Buddy Walk - Retropost - Oct 12

 Well, I’m behind – and going to try again to catch up. So, you’ll probably be seeing a few "retroposts" from me for the month of October. I really want to catch up so we can share what we did TODAY! We were part of an awesome event with our homeschool group and I can’t wait to share pictures! More later.

On Oct 12, we attended our local Buddy Walk. We went to our first one last year. I remember not knowing what it would be like and not really knowing many people. We went anyway and I am so glad that we did. This year, we were all very excited to go. Our local group does an awesome job in putting on the event! So many things going on and not nearly enough time to do it all!

We arrived and checked in – receiving a goody bag and t-shirt to wear. I was amazed by the size of the event. There was a very large tent with tables for eating lunch. There were games and rides for the children, clowns, face painting, booths with information and goodies and more!

There was various entertainment – including a drum group with one member being a young man with Down syndrome. The highlight of the day was Rachel from Signing Time! She was there with Alex and Leah to perform a variety of songs. We had front row seats and loved the entire show!

If you aren’t familiar with these DVDs, please check them out here. The company was started by a mom (Rachel) to help teach others signs. She was motivated to help her daughter was was born deaf. She in turn is helping many other families to be able to better communicate! While Eliana does have a couple of words, she has many, many more signs! This is a fabulous way for all of us to learn to communicate with her. As a family – we are sold!!!

After the show was the walk. It was a short walk around the grounds on a paved path. Last year Eliana was in a stroller. This year, I carried her and then decided she could probably do part of the walk herself.

My favorite part of the walk is the signs. There are signs all along the walk with pictures of children with Down syndrome. We bought one for Eliana this year which she found interesting.

This is the picture that we used for her sign.

 We were thrilled to be joined by some dear friends at this year’s walk. We’d love to have more of you join us next year. It really is a neat time of celebrating a special group of people. Last year, I remember just crying at seeing all of the beautiful faces of other children with Down syndrome. Having spent much of the first 10 months of Eliana’s life at home, we hadn’t gotten out much. I am thankful for the support we have here locally – and the support we have personally.

And while I wasn’t sure I’d ever say this soon after Eliana was born – I can say it completely now. I’m so glad to have a precious little girl with Down syndrome in my family. She is a delight!!! I’m thankful for the amazing gift of children – all of them!

Blessings,

Leslie

Results are IN!!!

Normal!  Normal.  Normal.

What sweet words which caused instant tears of gratitude.  Thank you God!  Thank you!

Waiting has been hard.  One more opportunity to trust in God.  I am thankful for the peace He gives even when the unknown can be frightening.  God is good.

We will get the full results and reports some time next week.  Sorry this is brief, but I wanted to post for those who are waiting to hear. 

In His Love,

Leslie

No News Yet

Still waiting.  I called our eye doctor yesterday.  Since she is the dr who asked for the MRI, the information will be sent back to her.  She was out of the office yesterday at a meeting.  I was told she would need to complete some paperwork today to send to Duke requesting the results.  She will hopefully receive them back today - maybe tomorrow.  I'm hoping we will hear something today, though it may be tomorrow.

All this to say, we don't know any more and are just waiting.  Thank you for your prayers.

Love,

Leslie

MRI Update

Hi Friends,

Thank you for praying.  We had a good day - a really good day.  I'm going to write a lot of the details, just to share our day.

We started the day early (for us).  We had to make sure Daniel had eaten before 8am - and nothing afterwards.  I thought it might help to have some distractions, so we drove to the State Fair to pick up Rebecca's entries.  It was crowded and hectic, but we found all of her things.  Thankfully we were able to sign for the items for which we had lost the tags.  She found a note on one of her items - the Christmas ornament.  The note told her that the ornament was beautiful!  It also said she would have won money if it had not been so fragile.  (I'm glad she was told that as it is an encouragment for her.)  She did win 4th place.  (More pics of her entries when I get to our State Fair post.)

On our way out, Laura (my sister)'s driving skills were tested as trucks, trailers, etc. were trying to dodge in and out and around everything.  I'm surprised one didn't run into us!  (One almost did.)

