Ro,
I sent you the link (above) in ICQ..but just in case ya don't get it there, I hope this one works..I am not sure what all is on the site, but it does have a New Mexico address..Sure hope it helps..in the meantime, I am still lookin..*hugs* Tina

I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a friend who has a sister in New Mexico and she has no help. Down syndrome and the age of 16 and she is on no waiting list and receives little services if any.

I am asking if anyone lives in New Mexico and is familiar with the programing available to her in her state?

She is not very resourceful at finding and implementing information and I have been asked to try and help.

So if you live in or have lived in New Mexico and have dealt with the programing please let me know.

I am seaching the web sites but easy is okay toooo:)

IF you can help e-mail me.

RO

Adrienne,
*hug*..LOL
o.k now I am gonna try to tell you how to do the bold in here..(I lost the help page too, Ro.. ;-)

first ya type a "<", (without the ""), then ya put a "b" (without the "") then ya put a ">" ..yes without the quotes..hehehe but if I just do it to show ya..we may have a problem with the board..right..Ro?? LOL
Then you type whatever ya want to be bold..word, sentence, you name it..then afterwords, make sure to do a "<", THEN a "/", then the "b", then the other ">" ...if you forget the slash (/) it will not close the bold command, then we end up with a really easy to view message board. LOL .

I for one, LOVE the easy to read version.. :-)

Well I guess the "how to bold" is going to remain a mystery. That's no fair that you guys know how and I don't!! Yes, I am whining!!! LOL.

GIVE UP YOUR SECRETS!!!

Bear with me guys, I am gonna try and explain how (I) get the pics onto the UM Friend's board. Here goes..

First, I scan the pic, save it to my desktop..(hint..you might wanna scan it at like 50%, because even the smallest pictures are HUGE when scanned at 100%)..ask me how I know..LOL
then if you have a website, (I do), you upload the pics and place them on a page in your site.
Then you go to the page you put the pic on. RIGHT click ON the pic and chose View image..it will take you to a blank page with nothing but the picture.
Copy the address in the address bar at the top of your browser. (this is the address of the picture and only the picture) To copy, place mouse cursor in address bar and highlight the address, then RIGHT click and chose copy.
On the unomas friend's entry page, where it says PICTURE URL..make sure your mouse cursor is in that space and RIGHT click and chose paste.
I sometimes have to clear the box first, or I have two HTTP's and that won't work.
I hope this helps.

If you do not have a website..you can e-mail me the pics at tmwells@lvnworth.com (this e-mail allows more KBs).. and I will see about gettin' them posted for you.

also, there is an e-z upload thingy of some sort (mentioned on the Um Friend's entry page) that you can look into. I do not use it so I can't help ya there..good luck, and let's see those little darlin's..
*hugs* & *happy thoughts*~~Tina

Hey Tina,

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Watch out for that bolding thingy, It'll get ya:)LOL

Glad to hear Stevie Marie is eating and getting to go party with Grandma:)

love Auntie Ro

Marie,

Have you been holding out on me?:)

YOu have Instant messanger and haven't added "ME"

oh I am hurt girl:(

If you are interested I am rrboykin and if your not I will go sulk in my corner.

No really post up and let us know how you are doing.

Love RO

Hello.
thank you all for asking about me.. :-)
Sevie Marie is definitely back to her old self. Actually, a new and improved version..(if you can believe that) LOL
She has been eating almost 'pain-free' for 2 whole days now. And she got to go to Grandma's house to spend the nite..She actually giggled when she was on the phone with me last nite..and TOLD me she loved me and she was eating noodles!! It is the first time I was able to really understand her on the phone and the giggling just made all the 'bad-dude' moments disappear. :-)

Denise,
I am so glad that Stevie had a great evening yesterday..you deserve it. The "proud-hugs" do work..and so does telling "my" Stevie that I am NOT PROUD when she dissapoints me..picks the baby up..takes a toy from her...throws her food etc. (she now quickly corrects the behavior and runs across the room into my outstretched arms as we both yell.."PROUD HUG!!!"
it takes a bit of time for them to see what's up, but the persistance and consistancy definitely pay off.
It was great actually talking to you on the 'hello-phone' by the way.. :-)

Ro and Steff,
I do hope that your Jeff and Danny are feeling well and that you have some answers soon.

Maria,
Ro is right..(of course she is..LOL). We have 3 different internet accounts..which means we actually pay for three different accounts to our provider. One for me, one for hubby and one for mom-in-law..so, I can vote three times a day, (when I have time) but in order to do that, I have to actually log off the puter and back on with a different internet account each time..It does go by provider (or internet account) and not e-mail addy. :-)

Dawn and Branson, Thank you for the e-mail..I will get back to ya darlin', we are just busy, busy, busy. But it is a GOOD busy..:)

Brenda H.,
I hope that Desiree is feeling much better soon and that lil' Billy heals FAST!! *hugs* to you all. You have a full-plate. :-)

Adrienne,
HAPPY, HAPPY, B-DAY TO RUSSELL!!!

Marie,
Been toooo long since we have chatted..where are ya?? I hope you and Jared are doing well. Hope to catch you soon on IM.

I know I will 'miss' answering someone, so please forgive me in advance. And take these *hugs* and *happy thoughts* and pass 'em around. I love you all!!

Well, I better get off for now, before I wear out my 'welcome'..LOL
~~Tina

Hello again. Had to post once so I could read everything. Silly computer.

How bout that bold stuff???? I want to do that!!!!!

Brenda B - I agree that the selection is lacking on the boy's stuff. I have an older daughter and it was easier to shop for her. I went to Sear's and didn't find much for Russell there. He has gotten soooo skinny that shorts and pants have become an issue. I bought him 12months shorts and an 18 months size Hawaiian shirt. The shorts even have elastic and are falling off of him. That's why I think I will have to stick to rompers right now. Shorts that he could wear last year fall off of him!! I like rompers but I also like to dress him like a little boy and not a baby all the time. He has the Hawaiian shirt and shorts on now. He looks real cute!!! Especially with juice he spit up on the shorts!! LOL.

Well, have a great day everyone!! I will be back later! I need to finish our census. My hubby started it last night and I need to finish it. Bye!!!!

Maria,

If you vote you need to vote one time per Internet Provider. If you use different providers you can vote more than once.

I use Academic Planet for internet service and can only vote once:(but..... one vote is better than none. :)

Thanks for the votes:)

hello...

Shawna-Great idea! LOL, where do I sign up

Toni-Stevie always liked toys by V-Tech when he was little or had about some good old GAK. It doesn't teach them anything but it sure is good and gooey and great for pinching and pulling.

Karen-The daycare is a great idea! I had one babysitter tell me she couldn't watch Stevie anymore because people were starting to think her daughter had Down syndrome!

Lisa- Way To Go on the new job !!!! You'll be perfect for the position!!

Brenda- How is Billy doing today?

Theresa- I'll be thinking and praying for you and your family today

Tina-What can I say? I don't know if it was the positive vibes coming from your house or a better attitude on my part or what but Stevie was a different kid when he got off the bus last nite. No food fights, had him doing chores and no major temper tantrums. I instituted the hugs for positive behavior. The first few times he looked at me funny but by the end of the nite he was saying thanks mom. It may not last by I am going to thank God every moment that it lasts!!

As an aside, my little boy is growing up. Last nite as I was waiting for him to poop on the potty he told me turn around mom, don't look at me. Soon he won't need me anymore. Have a great day all!

Morning everyone,haven't been here for awhile things have been a little crazy,My oldest is in the hospital with her asthma again,And yesterday Billy had to have a small surgery on his wewe,But he's ok just really sore. They have got a Lung specialist working with Desiree" now and hopefully he'll get her straightened out.Seems the older she gets it just getting worse.

Theresa my thoughts and prayers are with you ALL.

Steff hows your hubby. Hope everythings better and your getting some answers by now. Will keep you in my prayers.

Tina Hows Things There,I know I miss Your wonderful Uplifting Voice, and Great Hugs on here.

Lisa WOW Sounds Like A Great Job.Congratulations!!!!!!!!

To Everyone HI HOw ARE YOU, Hope Everyones Very Happy And Heathy.

On the voting thing does that mean one vote per computer or one vote per email address??????? I emailed Michelle last week but haven't heard from her yet. Does anyone know??????????????????? Thanks

Hey Miss CIARRA is waiting.:)

Lets go VOTE.

If you hit the link up top and follow the Prompts you will see a beautiful set of kids but........... if you look real close you'll see The real winner has a big heart.:)

Her name is CIARRA and you can vote once a day from each I.P. server.

Remember once a day.:)

Love Ro

Good morning everyone. Thank you to all that commented on my message from yesterday. I wanted the input to see if the interest was there or it was just my feeling about daycares and our kids. I also felt some parents did not want to keep the kids to a group, even though they are mainstreamed in school and special programs. I know that my feelings on daycare this would be wonderful for me. I forget who asked I am in Delaware. Thanks again. Have a great day!

OKAY no big writting:)

If only I could remember how to change the color:)LOL

NO this is a good post and I would like to say hi to:

Carlos, Delia, and Agustin(Gus for short)

I have read your story in Readers Digest and it brought t tears.

I really would like to share it.

If you go to the library and have touble finding it , like me, let me know I am going to copy it and I will mail it to you if you'll pass it on to the next request.

The story ran in "May 1999" Readers Digest and the title is What Love Can Build.

Go and get it cause it is great reading.

I hope to chat with you soon:)

THE READING GABBY RO.

p.s. next book.......Place Last Seen. I have to wait til April 1, cause it is checked out. But I have reserved it>:)

Okay first of all I'm glad someone fixed the biggie writing because that was just way too........well big

Lisa I'm thinking your just going to have to send applications to everyone on this site for the next job opening, and pick me first I'll relocate. And at 5X's the pay Idon't care what your making now, girl that is awsome.

RUSSELL HAPPY BIRTHDAY little man the BIG 2!!

Adrienne you mentioned he got new clothes. Do you ever wish that boys section of the store were bigger than one rack. I can't remember if yo have other kids but as a mom with two boys and who loves to shop it just ain't enough.

Shawna Great joke what else you got?

Theresa You and your family are in my prayers. May God's peace find you all!!

Toni- You really got some excellent advice. Don't you just love this site. Good luck. I'm with Shawna they stole my best ones too.

Cheers Brenda

We wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday Russell from Sunny (and quite windy today)Oceanside, California!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Russell!! Hope you got lots of fun stuff to play with & goodies to eat!!

Sherri & Jared

Brenda B: Glad to see someone else my age in here. Email me and let me know how this has changed your life.

To Karen: I think the idea of a daycare would be wonderful because there are so much more things to look for in special needs children. They sometimes cannot do the same activities as others and may need special equipment etc. Although I feel that keeping special needs children in the same group as other children would be beneficial; if you can get funding or help starting this type of daycare, I say go for it.

gotta go for now Cindy

See about the bold thing:)

Michelle I am sorry can you fix ME:) I know it ain't the computer:)

It may be hard but can you try:)LOL

Ro

" The Club For 35-Year-Old Mothers OF Down Syndrome Children".

"TCF3MODSC" for short.

Send one membership form to...........

I love it:)LOL

Ro

I have an (alomst) 8 yr old daughter...Was wondering if you could give me some feedback....When out for the day (like a park or zoo, etc.) I usually have her in a jogging stroller which is very difficult to maneuver!! My daughter can walk but she doesn't stay focused and gets antsy after a short time...She loves taking a ride in the stroller SO I was wondering what other moms do when in a situation like this...Just trying to make it more pleasant for my daughter as well as myself...Any suggestions?? Thanks alot!! By the way - My daughter's name is DANI and she's a great and healthy kid.....

Hey

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSSELL:)

The bolding thingy gets me in trouble at times.LOL Hence the easy to read ENTIRE BOARD:)LOL

Ya just got to love me:)

There is a site that explains it but..........I have lost it. The site not my mind:)LOL

Let me see if I can find it:)

Love Ro.

p.s. the scanner thing.... you find out and let me know:)

HELLO STRANGERS!!! I haven't even been online in two days and it feels like forever. Seems like everyone is doing as good as possible. I tried to read as much as I could. First off:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSSELL!!!!!!!!! My little guy is two years old today!! He looks so handsome! We bought him a couple outfits. He has a denim romper short outfit on today. He looks real nice. I have had to change to rompers more because he has gotten so skinny, his shorts fall off of him.

Congrats Lisa on the new job!!! That job sounds so fun and exciting!! I am so happy for you.

Ro - how's the hubby?? Feeling better I hope.

And last but not least, how do you all do the bold stuff when you post on here??? I see type in bold and wonder how you all did it. Is it like other programs where you do CTRL B? I love to yell, I need to bold certain things!!! LOL!

I am sorry I am not commenting on anything else written. I am going to be lazy on my 2 day absence. I will try not to let it happen again!! Have a great day all!!! Oh yeah, sorry I keep missing the chats in the chat room. Sounds like fun! BYE!

Hello...

LISA: WAY TO GO!!!! That is totally awesome..now, where do I sign up??? FIVE TIMES THE PAY? That would just be $5/hr for me, since I get nothing~hahaha. Sounds great though! Good luck!

Hi guy, and NO, I am not going to sit still and be quiet! Everyone who knows me knows that that is just asking too much.LOL

Denise, I've just started a new club called, what else " The Club For 35-Year-Old Mothers OF Down Syndrome Children" or "TCF3MODSC" for short. Think you can remember all that, now. That goes for you too, Ro, and whoever else is 35. Don't expect me to remember the membership, just because I started the club.ROFLOL!!!!

Sometimes, I just kill myself! I know, you'd like to too!

Kim, I'm afraid that I was logging off when you were logging on. I would have liked to stay and chat, but the Old Man was getting ready to pull the plug!LOL Where in B.C. do you live? I'm from Bluffton, Alberta, which is about halfway between Edmonton and Calgary. I doubt you'll find it on the map - population is only about 150.

That reminds me of a joke. A couple was driving down the highway. They saw a sign "Welcome,You are now entering Somewhere. About 200 yards later, they saw another sign. "Thanks for coming. You are now leaving Somewhere." Puzzled, they peered around, and saw a house about 100 yards from the highway, behind them a few yards, so they went to ask about the signs. A woman answered the door. In answer to their queries, she said, "Aren't you somewhere right now?" When they answered "yes", she said " Well, after you pass that sign, you won't be anymore!" LOL!

Hey, I made that one up! I am so fast I scare myself!

Mary, :You sound like a GREAT grandma? Can we adopt you? My mom passed away, and my mother-in-law has Alzheimers, so we're running a little lean on Grandmas these days. I'll be praying for Aiden. Haven't been through that. Michael has been embarrassingly healthy, which I'm thankful for. God Bless you.

Steff, You have been through A LOT, girl (Like tell you something you don't know!) I'm glad Olivia is doing better. How is your hubby doing? Did they finally figure out what's wrong with him? My prayers are with you.

Patti, you better watch out, you'll have a real racer there! Remember, you WANTED her to walk when she thinks it's so fun to run away from you and laugh as you huff and puff behind her (Do I sound like I speak from experience or what?) I know I rejoice every time Michael reaches a milestone. I'd rather chase him a mile than carry him a foot!

Toni, it sounds like the toy situation has been covered pretty well. So I'll just agree with what has been said. What can I do? They stole all my ideas!

Theresa, I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather-in-law. Death is always hard, even when they're elderly, and you know it's coming. We knew for a few weeks or so before my father-in-law passed away (73), but it was still really tough. I will pray for a peaceFUL and painLESS death, as well as PEACE and COMFORT for the family. By the way, congrats to your grands for 64+ years. I would think that would be close to setting a record! P.S. I'm glad at least one person appreciates my propensity to be longwinded. I just have SO MUCH to say! LOL!

Lisa, CONGRATS ON THE NEW JOB!! That is so way cool! Do they need any representatives up in Alberta? Y'know, I'd be willing to volunteer!LOL! It's great how something good came out of something not-so-good (DS). I know you'll do a superb job.

Sherri, You said that now he's mobile, Jared's into dismantling your house? Well, I thought I should warn you, Michael is 8 and he's STILL into dismantling our house. His siblings are learning to lock their bedroom doors if they want their rooms to stay neat and tidy.LOL I'm glad that he's getting around. Have a great, kid-chasing day!

Well, my husband should have supper on soon. Working out of the house does have it's advantages!! I'll talk to you soon.

Ciao for now.

Shawna

Hey Ro: I been away from the board for alittle while, hope you don't mind that I am asking what Gus' Story is about? I collect articles about all the positive things that pertain to Ds, so I would probably be interested in this story.

Lisa Huppe: CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW JOB!! GO GET EM GIRL!!

Theresa: You & your family are in our prayers!!

Karen: I don't suppose you live in Oklahoma??? I would gladly bring my opinionated 2 1/2 yr old to your daycare!! I am a stay at home mommy & could use a calgon moment once in awhile.

Got to go now, my house is being disassembled piece by piece!! Actually Jared is wonderful, loving little boy, its just since he started walking, you never know what he is into!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Toni

What kind of scanner did you get? I am wanting one so bad its about to drive me crazy? I have a couple of brands in mind. When you figure out how to post pictures, whomever tells you, may have to have scanner 101 to teach us newbies how to do all the neat stuff!!

Sherri

Ps,,,,,Thanks for the toy advice,,,Steff,,,,,,Walmart here I come.

Hello eveyone, still trying to catch up on all the posts!! Sorry that I missed out on the chat. Hopefully I'll catch one soon.

