Thursday, January 21, 2010

Whole lot of this, going on around here ....




That would be lounging around.Doing ... not much.Except some TV/DVD viewing.Sesame Street.Lots and lots of Sesame Street.Southern California rain storms have rendered Miss Zoey and I pretty much housebound.And besides for a mad dash across the street to retrieve the boys from school at 2pm each day,that is about all that has been happening.All Zoey's therapies are in home so no need to venture out for even those either.Which is nice for us but ... not so nice for her therapists.

I think,in fact I know, the little love and I are stir crazy today and we are hoping for a break in the skies for a bit so we can head to the fabric store.It is time we got rolling on another batch of blankets.My hope is to deliver the first week in March in honor of Zoey's third birthday.This time around we will be dropping off a load to the NICU.Zoey's home away from home her first 2 1/2 months of life.This will be our 3rd delivery to CHLA since October and I so hope we can keep the momentum going to meet my goal of 4 deliveries a year.We really would like to eventually expand our drop to 4W and the BMT unit as well.It would mean doubling our number of blankets to approximately 60 but in my over achieving,anything is possible mind,I of course think ... no problem.Time will tell.

We have been preparing for Zoey's IEP meeting next Friday.The best we can prepare.Talking things over.Passing scenario's by each other.No idea what will be in store for us.This is uncharted territory.I am most use to Early Intervention and this is a whole new ballgame.It will be interesting to see where the district sees Zoey being placed and compare it to what I envision.My hope is that we aren't too far off base on goals and that when all is said and done Zoey's best interest's will be met and even exceeded.We shall see.

As I was typing this I received a call and Zoey's Rifton walker is in!!!Delivery tomorrow!!SOOO excited.Well,at least I am ... Miss Zoey just might be a different story!

Another quick video.A few more signs that she was none too pleased about sharing ... I think she has grown weary and leary of picture taking,video camera's and this week .... pretty much sick of me!

(Pause the music at the bottom if you decide to watch)

22 comments:

datri said...

Best of luck with the IEP! Keep an open mind! I think so often we hear so many horror stories that we get prematurely defensive. You still need to be prepared, but assume that everyone is working as a team unless they prove you wrong.

Monica said...

Wow that Rifton walker is pretty cool! I've never seen one. I hope she likes it. I bet she will once she gets it all figured out.

So Miss Zoey will be going to public school? Public school has been a very good experience for Matthew.
We are in a completely different place. We had Matthew's ARD yesterday to plan for next year. It will be Matthews last year of school. I know he must move ahead in life...but part of me wishes he could stay there forever. He is so happy and content. I couldn't ask for a more caring staff.
His case worker attended the meeting to discuss his options after he graduates. One is actually getting a job...completely supervised of course...but still I am feeling some VERY mixed emotions.

I am so pleased to see how well Zoey is signing! That was so funny at the end of the video when she started telling you bye. Like...ok mom I'm done! lol She's so cute :)

The VW's said...

Such cute pictures and video of Zoey!!! Love and Hugs!!!

Cammie Heflin said...

She and Addy are so much alike!!! I would love to hop on a plane and put them together!

Kaden Epstein said...

As I mentioned before, I'd LOVE to help out with some blanket making in February. If you show me how...I'd like to get a bunch of mommies in the neighborhood together for an evening of "blanket making". Better yet, we'd LOVE it if you'd join us for some "mommy time " too! Let me know what you think...

Sinead said...

Good luck with the IEP meeting. Ours is tomorrow. Hope our kids transition well to preschool and get the support that they need.

Unknown said...

Good luck with the IEP. Our best IEP's were before actual school started. The preschool IEP's were a breeze.

Can't wait to see the Rifton walker. I sure hope she likes it. I bet once she realizes that she can be upright and movin and grovin, she'll love it!

Love the video. I'm blown away each time I see her signing. Awesome! She and Carly would get along so well.