When we arrived home it was time for therapy.  Daniel usually goes first, but since he had some time left to drink clear liquids, I thought maybe he could watch a movie and drink some sprite which he opted to do.  He watched a new movie that Christopher purchased for him.  Christopher thought it might be hard for him to have so much time when he couldn't eat and that this would be a good distraction.  Wasn't that sweet?!

Daniel took the whole eating/drinking limitations very well.  He even explained to his therapist what he was doing and why he couldn't have more to eat/drink.  He did a great job.  We left for the hospital shortly after therapy concluded. 

Roger and I drove with Daniel over to Duke.  Our appt was at 2.  We waited for a short time in the waiting room, filling out forms and playing with the toys there.  More questions when we were taken back into one of the cubbies.  Our nurse, Christy, was fabulous!  I was excited to meet her as a friend had told me she was great.  I was glad to see her stay even through the shift change at 3 - our blessing!

The dr came in to explain sedation - the types and the benefits and risks of each.  After discussing it, we then have to sign a release.  Roger did this.  A list of all the things that could go wrong - and thankfully don't usually happen. 

Next we exchanged his shirt for a hospital gown.  (He was not thrilled with this, but didn't put up a fuss.)  The sedation was done with an IV.  In order to make it easier for Daniel, they put a numbing cream (emla) on 2 places - his right hand and left elbow (to give them options).  They let this sit for about 30 minutes to take effect.  While this was going on, they let him pick out a movie to watch while we continued to discuss what would be happening.

When it came time for the IV, 3 nurses came into the room.  I was really concerned about this part.  Daniel watched them preparing his hand and then I distracted him while they inserted the needle.  He didn't move at all!  He was just perfect!  What a sweet answer to prayer.  After getting it taped to his hand, they used this to administer his meds.  He was given 2 different meds and the first went in easily, the second one burned.  I saw tears well up in his eyes as he looked up at the nurse.  She was very comforting to him and thankfully it soon passed.  He was such a trooper!

The drugs began to take effect very quickly.  Roger lifted Daniel and carried him to the MRI room after we had removed all the metal we could from our bodies.  Shortly after he was layed on the table, he began to move and even tried to get up.  They tried to settle him, gave him more meds to sedate and let me talk to him.  He settled quickly and was great for the remainder of the test.  He looked so very tiny on that table positioned to go into that tube.  I'm thankful he won't remember this part of it.

Roger elected to stay in the room and I stayed just outside of it.  The scan started about 3:45.  At about 4:10, the put contrast dye into his IV which helps them to see things with greater accuracy.  Things were complete about 4:30.  We saw a peep of an eye, but he wasn't ready to wake up.  Roger carried him back to the first cubby we were in and we waited as he slept.  We were told that it was best if he woke on his own.  We let him sleep for about an hour.  We then tried waking him - and tried and tried.  We offered a variety of things to entice him - but sleep was winning out!  Poor little guy was just out!

He did finally wake enough to take a few sips of apple juice and a few bites of graham cracker.  They were satisfied that this was good and also that this was a good sign that he was not going to react negatively to the meds.  He opened a gift from my sister - a cute book - but was really too tired to read it.  The nurse offered him a toy - cars - which he took but was still so very sleepy.

We left the hospital about 6pm.  We arrived home to friends and our children.  My sister and niece had left earlier.  We are grateful to both families for being here with our children!

Daniel continued to sleep until about 8:30.  He then ate some pretzels and drank some sprite.  He tried to get up to walk and fell.  A few more times he would try to stand and was just very wobbly and woozy.  They had told us it would be like this today - and possibly into tomorrow as well.

We are to keep an eye on him tonight for any unusual reactions and any vomitting.  So far, no signs of problems.  He is sleeping with Roger and I tonight to be on the safe side.  Tomorrow is to be a calm day for him - "no rough-housing". 

In terms of news, now we are going to have to wait.  We were told that it will take about 24 hours for a preliminary report.  Since the scan was done late in the afternoon, I'm not sure if it will be done by tomorrow afternoon.  The report will be sent to our eye dr since she is the one who requested the test.  I'm planning to call tomorrow to let them know that the test was completed and hopefully to hear something.  If not, we'll just wait.  We were told that it would take several days for a completed report. 

