Here is the email that Matt and I sent to Cate's teacher. I had to keep telling Matt that he needed to reel it in as he was being really mean and vicious. Then he got angry with me when I would ask him not to use words like deprive, and other words that make us sound as though we are attacking her.
It really was a difficult email to write. Only because what I wanted to say, I couldn't. I really just wanted to lay into her about how she has no right to tell my daughter what she can and can't eat provided what she has is healthy. So it was very frustrating to try and compose this.
Hopefully we will get a response sometime soon. We sent it off last night around 10:00 and I was sick to my stomach after I sent it. All I can think about is the possibility of this teacher now being mean to Caitlyn because of the email. Let's hope that doesn't happen. And God help the woman if it does because Matt is horribly fired up about this whole situation.
Dear Mrs. L,
I was a little concerned when my daughter, Caitlyn Walsh, came home on
Friday, September 5th, and told me that she was not allowed to eat the
snack that my wife, Nancy, and I packed for her. She told us that she was
told she could not eat it because it was not a fruit or vegetable.
However, it was in fact a healthy snack. In case you don't remember what
it was, she had Cheerios and raisins mixed together in a baggie.
I understand that you are trying to promote a healthy lifestyle by having
the children consume fruits and vegetables, and we support that. However,
the Cheerios that we packed for her aide in lowering cholesterol and are
made of whole grains and oats and the raisins are dried fruits (grapes).
We try our hardest to provide Caitlyn with healthy food choices throughout
the day and avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat. Which is why we
thought the snack that we provided was appropriate. We read the note that
was sent home regarding the guidelines of what the students are allowed to
bring as a snack. However, we did not interpret the note to literally
mean that they were only allowed to bring in fruits and vegetables.
Rather, we thought it meant that they were allowed to bring in foods that
were healthy. Which, again, what we provided for her was a healthy snack.
What is more distressing to us, is that when she was told that she could
not eat what was provided for her, you did not replace her snack with
something else to eat. Thus, defeating the purpose of eating a snack
midday entirely. In the future, if you feel that the snack that we
provided for her is somehow inappropriate, it becomes your responsibility
to give her something that you feel is appropriate. At that point, I
expect either an email or a phone call to discuss why the snack provided by us
was inappropriate.
Please know that we are not the type of parents who typically complain
about how a teacher runs their classroom. In fact, my wife and I are also
both teachers. We just feel that this situation was handled poorly and
the only person to suffer because of that was Caitlyn. She was teary eyed
when she told us that we had packed a snack for her that she couldn't have
and was quite angry about it. Please realize that we have also included
Mrs. Ortiz in this email because we wanted her to be aware of our concerns.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reply to
this email or call me on my cell phone listed in the signature line of
this email. We appreciate your attention to this email.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
The new teacher
Let's hope that what happened on Friday is not a sign of what is to come of this year for the girl.
On Wednesday, Caitlyn came home with a letter from school about the need for a snack to be brought every day. The note was short and stated that the snack should be fruits and vegetables. It also stated that the snack should be stored in a disposable container, and the need for utensils is discouraged as they eat the snack as they continue to work. I took the note to mean that a healthy snack should be brought to school. I talked to Caitlyn about the things that she could bring and we mentioned things like dry cereal, raisins, crackers, pretzel sticks. Basically foods that are not junk but would hold her over until lunch time. Sounds logical right?
Caitlyn stayed home from school on Thursday because she had a fever. She started showing signs of a cold on Monday, of course, the day before school starts. BY Thursday she was coughing and sneezing and had a fever. So she didn't have to take a snack to school.
On Friday, I packed Cate's lunch and put in a snack of Cheerios (the plain old cardboard ones, not honey nut) and raisins mixed together in a baggie. Dropped her off at my mom's and took myself to work. When I got to mom's after work to pick her up, I checked her bag for papers and looked in her lunch box to see what she had eaten. Imagine my surprise when I found that her entire snack was still in her lunch box completely untouched. I asked her why she didn't eat it. I figured maybe she wasn't feeling well or just wasn't hungry, despite the fact that her entire sandwich had been eaten. She got all teary eyed and said:
"Mrs. L said I couldn't eat that for a snack because it wasn't a fruit or a vegetable."
I was shocked but not overly concerned. I asked her if the teacher then gave her something to have as a snack since she couldn't eat what she had brought. Nope. My kid sat there with no snack. Now correct me if I am wrong, but the whole purpose of the snack is to help kids make it through until lunch, and you took my kid's snack away and didn't replace it with anything, thus defeating the purpose of helping her get through until lunch?
Cate then told me that a friend of hers shared her snack with her. So I am glad that she had something to hold her over.
I have numerous issues with what transpired over this snack. Here is a nice little list of things that this teacher will be getting an email about:
1. Raisins are in fact fruit, they are simply dried fruit. Grapes really. So she should have at least been able to eat those.
2. Cheerios are marketed as a healthy snack as they have been known to aid in lowering cholesterol. They are basically grains and oats and are nothing more than a healthy snack.
3. How dare you refuse my child her snack because you deem it to be unhealthy and then not replace it with something that you find to be more appropriate?
4. Are you seriously questioning my judgement about what I feed my child? Do you think that I don't know what makes a healthy snack for her? I understand some parents need teaching in this arena, I however, am not one of those parents.
5. There are only so many fruits and vegetables that can be taken as a snack that fall into your guidelines of disposable packaging (which by the way is a horrible lesson to teach kids when you are always spouting about recycling and saving the earth), no utensil required, not sticky, and not disruptive. So if I choose to mix things up for my kid and make her snacks a little more interesting, how is that wrong?
Caitlyn and I did go out on Saturday and pick up a bunch of things that she could take for snacks. Naturally we got grape tomatoes (was there a question?), we got some carrot sticks, apples, bananas, and some dried fruit. I told her that if she wanted to, she could take some tomatoes and carrots on Monday. To which she replied that she is only allowed one snack.
Now, I really get that this teacher wants these kids eating healthy. You don't have to stress that to me. But I have one of the healthiest eaters on the block when it comes to 7 year olds. She would turn down junk food for tomatoes any day. She turns away cake at just about every damn birthday party we go to. The kid takes peas to school in her lunch because she loves them so much. She probably eats more of a variety of fruits and vegetables than most kids her age. So we are not the parents that need to be preached to about presenting healthy meal and snack choices to our kid.
Matt and I are drafting an email. He was actually going to go into the school on Monday during his free period to talk to the principal about it. So if he is his fired up about it, I know that it's a big deal, since he is usually the one telling me that I am over reacting. I told him that before we go into the school hissing and spitting, we need to contact the teacher. As teachers, we both know how pissed off we get when parents completely skip that step and go straight to administration. I also told him that I am proof reading the email before it goes out as I know that Matt can get hot headed at times. We are also sending it from his email account as it will have the Chicago Public Schools address attached to it, which he feels will be more powerful. And we are also copying the principal on it. Matt feels it is a power struggle move by this teacher. And I think I have to agree with him.
So please, please, cross your fingers that this is not the way that the entire year is going to go.
On Wednesday, Caitlyn came home with a letter from school about the need for a snack to be brought every day. The note was short and stated that the snack should be fruits and vegetables. It also stated that the snack should be stored in a disposable container, and the need for utensils is discouraged as they eat the snack as they continue to work. I took the note to mean that a healthy snack should be brought to school. I talked to Caitlyn about the things that she could bring and we mentioned things like dry cereal, raisins, crackers, pretzel sticks. Basically foods that are not junk but would hold her over until lunch time. Sounds logical right?
Caitlyn stayed home from school on Thursday because she had a fever. She started showing signs of a cold on Monday, of course, the day before school starts. BY Thursday she was coughing and sneezing and had a fever. So she didn't have to take a snack to school.
On Friday, I packed Cate's lunch and put in a snack of Cheerios (the plain old cardboard ones, not honey nut) and raisins mixed together in a baggie. Dropped her off at my mom's and took myself to work. When I got to mom's after work to pick her up, I checked her bag for papers and looked in her lunch box to see what she had eaten. Imagine my surprise when I found that her entire snack was still in her lunch box completely untouched. I asked her why she didn't eat it. I figured maybe she wasn't feeling well or just wasn't hungry, despite the fact that her entire sandwich had been eaten. She got all teary eyed and said:
"Mrs. L said I couldn't eat that for a snack because it wasn't a fruit or a vegetable."
I was shocked but not overly concerned. I asked her if the teacher then gave her something to have as a snack since she couldn't eat what she had brought. Nope. My kid sat there with no snack. Now correct me if I am wrong, but the whole purpose of the snack is to help kids make it through until lunch, and you took my kid's snack away and didn't replace it with anything, thus defeating the purpose of helping her get through until lunch?
Cate then told me that a friend of hers shared her snack with her. So I am glad that she had something to hold her over.
I have numerous issues with what transpired over this snack. Here is a nice little list of things that this teacher will be getting an email about:
1. Raisins are in fact fruit, they are simply dried fruit. Grapes really. So she should have at least been able to eat those.
2. Cheerios are marketed as a healthy snack as they have been known to aid in lowering cholesterol. They are basically grains and oats and are nothing more than a healthy snack.
3. How dare you refuse my child her snack because you deem it to be unhealthy and then not replace it with something that you find to be more appropriate?
4. Are you seriously questioning my judgement about what I feed my child? Do you think that I don't know what makes a healthy snack for her? I understand some parents need teaching in this arena, I however, am not one of those parents.
5. There are only so many fruits and vegetables that can be taken as a snack that fall into your guidelines of disposable packaging (which by the way is a horrible lesson to teach kids when you are always spouting about recycling and saving the earth), no utensil required, not sticky, and not disruptive. So if I choose to mix things up for my kid and make her snacks a little more interesting, how is that wrong?
Caitlyn and I did go out on Saturday and pick up a bunch of things that she could take for snacks. Naturally we got grape tomatoes (was there a question?), we got some carrot sticks, apples, bananas, and some dried fruit. I told her that if she wanted to, she could take some tomatoes and carrots on Monday. To which she replied that she is only allowed one snack.
Now, I really get that this teacher wants these kids eating healthy. You don't have to stress that to me. But I have one of the healthiest eaters on the block when it comes to 7 year olds. She would turn down junk food for tomatoes any day. She turns away cake at just about every damn birthday party we go to. The kid takes peas to school in her lunch because she loves them so much. She probably eats more of a variety of fruits and vegetables than most kids her age. So we are not the parents that need to be preached to about presenting healthy meal and snack choices to our kid.
Matt and I are drafting an email. He was actually going to go into the school on Monday during his free period to talk to the principal about it. So if he is his fired up about it, I know that it's a big deal, since he is usually the one telling me that I am over reacting. I told him that before we go into the school hissing and spitting, we need to contact the teacher. As teachers, we both know how pissed off we get when parents completely skip that step and go straight to administration. I also told him that I am proof reading the email before it goes out as I know that Matt can get hot headed at times. We are also sending it from his email account as it will have the Chicago Public Schools address attached to it, which he feels will be more powerful. And we are also copying the principal on it. Matt feels it is a power struggle move by this teacher. And I think I have to agree with him.
So please, please, cross your fingers that this is not the way that the entire year is going to go.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Really?!?!?!?
