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!

I want to extend a 'Thank You' to my family in Kentucky for participating in their local March of Dimes' Walk. We appreciate it so much! I can't wait for Davis to be old enough to really understand what a wonderful family he has!

We planted our garden yesterday. This year, we're growing...

Corn

Tomatoes and Cherry Tomatoes

Bell Peppers, Cayenne Peppers, Banana Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers

Onion

And Cucumber, Squash, and Okra

And, on Earth Day, Davis made his very own Chia Pet! It's growing like a freakin' weed! I've already had to give it a hair cut!

With this beautiful weather dangling over Atlanta, we've been taking Davis on long walks up and down Hunt Road. He LOVES this! He's all about the walker now. I just really hope the therapists are right in assuring me that he won't become dependent on it. He refuses to let you help him scurry out of the way when a car approaches and HAS TO check both of our mailboxes before we start our journey. The kids down the street have dirt bikes and four wheelers. They like to cruise up and down the street and show off for Davis. Remember...'Moe-yiy'?!?

After a 4 week hiatus from Aquatics (thanks to insurance), we finally returned yesterday. He walked all over that pool! All the old folks were so happy to see him again!

Davis' favorite new phrase..."Oh come on!"

Holy Hail Storm!

Our March of Dimes' Walk went really great this morning. We managed, as a team, to raise over $1,000. Over the past three years, we've raised well over $5,000. Thanks to all of Davis' wonderful family members and friends!

This isn't even a fraction of the number of people that walked...

Davis dancing with Uncle Quint (aka 'Chuck')

Davis and Justin were fortunate enough to get invited to the Hawk's Game last night. That's right...my 2 year old has been to an NBA Playoffs Game and his 26 year old mother hasn't...whatever. OMG...I just realized that I'm going to be 27 this year. TWENTY-SEVEN! That's almost 30, people! I wonder when/if my maturity level will ever catch up??? Anyway...I was so happy that Justin decided to take Davis with him. I'm all about the 'making memories' stuff right now. Although, when I called to check in, Justin's exact answer to my, 'How's it going?' question was this, "He's just too young for this. I gotta go. He's throwing a fit on the stairs right now." BUT they got through it.

Davis had his school evaluation this morning. Wow. That was one of the more overwhelming situations I've experienced with my special needs child. I'd compare it to pulling into the parking deck at Scottish Rite for the first time to visit Davis. We were greeted by a group of about 6 women; all of them being therapists (speech, occupational, physical, psychological) and a social worker. They basically grab Davis and head to one section of the room and ask me to sit down for a 'few questions' (a 'few' meant 'two hundred'). For the next hour and a half, I answer questions like 'Would you say that Davis never, sometimes, or usually uses a spoon and fork correctly?' 'Would you say that Davis never, sometimes, or usually verbalizes two or more words at the same time?' 'Would you say that Davis never, sometimes, or usually can dress and undress himself?' And on and on and on and on...Meanwhile, Davis is sitting at another table being asked questions like 'Lucy's hands are dirty. What should she do?' 'What do you drink water out of?' 'Where is the circle?' 'Davis can you sit criss cross applesauce?' 'Davis, how old are you?' And on and on and on and on...There's so much pressure to really answer the questions correctly because if you embellish his intelligence, he may not qualify for the services that he needs, but if you low ball it, they may want to throw him in a padded room. All of my answers were followed by detailed explanations like, 'He follows directions, but only if it's something he wants to do. I know he knows what I'm asking him to do, but it's just a matter of whether or not he's going to listen to me. You understand? So, my answer is usually. No, sometimes. Well...can I use a lifeline?' It was stressful. Plus, I was trying to listen in on Davis' answers and kept translating his words for them...'He's saying purple!' Or 'He wants you to give him the ball with the dog character on it!'

From everything they all gathered during the meeting, they'll develop an IEP (Individualized Education Program), which is basically a Davis handbook with goals, his specific needs, etc. His teachers and therapists at school will all follow this IEP. It's important for them to have a good understanding of Davis' intellectual level because he needs to be placed in the proper environment where he has the most potential to thrive. We'll see what happens. The whole time we were there, I just kept thinking, 'I can't believe this is my life.'

