough.
We are human. We get frustrated. We get perplexed.
And above all
We are
BLESSED!
So here comes summer. Here comes fun. Here comes pool days, lazy days, beach, zoo, and friends. And for us here comes drama, tears, and misunderstandings and trying to get Nathan to make and keep friends and not chase them away. And lot so pre-planning and notification about what we will do in a day to keep his stress level down.
We pray for wisdom in parenting all our children. We are grateful for each of them. Nathan and Emma have both now asked the Lord Jesus into their hearts. We pray now it was true and we will see the "fruit" or proof of that in their lives.
I am amazed I wrote all this in one sitting but Katelyn's telling me enough is enough and I think she's right! :)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
"But they don't want to play with you..."
It's been a long time since I've updated but with the three kids, and lots of neighborhood friends and other happenings I have not taken the time to sit down and write an update! So here goes!
Nathan is doing so well! He is almost done with first grade. He does complain it's too easy and he gets bored but still he is doing well. He seems to be getting along with most of the kids at school and has made several friends. He sort of has had a bit of a fall back when it comes to physical therapy. This last report was not as good as his reports have been. His main areas that he lacks in are coordination and balance. He can't throw a ball the way a boy his age should and he can't seem to kick a rolling ball and his balance is not so good.
But we have had victories! Nathan is riding a bike! This is huge! Nathan could not ride a traditional bike. He was not able to balance, pedal, and steer. It was too much to do with his lack of motor skills. But I found a really cool tricycle and now he is zipping around and so proud of himself! So no, it's not an official bike but this proud momma doesn't care! Close enough!
\\
Lately I feel like I have really fallen into motherhood. I know... Nathan is 7 and so by now I should have already done this right? But now I feel like I am a more confidant mother. I trust my instincts, I am not afraid of a little crying when Katelyn is trying to soothe herself to sleep. I feel like I am enjoying being a mother now more than ever.
I am striving hard to enjoy every moment and understanding I can't really enjoy ALL the moments. I love to be a mom but I don't love the dirty diapers and the crying. I don't love teething and I don't look foward to potty trainging another child. But I really have fallen into motherhood....finally.. ha ha!
I am still nursing Katelyn in the morning and at night. Some days I say, "Ok, she is too old and I am done with this. I don't want to nurse anymore." Other days I say, "Well, it's good for her, helps me burn calories, and soothes her when she is so upset so why not a little longer?" I feel like society in general thinks it's weird to breastfeed and even weirder to breastfeed after 12 months but I don't care. With Nathan and Emma I would have cared. I would have scoured the internet and asked friends and doctors but now I am more confidant in my skills as a mom.
I am not a supermom. I end many of my days going to bed at 9:30 exhausted! I lose my patience and I sometimes I yell. But I am trying, like all us moms, to do this right thing.
Chris is doing well and busier than ever at work. It's nice to have him work from home. I make him his lunch and tea and I enjoy having sometime to talk to when he comes up for his lunch.
I think that is enough of an update! I will try harder to keep this blog updated but some days... :)
Nathan is doing so well! He is almost done with first grade. He does complain it's too easy and he gets bored but still he is doing well. He seems to be getting along with most of the kids at school and has made several friends. He sort of has had a bit of a fall back when it comes to physical therapy. This last report was not as good as his reports have been. His main areas that he lacks in are coordination and balance. He can't throw a ball the way a boy his age should and he can't seem to kick a rolling ball and his balance is not so good.
But we have had victories! Nathan is riding a bike! This is huge! Nathan could not ride a traditional bike. He was not able to balance, pedal, and steer. It was too much to do with his lack of motor skills. But I found a really cool tricycle and now he is zipping around and so proud of himself! So no, it's not an official bike but this proud momma doesn't care! Close enough!
Nathan's progress in the last few years is such that many say they can't even tell he has Aspergers anymore. That is great but trust me... he has it. :) I am glad people "can't tell" but believe me if you were with him all the time you would notice. Just recently he was playing with two boys in the yard and after yelling at them about rules and changing the rules and then threatening to "tell" on them they kids decided they'd had enough and left. Nathan then came and asked me if he could go to their yard!