Has it been over a month? Ok, so the reason that I haven't posted any updates is because......yeah, I have no excuse whatsoever. Other than the fact that the girl and I were enjoying all of our summer days together. It was fabulous. Splendid. Exhausting. We went on vacation to the lake a couple more times. Slept in a bunch of days. Swam at mom's in the pool. Went to the park. Pulled weeds in the yard. And just had an overall fantastic time.
And now we are back to the real world of school and homework and work and dance classes and brownies and team meetings and IEP meetings and football practice and football games. It's never ending and I remember why I love summer months so much every August/September when we arrive in this place once again. So here is a recap of the last week as it has been probably the most eventful of the summer (how is that even possible?).
I returned to work last Monday. All was going wonderful until 2:00 when I received an email from the admin office saying I had to stop by there to pick up a letter that was delivered for me. It came certified mail and was from a law office. Yeah. Fun. Turns out it is a subpeona for a deposition. I will not (and can not) go into details here about what it involves, but needless to say, it completely sucks. So happy first day of school for me. We are now done with the first week, and things are in full swing. Almost to the point that it seems I never left for 2 1/2 months.
Matt's team has been furiously practicing and managed to win their first game on Saturday. It was a really good game and his team looks great this year. So hopefully he will have a good season. Because we all know that Matt having a good season also equates to a happy husband, wife, and household.
Caitlyn is fantastic. She is wearing her glasses like a champ and loves wearing them. The most exciting thing that happened to her this summer is that she had a tooth knocked out. Yes, you read that right. My little lady who is always the girliest girl on the block, managed to get her tooth knocked right out of her mouth. She was swimming in the pool on Sunday and she and all the kids were splashing around like crazy and she got hit in the mouth. We didn't know right away that her tooth was missing until she started laughing and had blood all over her teeth. Gross, I know. The funniest part of the story is that one of the other little girls there said she was going to find the tooth. I shrugged it off, because it was a baby tooth in a big pool that had a blue and white speckled liner. Lo and behold that child came up about 47 seconds later with the damn tooth in her hand. Caitlyn was a trooper about the whole thing and was thrilled to learn that the tooth fairy leaves more money for teeth that are knocked out as opposed to those that fall out naturally. Thanks Mom.
Today was the first day of second grade. Holy smoke.....did you read that right??? SECOND GRADE!!!! How in the hell did that happen? She is excited and yet very nervous. She knows that things pick up in second grade and that more is required of her. I am sure she will be just fine cause she is the smartest little second grader that I have ever met (not that I am biased or anything). She looked so mature to me when I took the picture. We have let her bangs grow out this summer and they have gotten quite long. And a few weeks ago we went and got her hair cut much shorter than we usually keep it. And now she just looks like a "kid." Not a little kid anymore, a full blown kid.
And finally, for your viewing pleasure, first day of school pics with her glasses:
And now we are back to the real world of school and homework and work and dance classes and brownies and team meetings and IEP meetings and football practice and football games. It's never ending and I remember why I love summer months so much every August/September when we arrive in this place once again. So here is a recap of the last week as it has been probably the most eventful of the summer (how is that even possible?).
I returned to work last Monday. All was going wonderful until 2:00 when I received an email from the admin office saying I had to stop by there to pick up a letter that was delivered for me. It came certified mail and was from a law office. Yeah. Fun. Turns out it is a subpeona for a deposition. I will not (and can not) go into details here about what it involves, but needless to say, it completely sucks. So happy first day of school for me. We are now done with the first week, and things are in full swing. Almost to the point that it seems I never left for 2 1/2 months.
Matt's team has been furiously practicing and managed to win their first game on Saturday. It was a really good game and his team looks great this year. So hopefully he will have a good season. Because we all know that Matt having a good season also equates to a happy husband, wife, and household.
Caitlyn is fantastic. She is wearing her glasses like a champ and loves wearing them. The most exciting thing that happened to her this summer is that she had a tooth knocked out. Yes, you read that right. My little lady who is always the girliest girl on the block, managed to get her tooth knocked right out of her mouth. She was swimming in the pool on Sunday and she and all the kids were splashing around like crazy and she got hit in the mouth. We didn't know right away that her tooth was missing until she started laughing and had blood all over her teeth. Gross, I know. The funniest part of the story is that one of the other little girls there said she was going to find the tooth. I shrugged it off, because it was a baby tooth in a big pool that had a blue and white speckled liner. Lo and behold that child came up about 47 seconds later with the damn tooth in her hand. Caitlyn was a trooper about the whole thing and was thrilled to learn that the tooth fairy leaves more money for teeth that are knocked out as opposed to those that fall out naturally. Thanks Mom.
Today was the first day of second grade. Holy smoke.....did you read that right??? SECOND GRADE!!!! How in the hell did that happen? She is excited and yet very nervous. She knows that things pick up in second grade and that more is required of her. I am sure she will be just fine cause she is the smartest little second grader that I have ever met (not that I am biased or anything). She looked so mature to me when I took the picture. We have let her bangs grow out this summer and they have gotten quite long. And a few weeks ago we went and got her hair cut much shorter than we usually keep it. And now she just looks like a "kid." Not a little kid anymore, a full blown kid.
And finally, for your viewing pleasure, first day of school pics with her glasses:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
BIG News!
Some back story before I make the announcement. Matt's graduation ceremony was at Navy Pier. When the ceremony was over, we figured we would hang out and see the sights and watch the fireworks later that night. While me and Caitlyn were standing on the pier looking out at the sail boats, she asked me a strange question. Although, strange questions from Cate are not strange really.
Now, before I tell you the question, here is a picture from google images from right where we were standing.
If you look closely, you can see in the distance that there are some pieces of wood (not the rocks and the lighthouse, the line of objects in front of that). On these pieces of wood, it is not uncommon for birds to be perched. On the day that we were there, there was a large tour boat parked directly behind those pieces of wood. On said boat, there were people standing to look at the incredible view of the city.
So here is the question posed to me by the girl:
"Mom, what are all those people in line for?"
I told her that they were not in fact in line, that they were standing on a boat looking out. Her reply:
"No, not the boat, in front of the boat."
On this particular day, it was quite sunny, not like in the picture. So I gave her my sun glasses and told her to look again. One more time:
"I can see them the same mom. What are they in line for?"
I told her that they were not people and that they were pieces of wood. She insisted that they were people.
I insisted that we would be making a trip to the eye doctor.
Well, we went to the pediatrician this afternoon for her annual checkup and I informed the doc that I wanted a distance acuity test done on her. Lo and behold, my poor baby could not see at a distance with her left eye. The doctor said that we could go to a Pearl Vision or For Eyes, anything like that to have it looked at as she will probably need some glasses. However, she was very clear in stating that if they find anything more upon that examination, that I am to not let them do a thing and she would write me a referral to the ophthalmologist. That's why I love my ped's office :)
We high tailed it up to America's Best and Caitlyn had a full eye exam. And let me just tell you the look of surprise on the optometrist's face when she found out that she was examining a 25 weeker who had ROP!! I do wish I had a camera there with me. She actually couldn't believe that the ROP had resolved itself and there was not further damage to Cate's vision.
The optometrist was spectacular. She explained everything in detail to Cate prior to doing it, which is what the girl needs in order to be comfortable with any procedure. It turns out that her left eye is pretty weak. It does have a tendency to wander every so slightly (I have not noticed this since she was an infant). When she uses both of her eyes together, her vision is pretty good, damn near normal. But when forced to use her left eye alone, she just can't do it. So we were prescribed some glasses with a small prescription. The hope is that the glasses will strengthen her left eye enough that she won't need them in a coulpe of years. However, Matt's entire family wears glasses, so I wouldn't be surprised if that doesn't happen.
The girl is beyond thrilled. She got to pick out 2 pairs, yes I ordered a back up pair cause I am "that" mom. Then she got to pick out what case she wanted. They should be ready in about a week or so. I will post pics of her with them on once we have them.
Now, before I tell you the question, here is a picture from google images from right where we were standing.
If you look closely, you can see in the distance that there are some pieces of wood (not the rocks and the lighthouse, the line of objects in front of that). On these pieces of wood, it is not uncommon for birds to be perched. On the day that we were there, there was a large tour boat parked directly behind those pieces of wood. On said boat, there were people standing to look at the incredible view of the city.
So here is the question posed to me by the girl:
"Mom, what are all those people in line for?"
I told her that they were not in fact in line, that they were standing on a boat looking out. Her reply:
"No, not the boat, in front of the boat."
On this particular day, it was quite sunny, not like in the picture. So I gave her my sun glasses and told her to look again. One more time:
"I can see them the same mom. What are they in line for?"
I told her that they were not people and that they were pieces of wood. She insisted that they were people.
I insisted that we would be making a trip to the eye doctor.
Well, we went to the pediatrician this afternoon for her annual checkup and I informed the doc that I wanted a distance acuity test done on her. Lo and behold, my poor baby could not see at a distance with her left eye. The doctor said that we could go to a Pearl Vision or For Eyes, anything like that to have it looked at as she will probably need some glasses. However, she was very clear in stating that if they find anything more upon that examination, that I am to not let them do a thing and she would write me a referral to the ophthalmologist. That's why I love my ped's office :)
We high tailed it up to America's Best and Caitlyn had a full eye exam. And let me just tell you the look of surprise on the optometrist's face when she found out that she was examining a 25 weeker who had ROP!! I do wish I had a camera there with me. She actually couldn't believe that the ROP had resolved itself and there was not further damage to Cate's vision.
The optometrist was spectacular. She explained everything in detail to Cate prior to doing it, which is what the girl needs in order to be comfortable with any procedure. It turns out that her left eye is pretty weak. It does have a tendency to wander every so slightly (I have not noticed this since she was an infant). When she uses both of her eyes together, her vision is pretty good, damn near normal. But when forced to use her left eye alone, she just can't do it. So we were prescribed some glasses with a small prescription. The hope is that the glasses will strengthen her left eye enough that she won't need them in a coulpe of years. However, Matt's entire family wears glasses, so I wouldn't be surprised if that doesn't happen.
The girl is beyond thrilled. She got to pick out 2 pairs, yes I ordered a back up pair cause I am "that" mom. Then she got to pick out what case she wanted. They should be ready in about a week or so. I will post pics of her with them on once we have them.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Funny Thing Happened...
...at the zoo today. Actually, it was a pretty amazing thing. Last week sometime Caitlyn asked me what an incubator was. Not even sure how the conversation came up. I told her it was basically a plastic box that she was kept in when she was born to help keep her warm, since her body was unable to do that for her. Today at Brookfield Zoo, we went into a section that has a bunch of areas where kids can have some hands on time with different things set up in different rooms. One of the rooms was arranged to mimic a vet's office. In the corner there was an infant incubator. I pointed it out to her and reminded her of the conversation that we had last week. I mentioned that this was pretty similar to the one that she was in when she was born.
Then it hit me. Not only did she now tower over the incubator, but she is so far removed from that plastic box that it's difficult to imagine her "now" body in that thing. So I told her to stand next to it and I would take her picture. Then she played vet with her dolphin. She put on her scrubs and went to work. She went over to the incubator and put the dolphin in through the arm holes and cared for her dolphin that way. Again, I was hit in the stomach with the memory of me putting my arms through those very same holes to "care" for her in the only way I could...by touching her.
It was so amazing to witness.
Caitlyn in the incubator (one of the few that I have managed to scan in) That's Matt's wedding band on her leg.
