Friday, July 31, 2009

Times have changed...thank goodness!

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.

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!

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!

"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.

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.