This is Michael's last year in pre-school. In September, he will move on to a new teacher, a new school, and a new "regular class (I believe). Now this transition is hard for most parents of
"neuro-typical" children, but Michael has autism. He doesn't always deal well with change (tough that is improving a little), he doesn't socialize with others very much (or at least he doesn't without someone guiding and modeling what to do), he has repetitive behaviors and can sometimes go into his own world when it comes to imaginary play. His speech has come so far, yet his volleying back and forth with communication still needs a lot of work. He doesn't answer questions reliably or at all sometimes. He will ask for things, which he was delayed doing. He is also not potty trained with poop. I am not sure what his IEP will look like. I don't know if he will have someone in the class giving him extra attention so that his socialization skills continue to improve. We are having a transition meeting in the next couple of weeks, so I'm sure that this will help with some of my anxiety, but I won't feel better until I actually see how he does in school. Right now, he is in a class of 7 or 8 students and has 3 teachers in the room. He does go to a regular pre-school class 3 times a week for lunch and circle time. This has been going well, but it is a more structured time, so I don't know how he would do in a less structured situation.
The one good area that I have been really happy with is his sleep. We have been doing Melatonin for the last 2 1/2 months and have had to up the dose from 1 MG to 2 MG. It still takes a good 45 minutes to kick in, but it does kick in. He has been sleeping through the night and has been getting up a a reasonable time. No more waking his up for school. No more sleeping til 10:00 if we let him. He is now asleep by 8:30 and is usually awake by 7:30 at the latest. This morning he was actually up at 6:00. I am hopeful that his improved sleep pattern, like all of us, is helping his overall. He used to fall asleep closer to 10 or even 11 and then not want to wake up the next morning til 9 or 10. We tried to do a sensory diet which helped somewhat, but it really didn't make a huge difference. I am hoping that once spring is here and we are outside more, things will be even better.
Michael finally has something that he loves. He had been really focused on Caillou to the point of reciting lines and acting out episodes sometimes at inappropriate times and often repetitive ways such as bedtime routine. He now loves Wall-e and Mickey Mouse. He doesn't seem to act out these shows as much, though he can recite the lines to them as he watches them. In wall-e, the is a part from Hello Dolly and we watched it a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't interested in it until that scene came on and he ran into the room and sang with the song.We probably watch too much TV in this house and I am working on changing that. He does love music and the Polar Express sound track right now is his favorite!
One thing that is bothering me right now is a family member who is trying to pressure us into signing him up for kindergarten soccer. he has shown little interest in soccer or anything like that. He tends to enjoy digging in the dirt, running around, riding his bike, climbing, and swimming. Personally, I would rather see him in swimming lessons where he would thrive not in an organized team sport where he doesn't like to play with other kids. The problem I have is that this person keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. I just want to say "STOP TELLING ME WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR MY CHILD". Yes that was meant to be yelling. She always tells people what they need to do, not suggest an option that is available. She then goes on to push her agenda. With regards to soccer, she was a soccer coach for her kids and they still play soccer in high school and college. I totally feel like this is her agenda and not mine. Yesterday, we took Michael to spend $20 of his birthday money at the book store. I posted it on Facebook (and maybe that's my problem, I open myself up for criticism by putting it out there), and she responded that I should be putting his money away for college. He will have some go in his bank account, but I think it is important to let him spend some money on a gift. Again, it is my child, and my decision. No one else's, except my husband. Again, I just want to yell, "stop telling me what to do!"
Thanks for listening to my rant! I am so happy that I have some where to get out things both good and bad instead of only unloading on my husband!
Amy
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dealing With Autism
It's been about a month and a half since we got confirmation that Michael was indeed on the Autism Spectrum. It's amazing, that even though we were pretty sure he was on the spectrum, how difficult it is to process the diagnosis of PDD NOS. There are times that I have these doubts that he actually has PDD, but then something happens and I realize that it is just my denial that he actually has PDD. I'm not in total denial that he has it, I guess at times, I hope that he does't have it, but in reality I know he does.
One of the things that makes it so difficult to fully accept (or at least I think that this is one thing) is that people (family and friends) want to deny that he has it and when we tell them that he has this diagnosis, they say that they don't believe he has it. I know that they mean well, but it just fosters that doubt in my own mind.
He was just evaluated for sensory issues, and the occupational therapist that saw him felt that some of the sensory seeking behaviors that he has are ways that he has developed to help him when he is over stimulated. This is another area where people say things like: all 4 year olds do that or that's normal behavior. I think on some level what Michael does is normal behavior, except that how often he does it and when and why he does it, is not normal developmental behavior. On the other hand, if his behaviors are his coping mechanism for overstimulation, I am pretty impressed with his ability to figure out what he needs to decompress. I think at this point, we need to find ways to help him so that he doesn't need to seek out these regulating behaviors.