Toni : I read your post & have been racking my brain to think back about some of the things we did to help Jared with his fine motor skills. 1.) Put cheerios in a shallow cup (we used the colored stacking cups in the baby dept. from Wal-Mart)& let Jeffery try to get them out. He will probably use his middle finger & thumb at first, and then change to his index finger & thumb.

2.)I also read alot to Jared, so I would let him try to turn the pages of any paper book or magazine or catalog.

3.)We were also told that we needed to get Jared's toys off the floor for him to play with a better sitting posture, so I went to Wal-Mart & bought a wire shelf (its covered with some sort of material ?)that you would set dishes on, like plates under the shelf & bowels on top of the shelf. It was just the right height & Jared's leg slid right under it so he could get up to it to play with his toys.

4.)If you have a sofa or a chair that the cushions come off of, take off the cushion & place Jeffery on the sofa & then place the cushion on top of his legs. When Jared was first learning to sit up by himself & was unstable, we spent many an hour playing this way. I think that it helped him to work his muscles & gave him a chance to realize that there were other things to see & do other than just lying on the floor.

Hope this post made some sense, sometimes I think faster than I type. Sad to say though I usually talk faster than I think, been known to open mouth & insert foot!LOL

Hope everyone has a great week!

NEWS FLASH,,,,,,,I bought a scanner,,,,,,now HOW do I get Jeffery the Wonderful's pic on this site???? Do I Email it to someone?

YIPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Lisa has a new job:)

With FIVE TIMES the pay.

When's lunch Lisa?:)

Any day is fine.

Have no preferences on food cause in Texas we have tried just about everything:)LOL

Just Teasing:) CONGRADULATIONS on the new job.

GO CELEBRATE:) You deserve it.

Ro

YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!! I will be speaking at conferences for parent/family members who have a child in he First Steps program. First Steps is the Early Intervention program in Missouri. No better job for a DS mom like me. (ALSO: FIVE TIMES the pay, plus all expenses including respite care) I'm so exited, I can hardly stand myself!!!! I think Hubby & I need to celebrate!!!

T,

(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))

We are in Texas and holding you all dear to our hearts, and thinking peaceful, painless and heavenly thoughts.

Love Ro

Hi Everyone,

I've been missing you and wanted to let you know why I haven't been here lately. My husband's grandfather is slowly passing away and I have been the person who has been supporting the grandmother. Needless to say, I have been spending a good deal of time with them. Grandma is taking it hard....as would anyone losing their partner of 64+ years. :( They have been the grandparents I never had and even though it is his time to go, saying goodbye is so very hard....for everyone. Please say a prayer that he goes peacefully and without pain.

If you have posted me lately and I haven't responded, please bear with me until I can catch up...if at all. I promise that I am not ignoring anyone. I care so much about all of you. :o)

Gabby Ro,

With what I have been able to do so far, the computer seems to be in tip top shape...running things fast and furious. Thank you, Professor! lol

Love to all,

Theresa

P.S. Gabby and Shawna....keep "gabbing" and writing those novels 'til I get back....k? LOL

Hey Steff what is "FOG"?

Just kidding, lol.

I live on a river and I love to sit and watch it roll, and it does roll, down the river toward me:) KINDA SPOOKY.

Hey Gus's mom,

I have forgotten your name and that is sad:( But I am getting the printing of Gus's story and I wondered if you minded if I copied it to pass around? I know READERS DIGEST will:)

It is just that I had trouble getting a copy from OUR library and it is on it's way,FINALLY, from Houston's library system.

I have a copy machine and to anyone interested I can send it snail mail. And we all know it can be a REAL SNAIL.LOL If you would e-mail me or post it and let me know:) No feelings hurt if you'd perfer not.

Thanks so much for sharing:)

RO

Hi everyone!!!! RO we got to the beach about 12.00pm had an hour and a half of beautiful sun, the fog rolled in and then we FROZE.BRRRRRR.Actually it was perfect timing, I was ready to go.

Toni those toys that pop up when you push something or twist a knob etc. are great.Olivia loved her animal one.When she was that small I'd sit her on the floor with me(before she could sit up)We'd knock on the the closed door, twist push,turn the thing to make it pop up, and say for example(if it were a cow)hi cow,cow says moo and say bye cow and put it back down.I would just sit behind her and physically guide her through the motions.It took a while but now she's a pro.I've found that with any new thing that if I guide her through the motions physically(a zillion times LOL)she gets it.Make sense?There's so many cause and effect toys,Olivia really liked the one I described .Good luck.

Hey Lisa,

Did kinda wonder what happened last night. Hope to catch you there on Thursdays chat. There is a chat set for 1:00pm PST weekdays also. WHO KNOWS maybe we met then toooo:).

I hear the dirty house and company on way.LOL

Lara's respite worker just came and got her to go the mall:). Kids are gone and I am on my own sort of:)LOL. CLEAN HOUSE:)

Husband has lite duty and may come in from time to time:)

Hey "ISSAC BIRD,"

Sitting and shooting:) Pro material in the works:)LOL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIK:)

Kaila,

You go girl:) First Indy 500 winner:) (without car)LOL

Mary/Adiens Gram,

Thanks for the post up on Adien. I am sorry to hear he is back and forth to hospital but at least they have an idea this time:). Give him plenty of hugs and kisses and tell mom we are thinking and sending prayers.

Karen and Hailey,

Welcome and yes as to your question, "IF" I had to leave my child with a sitter, who would I choose? Someone who has been around the block. Not just cause you have a child with d.s. but because you had experience.

Being a mommy of a child with down syndrome gives you kind of a better insight as to what my child is like amd what to watch for:)

TONI,

Thanks for the reminder:) You can VOTE everyday:)

SO ON TONI"S CUE "GO VOTE"

TINA AND STEVIE MARIE,

Where are you?

Theresa

Where is my TAG TEAMER?

Denise?

Steff,

Did ya freeze yesterday at the beach:)LOL

Be back shortly to finish.

Got to give me fingers a break. LOL

Love Ro

Hey Girls ! I went to chat last night, but I got booted out and never coud get back in. Maybe next time. Got the day at home, just me and my munchkin and a dirty house beggin to be cleaned. Guess I better do it. PT will be here this afternoon and I would hate for anyone to see it like this....

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!! It was terrific here. Erik had his 3rd b-day party boy that kept us hoping. He got a little tikes basketball hoop, Poor Isaac tries so hard to hit the net from his spot on the floor, sitting no less, but he laughs the entire time so a least he is having fun.

Patty: Super job Kailia. I agree with you 100% There is no stopping her now. I loved it when Isaac started standing,crawling, cruising. But now I can't keep track of him for nothing. But I would rather it be that way. Another cheer for Kailia YEAH

Cindy/Brittany's mom- I have noticed everyone posting their age also. I'm just a spring Chicken to 26.

to Mary I don't have any experience with the respiratory issues but we're sure praying for you hoping all goes well:)

Hi,everyone my daughters name is Hailey and she just turned 5 years old last week. She is a computer wiz, actress, family peace maker, and a very competitive wrestler with her older brother. Hailey is our sunshine. My question to all you parents here is that I am now looking to open another daycare now that Hailey is in school full time. I feel the need to open a special needs daycare or specific daycare for our children. I know for new parents it is hard to trust anyone with our kids, for lack of knowledge of Down Syndrome,patients and day to day understanding of Children with special needs. I would have loved to have had somewhere like that, I have stayed out of work this long for fear this. Do you all think this is a good idea, would you bring your child to me. Any imput on your feelings toward a daycare for special needs kids only, and if I should persue it please email me. I feel I have been called to do something, I feel this is it, just need to know if there is an interest or need. Thanks ahead of time. You all have a great day. Karen

Hey Guys.......EI has just started seeing Jeffery,,,,,,Theu said the type toys I have for Jeffery.......Rattles,,,etc are ok,,,,but I need to get him cause/action toys.....toys w/ strings,,,,,small toys he can hold in his hands,,,,,,,,,,,,,any suggestions,,,,,,Jeffery is 11 months,,,,but unable to sit alone,,,,his fine motor skills of his fingers are poor........Thanks.......Toni......................PS...regarding the voting,,,,how many times can you vote??????

I am interested in hearing from other parents whose teenage children have tried wearing contact lenses. Kristy is 17 and has worn glasses for 14 years. I would really like her to wear lenses. I would like to hear your comments.

Hello My name is Meteab. I am a doctoral student majoring in linguistics, and I need your help... I have a down syndrome baby. She is now 4 years. She is in a good health, smart and cute. It seems that she understands us when we talk to her. Her major problem is that she does not talk yet. she can say just Baba and Mama. She goes to the day care and they say that she is trying to talk. (I hope so) Since I am a linguist, I have collected various resources to study her case and other down syndromes who suffer difficulties in talking early although they have no problems with their receptive skills. I am conducting a case study on her. I want to investigate what are the major obstacles that prevent down syndrome kids from talking at early ages. I truly seek your help in sharing your own experience with your child or relative to talk naturally about: * How he/she start to talk and at what age? * Would you pls. narrate your story with your child in teaching him how to talk and how learned to write and read? * Would you pls. share any information or racecourses that may help me to help my child and other families who would benefit from such study. I appreciate your time and I appreciate your sharing... (For you information.. your name and e-mail will be confidential and the information will be used under a nick name... thank you and I will be more than happy to share you or even send you a copy of this case study It is our responsibilities as parents to educate ourselves in order to educate our beloved ds babies) Meteab meteab@hotmail.com

I need your help pls... I am a student and I have a down syndrome baby.she is now 4 years. it seeems that she understands littele when we speak to her. she is in a good health and her only problem that she doesnot speak yet. I am conducting a case a study on her and I wanted to investigates what are the major obesticles that prevents her from starting speaking and vocalizing her vocbolaries.. In this case study.. I wish if you can help me with particiaping in this study by telling your down syndrome story from the point of view of speaking and how it can be improved and information is highly apprecaited to help me help my child and other families who would benfit from such studies...

Kaila pulled herself up to a stand today, by herself, for the very first time!!!! Just had to shout it out:0 She's 15 1/2 months old and she's doing something new each day. There's no stopping her now.

Hey Mary, glad to hear from you again. Just thought I'd let you know that my girl Olivia has outgrown her reflux problem a couple of months after she started walking.Also she was diagnosed with tracheomalacia(an airway disorder where your airway collapses at the trachea ) and she grew out of this as well.We spent so much time at the hospital too.When she started walking for a couple of months she seemed to get so much healthier.We still have some problems when she gets sick but now I can take care of her at home.She hasn't been hospitalized since she's been walking.So it's something that will happen for Aiden as well.Your a terrific grandma,remind me of my amazing mom. Take care and keep us posted.

Hi All, hope everyone had a great weekend. I have been trying to read all the posts of the last 2 weeks, but it looks like it will be a long time getting to where I left off. Aiden had come home from hospital after 6 weeks, on Feb 28, and I left for a vacation to visit a chat friend in N Cal, on March 4. Aiden was back in hospital the following Wed for 2 days,for his oxygen levels again, and then he went back in on the following Sunday, we expect him to be coming home again tomorrow. We know that he has severe reflux probems, and all his formula has to be thickened and he is on losec and another med to speed digestion. They also, found that he has a very weak larx, and this collapses when his head is at a certain angle, causing difficulty for the oxygen to get to his lungs. They say that he will hopefully outgrow both of these problems. He has a complete scope test on the 29th, they have to put him to sleep to do this. Hopefully they will not find any more problems. I have been staying at the hospital for several nights this past week, mom is so stressed from all the health problems, she got a very bad cold and could not seem to fight it. I am leaving for NB, to our home there, to visit with my other son and his kids, tomorrow, now that my little angle is going to be home from hospital. He has learned to sit by himself, even with all the sickness he has been through. He is a little scraper for sure, and my pride and joy, as is all my grandkids. I guess I just have a special place for this little guy, because of all his problems. Hope this is not too long, and will keep you all in my prayers, and hope you will do the same for us. Love to all and your special angles. Grama Mary

Darn it--hit enter instead of tab button.

Anyway, thanks to Shawna, Patty and Tina for the temper tantrum advice. It is nice to hear I'm not alone with this experience. I keep thinking he has some behavioral problems and my husband says "You haven't been around any children". Which is true-other than my own. I really liked the word "opinionated"--at least he won't take any crap and he can be sissy's protector:)

To Becky/Kelly's mom: Fletcher had a sore between his fingers once when he was about 6months or so. The doctor also recommended Neosporin. I would just go in at naps & at night and put it on. It cleared up in just a few days.

To Patty: Brittany was about 12ms when when she got her first two (eye-teeth..ouch) and they came every few months after that very scattered..sometimes 2-3 at a time. She is missing two teeth on the bottom. She has the middle two and the bottom eye teeth but missing the two between. The dentist says it is fine as long as she does not have any trouble eating (which she is far from that LOL).

I've noticed that everyone is posting their age here, so.... I will be 28 April 20th--still a spring chicken :) Good luck to everyone this week.

Also, I sent an email a while back to Lisa J about her friend thinking her baby would have Trisomy 18. Lisa if your reading posts please let me know how everything has turned out.

See ya! Cindy

Where were ya?:)

If you weren't in chat you missed a good relaxing time :)

Maybe next time.

Thanks for the time girls.

Ro

Hi Everyone! I have a big problem.I bought a new scanner& we can't get it going!!! I have sent a few photos over e-mail,but I can't remember how we did it. Can some genius PLEASE help me? HAHA Please someone e-mail me if you know what to do. Thanks LINDA

Ok Ro.....I will be there at 6 my time. I looked it up in the phone book too, and yes I am PST.. DUH- I live near rhe Pacific ocean...what would have been my first clue? LOL

Sorry:)

I did look and see if I closed it off and I did.

Why did it happen?

Take advantage of the NO GLASSES NEEDED:)LOL

Ro

Hey remember 6:00 P.S.T. tonight

CHAT

TONIGHT

Persistant Ain't I?:)

Hey I just hate that I sit here and you sit there and we can't talk because you are in the message board area and I am in the chatroom:(

Get something on your computer that will keep us connected no matter where we are.

YAHOO INSTANT MESSENGER .........I.C.Q.

I'll lead you to the FREE downloads and it won't cost you anything but it might alieviate your boredom at times:)

NO I AM NOT ON THE PAYROLL:)

I just want to talk sometimes, Okay all the time:) Where do think I got the name GABBY:)

RO

JUST GIVE IN:)

ALMOST FORGOT GO VOTE:) Link is up top:)

Tracey one of the things happening right now is "ANOIDS AND TONSILS AND TUBES" so you caught us all in mid conversation so to speak:).

Some of the surgeries are for "recurring" illness:)

Might I suggest reading over the "NOVELS" written below this post.

We tend to explain everything and I mean EVERYTHING,

If you will scroll to the bottom by using the arrows on the right of your screen and go to the bottom and read up from the bottom, it will be easier to follow the strain of conversation:)

Hope you enjoy your time here and get the information you are looking for.

RO

Welcome here Tracey:) Glad you found it:)

I have a 3 1/2 year old son named Dalton and I have been looking for people to talk with. I haven't had my computer long so I'm just learning so bare with me. My question is does all DS children saty sick all the time? Dalton is in the doctors office about every 2 weeks and i don't know waht else to do. Does any one have any suggestions? Hope everyone has a good day and a nice start of the new week. Thanks agian for having a page to were I can talk with other parents.

Kim,

I believe you live above Washington State ,right?

If so, I believe you are in The P.S.T. zone so try at 6:00 tonight.

I live in Texas so it will be 8:00 my time.

Hope to see ya there.:)

Ro

p.s. yes I cheated, I looked in the front of my phone book. did ya think I was smart or something? WATCH WHAT YOU THINK:)LOL

Ro-- I live in BC canada, does that make me PST?? I'm confused!nobody is ever in the chat when I go.

Happy Sunday!!!!!Beautiful day here in L.A.We are off to Venice beach for the day.(or as long as me and my sis can handle 6 kids under the age of 8.) Then again maybe we'll just be there for a couple of hours.DENISE FEEL BETTER!!!!!Gotta go, have a great day.

Hey Chat is set for 6:00pm P.S.T. Oon Sunday and Thursday sooooooo....

If the thunderstorms hold out I'll be there:) hope to see ya.

Ro

Good Sunday morning all. I must be getting old to I always keep a notebook by the computor too! (I'll be 35 in September.)

Did you all know that Uno Mas just celebrated it's 2nd birthday on March 4. Happy Birthday Uno Mas!!!. Thank you Michelle Mc. for giving us some place to gather!

Next- Marie, Tina, Brenda, Adrienne, Theresa, Ro, Shawna, Linda and anyone else I forgot to mention, I just wanted to say thanks for remembering me when I'm not feeling well. It really means alot to me and I don't say thanks near enough. So thanks!

Ro-I really hope Danny's feeling well and you and your family are doing okay.

Adrienne- I know I'm a day early but I didn't want to miss it so here goes. "Happy Birthday Russell"

Marie- "STILL WHISPERING" Is Jared still being good? Please have him send some of it Stevie's way!!! It's been quite a weekend.

Tina- Thanks for the info. I may have to head out to K.C. even if the headaches are cured.

Okay here's my question of the day. I have had to duct tape stevie's p.j.'s together for the last couple of weeks cause he kept taking them off and peeing in his bed. Well the last two days he figured out how to get the duct tape off and did it again. What's next, elmer's glue? Just kidding! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

P.S.-Pizza peirogies sound fabulous! Have a great Sunday All!

Good morning everyone! Either I'm not picking up any posts, or everyone must be having a busy weekend!!! Hope all of you and your little ones are good and healthy - hope Kaylee and Stevie Marie are back to their old selves! Hope those hubbys are all in tip top shape for you all today! :)

Have a great day! ~~Becky

I'm twently eight yeare old and i thank my parents and the lord they didnt cut on me like that. i have nevever had any problems my doc said it gives it more protection

Hey I just hate that I sit here and you sit there and we can't talk because you are in the message board area and I am in the chatroom:(

Get something on your computer that will keep us connected no matter where we are.

