Day 5

When I walked Davis into class this morning he kept shouting, "Mi-yuh! Mi-yuh!" One of the therapists was like, "Oh yeah, Davis and Micah are best buds." Micah is the only male therapist in Davis' Walking Class. So funny. Micah had to switch seats so that he'd be next to Davis. He was removed from class about 10 minutes early because he couldn't keep his eyes opened.

By the way, it has rained every single day since I got here. :(

Here's the House.

This is the computer room. It's right next to my room, so I come in here a lot. It's supposed to be off limits after 9 p.m., but the girl working here lets me stay so I can be near Davis. It's full of Orlando Magic memorabilia.

The kitchen

The community fridge and freezer. The cabinets on the right are everyone's personal pantries.

The playroom and infamous Train Table.

Someone brought all the kids at the House Build-A-Bears. Davis named him Rusty.

Day 4

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the chances of Justin Timberlake lodging at my Ronald McDonald House are pretty slim...sooooo...I've decided to leave Room 6 and mingle with the people who are here. And I made a friend. She's a beautiful, Brazilian mother (of quadruplets!!!) who speaks about as much English as Davis. One of her four little ones is also receiving treatment at Conductive Education, so we've been chatting about our common experiences. It's so fun trying to translate her half Portuguese/half English words. And then attempting to fire back with some of my own half Spanish (I don't even know if they understand Spanish)/half English words. She'll start to tell me something about something, notice my puzzled expression, and just toss her hands up and shake her head in laughter. She's shared a lot of great information with me, though - mostly about other therapy services that she's participated in.

Davis' hour of therapy today went ok. He threw a couple fits, but I guess that's to be expected. He did the rope walking thing, practiced standing, and walking with the cane. She let me take the cane home with us, so we practiced walking up and down the halls for about an hour tonight.

P.S. We're not allowed to have any food or drinks in our room...and...I've been breaking that rule since I walked through the doors on Sunday. I think I got caught this morning...I'll keep you posted. I may end up homeless.

Day 3

Two therapists approached, introduced themselves, and lead us to the potty room. To start each day, I have to bring him in and encourage him to use the big boy potty. They will also incorporate 2 other attempts throughout the class. Davis, remembering the room from yesterday, kept asking for the 'pink soccer ball'. We said our 'goodbyes' and headed out. I was comforted to find other kids near Davis' disability level in the room. Once we were in the privacy of my car, I lost it. All of the 'firsts' seems to be so difficult for me. Justin said, "Just be thankful that Davis is doing as great as he is." That pretty much shut me up. I've never been in a room with a bunch of kids and realized that mine is the most advanced.

Next, I dropped Justin off at the airport. I felt so lonely and homesick as soon as I got back in my car. Doing all this alone is going to be so hard.

When I met Davis in the waiting room at 2:30 and asked him if he was ready to go home, he said, "NO! No go home." Ok. Sooo...you're saying you enjoyed yourself? I'm glad one of us is havin' a ball. The therapist said he did really well and had a lot of fun. And...a 3 hour nap followed.

I took Davis to the playroom at the house for a couple hours and, of course, he clung to the Thomas the Train set the entire time.

Day 2

It's our second day in Orlando and we've already fallen into a nice little routine. Life here is so easy with Justin around to help...and...that all ends tomorrow. :(

The house is set up kind of like a hotel, where each family has their own private bedroom and bath. All the other rooms - kitchen, living area, library, computer room, playroom - are shared amongst everyone. The kitchen has personal pantry and refridgerator space where you store your purchased items. But they also have 'community' food items (donated by people and restaurants) that the entire house can share. For breakfast this morning, it was bagels, danishes, and coffee. Mmm, mmm, mmm...

And restaurants come in every night and cook dinner for the entire house! We passed on it tonight and, instead, met up with one of our friends that lives nearby for some of the best ribs I've ever eaten in my life!

After breakfast, we drove around my old stomping grounds...

My old house...

Davis had his first day of private therapy (one hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). It went really well. They definitely have so much more to offer than I've ever been able to find at home. The therapist had him walking around the room with these canes.

These ropes were attached to the wall and Justin pulled tight on the other ends. Davis was forced to rely on his own balance to walk back and forth. He also had to step up on the circles and jump off.

And he did a little wall climbing...

We've Arrived!

Well, we made it! The drive wasn't bad at all. It took about 7 hours, plus an hour for lunch. We've already spent about $10 at the toll booths. Ridiculous. A couple of those dollars were our fault...we passed our exit (shocker) and had to make a few turns to get back on track.

...There's was lots of this going on during my driving time...

