~Our fruitful fall~

Tru is growing so fast these days. We've been able to combat any growing pains with increases in stretches, and from time to time with tylenol if it's bothering her terribly. I actually witnessed her jump about 4 inches off the ground, she landed square on her bottom, lol, it was too adorable and priceless because my parents were here and seen it too. Then just yesterday, while we were all jumping on the trampoline and playing around, she said "Tre" - loud and clear. She jabbers all the time and carries on, but has a tendency to fall into a repetitive pattern that doesn't make much sense. Tre does seem to understand her though, much quicker than I do if she doesn't use sign language. A girlfriend of mine reports to me that she heard her count to 3, while I don't doubt that she can count, I've never heard it. As far as school she's continuing on with progressing this year and closer to the "lines" they have rigged for her than EVER. I'm hoping it's because of all the extra things we have been doing, but give her all the credit, even if she fights me most of the way.......lol. I don't care, so long as I get my art picture every Wednesday - that was my huge goal this year, to attend ALL the elective classes with her typical classes, we opted not to have her do art and the library cause she wasn't 'comfortable' last year, she's over it now though. She even allots me to take her shopping from time to time....I'm trying to teach her proper on that ;) Her daddy eagerly awaits the day she asks him for money, lol. And as for the diet, she's doing well eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, staying off the cows milk - soy or almond, she still has some bowel issues, but the doctor said its no surprise with the amount of cabbage she eats. We are down to only 3 gallon bags left from the garden - lol. We didn't really partake in the Halloween festivities of trick or treating - plenty of friends and family sent candy over though. We've been soaking up the last of the warm sun and enjoying the playground, awaiting the first snow fall......

~Have a Beautiful Day~

How far is too far to push the envelope?

I don't believe I tainted this blog yet with the events of the possible discrimination that Tru suffered at the hands of a private committee that was holding a big event at the local park.  Now that I have taken the proper channels for filing a complaint and the only other option at this point is to proceed forward with a criminal action filed with the U.S. Department of Justice I am faced with some doubts about pushing the envelope.

What difference could it really make?
Is it worth the time and effort?
What am I really asking for?

These are three questions I am constantly asking myself...and because we are not often presented with the opportunity to step back and REALLY THINK, I'm very aware of the power that my actions could have, so . . .

What difference could it really make?
infinite possibilities

Is it worth the time and effort?
While I did contact the Office of Civil Rights and completed the process for consideration, I was partly driven from pure rage because of the indifference, which also fueled a personal investigation - which brought me some understanding of the situation, but still doesn't constitute the behavior that was displayed that day - references to Tru's ability to play on the equipment, threats of police force, and insulted when I enforced the rights of the planned play date to be there and use the equipment at the park. (An active participant from the committee, granted the mother of two of the children "supposed rights" to use the equipment, neither of those kids displayed inabilities.) Or if we really want to drag it out, maybe it's because I'm a Mexican - and lets face it I've been out in the sun for quite awhile, and my son is just like me, and he was yelled at and singled out among the kids, and he's only 2. So is it a compound of the White Supremacy crap and narrow mindedness that has bestowed Americans with their literacy skills for centuries.......the inferior are inferior? How is this even fair? How is this acceptable and even worse the reality?

Alas I'm kind of at a loss for words when it comes to answering the last question or other proposed ones that weren't highlighted. Just ask my husband and he will confirm that this is a feat in and of itself, but the fact is...it was Tru, and is about Tru - and what she wants. So of course I can't really answer for her. The truth of the matter is that I'm such a damn good parent that I had a support system in play and a plan of action that was being executed in the first place, that even though the incident went down, Tru didn't know any better about it and was oblivious. Tre' my son, was terrified at the man screaming at him, but he's kind of shy anyways, and me well, I've dealt with discrimination about being a Mexican - I hid behind my married name, kind of shameful now that I think about it, but refused to give my husband's name when they were asking. (He was working at the time and not even present.)

What am I asking for? 

Unrealistic compassion and understanding on everyones' behalf......am I asking too much of the world? I recently asked that on Facebook, and of the hundreds of friends, only one response. "You definitely are different..." Aren't we suppose to be though? So I choose to rise about the prejudice and bias and continue to carry on with my lifestyle as I see need fit.