We are going to see OT for 3-5 sessions to help figure out a "sensory diet" to see if that will help him not need to seek out things to decrease him stimulation, or at least help him not to get over stimulated on a regular basis. I'm sure that there are going to be times where he will still get overstimulated, but if we can help to decrease these times, maybe he will feel better.
It was amazing to watch him after his evaluation. It kind of brought home, once again, that there really is an issue. At the end of the evaluation, when my husband and I were getting the results, Michael started doing his water play. He started at the sink, then he started leaving the OT room and repeatedly going back and forth between the OT room and the water fountain in the waiting room. The other 2 kids, who had been there as long waiting for Michael's evaluation to be finished, were playing in a more "normal" or "appropriate" way, such as playing with the different toys in the room. When Michael gets like this, it can be difficult to distract him and get him to focus on something else.
Michael is still my sweet lovable boy and all of his evaluations start with a similar description. All I want for him is to be happy. I want him to have a happy, fun, good life. I think with the appropriate interventions, he will do fine. I think he may always have some "quirkiness" to him, but I think he will be fine.
I'm not sure that this is totally clear. I guess, I am still processing everything that we have just learned and I know that there are still things that we need to learn. If anyone has any thoughts that they want to share or stories that they want to share, please do. I know that I am going to more than likely start looking for a support group to talk to others who either are in the situation that we are, or who have already been there!
Amy
One of the things that makes it so difficult to fully accept (or at least I think that this is one thing) is that people (family and friends) want to deny that he has it and when we tell them that he has this diagnosis, they say that they don't believe he has it. I know that they mean well, but it just fosters that doubt in my own mind.
He was just evaluated for sensory issues, and the occupational therapist that saw him felt that some of the sensory seeking behaviors that he has are ways that he has developed to help him when he is over stimulated. This is another area where people say things like: all 4 year olds do that or that's normal behavior. I think on some level what Michael does is normal behavior, except that how often he does it and when and why he does it, is not normal developmental behavior. On the other hand, if his behaviors are his coping mechanism for overstimulation, I am pretty impressed with his ability to figure out what he needs to decompress. I think at this point, we need to find ways to help him so that he doesn't need to seek out these regulating behaviors.
We are going to see OT for 3-5 sessions to help figure out a "sensory diet" to see if that will help him not need to seek out things to decrease him stimulation, or at least help him not to get over stimulated on a regular basis. I'm sure that there are going to be times where he will still get overstimulated, but if we can help to decrease these times, maybe he will feel better.
It was amazing to watch him after his evaluation. It kind of brought home, once again, that there really is an issue. At the end of the evaluation, when my husband and I were getting the results, Michael started doing his water play. He started at the sink, then he started leaving the OT room and repeatedly going back and forth between the OT room and the water fountain in the waiting room. The other 2 kids, who had been there as long waiting for Michael's evaluation to be finished, were playing in a more "normal" or "appropriate" way, such as playing with the different toys in the room. When Michael gets like this, it can be difficult to distract him and get him to focus on something else.
Michael is still my sweet lovable boy and all of his evaluations start with a similar description. All I want for him is to be happy. I want him to have a happy, fun, good life. I think with the appropriate interventions, he will do fine. I think he may always have some "quirkiness" to him, but I think he will be fine.
I'm not sure that this is totally clear. I guess, I am still processing everything that we have just learned and I know that there are still things that we need to learn. If anyone has any thoughts that they want to share or stories that they want to share, please do. I know that I am going to more than likely start looking for a support group to talk to others who either are in the situation that we are, or who have already been there!
Amy
Monday, March 26, 2012
Michael
I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment to have Michael evaluated to see if there is more to his speech delay. I am hoping that I am just being overly worried and that they will say that he is just behind and will catch up. At this point, I do think there is more to his speech delay and since he is four, I want to have him evaluated so that he can receive more services if he needs them. The irony is that my husband was the one who was initially concerned, and now that his fears are alleviated somewhat, mine have increased. My husband is a teacher and has seen kids with autism, I don't really have experience with childhood development. If you were to ask me about dementia related issues, I could probably tease that out and see a lot of warning signs, but not childhood developmental issues. For example, I definitely picked up on the fact that my grandmother was showing signs of dementia long before I was told that she was actually diagnosed with it. My background is in nursing homes and geriatrics so I definitely fee comfortable with watching for those signs, not things like autism. Do I think that he has autism? Honestly, I don't think he does, but I am starting to realize that there are some really mild forms of autism or PDD NOS that some people wouldn't even diagnose as PDD NOS. I do think that there is more to his speech delay, but I don't know what. I guess that is why he is being evaluated. I know that he will be evaluated by a pediatric neurologist from MGH and that the evaluation will be play oriented, but that is all. I am looking forward to having this evaluation so that I am no longer worrying if there is an issue. I am concerned that there is an issue, but at least knowing that there is an issue will be better than wondering. Once I know if there is an issue I can hopefully learn what else I can do for Michael and what other services he is entitled to.