...and then the boredom set in...

The delirious giggles...

The Ronald McDonald House is incredible! I've never been around so much generosity. The people here are so friendly and helpful. I''ll take some pictures of the house and post them tomorrow.

Birthday Celebrations

Davis' birthday parties (yeah, a three-year-old deserves two parties) were so much fun! He got lots of fun toys and so many donations for his therapy services in Orlando! They'll be such a huge help and we appreciate it so much! (Check out the rest of the pics through the link on the right.)

His morning party at the park...

'Cars' Cake. And we almost made it through the whole 'Happy Birthday' song without any tears!

My girlfriend, Lindsey, made his '3' shirt. She's freakin' amazing! AND....PLUG...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23532937@N04/

Happy Birthday, Big Man!

I can't believe it's already been 3 years since our little man came into this world!

Davis,
We're so proud of you and feel so blessed have you in our lives! You amaze us everyday!


We love you more than you'll ever know! Happy Birthday!


Love,
Momma and Dadda

First Dentist Appointment

Today, was Davis' very first visit to the dentist! He did so great! No fussing or anything! I'm mean, you'd think he was about to be 3 or something!

Well, I finished To Kill A Mockingbird and just started Into The Wild. It's about a young man who, after graduating with honors from Emory University, hitchhiked to Alaska. Before doing so, he donated all of his savings to charity, burned all the money in his wallet, changed his name, and abandoned his car and most of his possessions. No one knew where he was during his 16 week journey until his decomposed body was found just north of Mount McKinley. It's really good so far.

And about Davis...I took him back in to see the doctor this morning. I explained his symptoms (fatigue, constipation, colder than usual, weakness, irritability) and he assured me that he's just taking longer to get over his Sinus Infection. "Just continue the antibiotics." was his suggestion. I expressed my concerns about his thyroid levels. He had high TSH levels (hyporthyroidism) as an infant and I remembered his Endocrinologist telling me that those were the exact symptoms to look for if the levels changed again. So, the doctor said he would draw blood to check it. Five minutes go by and in walks 3 girls ready to tag team Davis. They tried TWICE, unsuccessfully, to draw blood....which is exactly what I expected of them. "Maybe we should just send him to LapCorp." was one girl's input. I walk out in the hallway, search for the doctor, and he says, "Well I don't think there's anything wrong with his thyroid. I was just going to do blood work to ease your mind." Oh really?!?!? I storm out of there, call his Endocrinologist, and she says, "Yes, he needs his levels checked." Duh. To be continued...

To copy my girlfriend's blog, I've added the book I'm currently reading to the right. To Kill A Mockingbird is A MUST READ! I know it was literally a 'must read' in grade school, but I must have opted out of that assignment because I don't remember anything about it. And I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much at 15 years old, anyway.

Davis' sickness has been like no other, this go around. He's been sleeping and sleeping and sleeping some more. I think he's averaging about 16 or so hours a day! And he hasn't been eating much at all in over a week. I've had to restart his pump feeds at night just so he doesn't wither away. I left a message with the nurse this morning about it and I'm just waiting to hear back from the doctor.

ONLY 5 DAYS UNTIL MY BIG MAN TURNS 3!

The Things We've Resorted To

For entertainment over the past couple days, Davis has had to dig deep into his imagination...He got a roll of paper towels and spread it all over my bedroom.

Last night, he got two little cans of Grapefruit juice out of the pantry and was rolling them all over the house. He also kept himself busy with his piggy bank...Emptying out the change and putting it all back in.

We took him to the Pediatrician's office yesterday. Sinus Infection...SHOCKER OF '09. A sinus infection?!?!? Wow...he's only had, like, 37 of those in the past year. I'm starting to think that's the doc's standard diagnosis for everything. Runny nose...Sinus Infection. Fever...Sinus Infection. No appetite...Sinus Infection. Bone protruding out of your foot...Sinus Infection.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO 'PA'!
WE LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

I'm Losing It

...and by 'it' I mean my mind and my sanity and probably a sock or two. Davis has been running a fever since Sunday. Besides therapy on Monday morning, he hasn't left the house at all. And since the law states that a 3 year old can't be home alone, I haven't left the house either (except for tennis last night). We're both bored out of our minds. I can't get anything done because 'sickness' for Davis translates into 'I want to hold that Momma...all day long'. Someone on the Streets of Sesame must have told him that I have super powers to make him feel all better. I'm trying, but my super powers are needed elsewhere from time to time...in the laundry room, the dishwasher, Justin's company, my blog! Which, by the way, I'm typing while Davis is tugging on my arm, climbing in and out of my lap pressing his bones into my legs, and inching his little fingers closer and closer to the laptop buttons. "Don't you touch that. It'll bite you." I don't think he buys it.