Caitlyn outside of the incubator
I was amazed at how intent and concentrated she was when she was "working"
She was quite tired after being there all day. We were barely out of the parking lot when this occurred.....I don't think the wedding band would fit on these legs LOL
Then it hit me. Not only did she now tower over the incubator, but she is so far removed from that plastic box that it's difficult to imagine her "now" body in that thing. So I told her to stand next to it and I would take her picture. Then she played vet with her dolphin. She put on her scrubs and went to work. She went over to the incubator and put the dolphin in through the arm holes and cared for her dolphin that way. Again, I was hit in the stomach with the memory of me putting my arms through those very same holes to "care" for her in the only way I could...by touching her.
It was so amazing to witness.
Caitlyn in the incubator (one of the few that I have managed to scan in) That's Matt's wedding band on her leg.
Caitlyn outside of the incubator
I was amazed at how intent and concentrated she was when she was "working"
She was quite tired after being there all day. We were barely out of the parking lot when this occurred.....I don't think the wedding band would fit on these legs LOL
Monday, July 07, 2008
Playing Catch Up
Sorry for the absence. Once Caitlyn's birthday hit, we were busy busy busy. We had her party with her friends at a place in the mall that is similar to Build A Bear, only way cheaper and just as good. The following day we had family at the house for a BBQ. Once we were settled from the parties, we went to the cottage in Wisconsin with Grandma and Auntie Mary and her boys. Caitlyn had a ball tubing once again this year and swimming was a bit hit again.
In between the events we had a couple really hot days where we didn't go to Grandma Linda's to swim so we played in the sprinkler in the back. Well, Caitlyn played in the sprinkler while I pulled weeds. Then we had Matt's graduation ceremony for his Master's. Which he had no intention of attending until I pretty much forced him to.
Caitlyn picked out the song for the montage. It is currently one of her favorites :)
Rather than posting all of the pictures individually, here they are in a montage. Enjoy :)
In between the events we had a couple really hot days where we didn't go to Grandma Linda's to swim so we played in the sprinkler in the back. Well, Caitlyn played in the sprinkler while I pulled weeds. Then we had Matt's graduation ceremony for his Master's. Which he had no intention of attending until I pretty much forced him to.
Caitlyn picked out the song for the montage. It is currently one of her favorites :)
Rather than posting all of the pictures individually, here they are in a montage. Enjoy :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Happy Birthday to the Coolest Kid I Know
My little girlie is 7 today. Crazy! She woke up at 6 this morning cause she was so excited about it being her birthday. I quickly shagged her back to bed. Only to be woken up not even an hour later with her squealing once again about it being her birthday. I love seeing her so excited.
We have her friends birthday party this afternoon at a place in the mall that is similar to Build A Bear. Tomorrow all of the family and some friends will be over at the house to celebrate with her.
Happy birthday Caitlyn! I love you more than you will ever realize.
More pics to follow in the next few days after all of the celebrations are completed :)
We have her friends birthday party this afternoon at a place in the mall that is similar to Build A Bear. Tomorrow all of the family and some friends will be over at the house to celebrate with her.
Happy birthday Caitlyn! I love you more than you will ever realize.
More pics to follow in the next few days after all of the celebrations are completed :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Caitlyn's Birth Story
I don't think that I have ever typed this all out. While I have made references to it, and discussed memories and such, I've never written the story start to finish. So here it is, be warned, it's long!
On June 15th, I woke up in the middle of the night with a really weird pain in my ribcage. It was right near my sternum. I figured I had some indigestion and didn't want to bother Matt. So I tried going to the bathroom, and couldn't. I tried to lie back down in bed and go to sleep, but I couldn't. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get comfortable. I figured I would go into the living room and watch some TV until I dozed off. Once on the couch, managed to prop up some pillows under my legs and head to get me comfortable enough that I could doze off. But that didn't happen until somewhere around 6:30 and I was supposed to work that day. I decided to call in sick.
I was also supposed to take my cousin to one of her teacher's weddings. We didn't need to leave until the evening, so I figured I would be feeling better by then. I thought all I needed was some sleep and a few trips to the bathroom.
Just as I thought, I felt well enough somewhere around mid afternoon to get ready and take her to the wedding. It was one of the first times I was wearing maternity clothes and was so excited about that. I didn't realize that the next time I would be wearing them would be because of a swollen belly from a c-section and not a baby.
That Sunday, the 17th, we went to my mom's for a BBQ and some swimming in the pool. Once there, my mother informed us that she had forgotten to turn off the heater in the pool all night and the water was insanely warm. Yet, when I was in there, it was like heaven. I later learned that warm baths are one of the only ways to manage the symptoms that I was having. Once out of the pool, I could feel my feet throbbing from swelling when I was sitting in the chair. I just figured it was the middle of the summer and swelling is part and parcel when it comes to pregnancy. Little did I know that this weekend was when everything took a turn for the worst with this pregnancy.
(I later asked the perinatologist if things would have been different if I had come in when I had the first pain. He said "Yes." Which broke my heart, t first. He then said the only thing that would have been different is that I would have been admitted to the hospital 5 days earlier and there is a chance that Caitlyn would have been born more prematurely than she was. So in a sense, I am glad that I didn't go in until I did.)
On June 20th, I woke up in the middle of the night with that pain in my ribcage yet again. Only this time it was much worse. Like the first time, I attempted to lie on the couch with my legs propped on a pillow. Only this time it wasn't helping. Then I felt like I had to throw up, or have a bowel movement, or pee, but nothing would happen. It was almost as if I felt overly "full." So full that it was hard to breathe and get comfortable.
Just like the first time, the pain eventually subsided some and I was able to finally fall asleep. I had just been transferred with my job and I left a message that I wouldn't be in cause I wasn't feeling well. But I was certain that I would be in the following day (HA!) I slept for about 4 hours and when I woke up it was somewhere around noon. Matt told me to call the doctor and I told him that I was feeling better and I didn't think there was any reason to. So I laid around watching TV.
That's when it dawned on me, I hadn't been feeling much movement from Caitlyn. And this kid was a mover and a shaker from the moment I felt the first movement. By this time it was about 2:00pm. So I decided to call the doctor. Figuring I was just being an overly cautious first time pregnant woman. I really thought I was fine and that I had just been experiencing gas or indigestion or something. When I called the doctor's office, they told me that the docs left at 2 and there weren't any there. Thank God for that nurse who answered the phone. I was about to just say thanks and go back and lie down, but she said that she would call the on-call doctor at the hospital and have her call me back.
I had only seen one of the docs in the practice I was with. And he was male, so I had no idea who was calling me back. When all was said and done, it would turn out that to this day I never met the doctor who called me back that day. Also, the hospital that the on-call doc was at was not the hospital that I was supposed to deliver at. My insurance didn't cover that hospital.
When the doctor called me back, she told me to come into the emergency room and they would immediately send me up to labor and delivery because of where I was at gestationally, 25 weeks 2 days. She said that it could be a variety of things including, but not limited to, gas, indigestion, growing pains. She was also pretty light about the situation and said that if anything, we would have an ultrasound down and we would get a peek at the baby. All good with me.
I hadn't showered or shaved and I pussy footed around the house, taking my time getting ready. I figured if we waited closer to dinner, then we could stop off at Hooter's which was a couple blocks from the hospital, on the way home. As a matter of fact, I made mention to Matt to make sure that he had his insulin when we were walking out the door; now I had it in my head that I would be chowing on some wings in a couple of hours. I couldn't have been more wrong.
When we got to the ER, they called up to L&D and we were sent up right away, just like the doctor had said. Once up there, I was asked a billion times how far apart my contractions were. I kept insisting that I wasn't in labor, I just had this really weird discomfort that was pretty much gone now and the baby wasn't as active as usual. They left Matt and I in a waiting room up there for about an hour. To be honest with you, I really think they forgot about me because I wasn't technically in labor. It was during that time that I seriously contemplated just getting up and leaving. Thank God that Matt had the sense to tell me that since we were already there, we may as well just stay.
Finally we were put in a room and they began the usual checks, blood pressure, temp, etc. They didn't do a pelvic exam though as I told them I was not having contractions. A nurse mentioned to me that because this was the second time that I had experienced this pain, that there was a good possibility that it was a gall bladder attack and may have had something to do with what I was eating. She said they were going to draw some blood and see what was going on, but that there was a chance I would need surgery to remove my gallbladder.
To say I was horrified is an understatement. Remove an organ while I'm pregnant? All I could think was that this was craziness in it's rawest sense! None the less, we figured if it needed to be done, then that's what we would do. So we called our families, we didn't call on our way to the hospital so as not to make anyone worry. We really thought that I was being over cautious! We told all of them that they could stay right at home, not to fret about me and the baby, we would call them when we knew for sure what was going on with my gallbladder.
About an hour and a half later, everything changed. Drastically.
Up until this point, I had only been seen by nurses. Now there was a doctor in my room. She said that my blood work brought up some red flags. She asked me if I ever had high blood pressure. Nope, it's typically very low. She told me that they were going to draw some more blood and investigate this further, but that they didn't think it was my gall bladder anymore. They thought I was experiencing pre eclampsia. She went into it briefly, but told me that they still wanted to run more test to be sure. It was as this point that I was told I couldn't get out of the bed. Not even for the bathroom.
Another nurse came in and started to tell me about magnesium sulfate, which I kindly refer to as death in an IV bag. She said that it would be administered for my blood pressure and to ward off any pre term labor.
Now Matt and I were starting to become concerned. After all, I had gas and I wanted Hooters wings! And now I couldn't get out of bed and I was going to be having an IV? When the nurse came in to hook up and start the IV, we demanded to know what had changed in the last half hour that was making all of this necessary. UP until this point, our course of action was to just keep an eye on me and run some more test. Now suddenly they were talking about preterm labor and bed rest? She said that she was just following the orders on my chart and she would have a doctor come in and talk to me asap. She didn't even hook up the IV, she knew we needed answers and we needed them now. She also knew that we needed to figure out what our course of action was going to be and that decision of ours would determine the course of treatment on me.
And she did just that. And that conversation changed our lives forever.
The doctor was wonderful. She sat next to my bed, held my hand, and told me that I had a condition called HELLP syndrome. She went on to explain the acronym and what each of the letters meant. Her last sentence to me before getting up and walking out of the room is one that will never be erased from my memory. She said, "You are going to have this baby within 48 hours."
Just like that. And she got up and walked out. It was as if she knew that Matt and I would have to take in that sentence and digest it. To say we were stunned is an understatement. As is saying we were shocked. We didn't know what in the world to do with this information. And that was okay. We talked to each other for about 10 minutes about what had just happened. We decided that we needed to call our families and tell them what was happening. Just as I was giving Matt the number to my work to call my boss, the nurse came back in to begin the mag sulfate. She also told us that there would be a neonatologist in our room shortly to discuss what occurs with a baby born at 25 weeks gestation. There was also going to be a visit from a perinatologist to discuss what our options were regarding the pregnancy.
Matt left the room to make phone calls. A few minutes after he came back, the perinatologist was in knocking at the door. He was one of the kindest most caring doctors I have ever met in my life. He told us that his priority was to take care of his patient, which was me. I felt such relief knowing that this man really cared about what was happening to me and my body.
Once he was gone, the neonatologist came in. To say he was gentle and kind, like the perinatologist, would be a lie. He appeared cold and detached. He had nothing but horrible things to say about what lay ahead for Matt, me, and this baby. But if he was anything, he was certainly honest. Brutally honest in fact. I knew what my child would be up against being born at this gestation. After all, I worked with kids who were born at later gestations who had some pretty significant disabilities.
