Wednesday, July 22, 2009

"Only if you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."~Richard Nixon




Today we met with Zoey's new speech therapist to go over the speech evaluation that was done a few weeks ago.Up until now,speech was not part of our Early Intervention services but once Zoey was finished with her last round of chemo I knew the clock was ticking.Early Intervention is only available until the age of three.March the 2nd 2010 will be here before we know it.A little more then 7 months to be exact and when you get right down to it, we have only been able to utilize a very small portion of the last 2 1/2 years due to all the sidetracking.Sidetracking sounds so much nicer then actually putting down all the diagnosis' doesn't it?I often tire of writing the litany of her medical history so I think I'll stick with sidetracking.Anyway,when I met with our service coordinator to put into place Zoey's new service plan, I inquired about speech and as luck would have it, Zoey's authorization was relatively easy to come by.Zoey's speech therapist is a dream.Positive,encouraging,highly knowledgeable,kind,caring ... I could go on and on.Suffice it to say, I truly believe we have been blessed with yet another amazing member of Team Zoey.As we sat and chatted and reviewed the assessment,Zoey snoozed away while we watched the video monitor for movement and we cruised through the extremely thorough findings of the report.I am quite certain that there are some who might have read the percentages in delay or saw where their child fell in comparison with their actual age and quite frankly they might be bummed.Not me.Now,that doesn't make me right and the "some" wrong,it just makes me me and them them.Zoey is 28 months old and the majority of her Basal ages,skills that have been mastered in a specified age range,was 6-9 months.Yep,I'd say she is delayed but all I kept thinking as we went over the 5 page report was:how great is it that we are even here.That Zoey is even here!How awesome is it that we have even been given the opportunity to put a plan into action at all.That is one of the main gifts of the last 8 months.We do not look at the could have beens or the should have beens we look at the gift of now.So yes,there is work to be done.The process won't come easy and effortlessly.We hope one day Zoey will be able to convey to us her needs through a combination of signs and PECS and maybe even verbal cues and as her mother,that one day she will be able to convey to me if she is physically hurting and not feeling well because I think alot of parents out there with non verbal children, worry we won't be able to catch a subtle indication of serious illness or injury.We have a plan and I absolutely love plans.If we are fortunate we will meet some of the goals we have put in place and anything other will just be icing on the cake.Today, I feel like we are on top of that mountain.The climb was long and arduous and I often questioned whether we would make the ascent but we have left the valley below,for now,for this moment and today,right now the view is completely and utterly magnificent.

*pictures aren't the best of quality but there was just something about her in these.Some maturity thing.Some confidence thing.Some "look at me and how far I've come"thing that I just loved.

27 comments:

Angi said...

So exciting to be starting another journey..can't wait to see that determination little Zoey is known for, love the pics...love that smile:)

Stephanie said...

I love EI, they're great. Zoey will continue to thrive and reach her goals, I am so sure about that!
You're right, her face is changing, she's getting a little girl look instead of a baby look.
But when she sits with her legs crossed like in the last pic, I could just eat her up, I love it when she sits like that!And she has the cutest little feet!

Tina said...

Its so wonderful, heart warming to read your blog, so full of optimism and positive thoughts, it shows me the way and teaches me to how to look at things from a different angle....the glass truely is half full and not half empty!
My daughter just turned a year and I used to have times when I used to feel bad that she still doesn't do so many things as yet but I stopped doing that and I started to look at all the things she does do rather than doesn't....and its amazing how much more you can enjoy your wonderful children this way.
Zoey is really pretty and she has an amazing spark to her face, I see so many beautiful little girls on these blogs and each one gives me more hope.
Always look forward to your updates, and my prayers are always with Zoey

Anonymous said...

Zoey is doing great and she has been such a fighter to beat all the 'sidetrackings' in her life...she'll do fine as always. You have an amazing family.
Luciana

The VW's said...

Zoey looks so big in those pictures and SO VERY ADORABLE!!!! I want to squeeze her!

Praying that this new speech therapy does wonders for her...something tells me that she will do great! LOVE and HUGS!!!

Lacey said...

She does look more mature, even from when we were down a few months ago. I like sidetracking, I'll have to remember that one.
Give that girl a squeeze until I can myself.

libby @ ninesandquines said...

She is beautiful....and you are amazing with your strength through everything. A true inspiration to me....Thank you!

Unknown said...

You know, as I looked at these pictures, I was thinking the very same thing. Zoey is looking very much more mature. I think she is losing that baby look. She's a doll without a doubt. I'm excited for you to be able to start up speech services. Thanks for sharing the pictures, poor quality, not so much in my eyes. We can clearly see the gorgeous little face!

Kele said...