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Thank you for your prayers for our precious Daniel and for our family.  When we have more news, we will update.  For now, I'm headed to bed.  It's been a long day and I'm exhausted.

Love,

Leslie

Daniel's MRI

Is scheduled for 2pm tomorrow (Monday October 27).

My wonderful sister and niece are here to be with the kids which is great fun!  They have had a blast playing together and I'm thankful that they were able to come! 

Here's a little of what I know - and there is still a lot that I don't know.

Anything that Daniel is going to eat must be eaten prior to 8am.  No food after that.  He can have clear liquids (apple juice, sprite - not sure what else may be included?) until noon.  Our appt is at 2pm.  He will be sedated for this.  I'm not sure what method they will use to sedate him.  He has sensory issues wihch may limit some of our choices.  I'm not sure if he'll drink something, but the other option is an IV which I don't think he'd be fond of either.  I'd love prayers for this.

The scan itself should take about 40 minutes.  We are not expecting to hear anything tomorrow.  That will be hard!!!  I'm hoping we will hear something on Tuesday and definitely by Wednesday at the latest.  We'll know more tomorrow.

Please join us in praying for clear, good results. 

Also, I don't know if this will clear up any of my questions about the shape of Daniel's head (it's shaped differently than normal and on the larger side), but I'm planning to ask.  I'm wondering (though not too much) if this may be part of the problem. 

Thank you for praying with us.

Blessings,

Leslie

PS.  Roger took some pics with his cell phone.  We should have brought a regular camera.  If they turn out, I'll post some.

Making a Difference - 31 for 21

A friend sent me this link (thanks Sharon!) and I wanted to share it.  (Just click on the title below.)  I love the idea that everyone is important and can make a difference.  Everyone can be a blessing.  So many times in our world, someone is valued based on things that don't really matter.  I love this story about a young man with a heart to serve, bless and love others.  I think you'll like it too!

The Simple Truths

Blessings,

Leslie

Salamander Room ... and a field trip or two

I'm thinking that this is my last retropost for September.  Then I can focus on the month at hand - for a fwew days anyway.  lol

We have had an extended study of this fun FIAR title (The Salamander Room).  I love the story and it's been a big hit with all of my children.  We've learned about various aspects of nature and had some fun field trips that tied in beautifully with our lessons. 

We visited the Stevens Nature Center and went on a hike to learn about mammals.  The younger children first played a game.  Each child was given a picture of an animal tied onto a necklace.  The photo hung behind them and they were to ask questions to figure out what type of animal was on their card.  We then went on a lovely hike and stopped all through the hike to learn about each of the animals on their cards.  It was interesting and informative.  The only live animals we saw were not mammals - we saw a skink and a frog.

Love this picture of my girls!

I enjoyed finding a couple of neat books in the gift shop to add to our library.  Some that we read to go along with this study include A Skink's Tale, Are You a Butterfly? and Are You a Grasshopper?  All have great illustrations and were helpful in learning more about those particular animals. 

For a fun activity, the children made clay salamanders and painted them.  (Thanks Candace for the great idea!)  I enjoy watching them create and to see their strengths, talents and interests displayed in this way.

We had a second field trip with our Five in a Row group to the North Carolina Botanical Gardens.  As I'm typing this, I'm remembering that this one happened the first week in October!  (Makes me feel a little more caught up.) 

The children were split into 4 groups by age and led on a tour of plants of our state.  They specifically learned about the "Pitcher Plant" (carnivorous plant) and were able to dissect a leaf (to see what the plant had eaten!).  I don't have many pictures of this as I wasn't with these groups.  I'm thankful that others were though so I'll get some later.

The youngest children went on a scavenger hunt/tour through the herb garden with the moms and the older teens. 

It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time.  We went to a nearby park afterward to picnic and to play. 

I'm thankful for this wonderful group of families with which to go on field trips!

Blessings,

Leslie

Inspiring Story - 31 for 21

This isn't a new story - but I thought it was encouraging and inspiring.  Enjoy!