YAHOO INSTANT MESSENGER .........I.C.Q.

I'll lead you to the FREE downloads and it won't cost you anything but it might alieviate your boredom at times:)

NO I AM NOT ON THE PAYROLL:)

I just want to talk sometimes, Okay all the time:) Where do think I got the name GABBY:)

RO

Hey did ya vote today?

I did.:)

Hey BLABBY T,

Now I am worried with all the computer advice have, did you crashed your computer:(?

It is kinda like a car. If you wash it it will fall apart:)LOL

Careful about what you wash. You need more help let me know girl.

I have a program on my computer that allows me to call long distance over the computer free. If you need help you let me know. It maybe be disasterous us working on the computer but.........if your game I am:)LOL.

Hey everybody else,

I'm not ignoring anybody it is just hard to catch up just after "1" day.

Think it could be we are having fun yet:)

Really enjoy everybody's post and I'm here to say ....... ALOT.LOL Yes I know I talk ALOT.

No really you are absolutely the best group of people I have had the good fortune to cyber with :) THANKS!

RO

Good afternoon! I'm back, I'm back!! okay, get out from under the couch.

Becky, I'm glad you found a solution for Kelly's pooping problem. I don't know about the "tube" you mentioned. Sorry. About the prunes; I'm glad I don't have to eat them!!! In regards to getting thrown off, I thought I was this morning. After I posted, the screen said "Thank you for posting - your message reads:"Ro, I'm thinking of you and Danny, and praying for you, and the doctors too. Take care, y'hear?

Brenda, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who NEEDS a notebook to keep track of everybody and everything. If I don't write it down, I don't remember it. At work, I've started writing down all the little things I have to do...chop lettuce, slice tomatoes, slice mushrooms(I forgot to do that today), get coleslaw ready, slice roast beef, slice onions, fill mayonnaise container.....If you don't already know, I'm a cook in one of our local restaurants 31/2 days a week.

Speaking about food, I want to share what I had for lunch today. I had pizza perogies with a mushroom sauce. It tastes better than it sounds, trust me.LOL

Now that I've got you all grossed out, I'm going to leave. Have a good one!

Ciao for now.

Shawna

HEY EVERYONE... KELLY POOPED ALL BY HERSELF THIS MORNING - NO SUPPOSITORIES! PRUNES RULE!!!! For those of you confused and grossed out, this is the first time in probably 3 weeks that I didn't have to 'lube her up'.

For those of you weak at the tummy or who gross out - don't read this paragraph - seriously!!! This is graphic, but it's the only way to explain it. For those of you who have experienced this, let me know - I am concerned that this may be signs of a problem. In her poop, there was an inch long 'firm' tubelike thing. Smooshed it, looks like firmed up breastmilk poop, same color. Could she have been blocked?? Would this have impacted eventually??? PRUNES RULE! We did a celebration dance - my 3 year old looked at me like I was totally nuts. I am! :)

My pics still didn't upload - don;t understand this. We have the fastest speed PC with largest memory available (honestly, not bragging) so I think this uploading thing should pose no problem. Don't understand what's wrong. Anyone experienced this and can help? PLEASE let me know.

Gotta go eat - have severe caffeine 'shakes'. Only had 2 cups of half caf, guess I'm a lightweight (NOT!!!!) :)

~~~Becky

Tina thanks for the Email as so as I have a bit more time I'll get back with you.

Happy belated St. Patricks day to everyone. We live in a small town with a lot of Irish heritage so I had to get that in there. Infact my husband is on an Irish walk as we speak. Just a good excuse to get away and drink green beer at 10 o'clock in the morning LOL. Thank heaven it is only once a year.

Cindy/Brittany's mom I had a screamer for a while my oldest Erik esp. at bedtime we just let him cry, hard to do I know but he stop after about a week. He also is not very huggy so I get it done other ways like ready with him aon my lap and stuff like that.

Shawna I'm glad I'm not the only one with a notebook, probably the most organized thing I've ever done in my life.

Patty I've seen lots of other comments on teeth but thought I would just reinforce. Isaac's got his first tooth right before he was a year old and then got three more and none for a few months now he is getting his 1 year molars his ped. says no big deal.

Ro glad your husband is okay. We'll kepp you in our prayers

For everyone else have a great day

Go see this set of sweetness:)

You really can't pass up this opportunity to meet Christine and Robs TWINS:)

GO on>;)

Ro p.s.Thanks for sharing and hope to look forward to talkng to you about little one(s) again Good luck with surgery:)

LOL - That last one took me so long, that it threw me offline!

Shawna- that ever happen to you? :) LOL

Good Saturday morning to everyone! :) Just sent hubby and the boys off for the day to the country. Ahhh, no school buses to watch the time for, no playing taxi driver for the day. :) Boy, I had no idea how social 10 & 12 year old boys were!!! I thought they just ran around getting dirty and scraping knees. HA!

Shawna, girl you are GOOOD! You make me feel guilty for not keeping a notebook :)! What I found for Kelly's red cheeks works REALLY well is a lotion called Eucerin. I put it on several times a day when needed, and after face washes. It works better than anything I've tried so far - found it at the ped. office, they had a basket of samples of it. Now we're working on clearing up a raw spot between the first and middle fingers (her sucking fingers). Doc said neosporin, that it wouldn;t hurt her.

Have to share with you all...met a lady at our national Ds conference last weekend (may have shared already), and said St. Louis was starting a mentor program - so I called her, and she's hooking me up with a 'mentor' - someone who has a older child with Ds. What a great idea - having someone who's already 'been there done that'. I'm clueless as to what to do when things like school issues arise, inclusion issues, etc.. Also, she has 2 families ON HER STREET that have infants with Ds, hers is 3 yrs, and they are interested in starting like a play group!!! Anyone out there do this??? To me, this is way cool! I already belong to MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers), and all (except one) have only 'typical' kids. Funny enough, there is another mom there with a 7 mo old boy with Ds. How small the world sometimes is when we feel we are so alone with such an overwhelming issue. I thought we were like one of a handful of families having a child w/ Ds, boy am I shocked each month when I receive our local Ds newsletter and see ALL the birthdays of those with Ds. The list is huge each month!!!

Enough rambling, sorry gals! Hope all is very very well with all of your families. I haven't progressed to keeping a notebook, and my short term memory is very short, but I read every one of your posts, and feel for every one of you in crisis, and smile huge when I read something good!!! You all are wonderful people, and I'm so glad to have stumbled in on you.

Gee, I'm gushy this morning.

Oh, and Lisa, give yourself more computer credit than that !!! :):):)

~~~Beck

Good Saturday morning, all.

Subject: friends

> > Eleanor Roosevelt wrote: > > Many people will walk in and out of your life, > > But only true friends will leave > > footprints in your heart. > > To handle yourself, use your head; > > To handle others, use your heart. > > Anger is only one letter short of danger > > If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; > > If he betrays you twice, it is your fault. > > Great minds discuss ideas; > > Average minds discuss events; > > Small minds discuss people. > > He who loses money, loses much; > > He, who loses a friend, loses much more; > > He, who loses faith, loses all. > > Beautiful young people are > > accidents of nature, > > But beautiful old people are works of art. > > Learn from the mistakes of others. > > You can't live long enough to make > > them all yourself. > > Friends, you and me.... > > You brought another friend.... > > And then there were 3.... > > We started our group.... > > Our circle of friends.... > > And like that circle.... > > There is no beginning or end.... > > > > Yesterday is history. > > Tomorrow is mystery. > > Today is a gift

It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them.

Question : How do you change your font in here?

A friend sent me the selection above. Hope you liked it. Pasting is such fun!!

Had to do it again! LOL

What a Woman Wants in a Man

1. Handsome 2. Charming 3. Financially Successful 4. A Caring Listener 5. Witty 6. In Good Shape 7. Dresses with Style 8. Appreciates the Finer Things in life 9. Full of Thoughtful Surprises 10. An Imaginative and Romantic Lover ----------------------

What I Want In A Man, Revised List ... (at age 32) 1. Nice Looking - preferably with hair on his head 2. Opens car doors, holds chairs 3. Has enough money for a nice dinner at restaurant 4. Listens more than he talks 5. Laughs at my jokes at appropriate times 6. Can carry in all the groceries with ease 7. Owns at least one tie 8. Appreciates a good home cooked meal 9. Remembers Birthdays and Anniversaries 10. Seeks romance at least once a week ----------------------

What I Want In A Man, Revised List ... (at age 42) 1. Not too ugly - bald head OK 2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car 3. Works steady - splurges on dinner at McDonalds on occasion 4. Nods head at appropriate times when I'm talking 5. Usually remembers the punchlines of jokes 6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture 7. Usually wears shirt that covers stomach 8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids 9. Remembers to put the toilet seat lid down 10. Shaves on most weekends ----------------------

What I Want In A Man, Revised List ... (at age 52) 1. Keeps nose and ear hair trimmed to appropriate length 2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public 3. Doesn't borrow money too often 4. Doesn't nod off to sleep while I'm emotional 5. Doesn't re-tell same joke too many times 6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on Weekends 7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear 8. Appreciates a good TV Dinner 9. Remembers your name 10. Shaves on weekends ----------------------

What I Want In A Man, Revised List ... (at age 62) 1. Doesn't scare small children 2. Remembers where bathroom is 3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep 4. Only snores lightly when awake (LOUDLY when asleep) 5. Doesn't forget why he's laughing too often 6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself 7. Usually wears some clothes 8. Likes soft foods 9. Remembers where he left his teeth 10. Remembers when... ----------------------

What I Want In A Man, Revised List ... (at age 72) 1. Breathing

Have a wonderful day. I have to go to work RIGHT NOW.

Cial for now. Shawna

PATTY: Alex was almost 15 months when she got her first tooth (and it took forever to come all the way in) but then they really took off. She had 10 of em by 18 months........BECKY: Alex was a growler also. Sorry, I am full of all sorts of facts, but I am computer illerate. Thas why I have webtv. Now, if you want some kind of stats on DS....

Patty: I don't blame you a bit for telling me that you will do whatever is necessary for Kaila to receive speech therapy. The only reason I even asked is that we are receiving it with all our other therapy & it has all been free thru our local county health dept.

I am also a big time talker!! The joke in our household is that Jared doesn't stand a chance to talk because his mom & his grandma don't ever shut up! What fascinates me is when Jared comes home from my inlaws house with this huge smile on his face. He runs up to me & trys so hard to let me know what a wonderful day he has had. I too can't wait till we can sit & spend time talking about everything he sees or does. We are also using "Total Communication" (Signed Exact English & verbal) in our household & it has worked wonderful for us!!

As for Kaila's teeth......Jared received his first tooth at 13 months of age & after that, they started coming in 2 & 3 at a time in what ever order they wanted too (not by the book per say). I was very lucky not to have a fussy little guy while all this was going on. You might even be able to check with your pediatrician or your regular dentist & possibly have an x-ray taken to show where the teeth are if you are really concerned. I live in an rural area & we don't have a pediatric dentist here.

Please post & let us know what you find out on receiving speech services. (BIG HUG) for Kaila!!

Hi, gang.

Had a few free minutes, and just couldn't resist...

Bri's mom - I'm sorry to hear about the poor treatment you recieved when Bri was first born. I also had no idea about the DS until our little bundle of joy graced our lives with his presence. To begin with, he was breech (feet first-delivered naturally), and he was blue. Picture if you will, my baby is in the ICN, fighting to breathe, and when he's an hour old, the doctor came to break the news that there was a 95% chance he was DS. Not my best morning. My husband told me one of the nurses mentioned instutionalization to him, but no one said anything to me about it. I hope that you have been getting more support from the medical people working with Bri now. Just wanted to let you know I can totally relate to the shock. "My baby has WHAT?"

Cindy (Kayla's mom) - I'm glad to have given you a chuckle. That's my mission in life, don't you know? Keep up the serenading. Just give the kids earplugs if they give you too much hassle.LOL

Becky - Kelly is doing very well. I remember Michael started off okay, at 8lb, 40z; but at 6 mos. he only weighed 11lbs, and only 17lbs at a year. At least he was easy to carry! Did you get the redness on her cheeks looked after? It used to be a big problem for Michael, especially in the winter.

Ro, I'm glad to hear that Danny is back at home, and it looks like it's not his heart. Big relief! I'll keep praying. It's neat how the ladies here all band together when there is a need.

Patty - you were asking about teeth. Michael didn't get any until he was a year old, and they came in all out of order. He was getting up to four at a time, and not in the regular order. You could check with a pediatric dentist, if you can find one with DS. They would know more than I about the range of teeth appearing.

Cindy (Brittany's mom) - My heart goes out to you. I have four kids, and get to experience "normal" temper tantrums from them all. With Michael(DS), not too many yet. Usually, if he doesn't want to do something, he just sits and stolidly refuses to move. He does get upset if he can't get his own way some times - can't have treat he wants, can't jump on the couch...One time he had a bona fida temper tantrum because he couldn't jump on the furniture and I had all the other kids leave and go downstairs because they were laughing(he did look funny), and I just left him to yell. I'd come and ask if he was done, and leave again. This is not nearly as difficult to deal with as what you describe. If all else fails, maybe try leaving, and checking on him every five or ten minutes. Sorry I don't have any other suggestions. My thoughts and prayers are with you, that you will have the wisdom to know how to handle these tantrums and what is behind them. Could it be frustration over inability to communicate. A friend had the grouchiest baby, until it finally started to talk; then his temperment changed almost overnight, now that he could express himself. God bless.

Now that I finished my personal greetings for the moment, there was something I was going to say, but I forgot it. I didn't write it down. I have actually started a notebook so that when I read the messages, I can make notes to myself of who said what or I just forget. I'm still trying to figure out who everybody is and who their kids are, where they live...

I had better go. I have to get up in about 7 hours to go to work. My hubby gets to be home with the kids. They have spring break for the next week or so - until March 27.

Bless you all. BIG HUGS!!

Shawna

Kaila is almost 16 months old and she still doesn't have ANY teeth. Has anyone else experienced this?

Sherri, I shouldn't have to pay for Kaila's speech therapy. I will pay, if I don't get other funding. I feel that stongly about this. I'm a yapper, and I can't wait to yap away with my daughter. She's my only girl, and I've waited a life time to do girl things with my own daughter. Girl things just naturally include long talks:)

Am I selfish to feel this way?

hello...

Oh yea, forgot one last thing: It's nice to know that I am not the only one with an very opinionated (fit throwing) child!! I sometimes try to look at it as part of Jared's emotional growth & this too shall pass!! (And improve, I hope!!)

WOW!! You guys have been really busy posting. Have been away from the board for a few days & see that I have alot of catching up to do!

Toni: CONGRATULATIONS!!! We already knew that you were Jeffery's mommy by heart, now it's finally going to be put on paper!!

Patty Moore: I was just curious why you have to pay for Kaila's speech therapy? Wish you the best of luck on checking into all the other resources!!

RO: ((BIG SQUEEZY HUG)) from my family to yours!!! Hope your husband is feeling better soon. Let us know more as soon as you can. Your family is in our prayers!!

Steff: I just wanted to say what a wonderful post about Olivia's speech evaluation!! Keep the good news coming!!

Welcome to Bria's mom & Amanda/Kennedy's mom!! I haven't posted here in a day or two & I am still kind of a newbie here too!! My little boy is 31 months old & is 101% boy!! He keeps me running!! I still haven't had the chance to sit down & figure out the chat room, but I hope to talk to everyone real soon.

I know that I only responded to bits & pieces of posts, I hope that no one feels left out, it wasn't my intention!! Wishing each & everyone of you a wonderful weekend!!

Ro,
That is great news about your hubby..Sorry, he still isn't feeling wonderfully, but sure is good news about his heart..Still praying, and thinking about ya here..oh, gotta send you some ((((((HUGS))))) :)

P.S. Cindy/Brittany's mom,
..I will not go into detail right now..we may run out of space altogether..LOL..But, suffice it to say, I have a 19 month old (non Ds) daughter that does the same thing when things do not go just her way..and Stevie-Marie (6 w/Ds) also can throw quite a tantrum. I assume due to the communication 'gap', which is closing more each day, and the tantrums are dwindling.
I can definitely sympathize with you..E-mail me sometime and we can exchange ideas or at least support on the not so 'sunny' days..:) and congratulate each other on the 'sunny' ones as well..Just wanted you to know you are not alone. We also have 3 others that are older than Stevie so I can get pretty creative..:) been through all kinds of behaviors and I am sure we are not finished yet..LOL

*hugs* to all..gotta run..~~Tina

OOPS, make the correction ... plane

Heather - thank you SO much for your comment. You just may have saved my 12 year old from pain! I didn't even think that his severe sinus problem could be a problem on the plain. I'll be sure he takes his claritin!!!! We had a friend who's eardrum burst (OWWWWW) while landing.

Becky - I don't have kids that old yet, but I was "shipped" off to Virginia when I was barely 12, by myself. The flight attendants were with me every step of the way and they made me very comfortable. The only fear or problem I had was my ears wouldn't clear and I was bawling it hurt SOOOOO badly (so just give your kids a decongestant recommended by their doctor!). Hope this alleviates some plane dreams of yours!!!

Okay:)

Today must be our lucky day and I must have ran over, squashed or just walked by the four leaf clover in our yard.

Danny is home:) and after a 1 night stay we have had NUMEROUS test done on, for and about his heart.