It's going to be a long couple of months til May 15th, but I am so happy that it is only a month and a half until the evaluation. I have heard that it can take up to 6 months to get an appointment so I am happy. I am also happy that we are meeting with the doctor 1 week later to discuss the results!
Amy
It's going to be a long couple of months til May 15th, but I am so happy that it is only a month and a half until the evaluation. I have heard that it can take up to 6 months to get an appointment so I am happy. I am also happy that we are meeting with the doctor 1 week later to discuss the results!
Amy
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Potty Training Update
After having wirtten my last post and after getting a couple of answers to my potty training questions via my twins group, I have decided that we we muster on. We are not at the point of the kids telling us that they have to go to the potty, but they will and want to use the potty. They still ahve accident, but some days are better than otehrs and some moments are better than others!
My husband and I are on the same page. We have decided that they will be in underwear pretty much eery day. We are going to stop giving rewards for going on the potty, because they pretty much have no problem sitting on the potty and actually going. Where they have the issues is not always staying dry. I started thinking that we needed to start rewarding for the behavior we wanted not the behavior that we already had. I wasn't sure if it would work, but I thought about rewarding for actual dry diapers. I got some positive feedback on this and we are starting this process. We are also stepping up how often we offer the potty. Michael's teacher said that he is on the cusp of being ready. He will always go on the potty, but will not tell them that he needs to go. I needed to get more diapers for school so I decided to buy pull ups. They're much more expensive and I know some people disagree with their use, but I think in this instance, it is worth it. Michael will go to school in either a diaper (since I still have some left) or in pull ups which I am hoping will help make it easier for him to be trained while at school. The one comment I got also suggested to put them in underwear and if they have an accident to put them in a diaper and continue to bring them to the potty. They will also be going to be in a diaper at this point. I have a feeling this is not going to be a quick and easy process like for some kids, but they are definitely interested in going on the potty and I really want to encourage that as much as I can! I am totally in this for the long haul and feel much more comfortable continuing moving forward after getting some advice from other moms.
On another note, we have had the twins re-evaluated for early intervention. Thomas was not screened in, but Eva Rose was. What is so interesting about this is that I always thought that Thomas was going to be the one who was behind, but it seems like Eva Rose and Michael are the ones behind. Michael is doing well in school. He is able to sing the tune of twinkle twinkle with some words thrown in, and also able to go through the book Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See, and you can actually understand him reading the book. At this point, I'm sure it is more him memorizing the words, but he is right about the colors and the animals. My goal is to record him singing the book. Once I have it recorded, I will make sure to post to this blog!
Amy
My husband and I are on the same page. We have decided that they will be in underwear pretty much eery day. We are going to stop giving rewards for going on the potty, because they pretty much have no problem sitting on the potty and actually going. Where they have the issues is not always staying dry. I started thinking that we needed to start rewarding for the behavior we wanted not the behavior that we already had. I wasn't sure if it would work, but I thought about rewarding for actual dry diapers. I got some positive feedback on this and we are starting this process. We are also stepping up how often we offer the potty. Michael's teacher said that he is on the cusp of being ready. He will always go on the potty, but will not tell them that he needs to go. I needed to get more diapers for school so I decided to buy pull ups. They're much more expensive and I know some people disagree with their use, but I think in this instance, it is worth it. Michael will go to school in either a diaper (since I still have some left) or in pull ups which I am hoping will help make it easier for him to be trained while at school. The one comment I got also suggested to put them in underwear and if they have an accident to put them in a diaper and continue to bring them to the potty. They will also be going to be in a diaper at this point. I have a feeling this is not going to be a quick and easy process like for some kids, but they are definitely interested in going on the potty and I really want to encourage that as much as I can! I am totally in this for the long haul and feel much more comfortable continuing moving forward after getting some advice from other moms.
On another note, we have had the twins re-evaluated for early intervention. Thomas was not screened in, but Eva Rose was. What is so interesting about this is that I always thought that Thomas was going to be the one who was behind, but it seems like Eva Rose and Michael are the ones behind. Michael is doing well in school. He is able to sing the tune of twinkle twinkle with some words thrown in, and also able to go through the book Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See, and you can actually understand him reading the book. At this point, I'm sure it is more him memorizing the words, but he is right about the colors and the animals. My goal is to record him singing the book. Once I have it recorded, I will make sure to post to this blog!