Dreams

Blessings,

Leslie

Cops & Robbers Party - Retropost

One more retropost from September.  I think I'll have one more and then can move into October - maybe right before we finish the month!  lol

We celebrated 2 birthdays in September - Joshua and Isaiah.  Since their birthdays are just 6 days apart, we typically have a joint party.  This has worked well.  Only one year did they choose different themes - and it was nuts having 2 different things going on!!!  Now, I work hard to help them chose a theme that with which they are both happy.  This year, it was Cops and Robbers.

I found this cute cake pattern online.  We started with activities.  The children made police vests and hats when they arrived.  Not real comfortable to wear though, so we just took a photo with them and then moved on. 

The first activity was a scavenger hunt.  They learned that "Brooke the Crook" had stolen the birthday pinata and it was up to them to find her - and the candy.  They had a series of clues that they had to decipher and then do an activity before locating the next clue.  For example, in the photo below the activity is to build a tower taller than the birthday boys.

After a series of clues, the did find the loot.

They led the crook to jail. 

While she was in jail, they throw wet sponges at her.  She was a good sport about it!

Next, we had a series of activites including the following.

*Deciphering coded messages for a piece of candy (this one was popular)

*Making art by driving cars throw paint (see photo below)

*Playing red light, green light.

We ate cake and ice cream, opened gifts and finished off the party with a game of cops and robbers.  This one was a bit different.  There was a bank (our back deck) where the loot (water balloons) were located.  The robbers (in the tree area) were to try to steal the loot.  The game ended up being a bit difficult so we made some modifications so the loot was actually attainable.  The crooks when caught could be thrown into the jail. 

We ended with a pinata.  More candy for everyone.  lol 

It was a fun day and we enjoyed celebrating our boys!  Hope you enjoyed the photos.

Blessings,

Leslie

Happy Birthday Isaiah! Retropost

I am late in posting this - but we celebrated 2 birthdays in September.  Our sweet Isaiah turned 7!  What a wonderful 7 years it has been!  I know the pic is fuzzy, but I love his smile!

One of our family traditions is that we spend the day doing whatever the birthday person wants to do.  Isaiah had a full day planned for us - and we had a great time.  He wanted to start the day with a picnic breakfast in the park.  He picked a great park that is on a lake and has a fun play structure, picnic tables and hiking trails.  He wanted biscuits for breakfast - we had a variety of things to go in the biscuits including sausage, egg, cheese, jelly and ham.  It was a yummy start to the day.

We then spent some time playing on the play structure.  Since we were the only ones there, dodgeball was the game of choice.  If you were tagged you were frozen.  Once frozen three times, you were then it. 

Then we spent some time hiking.  We followed one of the nature trails and read about various animals and plants living along the trails.  The camera battery died partly through our hike, so I don't have a lot of pictures.

We then headed to Golden Corral for an early supper/late lunch.  It's a great choice because everyone is happy with what they are eating.  Even Eliana has some things there she enjoys.  The waitress even fixed a special dessert for our birthday boys (Joshua and Isaiah have birthdays just 6 days apart).

We had a fun day celebrating our Isaiah.  For those that don't know him, I'll share a little bit of what I love about him.  I love his voice - it is deep.  Really deep for a little boy - and it's always been that way too.  He sings beautifully and projects like a professional.  I often wonder what type of job he'll have and will he use his magnificent voice.  (The flip side is that we always know where Isaiah is playing b/c we can hear him!  lol )

Isaiah has a great imagination and loves to pretend a great variety of things.  He loves to dress-up, build and play with playmobil!  We have large cities and fortresses frequently in our home. 

Isaiah has a great money sense - though I'm not sure if he'll work on saving or spending.  He likes to earn money and is frequently wanting to have some type of "stand" in front of our house selling something.

Isaiah is active and full of energy.  He is constantly moving and doing.  Isaiah enjoys learning about pirates and adventure stories.  He loves doing Five in a Row - it's his favorite part of school.  Isaiah has strong opinions and is quite comfortable sharing them.  Did I mention that he is very funny?!  He often has us in stitches and I love his sense of humor!

I thank God for this sweet boy and am so glad he is a part of our family!!! 

I love you Isaiah!  Love, Mommy