Test results stated:

although we are not sure what caused the problem we are positive he has a strong heart so they are leaning away from a heart attack.

Some of the things said to be a problem might be:

Stained muscle around the heart,

Pinched nerve,

An old injury that has finally showed it nasty face.

Doctor has him on muscle relaxers and pain killlers and another appointment on Friday if all goes well if not back to the hospital and test will resume.

He is sleeping alot and resting.

Thanks for your Prayers and thoughts.

It is sure nice to know My family has ya'll out there:)

Love Ro

Hi Ladies!!! Haven't posted in a while - for someone who doesn't work outside the home, I sure am busy and gone alot! I can't imagine what life would be like if I did hold a job. Not that 4 kids (5 including hubby) and a dog isn't a job = lol :).

Well, after 30 minutes of trying to catch up on what's happening, I'm counting my lucky stars that so far today, we're all ok! I am so sorry to hear of Denise, you not feeling well, and Ro, hope hubby's ok. Mine went thru something similar - turned out to be GERD (reflux - BAD heartburn). Prilosec (just corrected prilosex - where's my mind!) had made him a new man! Too bad it didn't knock off a couple dozen pounds, too! LOL

Glad to hear the post-op kiddos are doing better!! Nothing makes you feel more horrible than when your own child is in pain.

Want to add something from earlier this week on our poop discussion(by the way-congrats to Russell - way to poop, man!), I got lots of GREAT advise on Kelly's non-pooping problem... I was talking to another Mom (3 yr old ds) about this website and the advise, and said several advised Karo - she warned me not to use it on such a little one. She said it wasn't pastuerized (like honey), and could make an infant very ill. Didn't know that! I've been feeding Kelly (5.75 months old now) baby prunes for third day - still NO POOP. I made her poop monday w/ glycerin suppositories. I want her to do it on her own. I guess it is really a minor deal compared to what alot of you are and have been going thru. Guess I shouldn't feel so pitiful, huh? :):):)

Kelly had her 6 mo. check up yesterday - 3 shots - yuk! She's a whopping 14 pounds 11 oz.. She's still in the 75% for Ds weight, and 50% for Ds height. She's a little squirt compared to my other kids! Karly was about 18 pounds at 6 months.

Anybody out there ever ship their kids off on a plane alone? Next week, my boys("typical"), 12.5 & 10, are flying to my mom's in WV. YAHHHHH - I'm having plane dreams!! But it will be a nice, relaxing (ha! ;)) week, just hubby, me and the girls. I'm STILL trying to upload pictures for UM friends-can't figure out why it won't upload-it says it is, but then nothing ever comes thru. Any help - LISA!!!??? Our online tutor :).

OH...speaking of Lisa, I checked out all the new pics on UM friends - oh, what adorable kiddos!!!!!

Next to Linda, looks like I'm still one of the 'old ladies' here - at a whopping 36 yrs old! LOL :)

NOW... for some needed advise. WHEN should I ask for speech eval? Kelly is almost 6 months, and makes lots of cooing and growling(I get sooo tickled by it!). She's mimicking my "O" 's with her mouth, and is really vocal. Is there a good way, or good signs to tell when she's needing speech? OT does have me using Nuk brush - maybe that's enough for now.?

Well, gonna quit for the moment, I know, you're wanting me to go on (LOL). Need to quench the thirst with about a gallon of water.

Bye, for the moment. ((((HUGS)))) to all! ~~Beck

Need help with discipline!!!!! Brittany is hard enough to handle, but now seems as though Fletcher, who has just turned one can do nothing but scream --I mean SCREAM. He got put to bed with a bottle very young, he never seemed to enjoy being in anyone's lap. (MISTAKE #1 I guess) He still takes a bottle and has a bad habit to go to sleep with one. I have been working on both aspects of this. If he has something he is not supposed to have and you take it away, he will SCREAM and throw himself around the room. Also, I have been trying to make him say "ba-ba", "bi-bi" (which he can say) for bottle and bite instead of screaming--I'm losing :( I never experienced such intense tantrums from Brittany until now that she is older. She will at least listen to me and I can most of the time figure out the problem. With him, he don't seem to want to listen, be held, or anything. He pinches, kicks, and screams to get out of your lap only to throw a fit in the floor. The past couple of days I have been simply putting him in his bed and letting him cry it out. What else can you do for a one year old? I want to hold him so bad and talk to him the way Brittany would let me, but he won't have that. They are my only two children and he has the worst temper I have ever seen in a one year old. Maybe things will change when Brittany starts school in a couple of weeks. Please let me know if you have any sggestions.

Hope everyone is doing okay--not much time to read thes posts-I'm about four days behind. Try to catch up the weekend. Thanks, Cindy

Ok, Ok just one more thing and I am done. (for now)

Ro- my prayers and thoughts are with you. Hope your husband is all ok! Maybe he needs Calgon!!!

Ok, you all may think I am nutty but now my computer is ok after I made the entries!! So I guess in order to read whats here on the message board, I will have to post something without reading anything first. Sounds silly but it just may work. I know, I know, I need to get an up to date computer and not one from 1990!!

Shawna- you crack me up. Just thought I'd tell you. Glad to hear someone else sings worship songs during laundry. Today it was "It is no secret, what God can do. What He's done for others-He'll do for you. With Arms wide open, He'll See you Through. It is no secret-what God can do." I serenade my kids, quite loudly (I just watched the Irish Tenors on Regis and Kathie Lee..hahaha, I was ready to be "elaborate!)and they think it's fun too. Another new song I've learned is "Open the Eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart. I want to See you. I want to See You..."

Anyways, regarding the walking thing. I was told it is much more important for our kiddos to crawl, it does some good stuff to their brain. I wanted Kaylee to walk too (especiall being pregnant with Emma!) She walked at 24 1/2 months, but we had mostly worked on crawling, which really strengthens those leg muscles too.:0

Adrienne, it must be your computer. I can see all the posts. Sorry :(

I had to clarify something from my last entry. The other entries aren't blank and then come back, it is blank and I have to scroll down a day or two to start reading something. Things are blank and lost and nowhere to be found.

I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if it's my comuputer or Unomas. I need someone to email me. On the message board, everything for today and part of yesterday (maybe longer) is blank. Then my screen comes back up again. Can someone tell me if it is happening to them or is it just my computer. I can only see part of Shawna's entry which is the last one on my computer. I think it's my computer. I happened earlier today a couple of times so I got off and started my computer again. It didn't help. Unomas has gotten sooooo slow on my computer lately and now today, this! I admit, having a 486 doesn't help but I have never had a problem on a web site before. Someone please help!!!!! I am at your mercy!! I hope you all see this. :(:(:(

Ladies,

You better go grab a coffee. You may need it - this promises to be a long one.

Last night I thought I'd print out what we've written in the past few weeks or so. The fact that it would be 284 pages changed my mind!! Definitely changed my mind. My husband nearly had apoplexy when he thought I was going to print all that. Anyhow, onward and upward.

Ro and Lisa, I think it must be a club - I'm 35 as well. Don't feel like 35, but that's what it says on my birth certificate. Ro, I'm sorry to hear about your hubby. Needless to say, I will be praying for him. Hope he's better soon. I have a question for you as well. Can we download videos into the picture or family site? Right now the only way I can get a picture on the computer is through our camcorder. Thought I'd see if I can talk Lawrence into doing something up for me if it can be uploaded, or downloaded, or whatever.LOL

Adrienne, congrats on Russell's improvement. How old is he,anyway? About speech therapy - Michael started when he was five months old, and until 8 months was right on schedule. Then he stalled, and by the time he was 1, he had a set of tubes in his ears! He's had four, but I think he's done now. His speech is delayed - it's his most delayed area, but it is improving vastly!

Tina and Cindy(Kaylee's mom), - Glad to hear your wee ones are finally feeling better. Tonsils have not been a problem in our household, at least not yet. Cindy, it sounds like Chris is a really neat person. I bet he will go far. It's encouraging to hear of handicapped people succeeding despite their setbacks.

Cindy(Brittany's mom) - I can totally relate to how you feel. Definitely been there, done that. My heart goes out to you. It does get better. It is hard to accept that Michael will always be "behind" his age group. Right now, he's 8, at a 3-4 yr. level, yet at school all day, and learning to read and print. Go figure.

Kari - I can totally relate to the behavior problems you're going through. Michael has had problems with that. For him, it seems to largely be modeling (his 3 older siblings!) Also, if he gets in trouble,and gets a swat on the bum or a slap on his hand, he will then do that to himself. Very troubling to see. I haven't figured out what to do about that.

Patti Gray and Amanda, Welcome, welcome, welcome to the home of friendship and love, of care and advice, of truth and ....Now I forgot. I'm sure I'll be talking to you again. Here's the cool thing - you can't stop me.LOL

Amanda, I was thinking about kennedy's walking. Maybe her leg muscles aren't strong enough yet. Michael's PT said that when his muscles were physically strong enough, he would walk, and he did. He started walking at 2 years. Now I wish he'd slow down. Is it possible that you are wanting her to be as "normal" as possible, when perhaps she really isn't ready yet? I wonder if that is what your PT meant? Again, I can only go by my own experience...A friend of mine has a DS girl 5 days younger than Michael. We first got together when the kids were 5. They had taken a very intensive approach with Sophie, working with her, and modelling crawling, and walking with her. She took her first step at 21 months, and was walking across the room at 24 months. I basically took the opposite approach, just working on a few muscle-strengthening excercises with Michael. He took his first step at 23 months, and walked across the room at 24 months. That tells me that they will walk when they're ready. Enough lecturing. I know you will do what is BEST for Kennedy. You are there, I am not. Hope I didn't rain on your parade or anything. I just wanted to present another possibility.

Steff, I am SO SORRY to hear about all the problems your husband is having. I can't even imagine going through all that. My prayers are with you BIG TIME. Did you really COUNT all the letters that Olivia knew? You're a better mom than me. Good work, Mom.

Adrienne, I really loved that poem

Lisa, re: kid trashing the room. It only gets worse as they get more mobile. Michael's sisters get so mad when he goes in their rooms! He leaves evidence of his visit behind - all their stuff scattered around LOL.

Karen, Thanks for the God's Embroidery poem. I have heard it before, and it blessed me just as much this time.

Kari, I think that teacher is WAY out of line. All she is doing is shaming Aubrey, not teaching her anything. If Michael gets like that, we ALL use "hands down", with maybe a 1-2 minute "time-out" in a chair.

Toni,CONGRATULATIONS...YOU ARE NOW A MOTHER. YOU KNOW THE MOTHER IS THE ONE WHO DOES THE WORK!!

Jackie, I haven't talked to you before, but I want to say "HI" and THANKS for letting us know there is life after this. It's neat to hear from someone "on the other side of the fence" as far as grade school is concerned. I'm glad Emily is learning to be independent. It gives me hope that it is possible for Michael.

Marie, you're totally correct. It's just hard sometimes when I compare him to "normal" kids. Duh...don't compare him!!

Denise, Just my opinion, but I wouldn't worry about Stevie's eating, unless obesity is a problem, as I know it allegedly can be. So far, it hasn't been for Michael. Good luck. Other option: have "healthy" snacks available, so he's eating fruit or veggies or something like that.

RIa, don't worry, it will come. Pretty soon, you will have to figure out how to stop them.

I am going to go now. it's been nice to have time to FINALLY get this all sent. I've been trying to for about 4 days.

One last comment - I think laundry must be the bane of every woman's existance. It is mine, or at least, it was. One good thing came out of having 6 or 8 loads of clean laundry to fold - that's the time I pray and praise the Lord, and that's the time I write most of my songs. I call them my (what else) Laundry Songs.

I do have to go. I'll try and post again in the next few days; maybe then it will be shorter.

Shawna

Hi, This is the first time I ever used a computer. Mind you I have been trying to get all the information I could get my hands on regarding Translocation Down Syndrome. My daughter was born October 1998. The pregnacy was considered to be very normal. (according to my ob/gyn). But I think most moms know when somethings not right. I wasn't gaining any weight. But he seemed fine with that. I found out Bri might have D.S. the day I gave birth. Smack right after surgery he gave my husband and I his diagnosis. We never dealt with anything so traumatic in our lives. Our 13 year old was needless to say felt destroyed. In the begining we came across alot of very cruel "Professional" which reffered to our daughter as "Mongoloid" she also reccommended that at one time I would have to instituionalize her. In the beginning we didn't know much. But slowly and with alot of love and most of all faith and patience we know that Bri., will be all right. NOTHING'S IMPOSSIBLE, IT JUST TAKES A LITTLE LONGER" that's our new motto in live. I know I must sound like I'm going on and on. But like I said in the begining it's my first time. I'll appreciate any advice you guy's might have. Thanks alot. And hope to make to the next chat room. (If I can remember how it was that I found you guy's) LOL..

Good friday to everyone. There is not much going on here right now . Isaac has a bit of a cold I hope he doen't get on ear infection, we're on the thin ear tube line and treading carefully. Not that it is the worse thing but guess I wouldn't want him to go through it if he does'nt have to.

I hope this doesn't sound crazy but I hope someone can help me I downloaded ICQ but I can not figure out how to find anyone maybe I haven't found the correct thing to read yet but if anyone has the answer please email me and let me know.

take care everyone and RO me and the boys will be thinking of you hope all goes well.

Hi

I haven't written much but do enjoy reading about all your concerns, joys, and comments.

Amanda I too have a 22 month son who is not walking or talking. I want to see him reach these goals some time soon. We go to speech therapy twice a week and I am anxiously waiting for him to sign independently without help from me. I want to hear his voice speak words too. Bryce can crawl and pull him self up along furniture or the wall. Which he accommplished in the last 2-3 months. Some people don't understand that we desire the same things for our precious children as they want for their own children. Well I know given time we will overcome this hurdle and work towards the next. Just give lots of hugs and praises.

Good morning!!!!

Ro, I will say a big FAT prayer for you and your hubby.I can definitely relate to what's goin on with you and yours.Please keep us posted.

Last week I was kinda bummed out cause my girl Olivia had a speech eval. and it was weird. She was asking O. the hardest questions for a 2 yr. old. Well we went back yesterday to finish the tthe vocabulary portion of the test.I received the best news I've had all year(and this year has been a winner,can you sense the sarcasm?)Check this

Results for Olivia's speech eval. mild delays in receptive language,mild to moderate delays in phonological development and age appropriate receptive vocabulary skills. Goals:Olivia to be enrolled in aspeech enriching preschool to receive speech intervention 3-5 times a week.WOW.

cool eh?The lady says in a couple of areas she's only 3 months delayed.Ya know as much as I like to take these things with a grain of salt, that made my day!!!!!!!!!!And the funny part is this on my way home I dropped something in my car and had to pull over to pick it up.Got out of car Looked up and there was about 7 people taking a jog with an EXTREMELY hansome man(I'm married not dead)Then this young man( who was with them says)HEY LADY CMON COME JOIN US!!!! this group of people are from a group independent living house in culver city by my house.All DS and jogging away with this very handsome man. Made me smile.Had to share some good news for once...Take care

Hello everyone,
Stevie Marie is still not really eating much, but I can convince her 'bite by bite' if I tell her that she is going to have to go to the hospital to stay if she doesn't and managed two whole sandwiches lately. Yay!! Late last nite she FINALLY started taking 'tiny' drinks voluntarily, without quite as big a 'grimace' on her face. Sorry, I have not posted in a couple of days, just been kinda pre-occupied with that. I got so excited the other day when she ate the cheeseburger that it was hard to come back and say, 'nevermind'..hunger just overcame the difficulty she had in swallowing... whatever it takes, works for me. ;)
Cindy,
I am glad Kaylee is back to her old self..:) You have earned it..LOL Stevie also weighed 42 pounds at the start of all this (I know you said Kaylee was 43) and she has lost a considerable amount of weight. I know it will come back fast when we get back on a 'regular' eating schedule. We seem to be on the 'up-swing' of it all, so..enough about us.

Kim,
I know it can be difficult at times, just please try to remember that although Ali may reach some of her milestones later than other children..she WILL reach them. Some 'experts' will tell you that she won't. Also, once she has accomplished something 'new', she will not "forget" it, so she is moving ahead everyday. :) I also know it is confusing for your son. We have 3 daughters older than Stevie, (who is 6) and they seem to handle the 'extra' attention ok. Our younger daughter does not do quite so well with it though. She is only 19 months (and she and Stevie-Marie seem like twins in alot of 'social' respects), and just now noticing that she has to "share" me.--with ALL the girls-- I do think that in time, with the right love and attention, he will understand.
I don't know how 'helpful' this is, but had to let you know you are ok, and your concerns are perfectly 'o.k.' I am sure we have all been there..:)

Ro,
Love and lots of *hugs* and prayers coming your way also. Please let us know as soon as you get some 'word' from the hospital.

Toni,
Congrats!! Lookin' good!! we knew it would though. :-)

Marie,
It was good hearing from you. I have missed ya..

Denise,
'Hope you are feeling better..and praying that someday they will find the 'answer' to relieving all your pain..or at least most of it. In my opinion, you are doing an amazing job with Stevie..don't be so hard on yourself..pleeeeaaasseee..remember, "tough love IS love". :-)
BTW..they have a GREAT headache and pain center here in K.C. ;-) Bet I could find a place for you guys to stay if ya wanna check it out..wish I could help more..*hugs* to you darlin', don't know how you do it.

Stacey,
Have a safe trip and we will miss ya here.

Adrienne,
WONDERFUL news on the 'incompatiblility' issue with the pregnancy. Hope you are feeling g-r-r-r-eat!!