I'm going to keep on dreaming of an America where everyone is love and respected regardless of race, ethnicity, age, disabilities, and indifference. I know of no other way to live


~Have a Beautiful Day~

~A Lucky Little Girl~

With summer in full swing and a routine finally down pat, I've found some spare time to update this blog that I've been neglecting a bit much, along with a million other things, the only excuse that I really have is that I've been learning to fully enjoy not having to work and getting to stay home with my darling, growing children. This is personally the first summer that that I've not had a job in over 10 years, and it's taken some getting use to but it's coming along well....despite two things that were bumps in the road.

1. Tru had a couple spells were she broke out of the house....

2. There after, she jumped into our pond........TWICE

(Sparing the frightening details, she was rescued by her great uncle & the greatest neighbor in history, both times) 7 days after the 1st escape and jumping, we finished the fencing all the way around the pond, which I've wanted since before Tru was even born. And instead of just reveling in that accomplishment, Tru's daddy went out and bought her a pool, it's only waist high on her, but never the less it's another body of water I've got to keep an eye on.

Tru's rescuer swears that she was actually swimming so now she is receiving lessons in the pool, she's got the floating thing down and moving like a frog, she likes to do it face down though, scares the hell out of me, but she can hold her breath for up to 45 seconds, possibly longer but I'm never gutsy enough to let her carry on that way and I'm always snatching her up and interfering with her good times. There has always been an amazement with how well she does in the water, but I'm starting to believe that it's her calling. Can anyone say Special Olympics??? Their branch here seems to be pretty active and is always working with parent groups and the community. We've done a few things with them, but with Tru only being 6 we're still pretty new to the circuit where she can participate. The first big thing was a 5k walk, that got rained out, we certainly did have fun training for the event though.

Tru certainly is fearless, and we are looking forward to her getting to ride the roller coasters at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana - 20 mins down the road from us. She's about 2 inches too short for any of their 3 wooden roller coasters, but we certainly do enjoy the water park and water rides. Her and I are both starting to slim down with all the running about, swimming, and having a good time. It's wonderful to watch her thrive, and I feel comfortable that there will be no regression this summer has there has been in the past.

(In an effort to be more organized I've schedule more time for blogging later in the week. ; )

~Have A Beautiful Day~

Springing forth with Spring

Heaven, Phoenix, & Tru - Mesker Park Zoo
Feburary 2011

In the spirit of spring and growing, my thoughts always return to Tru. Maybe because her birthday is in March, her IEP goes on the same time, and things are growing - Tru included. She just celebrated her 6th birthday - for like 3 days, (I'm burnt out on cake). There was a class party for her, which was great - I attended and we shared some basic sign language, I was surprised to find that a couple little girls knew quite a bit & yet again taught me a few I had forgotten. There was some beautiful weather so she enjoyed lots of time outside, trampoline style, running in the yard, swinging, and stretching her legs just wandering around.

The ultimate price of spring has started with allergies, I've stocked up the nurse at school, and unfortunately she now gets drowsy from the meds and likes to nap, just when we'd gotten her stamina up to attend all day long school - this issue is up for some debate, maybe.......

Speaking of school, we just completed another wonderful annual IEP meeting. I must count myself lucky for having such a wonderful team that is truly concerned for Tru. They have some wonderfully brilliant minds that are open to input and suggestions, which is saying alot now a days. I'm getting so know her aids at school and figure out the chain of command. In the spirit of trying to be helpful and include the structure program that Tru is in 70% of the time, I provided cupcakes for their snack in honor of Tru's birthday. Those ladies in there certainly have their hands full, but do a wonderful job of keeping track of things. I'm sure they will all enjoy their spring break. Which is where we stand now......

It's sunny outside but there is still a chill in the air, so only a short trip outside today - which will be just enough to piss Tru off - and make her nose start running again, not to mention that her brother has an ear infection - refuses to wear a hat and is currently sporting a mohawk =) The timing of spring break and sickness seem to coincide around here. Good thing I always plan stay- cations, hehe. We've got our Zoo passes, a trip to pump it up, and of course just enjoy our own personal slice of paradise and personal playgroups, so it's gonna be just going with the flow. Thank goodness for good friends and family that help me to help Tru be nurtured and develop.

