We had fun having lunch with daddy at pizza hut and look forward to dinner and more celebrating tonight.
Of course I was hoping to "deliver" the greatest present of all for him today....a daughter!!!
- Cricket
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to my awesome husband and fun daddy to my 4 children!! I hope you enjoy your day.
We had fun having lunch with daddy at pizza hut and look forward to dinner and more celebrating tonight.
Of course I was hoping to "deliver" the greatest present of all for him today....a daughter!!!
- Cricket
We had fun having lunch with daddy at pizza hut and look forward to dinner and more celebrating tonight.
Of course I was hoping to "deliver" the greatest present of all for him today....a daughter!!!
- Cricket
An ending and yet a beginning all in one.
Did you ever read Choose Your Own Adventure books when you were younger? I feel like I'm kind of in the middle of that book except I don't get to choose which ending it will have. I wonder what time of day I will go into labor, who will be with me when it happens, will my water actually break this time, will the contractions come on slowly or come on strong? I guess these are my thoughts since I'm stuck in the waiting phase. With each pregnancy it's always been a differerent route to the end and the admittance into labor and delivery. And it's just so exciting how each one is differerent and unique.
So Sydney, how will you make your grand entrance?
- Cricket
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dallas testing
This morning I took Dallas in to have an initial evaluation done by Orange County Public Schools to see if he qualifies for their program being that he has Sensory Processing Disorder. That way if we do decide to put him in back in school next year we will have more options for better schools.
It was a total God thing the entire process was. Sunday I was talking with my friend Val and she mentioned that we really should take advantage of getting him tested while he's still 5. But she said it usually takes months to get an initial appt. I called Monday and got an appt for wed!!
When we arrived there were so many people already there at 8:15am. Right away everyone was so friendly. They were impressed with all the evals and testing I had already had done on him (neurologist, neurophyc, OT, ST and PT). She gave me a huge stack of about 20 pages of paper work to fill out and we were taken to the waiting room filled with so many parents and little children. I asked the lady how long we would be here and looked at my big pregnant belly and smiled, "I promise you won't be here ALL day child.". Oh my! I didn't think it would take that long. She told me that all these other people were ahead of us and that the sooner i finished the paperwork the sooner we would get moving. I hadn't even finished filling out my paperwork when they came and got us and took us back to start all the testing, before all the other people who were there before us! God was holding my hand and my heart (Dallas was getting very restless and if we had had to wait all day it would not have been a good sight).
First he had a vision test and tested 20/30. She said we need to keep an eye on this.
Next we met with the child phycologist who I really loved. She's an Indian woman with a heart for children. Right away she said her initial thought was that he has Aspergers and wants to do some testing to be sure. I explained that that was our neutologists diagnosis over a year ago but when he was tested by the neurophysiologist he said no, it was PDD. (we saw him last January for testing). She said aspergers is not usualy diagnosed in children before 6 or 7 because they can easily blend in with other children before this age and most parets don't pick up on it. She said there were so many signs pointing to it just within the first couple of minutes of observing him coming back to her room.
So we did the aspergers evaluation test and I had to answer a bunch of questions about him. I left several blank because I wasn't absolutely sure of the answer and others I replied sometimes. When she added up the numbers she said she wasn't going to count any of the blank or sometimes answers to make sure we have a very conservative answer. Even with all of those not counting he still tested in the highest category, guareenteeing an aspergers diagnosis. At first tears welled up in my eyes and I thought I was going to lose it right there. Then God brought a total peace over me. We now can truely understand what is going on with him and move forward to help him in even a better way. His sensory issues make since because that is a huge part of aspergers. And his anxiety and frustration is as well. His odd social habits also make a lot more since. And this diagnosis will really be helpful in getting the right school environment for him. She suggested mainstreaming him in a regular kindergarden class (since he's doing well in preschool so far) but having him at a school with an autism program so there are people there than can help his teacher if she has any questions about schooling him and he can get help from people who are trained in aspergers. (they can also be a huge help to me which is what I REALLY need!). He will also recieve all his therapies at school, OT, PT and ST. With each appt usually costing us $40 a pop this will be a huge money savings as well as time savings instead of me toting around 4 kids to all these places weekly.
He had his speech and education evaluation at the same time with two sweet ladies. His speech has a few things to work on. Education evaluation was ok. They were impressed by some of the things he could do. The phycologist said that his IQ alresy tested higher than average and that it will probably just continue getting higher. Dallas did have one of his fits in the speech and education evaluation and they were happy to get to witness it. The speech therapist commented on what a calm and patient mom I am. I had to laugh. I do try hard to be this way all the time but I'm definatly not perfect.