Amy
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Potty Training
God I hate this part of parenting! I never realized just how much I would hate this part of development! We decided to potty train all 3 at the same time. I don't know if I am a glutton for punishment or what, but all 3 seemed to be interested in going to the potty at the same time. At first we were doing great, just a for accidents, but now it seems like all they want to do is pee every where except the potty! I am totally beside myself with where to go from here. Do I put them back in diapers? Do I keep pushing forward? Do I play it all by ear?
Please tell me this gets better!? I am hating potty training and am thinking that I would much more enjoy having my 3 in diapers rather than this whole potty training crap! Part of me wants to keep pushing forward, but part of me says just go back to diapers! I don't want to do what's best for me, I want to do what's best for them. Right now I'll just be playing it all by ear!
Amy
Next time, I'll post pictures and something more fun than potty training!
Please tell me this gets better!? I am hating potty training and am thinking that I would much more enjoy having my 3 in diapers rather than this whole potty training crap! Part of me wants to keep pushing forward, but part of me says just go back to diapers! I don't want to do what's best for me, I want to do what's best for them. Right now I'll just be playing it all by ear!
Amy
Next time, I'll post pictures and something more fun than potty training!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
First Day of Preschool
Yesterday was Michael's first day at preschool. It started of fine, even though we needed to wake Michael up. I feel like I have a teenager already and he is only 3. He likes to stay up late and sleep late in the morning. I guess payback really is a bitch (both me and my husband never liked to go to be or get up early. I still don't like to get up early). We were able to get him up, fed, and dressed on time for the bus. For the first day, we had to pack wipes, a couple of diapers (yes the school is letting us cloth diaper him), a wet bag for the diapers, an extra set of clothes, and his lunch bag. By the time everything was packed, the backpack almost made him topple over. The bus showed up, and as I walked him out, I started crying, the twins started crying (probably because I wouldn't let them come out of the house), and as Michael got on the bus he started crying. I was prepared for this to happen, but it didn't make it any easier. I got a call from the school nurse and talked to her about Michael's dairy issue and the fact that it was probably more of an intolerance than an actual allergy. We talked about getting him allergy tested, but I have heard that there are lots of false positive/negatives at this age and we have seen so many changes after we stopped dairy, that I am just more inclined to eliminate dairy from his diet without getting confirmation from a test. During this phone call she reported that Michael stopped crying soon after the bus pulled away from the house (he will still cry once in a while when I leave for work and he is home with his dad) and that he was outside playing with his classmates.
He was dropped of at the house around 11:00 and looked so happy. I decided to take them out to lunch and called Nonna and Papa to come to lunch with us. Unfortunately my mom was only off for the morning as she had her appointment to schedule her chemo and was going back to work, but my stepfather joined us. I decided to trial pizza. At first I was just going to give them macaroni, but figured I would see how they responded to cheese. All three kids were so well behaved at Prince Pizza. They ate a ton of food and sat in their seats even though they were not buckled in. We then needed to drive around since the twins fell asleep and I didn't want to risk waking them. When we got home I noticed that Michael was starting to have the raspy breathing again and at night Eva Rose was snoring more than usual. I don't know if the cheese was the cause, but at least for Michael, I believe that the cheese was the cause of his breathing change. I really want to watch what he eat since I think he has more of an intolerance to dairy than the other two.
Bedtime was the normal routine and all 3 kids pretty much went to bed the same way they always do. Thomas and Eva Rose climbed into their beds and went right to sleep with no intervention. Michael, on the other hand, decided to strip out of his pajamas and his diaper. Tom went in and put his diaper back on. We haven't always been putting his pajamas back on since we figured that maybe he was just warm. At some point he took his diaper off again and at 12:30 I had to get up and change his bed since he wet the bed. With new sheets and a new diaper, he went back to sleep fairly quickly. This morning was pretty much the same routine. Michael cried as he got on the bus and I got teary eyes. The bus driver said that he will pretty much stop crying by the time they are at the end of our short street. I'm sure that things will get easier as time goes on and I know that he will love it more and more!
He was dropped of at the house around 11:00 and looked so happy. I decided to take them out to lunch and called Nonna and Papa to come to lunch with us. Unfortunately my mom was only off for the morning as she had her appointment to schedule her chemo and was going back to work, but my stepfather joined us. I decided to trial pizza. At first I was just going to give them macaroni, but figured I would see how they responded to cheese. All three kids were so well behaved at Prince Pizza. They ate a ton of food and sat in their seats even though they were not buckled in. We then needed to drive around since the twins fell asleep and I didn't want to risk waking them. When we got home I noticed that Michael was starting to have the raspy breathing again and at night Eva Rose was snoring more than usual. I don't know if the cheese was the cause, but at least for Michael, I believe that the cheese was the cause of his breathing change. I really want to watch what he eat since I think he has more of an intolerance to dairy than the other two.