We are introducing the Go Talk+9 this spring break ,and the school has written a grant proposal to purchase one, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this really takes off and is the missing piece for her to express herself. We shall see....Tru has actually gone off to her memaw's and papaw's house since I started this bit

So I suppose I should get down to some cleaning - and sorting through the toys, the plan is to organize things and get photos and voice commands recorded with the equipment when it arrives, for the Go Talk+9, I've narrowed down the activitys now it's just a matter of taking a good photo for the button on it, lol

~Havea beautiful day~

"She's changing, into her own little person" - an abservant source -

(old frames in photo)

Well Tru has her new glasses, we stuck with the MiraFlex frames. I highly recommend them for durability, they aren't the most attractive depending on the size needed, but the company really works with you. http://miraflex.info/contact.html

Tru's next pair of glasses is free because we were the first customers to request these type of frames, and the second. She's just growing so quickly. With her 6th birthday quickly approaching she is quickly shooting up to over four foot tall. I'm only five-three, on a good day. I am counting my lucky stars she isn't violent cause she'd probably put a hurting on someone. She's very stout and her strength amazes me at times, then worries me. Her odd growth pattern is wrecking hell on her. Her legs get really taunt and stiff, and her arms . . . she seems to forget they are so long & is constantly running into things. She is running though. Full force for short distances, depending on the goal. We are still working on the jumping, slowly. We are in desperate need of warmer weather, but won't dwell on those thoughts now.

We've been working on getting together Tru's valentine's. She has gotten through 12 cards so far, painted or colored in each one. (She's not really expressing interest in writing, like her 2 year old brother, but she does enjoy coloring to some up beat tunes.) I also intend to have her help stuff the bags, with home baked cookies and treats, stickers, the whole busy routine, she keeps subjecting herself to it now, lol.... It's been nice since there has been snow days and freezing temperatures. She was going a little stir crazy there for awhile. This morning she was a little upset about getting on the bus, the bus driver mentioned the snow and ice build up might be what the fuss was about - I'm guessing she's correct cause she was all smiles once she was on the bus and buckled in.

So this quiet moment in the house will be over soon when the terrorist 2 year old awakes. Gonna sneak some television time in, that isn't the sprout channel or nick jr. =)

~Have a Beautiful Day~

Where has the time gone?

With Christmas break in full swing and all the big family events over, it's so lovely to just sit around and enjoy the kids. Tru did wonderful at the Christmas parties, and several times I found myself telling my son Tre' to be more like his sister, Tru and behave. She is a miracle and continues to amaze me every day. She is starting to become more vocal, and making sense. She's continuing to sign at home and it's starting to pick up in the school setting, I'm not sure what the delay has been but recent reports are promising. She's has really thinned out in the last couple months and we are going back to a lactouse free diet to hopefully clear up some bowel irregularities. But all in all 2010 has been a wonderful year and we are excited to see what 2011 has to bring to us.
2005, Tru's first Christmas

Schaefer Christmas 2010

Falling in with the time change

With the change of the season and time, there is always a bit of an adjustment period around our house. (It probably doesn't help that renovations are slowly coming together) The leaves falling off the trees really does Tru Legacy in. I've fooled her into taking her Benadryl, this is a very big victory for me cause after she got her second set of tubes she stopped being good at taking meds. Many a times she'd spit it back out ~ I wish I could transfer the want to spit meds out to a want to spit the mucus that is draining down her throat and out her nose, in the past month she's been on two different antibiotic treatments. The only way we can get her to take ANYTHING is to mix it with Snack Pac chocolate pudding, & it can't be sugar free. That kid knows the difference. She also refuses to eat wheat pasta, doesn't matter the amount of cheese or sauce I smother it in.

I thought I would share this link, I found it to be very helpful - http://www.kcdsg.org/files/content/Explaining%20Privacy%20and%20Sexuality.pdf

before I jump into the next topic.