Everyone absolutley fell in love with Dallas there. How can you not! His heart is one of the biggest you will ever meet. And his smile can just melt your heart!
Now we go back in April for a 3 hour evaluation and then they will bring us back 2 weeks later to give us our assigned school. I'm praying it's Thornbrooke elementary which is 4 miles from our house and an excellent school! We will also try for the 3rd year in a row to get into Hope Charter School. I just have to trust that it's all in Gods hands now since there's not much more I can do.
So next years schooling is all up in the air. They all say school will be the best thing for Dallas to learn to deal with things and get the help he needs. I can also get a sibling transfer for Boston so they could go to the same school. I know Boston really wants to continue homeschooling but I don't want to split them up and make Dallas feel odd or less loved because he's going to school and Boston is staying home. So it looks like we probably won't be homeschooling next year and I am putting my faith in God to show us the right direction continuing forward.
So now I'm deep into research into figuring this whole Asperger diagnosis out and getting ideas on how to parent him best. I'm determined to not let aspergers become who he is or have anyone view him any differently. My goal is to give him tools to help him cope with it and how it makes his view of the world different. I know God has big things planned for him!
It was a total God thing the entire process was. Sunday I was talking with my friend Val and she mentioned that we really should take advantage of getting him tested while he's still 5. But she said it usually takes months to get an initial appt. I called Monday and got an appt for wed!!
When we arrived there were so many people already there at 8:15am. Right away everyone was so friendly. They were impressed with all the evals and testing I had already had done on him (neurologist, neurophyc, OT, ST and PT). She gave me a huge stack of about 20 pages of paper work to fill out and we were taken to the waiting room filled with so many parents and little children. I asked the lady how long we would be here and looked at my big pregnant belly and smiled, "I promise you won't be here ALL day child.". Oh my! I didn't think it would take that long. She told me that all these other people were ahead of us and that the sooner i finished the paperwork the sooner we would get moving. I hadn't even finished filling out my paperwork when they came and got us and took us back to start all the testing, before all the other people who were there before us! God was holding my hand and my heart (Dallas was getting very restless and if we had had to wait all day it would not have been a good sight).
First he had a vision test and tested 20/30. She said we need to keep an eye on this.
Next we met with the child phycologist who I really loved. She's an Indian woman with a heart for children. Right away she said her initial thought was that he has Aspergers and wants to do some testing to be sure. I explained that that was our neutologists diagnosis over a year ago but when he was tested by the neurophysiologist he said no, it was PDD. (we saw him last January for testing). She said aspergers is not usualy diagnosed in children before 6 or 7 because they can easily blend in with other children before this age and most parets don't pick up on it. She said there were so many signs pointing to it just within the first couple of minutes of observing him coming back to her room.
So we did the aspergers evaluation test and I had to answer a bunch of questions about him. I left several blank because I wasn't absolutely sure of the answer and others I replied sometimes. When she added up the numbers she said she wasn't going to count any of the blank or sometimes answers to make sure we have a very conservative answer. Even with all of those not counting he still tested in the highest category, guareenteeing an aspergers diagnosis. At first tears welled up in my eyes and I thought I was going to lose it right there. Then God brought a total peace over me. We now can truely understand what is going on with him and move forward to help him in even a better way. His sensory issues make since because that is a huge part of aspergers. And his anxiety and frustration is as well. His odd social habits also make a lot more since. And this diagnosis will really be helpful in getting the right school environment for him. She suggested mainstreaming him in a regular kindergarden class (since he's doing well in preschool so far) but having him at a school with an autism program so there are people there than can help his teacher if she has any questions about schooling him and he can get help from people who are trained in aspergers. (they can also be a huge help to me which is what I REALLY need!). He will also recieve all his therapies at school, OT, PT and ST. With each appt usually costing us $40 a pop this will be a huge money savings as well as time savings instead of me toting around 4 kids to all these places weekly.
He had his speech and education evaluation at the same time with two sweet ladies. His speech has a few things to work on. Education evaluation was ok. They were impressed by some of the things he could do. The phycologist said that his IQ alresy tested higher than average and that it will probably just continue getting higher. Dallas did have one of his fits in the speech and education evaluation and they were happy to get to witness it. The speech therapist commented on what a calm and patient mom I am. I had to laugh. I do try hard to be this way all the time but I'm definatly not perfect.
Everyone absolutley fell in love with Dallas there. How can you not! His heart is one of the biggest you will ever meet. And his smile can just melt your heart!