I explained that the boys left because they didn't like the way he was playing. His reply, "Right, so I will go to their yard." I again explained nicely they left because they didn't like the way he was playing and that he was being a little mean. His reply? "I know so I will go play with them in their yard."
My reply, "Nathan, you don't understand that they don't want to play with you."
He thought this over and replied, "That's why I will go to their yard."
So yes, he is smart and lovable but social things don't make much sense to him.
He brought me a fake flower from school and he said, "Everyone threw theirs out but I gave mine to you."
I said, Oh Nathan! Thank you for thinking of me! How sweet. I love it! So nice for you to think of your mommy."
Nathan said, "Yeah well, I wasn't thinking about you. I didn't know what to do with it so I gave it to you." Ha ha! Oh well!
He has been more affectionate lately. I'm getting more hugs which is so nice!
Nathan's new obsession is chess. He talks about it, plays it on his phone, plays it at Chess club, and plays it with a glass chess set.
Another victory is has been a little more affectionate to me lately. He especially enjoys texting my mom and he seems to really open up with her and tell her how he feels.
Lately he has been doing this strange clap in his sisters face and I have asked him repeatedly to stop and finally I said, "Why do you keep doing that when I asked you to stop?"
He surprised me by saying, "I know I am not supposed to but I can't help it. My Aspergers makes me do it."
Now whether or not that is true or he was trying to get out of a punishment I don't know but he has never said something like that before.
Emma Grace is five and turning six this summer. She is spirited and strong willed and loves to dance and sing.
Emma loves to be a little mommy to Katelyn and Katelyn even calls Emma "Em Mom" sometimes. Ha ha! She is helpful and imaginative. She doesn't watch much TV. She'd rather play with her toys, her friends, or go outside. She is always on the go and sometimes she reminds me so much of myself when I was her age.
Katelyn is 14 months old now! That is crazy! I remember when I could hold her with one hand because she was so small. Now she is on the go. She loves yogurt, she loves when her brother and sister come home from school and she loves any visitors! She is definitely a very social baby. She listens very well and seems bright for her age. She responds to most things we say and surprises us at how much she understands. Her obsession is Mickey Mouse. She likes to watch a Mickey show every morning while I have my coffee. She is definitely a joy even when teething makes her cranky.
Me? I still love to cook and bake. Though lately I am trying to be a little more careful and get rid of the rest of this baby weight! I haven't had much time to write. This blog alone has taken me 2 days to write and several sessions. But when I saw someone "liked" my blog on Pinterest I thought I'd better update it! I still teach Sunday school and our yard always seems filled with children. This has given us the opportunity to take a couple of these kids to church with us.
\\Lately I feel like I have really fallen into motherhood. I know... Nathan is 7 and so by now I should have already done this right? But now I feel like I am a more confidant mother. I trust my instincts, I am not afraid of a little crying when Katelyn is trying to soothe herself to sleep. I feel like I am enjoying being a mother now more than ever.
I am striving hard to enjoy every moment and understanding I can't really enjoy ALL the moments. I love to be a mom but I don't love the dirty diapers and the crying. I don't love teething and I don't look foward to potty trainging another child. But I really have fallen into motherhood....finally.. ha ha!
I am still nursing Katelyn in the morning and at night. Some days I say, "Ok, she is too old and I am done with this. I don't want to nurse anymore." Other days I say, "Well, it's good for her, helps me burn calories, and soothes her when she is so upset so why not a little longer?" I feel like society in general thinks it's weird to breastfeed and even weirder to breastfeed after 12 months but I don't care. With Nathan and Emma I would have cared. I would have scoured the internet and asked friends and doctors but now I am more confidant in my skills as a mom.
I am not a supermom. I end many of my days going to bed at 9:30 exhausted! I lose my patience and I sometimes I yell. But I am trying, like all us moms, to do this right thing.
Chris is doing well and busier than ever at work. It's nice to have him work from home. I make him his lunch and tea and I enjoy having sometime to talk to when he comes up for his lunch.
I think that is enough of an update! I will try harder to keep this blog updated but some days... :)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Boring Updates
Ok, so maybe not boring updates but updates none the less. I haven't blogged in a while because when you have a 6 years old, a 5 year old, and 7 month old it just so happens you don't have as much time to blog! Go figure.