Tru is starting to go into that "self-exploratory" stage and I'm truly at odds on what to do. We are usually able to redirect her attention to another activity, but I caught her in her room the other day. In her defense she did have her bedroom door closed, but I'm just unsure about how I'm suppose to react. I helped her wash her hands and just redirected her to hang out with me in the living room and color. I've spoken to her pediatrician and he tells me that since she is at risk for early puberty anyways, that I need to find away to deal with it. (He was much more kind in his wording, but as usual he was encouraging of the job that I am doing with her and his amazement he takes in all her accomplishments - is like a solidifying nail that I really am doing a good job.)

Now THEN

I just can't believe how quickly time is passing, it seems like just yesterday I was bringing her home and passing her around to family and friends in this living room, so many couches, end tables, and TVs have come and gone since then =) I think the only original piece is the computer and the multi-picture frame that holds Tru Legacy's pics from when she was 2 weeks old, and even those have been updated over time.

Change is good though and the memories that we have acquired along the way are worth all the time and effort.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

God's cake...

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation.
Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother howeverything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.' 'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter. 'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!' 'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?' 'Mom, those are all yucky!' To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! ' God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. If you like this, send this on to the people you really care about. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

~Time for an upgrade~

Well, my darling son has lost all but like 3 of Tru's PEC magnets and as I was finding newer pictures and upgrading her PEC communication, I found a wonderful site with a pictionary dictionary. Tru's speech therapist and I talked about it before the summer started and I did formulate a small pec book with 4 signs, but in the book form Tru just chewed the pages. In a book format she just didn't take to it. So I guess I'm going to make two sets of magnets, one for home and one for school. (That's the goal today~ right after the dishes.) I might have to go buy some more magnet thingys, but I found an awesome site for pictures. Hopefully this doesn't bite me in the __ cause Tru's old PECs was made from pictures I cut out of magazines cause I didn't have a printer - - -now that I think about it I don't even think I have any ink in my printer - - - Here's the site though before I go further off track.

http://www.pdictionary.com/english/browse.php?bm=6&db=pd

The pictures are pretty generic and Tru does have a tendency to be particular but my hope is that because they are in the same place as the old ones that she's going to make an effort to work with them. I only have 3 of her original pecs the ones for eye glasses, daddy, & brushing her teeth, which is becoming quite a chore.......ugh... but I'm going to finish a set of six for the school and then personalize all the home ones and new things I want to introduce her to. The school has been working really hard with signs and she humors them, never lets on all that she knows. They do wonderful work with her though and she's always eager to get on the bus and smiling when she gets off the bus.

Ok, well, promised the golden boy~Tre' that I would color a picture with him. Then the dishes. I swear.....sometime.

~Have a Beautiful day~

[Unemployed again, so I'm back]

Yet again, several months in between my posts, something things can not be helped. But in all honesty I've really had nothing to write about. Tru Legacy is one of the most happy and healthy kids I know, she just won't talk, she has the ability to, I know she does cause I am her mother and hear it and encourage it and will hold out till she uses some form of words or sign. And it's finally paying off. Tru is in Kindergarten now, working with the teachers as asked, using her signs, completing tasks. She thoroughly enjoys her integrated class times. And everyone that has a say in Tru's education respects my opinion and thinks I've done a wonderful job raising her. So not much to report.......except;

POTTY SUCCESS-
Tru finally went #2 on the potty!! (Yes, I am excited over shite) Bless my adoring husband Scottie Lee, he caught her before she went in her diaper a couple weeks ago and got her on the potty in time. It's renewed my efforts personally - And I have had a couple #1 success since then, so it's still a work in progress. Just like everything else in life.

EAR ISSUES -
I know I've mentioned it before, but Tru has the tiniest ear canals. She is currently on her second set of tubes. And it looks like those are going to have to be removed and a new set put in, right on schedule. Tubes only last her about 18 months, but will not fall out on their own, she gets (figure the misspelling) polyps, growth of scar/fat tissue over the opening of the tubes.Her ears are draining some nasty crud, and they tell me that it's normal and all is well. And most of the time Tru doesn't seem to be in discomfort. When the drainage is really heavy, she does mess with her ears, but the real trick of finding out if her ears really hurt her is to brush her hair and fix it up.