Now we go back in April for a 3 hour evaluation and then they will bring us back 2 weeks later to give us our assigned school. I'm praying it's Thornbrooke elementary which is 4 miles from our house and an excellent school! We will also try for the 3rd year in a row to get into Hope Charter School. I just have to trust that it's all in Gods hands now since there's not much more I can do.
So next years schooling is all up in the air. They all say school will be the best thing for Dallas to learn to deal with things and get the help he needs. I can also get a sibling transfer for Boston so they could go to the same school. I know Boston really wants to continue homeschooling but I don't want to split them up and make Dallas feel odd or less loved because he's going to school and Boston is staying home. So it looks like we probably won't be homeschooling next year and I am putting my faith in God to show us the right direction continuing forward.
So now I'm deep into research into figuring this whole Asperger diagnosis out and getting ideas on how to parent him best. I'm determined to not let aspergers become who he is or have anyone view him any differently. My goal is to give him tools to help him cope with it and how it makes his view of the world different. I know God has big things planned for him!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A nice day
Today I really got some quality time with the boys. It just feels so important to me before Sydney gets here and our whole world is rocked for a little while.
Dallas did just awesome going into school today (after a week of crying and screaming fits). I talked with him all morning about what my expectations were for him and how I would like for him to behave when I drop him off. And he was smiling, skipping to class. Gave me a HUGE bear hug and off he went. What a sign of relief this was for me since all the other days I was just ready to throw the towel in and just bring him back home.
Boston, Asher I made a trip to the library drive thru. On our way there we noticed lots of police cars along the way. We asked the librarian what was going on as she said someoe had robbed the bank. Boston (who was guessing the whole time we were driving as to what was going on) shouts out "AWESOME!!!" from the back seat. It had me and the librarian laughing.
We picked up Dallas, came home and I gave the boys army costumes I had bought after Halloween for about 50cents. They loved them! We went in the backyard and played and our neighbor Jerry flew kites with the kids (ashers 1st time).
I got a lot of household cleaning done during ashers nap and then we all headed to the front yard. I was going to rake leaves but the boys each wanted me to play something with them so I did that instead. (I had thought the leaf raking might bring on labor but it was too windy anyhow and way more fun to play with my boys). Dallas wanted to play baseball with me (I throw-he hits). Asher wanted me to push him in the swing. And Boston changed his mind every 2 minutes.
It was just a joyful, happy time and I soaked it all in. They have all been getting extra long hugs lately. I don't know why I feel like things are going go be so differerent when Sydney gets here.
Funny thing is that after Sean got home all of a sudden I got all emotional and spent about 30 minutes crying in the bathroom. Darn hormones!! Of course this waiting game of when is she going go come proabably doesn't help.
So I'm signing off tonight...no contractions...just feeling like I'm going to puke. Lovely isn't it? The anticipation is killing me!!!
(by the way. My laptop broke so I'm updating through my phone). And if anyone wants to donate a computer to this pregnant soul feel free!! I'm lost without it.
- Cricket
Dallas did just awesome going into school today (after a week of crying and screaming fits). I talked with him all morning about what my expectations were for him and how I would like for him to behave when I drop him off. And he was smiling, skipping to class. Gave me a HUGE bear hug and off he went. What a sign of relief this was for me since all the other days I was just ready to throw the towel in and just bring him back home.
Boston, Asher I made a trip to the library drive thru. On our way there we noticed lots of police cars along the way. We asked the librarian what was going on as she said someoe had robbed the bank. Boston (who was guessing the whole time we were driving as to what was going on) shouts out "AWESOME!!!" from the back seat. It had me and the librarian laughing.
We picked up Dallas, came home and I gave the boys army costumes I had bought after Halloween for about 50cents. They loved them! We went in the backyard and played and our neighbor Jerry flew kites with the kids (ashers 1st time).
I got a lot of household cleaning done during ashers nap and then we all headed to the front yard. I was going to rake leaves but the boys each wanted me to play something with them so I did that instead. (I had thought the leaf raking might bring on labor but it was too windy anyhow and way more fun to play with my boys). Dallas wanted to play baseball with me (I throw-he hits). Asher wanted me to push him in the swing. And Boston changed his mind every 2 minutes.
It was just a joyful, happy time and I soaked it all in. They have all been getting extra long hugs lately. I don't know why I feel like things are going go be so differerent when Sydney gets here.
Funny thing is that after Sean got home all of a sudden I got all emotional and spent about 30 minutes crying in the bathroom. Darn hormones!! Of course this waiting game of when is she going go come proabably doesn't help.
So I'm signing off tonight...no contractions...just feeling like I'm going to puke. Lovely isn't it? The anticipation is killing me!!!