Let's start with Nathan. I can't believe I am the mom of a 1st grader! That just seems so...strange. My baby? In first grade? No way! But Nathan is in first grade and doing so well. His teacher sends home a list of 100 words to "practice" and he knows nearly all of them. He has only missed a few here and there. He is up to 500 words now. His teacher said once he hits 1,000 words she will have to figure something else out for him to do as reaching 1,000 words is the end of the year goal. Yet, it's only September and he is halfway there!
Nathan does get to go to 3rd grade reading. He says the other kids in 3rd grade call him small and want to know why he is there. But he enjoys it. He still gets physical therapy for low muscle tone and balance issues. He still sees the psychologist once every 6 days to discuss social issues.
On the positive Nathan is growing up! He doesn't really whine much. He loves to help out with his baby sister. He is becoming "fun" to talk to. I am enjoying this 6 year old stage. He lets me hug and kiss him more. We still have issues with him "shouting" and getting frustrated easily but not as many. Just don't ask him to eat a piece of zucchini or he will wage an all out war! (By the way we won the zucchini war despite much gagging and out right crying over eating ONE bite)
Emma Grace. Boy, she is a wild card. One minute she is loving and affectionate and mature and helpful and the next minute she is a wailing mess of whining and crying in a contorted ball on the floor! She needs a lot more "discipline" than Nathan does at this point. She is playing Barbies with her friends and dressing up and the next minute she is climbing a tree or doing something insanely dangerous. She is our extreme child when it comes to both behavior and what she likes.
I've heard, she is may just be a tad like I was as a kid. Reckless. A whiner. Doing crazy stuff. Driving people....dare I say it...nuts! Hmm But she loves her mommy and sister (even her brother) and her Daddy. She craves affection and approval. Every day after school she says it was terrible because she missed me.
Emma is strong willed. At times it can be good like when she tells her friends, "We do NOT say 'Oh my G-O-D' in this house!" And other times I shake my head in absolute wonder at her refusal to make her life easy by just obeying. So far she is doing well in school despite her own reports of it being terrible. :)
And my little Katelyn Joy. People asked me what her name is all the time and I say, "Katelyn Joy: and it means 'pure joy.'" I know the story behind her name and what it means. Sometimes, I tell people why she is named "pure joy" and how the Lord gave her to us to help our hearts heal after a loss. Other times I just thank the Lord quietly in my heart.
Katelyn is such a sweet baby. She has two teeth coming in on the bottom that have made her a little cranky these days but otherwise she has a great personality. She loves her brother and sister and gets so excited when they come home from school. She is very sensitive. She does not like her daddy's loud laugh and will cry if he laughs too loud. She startles easily and hates being told "no."
Everything in sight goes into her mouth! It's hard with a six and five year old to keep papers and other small toys off the floor. She doesn't want her mommy to be out of her sight for even a minute! Katelyn loves to go downstairs and see her daddy during the day and watch what he does on the computer.
So that's the updates! I am adding a hymn that was stuck in my head. Enjoy!
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.
Let's start with Nathan. I can't believe I am the mom of a 1st grader! That just seems so...strange. My baby? In first grade? No way! But Nathan is in first grade and doing so well. His teacher sends home a list of 100 words to "practice" and he knows nearly all of them. He has only missed a few here and there. He is up to 500 words now. His teacher said once he hits 1,000 words she will have to figure something else out for him to do as reaching 1,000 words is the end of the year goal. Yet, it's only September and he is halfway there!
Nathan does get to go to 3rd grade reading. He says the other kids in 3rd grade call him small and want to know why he is there. But he enjoys it. He still gets physical therapy for low muscle tone and balance issues. He still sees the psychologist once every 6 days to discuss social issues.
On the positive Nathan is growing up! He doesn't really whine much. He loves to help out with his baby sister. He is becoming "fun" to talk to. I am enjoying this 6 year old stage. He lets me hug and kiss him more. We still have issues with him "shouting" and getting frustrated easily but not as many. Just don't ask him to eat a piece of zucchini or he will wage an all out war! (By the way we won the zucchini war despite much gagging and out right crying over eating ONE bite)
Emma Grace. Boy, she is a wild card. One minute she is loving and affectionate and mature and helpful and the next minute she is a wailing mess of whining and crying in a contorted ball on the floor! She needs a lot more "discipline" than Nathan does at this point. She is playing Barbies with her friends and dressing up and the next minute she is climbing a tree or doing something insanely dangerous. She is our extreme child when it comes to both behavior and what she likes.