That's our standardized test for getting to stay home because of her ears. Shhh.... don't tell her that. She pulled a quick one on me in the second week of kindergarten. She fussed and whined for her aides and the nurses. I went and picked her up and the moment I walked through the nurse's door - Tru was smiling and started to sign for play, book, song, eat, all at once. At home she was a delight and was fine. Even got along and played with her brother. My dad was never so pleased that Tru pulled on over on mom. I've wised up though =)

~Have a Beautiful Day~

**2010**

~General Update~

It's been so long since I've posted, so I apologize in advance for the long post. So many great things have happened since the last post. Tru is thriving in school. Her concentration is starting to really improve. She'll sit down for a task and complete it, even if it takes 20 minutes!, this may not sound like much to some, but for us it is a great accomplishment. Her trunk strength is slowly increasing. Just this morning she climbed into a Blazer, which I have problems getting into sometimes, so I'm very pleased that we got the trampoline for Christmas. It's too cold now, but I just know that this summer she's going to love it and that it'll help her continue to increase her strength. She's growing up so fast. She's learning and continue to amazes me everyday. I'm very proud of how she adjusted to her baby brother. We seldom have the terrible meltdowns that followed Tre's birth. Tru is learning to deal with her frustration, we still get some head banging when she doesn't get her way, but practicing breathing exercises with her has really helped. The teachers at her Headstart finally got an aide for her approved. It's always so slow when I have to rely on the school system-whom provided the aide, after the Headstart teachers kept pushing & I threatened to talk to the superintendent. (I SOOO fear the end of this school year and what's next to come, we'll save that for another post though). We're still trying to potty train, she'll go a little most of the time, but she won't come and tell me, or sign, that she has to go, instead she comes to me when she's done and whines. I've tried keeping record and come up with the schedule of taking her every 1 1/2 hours to every 2 hours. We're gonna keep trying and that's her goal for 2010 - even if she doesn't want to do it. The Speech therapist and teachers are all enforcing the sign "potty" and thoroughly talking to her about it, so we shall see........

~My Personal Christmas Wish WAS Granted~

All I every wanted from the time Tru was first diagnosed was to understand what was going on and going to become of my precious lil' girl. That's when I found a support group on Yahoo, with amazing people who are my closest and most inspiring of my extended family to date. A group of dedicated parents, myself included, had enough will power and drive to start a non-profit for people just like my baby girl. Well rite before Christmas we got the acceptance letter that grants the non-profit 501(c)3 status. I couldn't think of a better Christmas wish and felt so much joy I jumped up and down and did a little jig in front of my computer as I read the e-mail. It's amazing what can be accomplished now a days with communication technology =) .....just a thought, but so very true.....

~Have a Beautiful Day~

The Beginning of a New School Year

Well things are certainly just flying by me and I'm too busy to even notice. I am grateful for that though. Tru had a wonderful time at the conference and I enjoyed myself more then expected. It's wonderful to have a group of people that understand everything that is going on. It's great. I am so very proud of Tru. She has been well behaved the entire summer, specially since Tre' was all up in her face, and continues to be. . . to the point that he's been getting timeouts for being too over zealous in play with her. I believe she is truly learning to love him though, I caught them playing and tried to snap a picture and Tru caught me and shoved Tre' out of her way. So I try to play off like I'm not paying any attention to them with the camera by my side, but they usually end up taking it from me and fill my memory with odd angles, which is cute and my excuse as to why I don't take pictures like I promised myself that I would. I did get some of Tru's first day though. She was such a big girl. She got on the bus by herself and sat in her seat like a pro. The teachers say that she does well in class, there is still some frustration with verbal communication, but I am hopeful that she'll get across to them some how. This week we are doing all the annual exam visits that are required by the head start, yesterday was the eye doctor and she did amazing, I wasn't thrilled with the service but hopeful the outcome benefits Tru better when the new glasses come in. Tomorrow is the dentist, and then Thursday we are popping in meeting with the new Ped. Dr. that has joined the office since our normal doctor is booked and it's really more of a practical paper signature that I need, it's not 'important' per say, but then again it is cause the head start requires it. I'm glad she is adjusting to going back to school, and going to bed early =) She has even gotten in the habit of peeing on the potty before going to bed. Still working on the timing through out the rest of the day and trying to migrate the potty from the bathtub to the bathroom floor, but no luck there so for now it stays in the tub, blessed be the garden size tubs, lol.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