That picture of her lounging in her chair is so cute. That's just what I'm off to do now!

Lacey said...

Oh my gosh, how can that girl change so much in the few short months since we've been there? I am so excited for March I can hardly stand it. I need some Zoey loves!!

Anonymous said...

Love the video -- can't get enough of this little lady!!! Sending kisses. Hooray, the walker is due to arrive -- wow! Want to hear about your vision for Zoey Grace and school. Love to all the Needhams, Christi Harman

Stephanie said...

That girl is just flying!!! I am amazed at how she is learning so quickly.
Can't wait to hear how Miss Z likes her new walker.
Emilia has those same boots. Only things that stay on her feet. don't know what she's going to do in the summer!

Anna said...

I just want to hug and squeeze that lil cutie pie of yours. We were prayin for you yesterday when we heard there were tornadoes out and about.....Hey, God hasnt moved yet but I do have a small sliver of hope. I will update on my blog when I can. Keep up the prayers! They are working!It could end up better than we ever imagined!

Bethany said...

Good luck on your IEP and don't be afraid to walk out without signing to digest things out of their element!

Anonymous said...

I think she will love the walker! It looks awesome. I am planning to go to the fabric store also today because Michelle and I want to make a few blankets for the next delivery. I am so proud of Zoey and all of the signs she knows now. Give her a hug from me.
Aunt Lisa

Anonymous said...

I felt those kisses all the way here in Syraucse, Miss Z!

How exciting your walker is here - oh boy are you and mommy going to to have some fun with that!

Love & hugs to everyone


Aunt Bluebelle

Peter Olson said...

She is so beautiful.
Is she advancing even faster?
Zoey will be talking your ears off pretty soon.
I pray that you get some sun. Lack of sunshine can cause depression.
I think I got a one second glance at the International Space Station last night through the clouds. Have a great day!

Unknown said...

Rather than a comment on the most recent post, I primarily wanted to send a message to Caitlin. I have read and reread her entry in Gifts 2-- each time with tears of understanding and joy. It is my favorite essay! She expresses so beautifully how all of us could benefit from a pair of rose colored glasses. I am the mother of five children, the youngest, of whom, is a three-year-old with DS. I believe the world would benefit greatly if there were more individuals with Down syndrome.

Thanks for sharing your story of beautiful Zoey.

Maggie

Kari said...

That little girl of yours is AMAZING! And you are the perfect mommy for her - so patient and eager for her to have the very best. Her progress is a blessing to watch. Thanks for sharing her. I hope we can connect on the phone soon.

Anonymous said...

HI its MIchelle, my mom just got back from the fabric store. We have enough material to make three blankets!LOVE you guys, Michelle
P.S. the material is really cool!

Anonymous said...

ditto datri's comment.

Barbara

Googsmom said...

I was thinking of you guys while watching the news of the terrible storms down there. Praying everyone is safe.

Miss Zoey is a super smarty. Look at all these new signs lately. She is just blooming. I love it.

Don't forget to get the book From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam and Pete Wright www.wrightslaw.com BEST $20.00 you'll ever spend. That Pete, he is my Spec Ed Hero. I saw him not to long ago at a conference and it just confirmed to me he is the smartest guy out there on Spec Ed.

Give Zoey {{{{HUGS}}}}

Scrappy quilter said...

Hope the IEP goes well. Stick to your guns yet be open to their suggestions too. Can't wait to hear how it all goes. Hugs

Anonymous said...

Hi!
So many exciting things coming up for you guys! The IEP is a great opportunity to tell the world what she can do and your dreams for what she will soon be able to do and to tie down all those services so that she gets the best of everything :) And the Pacer (the Rifton) is indeed adorable... my classroom has two of them in use and they're a boring fire engine red, but are a favorite activity wise :) Let me know if there's anything I can do for you guys, I've written about a zillion IEPs and would love to be of use. Love to you and yours :)
-Lauren from Virginia
skeeter800@yahoo.com