Bedtime was the normal routine and all 3 kids pretty much went to bed the same way they always do. Thomas and Eva Rose climbed into their beds and went right to sleep with no intervention. Michael, on the other hand, decided to strip out of his pajamas and his diaper. Tom went in and put his diaper back on. We haven't always been putting his pajamas back on since we figured that maybe he was just warm. At some point he took his diaper off again and at 12:30 I had to get up and change his bed since he wet the bed. With new sheets and a new diaper, he went back to sleep fairly quickly. This morning was pretty much the same routine. Michael cried as he got on the bus and I got teary eyes. The bus driver said that he will pretty much stop crying by the time they are at the end of our short street. I'm sure that things will get easier as time goes on and I know that he will love it more and more!
Waiting for the bus
Amy
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pre-school
I got the call today to say that I could bring Michael in for his pre-school visit tomorrow and that he could start school on Monday. I immediately called to see if I could find a babysitter. Thankfully, my step-father is great and he said he would come by tomorrow and watch the twins so that my could do his intro day. I can't believe that he is old enough for pre-school. It doesn't feel like I've been a mom that long. I am so excited for him to start school. I think it is going to do him a world of good to be away from me for a couple of hours a day. I think his social skills will improve as should his communication skills. I am a little sad that he is growing up, what seems like, so fast., but I can't wait to watch him grow with all of thes egreat changes! Now we need to go find him a back pack and a lunch box for school on Mondy! Off to LL Bean this Saturday!
Amy
Amy
Monday, January 10, 2011
Potty Training
So my oldest, Michael, with be three in March. My twins are going to to be two in two weeks. I have decided that it is time to work on one of the things I am most dreading, potty training. Today was our first day sans diapers. My goal is for diapers to only be on for night time. How did today go? Total fail. Not one time did he do anything on the potty other than sit. I suppose that it is a positive thing that he at least wanted to sit on the toilet, but he was more interested in flushing the toilet than anything else. Every pair of under pants that I put on him, he soaked through. I have been cloth diapering for the last year and a half. I thought that it would make potty training easier, but I don't think it's made a difference in that regard. I am not ready to give up on potty training yet. It's only been one day, and I am hoping that he will start to get it sooner than later. The other thing that is spurring this on, is that he is going to be evaluated for public school pre-school and I don't know if they require him to be potty trained to go or not. I am hoping that he will qualify for pre-school and not just speech services. I think that he will benefit from pre-school and that it will really help his speech. But I digress. Back to the potty training issue. I am basically attempting to go sans diapers furing the day with offering him the potty often and even just bringing him and sitting him on it. I know that there are more formal ways to potty train, but for now, it's how I am going about it. If anyone has any other resources, please, please let me know. I have the info on the 3 day potty training guide and may do that if my way doesn't work out. It's just so hard with 2 others. I am not looking forward to doing this two more times!
Amy
Amy
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Happy 23 Months Babies!
A few of my twin mom friends write letters to their children every month to document the different things that have gone on. This can be developmental changes, activities that have happened, or just funny things/memories to preserve. Since today is Eva Rose and Thomas' 23rd month of life, I figured I'd start today. I don't think that I am as prepared as I'd like to be to really document all the different things that have gone on, but I definitely want to acknowledge that my babies aren't babies any more. I will be sure to really document things for their 2 year birthday, but for this post, I will just briefly go over things.
We found out that we were having twins when I was 11 weeks along in my second pregnancy. I was so lucky to get pregnant so quickly after my first son. We never imagines twins, though so many people joked about it with us. I have twins on both sides of my family and even though the male doesn't really have anything to do with the likelihood, my husband has identical triplets on his side. I was put on bed rest at 23 weeks and was so scared that I would deliver early. At 35 weeks, my OB took me off bed rest and when I went for a routine non-stress test, I found out that I was having the babies that night because of pre-eclampsia. They were born 5 weeks early and my daughter was 4 pounds 7 ounces and 17 3/4 inches and my son was 4 pounds 8.9 ounces and 17 inches. They did great and were able to come home with me. unfortunately after 2 1/2 weeks, my son got RSV and was taken to Children's Hospital via ambulance from a routine doctors appointment. He was in the hospital for 3 weeks and did well. His sister was admitted for RSV 1 week after he was and she was in for 2 weeks. From the time they were discharged from the hospital, they just grew stronger and stronger every day! Over the last month, I have seen such changes in both of their verbal skills. We have had early intervention involved for about 3 months now and the improvement in their ability to express and understand is amazing. My Eva Rose was always and continues to be my feisty go getter and I thought that she would be the one to speak first and have a more extensive vocabulary. My Thomas is my little cuddle bug that loves to snuggle especially with daddy. The funny thing is, he is the one who seems to have all of a sudden exploded with his vocabulary. they are still only saying 1 word at a time, but they have gone from maybe a 5 word vocabulary to at least a 25 word vocabulary and probably more than that. They are able to point out pictures and name objects independently. They are starting to play with toys in a more functional manner.