The Conference is only 4 DAY AWAY

I can't believe that it will starting this weekend. I'm looking forward to some girl time with Tru. (get away from that trouble making brother of hers) I fear that being home all summer is taking its toll on her. I guess next year she's gonna have to do a daycare of some sort to get keep her in a good mood. It's not her ears bothers her, other then her natural aversion to loud sounds, I'm pretty sure it's just missing being around other kids her own age and away from home, my little birdie just wants out of the nest, lol. I wonder if it could be her glasses, she's broken them again cause she kept taking them off, which she never did there for the longest time, good thing the eye doctor appointment is coming up. She was suppose to go this week, but it got rescheduled.

I can't wait till this weekend. She usually does pretty good in the car. So long as we have our tunes and someone can hand her what she needs. I can't wait to see her with all the other kids and in the pool where her feet can't touch. I haven't taken her to the public pool this year because we got a Walmart special for here. She's floating in that one, but she knows that she can touch the bottom and her head still be above water. The swimsuit has the built in life vest, but I don't know how well it's going to work. I'll find out soon enough I guess. I promise to get lots of pictures.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

Summer Sun

Things have been good. Tru does seem to be missing school. She's a very happy little girl right now since Daddy is home from work for awhile. We bought her nice size pool this year since she has to share with her brother and I. She didn't forget how to float from last summer. She's out of the float riders and into a suit with a built in life jacket. It's the new summer attire for her when she's outside because of the pond. She's also figured out how to get out of the fence. She's is so very clever.

Tru has been talking more. No sentences, but she just blurts out words sometimes. The most recent new word I've heard her say is awesome, which is AWESOME (guess it's easy enough to figure out where she picked that up from) I had asked her if she wanted more cookies, lol. . . Food is a good bribery tool with her. We've switched to the 100 calories cookie snacks.

She has been holding her ears and having more notable crying fits. Good thing she is going in for a check up on July 6th. I'm thinking the tubes may have fallen out and she's getting a build up again.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

~Back on track~

Well, Tru has had her EEG and Tubes put into her ears. The EEG came back normal, so that's a big weight off my shoulders. The tubes have helped her so much already, her balance is imporved so much & some of her behaviors have subsided. She isn't screaming as much, mostly because I think she can hear herself. She's stopped banging her head all the time. She still does it when she's really tired and fighting sleep. I'm hoping in the next couple of weeks that her speech will start picking up. She was out of school for two weeks when the tubes were put in and then there was the winter break, so I'm happy to report that she was ready and willing to go back to school today. She was so well behaved at the bus stop this morning. She listened when I told her to wait until the bus stopped to load up & walked up the three steps, holding onto the railing, with very little help. It's amazing the differences I see in her already. She is kissing her brother every day now, upon request. She will even crawl up in bed with us and watch tv. She still has a bunch more doctor appointment to verfiy exactly how well she is hearing. They could tell that she was hear the octatives that didn't register before, but we have to go to the Easter Seals Clinic for more in depth observation. I'll try to keep this up dated a little better then I did last month, my computer had a virus and it took me forever to fix it.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

**Moving right along**

Well, now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over, the IEP is done, doctor appointments are scheduled for the month of December, Tru's gotten her new full strength glasses, school fund raising is winding down till the spring, & I'm caught up with my online class I can tell everyone what Tru's new Individual Education Plan is.

We are taking a step backwards in hopes that it will make the next few steps forward easier. They are wanting her to FULLY complete tasks, (i.e. putting all the blocks away,helping clean up toys, remain at the activities center the entire time, which is only like 15 minutes.) Verbalizing at least 10 times a day (that means not giving her what she wants until she talks, I'm sure it's going to be fun) Learn to approach other children in a friendly manner, sit and listen to a book for ten minutes, communicate her wants and needs through signs,words, pecs whatever she is more comfortable with (that means everyone else has to be a little more observant, lol, she communicates more then they are giving her credit for you just have to be a tune with her.), walk up five steps, scribble to fill a 1/2 page 50% of the time. She does most of these things for me already, but I have to help her 75% of the time. I know she knows how to do it, it's just a matter of doing it every day on a consistent basis.

