Emma's First day of First Grade

Catch Phrases

Last night as I was reading from a book about teaching I realized that one thing I should be doing for my girls is recording some of the funny things they say as they learn to talk. I think the reason it never occurred to me to recrod their words is because we work so hard to get Emma to speak.  We documented the words and when, but when she started to string words together we just celebrated.  With Grace I was in such a state of shock of how easily she learned to speak that I didn't really record it. So tonight I would like to record a few conversations or catch phrases of my girls

Miss E--she loves to introduce herself. In fact, she does so reduntly.  She still introduces herself to me, her nana, her papa, etc. 
--for the longest time Emma called herself "Memma."
--she loves to pretend to read the alphabet wrong even though she has known every letter and every sound for over a year.
--loves to ask "what doing?"

Miss G--I don't even know where to start. When you ask G, "Are you hungry?" Her reply, "No, I 'Racie."
--the night I got a King-sized bed. I tuck her in and she comes quietly to my room and says, "You need me mommy, right?"
--When I got a new tv, "Hey, mommy the big one! Thank you mommy!"
--"I love the big bed!"
--As she trys to take her princess play dress of she says, "Take it on, Mommy!"  When she actually means take it off.
--"I sick." Gracie says to her dr. when really she has only swimmer's ear. We leave with our Rx. "I all better now. I saw dr and fish (he has salt water fish...think nemo and dory). So now I swim!! Yea!!!"

Through Emma's Eyes

I always imagined that I would teach my girls what I know and go about each day trying to be the best mom, but I have found the unexpected side of motherhood--my daughters teach me things too.

One of these things is that I need to stop and enjoy the moment we are in our life. Emma LOVES to take pictures. She received her own digital camera for her birthday and I was shocked by the perspective in her pictures. When I look through the lens it seems more often then not I hesitate to make sure the moment is "perfect." She does not hesitate. She just snaps away. She does not know the world is not kind and will critique her every move. I do, and I choose to hold out for perfection. So here I am at 32 definitely not perfect. Isn't it time I look through the lens of my own camera not expecting a perfect picture, but capturing the moment I live in?

I need to learn that perfection is not required. Isn't that what I tell my students and my own kids. Do your best...don't demand perfection because that isn't realistic. BUT, it's what I expect of myself--perfection. So here is to a change--demanding myself to capture the moments of my life not the expectation of perfection.

God Sightings

Tonight was the first night of our Vacation Bible School. I was pumped! I am leading the music and the music is really good and our theme is Joseph: From Prison to Palace. The music makes me feel like I am watching Steve Martin performing King Tut...so I can be silly and fun at the same time. Wonderful universe to be in!! So I am dressed head to toe as an Egyptian getting the kids to sing...oh did I mention it feels like a 105 in Oklahoma this week? And I spot my Emma...my girl with the heart for worship. Sitting on my friend's lap, comfortable, loved and she looks up at me, smiles, and raises her arms and SINGS with all her might. I wish adults sang with such abandon. We are so worried about what others think or if we are off key would someone notice. It makes one as the leader think about am I worshiping or just worried. I can honestly say that having my six year old in church helps me worship because she does so with reckless abandon. The heart of a child. The innocence that is there. As I finish and the kids are dismissed by the group leaders, my Emma says, "Good Job, Mommy." But really I should be saying to her, "Good Job, Emma."

A Year In Review

As I look at the past year I am amazed by so many things. My little family has managed to survive a divorce and we are all in safe, happy homes. My girls what can I say they are the best. Let's start with Emma.

Emma is currently in Kindergarten. She knows all her ABC's and can count to 20. She is starting to read some. Last week, she read the word "shapes." There was no picture for a clue. She sounded it out. I was totally shocked. Please know I don't doubt Emma's ability one bit, but sometimes surprises are happier to acknowledge than disappointments. Emma LOVES school. She has many friends. When I pick her up every afternoon and we walk back to the car and she is begging for fries, her fan club waiting to be picked up by their parents begins to chant her name, "Emmie, Emma, Good-Bye!" How my heart flies when I realize that 5 year olds don't see Down syndrome. They see their friend.

Emma is still disappearing now and again at school. So far she has not left the building. The UK company that makes the GPS watch will have it available Jan. 6. We don't want to have to actually use it, but at this point we don't know what else to do.

Emma received many clothes from Santa. She has really grown the last 6 months. She is now in a size 5. :-) I think her favorite gifts this season were the dr. kit, her Lightening McQueen couch, and the wiggle racer (gravity propelled) so that she can experience what it's like to ride a bike.

Emma is talking like crazy. And get this...she writes every day at school. Her topics are about kites, robots, Nana, Gracie, a friend at school-J, and her love of popcorn. When I read her first story I cried. Now that she feels she has a voice she has begun to "write" at home too. Thank you JPS for a job well done, once again.