Well, I am sure this is already EXTREMEMLY long..and I have not mentioned everyone. I have been reading the posts though and wish you all a VERY good day.

P.S. Brenda H..just gotta say..again..thanks so much for listening and letting me 'whine'..you are soooo sweet. I will chat with ya later.
*hugs* to all..~Tina

Hi there. Is anyone there with a girl, 11 or so about to hit puberty. Any hints you can share would be great.

Hi everybody...it's been a while since I've posted anything(busy busy busy) but I've been watching you all every day here.I've been kinda down in the dumps lately and I find that every time alli starts to over come new milestone I feel this way. I think it's because when she is at another stage I notice how late she seems to have reached it. Not that she isn't doing really good, just that whole "blues" thing I guess. I did find out today that we are eligible for 24 days a year (or 570 hours) of respite care. Now the whole screening process begins to find the right family to do it. They have a family in mind, and told me that kids with DS, especially young ones never seem to have a problem being matched with families. I'm kinda hesitant about her going anywhere overnight, maybe that will come later. She is only 3 after all, and really a very easy kid to handle. But it will be nice to have some time to spend one on one with our son Tyson(6). The other day he was having a time out and he was very upset and blurted out-" you like allison more than me, EVERYBODY likes Allison more than me." So for the last couple of days we have been trying to explain DS to him, and why Alli gets so much attention from other people, but it really hasn't sunk in yet. Any suggestions? He says he knows DS is in her body, but he can't "see" it so he is confused. Heather- Allison got glasses at 12 months. We weren't really to pushy on her wearing them so it didn't work at all. But she just got glasses again last month and this time she is wearing them much better. And to be honest, if it wasn't the glasses the kids will tease about hair color, or the shoes your kid is wearing. Kids will be kids. I had glasses when I was younger and I got teased, but then I also got teased for being the fat kid, and the new kid. Your little guys personality and charm will overpower the glasses, don't worry. I felt the same way about alli's glasses. I figured at first it would make her look more handicapped than she already did. Kinda embarassing to say, but it was my own insecurities. She looks really cute. Anyhow, thats me in a nutshell for the day. Bye for now...

RO - all of us are praying for your husband, you and the kids. Praying for wisdom for the doctors, that they might find out what's wrong. Praying for strength and peace for you. Let us know when you get a chance, and please know that we all care and you are loved.

I'm taking a brake from getting ready to go. :)

Cindy and Mary, Brooke got glasses about a month ago, the good news is they fly less and less these days. :) She is actually keeping them on for more then an hour. I think she looks so cute in them, they are purple with mickey mouse on them.

Toni, CONGRATULATIONS!! Jeffery is getting a great Mommy!!

Ro, good luck at the hospital I hope all is okay, you will be in my prayers.

Well, back to packing see you all later!! Have a great week!!!

Well,

Will be in and out for the next few days.

Been at the hospital all afternoon with husband who has been admitted for chest pains.

With the test that have been run there is no heart damage, no signs of a heart attack, so more test tomorrow.

He is taking a stress test in morning and he will be in the hospital til at least Saturday.

I'll be checking in.

Ro

Adrienne,

Kaila had low platelettes when she was born,too. It was very scarry, because she almost needed a blood transfusion. She had to stay in the NICU for this reason, heart complications, and jaundice. The nurses told me that the first 11-12 days of ds babies lives are usually a struggle and that the platelette problems were common. Yes, I believe that someone should do a study on this for preventitive reasons.

We were turned down today for speech therapy with our private insurance. Our st is going to submit an appeal. She just went to a conference and they taught her how ds kids don't have to be speech delayed at all, if they start therapy early on. Kaila is only 15 months old, but her therapist feels like it's a perfect time to start. I'm going to appeal the decision, also. And,I'm going to try all my other resources, too...regional, and headstart. We'll see what happens. If I have to, I'll pay. I won't let them know that, though. Wish me luck:)

hey Denise, i thought you might be sick again :/ hopefully the procedure will take care of all that. sounds like stevie had to pay you back....i know its hard on you and him and your doing the best you can. I will not let you tell yourself your not being a good mom!!

I am wondering if the doc might have any ideas about his apetite. i know ajred has been doing that off and on, begging for snacks over and over, then other days he doesnt seem to want to eat at all. i know its fustrating

take care and i'll give you a call this weekend.hang in there!! :) marie

Hi Shawna i dont think weve met yet but i related to your post about not feeling like your son is totally "8" my son just turned 8 but there are still a lot of things that are so much younger that he does. I think its ok to acknowledge those sad feelings (i tell myself that) and it doesnt mean i love my son any less or dont do all i can to see that he does well. thanks for sharing that:)

Marie

Hello all how are we this evening?!

HeatherF - I wouldn't worry about Nicholas getting glasses. I am sure he will look so cute in them and won't get teased. You are concerned with the teasing, does he get teased already? Russell is younger than Nicholas but he wears glasses. He has worn them since about 1 month old or so. He has never been teased. So many people think it's cute that a baby has glasses. I was the one with the problem with it. I thought he would look bad or I wouldn't like the way Russell looked with them. I took along time for me to adjust to it. I am sure it will all be ok when the time comes :)

Kaylee - I am glad you are feeling better. I bet mommy is happy too!!

Speaking of which, how is Stevie Marie doing??????

Stacy - Anchorage sounds great. Remember, don't sweat the small stuff!! Maybe the lady didn't know how to smile :|

MaryL - That is interesting that your son had low platelets too. I am glad they came up on their own. Thats a good sign. You would know it your son had low platelets because he would bruise for no reason or real easily and I think they can get a rash or something. They would test Russell periodically after he was born. Maybe ask your Dr if your son would need to be checked again. They may check if he he has to have a surgery or something. Thats what they did with Russell. If you have any more questions, let me know or email if you wish.

Toni - YEAH, sounds like court went great!! Good for you!!!

Shawna - doesn't sound like denial to me, sounds like a GREAT attitude!!!

Everyone else, have a great evening!!! Sorry if I didn't respond to all. Time to go make Tacos!!

Adrienne

Hi, everybody!

I just wanted to let y'all know I'm still alive and kicking. Some days kicking more than others.

About denial. I know it's been a few days since the original comment was made; my viewpoint is:

When Michael was first born, the possibility that he had DS floored. I was grief-stricken. It seemed impossible that I had a child with a disability. He looked okay - except that he felt like a rag doll. He was a month old when the preliminary results came back from the genetic tests. During that time, I mostly hoped the doctor was wrong. I loved Michael all along, THAT was never in question, and it also was never in question that he would live with us. When we found out for sure that he has DS, I started checking if there was any help available. I really didn't know. One decision I made early on was that Michael is just one of four kids, and as much as possible, I tried not to focus too much time and attention on him, compared to what I could give the other kids.

It is still hard some days when I am faced with the deficit in Michael's ability, compared to a "normal" kid. I really don't think of Michael as being 8, I usually think of him like a 3-year-old, because that's about his developmental age. Sometimes I remember that he's the same age as the kids in grade 3, and it's hard to take. It's also hard to think that certain possibilities are closed to him because of his limitations. I know this is true for everyone, but with Michael, it's so much more blatant.

By the same token, I believe Michael will always surpass every expectation anyone has of how much he can do. When he was younger, facing his limitations was very tough, and I grieved the loss of the dreams for his future.

I don't know if I'm explaining myself very well. When I was unsure when Michael would walk, IF he would ever walk; it was difficult to consider what his adult future would be.

Gotta go. My husband has supper ready.

Bless you and yours.

Shawna

Hi........Court went well today.........All biological parent's rights were terminated and my background checks and initial paperwork is starting....on the adoption......Jeffery was a doll,,,despite having a temp......lol....he charmed the Judge and spent time w/ his family....It was a positive experience....His brothers and sisters were placed w/ various relatives......His biological mother is due to deliver a baby boy on May 12.....yep genetically ok they think.........I talked briefly w/ the judge........and we are on go.............I'm SMILING!!!!!!!!

I just spent 3 days in the hospital again and Stevie is making me pay for it big time. He had dinner and two snacks then spent twenty minutes under my computor chair begging for waffles. After that wasn't working I caught him carrying a chair out to the kitchen to get the waffles himself. I went to take the chair and he ran back here and turned off my computor. I went out in the kitchen and sat in front of the fridge and he threw himself on the floor sobbing. I finally told him he could have water and ice cubes. He came out in the living room, drank the water and dumped the ice cubes all over the floor. I feel like the worse mom in the world. Did I do the right thing?

Now the good news. I had his first IEP at his new school today,(non inclusive setting.) They were so intunded to his needs it was amazing. After the hour long meeting his teacher stayed for another two hours to talk to me all about Stevie. His house mother scheduled a meeting to talk to me too. The special ed director offered me tutoring during the summer for a couple hours each week. I have never had a meeting go so well. If only he could be as good at home as he is at school. I did have one peice of advice for the younger moms. Don't ever sign the IEP at the meeting even if everything appears in order. Take it home and read it again. It's alot easier to get things changed if it's not sighned. You might think of something you wanted but forgot to mention at the meeting. Just my piece of advice.

Marie- I noticed, I hope your feeling better.

Heather-Stevie has been wearing glasses since he was 18 months old. He even wears bifocals. It took me a good 9 months to get him to leave them on but now the first thing he does in the morning is put his glasses on with no prompts from me. He looks very cute with his glasses on and no one has ever picked on him. Hope that helps.

Hi everyone!

I don't post often as my son is only 5 mo. old and I don't have much advice or experience yet. However, a couple of posts today were similar to experiences I have had.

Adrienne - My son Patrick had a low platelet count a couple of days after he was born but the count jumped back up the next day so it wasn't anything we worried about. Does anyone know if I should have his platelets checked again - or would something happen, like a rash, to indicate to the doctor that they needed to be checked?

Heather - We took Patrick to the eye doctor a month ago and she said he's farsighted and will need glasses probably in the next 6 months. I understand how you felt about the glasses, I was more affected by the news then I thought I would be. I just had to convince myself that we are still extremely lucky because Patrick hasn't had any other major health problems and he is going to look sooooo cute in glasses!

Stacey - have a great time in Anchorage - we'll miss you here.

Thank you to everyone who posts the poems and stories - they really touch my heart.

Mary

Hello everyone!!

Today during preschool a woman was stairing at Brooke, she had no expression on her face, she was just watching her. I wondered what she was thinking, "thank God it is no me", when most people watch her they smile, she didn't, it just got me thinking. I don't really care what she thought about my little girl, or maybe I did, because it bothered me.

I usually don't get down about such things, but today.....

I'm going to Anchorage for a little over a week do spend time with my sister and some friends I haven't seen in years. I'm really looking forward to the trip!! I will miss you all, I like my daily chats!!! I will post when we get back.

Linda, your post made me smile and cry. Thank you!!

Talk to you all later. :)

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted anything, I wish I had time to do it more! Nicholas went to the eye doctor this morning for his first visit. They found that he is nearsighted, but since there is NO WAY he would leave glasses on now, the Dr. said it's ok for him to wait for a year. I actually am pretty upset about the nearsighted thing. I know I should be grateful that he at least can see and doesn't have any real problems, but I don't want kids to have yet ANOTHER reason to pick on him throughout his life. Does anyone have any "words of wisdom" to give me?

I am so proud of Nicholas (3 1/2)! Yesterday we took him skiing (just to the tow-rope area) and he did GREAT! He balanced so well on the skis and actually tried moving on his own! We were pretty excited, just to share!

Hi all, did want to up date you that Kaylee is back to her old self again, playing, fighting and eating pretzels! I think we're all done with the tonsil stuff now, and I hope the surgery real helps to keep her well. Thanks again for all your support.

Marie- I totally understand about the peace your feel regarding heaven. I too love Kaylee tremedously, but will be thrilled when we don't have to contend with all the DS "stuff".... :)

hello everyone, have been gone for a few days...doesnt seem like anyone noticed though haha!!! anyway...just havent been feeling well and been pretty busy, lots of posting going on here

Tina Cindy...i hope stevie marie and kaylee are feeling better, havent heard anything about that recently.

Denise, hope your days going better and your feeling better. Hows stevie doing? Jareds been pretty good in his behavior the past week but shhh!! i dont wanna jinx it:)

Theres so many posts that i will never get caught up but i did read them. welcome to the new moms sorry but i already forgot the names....i must be gettin old!:)

how u doing Ro?

we are doing a bible study at church on revelations and the pastor was talking about all our loved ones in heaven someday and jesus coming and so on. And i was thinking about how much i cant wait to see my son there in his glorified body, without the DS. i love him dearly but i look forward to that day. it brings me a peace:)

Hopefully i'll get more chance to post this week. take care everyone

marie

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!! I mentioned previously that Russell had very low platelets when he was born. After not accepting random donors 4-5 times, they concluded that Kevin and I had a incompatibility problem and the baby would only take my platelets. WELL, being pregnant again, they had to test our platelets to make sure. After 8 viles each of blood and 3 weeks of waiting... WE HAVE NO INCOMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS!! I am sooo happy. I can actually enjoy this pregnancy and I won't have to have IV therapy for 20 weeks and needles poked in me to test the baby's platelets in-utero.

Someone else here (sorry don't remember name)stated that this kind of stuff happened to them too. Has anyone else had platelet problems at birth with their DS babies???? My DS medical book doesn't mention anything regarding low platelets at birth. Maybe they need to do more conclusive tests with the DS and low platelet thing. You all just don't know how relieved I am!!!!!

Oh RO!!! Thanks for mentioning the defrag thing. Hadn't did it in awhile on my computer, so I did this morning!!! Thanks for the reminder.

Hugs and Smiles and Happy, Happy Days!!!!!! Adrienne

hello everyone. thanks for welcoming me to this site. Theresa brennan's mom - how is brennan doing in the potty training depatrment? hannah knows what's it's for and she will go on the potty but she doesn't tell me when she has to go.we make a big deal when i catch her at the right time and she goes on the potty i've even put her in cloth training pants and she wet in them and didn't seem to care.have any tips?

brenda - this is our first conference. i'm really looking forward to it.

Amanda - i'm new to this site too. my daughter hannah will be 4 on the 27th. she didn't walk until she was about 20 months.it is very frustrating for you and for her but hang in there. pretty soon she'll be running away form you and you'll wish she was a little more stationary. also have you tried signing with kennedy? it really worked well for hannah. we just used one word signs like more come, and animal names for example.

Hi everyone!Just reading everyone's posts I actually have a moment. My hubby took Olivia to EIP and I turned on a movie for my boy and raced upstairs for a look at the computer.Anyways I'm glad the Kern's pear nectar is working.It works for us.One question, can you post a picture on this site if I get my film developed onto an AOL disk? Does that make sense?Hope all is well, I love everyone's inspirational poems and stories..(especially the embroidery story.Bye

Dear Computer Professor (or Ro),

You could NEVER offend me! ;o)

I got me some reading to do! Could be gone awhile! LOL

I hope to come back DEfragmented! Wish me luck.

See all soon....I hope!

Love,

T

GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE GO VOTE

Up top:)

Well, I hate to do it but I need to brag about Poop! Russell has pooped 3 days in a row now. Maybe even 4 days. I know it has been 3 though. The Kerns Nectar is my new best friend!!! YEAH RUSSELL!

T,

If you want you can e-mail I just couldn't find yours:)

TONI GOOD LUCK TODAY:)

T,

RO posted this over at the other board so you'd get it no matter where you went first;)

I KNOW YOU ARE ONE SMART LADY, SO DON"T TAKE OFFENCE PLEASE.

T,

You ask the other night what a disk disfragment was, do you not know? Scan Disk?

When I first got my computer, I was told that there are "2" things I need to do on a regular

basis.(once a week at least).Unless my computer shuts down wrong or experience problems. In this

instance it would have to be done more often.

These "2" things help keep your computer running to peak performance and it also keeps your files

fixed and compacted giving you more space to save.

YOur download speed has to do with several things.

The speed of your modem which is like a little bus running in the phone line picking up up the

information and bringing it back piece by piece:)

The faster your modem the faster the download.

There are several speeds of modem they start at 14.4 and go up to 56.6. I started with a 14.4 and let

me tell you I liked to died when I got a faster one(56.6) ;) Couldn't believe how fast;) If you have a

slower modem and you have someone to change it it would help as well. They are usually fairly

cheap and easily replaced. If you don't have someone to put the modem in the tower buy an external

one it sits on top of your desk.

If you also surf while you download it will take longer.So while you download you need to shut down

everything but the download and the net.( yes that means us too:) Well be here waiting for ya:)LOL

There is a program called smart download and what it does is stops a download and saves what you

have so when you start downloading again it will pick up where you left off:) It is great for those 4

hour downloads. I'll see if I can find it and tell you where to go get it. It took me 45 seconds to down

load it if I recall right:)( "get right" is another program that will do this)

If you need me to enlarge on this let me know:) GABBY WILL OBLIGE.

Hey Amanda...........I vote for strangling the people who expect less for your child.........lol...........you got a friend here girl..........Toni

Linda, thanks for sharing that with us. It was really cute.

I want to share with you all something very cute, too.

My niece had a special person day at her school last year, so she invited Kaila (5 weeks old at the time) to be her special person. A mother from the school came up to me and said that she had a niece who was ds who was only a week older than Kaila. She also said in amazement that they looked so much alike. My dear mother looked at this lady with a sweet smile on her face and said, "That is because that are all related; they belong to the same family."

That just blessed my heart. I had to share that with you all.

COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHEN OR IF THE PHOTOS ON THE PHOTO SPOT WILL BE RESTORED - JUST CURIOUS. THANKS

Hi Everyone! I just went into UM friends& All your children are just beautiful!!!! I felt like I was looking at little Angels! These special kids of ours are the sweetest kids on earth.A lady told my sister one day the reason these kids all favor alittle is because...... One day in heaven lucifer (satan) was fighting GOD for the kingdom of heaven& God had his own "special" group of angels around him protecting heaven& all these angels had a "special" look about them. Well, we know that lucifer didn't get win in heaven.It still belongs to our LORD& his people. Later on many, many, years later God sent these angels down to earth as "special" babies to folks who would love them with all their hearts and souls.The reason people are drawn to these kids so much, is because they are angels & God sent them here to watch over& protect us as they protected Him in heaven! GOD BLESS ALL YOU PARENTS THAT LOVE YOUR CHILDREN ("handicapped" and "normal") SO VERY MUCH!MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU HERE ON EARTH AND REMEMBER HE HAS A "special" PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR THE ONES THAT TAKE CARE OF HIS LITTLE"ANGELS" GIVE ALL YOUR LITTLE ONES A BIG HUG FOR ME! luke's Mom(IN TENNESSEE)

KARI- The teacher cannot implement a behavior plan without the TEAMS approval. She is breaking the LAW, from what I understand. If she does not have your permission or agreement, she cannot do this. If I were you I would talk to the principal immediatley and point this out. They have to have a Behavior plan in place and all teachers and aides must respond the same way. It needs your signature. Hope this helps..

HI EVERYONE. i AM NEW HERE. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE A17 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. HER NAME IS KENNEDY.I LOVE MY DAUGHTER AND HAVE NEVER LOOKED BACK FROM THE MOMMENT THAT I SAY HER. BUT AS ALL OF YOU KNOW THERE ARE GOOD DAYS AND BAD. TODAY WAS NOT A GOOD ONE. MY DAUGHTER HAS DOON SO GOOD IN HER OT, PT, SPEECH, WATER TH., AND PLAY GROUP AND FOR THE MOST PART HAS KEEP UP WITH OTHER CHILDREN HER AGE. THE ONE THING THAT SHE HAS A HARD TIME WITH IS WALKING AND TALKING. I SEE HER FRUSTRATION AND IT HURTS TO SEE OTHER PARENTS LOOK AT HER LIKE SHE DOES NOT BELONG. TODAY I HAD TO TALK TO A NEW PT AND SHE WANTED TO KNOW WHY I WANTED MY DAUGHER TO WALK. SOMETIMES I DONT KNOW IF I WANT TO LAUGH CRY OUR STRANGLE THE PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY KNOW BEST. SORRY FOR BEING SO DOWN TONIGHT. I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO OTHER PARENTS. AMANDA JASON KENNEDY17M

I just happened across this and didn't know if you would be interested but go see:)

Link is up top:) Has alot of information.

Alexandra you are beuatiful

Cindy the movie was sooo cute, Isaac thought they were cute too, laugh and giggled, we watch it several times.

Yeah Russel, take it easy on your Mom tomorrow too bud.

Isaac had his "extra" thearpy today, it went really well he loves the thearpist. However he is hitting the terrible two and when he is done with a part of the thearpy he is DONE!! He was suppose to be in bear putting blocks into a tub, to have weight on just one arm did great the first part then just started pitching. Whatta turkey!! He is crawling further and further on all fours, he could go further if he would just not have to quit and clap. Gotta go have a great night everyone. Suppose to snow he tomorrow. Icky.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your kind words and suggestions. I guess the thing that upset me the most was that the teacher is now making her sit in a chair holding a sign that says no hitting and I just think that is mean, especially when she can't even read the sign. Anyway, we are trying to work on the problem. Thanks all.

Toni - Good luck to you and Jeffrey :):)

I'm off to court tomorrow on my first leg of adopting Jeffery.......I hope to connect w/ the people who are getting custody of his sister and brother......If I can keep Jeffery in touch w/ them in the future,,,,,I think that would be great for them all......Keep me in your thoughts....Toni

Hey there and goooood afternoon to all!!

Ro - so you didn't get to see the movie? Go back and see again. Flashing pictures - really cute!!! It's movie-esk (I bet that isn't spelled or sounding right)

Baby swing??????

Karen - that was a neat story. I really enjoyed it.

Lisa, Lisa, Lisa - Your Alex is adorable!! She does look ready for tea. Did you get to peek at Russell's picture? Go see if you haven't!

Well everyone, Russell did keep most of his food and drink down today. I don't get too happy though because the next day may be back to "throw-up normal". I try to keep positive. It was nice to have a break though! I think I only wiped up once or twice. See you all later!

T ,

GET OFF THAT BABIES SWING:)

NOW:) LOL

RO

The title of the previous post is called "God's Embroidery".

For when life just doesn't make sense....

When I was little, my mother used to sew a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering.

As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say, "Son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."

I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee."

This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy. Then Mother would say to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."

Many times through the years I have looked up to heaven and said, "Father, what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am embroidering your life." I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they all be bright?" The Father seems to tell me, "My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side." Author Unknown

TINA: THANK YOU !!!!!!! Hey everybody, go look at my baby doll.

Hey Lisa...
When ya get back from vacation..check out the friend's board..snail mail ain't as slow as it used ta be..Alex is a DOLL!!
*hugs* Tina

Yes, RO, she's down. I just missed you in the chat room. I'm off to take one of my vacations in the tub. I'll check back in here when I'm done.

Lisa,

Nap time yet?

Cindy,

I got it and I really like dress-up:)

Thanks for sharing:)

RO

p.s. Like I said I will learn how to do that:)

Go to Chat T:)

Hey Girls!!! Not alot going on this morning. Just trying to corral the kid. She wears me out!!! What am I going to do when she actually starts walking? She can trash the living room in 30 seconds flat. I've never seen a room go from spotless to "oh, my God" so fast. She hs figured out how to climb up into one of the chairs, but the only way she knows how to get down is to fall out. Have to watch her every second. And just a few minutes ago, she was trying to climb on top of the coffee table (she almost made it, too). Thank God it'll be her nap time soon. I'm worn out. I think I'm too old for this, but I still want more of them. Proof that I've lost my mind, I guess. Well, I guess I better go rescue the poor cat, before Alex does her in.

I am not a happy camper:(

Where is the MOVIE?

I got popcorn(just kidding) and sat down and looked and can't find it:(

Direction please

To the top....

hang a right and hit um friends,.......

and when on this street go........ where?

I am good at directions but I can't find it ANYWHERE!

Help:)

Ro

I am not a happy camper:(

Where is the MOVIE?

I got popcorn(just kidding) and sat down and looked and can't find it:(

Direction please

To the top....

hang a right and hit um friends,.......

and when on this street go........ where?

I am good at directions but I can't find it ANYWHERE!

Help:)

Ro

Ro,

What's up with your daughter? (I was peeking in the chat room.)

T

Ro,

Left for a bit....just got the message below. Do you think we'll EVER connect? LOL

T

T you there?

Adrienne/Russell's mommy,

Glad to hear Russell kept the waffles to himself today!

I have seen that before but it is ALWAYS so good and comforting to read it again. Some days you need to be reminded....ya' know? Thanks for sharing it with us.

Bye bye for now,

Theresa

Hello again. A girlfriend of mine's mom gave me a poem yesterday. You all might have heard it before. I have not. I thought I would share it with everyone, I really enjoyed it. Here it goes...

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth. "It's time again for another birth," Said the Angels to the Lord above, "This special child will need much love".

His progress may seem very slow, Accomplishments he may not show, And he'll require extra care From the folks he meets way down there.

He may not run or laugh or play. His thoughts may seem quite far away. In any ways he won't adapt and he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent. We want his life to be content. Please, Lord, find the parents who will do a special job for You.

They will not realize right away the leading role they're asked to play. But with this child sent from above come stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given in caring for this gift from heaven. Their precious charge, so meek and mild is heaven's very special child.

Author Unknown

Helloooooooo Everyone!!! Happy Wednesday!!

Welcome Patti Gray and Hannah!!!!!

Steff - Prayers for Hubby and family. Stay Strong!

Cindy - I saw your video of the girls. They are soooo cute. You must be very proud.

I also saw a picture of a cute little boy!! Jane's Boy?!!

I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday. Not much going on here. Still early though. Oh, Russell did keep breakfast down. That's a big deal to me!!! Waffles MMMMMMM

T,

I'll be back later so I can help you with the download:)

Ro

LMAOROTFPIMP

.....

Gargle gargle:)

Ro

Gabby Ro,

We were posting at almost the same time...ha ha!!!!!

I've got to go pick up "sweetness" from preschool. Hope to catch ya' here (or there) later!

Toodles,

Blabby T

Good Morning!

A little "catching" up.... :o)

Dear Cindy,

Thanks for the advice. I have thought of having other people coming with me in the past and I called our local Child Advocacy Center but the waiting list would have put our meeting way too late. I never did think to bring along another mom or friend. That's a GREAT idea....sometimes I (and my hubby) don't always take away from the meeting information that we just didn't hear or write down. I also like the idea of "splitting up". Brennan does receive all the services (PT, OT and speech) but of course we would always like more.

The 'movie' was so neat....I couldn't get enough of it. I was ready to pop some popcorn!! LOL

Lisa Huppe,

Yeah for Alex!!!

You gotta' love those May birthdays....my oldest daughter's is May 10th too!!! She's not stubborn either.....NOT! LOL (Middle daughter's is May 24th).

Sandra,

I've never used it but I've heard that Amazon.com has a pretty large selection of books. Hope that helps!

Denise,

Thinking of ya', babe. I hope today finds you better, but if it doesn't, come on here and let us help!

Kari,

We are in the middle of the EXACT same thing right now. We are having a meeting tomorrow to stratagize and develop a behavior plan. I have beaten myself up too.... I took her to the Down Syndrome clinic here and had a complete evaluation done. There are so many variables as to why our children sometimes struggle with behavior. I thought of everything: pain (ears, neck, minor reflux); lack of verbal skills, (which is very frustrating for our kids because so many times the other kids in school don't know what our kids are trying to say); something precipitating the behavior, (i.e. another child does something to our child); daddy's travel schedule; copying other kids (like Linda said Luke sometimes does); you name it!!!! It can be so difficult to pinpoint the reasons. The developmental ped. did day that the lenghty lectures Brennan's teachers were giving her went right over her head. We already agreed to keep it to a simple "NO HURTING" and a short time-out. Hopefully this will help. Please remember, and I should listen to myself too, you are NOT at fault. I am going to remind the teachers and psych. that the plan needs to fit the child NOT to make the child fit the plan. Know that you are not alone and to feel free to share your feelings anytime!

Patti Gray,

Welcome! I am Theresa, mom to 3 girls: Brianna-9, Blake-7 and Brennan-4(DS). Hannah and Brennan are 5 months apart...Brennan was born in Oct., 1995.

Dear, dear Steff,

This is such tough news for you and hubby. I wish the waiting were over for you guys. Keep coming here and letting loose....you need and DESERVE it. As always, the prayers are being said. Love to all of you!

Olivia,

Keep saying those ABCs! Your mommy is so proud!!

Linda Whitaker,

Luke sounds really bright...only really smart ones know how to copy the good and bad behaviors! :o) He sounds like he has a wonderful mommy!

Meganne,

Thanks for the info! Of course that might mean I would have less time here.....is that cheering I hear?!? LOL

Hugsies to all,

Brennan's mom/Theresa

P.S. Gabby,

I could NOT get in last night! I was sooooo sad. :o( Plus, I'm having trouble downloading the information you gave me. I hope to chat with you about it soon. In the meantime.....gargle, gargle, gargle! LOL

Hey just a quick post:)

Blabby T I missed you last night:(

What happened?

Stevie-Marie,

I know of a cute little joint that sells pancakes shaped like bears:)Sells lemonade freezes:) Are you interested?:)

You can feed all the critters... they have billy goat gruff, they have live bears, sheep, lama's just to many to mention:) ride the paddle boats, feed the ducks and monkeys that are on islands in the middle of the pond:) Like I said FUNNNNNN>:)

Tina,

I sure hope you are up to a long ride:) Little place in Cherokee, North Carolina:) She'll love it:) So will you:)LOL

I had a blast, can you tell:)LOL

Tina, Cjm4 and Elaine had a great time in the chat room last night, have to do it again:) real soon.

Meganne,

I have been to a few of those but not all, so thanks for the links :) Those that I have visited have been very informative and helpful:) Just like this ONE:)

Steff,

Thoughts are going your way:)

Cindy,

A movie? I am going to have to go and see.I have yet to get pictures on p.c.and you are put MOVIES:)LOL

Kari,

Was in chat last night at ROA and I really am glad you opened up. Hope teachers and you can come up with the plan to work:) She is evidiently a very resourceful child and wants to be understood:) good luck and keep us updated. Just re-read your post on uno and was curious why she can't ride those trikes? Are there any rideable toys she can participate on?

Lisa,

LOL, Useless info, never, but colorful springs to my mind. Couldn't resist:)

Alex,

You and Pooh go for a long stroll:) right around that coffee table.Keep on trucking..... Keep on trucking:)

Cindy,

BRIBERY....If it works:)LOL FOR EVERYTHING. LOL

Well like I said just a quick post.:)

Love Ro

Cindy,
That is just tooooo precious!!

I thought I would put some web addresses that are helpful. For education: http://www.nichcy.org & http://ericec.org Medicine or Syndromes etc: http://www.rarediseases.org http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus Technology: http://www.closingthegap.com & http://www.abledata.com Communication: http://www.nih.gov/nidcd/ General Disabilities: http://www.disabilitiesresourcess.org http://www.npnd.org/index.htm (Parents network on Disabilities) DS Chats::: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx a popular one is www.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/reflectionsofangels

I thought I would put some web addresses that are helpful. For education: http://www.nichcy.org & http://ericec.org Medicine or Syndromes etc: http://www.rarediseases.org http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus Technology: http://www.closingthegap.com & http://www.abledata.com Communication: http://www.nih.gov/nidcd/ General Disabilities: http://www.disabilitiesresourcess.org http://www.npnd.org/index.htm (Parents network on Disabilities) DS Chats::: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx a popular one is www.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/reflectionsofangels

check out the UM friends and see the new photo "movie" I posted of the girls. Great no-tonsils shot of Kaylee!!:~)

Hey All

Steff thinking of you and your family

Denise Hang in there!!

Patti-This is a wonderful site!! I'm so excited you'll be able to make the Conference this year. Can't remember if you said you would make it to the Congress or Society one but regardless you will have a wonderful time. Alot of info, not just from the speakers, who for the most part are wonderful. But the people that you meet are incredible. All going through the same types of things with their children, or have already been there, or will be some day. It really is overwhelming, in a great way. Lots of people bring their kids, and for me that was also a great part seeing how beautiful they all are. You'll have a great time. Maybe we'll run into one another-wouldn't that be something.

Cindy- Yeah Kaylee!!!!So glad you didn't have to get out the Karo

Kari, I just read your message about your daughter kicking,etc. at school. My son Luke is 10 & his teachers tell me that he picks up on what the "normal" kids are doing & he "mocks" them, but put him in the class with other kids that are more like Luke & he's a different Child. He trys to act like the "normal" children,but for some reason people think we should be more stricked with our handicapped children,when all they are doing is picking up on what "their" kids have taught them to do!I treat both my boys the same if they act "ugly" I think if it were me & I saw another child doing something wrong in front of my child, I would ask them not to do it because it bothers your child. Children understand more than we give them credit for alot of times!( i'm speaking about "normal" children)I have seen the time when two children are playing together on the play ground(one "normal& one handicapped) Doing the same things& the handicapped child will be put in time-out,but not the other child!I have witnessed this myself& it really ticks me off!!!

hi everyone!!!!! I'm posting this message again cause I think I forgot to submit addition on my last post (brain freeze again). Anyways I have some news on my hubby.The heart problem that they were going to watch is now being watched VERY closely. Also we found out he has hepatitis C which is also being watched closely cuz his liver enzymes are going batty. Also the dr. wants to do some cancer screening cuz of his blood work from the hospital.Came out bad. Also they know he has some lung disease because of his chest X-rays and ct's and need to do more testing. The thing that worries me (all of the above LOL) is that I know who his dr. is and know he would not be doing all this unless he had a very good reason. We are self-employed and could only afford ins. for the kids. So we are not insured and must start going through the state(YIKES). His dr,. does NOT want to see him go to county hospital and is willing to see him even though he won't get paid nearly as much if we had ins.The bills are starting to come in and to tell you the truth They'll get it when they get it.I wish so bad that I had great news to tell you guys. I don't wanna cry and wish to be so strong but my hubby's downstairs with kiddos and now is my moment so I can do whatever I want. Anyways, Olivia is doing great. Still sleeping a lot but hey I'm not gonna worry about that for the moment.She sang 15 of 26 letters of the ABC's today. Pretty good eh?(the eh is for all my Canadian friends in Toronto LOL)I really wish I had better news to relay to you about my hubby but more waiting is in order before I FREAK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!YIKES!!!!!!!!!Steff

Kari- We are having identical problems with Julian (just turned 6). It began to get bad when he was about 4 1/2. I agree with you about the social frustration and the frustration w/lack of physical abilities. With Julian I think there is also some impulse control problems as well. His aggression is much worse during gross motor activites, so during recess and PE. I am trying all kinds of things w/him, some have helped a bit. His OT has also given me a lot of ideas because she sees it to be partially a sensory integration issue. I would love to chat about it sometime. My ICQ # is 64846552 and I am salori83 on Yahoo. I am very frustrated and worried. The most violent thing he watches on TV is Arthur! This behavior is definitely not from his environment, and when he sees it in someone else, he seems alarmed and outraged. Go figure! Loren

hello everyone. my name is patti and i have a daughter, hannah with ds. she will be 4 on 3/27. we live in central pa right near penn state univ. this is my first time leaving a message on a site like this hannah has 2 younger brothers lucas 22 mos and nicholas 8 mos. yes we are quite busy here but that's ok their only little once. i've been reading this message board for the past couple of days to get the hang of things and to see what everyone talks about. it's nice to know you can ask about anything and get some advice from someone who's been there. i do have a question. has anyone attended the nat. down syndrome congress annual convention? this is the first year i've been able to go. the past 2 years i've been busy with a newborn. if so, could you please tell what to expect and would it be wise to bring hannah being she's only 4. thanks. also could someone please tell me what lol means thanks patti

Kari-just wondering how aubrey has been sleeping lately? Has her sleep been solid or waking several times a night? If she is having any sleep problems,I think this can result in behavior issues. Also (and this one might be a bit far fetched) some food with perservatives or additives can cause behavior changes. Does the behavior happen at a certain TIME each day? oh well, going on. Kaylee has bad behavior when she needs to go #2. It makes her irritable. Anyways, sorry I don't have anything more for you. Good luck, and try not to feel like you did something wrong...you're a good mom! :)

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing ok. We are having a big behavioral problem with Aubrey, 5 year old. She is hitting, pushing and kicking at school. I have no idea where this is coming from - she does not have any examples of this from home. We watch what she views sees on movies, tv and we don't behave that way.