We had made our decisions regarding care and resuscitation known to the staff. There was nothing left to do but wait to see what my body would do and when it would do it. It wouldn't take long actually. Caitlyn would be born within 12 hours of all of these discussions taking place.
I was transferred to another room, the lights were turned off, the shades were drawn, the sound on the TV was muted and Matt was told not to turn it up, the light in the bathroom was dimmed with explicit instructions not to make it brighter, the bed rails were wrapped in blankets and an ultrasound machine was wheeled in.
Things became a blur for me at that point. The medicines had taken their toll, as did my psyche. I seemed to fade in and out of consciousness, waking only when one of the many machines I was hooked up to would beep because of my soaring blood pressure or an empty IV required refilling or when someone would poke me with yet another needle.
I had 4 ultrasounds to measure various things. They were looking at the size of the baby to determine if I was correct in regards to gestation. I remember them telling me that Caitlyn would weigh about 2 pounds! They were so off! They were also looking at amniotic fluid levels, which were steadily declining. They were watching her heart rate which was consistently level. Which I later found out was a bad thing as it is supposed to be a little jumpy, within a normal range of course.
Throughout all of this, Caitlyn was faring pretty well. Her body was trying to speed up a few things because of all of the stress my body was putting on her. I remember a doctor telling me that there is a point in which her systems will try to speed up maturation because of what was happening with me. And it will help for a little while until the stress of my body takes over and does irreparable damage. But my girlie was hanging in there.
Suddenly, at 5:40am on June 21, about 12 hours after I was admitted, there was craziness in my room. All of the lights came on, despite the orders that it was to be dark, and there were about 7 doctors and nurses in the room, despite the orders for minimal stimulation. The results of my last blood test had been very poor. Early on, I had asked the doctor what would be the deciding factor in when I would deliver. He told me that they would not allow my platelet count to go below 50,000. I asked what a normal count was and he told me that a normal low is 120,000. Hmmm. Huge difference.
Based on the results of my last blood test, they needed to deliver Caitlyn now. There was a flurry of activity in my room, IVs being changed, monitors being unhooked, catheters being placed. And suddenly I was being wheeled down the hall in my bed to an operating room.
There was even more activity in that room. And I remember it being so bright that the light hurt my eyes. I had been in a dark room for so many hours that I couldn't adjust to it. My arms were strapped down. I remember the perinatologist coming up to me and telling me that I was going to be okay. He made no mention of my baby though. I started shaking so uncontrollably that no matter what I did I couldn't stop it. I was scared and I was cold. Then I started to cry. I had no one there with me. Matt couldn't be there because they were too afraid of what would happen once they cut me open. They weren't sure about my blood's ability to clot. They weren't sure how much damage my liver had sustained and whether or not they would need to repair that. They weren't sure if my kidneys would begin to be fully functional. Because of those unknowns, they had to make sure that no one was in the room should they have to continue treatment on me once they delivered Caitlyn.
That amazing doctor who sat and help my hand as she told me the fate of my pregnancy, was there next to my head. She saw me shaking and crying, and my futile attempts to wiggle my arm out of the strap. She had another nurse unstrap my arm, I itched my nose and then she took my hand. She told me she would hold it the entire time. I can remember the look in her eyes and how she looked at me so lovingly. I doubt that she held my hand through the surgery, but I want to believe with everything in me that she did. She was the only person I had to cling to emotionally.
The anesthesiologist was at my head ready to begin. He didn't even give me the old "count back" speech. He told me that when he put the mask on my face, he wanted me to take in large deep breaths, as hard as I could. I wanted nothing more in that moment that the mask on my face and to be far far away from all that was happening. I think I started breathing deep before that plastic even touched my skin. Once on me, I breathed deeper and harder than I have ever done in my life. All to no avail. I wasn't passing out. I could feel my throat closing. I could still hear what was going on around me and I couldn't breathe. And I had no way of telling anyone. I heard the anesthesiologist tell someone that they needed to press down on my throat. I felt someone do that and I still couldn't breathe. Then I heard the perinatologist say, "I can't wait anymore, I have to cut now." And that's the last thing I remember.
I'm not sure if the anesthesia finally kicked in, or if I passed out from that comment made by the doctor. Either way, my daughter was about to come into this world 15 weeks premature and surprising all of the doctors by taking one single breath before they intubated her. This all happened only 27 minutes after the results of that final batch of blood work.
And here we are, almost 7 years later! Caitlyn shows no signs of being born early at all. She is currently receiving incredible grades at school and scoring in the top percentages of her class when it comes to reading testing. She has never ceased to amaze me!
On June 15th, I woke up in the middle of the night with a really weird pain in my ribcage. It was right near my sternum. I figured I had some indigestion and didn't want to bother Matt. So I tried going to the bathroom, and couldn't. I tried to lie back down in bed and go to sleep, but I couldn't. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get comfortable. I figured I would go into the living room and watch some TV until I dozed off. Once on the couch, managed to prop up some pillows under my legs and head to get me comfortable enough that I could doze off. But that didn't happen until somewhere around 6:30 and I was supposed to work that day. I decided to call in sick.
I was also supposed to take my cousin to one of her teacher's weddings. We didn't need to leave until the evening, so I figured I would be feeling better by then. I thought all I needed was some sleep and a few trips to the bathroom.
Just as I thought, I felt well enough somewhere around mid afternoon to get ready and take her to the wedding. It was one of the first times I was wearing maternity clothes and was so excited about that. I didn't realize that the next time I would be wearing them would be because of a swollen belly from a c-section and not a baby.
That Sunday, the 17th, we went to my mom's for a BBQ and some swimming in the pool. Once there, my mother informed us that she had forgotten to turn off the heater in the pool all night and the water was insanely warm. Yet, when I was in there, it was like heaven. I later learned that warm baths are one of the only ways to manage the symptoms that I was having. Once out of the pool, I could feel my feet throbbing from swelling when I was sitting in the chair. I just figured it was the middle of the summer and swelling is part and parcel when it comes to pregnancy. Little did I know that this weekend was when everything took a turn for the worst with this pregnancy.
(I later asked the perinatologist if things would have been different if I had come in when I had the first pain. He said "Yes." Which broke my heart, t first. He then said the only thing that would have been different is that I would have been admitted to the hospital 5 days earlier and there is a chance that Caitlyn would have been born more prematurely than she was. So in a sense, I am glad that I didn't go in until I did.)
On June 20th, I woke up in the middle of the night with that pain in my ribcage yet again. Only this time it was much worse. Like the first time, I attempted to lie on the couch with my legs propped on a pillow. Only this time it wasn't helping. Then I felt like I had to throw up, or have a bowel movement, or pee, but nothing would happen. It was almost as if I felt overly "full." So full that it was hard to breathe and get comfortable.
Just like the first time, the pain eventually subsided some and I was able to finally fall asleep. I had just been transferred with my job and I left a message that I wouldn't be in cause I wasn't feeling well. But I was certain that I would be in the following day (HA!) I slept for about 4 hours and when I woke up it was somewhere around noon. Matt told me to call the doctor and I told him that I was feeling better and I didn't think there was any reason to. So I laid around watching TV.
That's when it dawned on me, I hadn't been feeling much movement from Caitlyn. And this kid was a mover and a shaker from the moment I felt the first movement. By this time it was about 2:00pm. So I decided to call the doctor. Figuring I was just being an overly cautious first time pregnant woman. I really thought I was fine and that I had just been experiencing gas or indigestion or something. When I called the doctor's office, they told me that the docs left at 2 and there weren't any there. Thank God for that nurse who answered the phone. I was about to just say thanks and go back and lie down, but she said that she would call the on-call doctor at the hospital and have her call me back.
I had only seen one of the docs in the practice I was with. And he was male, so I had no idea who was calling me back. When all was said and done, it would turn out that to this day I never met the doctor who called me back that day. Also, the hospital that the on-call doc was at was not the hospital that I was supposed to deliver at. My insurance didn't cover that hospital.
When the doctor called me back, she told me to come into the emergency room and they would immediately send me up to labor and delivery because of where I was at gestationally, 25 weeks 2 days. She said that it could be a variety of things including, but not limited to, gas, indigestion, growing pains. She was also pretty light about the situation and said that if anything, we would have an ultrasound down and we would get a peek at the baby. All good with me.
I hadn't showered or shaved and I pussy footed around the house, taking my time getting ready. I figured if we waited closer to dinner, then we could stop off at Hooter's which was a couple blocks from the hospital, on the way home. As a matter of fact, I made mention to Matt to make sure that he had his insulin when we were walking out the door; now I had it in my head that I would be chowing on some wings in a couple of hours. I couldn't have been more wrong.
When we got to the ER, they called up to L&D and we were sent up right away, just like the doctor had said. Once up there, I was asked a billion times how far apart my contractions were. I kept insisting that I wasn't in labor, I just had this really weird discomfort that was pretty much gone now and the baby wasn't as active as usual. They left Matt and I in a waiting room up there for about an hour. To be honest with you, I really think they forgot about me because I wasn't technically in labor. It was during that time that I seriously contemplated just getting up and leaving. Thank God that Matt had the sense to tell me that since we were already there, we may as well just stay.
Finally we were put in a room and they began the usual checks, blood pressure, temp, etc. They didn't do a pelvic exam though as I told them I was not having contractions. A nurse mentioned to me that because this was the second time that I had experienced this pain, that there was a good possibility that it was a gall bladder attack and may have had something to do with what I was eating. She said they were going to draw some blood and see what was going on, but that there was a chance I would need surgery to remove my gallbladder.
To say I was horrified is an understatement. Remove an organ while I'm pregnant? All I could think was that this was craziness in it's rawest sense! None the less, we figured if it needed to be done, then that's what we would do. So we called our families, we didn't call on our way to the hospital so as not to make anyone worry. We really thought that I was being over cautious! We told all of them that they could stay right at home, not to fret about me and the baby, we would call them when we knew for sure what was going on with my gallbladder.
About an hour and a half later, everything changed. Drastically.
Up until this point, I had only been seen by nurses. Now there was a doctor in my room. She said that my blood work brought up some red flags. She asked me if I ever had high blood pressure. Nope, it's typically very low. She told me that they were going to draw some more blood and investigate this further, but that they didn't think it was my gall bladder anymore. They thought I was experiencing pre eclampsia. She went into it briefly, but told me that they still wanted to run more test to be sure. It was as this point that I was told I couldn't get out of the bed. Not even for the bathroom.
Another nurse came in and started to tell me about magnesium sulfate, which I kindly refer to as death in an IV bag. She said that it would be administered for my blood pressure and to ward off any pre term labor.
Now Matt and I were starting to become concerned. After all, I had gas and I wanted Hooters wings! And now I couldn't get out of bed and I was going to be having an IV? When the nurse came in to hook up and start the IV, we demanded to know what had changed in the last half hour that was making all of this necessary. UP until this point, our course of action was to just keep an eye on me and run some more test. Now suddenly they were talking about preterm labor and bed rest? She said that she was just following the orders on my chart and she would have a doctor come in and talk to me asap. She didn't even hook up the IV, she knew we needed answers and we needed them now. She also knew that we needed to figure out what our course of action was going to be and that decision of ours would determine the course of treatment on me.
And she did just that. And that conversation changed our lives forever.
