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.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

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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I am somewhat impressed

When we left WA, we left our car as part of the closing deal with the house. When we got here, we purchased a used 2006 Volvo. Not quite three month has gone by and we find out that the car is in desperate need of a new transmission. Total estimated costs are equalling 6800€. Obiviously, this is quite a blow. That amounts equals about $9000. We didn't know how in the world we could pay for this repair and of course are really angry that we were sold such a shotty car. Meanwhile the dealership wrote to Volvo and asked them to cover some of the costs. This car, although no longer under warranty, had been dealer maintained and us only about two and a half years old. We got word back yesterday that Volvo will cover 60% of the costs. Not bad considering they were under no legal obligation to cover any amount after the warranty ended. Of course this doesn't fix everything, but it certainly helps!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Recession impacting developmentally delayed children

There is a news story on NPR today discussing the negative impact of the economic plight of the nation on children with developmental delays. The stories are truly heartbreaking. Schools are not able to meet the higher numbers of children diagnosed with Autism and other delays because they lack the funding. So, this precious short time in which interventions make the highest impact is spent with the child on a waiting list. Parents are desperately trying to get the services needed for their children and are moving to states the may offer services with shorter waits or whose benefits are better. After listening in on the development preschool here this morning, the rising numbers seem to be putting a strain on everyone. There are 11 students in one class. That is quite the case load for one teacher. All students qualify as special needed children. I just hope that with the greater numbers of children and the falling financial ability of government to fund these programs, that these children don't fall through the cracks. Imagine the implicaction if these children do not get the help they need. The cost of funding these programs will be nothing compared to the amount of money it will cost in the future if these children grow up without the life skills needed in order to function in society.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

mobile blogging

We are still without traditional Internet, so I am going to try mobile blogging. We'll see how this works out. Things have been crazy here, as usual. Everyone has been sick. Ian hasn't been to school since Monday. Jameson has not been quite as sick. We were able to visit Wurzburg a couple weeks ago. We saw the hospital were the boys were born. The base and everything are shut down tight. A sad sight indeed. We enjoyed awesome food and even visited one of our favorite wineries. We are looking forward to warm weather and more travel.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]