Since we're on house arrest, I've been tackling the whole toilet training thing...I put him on the Big Boy Potty ever 20 minutes or so and say, "Pee, Davis. Go Pee. Can you go pee pee like a big boy for Momma?" "Nooo," he says. Alrighty, Davis. It's your world. I need tips...or someone to come over here and do this for me.

Where's Dadda in all this? WORKING! Ha-lay-loo-ya!!!

Davis did very well at Aquatics yesterday. I got to see him walk all by himself up and down the handicap ramp for, like, 20 minutes! He's steadily making strides towards becoming an independent walker!

For our playdate yesterday morning, a girlfriend and I went to Kennesaw Mountain. Two miles up hill and 2 miles down. Forty minutes up and less than 20 down. About a gallon of sweat lost going up and a nice cool breeze on the way down. Pushing about 40 pounds worth of Davis and his stroller up and easily guiding it all down. Almost losing consciousness and completely unable to talk heading to the top and turning in Chatting Cathy and lovin' life while making our way back towards earth. My legs are killing me today.

I just finished reading If I Am Missing Or Dead by Janine Latus and Hope's Boy by Andrew Bridge. Both are memoirs about depressing crap...domestic abuse and our corrupt foster care system.

Fort Walton Beach Trip

We're finally home from our week long trip to Fort Walton Beach. This was definitely one of our favorite times down there. I think Davis is officially over his sand phobia! AND, with our combined forces (Captain Planet Style), Davis learned most of his numbers 1-10 and colors! This is, like 2 year old stuff, but I'm so proud of him! On a negitive note...kites are really hard to fly! My dad bought the most complicated one at the store and, after 5,000 cuss words out of Evan's mouth, Justin tripping over a group of girls' beach chairs, and me giving up after about 3 seconds, the kite got tossed.

Click on the link to the right to view the rest of our beach pictures! The 'beach chair and umbrella layer outers' approached us for some free advertising and let us take out a kayak one day!

We drove down to Pensacola and took Jay's boat out to catch some din-din. Justin caught 2 Red Fish and Evan caught a Sheephead. Justin blackened them and they were SOOOOO TASTY!

On Memorial Day, we drove over to Destin and hung out with a bunch of our friends at the beach.

Justin, Davis, and I went to the Gulfarium...Justin and I couldn't believe how close we got to the flesh-eating shark...Scary, huh?

Davis was so happy to see his big brother when we got back home!

And, as if we hadn't soaked up enough sun, we headed to the lake with some friends yesterday...Davis wasn't feeling it, though...

We had our meeting with the school board this morning to finalize Davis' IEP and set his schedule for the Fall. He'll be attending Little River Elementary three days a week and continue with Wildwood Preschool the other two days. There's been a lot of changes made to the Special Needs Program, hopefully all positive things. One great thing is that the entire preschool section of Little River will be in the same building, giving kids like Davis the opportunity to visit 'normal' classes with 'normal' 3 years olds from time to time. During the 9 hours per week that's he's at Little River, he'll be receiving an hour each of OT, Speech, and PT on top of the private services that he already attends. I'm feeling more encouraged with the whole thing and hope to God that he gets a great teacher!

We're off to Fort Walton Beach for the week! Everyone enjoy your holiday weekend!

I just spoke with the Conductive Education Facility in Orlando and we booked our first trip! We'll be there from June 29th to July 10th. I'm so giddy and excited and nervous!


His schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays he'll be in the Walking Challange Program where he and a therapist will work together. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays he'll be tutored with another therapist.


I got the results back from Davis' school evaluation. They used a number of standardized screenings to place Davis in a certain percentage as compared to his peers.


Some positives: He scored 'Age Appropriate' with his Cognitive Skills, meaning he's super smart! He also scored 'Age Appropriate' with his Receptive Language and just under average with his Expressive Language Skills.


Some negatives: He scored a little low on the Daily Living Screening, mostly because he's not toilet trained, can't dress and undress himself, spills some of his drink while using a regular cup, and hasn't perfected the spoon thing. His Social Skills scored below average since he doesn't really interact with his peers, but I find that most 2-3 year olds don't. And his Fine and Gross Motor Skills scored low as well.


We were informed last week that he'll be attending Little River Elementary School this Fall. Boston Elementary is doing away with their Special Needs Pre-K Program. Our Meeting with the Board is tomorrow morning where we'll get a better idea of what's in store for him!