My goal for the new year is to start really having some scheduled activities for them instead off me being wishy-washy about the day. I think this will be a better plan for all of us. I don't want to plan and schedule my day in a totally rigid manner, I just want to have a plan on what I want to happen that day. I love being a mom too my 3 kids, and even though I always knew I wanted to have children and stay at home with them, I never realized how totally amazing it would be. Don't get me wrong, I have my major stressors and don't always deal with things in the most rational way and my kids are not perfect angels, but I wouldn't change a thing! As difficult as it's been having 3 kids in 10 1/2 months, I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching them play together and overall they get along really well. They are siblings after all so they do also fight, but when they kiss each other and play together nicely, it makes me tear up!
Wow, lengthy post, but so needed. I may repeat some of this in next months post for their 2 year post, but after that I won't! thank you bloggy friends for inspiring me to write this type of post. I know that this is not the best most in depth post (even though it is so long), but I think this is a great way to document different things in my kids lives since I can't scrapbook like I would want to (though I really need to get back to doing that!)
Amy
We found out that we were having twins when I was 11 weeks along in my second pregnancy. I was so lucky to get pregnant so quickly after my first son. We never imagines twins, though so many people joked about it with us. I have twins on both sides of my family and even though the male doesn't really have anything to do with the likelihood, my husband has identical triplets on his side. I was put on bed rest at 23 weeks and was so scared that I would deliver early. At 35 weeks, my OB took me off bed rest and when I went for a routine non-stress test, I found out that I was having the babies that night because of pre-eclampsia. They were born 5 weeks early and my daughter was 4 pounds 7 ounces and 17 3/4 inches and my son was 4 pounds 8.9 ounces and 17 inches. They did great and were able to come home with me. unfortunately after 2 1/2 weeks, my son got RSV and was taken to Children's Hospital via ambulance from a routine doctors appointment. He was in the hospital for 3 weeks and did well. His sister was admitted for RSV 1 week after he was and she was in for 2 weeks. From the time they were discharged from the hospital, they just grew stronger and stronger every day! Over the last month, I have seen such changes in both of their verbal skills. We have had early intervention involved for about 3 months now and the improvement in their ability to express and understand is amazing. My Eva Rose was always and continues to be my feisty go getter and I thought that she would be the one to speak first and have a more extensive vocabulary. My Thomas is my little cuddle bug that loves to snuggle especially with daddy. The funny thing is, he is the one who seems to have all of a sudden exploded with his vocabulary. they are still only saying 1 word at a time, but they have gone from maybe a 5 word vocabulary to at least a 25 word vocabulary and probably more than that. They are able to point out pictures and name objects independently. They are starting to play with toys in a more functional manner.
My goal for the new year is to start really having some scheduled activities for them instead off me being wishy-washy about the day. I think this will be a better plan for all of us. I don't want to plan and schedule my day in a totally rigid manner, I just want to have a plan on what I want to happen that day. I love being a mom too my 3 kids, and even though I always knew I wanted to have children and stay at home with them, I never realized how totally amazing it would be. Don't get me wrong, I have my major stressors and don't always deal with things in the most rational way and my kids are not perfect angels, but I wouldn't change a thing! As difficult as it's been having 3 kids in 10 1/2 months, I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching them play together and overall they get along really well. They are siblings after all so they do also fight, but when they kiss each other and play together nicely, it makes me tear up!
Wow, lengthy post, but so needed. I may repeat some of this in next months post for their 2 year post, but after that I won't! thank you bloggy friends for inspiring me to write this type of post. I know that this is not the best most in depth post (even though it is so long), but I think this is a great way to document different things in my kids lives since I can't scrapbook like I would want to (though I really need to get back to doing that!)
Amy
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Rant!
I jsut need a place to rant about people giving unsolicited advice. No matter how well intentioned, sometimes people should just keep their mouths shut! Case in point, early intervention. Michael will be 2 1/2 Sept 8th and really has no functional communication. As an aside, my husband and my little sister both talked on the later side of the developmental spectrum and there is nothing wrong now that they are grown. After much deliberation, my husband and I decided to make a referral to EI for all 3 kids since the twins are really not talking either. Today was the initial gathering of information and then we still have 2 more days of evals before we know who will be eligible if any. Tomorrow is Michael's eval and I'm guessing that he will probably be approved. The thing is, the way some people talk, Michael should be so much farther ahead than he is and we should have made a referral a long time ago (which is exactly why I am having the twins evaluated). When we did the developmental things today, the evaluator said that she wasn't sure that the twins would qualify, but michael maybe will, she's not sure. Granted, they all still need to have their individual evaluations, and we won't truly know if they qualify until then. Also, given the state of the economy in the state with all the cutbacks in services, it is going to be much harder for anyone to qualify for services. The thing is, people are so willing to point out when kids are not meeting milestones at the "normal" rate and they make you feel like there is something wrong with your child, when in fact, it just may mean that your child is developing at his or her own rate. My husband has been really good at reminding me that not all kids do things in the same time frame as all the other kids.
