We met Lindsay's new PT today. We loved her previous PT, but she took a job to be closer to her home. Who could blame her?
The new PT has a 37 year old brother who has Down syndrome. He lives independently with some roommates, but has people check in on them. The thing that struck me the most was the story of his birth. His mother had no idea that he had Down syndrome. After birth the doctor told her that he was a mongoloid and suggested that he be starved to death. Luckily, she found support in another person who encouraged her to keep him.
It is astonishing that this was the attitude only 37 years ago. I could never imagine giving Lindsay up or letting something bad happen to her just because she wasn't "perfect". The thought never even entered my mind after her diagnosis. Dan and I can't imagine our life without Lindsay.
Friday, July 31, 2009
3 Strikes
We have not had the best luck this week.
On Sunday while Dan was mowing, the mower threw a rock into my van's side window and shattered it. It was pretty easy to replace, but still!
On Tuesday, the battery died in my van. Luckily the kids and I were at home. Goodbye $120.
Yesterday, I was going to heat Alex's lunch in the microwave. Everything seemed to look okay. It was making noise, the lights were on, and it dinged when it was finished, except it was stone cold. We have a built-in microwave so you know it won't be cheap to replace.
That's our third mini-disaster this week, so I think I'm finished. It's someone else's turn!
On Sunday while Dan was mowing, the mower threw a rock into my van's side window and shattered it. It was pretty easy to replace, but still!
On Tuesday, the battery died in my van. Luckily the kids and I were at home. Goodbye $120.
Yesterday, I was going to heat Alex's lunch in the microwave. Everything seemed to look okay. It was making noise, the lights were on, and it dinged when it was finished, except it was stone cold. We have a built-in microwave so you know it won't be cheap to replace.
That's our third mini-disaster this week, so I think I'm finished. It's someone else's turn!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It's Working!
Don't you love it when all of the training you put into your kids pays off.
Alex put his dishes in the dishwasher twice today with no prompting from me.
Go Alex!
Alex put his dishes in the dishwasher twice today with no prompting from me.
Go Alex!
"Hi"
Taking Lindsay out is so much fun. I used to be very self-conscious about it, thinking everyone was staring. But now, I don't care. There are still people that do a double take at Lindsay, but it doesn't bother me.
Lindsay loves her fans and she thinks everyone is a fan. We walk down store aisles together with her waving and yelling "hi" to everyone who passes by. Most people instantly respond back with a "hi", but watch out if you don't. She is persistent. She will continue to yell "hi" until you respond and it gets louder and louder each time. Once she gets a "hi" she'll move on to the next person.
It's very different from Alex who used to hide behind my legs when anyone talked to him.
Lindsay loves her fans and she thinks everyone is a fan. We walk down store aisles together with her waving and yelling "hi" to everyone who passes by. Most people instantly respond back with a "hi", but watch out if you don't. She is persistent. She will continue to yell "hi" until you respond and it gets louder and louder each time. Once she gets a "hi" she'll move on to the next person.
It's very different from Alex who used to hide behind my legs when anyone talked to him.
Just Because
Random pictures I've taken from the last week or so.
Yes, we are matching our outfits for church. Notice
the cheesy grin Lindsay is now giving for pictures.
Lindsay let Papaw hold her for awhile. Progress!!!
Lindsay loves playing with this baby's hair.
Lindsay made this mess, but she also cleaned it up (with
help).
Cuddly kids
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Splash Pad
We went to the Kannapolis Splash Pad and had
a great time.
It was the perfect place for Lindsay to play without me following her around. It was fenced in and impossible for her to drown.
Don't mind the two random kids in this picture.
Our friends, Ivey and Bailey
Clapping...a favorite pasttime.
We also played on the playground.
Lindsay didn't enjoy the train ride. It was
too loud!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hearing Test
This morning, I took Lindsay for her semi-annual hearing test. I should be thankful that the only health issues we have had with her are vision and hearing. But, man I hate the hearing test.
It usually involves me restraining her hands with one hand and holding her head against my chest so the audiologist can test her ears. She wiggles, cries, and kicks her legs in protest. However, today she did a great job. She protested a little, but it was much improved from the last time.