She is very soft-hearted. If she sees someone crying she wants to go up and hug them and say don't cry but she just doesn't seem to get that her behavior is making other kids cry.

I think it is social frustration. Her language is still limited and she can't yet go up and say I want to play so she pushes or hits. And I think her physical limitations bug her - can't ride the tricycles at school, etc. which the other kids can do.

I feel like this is all my fault as she just started this stuff after I went back to work in January. I just don;t know how to help her. She has spent so many months at school working on building friendships and she is losing them one by one.

Anyone else experienced this? ANy suggestions?

Becky/Kelly's mom - When you are on the message board screen, there will be links in the upper left hand corner. One of them says UM Friends. Click on that. Thats were my Russell's picture is and Stevie Marie and Brenda's boys. It took me awhile to figure it out with Tina's help putting Russell's picture up on that board. The link is not on the home page, the other picture link is. I got lost too at first. Hope this helps!!!!!!

Denise-saw your post about not having a good day. Hope it gets better soon and let us know if there's anything we can all do for ya.....been there. It'll probabley be me tomorrow :0!!!

I'm looking for a children's book to help teach an older sibling (4 yrs old) about his two year old sister's down. Here's the glitch, i need it in Spanish. Can anyone help?

Hey girls! I'm here, I'm always here. I just don't always have alot to say unless you need a piece of useless info. I've got lots of those floatin around up there in my head. Alex is doing good. still cruising. Today, she turned from the coffee table and got hold of her winnie-the-pooh push cart and pushed it several feet before it got too far ahead of her (plop!)........ADRIENNE: May 10th. Yes, I'm a Taurus, but I won't admit to being stubborn, and nobody can make me.!

Kelly is 5 1/2 months old. :)

It is all coming back to me now..
Becky, I forget how old Kelly is..I am sorry..but I DO remember when the girls were babies, if they were constipated, another trick I would do is use the bulb syringe..you know the one they siphon the goodies outta the nose with? and fill it with warm water..gently use it like an enema..just make sure there is a towel..or something VERY absorbant underneath her. It did work. The ped. told me to add a little mild soap (like ivory) to the water, but actually the warm water worked just as well for us all by itself. I sure hope all checks out well at the doc's appt. Keep us posted..
~Tina

P.S. The pics are on the unomas friends board..just hit the link on the menu to the left..and Ta-Da!! :)
Till next time..take care of yourselves.....and each other--oops..that is another show.LOL

Hi everyone!! Just popped in to catch up on all the last 2 days worth of chit-chat. I'm so glad to hear that Stevie Marie is gettin back to her old self, and doing the drink thing.

Kelly went for 10 (yes, TEN) days with no pooping - I had a ped.(other than reg one) and another mom tell me that that wasn't totally uncommon. Kelly is still nursing, she should be pooping like a master blaster!!! Going to her pediatrician on Thurs., kinda worried that she's going to tell me that something may be wrong. Glycerin suppositories worked last night, but she still didn't poop much. And she cried and cried afterwards, even though she didn't strain. This has been going on for about a month and a half or so, went from EVERY diaper change to once a week. She's not grumpy though. She is a gasser too. Wonder if this all fits together - hmmmm. Supposedly her innards checked out fine in neo-natal after birth. Anyone have any input???

I went to look for the pics you all are talking about a few days ago - what names are they under? The Russel I saw was about 20 - didn't think he was the Russell you all are referring to.

Had MOPS this morning, then McD's, then PT. Boy, does she work this poor little baby. But she's good, so we forgive her :). Well, if I don't pay some bills, I'm gonna be running a long extension cord over from the neighbors to chat ;) LOL!!! (((HUGS))) to all you brave, strong mommies out there and to all your sweet little ones>>>~~Beck

Thanks guys for troubleshooting with me regarding the pooping dilema..great to have a place to come to for answers.

Theresa - Brennan's mom- I'm sure you know this but just thought I'd ask, have you ever wanted to bring someone else with you to and IFSP meeting or even a review? You could bring a mom whose child with DS is a few years older and knows the right questions to ask, and what the school has available (sometimes the just"forget"to mention some options) I've even had a friend with no children come to meetings before with a notebook and just introduce her as this is "Tracie Smith, she's here on Kaylee's behalf" and that's all you have to say. She took notes for me when we were having a bit of difficulty getting the district to pay for private preschool. Anyways it makes it seem more even when there's more non-school participants. One suggestion also that I think I read here was the mom and dad splitting up around the table (like get there first and sit across from eachother) so all the school people are positioned together and it doesn't feel like and "us against them " kind of thing. anyways, just thought I'd help. By the way, PT, OT, SPEECH were all available to Kaylee when she was in private preschool (for 2 years). The different therapists would just come to the school and work in the classroom for 30 minutes. But, whatever works for you. :)

Not having a good day today, I just wanted to post a quote I saw.

"The healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each human soul the whole community finds it's reflection and when in the community the strength of each one is living"

Dearest Cindy,

I'd vote for ya' in a heartbeat! Rah Rah for mommy and Sis Boom Bah for Kaylee!!!!!!!

Hey Brenda,

Thanks for the support....sometimes I get so ANAL (would that be an intended pun with all the constipation talk?!? LOL) and I get all worked up for these meetings. Although it's never been a 'me against them' situation, sometimes I feel so ALONE when there are 3-4 of them and one of me....ya' know? Anyway, thanks for being here! ;o)

Tina,

I'm loving that Stevie-Marie's eatin', drinkin' and poopin'!!! Her little picture on the floor is just so sweet! Glad to hear that most of the worst is behind you.

To everyone else,

Love, luck and laughter to your day!!! Brennan's mom/Theresa

Kaylee, You GO girl!!!

Pardon the 'pun'..;)

just going for the karo syrup when I thought I'd try another tactic..., bribery

wouldn't you know it, that worked. Promised a little dove chocolate easter egg candy if she did her business. It worked (mostly because I said her sis couldn't have one unless Kaylee produced some solid evidence of bowel functioning.hahaha. So, Emma strongly encouraged Kaylee to GO GO GO and it all worked. PEER PRESSURE AND BRIBERY, I must be running for political office or something!!! And before that, I was posting on the message board, polling the unomas public to get your opinions on what I should do. Geesh, maybe I should run for office! hahaha

Thanks for all the CHEERS for Isaac whatta man. HE knows he is doing something cool because after about a foot or two he sits up and claps for himself, well after that show it's hard to get him back down tho hands and knees to keep trying but we do anyway. Poor kid doesn't get away with much. He is already climbing and cruising. HE gets on to shorter things, baskets with lids, ect., Then can't get down just howls. Anyway

Theresa Good luck with the conference. Sounds like your really on top of things. We've not been though anything like it so no advice here just support if you need it.

Cindy I hope Kaylee "goes" for you soon. Of course discuss this with your surgeon or Ped. but six days is probably not really to long if she has had little to eat but of course with decreased fluids actual constipation becomes a concern. Is she uncomfortable or trying really hard to go? If not then she is probably just using all the energy from the food to get better. Hope it helps. The pear juice does sound like a wonderful idea though. Also it sounds kinda yucky but even parts of dark karo syrup and water no more than two oz. each. Warm it a little and poop away Hopefully!! Anyway enough about that it's probably more than one person should know about poop anyway.

tina Yeah Stevie-Marie. Whatta girl I'm sure your mom is so proud of you.

Happy Tuesday to all-got called into work again this evening, wish they would forget my number. For everyone keeping up on the laundry situation over here it has finally stopped reproducing and most of it is in its rightful place. Except the bed that Erik tinkled in last night but that is no big deal Cheers Brenda B

Thanks for all the CHEERS for Isaac whatta man. HE knows he is doing something cool because after about a foot or two he sits up and claps for himself, well after that show it's hard to get him back down tho hands and knees to keep trying but we do anyway. Poor kid doesn't get away with much. He is already climbing and cruising. HE gets on to shorter things, baskets with lids, ect., Then can't get down just howls. Anyway

Theresa Good luck with the conference. Sounds like your really on top of things. We've not been though anything like it so no advice here just support if you need it.

Theresa I hope Kaylee "goes" for you soon. Of course discuss this with your surgeon or Ped. but six days is probably not really to long if she has had little to eat but of course with decreased fluids actual constipation becomes a concern. Is she uncomfortable or trying really hard to go? If not then she is probably just using all the energy from the food to get better. Hope it helps. The pear juice does sound like a wonderful idea though. Also it sounds kinda yucky but even parts of dark karo syrup and water no more than two oz. each. Warm it a little and poop away Hopefully!! Anyway enough about that it's probably more than one person should know about poop anyway.

tina Yeah Stevie-Marie. Whatta girl I'm sure your mom is so proud of you.

Happy Tuesday to all-got called into work again this evening, wish they would forget my number. For everyone keeping up on the laundry situation over here it has finally stopped reproducing and most of it is in its rightful place. Except the bed that Erik tinkled in last night but that is no big deal Cheers Brenda B

Cindy,
Stevie usually "goes" every day, it is usually at bedtime, when I am convinced she is stalling..but lo and behold she will accomplish what she says she has to do. The ENT did tell me that the pain medication could cause constipation. That along with the fact that food intake has been almost non-existant, I feel pretty lucky that she even went this morning. I hope Kaylee goes soon, they seem so relieved when they do.
good luck..Tina

Tina-how often does she generally "go"? For Kaylee its only every other day or so. We don't usually have this problem, but with little fluid intake and meds on top of that, seems to have "stopped" things. Sounds like Stevie's doing great after surgery! What a relief, huh? Too funny about the cat/bird food!

Cindy,
I seldom have the constipation problem with Stevie Marie and thank goodness good ol' glycerin suppositories seem to do the 'trick' when I do.

As a matter of fact, after I posted the last time this morning, I went to her (she is sitting on the couch, watchin Bug's Life), and told her she ought to try to "go"..she said..k! and bent over..head on her knees and I said, "Not there, Stevie!! ,on the potty, please!!".. LOL
She said, "oh!" and she actually went..wish it were always that easy..

She is getting back to her old self rather quickly..what a character! She is --even as we speak--trying to feed the cat bird food..she is convinced that is what this cat wants in the bird cage for..LOL gotta run..she is requiring lots of direction today, and how I have missed that!!

*hugs* and happy thoughts all around ~Tina

WAY TO GO STEVIE MARIE WAY TO GO STEVIE MARIE WAY TO GO!!!!!!!

Thanks Adrienee, guess I'll have to drive to the store. :) So sorry that you have to go through so much to keep Russel's food down. I was on my hands and knees cleaning carpet yesterday, but mostly because of my dog and mud. I keep saying .."maybe we should put in wood floors..." sounds easy to clean, huh Adrienne??? either that, or maybe the dog could go for a Loooooong walk. hahahaha

Oh yeah... Thanks to everyone that saw Russell's picture. That made me feel good!! That smile and laugh is always on his face. I am greatful for that!!

Hello All!!! How are we today!! It is sooo sunny here! Even at 9:00 am.

Sherri/Jared's mommy - Russell will be 2 this month!!

Lisa Huppe - Hello, where are you? How is Alex feeling today?

Way to go Isaac!!! Crawling is so fun, isn't it!!

Steff - Has Olivia ever shown this behavior before? Is her eating ok? I don't know much about thyroids but the doctor tells us to watch out for alot of sleep in Russell because he is getting so thin. The Dr. says to make sure he gets the food he needs. We haven't had any sleep problems yet. Let us know what the Ped says if you call. Does she sleep alot during the day or only at night. Maybe it is just a growing spurt.

Cindy - No BM's for Kaylee for 4-5 days!!! Welcome to our world too!! I feel for you. I haven't tried the flax seed oil or the unproccessed wheat bran that was mentioned previously. But, I had mentioned earlier that someone here wrote about Kern's Pear Nectar and how it worked for them. THAT is doing the trick for me!!! He still doesn't go every day anymore but now I can get it to every 2-3 days. Sometimes everyday if he can keep enough of the juice down. Thank goodness it is thicker than regular juice that it stays down better. The carpet doesn't like it though LOL. Even though Russell does alot of fruits, veggies and bread that all wasn't working. My PT says the nectar is such a high concentrate it helps alot! And Russell loves it. Maybe you should try it. Also, it sounds like Chris was brought into your life for a reason. Sounds like you had a real neat experience at your house. Wish I could of been there!

Brenda - Oh Brenda - Let me tell you... My Regan is in love with your boys!!!! I was showing her pictures of the kids on this site and showed her all your boys. She wanted to just look at them! Seven years old and boy crazy, what am I going to do???!! I was not like that when I was her age. I have a challenge a head of me!!!!

Happy Birthday Judi!!!!

Oh Stevie Marie... Are you drinking anything today??? I sure hope so. Mommy needs you to!!!

Well, I must close now. That laundry pile is over here too!! My husband wonders what I do all day. NOT LAUNDRY!!! I must attempt it today. I let you all know how it goes!! Bye.

Adrienne

Gooooood Morning..Uno-Mas!!
Three cheers for Stevie-Marie!!!
I told her you all were begging her to drink and so far this morning she has had half a glass of apple juice, a full glass of milk, and ate an entire cheese-burger..Yee-ha!! Thank you all so much for your 'help'.

Steff,
Hopefully, Olivia is just catching up on sleep after being sick. My youngest is 19 months..(no Ds) but she is a premie with neurological 'anomolies'..whatever that means. After a respiratory illeness she too seems to sleep ALOT. --and it could be as simple as a growth-spurt also-- :)*hugs* to you though, cause I know it can be scary sometimes.

Well all, i gotta run..Stevie is standing here, rubbing her belly and asking for more.."yummy-food". Thank you all once again.
Luv, Tina

P.S. Cindy, aren't these teachers great? Stevie's teacher called yesterday and said the class had made her get-well cards and she would come see Stevie and deliver them..makes what few 'down' times I have, easier to handle somehow. :)

Do you all have those suggestions handy for getting the BM's going? Anything that I can do without having to go to the store?? haha, just wondering if there's some easy remedy and I read the ds health portion regarding constipation. I'm not sure if I should be concerned, it's been 6 days I think since her last.

Hey T,

Am I going to see you tonight?

E-mail me if your not sure as to why:)LOL

I make sure to bring the Scope:)

Warm fuzzies huh?:)

Tina,

When you get back from peditrician let use know on Stevie Marie or have one of the girls post up PLEASE.

EVEYONE ELSE:)

Way I hear it it's Judi's birthday:)(mosquito buzz by and whispered in my ear):)

Happy Birhtday JUDI

Go vote:) PLEASE:)

>RO

Good Morning.Hope all is well with everyone.DRINK Stevie-Marie DRINK!!!!!!For your momma PLEASE?Anyways thanks for all your support. Hubby's going for more tests 2-day and Olivia starts back to eip.She slept 14 hours last night. Geez, I wish I could do that.She had her thyroid checked for annual exam in Dec. 99.I think I'll wait a week or so and see if she's still sleeping so much to call ped. Russell, you are so CUTE!!!!!!That face........Good day to all.

Good Morning!

I hope everyone is starting their day off well!

Cindy/Brittany's Mom,

I'm glad Brittany's overall assessment was good. I do know, however, how hard it is to see a "hard copy" of the level of functioning. Just remember that she's doing GREAT for her. You are a wonderful mommy and she will continue to thrive because of that :o).

Adrienne/Russel's Mommy,

The options for preschool can be overwhelming at times. Here in Ohio we have various choices....I went to observe 3 preschools, plus I had experience with the private preschool my two older daughters went to. Anyway, we chose the public preschool because it offered the resources we wanted for Brennan: PT, OT, speech, IEPs, etc.... It is an inclusive school that usually has 6 kids with disabilities and 6 without. It has been wonderful for Brennan. I would be happy to talk more about preschool options with you anytime. Of course, there's probably MANY other moms here with lots of experiences too, and I'm sure any of them would share... ;o). As always, the best decision is the one that's right for your family.

Brenda B.

I hear ya' regarding the laundry. I secretly believe that it reproduces at night when we're all sleeping...LOL! I also have a message for Isaac....YIPPPPPPPPEEEEEEE! :o)

Gabby Ro,

I've been enjoying the chats! I should check in there more often! (Remember your mouthwash so you don't scare anyone away again - LMAO!) Thanks for the update on the beauty contest.....let's go vote people!