I laugh at some of this post... when I see someone in the neighborhood or at church that asks "So how is Presley, what, she is 17 months now? Is she waking? crawling?" I laugh and say, "Not even sitting up yet, but she is PERFECT, thank you so much for asking" I, too, am not bothered a bit to say those words, just feel so BLESSED to have her here!
Love the TEAM ZOEY, are you using that when you run? I think you should, I love it and Lord knows it is appropriate, she, like no other has a TEAM of supporters, followers and fans!
Okay, now on to some areas to harrass you about:
A. If you love plans so much then why don't you start planning your visit out here, our hour long conversation the other day has made me long for it even more!! (Perhaps we can come for Z's bday in March as we had hoped for this year)
B. You are not allowed to use 'poor quality' when describing any pic of Zoey... Blurred, out of focus, whatever, I have NEVER seen a more beautiful child.
LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

Denise said...

I think its the outfit that makes her seem so old..that and the way she is sitting. Such a big girl!!! I love your positive outlook on her life. It is so important to remember with both these kids as well as our typical kids that everything thing they do is a gift, a miracle that we mostly take for granted. This one of the blessings of having a child with Ds....you learn to appreciate the little things so much!!

Anonymous said...

Yep, those pics show us that Zoey girl is indeed no longer a baby and she is looking to take on the next hurdle with her usual positive attitude and ways.

Glad her speech therapist is another great Zoey team member.

Go Zoey, Go!!!

Previously I quoted Zoey's great grandma & great poppa (East Coast/Mark's parents) as great, great grandparents- sorry for putting in extra great. Altho I am their sister/sister/inlaw - I am great, great auntie to Charlie. Sounds confusing even to me! Thank you Robyn from Otisco for pointing that out...none of us "oldies" want to add anymore years than necessary.

Love & hugs to everyone

Bluebelle/Loraine

Danyele Easterhaus said...

she is too precious...and ST is awesome! i love love love it...3 of my 4 have done it. early intervention is awesome...and i'm so glad she'll be able to have fun and learn some new skills at the same time. and you get a new adult to come around and play too!

Jeana said...

She is such a Star! I can't wait to hear all that she is up to and learning.

Maureen said...

I love a toddler in a collared shirt :)

After we left your house the other day, Bridget was furious that we did not BRING YOUR BOYS HOME WITH US. I said, "But Bridget, I don't have carseats for them." She goes, "Well then go buy some!" She loves the older men.

Bea Braun said...

I love this quote from Richard Nixon. Who knew! I am so glad you've been blessed with a loving and caring speech therapist. In my opinion, the journey is more important than the destination! I've noticed in the more recent photos that Zoey has quite a look of determination about her! It's wonderful to see her change and grow. Thanks for letting us all share in the journey.

Nancy said...

SO glad this is working out! Question...I am FAIRLY new, and wondering why you didn't mention the possibility of Zoey actually speaking? I probably missed something somewhere! :) But I have worked a little with the PECS system, and sign, and it is awesome how kids can learn to communicate with them! Hugs to the divine Miss Z!

Nancy in CT

Mama Mason-Mann said...

The pictures are gorgeous! I just love Zoey pics. And I love your quotes! :) You're doing an amazing job with the that little angel.

Dawson said...

Love the pics and also love the term "team Zoey"
Come to think of it, not only are we "Zoey fans" but we consider ourselves to be part of Team Zoey as well. Hope thats ok

Our love and prayers continue as always. Give her a hug and kiss from us. She is amazing!!!

Scrappy quilter said...

What an awesome journey you are on. I just know Zoey is going to blow everyone away once again when it comes to this. It's going to be fun watching!!

Maggie said...

She's just beautiful :) Best of luck to you and your little girl on this new chapter of life. I'm new to your blog, but I'm very excited to follow along with her journey to come!

heidi marie said...

very exciting to hear that zoey will be starting a new adventure in the world of speech therapy! lol. and you have such a great mentality about it all. i, too, look at henry and am just amazed he's gotten this far. sure he's behind, but look at all he has done in a short amount of time. and your little zoey is amazing!!!

you look at pictures/video of her on your blog and you would never have guessed all the stuff she has overcome. she looks so healthy, strong, and more and more like a little girl. no more baby:(

Jeanette said...

I am glad that you have such a good ST! It makes such a difference.

Lisa said...

She looks great. I agree, there's a more mature sensibility in these shots. Thank you for sharing them here...

Karen Owens said...

Zoey is a beauty as always -- sorry for all the blog chaos your have been going through. We get that a lot -- I think people just sit at their computer and think of all the nasty things to say.

What ever.

Thinking of you all today!

Anonymous said...

Mountainous happiness while reading this post.
Barbara

Shelly Turpin said...

I love that quote by Nixon - just love it! I too am grateful that y'all are to the ST phase of Zoey's life. What a wonderful blessing!

Anonymous said...

Such a big inspiration to the the world, in a small package. Thank you for inspiring me! As long as you keep fighting, you will win in the end.