Then, I get to hold her the same way while she has an ear piece inserted into her ear, which she doesn't like at all. The test can't begin until she is quiet and still. Yeah, right! And everytime she moves or makes a noise, we have to start over. It is torture. However, today we got to skip this test!
Then there is the hearing booth. I have to sit with her in my lap while she listens for different sounds coming from the speakers. She doesn't mind it if there is music playing, but once the tones come, it gets really boring for her. She turns around and plays with my face and gives me a kiss. Or she might take her shoes off and suck on her toes. Fun stuff! However, today she did a great job. She only gave me one kiss and mostly did what she was supposed to do.
She passed her test! Normal range is between 0-20 and the audiologist got her to score consistently at a 10.
We have always told everyone that she can hear. She may have a very slight hearing loss, but nothing that should affect anything. So, we are done with another hearing test. We'll look forward to another one in December.
It usually involves me restraining her hands with one hand and holding her head against my chest so the audiologist can test her ears. She wiggles, cries, and kicks her legs in protest. However, today she did a great job. She protested a little, but it was much improved from the last time.
Then, I get to hold her the same way while she has an ear piece inserted into her ear, which she doesn't like at all. The test can't begin until she is quiet and still. Yeah, right! And everytime she moves or makes a noise, we have to start over. It is torture. However, today we got to skip this test!
Then there is the hearing booth. I have to sit with her in my lap while she listens for different sounds coming from the speakers. She doesn't mind it if there is music playing, but once the tones come, it gets really boring for her. She turns around and plays with my face and gives me a kiss. Or she might take her shoes off and suck on her toes. Fun stuff! However, today she did a great job. She only gave me one kiss and mostly did what she was supposed to do.
She passed her test! Normal range is between 0-20 and the audiologist got her to score consistently at a 10.
We have always told everyone that she can hear. She may have a very slight hearing loss, but nothing that should affect anything. So, we are done with another hearing test. We'll look forward to another one in December.
"What can I do now?"
I have a very clever boy.
At the beginning of the summer, I told Alex that every time he said, "I'm bored," he would have to pull 20 weeds.
He's a quick learner.
His new favorite phrase is "What can I do now?"
New words, same idea.
At the beginning of the summer, I told Alex that every time he said, "I'm bored," he would have to pull 20 weeds.
He's a quick learner.
His new favorite phrase is "What can I do now?"
New words, same idea.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Goodwill
I've never been a Goodwill shopper. A heavy donator, but not a shopper...until today.
Jackpot!!!
A new Goodwill opened so we thought we'd check it out. We got Alex stocked up on jeans for the next year at least. I got a couple of jeans and shorts for Lindsay, but it was Alex who really made out. Considering how rough he is on his jeans, I don't anticipate ever shopping at a store other than Goodwill for them.
Jackpot!!!
A new Goodwill opened so we thought we'd check it out. We got Alex stocked up on jeans for the next year at least. I got a couple of jeans and shorts for Lindsay, but it was Alex who really made out. Considering how rough he is on his jeans, I don't anticipate ever shopping at a store other than Goodwill for them.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Chase and Lindsay
Today Lindsay got to play with her friend Chase.
Chase reading a book to Lindsay.
Lindsay showing the love.
"Why is this girl always on me?"
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hilton Head
Dan and I just got back from annual trip with his company. This year we went to Hilton Head for 3 and a half days of no kids and no responsibilities. We slept in, ate well, and went to bed late. It was heaven. We went on a dolphin sight seeing trip.
Once captain found a dolphin we stalked it by following it around while people took pictures. It was very touristy, but fun and relaxing.
It's a Cruel, Cruel World
I took my kids and neighbors to a park for a fun morning of play. Everyone was having a lot of fun until I went back to the car to find one of the doors to my van ajar. My purse was gone. It was pretty much my fault. Of course, I didn't force anyone to commit the crime, but I knew one of the locks on the van had been acting funny and I should have double checked it.