The thing is, there may be things that we can do better as parents of 3 kids so close in age. I don't want to equate myself with a mother of triplets, but it is so hard to have 3 kids this close in age. Sometimes I feel like I am not giving them the attention that they would be getting if they were farther apart in age and singletons. With Michael, he was only 10 1/2 months when the twins were born. Then there is the fact that I was on bed rest for 3 months of my pregnancy. Then the twins were in the hospital (NICU) after being home for 2-3 weeks and then Michael turned 1 right after they came home. Then I had to ensure that 3 babies were taken care of. Don't get me wrong, I actually truly love having them so close in age, I just hoep that their development is not suffering because of it.
So to all those "well meaning" people, please keep those comments to yourself. You don't know everything. You don't need to scare parents. Kids do not always develop at exactly the same time, including siblings. If you don't truly know what qulaifies as a delay, keep your mouth shut. Those "well meaning" comments can cause parents worry about their child's development and if it is normal and cause them to question themselves and that just isn't a fair place to put anyone. I do hope that the kids qualify because I think that they can benefit, but because of certain things that were said to me (even though I was smart enough not to take the comments at face value and I researched on my own) I have questioned my own parenting and my own belief system when it comes to my children. I am slowly learning to listten to me and my beliefs and not let others influence me without first assessing the whole situation and making sure that I get the facts straight.
One of these days, I hope that I can trust myself enough to know that I know what's best for my child and not let others influence me. Sory about the rant, but i am just frustrated with unsolicited advice!
Thanks for listening,
Amy
The thing is, there may be things that we can do better as parents of 3 kids so close in age. I don't want to equate myself with a mother of triplets, but it is so hard to have 3 kids this close in age. Sometimes I feel like I am not giving them the attention that they would be getting if they were farther apart in age and singletons. With Michael, he was only 10 1/2 months when the twins were born. Then there is the fact that I was on bed rest for 3 months of my pregnancy. Then the twins were in the hospital (NICU) after being home for 2-3 weeks and then Michael turned 1 right after they came home. Then I had to ensure that 3 babies were taken care of. Don't get me wrong, I actually truly love having them so close in age, I just hoep that their development is not suffering because of it.
So to all those "well meaning" people, please keep those comments to yourself. You don't know everything. You don't need to scare parents. Kids do not always develop at exactly the same time, including siblings. If you don't truly know what qulaifies as a delay, keep your mouth shut. Those "well meaning" comments can cause parents worry about their child's development and if it is normal and cause them to question themselves and that just isn't a fair place to put anyone. I do hope that the kids qualify because I think that they can benefit, but because of certain things that were said to me (even though I was smart enough not to take the comments at face value and I researched on my own) I have questioned my own parenting and my own belief system when it comes to my children. I am slowly learning to listten to me and my beliefs and not let others influence me without first assessing the whole situation and making sure that I get the facts straight.
One of these days, I hope that I can trust myself enough to know that I know what's best for my child and not let others influence me. Sory about the rant, but i am just frustrated with unsolicited advice!
Thanks for listening,
Amy
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Makes My Monday: Walking
My little girl is walking! 15 months old and she is pretty much full on walking. Her little brother by 1 minute is not really there yet. I think he is happier crawling since he can get there faster. I now have 2 walkers and pretty soon (I'm sure) I'll have 3 walkers. I really can't wait, but at least for now I only have to chase after 2 on foot instead of 3, though Thomas is pretty fast crawling!
Since I can't figure out how to post video, I figured I'd post consecutive still pictures of her walking at Drumlin Farm during April vacation!
My little girl walking makes my Monday!
Amy
Friday, November 6, 2009
Milestones
It'a amazing how fast babies grow. You don't realize it until you have your own and all of a sudden you realize that these babies are no the teeny little beings that they were when they were first born. My oldest son is now 20 months and the twins are now 9 1/2 months. Michael is so amazing to watch. he has grown into such a little man. He and the twins have such great personalities. I am learning that Michael loves oldies. He loves to move his arms and slap his legs to the beat of oldies 103.3. One of the mom's in my twins group was asking about MD visits in the 1st year not including well baby visits, especially for preemies. I remember going to the MD often for Michael since he wasn't gaining weight. I wasn't able to breast feed and provide him enough calories. Once we started him on formula, all was good. Even though I felt like a failure, he was thriving. He was not thriving on breast milk alone. I realized all that mattered was that he thrived and grew strong! He is now growing so big. He eats pretty good, but loves to feed the dog and throw his food on the floor. Hopefully, he'll start eating more and giving less to the dog!