The doctor was wonderful. She sat next to my bed, held my hand, and told me that I had a condition called HELLP syndrome. She went on to explain the acronym and what each of the letters meant. Her last sentence to me before getting up and walking out of the room is one that will never be erased from my memory. She said, "You are going to have this baby within 48 hours."
Just like that. And she got up and walked out. It was as if she knew that Matt and I would have to take in that sentence and digest it. To say we were stunned is an understatement. As is saying we were shocked. We didn't know what in the world to do with this information. And that was okay. We talked to each other for about 10 minutes about what had just happened. We decided that we needed to call our families and tell them what was happening. Just as I was giving Matt the number to my work to call my boss, the nurse came back in to begin the mag sulfate. She also told us that there would be a neonatologist in our room shortly to discuss what occurs with a baby born at 25 weeks gestation. There was also going to be a visit from a perinatologist to discuss what our options were regarding the pregnancy.
Matt left the room to make phone calls. A few minutes after he came back, the perinatologist was in knocking at the door. He was one of the kindest most caring doctors I have ever met in my life. He told us that his priority was to take care of his patient, which was me. I felt such relief knowing that this man really cared about what was happening to me and my body.
Once he was gone, the neonatologist came in. To say he was gentle and kind, like the perinatologist, would be a lie. He appeared cold and detached. He had nothing but horrible things to say about what lay ahead for Matt, me, and this baby. But if he was anything, he was certainly honest. Brutally honest in fact. I knew what my child would be up against being born at this gestation. After all, I worked with kids who were born at later gestations who had some pretty significant disabilities.
We had made our decisions regarding care and resuscitation known to the staff. There was nothing left to do but wait to see what my body would do and when it would do it. It wouldn't take long actually. Caitlyn would be born within 12 hours of all of these discussions taking place.
I was transferred to another room, the lights were turned off, the shades were drawn, the sound on the TV was muted and Matt was told not to turn it up, the light in the bathroom was dimmed with explicit instructions not to make it brighter, the bed rails were wrapped in blankets and an ultrasound machine was wheeled in.
Things became a blur for me at that point. The medicines had taken their toll, as did my psyche. I seemed to fade in and out of consciousness, waking only when one of the many machines I was hooked up to would beep because of my soaring blood pressure or an empty IV required refilling or when someone would poke me with yet another needle.
I had 4 ultrasounds to measure various things. They were looking at the size of the baby to determine if I was correct in regards to gestation. I remember them telling me that Caitlyn would weigh about 2 pounds! They were so off! They were also looking at amniotic fluid levels, which were steadily declining. They were watching her heart rate which was consistently level. Which I later found out was a bad thing as it is supposed to be a little jumpy, within a normal range of course.
Throughout all of this, Caitlyn was faring pretty well. Her body was trying to speed up a few things because of all of the stress my body was putting on her. I remember a doctor telling me that there is a point in which her systems will try to speed up maturation because of what was happening with me. And it will help for a little while until the stress of my body takes over and does irreparable damage. But my girlie was hanging in there.
Suddenly, at 5:40am on June 21, about 12 hours after I was admitted, there was craziness in my room. All of the lights came on, despite the orders that it was to be dark, and there were about 7 doctors and nurses in the room, despite the orders for minimal stimulation. The results of my last blood test had been very poor. Early on, I had asked the doctor what would be the deciding factor in when I would deliver. He told me that they would not allow my platelet count to go below 50,000. I asked what a normal count was and he told me that a normal low is 120,000. Hmmm. Huge difference.
Based on the results of my last blood test, they needed to deliver Caitlyn now. There was a flurry of activity in my room, IVs being changed, monitors being unhooked, catheters being placed. And suddenly I was being wheeled down the hall in my bed to an operating room.
There was even more activity in that room. And I remember it being so bright that the light hurt my eyes. I had been in a dark room for so many hours that I couldn't adjust to it. My arms were strapped down. I remember the perinatologist coming up to me and telling me that I was going to be okay. He made no mention of my baby though. I started shaking so uncontrollably that no matter what I did I couldn't stop it. I was scared and I was cold. Then I started to cry. I had no one there with me. Matt couldn't be there because they were too afraid of what would happen once they cut me open. They weren't sure about my blood's ability to clot. They weren't sure how much damage my liver had sustained and whether or not they would need to repair that. They weren't sure if my kidneys would begin to be fully functional. Because of those unknowns, they had to make sure that no one was in the room should they have to continue treatment on me once they delivered Caitlyn.
That amazing doctor who sat and help my hand as she told me the fate of my pregnancy, was there next to my head. She saw me shaking and crying, and my futile attempts to wiggle my arm out of the strap. She had another nurse unstrap my arm, I itched my nose and then she took my hand. She told me she would hold it the entire time. I can remember the look in her eyes and how she looked at me so lovingly. I doubt that she held my hand through the surgery, but I want to believe with everything in me that she did. She was the only person I had to cling to emotionally.
The anesthesiologist was at my head ready to begin. He didn't even give me the old "count back" speech. He told me that when he put the mask on my face, he wanted me to take in large deep breaths, as hard as I could. I wanted nothing more in that moment that the mask on my face and to be far far away from all that was happening. I think I started breathing deep before that plastic even touched my skin. Once on me, I breathed deeper and harder than I have ever done in my life. All to no avail. I wasn't passing out. I could feel my throat closing. I could still hear what was going on around me and I couldn't breathe. And I had no way of telling anyone. I heard the anesthesiologist tell someone that they needed to press down on my throat. I felt someone do that and I still couldn't breathe. Then I heard the perinatologist say, "I can't wait anymore, I have to cut now." And that's the last thing I remember.
I'm not sure if the anesthesia finally kicked in, or if I passed out from that comment made by the doctor. Either way, my daughter was about to come into this world 15 weeks premature and surprising all of the doctors by taking one single breath before they intubated her. This all happened only 27 minutes after the results of that final batch of blood work.
And here we are, almost 7 years later! Caitlyn shows no signs of being born early at all. She is currently receiving incredible grades at school and scoring in the top percentages of her class when it comes to reading testing. She has never ceased to amaze me!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Dance Recital
Caitlyn tried Hip Hop this time around. Now that she has finished it, she said she is ready to go back to ballet. To be honest, I think she does better at ballet than she does hip hop. But she wanted to try it, so why not. And she had so much fun with it!
Naturally, they danced to a High School Musical song, I Don't Dance.
The recital was on June 1st, and she had about 15 people from the family there to see her. So she felt like a complete superstar for the entire day. Afterwards, everyone came over to the house for some grilling and a fire. All in all, it was a really good day.
For some reason, most of the pictures that I took came out really crappy. So I don't have that many good ones. We did video it, but I have to get that uploaded to photobucket before I can get it on here. All in due time I guess.
Here she is front and center of course (she will have it no other way in life it seems)
Curtain call
This is from the day before when we went out to dinner after the dress rehearsal. But holy cow, look at those eyes!!
Here she is with her instructor, Miss Kaleen. Who we absolutely adore. She is so good with the girls and she is just as cute as can be. Caitlyn loved her, and is begging me to pay for private lessons with her. Which Miss Kaleen said Caitlyn should do to improve the skills that she has. However, that certainly wouldn't improve my bank account as Miss Kaleen charges a good penny for her services. But she is a very good instructor and said she sees a lot of potential in Caitlyn and would like to expand on that. We haven't come to a conclusion yet about what we are going to do.
And here she is with her friend Angelina from school. Notice Matt and Rita in the background. Know what they are looking at?? Somehow my kid managed to get her face on the flyer announcing the show this year. Again, front and center is the only place for her.
I will get the Brownies pictures uploaded soon.
Naturally, they danced to a High School Musical song, I Don't Dance.
The recital was on June 1st, and she had about 15 people from the family there to see her. So she felt like a complete superstar for the entire day. Afterwards, everyone came over to the house for some grilling and a fire. All in all, it was a really good day.
For some reason, most of the pictures that I took came out really crappy. So I don't have that many good ones. We did video it, but I have to get that uploaded to photobucket before I can get it on here. All in due time I guess.
Here she is front and center of course (she will have it no other way in life it seems)
Curtain call
This is from the day before when we went out to dinner after the dress rehearsal. But holy cow, look at those eyes!!
Here she is with her instructor, Miss Kaleen. Who we absolutely adore. She is so good with the girls and she is just as cute as can be. Caitlyn loved her, and is begging me to pay for private lessons with her. Which Miss Kaleen said Caitlyn should do to improve the skills that she has. However, that certainly wouldn't improve my bank account as Miss Kaleen charges a good penny for her services. But she is a very good instructor and said she sees a lot of potential in Caitlyn and would like to expand on that. We haven't come to a conclusion yet about what we are going to do.
And here she is with her friend Angelina from school. Notice Matt and Rita in the background. Know what they are looking at?? Somehow my kid managed to get her face on the flyer announcing the show this year. Again, front and center is the only place for her.
I will get the Brownies pictures uploaded soon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Long Time no Blog!
I've been busy. With the end of the school year for me, things get crazy. I am also nearing the end of the 2 classes that I am taking, so I am finishing up a few projects that are due. Things have been really busy with the end of Caitlyn's school year as well. She finished up her dance class and had her recital, finished up Brownies and had her awards ceremony, and will be finishing up school this week.
Second grade folks!! Where in the world have the last 2 years gone?? I can NOT believe that she is going to be starting second grade. Almost surreal to think. Finishing up first grade also means turning 7 shortly thereafter. 7!!! S.E.V.E.N!!! That's insane. I really don't know when she managed to get so old.
Naturally, with her birthday approaching, there is always much reflecting that goes into the weeks surrounding her birthday. I am working on her birth story as it occurred to me that I have never written it here. So I am finishing that up, and I will warn you, it really is so much longer than I had wanted to it be.
Hopefully I will get some pics of the recital up here soon and the pics of her in her brownies get up.
WOOOOHOOOO school is out and the warm weather has arrived :)
Second grade folks!! Where in the world have the last 2 years gone?? I can NOT believe that she is going to be starting second grade. Almost surreal to think. Finishing up first grade also means turning 7 shortly thereafter. 7!!! S.E.V.E.N!!! That's insane. I really don't know when she managed to get so old.
Naturally, with her birthday approaching, there is always much reflecting that goes into the weeks surrounding her birthday. I am working on her birth story as it occurred to me that I have never written it here. So I am finishing that up, and I will warn you, it really is so much longer than I had wanted to it be.
Hopefully I will get some pics of the recital up here soon and the pics of her in her brownies get up.
WOOOOHOOOO school is out and the warm weather has arrived :)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Spring Concert and Other Things
Caitlyn had her spring concert at school today. They sang The Lollipop Tree and another song that I have never heard of. Was quite cute. And my kid looked adorable (as if there was any question???) I was able to take the day off so that I could go and watch. Which is always nice. The auditorium wasn't nearly as crowded as it is for the Christmas assembly though. Which I find interesting. Here are some pics of the girl:
Showing off the outfit (she is all girl and it is always about the clothes)
Here she is on stage. Note the boy in front of her in the plaid shirt. That would be Hugo. The man of her dreams. Who, she found out from another girl at school yesterday, does in fact like her as well. I'm not exactly sure what this "relationship entails. But I certainly need to monitor the situation as she loves talking about him.
And here she is when she came off the stage. Really folks, look at that mouth. What in God's name is going on in that thing?? Is there any question about whether or not braces are in our future? If you are questioning it, I think you're foolish. There is no avoiding it for this child. And this picture is proof of that fact.