Now onto the Tink-lovin' Gracie. Where to even begin...She will be three in 2 months. She can say her ABC's and count to 25. She has a spirit that is passionate about EVERYTHING. She loves hard, she plays hard. She has a mind of her own and I hope no one every squelches her spirit. Right now her favorite things are SHOES. Her favorite toy is anything that sparkles and her favorite book is My Pink Purse (Need I say more).

We are looking forward to 2010 and we know that only blessings will come. Here are a few pics from the last few months.

My Big Grown Up Girl

Ahh, the joy of going to the salon. Well at least for an adult, but when you are talking about Emma Lynne...that is a different story entirely. Evidently the thought of having her hair cut is so distressful the girl will be beat red screaming at the top of her lungs while sitting on my lap and my mom holding her face while the hairstylist cuts her hair. Needless to say we haven't been back since summer. After being two weeks home with the long haired beauty who cries and runs away when she sees the hairbrush and rubberbands, I decided Mommy had enough. After the girls went to bed last night I got online and googled kids haircuts and found a delightful salon-Kuts for Kids. I called this morning and it was a drop in and no appointment was needed. I went ahead and told them that I would be coming in and that my daughter had Down syndrome, so she would need a little extra time. No problem! Stated the young lady on the phone.

I called Nana and she came by. She decided to take Gracie with her and Emma and I were able to go ALONE to the salon. I told her we were going to get our hair cut because we were big, pretty girls. Much to my astonishment she said Okay!

We walked into a a very cute salon with scriptures written on the sky blue walls and very inviting toys. Emma went in said hello to the receptionist and began to play. A few minutes alter it was her turn, she went right up to the hairstylist who was just as a nice as can be. She got into her "car" and drive herself to a FABULOUS haircut. She wouldn't let me take a picture of the back, but it is in a wedge. But what I loved most of all is that the hairsylist made her feel safe and there was no crying, no screaming and best of all...FRIES for all after the appointment!!!

Thankful for raw emotions

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Today as I shared my writing piece with my writing group...I felt so exposed. It's funny how sharing this with my students didn't make me feel this way. I was shocked that I could feel the heat racing through my body and settling in my cheeks. I didn't know what to think or feel. I felt so raw. Reading the words of Emma's first few days in the hospital when we waited for her test results were so agonizing. I know that my heart was written across those pages. I felt so exposed. I don't know why...these were collegues....friends...yet I didn't like it. I don't have a copy of the piece at home..it's on my school computer. But, I must admit...I captured what I was thinking at the time.

I am thankful for so many things...that is why I created the scrapbook above. What are you thankful for?

New Pics

During Fall Break, I took the girls to get their pictures made. We had a great time! We were there for 30 minutes...they weren't very cooperative. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Times Square Video

What exciting news!! A picture of Emma has been chosen to be the National Down Syndrome Society's Buddy Walk video. This video will premiere Sept. 28 in New York. We are so excited that our baby girl is famous!!

Emma is Four

Wow! I can't believe my baby girl is four. She is saying four word phrases, climbing the ladder on her swingset and going down the slide, exerting her indepedence by not wanting to hold your hand in the parking lot, and arguing with you by saying and signing "yes" when you tell her "no." (Which is quite cute!!!)

A few pics of the girls a few weeks ago and at Emma's party Monday.

First Day of School

My big girl started school today!! She did great. her teacher emailed me this afternoon and said that Emma cried a little, but had fun. When I picked her up she seemed in good spirits. Mommy did fine too! I thought I would cry when she did, but I didn't! It was a long 2 1/2 hours though...very quiet at the house! She goes twice a week for the summer and then three days in the fall and spring.

Click on the title of the post to see updated pics of the girls!

Emma's Likes/Dislikes At Three

LOVES

Doodlebops
Elmo
Bubbles
Nana
Papa
Uncle B
Gracie
Mommy
Daddy
Jazzy
Drawing
Painting
Bath time
Getting her clothes out of the drawer and DRAGGING them all over her room
Saying NO!

DISLIKES

Healthy Food
Getting things on her hands, but LOVES to play in the dirt
Leaving her friends and family
Going to bed

This has been an exciting year for Emma. She starts school in two weeks, and her vocabulary has really increased this year! Gotta love that girl!!

Emma is Three

Friday was Emma's third birthday! I just can't believe that little booger is three!!! It was the last day of school for Craig, but I still have two weeks left. We went to her favorite restaurant for dinner, Olive Garden. She had Pasta Fagoili. She LOVES the pasta only and won't eat the rest! Thanks, Papa for eating the actual soup. Then we had a little cake and the waitresses sang to her. She loved it!! She clapped when they finished. It was a great time. The next day we had our family party. We had a cook out and she played outside on her new swing set. We had an ELMO party and a family friend made the cake. It was the face of Elmo and Emma got VERY upset when we cut the cake! I felt so bad! We finally were able to cut the cake and have a bite! It was delicious!!!


