Parkway Kindergarten Registration

This morning I signed Andrew up for Kindergarten at Pierremont Elementary.  We still haven't made a decision for sure where we will be sending him, but need to make sure he's registered for planning purposes.  I deal with quite a bit of paperwork with everything our children are involved in, but I was not prepared for the forms and documents required for school registration - geez!! 

Aqua Therapy

Just a cute pic of the boys at aqua therapy...

Smiles all around - Miss Chris, Andrew, Nathan and Miss Daniele :)

CPOP Classroom Experience

This morning Andrew was invited to join the current Kindergarten class to join in on the fun at Christ, Prince of Peace.  The parents were allowed to observe as the kids went along their usual routine.  Andrew jumped right in enjoyed all of the activities.  Towards the end, the kids were singing and dancing to some of their favorite songs.  These songs and motions were new to Andrew and he slowly stepped away from the group.  When he reached me, he whispered, "Where are all of the toys?"  I laughed and said there aren't many toys on display at Kindergarten...we may have a bigger transition than I thought - ha!!

Tour of Pierremont Elementary School

This morning I met with the Parkway Area Coordinator to tour our elementary school.  Steve and I are still deciding where to send Andrew for Kindergarten.  Our minds seem to change every single day and this is a decision that we are not taking lightly.  We are finally getting the chance to meet, tour and discuss our hopes, dreams, concerns and expectations for Andrew for his school years. 

Pierremont is fantastic and would be school to Andrew from Kindergarten through 5th grade.  He would then attend Parkway West Middle School and then Parkway West High School.  We cannot say enough about the Parkway School District and it is one of the reasons we decided to live where we do.  Andrew would be able to receive all of his services through Special School District while at school.  Pierremont has two Kindergarten classes and I really had a good feeling about the school and all of the faculty I met while walking the hallways.  There are no children there with physical limitations, but more needs for social/emotional behavior and the autism spectrum.  The building is very accessible and any adaptations would be made to meet Andrew's needs. 

This was the first of several meetings we have in the next few weeks to decide where best to meet both Andrew's and our family's needs.  I pray that something just hits us and know that God will guide us to make the best and right decision.   

Love Park

Lots of pics of lots of fun at Love Park!!

Nathan cruising in his walker.

Down the slide.

Tic Tac Toe.

Andrew at the very top :)

Chillin in the tunnel.

Daddy and Nathan way up high.

Lots of slides to go down :)

The best big brother helping Nathan down the slide :)

CP Clinic at Ranken Jordan

Well, I spoke too soon.  Andrew started throwing up throughout the night last night into today.  And, as luck would have it, Nathan is scheduled for his quarterly check-up at CP Clinic - an appointment that has been on the books for months and one we don't want to miss!!  Luckily, Gigi was able to take off work and come sit with Andrew while I took Nathan to his appointment. 

We first headed to get xrays of Nathan's pelvis and lower extremities to make sure everything looks just fine.  Thank goodness for technology - these xrays will be sent electronically to Ranken Jordan and will be waiting for us to review with his Orthopedic Surgeon.  After the xrays were taken, we headed straight to Ranken Jordan.

These CP clinic appointments include Nathan's PTs (he sees two separate PTs weekly), his Orthopedic Surgeon, orthotist and other medical staff members.  It's quite the comprehensive appointment.  This is our first check-up since Nathan received his Botox injections and all is well :)  We will wait another three months before doing anything more.  Everything seems to be where we need them to be and we will follow-up in April. 

Nathan is dragging his feet a bit more than usual when in his walker and it was suggested to start focusing on strengthening his hip flexors to get him to lift his legs and clear the ground when he takes a step.  We have been working on his core strength and will continue to do so, but will now use e-stem to help stimulate those hip flexors.  E-stem consists of electrode pads being placed on Nathan's skin and sending electronic waves to stimulate the targeted muscles.  Hopefully, he will tolerate this and we will see some improvement while walking!!

England

This morning we dropped off Daddy at the airport and had to say good-bye for a week.  Steve is headed on an international business trip and we are hoping for an uneventful week :)  It will be very quiet around the house, but Andrew has stepped up to be the "Man of the House" while Daddy is away!!

Outside Fun!!

You can always guarantee crazy weather in St. Louis, but we can't complain when we can be outside in early January with Spring-like temps!!  It was so nice to get some fresh air and enjoy the afternoon outside for a change.

Off and riding.

Nathan :)

Andrew :)

Some scooter time.

Going to check out the delivery truck at our neighbor's :)

Variety Interview

This morning I was interviewed by Variety, the Children's Charity about our experience with Variety thus far.  We are so very fortunate that Variety has reached out and has helped both Andrew and Nathan.  Both boys have received custom adaptive bikes from Variety and Andrew has attended their camps.  We know Variety will be a part of our family for a long time.  We are so blessed to have such a wonderful organization for unbelievable support.  We simply cannot say enough about Variety!!

Here's a link to Variety's Blog where the article is published - http://www.varietystl.org/blog/to-just-be-a-kid

Andrew's 5 Year Check-Up

Almost two months late, but who's counting!?!?  It seems that our days are flying by and before I know it, days have turned into weeks and weeks into months - ugh.  Better late than never :)

Andrew's check-up went great.  He was such the trooper with 4 shots - I still don't know why the immunization schedule is either all or nothing.  At least it's over with and I am told we are finished with shots unless something new is mandated :)  Andrew is growing, still along his "little" path - he's in the 10th percentile for height at 40 5/8 inches and the 25th percentile for weight at 37.2 lbs.  He's tracking just fine with all of his milestones and we were sent out on a happy note.  It's nice to walk out of a doctor's office with a smile and no follow-ups.