Christmas Idea

I was reading the news today and it was reported, by the UN, that 17,000 people die every day due to hunger.  It sickens and saddens me that the imbalance of wealth in the world is at such a gross disproportion. So, as we head into the Christmas season, I found this website (advent conspiracy) through a friend's facebook page.  I really like the idea and want to share it.  We were so very fortunate that we were able to pack some shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse through Jameson's AWANA club. What a great way for children to learn about sharing with other children around the world.  There many organizations out there, that are doing so much good.  I hope everyone has a blessed and peaceful Christmas Season! 

So glad things are looking up!

Poor Ian has had a hard time for the last month! He has been sick since before his brother's birthday. Things finally escaladed with a a fever of 104.6 and a trip to the ER. That was after an ear infection diagnosis the week before, a chest xray the day before revealing double pneumonia, and a confirmation of an ear infection in the second ear, withe first getting worse. He has obviously been very lethargic and fell asleep in various places, including this plastic box. After multiple rounds of different antibiotics, I am happy to report only the cough remains!

Fall has come to Germany and it is quite beautiful. We had a lovely October, celebrating Jameson's birthday and Halloween. Both Jameson and Ian seem to enjoy school. Ian is getting ABA therapy twice a month at home and the analyst also goes into his classroom once a month. He tries to add new words to his speech almost daily and is really working hard. We are so proud of him. Time is flying and we will be welcoming our baby girl in about 9 weeks. Jameson is really excited. We aren't sure how much Ian understands. Hopefully it won't be too much of a shock for him! I am volunteering once a week in Jameson's classroom. It is really nice to be able to see how he interacts with his peers and be able to help out.

Things they carry.

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Exciting News

Things here are as busy as ever. School finished for both boys and Jameson will be on his way to the big K! He does not want to go, nor does he want to be six. He is continuing Karate through the summer, along with OT. Ian is busy with speech, OT, and is on a feeding program. He has some very good days, as well as some not so good days. However, we are estatic that he is toliet training. We are so proud of the progress he has made. We are also very happy because, after an ultrasound yesterday, we were able to see two arms, two legs, a heartbeat, a pulsating umbilical cord, spine and developing brain, all at 12 weeks!!! So we will be expecting baby somewhere around 7 Jan 2010. I just wish I had normal Internet so that I could scan the picture to share. We are still waiting for the landlord to come through, but are already looking at new houses. Hopefully we will know something soon.

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This boys are growing up fast! Ian is doing really well in school and we can't believe how quickly he is beginning to pick up new skills. He is really beginning to repeat words and tries to be vocal. The latest speech assessment still shows his speech development of less than two years, but we are amazed at his progress. He is so cute and lovable. He is so sweet and tries to share with his big brother. Jameson just started Karate. He is pretty good and can run laps around the rest of the children in the class. He really enjoys it! He continues to take care of his baby brother and is a big helper around the house. We are so proud of both boys!

Developmental testing "priority"

As I sit here watching the military news, I feel my blood begin to boil. There is a piece about developmental testing being done by the CDC (child development center). The chief physical therapist being interveiwed is complaining about how parents wait until their children are five and in kindergarten to report a developmental problem. The story then goes on to praise the CDC and all their efforts in identifying potential problems and getting each child ready for kindergarten.
First of all, in my experience, the CDC is staffed by "teachers" with less than a bacholer's degree. These same employees were unable to see that my child could not hold a writing instrument properly. Secondly, there is no availability for my five year old to go to preschool in this duty station. So, my five year old will be behind the learning curve in kindergarten. Thirdly, what about the children stationed overseas whose patents cannot afford to send them to the CDC preschool? There are very few options for these children. It makes me really angry that educators and therapists are complaining that children aren't being identified before five (in fact, they are claiming that it is "too late"). What other options are available?

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