Click on the title of the post to see pics!

Emma's birth story

Where does the time go? I just can't believe that my baby is three. It just doesn't even seem possible. I will never ever forget this day! I don't think I have ever blogged her birth, so here we go.



I was put on bedrest April 23, 2004 for pre-eclampsia. I went in for monitoring every three days and had weekly appointments with my doctor. I was monitored every Tuesday evening...it just so happened that my blood pressure would spike those days and I would have to go to L & D for monitoring. The weekend before Emma was born I insisted that we go to BRUS and get her car seat. I agreed to stay in the wheelchair if my husband would let me go. So we got her carseat. On Monday, I had an NST and an OB appointment. Everything was great!!! My blood pressure was normal and the NST looked great! The next day I went out to eat for lunch with my mom and went home to rest. I was trying to get my kick counts for the afternoon and couldn't get the baby to move. I called the doctor and they had me go to L & D for monitoring. After about 30 minutes, the baby's hb dropped dramatically and they put me on oxygen and they called the doctor. The baby's hb returned to normal and they called for a sonogram. The sonogram determined low amniotic fluid which was putting the baby at risk.

The I.V. nurse came in to give me fluids and said, "Congratulations, I hear we are having a baby today!" I looked at her like she was crazy and told her that I wasn't due until July. My L & D nurse came in and told me that yes we were having a baby, but probably not until tomorrow. They were starting me on pitocin. They started the I.V. and moved me into my new room. They sent my mom home and Craig to get dinner around 8:30. Well, around 9 PM the baby's heartrate dropped dramatically again with a set of contractions. The next thing I know everyone is in my room prepping me for a c-section. They let me call my Mom, but Craig's cell phone was in my room. Finally, he arrived and the told him what he needed to do.

At 10:32 that night baby Emma arrived at 34 weeks and a day. She was crying, but not very loudly. I was so lucky because we have a family friend who works in the PICU that checked up on Emma and called me in the recovery room to let me know how she was doing. Our little peanut weighed 4 lbs 2 oz. She was doing quite well.

The next morning Craig went to go see her and she was not intubated anymore, but on oxygen. We had quite a fighter! She let everyone know that she was going to make it and she did! Our little peanut is quite the sassy three year old now.

We are proud of all her accomplishments, but most of all I love her personality! She loves her family and after being an only child for almost three years has embraced her baby sister. Emma is truly a blessing from God as are all children, but she was exactly what our family needed!

Great Initial IEP Meeting

WOW!! What a great job the team did on their assessment of Emma. Craig and I are so pleased by how the team delivered the information and how well written the goals were. The discussion we had at Emma's eval was put into the IEP. Her goals are SMART goals and they will challenge her and they are reasonable. I am so excited for her! You could tell that her teachers were going to LOVE her to pieces!!!

Letting Go

My last week of maternity leave has left me wondering what Emma's schooling would be like if I were home. Could I homeschool? Would that make me feel better? I just keep looking at her beautiful face and realize that I am placing her spirit and life into the hands of someone else for part of the day. This breaks my heart so much. Will they be understanding? Will they look at my daugher and realize that she is more than Down syndrome that her spirit hasn't been crushed, but nurtured. What constraints will they put on her because shes "Downs" as they call it. Her lack of speech that they see instead of the massive amount of work she has accomplished in the last four months. She can now sign or say 56 words compared to 16 in Dec. 2006. Will they see "Downs" instead of my child? I don't know the answer and I wish that all these emotions would go away. It makes me sad that as an educator when other teachers do not feel the way I do about my students. I felt like each student in my classroom was my own. So often they can't see past their job and realize that this is my child's life. Instead of being in a program designed for her and her family she is now in a program designed for many students. Regardless of the governments attempt to make education individualized we know it isn't. How often are our children really in a classroom where the teacher strives to make it individualized for all? There isn't enough time in the day to that, especially when you are trying keep all the balls bouncing with your classroom, principal expectations, and district expectations. My heart has been grieving for so many weeks at going back and I thought it was leaving the baby behind, but I think it is grieving leaving both of my children behind. Maybe after we actually see her IEP I will feel better about everything, but I just wish my heart would tell me everything will be okay.

Emma's Eval

Emma's eval went great yesterday!! I absolutely love who her OT/PT will be. They were fantastic. With all the changes in our household the last 6 weeks Emma has been acting shy around strangers, but she walked into the room signing "play" and boy did she! They didn't push her and they gave her more than one chance to do a skill. I was very impressed. 45 minutes later we went to the room that will be her classroom for the cognitive and speech eval. Emma roamed the room and the teachers/psychometrist/speech path just watched her. Then the speech path was talking with her. At one point she even stopped and asked me how we have Emma show us things. We use "Where is the ...." and she was saying "Show Me.." When she would say that Emma would sign. They felt Emma did well. She even showed her "two year old" tantrums that she has mastered soooooo well!!!