Eva Rose and Thomas are now able to sit up on their own. They are getting ready to stand. They are already up on their knees and trying to get to their feet. I actually had to move the shoulder straps in their car seat. They are now at the top setting. It made me think back to when they were first born. They were 4 1/2 weeks early and each weighed about 4 1/2 pounds. We weren't even sure if they were going to be able to use their car seat or need to use a car bed. Luckily they did great with their car seat testing. Unfortunately they ended up back in the hospital with RSV, but grew so big and strong after their hospitalization. It's amazing how much they have grown. We went to the MD Fri for a respiratory issue with Eva Rose and the MD was amazed at how much she has changed since her 6 month visit. I can't wait for her to see the other 2 kids and her what she has to say about their growth!
I love watching the kids grow, change, and meet milestones. It's amazing being a parent. I love being the mom to 3 beautiful children and the wife to a fabulous man!
Life is crazy but I love it!
Amy
Eva Rose and Thomas are now able to sit up on their own. They are getting ready to stand. They are already up on their knees and trying to get to their feet. I actually had to move the shoulder straps in their car seat. They are now at the top setting. It made me think back to when they were first born. They were 4 1/2 weeks early and each weighed about 4 1/2 pounds. We weren't even sure if they were going to be able to use their car seat or need to use a car bed. Luckily they did great with their car seat testing. Unfortunately they ended up back in the hospital with RSV, but grew so big and strong after their hospitalization. It's amazing how much they have grown. We went to the MD Fri for a respiratory issue with Eva Rose and the MD was amazed at how much she has changed since her 6 month visit. I can't wait for her to see the other 2 kids and her what she has to say about their growth!
I love watching the kids grow, change, and meet milestones. It's amazing being a parent. I love being the mom to 3 beautiful children and the wife to a fabulous man!
Life is crazy but I love it!
Amy
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday
So, Eva Rose is able to sit up somewhat on her own at least for a short time. Thomas is not really ready for that yet, but close. It seems like once things start they happen so quickly. They both have 2 bottom teeth and I'm assuming that more are coming soon. Michael is 18 months and has 2 teeth so far. Knock on wood, I have to say the teething hasn't been an issue with any of the 3. Hopefully it will continue that way.
Thomas went for his follow up for his circumcision. Everything looks fine. It's amazing how quick these MD appts are. It really amazes me how much it takes to get 3 kids into the doctors office and then the doctor walks in looks at the patient for 2 seconds and then says everything is fine and leaves. It's great that is all that Thomas needed, but if that was all it was going to be, I don't think I would have packed up all 3 kids and had both Tom and I go to the appointment.
Michael is so cute. I think he likes the bouncy seats more now that he is really to big for them. He loves to try out Thomas' which was his, but he likes Eva Rose's pink one as much. He's so pround to be able to get in and out of the seats on his own. He's growing up so fast. I look at him and no longer see a baby, I see a little boy.
Life is crazy, but I love it!
Amy
I know I said that I wouldn't write more, but it has been 3 nights in a row for all 3 kid's sleeping through the night. I am so excited that this is going so well. The schedule is great, and is so helpful. Naps can be difficult, but night time seems to work well. I hope that I am not jinxing myself, but so far so good!
Eva Rose sitting up 9/9/09
Thomas went for his follow up for his circumcision. Everything looks fine. It's amazing how quick these MD appts are. It really amazes me how much it takes to get 3 kids into the doctors office and then the doctor walks in looks at the patient for 2 seconds and then says everything is fine and leaves. It's great that is all that Thomas needed, but if that was all it was going to be, I don't think I would have packed up all 3 kids and had both Tom and I go to the appointment.
Michael is so cute. I think he likes the bouncy seats more now that he is really to big for them. He loves to try out Thomas' which was his, but he likes Eva Rose's pink one as much. He's so pround to be able to get in and out of the seats on his own. He's growing up so fast. I look at him and no longer see a baby, I see a little boy.
Michael in Eva Rose's bouncy seat 9/10/09
Life is crazy, but I love it!
Amy
I know I said that I wouldn't write more, but it has been 3 nights in a row for all 3 kid's sleeping through the night. I am so excited that this is going so well. The schedule is great, and is so helpful. Naps can be difficult, but night time seems to work well. I hope that I am not jinxing myself, but so far so good!
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