I've heard, she is may just be a tad like I was as a kid. Reckless. A whiner. Doing crazy stuff. Driving people....dare I say it...nuts! Hmm But she loves her mommy and sister (even her brother) and her Daddy. She craves affection and approval. Every day after school she says it was terrible because she missed me.
Emma is strong willed. At times it can be good like when she tells her friends, "We do NOT say 'Oh my G-O-D' in this house!" And other times I shake my head in absolute wonder at her refusal to make her life easy by just obeying. So far she is doing well in school despite her own reports of it being terrible. :)
And my little Katelyn Joy. People asked me what her name is all the time and I say, "Katelyn Joy: and it means 'pure joy.'" I know the story behind her name and what it means. Sometimes, I tell people why she is named "pure joy" and how the Lord gave her to us to help our hearts heal after a loss. Other times I just thank the Lord quietly in my heart.
Katelyn is such a sweet baby. She has two teeth coming in on the bottom that have made her a little cranky these days but otherwise she has a great personality. She loves her brother and sister and gets so excited when they come home from school. She is very sensitive. She does not like her daddy's loud laugh and will cry if he laughs too loud. She startles easily and hates being told "no."
Everything in sight goes into her mouth! It's hard with a six and five year old to keep papers and other small toys off the floor. She doesn't want her mommy to be out of her sight for even a minute! Katelyn loves to go downstairs and see her daddy during the day and watch what he does on the computer.
So that's the updates! I am adding a hymn that was stuck in my head. Enjoy!
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.
Friday, June 1, 2012
504
Today Chris and I met with a room full of people. We met with the school psychologist, the occupational therapist, the physical therapist, and the principle. And I say room full because it was a small room and with all these people plus us and the kids... the room was full!
Anyways, we were there just about an hour. The conclusion is this:
Nathan will no longer receive OT, Occupational Therapy, as he has mastered the skills he set out to achieve in OT. He can color using more than one color and he no longer just scribbles. He can use scissors without risking a finger. His grasp has vastly improved.
Nathan will continue to receive PT to work on balance, endurance, and overall strength. He will also try and learn to kick a rolling ball as his timing is still too off to appropriately do this.
Nathan was receiving social skills classes one a month and this will get more intense and he will now receive these skill classes with the psychologist once every cycle which is once every six days. It has been noted that he is still struggling to interact, react, and behave appropriately with his peers.
Nathan will go to third grade for reading at what they call a higher tier. He was at a low tier in third grade and will just go to a higher tier which is harder instead of going to fourth grade.
They will continue to challenge him with extra work in first grade rather than move him forward a grade to 2nd. This is being done because he is struggling so much socially.
Overall we are satisfied with what has been laid out in the 504.
I know this post has little flair it is more of a quick update for those interested!
Anyways, we were there just about an hour. The conclusion is this:
Nathan will no longer receive OT, Occupational Therapy, as he has mastered the skills he set out to achieve in OT. He can color using more than one color and he no longer just scribbles. He can use scissors without risking a finger. His grasp has vastly improved.
Nathan will continue to receive PT to work on balance, endurance, and overall strength. He will also try and learn to kick a rolling ball as his timing is still too off to appropriately do this.
Nathan was receiving social skills classes one a month and this will get more intense and he will now receive these skill classes with the psychologist once every cycle which is once every six days. It has been noted that he is still struggling to interact, react, and behave appropriately with his peers.
Nathan will go to third grade for reading at what they call a higher tier. He was at a low tier in third grade and will just go to a higher tier which is harder instead of going to fourth grade.
They will continue to challenge him with extra work in first grade rather than move him forward a grade to 2nd. This is being done because he is struggling so much socially.
Overall we are satisfied with what has been laid out in the 504.
I know this post has little flair it is more of a quick update for those interested!
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