Her celiac screening came back negative. I am glad we had the test, but I am relieved that all is well considering her favorite food is triscuits and cheese.

I had to list all the words that Emma could say and sign they total 56! That has tripled since January. I am so proud of my little girl. Take a look at the list!!

I LOVE TO SIGN!!

I can sign
Eat
More
Please
Cat
Music (Looks like a conductor)
Brush teeth
Sleep
Bed
Blows kisses
Drink (Palm to mouth)
Color (hand in the air pretends to write)
Circle
Book
Draw (pretends to write in her palm
Waves hi
Waves good bye
Baby
Cookie
Straw (pointer finger to opposite palm)
Dog
Bird

Turn the page (holds palm to mouth and licks palm; like an adult would lick finger to turn a page in a book)
I can put 2-3 signs together with some words. Ex: “eat,” “more,” “please”
I will point to the items I want too!

THE WORDS I CAN SAY

Mommy
Daddy
Nana
Kitty
Hayden
Baby
Please (sounds like peas)
CD
Fish
No
Libby (dibby)
Hot
Stop
Don’t
Sesame Street (sese s)
Elmo (pelmo)
My Baby
Mine
Sweet
Pretty
Cookie (tootee)
Look (ook)
Let’s see
What’s this?
Papa
Doodle Bops (ba-ba-ba bops)
Outside
Duck
Sing
Peepee
Poopoo
Thank you (tank too)
Apple
Bubbles
Purple

Testing Tomorrow

Well, Emma has her testing for her 3 year old class tomorrow. We start with the PT/OT and then go to the classroom teacher and Speech Path. I am a little nervous, but I usually get very nervous and tense when Emma is tested. I always feel like the testing isn't fair or accurate. So say a little prayer for us....or me anyway!!

Gracie is having a rough time. I think it is colic. She cries as if she is in excruciating pain. I have switched her formula and I am hoping that will fix it, but I am going to call her nurse tomorrow. Hopefully, they will have Emma's test results too.

30 Month IFSP Results

Emma had her IFSP testing this week in preparation for her transition meeting at her elementary school. I was quite proud of her. Of course, she knew all the adults in the room and that is very helpful. Her PT and ST administered the testing. She scored very well in fine/gross motor development. Her fine motor skills are excellent. We are still working on jumping and climbing stairs unassisted. Her social skills were excellent. We all know she isn't shy!!! In the are of personal responsibility there were a few areas that we need to work on...for example identifying herself as "emma." In other words..saying her name. She helps us while she changes clothes, but she can't do it alone and that is another area that we will be working on. Her biggest delay is speech. But, I so LOVE her speech pathologist. He encouraged us so much. We have achieved our goal. Emma is communicative through 10 words and ASL (16 signs.) She also is not afraid to "talk" to people. Her jargoning sounds as if she is talking. Marcus is the expert and if he is please so am I. I think speech will always be a concern for us, but she is gaining ground. We are so PROUD of our little girl. She works hard and doesn't complain..most of the time.

Our meeting at school is Jan. 9th. Her portfolio is complete. Now, I only need to print it for the committee. I am sure this meeting will be very emotional, but I am pleased that she will be going to a great teacher and speech path who will take excellent care of her..Oh and I did I mention that she will be in the same building as my office? That helps!!

Happy New Years!! May blessings abound you and your family in 2007.

Heart Report & IFSP Results & Bottle Woes

Well, today was Emma's 2 year heart check up. First, the two heart murmurs were not detected by the EKG or the ECHO. But, he said that there was a "funny" spot where the PDA was on of the shots of the heart. Her right ventricle of the heart was acting "quirky." But, he said, "It was nothing to write home about." He wants to see her again in 3 years. Her heart release for the ENT said "functional murmur." So, at least we aren't looking at having the PDA repaired. Next week I will contact the ENT to schedule her tonsillectomy.

Her IFSP (individualized family service plan) was Thursday. It went fantastic. We got the results we wanted, which are gains. I am very pleased with the amount of services she receives from Sooner Start. Her therapists are excellent at their craft and have turned into great friends of the family.

Well, now that Emma is a big 2 year old..No more BOTTLE. She has been sipping from a straw for a while. Today she had no bottle and by evening she was quite upset. I gave her an AVENT sippy and she drank from it, so I think we made it past Day 1. Now onto Day 2 ( I think this will be the hardest day). She can drink from a straw, but only wants too if there is pop in it. However, by mid afternoon she was taking juice no problem, but at bedtime really wanted her bottle. The sippy seemed to work... Wish us luck! I guess it is official...no more baby at our house. :-(