Davis got his hair cut on Friday...

Catching up on his celebrity gossip...

Being so good!

I'm not sure how he feels about the final product...

And his end of the year party was today (his teachers, Mrs. Kit and Mrs. Rachael)...

Yesterday, Davis had his annual check-up with the eye doctor. It's been recommended that he be followed annually until he's four years old due to the length of time he was receiving oxygen, both from a ventilator and nasal cannula, in the NICU and because he developed Retinopathy of Prematurity as a result of it. His vision, in spite of all that, is AWESOME! He definitely inherited his dad's eyesight...thank GOD!



Also, by fate, Justin ran into this young couple at Hobgood the other night. What made him stop and chat? Their four year old boy was wearing the exact same camouflage AFO's (leg braces) as Davis. Turns out, I've met the mother at Aquatics before. Her son, who has Cerebral Palsy and started walking on his 3rd birthday, is involved in this very intensive therapy program called Conductive Education in Orlando. His mother told me that, after treatments, her son would reach milestones with his development almost immediately. So, being Proactive Pete, I contacted them yesterday, filled out the Assessment Form, and filmed Davis showing his abilities...walking with the walker, talking, pulling to stand, etc. I have to mail in the video, wait for the Coordinator to contact me, and hopefully have the opportunity to participate. It would require us to stay in Orlando for either one or two weeks at a time. I'll keep you posted!

We had our GI (click on the link to meet Davis' doc...always in a bow tie!) check up yesterday. Everything's going great although he has lost 3 ounces since his last visit (25 lbs, 13 oz). But he grew 1 and 1/2 inches in length! NBA...here we come! I explained to the doctor that we discontinued tube feedings on Aprils 1st in an effort to have his Mickey Button removed. The doctor said to come back in 2 months and, if he's maintaining proper weight, he'll take it out!!! YAY!!! I just have to log every calories he puts in his mouth and make sure it equals 1,200 by the end of the day. I used to psychotically do this when he was a baby, so that'll be a breeze. He also gave me tons of calories booster supplements, like Kid Essentials shakes, Benecalorie, and other powders to mix in his drinks. Keep your fingers crossed!

For those of you who don't know, here's an image of what his button looks like. That circular piece is actually a water-filled balloon that sits inside his stomach, keeping it in place.

We put his bed together, less the head and foot board, last night and he was so excited to get in his Big Boy bed! He's probably been ready for this for a long time. He never even rolled off! I still need to get a bed skirt (or 'drapery', as Justin called it!) to cover the tacky mattress!

Davis' last day of preschool was today. I almost cried when I picked him up. Why? Two reasons...1. My baby's growing up and 2. I'm not gonna have those 3 hours in the morning to myself anymore! Boo Hoo! Each child has been putting a memory book together all year and we finally got it today. So cute! He even got a little Certificate of Completion from his Wee Kids Class.

For me (and probably lots of moms), Mother's Day translates into a 'break'...a day for Dad to step in and perform Mom's caretaking tasks. I don't need jewelry or an article of clothing - just let me sleep in, give me a card from Davis that just glorifies my amazing motherly talents, and change all the diapers! Of course, I did feel the need to go buy myself a little somethin' somethin'...but that's neither here nor there.

This was Davis' gift to me...

We're finally turning Davis' Baby Room into a Big Boy Room, themed with Sports...go figure. When I get an idea to do something in my head, I want it done yesterday. So, I took his crib apart knowing good and well that we don't have a bed to replace it with! I told Justin that Davis would have to sleep with us until we bought a bed frame, mattress, and box spring. (I purchased the head and foot board a while back.) Justin almost puked at the thought of that since he's got a very busy work week and we don't sleep well with Sir Kicks A Lot in between us. He suggested that we just make Davis sleep on his crib mattress on the floor in his room...and would you believe that it actually worked!?! He slept all night!

I went out this morning and bought everything. Now Justin just has to pick it up and assemble! I can't wait to get everything else in there! I'll post completed room pics soon.

The fam and I just returned from Pensacola Beach. We had such a great time! Jay and Mom spoiled us rotten and we appreciated and loved every minute of it!

This was our last night there...and you can tell from my exhausted face! The bloody mary's probably didn't help, either... This is pretty much where Davis stayed the entire trip...in his bff's arms...

We took Jay's boat out one day and hung out by the bay (thus, the green Allatoona-ish water)

CUTEST PIC!

Davis got in the sand for the first time EVER! This is HUGE because most CP kids never get down with the whole sand texture thing.

And we get to turn around and head back down there in 2 weeks! I love the summer!