And here are the boys doing what they do best.
Only 15 days of school left for me. That can't happen soon enough. I don't think I am doing summer school this year either. If I do, it will only be 5-7 days spread out over 5 weeks. That totally works for me.
I am nearing the end of the term for school too, that ends June 18th. I have already registered for a summer class. It will be a bit more intense because it is only 6 weeks long and meets 2 nights a week for 2 hours each meeting. But the sooner I can get done with all of these classes the better.
Showing off the outfit (she is all girl and it is always about the clothes)
Here she is on stage. Note the boy in front of her in the plaid shirt. That would be Hugo. The man of her dreams. Who, she found out from another girl at school yesterday, does in fact like her as well. I'm not exactly sure what this "relationship entails. But I certainly need to monitor the situation as she loves talking about him.
And here she is when she came off the stage. Really folks, look at that mouth. What in God's name is going on in that thing?? Is there any question about whether or not braces are in our future? If you are questioning it, I think you're foolish. There is no avoiding it for this child. And this picture is proof of that fact.
And here are the boys doing what they do best.
Only 15 days of school left for me. That can't happen soon enough. I don't think I am doing summer school this year either. If I do, it will only be 5-7 days spread out over 5 weeks. That totally works for me.
I am nearing the end of the term for school too, that ends June 18th. I have already registered for a summer class. It will be a bit more intense because it is only 6 weeks long and meets 2 nights a week for 2 hours each meeting. But the sooner I can get done with all of these classes the better.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Another Tooth is Gone
Number 6. And of those 6, only 2 have actually grown back.
Caitlyn came into my room on Monday morning at 3:30 hollering for me. I truly thought she was bleeding profusely, she was so hysterical. Turns out she woke up to go to the bathroom. While on the toilet, she tried to wiggle her loose tooth with her tongue, and the tooth popped off and got stuck on her tongue. Sounds funny, I know. But what else should she be doing when she is on the potty at 3:30 in the morning but wiggling her loose tooth? When she finally got it unstuck, that's when she hollered for me.
I told her that it was too late for the tooth fairy to come now and that we would put the tooth under her pillow that night. Mainly because my lazy ass wasn't looking for the tooth fairy pillow and waiting for her to go back to sleep so that I could put money in it.
About these teeth that haven't grown in, it's the oddest thing really. The dentist tells me that as long as they are under the gums there is no need to worry. He said that they could possibly take a year or more to come in. She lost one front tooth in June and the other in August. So we are approaching that year mark soon. But the interesting thing is that they are breaking through her gums, just not where you would expect them too. They are coming through on the top. It's kind of hard to explain, I will try to get a picture up here soon. Needless to say, I am almost certain that this kid is going to need braces. Her mouth just looks way too jacked up not to need them. Time will tell. We have our 6 month visit to Dr. Mike coming soon, and Caitlyn has to have xrays done. So that will be helpful in telling us what in the world is going on.
Matt is healing nicely. He is very itch from his brazilian because it is starting to grow back in now. Hopefully he will be back t normal in a few days.
And finally.....the countdown begins.....22 days of school left for me. WOOT!!!! I may do about 5 or 6 days of summer school, but that is it. This will be one of the first summers that I actually have the entire summer off. It really makes the countdown that much more meaningful for me :)
Caitlyn came into my room on Monday morning at 3:30 hollering for me. I truly thought she was bleeding profusely, she was so hysterical. Turns out she woke up to go to the bathroom. While on the toilet, she tried to wiggle her loose tooth with her tongue, and the tooth popped off and got stuck on her tongue. Sounds funny, I know. But what else should she be doing when she is on the potty at 3:30 in the morning but wiggling her loose tooth? When she finally got it unstuck, that's when she hollered for me.
I told her that it was too late for the tooth fairy to come now and that we would put the tooth under her pillow that night. Mainly because my lazy ass wasn't looking for the tooth fairy pillow and waiting for her to go back to sleep so that I could put money in it.
About these teeth that haven't grown in, it's the oddest thing really. The dentist tells me that as long as they are under the gums there is no need to worry. He said that they could possibly take a year or more to come in. She lost one front tooth in June and the other in August. So we are approaching that year mark soon. But the interesting thing is that they are breaking through her gums, just not where you would expect them too. They are coming through on the top. It's kind of hard to explain, I will try to get a picture up here soon. Needless to say, I am almost certain that this kid is going to need braces. Her mouth just looks way too jacked up not to need them. Time will tell. We have our 6 month visit to Dr. Mike coming soon, and Caitlyn has to have xrays done. So that will be helpful in telling us what in the world is going on.
Matt is healing nicely. He is very itch from his brazilian because it is starting to grow back in now. Hopefully he will be back t normal in a few days.
And finally.....the countdown begins.....22 days of school left for me. WOOT!!!! I may do about 5 or 6 days of summer school, but that is it. This will be one of the first summers that I actually have the entire summer off. It really makes the countdown that much more meaningful for me :)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Long Weekend
It's weird looking at your husband knowing that in a few months he will be completely sterile. Very weird. I think it's certainly going to take some time to get used to it.
I stayed home with Matt on Thursday (obviously) and I took Friday off as well. Last week, Matt had said that he was probably going to go golfing on Friday since he had already taken the day off. I told him he was crazy. That there was no way he was going to be able to golf. That he would be far too sore for that. He basically told me that I didn't know what I was talking about. Guess what? He was far too sore to do much of anything on Friday, let alone golf. He even admitted that I was right. I love those moments.
I was able to get a load of work done for school while he was sleeping most of the day and Caitlyn was at school. I have done all the research and written an outline (with the exception of 2 small parts) for the entire project. It isn't due until the 21st, but I wanted to get the bulk of it done because I have 2 other projects due around that same time. So I am trying to stay on top of things here. Now all I have to do is type the information out and administer the test/evaluation that I was critiquing. Both of those things re relatively simple.
That means I can start one of the other projects this week. The one I am planning on starting is just a reflections journal on some observations that I had to do. So it's pretty simple. Which is why I did the test critique first as that one is more difficult.
I also was able to complete my financial aid forms. (Like they're really going to give me any damn money?) I know I won't be getting financial assistance based on our income. But you have to apply for it in order to apply for student loans. Which is how we are going to have to pay for this whole thing. My district does have tuition reimbursement. However, you have to pay up front, complete the class, turn in your grades, and then they will reimburse you. In OCTOBER! They only reimburse in October. That's the craziest thing I have ever heard of. But whatever, I will try to get the loans and then it will be nice treat for me come October when I do get the money back. The shitty thing about it is, we have paid off all of our student loans from undergrad. Long ago we managed to pay them off. And now we will be swimming in them again. Such is life, I suppose it will pay off in the long run.
Here's a funny. I am 5 weeks into the term, and I just got my acceptance letter to the school yesterday. Bizarre.
No new Caitlyn news this weekend. She has another loose tooth. When this one decides to fall out, she will have already lost 6 teeth. Mind you, only 2 of those have grown in. The poor kid has gaping holes all over her damn mouth. Matt and I are going to start saving for the braces now. Cause we know they are in our future. No doubt.
Beginning to plan the birthday party. 7 folks! 7!!! It's weird to me when people ask me how old my daughter is and I have to tell them that she will be 7 next month. It's very strange to hear me say that to other people. Good lord the kid is making her way to double digits quickly.
I stayed home with Matt on Thursday (obviously) and I took Friday off as well. Last week, Matt had said that he was probably going to go golfing on Friday since he had already taken the day off. I told him he was crazy. That there was no way he was going to be able to golf. That he would be far too sore for that. He basically told me that I didn't know what I was talking about. Guess what? He was far too sore to do much of anything on Friday, let alone golf. He even admitted that I was right. I love those moments.
I was able to get a load of work done for school while he was sleeping most of the day and Caitlyn was at school. I have done all the research and written an outline (with the exception of 2 small parts) for the entire project. It isn't due until the 21st, but I wanted to get the bulk of it done because I have 2 other projects due around that same time. So I am trying to stay on top of things here. Now all I have to do is type the information out and administer the test/evaluation that I was critiquing. Both of those things re relatively simple.
That means I can start one of the other projects this week. The one I am planning on starting is just a reflections journal on some observations that I had to do. So it's pretty simple. Which is why I did the test critique first as that one is more difficult.
I also was able to complete my financial aid forms. (Like they're really going to give me any damn money?) I know I won't be getting financial assistance based on our income. But you have to apply for it in order to apply for student loans. Which is how we are going to have to pay for this whole thing. My district does have tuition reimbursement. However, you have to pay up front, complete the class, turn in your grades, and then they will reimburse you. In OCTOBER! They only reimburse in October. That's the craziest thing I have ever heard of. But whatever, I will try to get the loans and then it will be nice treat for me come October when I do get the money back. The shitty thing about it is, we have paid off all of our student loans from undergrad. Long ago we managed to pay them off. And now we will be swimming in them again. Such is life, I suppose it will pay off in the long run.
Here's a funny. I am 5 weeks into the term, and I just got my acceptance letter to the school yesterday. Bizarre.
No new Caitlyn news this weekend. She has another loose tooth. When this one decides to fall out, she will have already lost 6 teeth. Mind you, only 2 of those have grown in. The poor kid has gaping holes all over her damn mouth. Matt and I are going to start saving for the braces now. Cause we know they are in our future. No doubt.
Beginning to plan the birthday party. 7 folks! 7!!! It's weird to me when people ask me how old my daughter is and I have to tell them that she will be 7 next month. It's very strange to hear me say that to other people. Good lord the kid is making her way to double digits quickly.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
It's Done
And I'm not really sure I how feel about it. Obviously, I have to be okay with it, because there is no going back now. But once the doctor came in and they started to wheel Matt's gurney out of the room, I left the hospital to go outside. Once in the car, I cried. I didn't realize until the moment they were taking him away just how much I would be effected by it. In the midst of my crying, I cursed my body for crapping out on us 3 times. 3!! Granted, I got an amazing kid out of one of those times. But it crapped out that time none the less.
I called my best friend and told her how sad I was. Amazingly, she was wide awake at 8:30 in the morning. Which is unheard of. And she listened to me and made me feel better. Hearing myself tell her the reasons why this was the best decision for my family helped me to know for sure that it was.
But damn it, it really sucks. And it hurts.
Enough of the pity party. Matt is doing great. He is in quite a bit of pain. And he is pretty swollen. But overall, he feels really good.
Caitlyn thinks he has a stomach ache and that we went to the hospital for blood work. She is none the wiser, and doesn't need to be. She would never be able to understand this at her age.
On that note....here are some pictures of my amazingly beautiful daughter. Could she be any more gorgeous??
I called my best friend and told her how sad I was. Amazingly, she was wide awake at 8:30 in the morning. Which is unheard of. And she listened to me and made me feel better. Hearing myself tell her the reasons why this was the best decision for my family helped me to know for sure that it was.
But damn it, it really sucks. And it hurts.
Enough of the pity party. Matt is doing great. He is in quite a bit of pain. And he is pretty swollen. But overall, he feels really good.
Caitlyn thinks he has a stomach ache and that we went to the hospital for blood work. She is none the wiser, and doesn't need to be. She would never be able to understand this at her age.
On that note....here are some pictures of my amazingly beautiful daughter. Could she be any more gorgeous??