(by the way. My laptop broke so I'm updating through my phone). And if anyone wants to donate a computer to this pregnant soul feel free!! I'm lost without it.
- Cricket
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Belly or pillow...it's all in how you view it
Asher cuddling with me after naptime using my belly as a pillow.
- Cricket
Sean early bday celebration
Tonight we celebrated seans bday early by going to dinner with his parents to Texas Roadhouse. His bday is Thursday but of course we don't know if we might be in the hospital at that time.
Dallas and Asher did great at dinner. Boston was off at the movies with my parents who had promised him they would take him after he ever so cutely asked Papa to take him to see "The Spy Next Door". He sure loved it!
Here's a pic of Sean riding th saddle after they announced it's his bday to the whole restaurant.
- Cricket
Dallas and Asher did great at dinner. Boston was off at the movies with my parents who had promised him they would take him after he ever so cutely asked Papa to take him to see "The Spy Next Door". He sure loved it!
Here's a pic of Sean riding th saddle after they announced it's his bday to the whole restaurant.
- Cricket
Hot
Hot...that's the best way to describe how I felt today. I think my blood pressure must be higher (a good sign labor is in my near future) because no one else around me was hot. I think was sweating all day long.
Maybe the vitamins and supplements are also working. I upped the dosage of Evening Primrose Oil to 3 in morning and 3 at night now that I'm in my 38 week. And I have upped the Red Rasberry Leaf tablets to 2 morning and 2 evening. That's suppossed together things moving an shaking. We shall see!
Also began reading my Supernatural Childbirth book again. Feeling inspired and confident for this delivery. It's all in Gods hands and I trust he will guide it to go in the direction it is suppossed to.
Until then...wait...wait...wait...........
Maybe the vitamins and supplements are also working. I upped the dosage of Evening Primrose Oil to 3 in morning and 3 at night now that I'm in my 38 week. And I have upped the Red Rasberry Leaf tablets to 2 morning and 2 evening. That's suppossed together things moving an shaking. We shall see!
Also began reading my Supernatural Childbirth book again. Feeling inspired and confident for this delivery. It's all in Gods hands and I trust he will guide it to go in the direction it is suppossed to.
Until then...wait...wait...wait...........
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Today i painted for 5 hours all the baseboards and doors in our house. It was quite the project. My nesting is really getting pretty crazy. Don't remember being this crazy with the boys. It probably has something to do with the fact that it will be my fourth and I just feel like I need everything in order so that it's not so crazy when I bring her home. I'm now sitting on the couch completely and physically wiped out. Thought it might bring on some contractions or labor activity but nothing so far, only very swollen feet and achy body. At least I'm getting a lot done around here and some quality time with the boys and Sean.
My parents took the kids last night and they spent the night because I had a meeting with the bride who's wedding I'll be shooting in March this morning. Sean and I went to dinner with his boss and his wife last night and had a great time with them.
This morning while touring the golf course with the bride I thought our golf cart driver was either trying hard to just pop the baby out or throw me off the cart. Wow it was one scary ride!!
My parents just called and the boys are gonna stay another night. It's been so nice to have this time alone with Sean since we don't get much time together anymore and with the baby coming anyday it's meant even more! So I'm in for a relaxing evening with the love of my life as we face another parenting adventure in the near future adding our first girl to the mix!!
My parents took the kids last night and they spent the night because I had a meeting with the bride who's wedding I'll be shooting in March this morning. Sean and I went to dinner with his boss and his wife last night and had a great time with them.
This morning while touring the golf course with the bride I thought our golf cart driver was either trying hard to just pop the baby out or throw me off the cart. Wow it was one scary ride!!
My parents just called and the boys are gonna stay another night. It's been so nice to have this time alone with Sean since we don't get much time together anymore and with the baby coming anyday it's meant even more! So I'm in for a relaxing evening with the love of my life as we face another parenting adventure in the near future adding our first girl to the mix!!
Friday, January 22, 2010
The cats new pertch
Our cat Baby has recently discovered the comfort of laying on my belly and even wrapping her paw around it. I've even found her curled up on top of me when I'm asleep. Our cat has always been able to know when I'm pregnant before we do. She starts climbing on me all the time. And now she's started up again...maybe she knows she's coming soon!
- Cricket
Asher on curly hair
I got my haircut earlier this week and she straightened my hair. Today I washed it and let it go curly again. Asher awoke from his nap, came in and sat down next to me and was being so cute and sweet making comments like, "Look at your eyes Mommy. Look at your mouth mommy."
And then he looked at my hair and said, "You need to brush your hair mommy."
And then he looked at my hair and said, "You need to brush your hair mommy."
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