Davis and I were all alone this weekend while Justin went on a fishing trip with some friends. I took him to the Big Shanty Festival in Kennesaw on Sunday. We got to ride around on a miniature train and I managed to stay away from the Elephant Ears! Successful trip to the fair!

Davis is getting confident enough with his balance and taking a couple of steps from one surface to the next. I've noticed that he lunges (toddler reach) forward when he's heading towards the ottoman or other soft surfaces, but takes nice steps when he's going towards the coffee table (because he knows chin to wood contact creates boo-boos.) So, I'm thinking that if I just dangle a ball of fire in front of his path, he'll walk for days! I'll keep you posted...

Davis' new sentence: "I want hold dat Momma."

Well, 3 Easter Egg Hunts, 4 Easter Baskets, 60 pounds of chocolate, and an entire grocery bag full of plastic eggs later and Easter is finally over!

Saturday morning was the Hunt at Davis' Preschool.

He wouldn't touch the finger paints...

So, they got crayons out for him instead...

Then, we headed to Taylorsville for another Hunt with The Nunleys...

Scared of paint on his fingers, but not a tire swing!

Sunday, Justin and I had breakfast at our house with Pa.

Then, headed to GG and Jay's house for lunch...

Harmonica for him...

One of the perks of being married to a business owner is that our family time isn't limited to the weekends...Today, we took Davis to the Southern Civil War and Locomotive Museum in Kennesaw. It's probably a little out of his age range, but Justin and I really enjoyed it.

Playing dress-up

He looks super excited..."Where's my tail?"...

Some quotes I liked...

Some drama with Davis' Aquatic Therapist...We show up at the pool at 2:30 sharp for 'Wimmin' and there's no therapist. Mmmm...weird. 2:40 rolls around (I'm already past the point of being pissed that she's late...that happened at 2:31) and I give her a little ring: "Hey, this is Andrea. It's 2:40 on Monday and we're up here at the pool. I hope everything's ok because I don't recall being told that we weren't meeting today. Please give me a call." Insert communication barrier here because this is what comes back my way, two hours later: A freaking text that reads: 'I'm so sorry. I thought I told you that I wasn't working this week because of Spring Break. I should have followed up. Please forgive me.' A TEXT!!! What a responsible way to conduct business! What's the deal? Does Spring Break translate into Verbal Communication hiatus? Nevermind the hour drive or the time I've wasted. But I had to drag Davis out of there, kicking and screaming, because his maturity level doesn't quite understand 'We gotta go because we got stood up'. FIRED!

This little boy (probably about 7 or 8 years old) approached Davis and I in the Kiddie Room at the gym tonight and asked this, "Is he paralyzed because the kids say he's paralyzed?" Instead of politely explaining to the curious child what paralyzed actually means and that it's just taking Davis a longer time to learn how to walk, I just look at him and say, "No. He's not paralyzed." And continue on my merry way...minus the merry...that kind of hurt. But I'll be better prepared next time. Maybe I should start carrying around CP pamphlets...that wouldn't freak little kids out at all... :)

Davis has a plastic t-ball set that, for some ignorant reason, used to be in the house. Well, it resides in the garage now because of some very lovely dents he's put in the wall. Every now and then you can catch Davis imagining that he's swinging the bat as he does the hand motions. Well, tonight he did it and I could actually see the wheels turning in his brain as he headed for his bedroom. This is what he came back with...

Makeshift balls and bat! He handed me the ducks and said, "Go Momma." So, I threw the duck balls (haha) and he swung the hat bat.

We won our tennis match yesterday!

Now that Davis has gotten so great with his walker, we take it everywhere to allow him to get in as much practice as possible. Because of that, we gets lots of looks from people around us (positive looks, of course). None of that bothers us at all. We feel so proud and lucky to be a part of Davis' life. Justin grows about 10 feel tall when he's walking alongside him.

Davis already got Easter baskets from his Mimi and Great-Grandma Stephanie last night. And I'm sure there's lots more to come...

We played outside for a little while this morning...

And planted a tree in the backyard...

We had Davis' main squeeze, Eva, over last night...

And then we all went to an Easter Egg Hunt this morning...

There were probably a thousand families at this park. So, Davis and I went to the playground area and waited for the hunt to start. Justin ran out there and grabbed a bunch of eggs and we had our own private egg hunt off to the side...just to be sure he wasn't trampled during the stampede.