What I lost:
-purse (backpack style--completely out of fashion, but very practical when chasing Lindsay around)
-wallet with $7, license, bank card and one credit card
-camera (second one stolen within a year--very frustrating, however I had just downloaded all the pictures onto disc so it wasn't a complete lost)
-phone--with everyone's numbers
-coupon book--lost months and months of coupons
-all of my store cards--I was 2 punches away from getting free stuff from the teacher store
-misc. mommy stuff--sanitizer, bandaides, neosporin...
I immediately went to the bank and no one had used my bank card. They didn't use my credit card. Basically they didn't get much, but it was extremely inconvenient for me considering we were going out of town the next day.
My neighbor was awesome and really helped me out. She let me use her cell phone so I could call Dan on the way home and she watched the kids while I went to the DMV to get a new license.
Lesson learned: always lock your valuables up.
What I lost:
-purse (backpack style--completely out of fashion, but very practical when chasing Lindsay around)
-wallet with $7, license, bank card and one credit card
-camera (second one stolen within a year--very frustrating, however I had just downloaded all the pictures onto disc so it wasn't a complete lost)
-phone--with everyone's numbers
-coupon book--lost months and months of coupons
-all of my store cards--I was 2 punches away from getting free stuff from the teacher store
-misc. mommy stuff--sanitizer, bandaides, neosporin...
I immediately went to the bank and no one had used my bank card. They didn't use my credit card. Basically they didn't get much, but it was extremely inconvenient for me considering we were going out of town the next day.
My neighbor was awesome and really helped me out. She let me use her cell phone so I could call Dan on the way home and she watched the kids while I went to the DMV to get a new license.
Lesson learned: always lock your valuables up.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Aaarg!
I have been giving Alex $5 a week for spending money
this summer. He gets to choose what to spend it
on. This morning he decided to buy a pirate kit
at the dollar store.
Isn't he scary?
Play Date
One of the best things about summer is that we have more time to play
with our friends the Bondurants.
Lindsay and Stella are showing the love.
Alex and Zak made a mess with their ice cream.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy 4th
Hope everyone had a good 4th of July. We had a cookout at the park, went to the festival, and watched fireworks.
Dan and Alex rode the slide.
Alex dunked the mayor of Harrisburg 2 times!
Lindsay loves to swing.
We played putt-putt at the park.
Alex played his guitar with the band.
Alex loved the fireworks.
Lindsay's first hair cut
Lindsay received her first hair cut compliments of her daddy.
Alex and I were at the park watching the fireworks when, at home, Lindsay got a small round brush stuck in her hair. Long story short, Dan had to cut it out of her hair.
She now has her part on the other side of her head. Only a few strands stick up. It really isn't that noticeable, but I imagined her first hair cut going a little differently.
Alex and I were at the park watching the fireworks when, at home, Lindsay got a small round brush stuck in her hair. Long story short, Dan had to cut it out of her hair.
She now has her part on the other side of her head. Only a few strands stick up. It really isn't that noticeable, but I imagined her first hair cut going a little differently.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
"Gimme 20"
Last summer, Alex learned the phrase "I'm bored". It has taken 3 weeks, but it's back!
Yesterday, while Dan and I were cleaning up the yard, cooking for the 4th, and feeding Lindsay, Alex decided that he was bored.
So, I decided that each time Alex said he was bored, he would have to pick 20 weeks from the yard--for something to do. I guess he didn't believe that I would make him do it so he tested me.
I told him to put his shoes on and I'd see him again when he had 20 weeds. I was really surprised that he didn't fight me on it.
10 minutes later, he had a bucket full of weeds.
Success??
Yes, I'd have to say so. I got some weeds pulled from the yard and Alex hasn't said he is bored again--yet.
Yesterday, while Dan and I were cleaning up the yard, cooking for the 4th, and feeding Lindsay, Alex decided that he was bored.
So, I decided that each time Alex said he was bored, he would have to pick 20 weeks from the yard--for something to do. I guess he didn't believe that I would make him do it so he tested me.
I told him to put his shoes on and I'd see him again when he had 20 weeds. I was really surprised that he didn't fight me on it.
10 minutes later, he had a bucket full of weeds.
Success??
Yes, I'd have to say so. I got some weeds pulled from the yard and Alex hasn't said he is bored again--yet.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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