Tina,

We love giddy! And you deserve to be REALLY giddy with all you've been through! LOL! I hope Stevie-Marie is getting some fluids this morning....let us know!

Steff,

Did Olivia sleep alot again? I am totally NOT SURE about this but maybe it could be a thyroid thing. Maybe you could call your ped. and see what he/she has to say about it. Keep us informed!

How's hubby? You know we're all thinking of ya', praying for ya', and sending lots of good wishes your way.

Cindy,

I'm glad Kaylee's better but I sure hope she poops!! LOL! Her teacher sounds great! And how special YOU are for hosting the college group.....it sounds very uplifting!

As for us, say a little prayer for my meeting with the school psych. on Wed. Brennan is having a little trouble with some behavior....nothing major but I want to nip in in the bud. This was all at my request so that I can make sure the preschool is following a prescribed management plan that coincides with what we do at home so that Brennan doesn't get confused. Anyone else out there that has done this or gone through this? If you have a moment could you give me some advice? You guys are the BEST!

Warm fuzzies to all,

Brennan's mom/T

Morning All, Well all my rugrats are out the door, And at school, So you know what that means Billy's just fine today. And Mom's taking a minute to write to all you wonderful people before, It's high ho high ho off to work I go.

Cindy that was really nice of Kaylee's teacher and class mates,Must be a prity good teacher to take the time. College kids don't think I'de know where to start, Keep up the good work. Nice story about Chris very encouraging.

Brenda thanks I think so to, Not that I'm bias or anything.(YIPEE)Isaac, IT's pulling up and cruiseing next for you.

Adrienne what a cute little guy, Wish Billy were little again.

Sherri yes they are a good looking bunch, So proud of em sometimes,I could bust.

Steff still keeping you all in my prayers,Hope all gets better soon.

Dennise I don't know about you but after every IEP I get depressed and feel I must not be doing enough.But then I realize that I am a good Mom,And just by reading your posts know YOU ARE TOO,And are doing all things possible and being sick too,YOURE GREAT.

Forgot a few things!! ;~ )

Kaylee's teacher came today after school to visit her. She stayed about and hour and brought a get well ballon, sticker books and aHUGE poster from all the kids in her class with their names and drawings and get well all over it. Kaylee was thrilled and her and sis taped it up beside her bed(it is at least 3/4's the length of her twin size bed!) Needless to say, the tape is gone!!!!!!!hahaha

We started a home group tonight for college kids from our church and it was great. The first arrival was Chris, a college age guy who seems to be multi-handicapped. He is legally blind, and has some developmental problems-but what a great guy. He was wonderful with the girls (who wanted to eat all the peanut butter cookies we made before the others arrived) and told them they needed to learn patience. Then sang them the whole "Be patient, Be patient, don't be in such a hurry..when you get inpatient you only start to worry.." The girls were just watching him, smiling away (as he rocked back and forth while he sang, and he's quite large. It was an absolute joy. The other college kids arrived and we talked and prayed, and Chris was totally accepted as an equal. He shared his prayer concerns and others prayed for him and he prayed regarding their concerns. Anyways, it was so encouraging to see. Chris did talk with me about the frustrations he had in jr high and high school(as he put it) "fighting with the special education department...I actually got in trouble for running for class president when I was in 9th grade because the Special Education department didn't think I should or could do that." Anyways, I guess I can't put it to well into words, but it was wonderful to have him here, and talk with him about God and school and life in general and think, this will be my girl in another 13-14 years (though he doesn't have DS) and I thought Everythings going to be okay. Not easy, but ok. just rambeling..The book we are studying is "Suprise Endings..Ten good things about Bad things" written by our Pastor Ron Mehl. He's had Leukemia for 20+years.Anyways, it's a great book. Just thought I'd share..

Hiya guys. Haven't been on much today, busy busy. Ro, I did happen to see your post first thing this morning and clean the chat. You guys can e-mail me too if that happens...but thanks for the heads up!

Tina, prayers are happening here for Stevie-Marie, and you. I know you must be worried as I was too for Kaylee. I actually had to hold her head firmly and force her to drink (from a cup with a lid, so it would be all over us during the struggle). I found it worked at least a little better if I did it in the middle of her watching something distracting on TV. I would kinda sneak up and put the cup to her mouth real quick and tip it and sneak off...good luck, this too shall pass

Now on for the next problem. No BM's for 4-5 days now for Kaylee. Thanks Sherri for the link, I'm going next to check it out. She ate a bunch of popcorn tonight too, which is supposed to help!talk to you all later!

I've got a question.For the last three days my girl who's28 months and has been off antibiotics for 4 days,has been sleeping a lot. Believe me I'm not one to complain about that but tonight is night #3 of Olivia going to sleep at 5:30 pm and not waking up till 6"30 or 7 am the next morn.I put her jammies on and she will not wake up. No matter how hard I've tried I can't wake her up. Not that I'm some sort of masochist waking a sleeping baby but any of you ever had that?I don't remember my son EVER doing anything like that. Maybe a growth spurt? Who knows....

can ya believe I forgot a 'closing-tag'???? *lol* ~Thought you'd all appreciate the bold type..:)

Ro,
Great!! I meant to ask you about that. Did they just get it hooked up? Glad it works. :)

Go, Isaac, Go!!! :-)

Sherri,
Chicken broth is a(nother) great idea. Thanks, I'll have to give it a try.

Cindy/Brittany's mom,
Yes, it is hard sometimes to hear the 'legalistics' of all the evaluations. I just always keep in mind how far she has come and KNOW that by the time the next eval. comes up, she will have progressed even more..'sappy', but it works for me..:)You go, girl!..keep up the positive attitude.

Denise,
You are doing an amazing job with Stevie! You have so many (extra) obstacles to overcome. You are a true inspiration. :)

And everyone else..and I do mean EVERYONE..thank you sooo much!! There are no words to describe the way I feel about all of the support here. Amazing, TRULY amazing!! Mere *hugs* are no longer enough.. :)
...but I guess they will have to do 'cause I don't know how to make cute little hearts in here..LOL..soooooo

(((((***GROUP~HUG***))))) /blink>

P.S. Steve (hubby) asked me at least 15 times today if I thanked you all for him...so...here goes..

Thank you all!! Love, Steve
*lol*...'probably oughtta get to bed, me thinks me's gettin' "giddy"(if you can imagine that)
catch ya later..Luv, Tina

hi to everyone...Ciarra is running 2nd in the cute baby contest...sure has got alot of votes. These are the standings ...vote if you want to...http://www.geocities.com/aboutbabies/marchcontestentry.html "SO, sorry for the lengthy delay in doing this - I'm sure you're all wondering how your child(ren) are doing. Remember, these are just preliminary results done a few days ago and don't include the most recent votes. I will send out another update in a week. These are the current stats for each contest, and are not listed alphabetically - or by page (ex, Baby contest has 3 pages, but its all one contest) - but are listed by how each child is doing. Let me know if you have any questions!!!

*0-11 Months*

Levi - 263

Jake - 185

Alexis - 138

George - 91

Andrew Joseph (7 months) - 60

Cheyenne - 57

Asia - 56

Ashton - 44

Alex - 37

Christian - 36

Kaylin - 32

Ian - 31

Kalea - 28

Michael - 25

Samantha - 21

Augustus - 21

Ashlynn - 17

Damin - 16

Alexandra - 15

Tiernan - 13

Gavin - 11

Lauren - 8

Andrew (4 months) - 8

Eric - 7

Solomon - 3

Abdul - 2

Issac - 1

Kayla - 1

McKenzie - 1

Kaylee - 1

*12 Months - 2 Years*

Taylor - 223

Ciarra - 162 ****** HERE's OUR GIRL******

Jacob - 82

Benjamin - 73

Emilie - 56

Hannah - 51

Alison - 48

Jade - 34

Derek - 18

Jasper - 15

Tristan - 9

Andrew - 8

Griffin - 2

Sadie - 2"

Tina,

The PHONE THINGY worked:)

Thank you so much LOL

Now I have a husband that calls me to drive me crazy:)

"Hey you get off the computer"

At least he doesn't knock me off now:)

Stevie Marie,

Bottoms up girl :)

love Ro

Well I didn't get the laundry done-got called into work instead. Oh well tommorrow is another day.

Tina, I hope Stevie Marie is doing better. Hang in there

Adrienne Russel's picture is absolutly great. What an awsome smile

Brenda Glad Billy is feeling better. Your boys are also just too handsome.

I have some terrfic news to share after army crawing for 11 months Isaac crawled in four point for about a foot yesterday. YEAH ISAAC!!!

I know its been a couple of days since anyone brought up the problem of their child having constipation, but I thought I would go ahead & post the above link anyway. Has some helpful information.

Tina: Stevie-Marie is in our prayers!! I hope she is feeling better soon. I wonder if she would be interested in some chicken broth? I know its hard for her to swallow, but I thought I would suggest it since its different than the other things you said you have tried.

Brenda H: Matt, Austin & Billy are quite the handsome bunch.

Adrienne: Russell is so adorable. How old is he?

Thank you both for sharing your beautiful children with us.

Steff: I am adding an extra prayer for your family!! Hope all goes well on the tests for your husband.

hi again!

Denise - I don't quite know what kind of program Russell will be in. I do know that at Regan's school (which is around the block from our house)has the a special needs program for 3-5 yr olds. The younger ones get the morning shift and the older ones get the afternoon. Then they have to go to a different school. I think they offer more than one. I am told that at 2 yrs 9 months (which will be this December) I will be told my options so Russell can start at three yrs old. I guess you get to go see different programs/schools and pick whats best for your child. Do they do that in other states? I am kind of excited. Especially if Russell gets to go to the same school as sissy does!!! Reading all the things you all go through with your children does kind of prepare me though. Sounds kind of scary and frusturating at times. I let you know when I am there!!

Ro - what does icq stand for? I guess I will try the link you put. I was wondering what it does...

Good night all! Adrienne

Hello, Just a quick note about Brittany's Mteam meeting today. She did a good job overall. Everyone agreed she was functioning at about 20 months. She will be three in one week. It is hard to hear test results on your child sometimes even if in your heart you know what to expect. I can say though that their tests gave us a lot of good goals to work on.

Tina: I really hope Stevie-Marie feels much better in a couple days.

Gonna go check out some pictures and hit the hay. See ya'll later

Tina-That magic mouthwash that Loran was talking about is good stuff. I used it myself during chemo when stevie was a baby. We're sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Brenda-I'm glad Billy is feeling better. I've done the barking with stevie many many nights. It's no fun when their sick.

Adrienne-Stevie is 9 and a 1/2. His major problem as always is he doesn't transition well from activity to activity. He wants everything on his terms. As they say he can be perfectly well behaved and then turn around and ruin it on purpose. My gut reaction is to blame myself, then blame the school but I know it's something that stevie will learn over time. He cant always be the center of attention. 75% of the time he's a very happy outgoing child so I'm tolerating it now. What kind of program is Russell going to go to?

Hi. Tina I didn't realize she had trouble swallowing. Makes sense, throat surgery and all.(brain freeze) Anyways when Olivia is sick she has major breathing problems(goes into distress) then I have to give her many breathing treatments, suction out nose, etc.It kills me cause I know she hates all that stuff and looks at me and cries and fights me but we gotta do it. I feel like such the meanie. We laugh cuz when I get nervous about her I have to count her respirations to report to her ped. and she just screams as soon as I take out my watch to count. I don't even touch her just watch her breathe and count. I now know that if Olivia is freaking out over breathing treatments, etc she is doing okay when she doesn't protest is when I start to worry. Glad your going to the ped. tomorrow...Thanks so much for all your kind words. Means a lot to me.

While in chat tonight I skimmed thru and seen where someone was interested in icq.

To anyone that is interested in Icq go to the link and get it downloaded:)

Any problems are easily answered on site or by just asking us here:)

This is a possible way to connect with a friend from here or else where when you need a person to talk to:)

Hello all again, good evening!! Russell is napping, Regan is homeworking and mom is relaxing with the computer. Not that I don't get on this thing 20 times during the day! LOL

Denise - I read what you said about Stevie's conference report. How old is Stevie? Some of what you said sounds positive but you said there was bad stuff too. I don't know how I would handle that. I don't think I would want to hear it. We are not in the school system yet. We have a year to go. That scares me to think I am going to have to handle constructivness when the time comes. I can with Regan but I feel different w/Russell. Maybe the feelings will change. How do you feel? I wish I had something to say to help!

Oh yes everyone, saw pictures here today other than my own. I have to stop doing that. Got tears again!! LOL What beautiful children we all have!!!!!!!!

Oh, Stevie Marie, please drink something!!!!! Mommy isn't such a bad dude, she just doesn't want you more sick than you already are. We need to get you well!!! DRINK, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!!

Not a stupid suggestion at all, Ro..in fact we tried that too..we have several cups with the straw 'built-in' and they are her favorites, but also a no-go..when she is ready, it will be the way she does it though..(see how well you know her already??) ;)
Luv, Tina

Tina,

Stupid suggestion but it may work.

Try a drinking straw.

She may feel more in control on the amount she takes in and you wouldn't have to be a BAD-DUDE no more.:)

Good luck.

Love Ro

thanks Loren, I will have to look into the mouthwash "recipe"...actually, her pain med is Loritab, which is a narcotic (hydrocodone) and also has acetominophin (tylenol) in it. but the problem with it and any other narcotic right now, is taking it on an empty stomach. :( thanks for the info though. We go back to the doctor tomorrow..I will let you know how that goes. ~Tina

Gosh, I never realized how hard T&A surgery is on these poor kids! Can't they use stronger pain medication? Narcotics aren't something you want to take all the time, but not drinking and eating can get serious. Julian never had a T&A, but he got sores all the way down his digestive tract from chemo. It would get bad enough that he would drool because he couldn't swallow and he would just hold a cloth to his mouth. They would give him something called "Magic Mouthwash" before trying to get him to eat. It is a mixture of Maalox (neutralizes acids in saliva), benedryl (has a numbing effect), nystatin, and lidocaine. If the pain was really severe, they would give him morphine. They would give it in a syringe so even if he didn't swallow it, they could aim it to get the effect.

Tina, I hope Stevie Marie feels better soon! Loren

Steff,
Hiya!! I am glad Olivia is feeling better and I hope you get some answers on hubby soon..I know it is hard waiting..for anybody's results. *hugs* wrapped in patience, comin' your way.

Yes, I have tried EVERYTHING..pospsicles, ice cream..yogurt..juice bars..she can hardly even swallow her own saliva (sorry to be so graphic) but that makes getting her to take anything -voluntarily- out of the question.. :( I sure hope she does soon though. I can be fun..I promise.LOL
She will not even come to me now, unless I promise not to 'mess' with her..but it can't last forever..can it?? LOL

anyway, so glad you posted, we were wondering about you guys..gotta run. Catch ya later..Tina

Cindy,
Is Kaylee back to her 'old' self yet?? been thinking about you too..actually just been sittin' around here thinking about all of ya..cause I have so little else to do..LOL
Hope to hear from you soon..

Hi everyone!!!!Just hafta say those new pictures of Stevie-Marie and Russell are amazing. Gosh I hope Stevie-Marie starts drinking. Have you tried popsicles? When Olivia was getting dehydrated we gave her popsicles 24-7.We tried the pedialyte one but Olivia took one lick and looked at me with those sick raccoon-eyes and said EEEEEWWWWW,NASTY>LOLSo we stuck to fruit juice bars and Otter Pops.To be perfectly honest I tried one of those pedialyte things and Olivia was right on target. Olivia is well again.YAY.Husband goes for more testing tomorrow.Hope all is well.

You are MOST welcome, Bren..I am sorry..though. ;) It was supposed to read: Meet Brenda H's rays of "son-shine"..I did not get the words in the right order..was sposed to be so clever..LOL
Oh well, I am so glad everyone can see them now..:),and I sure hope Billy is feeling better soon..this "rots"!!~;)
*hugs* Tina

Well have to say what a wonderful way to end a long day. THANK YOU SO MUCH TINA, Been dying to share my beautiful boys and there they were, BIG AS LIFE!!! Thank YOU you are a wonderful freind.Sorry to here Stevie still hasen't recouped yet. Guess this calls for extra prayers. LOVE YA BUNCHES XOXOXO!!!

Thanks to everyone for thinking of Billy he's still sounds horse but not much coughing today, Hope it doesen't get worse tonight.

Come on STEVIE-MARIE , you can do it, just one more sip please!!!!!!!!

Adrienne- who ever posted the comment under Russells picture was right. That shot just made my day! He's gorgeous!

Brenda-Gosh, what can I say. Your boys are all quite handsome. Those pictures looked like a painting. Wow!!

I got a child conference report on Stevie from his school today along with his IEP.They say he seems "large" for his small body. He is usually cheerful and can bring feelings in his soul to expression. (What a way to put it huh?). He has a capacity for wonder and awe. He can regocnize 100 sight words and has an exceptional memory. He needs to be supported with qualities surrounding his bedtime (story, candle, a prayer and an angel picture.) Not sure what they mean by that. They say he has a lot of insecurity regarding my health issues. BIG GUILT COMPLEX going on here. What the heck can I do about this!?!? There was a lot more stuff in the report good and not so good. I just wanted to take a moment and brag about how proud I am of my little boy. He's a really great kid!!!! Thanks for letting me ramble on, much appreciated.

Thanks Cindy for Clearing the chatroom.

You deserve the MEDAL of CLEANLINESS:)

Tina,(bad-dude):)

Please tell Stevie marie that WE love her too:)

We are hopeing you get her to drink or oodles of popcicles.

Love Auntie Ro