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tomorrow is the big day
Matt is going in for surgery at 6:30 tomorrow morning.
I am so torn with this decision. I guess I just hate the finality of it. While I know that it is in the best interest of my little family to have this done, it's just such a hard thing to let go of completely. I would probably be more comfortable with the decision if we had 2 or 3 children and those pregnancies were all well and good. But when you have a life threatening condition that forces you to give birth to a 25 weeker, and then go on to have 2 more miscarriages, I think it's safe to assume that the odds are just stacked up against us.
What I keep telling myself is that I can't tempt fate. We are so incredibly lucky with Caitlyn's developmental outcome that I often fear if we were to have another preemie, our luck wouldn't be the same. One of the biggest reasons that I believe this is the right decision for us though is because of Caitlyn. If we were to have another pregnancy and I became as ill as I was with Caitlyn, I don't want to even imagine the pain and suffering that would cause my baby girl. And if for some reason I were to die because of that pregnancy, I don't know what it would do to her. Her whole life would be turned upside down and inside out. Because of that, I know this is absolutely the right thing to do for our family.
Caitlyn has no idea what I am taking Matt to the hospital for. I have told her that it is because he has to have some blood work done. And because of that, he can't eat or take his insulin. So to make sure that he doesn't go low on the way there, I am driving him. While she is accepting this explanation, I don't know how much she is buying it. She has always been quite the intuitive little girl, and when I give her these reasons, she looks at me almost as if she is thinking, "I'll pretend like I believe you, but I know there is something much bigger going on here."
In recent months, Cate has started saying that she doesn't want a brother or sister. That she is perfectly content being an only child. I think the fact that she has begun to formulate relationships outside of school and she spends time on the phone with her friends and she goes to their houses, etc, she has learned that she doesn't need a sibling in order to have a playmate. Which is what I think her logic has been in the past. Not to mention the fact that this kid can clearly see how much more spoiled she is by being the only child and the only grandchild on my side of he family ;) She is a quick study that kid! So I don't worry about her not having siblings. She has plenty of cousins and extended family through close family friends that I think they can fill that void for her; as much as it can be filled.
So wish us luck. Actually, just Matt since he is the one who will be having the procedure done. I just need the luck to deal with him for the next few days. He needs much of the luck because he is still going on about this Brazilian thing and is none too pleased about it.
I am so torn with this decision. I guess I just hate the finality of it. While I know that it is in the best interest of my little family to have this done, it's just such a hard thing to let go of completely. I would probably be more comfortable with the decision if we had 2 or 3 children and those pregnancies were all well and good. But when you have a life threatening condition that forces you to give birth to a 25 weeker, and then go on to have 2 more miscarriages, I think it's safe to assume that the odds are just stacked up against us.
What I keep telling myself is that I can't tempt fate. We are so incredibly lucky with Caitlyn's developmental outcome that I often fear if we were to have another preemie, our luck wouldn't be the same. One of the biggest reasons that I believe this is the right decision for us though is because of Caitlyn. If we were to have another pregnancy and I became as ill as I was with Caitlyn, I don't want to even imagine the pain and suffering that would cause my baby girl. And if for some reason I were to die because of that pregnancy, I don't know what it would do to her. Her whole life would be turned upside down and inside out. Because of that, I know this is absolutely the right thing to do for our family.
Caitlyn has no idea what I am taking Matt to the hospital for. I have told her that it is because he has to have some blood work done. And because of that, he can't eat or take his insulin. So to make sure that he doesn't go low on the way there, I am driving him. While she is accepting this explanation, I don't know how much she is buying it. She has always been quite the intuitive little girl, and when I give her these reasons, she looks at me almost as if she is thinking, "I'll pretend like I believe you, but I know there is something much bigger going on here."
In recent months, Cate has started saying that she doesn't want a brother or sister. That she is perfectly content being an only child. I think the fact that she has begun to formulate relationships outside of school and she spends time on the phone with her friends and she goes to their houses, etc, she has learned that she doesn't need a sibling in order to have a playmate. Which is what I think her logic has been in the past. Not to mention the fact that this kid can clearly see how much more spoiled she is by being the only child and the only grandchild on my side of he family ;) She is a quick study that kid! So I don't worry about her not having siblings. She has plenty of cousins and extended family through close family friends that I think they can fill that void for her; as much as it can be filled.
So wish us luck. Actually, just Matt since he is the one who will be having the procedure done. I just need the luck to deal with him for the next few days. He needs much of the luck because he is still going on about this Brazilian thing and is none too pleased about it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Take Your Daughter to Work Day
Caitlyn came to work with me on Thursday for Take Your Daughter to Work Day. I think it may actually be called Take your Child to Work Day now in order to be more politically correct?
I was curious to see how Caitlyn would respond to some of the children that I work with. While she has been exposed to children with disabilities since she was young, she hadn't been around them much in last few years. She does have a child with Down Syndrome in her class, but that is about the extent of her exposure these days. I knew that seeing some of my kids would be a very new experience for her.
The first school that I took her to, I had her in a room with a little boy who is 3 years old and nonverbal. He has never spoken a word and was recently diagnosed with autism. Caitlyn has never been around a child with autism, or a child who is nonverbal for that matter, so I wasn't sure how she was going to react. She really didn't interact much with this little boy. However, I don't think it was because of his limitations, but rather because of the age difference. There just isn't much that a 6 year old girl has in common with a 3 year old boy.
At the next school I took her to, there would be more children her age. In the classroom that we would be spending time in, there are 4 boys who have autism and one boy who has severe CP.
Caitlyn was immediately drawn to one of the little boys who is in second grade. She enjoyed playing on the floor with him with the blocks and the books. But she did notice that she had some trouble communicating with him. He is very soft spoken and often speaks off topic about things that he likes. None the less, she really enjoyed playing and interacting with him.
When I attempted to introduce her to the little boy with CP who is in a wheelchair, she backed off and said she didn't want to meet him. I was a little stunned by this to say the least. However, once he was out of his chair and on a mat on the floor, she warmed up some and ended up reading him a book and telling him he needed to listen to her when she would start acting like he wasn't paying attention! When I spoke to her about this later, she said that she was afraid of all of the wires on his chair (for his communication device) and she was worried that the wheels of his chair would roll over her toes.
After she said that, I thought those things were very plausible concerns for a 6 year old. Especially one that hasn't been exposed to wheelchairs. And really, if I were to get down to Caitlyn's height level, I can understand how all of those things could be concerning to her. Her head comes to about where the handles of the wheelchair are, and the wheels look much bigger from her point of view. What I am glad about though, is that I talked to her about it and helped her to understand that her fears/concerns were valid. As well as helped her to understand that while they were valid, I could help her to understand that those things were nothing to be afraid of.
All in all I think it was a good experience for her. I was proud of how much she actually took away from the experience. I have taken her to work in the past, but she was much too young to really understand the magnitude of what it was I did at work all day. When I came home on Friday, she asked me how each of the kids were doing by their names and how their day went. She was also excited because she got to stand up in class and tell her classmates what she did with me all day and about some of the kids that she met. So I know that she took something away from the experience. I think when I take her next year, I am going to have her complete an assignment of some sort ;)
I was curious to see how Caitlyn would respond to some of the children that I work with. While she has been exposed to children with disabilities since she was young, she hadn't been around them much in last few years. She does have a child with Down Syndrome in her class, but that is about the extent of her exposure these days. I knew that seeing some of my kids would be a very new experience for her.
The first school that I took her to, I had her in a room with a little boy who is 3 years old and nonverbal. He has never spoken a word and was recently diagnosed with autism. Caitlyn has never been around a child with autism, or a child who is nonverbal for that matter, so I wasn't sure how she was going to react. She really didn't interact much with this little boy. However, I don't think it was because of his limitations, but rather because of the age difference. There just isn't much that a 6 year old girl has in common with a 3 year old boy.
At the next school I took her to, there would be more children her age. In the classroom that we would be spending time in, there are 4 boys who have autism and one boy who has severe CP.
Caitlyn was immediately drawn to one of the little boys who is in second grade. She enjoyed playing on the floor with him with the blocks and the books. But she did notice that she had some trouble communicating with him. He is very soft spoken and often speaks off topic about things that he likes. None the less, she really enjoyed playing and interacting with him.
When I attempted to introduce her to the little boy with CP who is in a wheelchair, she backed off and said she didn't want to meet him. I was a little stunned by this to say the least. However, once he was out of his chair and on a mat on the floor, she warmed up some and ended up reading him a book and telling him he needed to listen to her when she would start acting like he wasn't paying attention! When I spoke to her about this later, she said that she was afraid of all of the wires on his chair (for his communication device) and she was worried that the wheels of his chair would roll over her toes.
After she said that, I thought those things were very plausible concerns for a 6 year old. Especially one that hasn't been exposed to wheelchairs. And really, if I were to get down to Caitlyn's height level, I can understand how all of those things could be concerning to her. Her head comes to about where the handles of the wheelchair are, and the wheels look much bigger from her point of view. What I am glad about though, is that I talked to her about it and helped her to understand that her fears/concerns were valid. As well as helped her to understand that while they were valid, I could help her to understand that those things were nothing to be afraid of.
All in all I think it was a good experience for her. I was proud of how much she actually took away from the experience. I have taken her to work in the past, but she was much too young to really understand the magnitude of what it was I did at work all day. When I came home on Friday, she asked me how each of the kids were doing by their names and how their day went. She was also excited because she got to stand up in class and tell her classmates what she did with me all day and about some of the kids that she met. So I know that she took something away from the experience. I think when I take her next year, I am going to have her complete an assignment of some sort ;)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Report Card
We have made it through the third quarter, which means we are in the home stretch now. I have 34 days of school left and Caitlyn has 39. And, the weather is starting to warm up, which always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
We had Cate's parent teacher conferences this evening. I love this teacher so much, and I am going to be so sad when Caitlyn doesn't have her anymore.
Here are the grades:
Reading: A
Listening: A
Speaking: A
Math: B
Science: A
Social Sci: B
Art: A
Music: A
PE/Gym: A
Technology: A
Spelling B
Handwriting B
Conduct: A
She also got a ribbon for Citizenship and she didn't receive any checks :)
So all in all, I am very pleased with the report card again. Her teacher said that Caitlyn is participating a lot in class and she is doing really well in reading comprehension (based on the tests they have taken so far). They have also started timed tests in Math which include addition facts. The students are given a sheet of paper with various addition problems on them and they have 1 minute to answer all of the problems. So far Caitlyn has been able to answer all of the problems in the minute. Of course as the addition becomes more difficult, that may not be the case. But we will continue to plug along with that.
The teacher also said that there haven't been many complaints about her stomach hurting her either. Which I am surprised about. Only because of the changes that have gone on at home with me being in school. But I did tell the teacher about that before I started. To warn her that there may be complaints because I would be gone 2 nights a week. So hopefully we are done with that phase.
I am so proud of my little girlie :) She has proven time and time again just what a miracle she really is. And the surprises don't stop with this kid :)
We had Cate's parent teacher conferences this evening. I love this teacher so much, and I am going to be so sad when Caitlyn doesn't have her anymore.