Other then that, school is wonderful for her. She participated in a short play. She was a maiden and shook a bottle with rice in it. She had to be cued by her friend and the teacher had to encourage her to stop, but it was adorable. I forgot my camera though, sorry no pictures. She was cute in her plaid skirt, white polyester shirt, and lace apron. Needless to say she was hot & was ready to get out of the thing at the end of the 20 minute performance.

One more note, Tru has been chasing my indoor dog. Lucky, that's the dog, has always been good with her. He is a chihuahua/rat terrier mix, really small. She follows him around the house, either crawls or walks behind him. This is a great thing. She use to just touch him and go about her own merry way, but now she is interested in what he's doing and won't leave him alone. Lucky eats it up though. lol. It's a sight the two of them.

~Have a wonderful day~

Mom's Movie Day

Well, I finally got to go on my first field trip with Tru. I was so worried she wasn't going to enjoy herself, just like the Halloween party we held, but I was so very wrong. She sat through the entire movie except for the last 10-15 minutes. WHAT A SUCCESS! No screaming or yelling, she just sat there eating her popcorn and drinking her sweet tea. If I must say so myself, she was better behaved then some of the other kids. We didn't go with the rest of the class to eat McDonald's though. I took her to the park for awhile and enjoyed it being just me and her. We had the run of the merry-go-round, which delighted her to no end.

I don't think I have mentioned it before on the blog, but we are trying a product called the Miracle Belt. Right now she only wears it for 15-30 minutes a day 5-6 times a day. It really seems to be helping her some, even when she's not wearing it, I can see some improvement in her over all, already & it's only been a couple of days since she started wearing it. Basically what it is, is an extra 2 1/2 pounds centered around her waist in the front. It doesn't bother her when I put it on or take it off, so we're keeping to it.

Another IEP meeting is planned for next week. It'll be interesting to see where Tru is at on the curve now. I'm sure it's still isn't up to the expectations of others, but I'm very proud of her and how far she has come. I praise all accomplishments no matter how big or small. Tru's teacher is the same way, she really is wonderful with her. The entire staff is. Which makes me wonder if I didn't get 'accidentally on purpose' to speak with the review and compliance board, next week, about the services offered at Tru's school.

Which brings us to Tru's glasses. She has adjusted well to them and has another eye appointment next week also. The glasses that she currently wears 95% of the time aren't as strong as they should be, so the doctor may up the strength on the lens. This would be good because Tru came home from school on Thursday with her glasses all scratched up and a scratch on her nose and underneath it. Their wasn't a viable explanation offered & Tru can't tell me so.........hmmmmm.

~Have a Beautiful Day~

ABR TEST RESULTS

Well, we've made yet another "successful" trip to the Riley's Children's Hospital. This successful trip determined that Tru could possible have fluid on her ear drum, which would explain her balance being off, possible headaches, and her all around crappy attitude some of the time. So. . .yet again. I am waiting for another phone call to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, to check for fluid & if there is no fluid, get some drops to help clear her ear wax better. (She has such tiny little ear canals.) So we wait to make another trip.

Can you find Tru and her new friend? They're in there somewhere.

Other than that, Tru finally got to meet some kids with the same deletion syndrome as her. She played with them a little, but they weren't as mobile as her, yet. . .they are getting there though., so she mostly played outside with older children. I was so ecstatic to finally get to meet parents that have dealt with the same things as me. I simply couldn't wait for the conference in 2009, so a few of us from the support group, who live close together, got together. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! Everyone needs a few people who they can relate to. I was told that Tru was an inspiration for one mother, whose son was just starting to walk. . .(could of fooled me cause he was cruising all over and being very adventurous going from one piece of furniture to another. ) It really meant a lot to hear those words. It was like finally being acknowledge for all the hard work and struggles Tru has done and accomplished. I was inspired by another kids' and their communication skills, so verbal and using sooo many signs. (I am so very thankful for meeting such awesome women too.)

Well, let's just make this one long drawn out post to wrap every thing up for the friends & family. Who knows the next time I'll get a chance to post. I'm busy from the time I get up, right into my sleep. (Tre's still not sleeping through the night, uh. . .)

I had my first parent teacher conference & have nothing but positive wonderful things to say about that place. I'm dreading the coming summer when she won't be able to attend & even worse, next year if she doesn't qualify to even go there. AGH.... The teachers are great though & I'm throughly convince that Tru loves her teacher, just as much as me. . .not as much as daddy or either set of her grandparents, but as much as me. Which is wonderful cause she has done wonders working with her. Tru is following simple commands, her behavior is better, awesome really, and she just seems happier more of the time now. I guess I wasn't challenging her enough here at home. I've been told she will go up the slide by herself and go down all by herself. I can't wait to see her do it, along with pedaling her bicycle they rigged up with Velcro. I 'll take pictures. Until the next time I have some peace and quiet. . . . . . . .

~Have a beautiful day~

Visit to Riley's Children's Hospital

Well everything went smoothly on our trip to Riley's this year. No getting lost the the bad parts of town. Tru and Tre' were both well behaved in the back seat on the way up and back. No screaming fits or crying. The visit with the doctor was good. They couldn't get an ABR test scheduled for that day, so I'm waiting for them to call, if they don't call by the end of the week, I'm calling them. I did tell them about my concern about Tru having headache. Since she has gotten her glasses them seem to have subsided, but she still gets them every now and then. I feel so bad for her when they bother her. She just puts her little hand either on the side of her head or on her forehead, depending on what type of headache it is I guess. I wish she could tell me so I knew for sure. The doctor said that they could put her on a daily medication that would stop the headaches all together, but at what cost I wonder. I told her if the headaches every started occurring daily, we would revisit that issue but until then. . . every time she gets a headache, she gets a dose of Tylenol, and I lay with her in a dark room and hold her close to me. At school , the plan is to let her lay down in the isolation room without the lights on and have one of the ladies sit with her & comfort her. If it doesn't improve in an hour or so, I would come and get her. It hasn't come to that though. Like I said the glasses have really improved the symptoms. I'm keeping track of it now & the teacher haven't mentioned anything to me yet, so we carry on. . .

~Have a great Day~

So much is going on, ; )

Tomorrow is picture day for Tru! Her class is the most adorable group EVER! I finally got to go in and volunteer last Wednesday. Tru seemed to be having a blast, so much fun in fact, they I was cramping her style. She didn't want to be around me, she was too busy for mommy. I ended up helping her teacher by making BINGO cards, I'm still not done with them. : b Let's see then there was the Parent Group meeting we went to. Well, Tru didn't go, she could have they did offer babysitting services, which is awesome! It's a really great group, we've only met one time, but I was appointed president, so I'm holding out high hopes for it. They've got a lot of great things planned for the kids that the group helps pay for, so there's gonna be lots of fundraisers we're holding. I interacted with one of the mom's last year, she's the one who nominated me, " I think Tru's mom would be good at it."lol That's what all the kids at the center call me, "Tru's mom" I never do get tired of hearing it though. I've fallen off the beaten path though. . . There are some really great field trips planned. On Oct. 17th they are holding the Daddy's Field Trip. The Daddy's are gonna take them to the Museum in Owensboro. Scottie lee has already put in for the day off, even though there is a possibility that he'll already be off. He wants me to go with them, but I figure it's the Daddy's field trip for a reason, so I hate to say it put I'm not going with them, even though I would really like to, but in all probability I will end up going, The school is having it's fall festival on Oct. 10th, I've volunteered to paint faces : b

Wednesday, we have a doctor's appointment at Riely's Children's Hospital. They changed our time on us too. It was 9 in the morning and now it's 1 in the afternoon, agh... It's not for anything major, just a check up, but I do so ever hate the flippin' drive. My mother is attending with me, so at least I'll have an extra set of hands, which I'll need for Tre'. We're taking her vehicle which means more space too, so YEAH! I'll let cha'll know how it goes.

~Have a Beautiful Day~