Here are the grades:
Reading: A
Listening: A
Speaking: A
Math: B
Science: A
Social Sci: B
Art: A
Music: A
PE/Gym: A
Technology: A
Spelling B
Handwriting B
Conduct: A
She also got a ribbon for Citizenship and she didn't receive any checks :)
So all in all, I am very pleased with the report card again. Her teacher said that Caitlyn is participating a lot in class and she is doing really well in reading comprehension (based on the tests they have taken so far). They have also started timed tests in Math which include addition facts. The students are given a sheet of paper with various addition problems on them and they have 1 minute to answer all of the problems. So far Caitlyn has been able to answer all of the problems in the minute. Of course as the addition becomes more difficult, that may not be the case. But we will continue to plug along with that.
The teacher also said that there haven't been many complaints about her stomach hurting her either. Which I am surprised about. Only because of the changes that have gone on at home with me being in school. But I did tell the teacher about that before I started. To warn her that there may be complaints because I would be gone 2 nights a week. So hopefully we are done with that phase.
I am so proud of my little girlie :) She has proven time and time again just what a miracle she really is. And the surprises don't stop with this kid :)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Brazilian
Matt and I have both agreed that the time has come for a vasectomy. I know that I have mentioned this before. But I think when we first started talking about it neither of us were really "ready." And now it seems that we are finally at that point. Mainly because the cons now certainly out weigh the pros. So essentially it becomes a no brainer.
So Matt went for a consultation with the doctor last week. When he came home we were discussing the procedure and what not. We are careful not to mention it in front of Cate for a variety of reasons. One being that she is far too young to really understand what we are talking about. Second, she will be so so scared if she knows Matt is having surgery. So we speak elusively about the subject when she is around.
After she went to bed, Matt called his sister's husband to get the "inside scoop" on the procedure. Before ending the conversation, Matt asked if they would have to shave him. You know...down there. And our dear brother in law said:
"You are now the proud owner of a Brazilian."
Matt felt compelled to tell me and of course, just as he was, Caitlyn was coming down the stairs. And she had a whole lot to say about a Brazilian.
C: "You're getting a Brazilian dollars???" (with mouth hanging open)
C: "How much money is that?"
C: "What are we going to do with it??
She managed all of these questions before either of us could even get a word in edgewise and correct her. We finally we able to tell her that a Brazilian is a hair cut and not money. She was quite disappointed.
So Matt went for a consultation with the doctor last week. When he came home we were discussing the procedure and what not. We are careful not to mention it in front of Cate for a variety of reasons. One being that she is far too young to really understand what we are talking about. Second, she will be so so scared if she knows Matt is having surgery. So we speak elusively about the subject when she is around.
After she went to bed, Matt called his sister's husband to get the "inside scoop" on the procedure. Before ending the conversation, Matt asked if they would have to shave him. You know...down there. And our dear brother in law said:
"You are now the proud owner of a Brazilian."
Matt felt compelled to tell me and of course, just as he was, Caitlyn was coming down the stairs. And she had a whole lot to say about a Brazilian.
C: "You're getting a Brazilian dollars???" (with mouth hanging open)
C: "How much money is that?"
C: "What are we going to do with it??
She managed all of these questions before either of us could even get a word in edgewise and correct her. We finally we able to tell her that a Brazilian is a hair cut and not money. She was quite disappointed.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
A Lucky Girl
Today Caitlyn received an award at an assembly at school. She received a POPS award, which stands for Power of Positive Student. She received it in the area of courage. They give a few of these out each quarter to the kids and they get a certificate and walk across the stage to get the certificate from the principal of the school. She was so so so thrilled to be getting this. And Matt and I couldn't be more proud of course ;)
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the assembly. Normally, I can rearrange my schedule so that I see kids later in the day and then stay later in the afternoon to finish up what needs to be done in my office. However, this morning I had an annual review to attend. And it was for a "high profile" kid, so there was absolutely no way that I could miss it nor could I show up late. See, these parents insist on every single team member being there for pretty much the duration of the meeting, regardless of what they have to offer at the table. So my kiddo was devastated that I wouldn't be there.
In lieu of being at the assembly, I told her that we would go to Pizza Hut for dinner to celebrate when Matt got home from work. And we did just that. We are also going to buy a frame for the certificate and hang it in her room.
After dinner, we had to go to KMart to pick a few things up. While we were there (because those trips always turn into more than just running in and out for what we need) the girlie found $20.00 on the floor. This was right after she came running up to me all excited and squealing that it was her lucky day because she had found a dime. She came running up to me a second time waving something in the air and squealing again. Only this time she was waving a 20 dollar bill shouting,
"I have 21 cents now!!!"
Not exactly kid! But I think you're right about something....it must be your lucky day!
I start my classes on MOnday evening. I will be going on MOndys and Wednesdays from 6-9pm. So I will knock off 2 of the classes necessary for the LBS endorsement. Once those are out of the way, June 15th, the university can sign off on the emergency certificate form, and the district can then apply for it. I have been reassured by the district that once those classes are finished, they will be applying for said certificate. I can't do anything but have blind faith that they are telling me the truth. Fingers crossed!
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the assembly. Normally, I can rearrange my schedule so that I see kids later in the day and then stay later in the afternoon to finish up what needs to be done in my office. However, this morning I had an annual review to attend. And it was for a "high profile" kid, so there was absolutely no way that I could miss it nor could I show up late. See, these parents insist on every single team member being there for pretty much the duration of the meeting, regardless of what they have to offer at the table. So my kiddo was devastated that I wouldn't be there.
In lieu of being at the assembly, I told her that we would go to Pizza Hut for dinner to celebrate when Matt got home from work. And we did just that. We are also going to buy a frame for the certificate and hang it in her room.
After dinner, we had to go to KMart to pick a few things up. While we were there (because those trips always turn into more than just running in and out for what we need) the girlie found $20.00 on the floor. This was right after she came running up to me all excited and squealing that it was her lucky day because she had found a dime. She came running up to me a second time waving something in the air and squealing again. Only this time she was waving a 20 dollar bill shouting,
"I have 21 cents now!!!"
Not exactly kid! But I think you're right about something....it must be your lucky day!
I start my classes on MOnday evening. I will be going on MOndys and Wednesdays from 6-9pm. So I will knock off 2 of the classes necessary for the LBS endorsement. Once those are out of the way, June 15th, the university can sign off on the emergency certificate form, and the district can then apply for it. I have been reassured by the district that once those classes are finished, they will be applying for said certificate. I can't do anything but have blind faith that they are telling me the truth. Fingers crossed!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Update
Long overdue, I know.
I'll start with work since that is the reason that I haven't updated in so long. I have applied for graduate school so that I can get my certification in order. In the meantime, I have been officially riffed because I do not hold this LBS endorsement. However, I was assured that once I have enrolled in a program, the district can apply for the emergency certificate, which will allow me to be rehired. The scary part of all of this is that there will be a new special ed director as well as a new human resources person. So the only 2 people who are aware of the process, know the background, and have told me I will be rehired, will be leaving. So I am trying to get all of my ducks in a row before that happens.
I am registering for one or two classes next Tuesday. Once I do that, hopefully I can get what forms I need signed signed and we can be on our way to being rehired. If not, then I could be welcoming you at a Walmart near you ;) Which I guess wouldn't be so bad. I often think that it has to be somewhat easier working at a job that doesn't come home with you. Is there such a thing? Walmart greeter has got to fit that description right?
Amongst all of the certification crap that I am dealing with, I have been completely swamped at work for the last month or so. I have gotten 7 new referrals on kids. Basically that means that I have to evaluate 7 kids, trial equipment with them, write up a report, go to the IEP meeting, and have an AT plan of action in place.....all within the legal guideline of 60 days. 60 days is fine when you are talking about a couple referrals. But not 7!! To say I am currently overwhelmed is an understatement I guess. But I am hanging in there and managing to finish everything up in the time allowed. Once I finish up all of that stuff, then comes the fun part of training staff on whatever it is that I have recommended as well as training the student. The students are the easy sell. The adults, well they aren't always so keen on implementing things that I recommend.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Spring Break starts this afternoon. I am so ready for that! Caitlyn and Matt were on break this week. So while it kind of sucked that I still had to get up early and they got to lounge around, it will all be worth it when they go back to school next week and I have the house to myself. That's right. Home alone. I am so excited about that. Although I have planned some things and I am going to try and chaperone Caitlyns field trip on Wednesday. But other than that, the week is all mine.
Caitlyn's lip healed beautifully and we ended up not needing to go to the doctor. Although she really wanted to, I didn't think there was any reason to as the wound was scabbing over nicely and she wasn't having any pain.
Caitlyn was the star of the week at school last week. Which was very exciting news in our house. This meant that she got to create a poster that was all about her. One of the things that she put on there was that she wanted to be a director when she grows up. This is all news to me. For the longest time she has been telling me tht she wants to be a ballerina. She loves to dance! So I am not sure where this is all coming from. But it's ok, I made her promise me that if she did in fact become a director, she had to take me to the Oscars with her. Her giving up a date for one night is a simple price to pay for everything I have gone through and done for her. Agreed?
Not a whole lot of anything exciting going on around here these days.
I'll start with work since that is the reason that I haven't updated in so long. I have applied for graduate school so that I can get my certification in order. In the meantime, I have been officially riffed because I do not hold this LBS endorsement. However, I was assured that once I have enrolled in a program, the district can apply for the emergency certificate, which will allow me to be rehired. The scary part of all of this is that there will be a new special ed director as well as a new human resources person. So the only 2 people who are aware of the process, know the background, and have told me I will be rehired, will be leaving. So I am trying to get all of my ducks in a row before that happens.
I am registering for one or two classes next Tuesday. Once I do that, hopefully I can get what forms I need signed signed and we can be on our way to being rehired. If not, then I could be welcoming you at a Walmart near you ;) Which I guess wouldn't be so bad. I often think that it has to be somewhat easier working at a job that doesn't come home with you. Is there such a thing? Walmart greeter has got to fit that description right?
Amongst all of the certification crap that I am dealing with, I have been completely swamped at work for the last month or so. I have gotten 7 new referrals on kids. Basically that means that I have to evaluate 7 kids, trial equipment with them, write up a report, go to the IEP meeting, and have an AT plan of action in place.....all within the legal guideline of 60 days. 60 days is fine when you are talking about a couple referrals. But not 7!! To say I am currently overwhelmed is an understatement I guess. But I am hanging in there and managing to finish everything up in the time allowed. Once I finish up all of that stuff, then comes the fun part of training staff on whatever it is that I have recommended as well as training the student. The students are the easy sell. The adults, well they aren't always so keen on implementing things that I recommend.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Spring Break starts this afternoon. I am so ready for that! Caitlyn and Matt were on break this week. So while it kind of sucked that I still had to get up early and they got to lounge around, it will all be worth it when they go back to school next week and I have the house to myself. That's right. Home alone. I am so excited about that. Although I have planned some things and I am going to try and chaperone Caitlyns field trip on Wednesday. But other than that, the week is all mine.
Caitlyn's lip healed beautifully and we ended up not needing to go to the doctor. Although she really wanted to, I didn't think there was any reason to as the wound was scabbing over nicely and she wasn't having any pain.
Caitlyn was the star of the week at school last week. Which was very exciting news in our house. This meant that she got to create a poster that was all about her. One of the things that she put on there was that she wanted to be a director when she grows up. This is all news to me. For the longest time she has been telling me tht she wants to be a ballerina. She loves to dance! So I am not sure where this is all coming from. But it's ok, I made her promise me that if she did in fact become a director, she had to take me to the Oscars with her. Her giving up a date for one night is a simple price to pay for everything I have gone through and done for her. Agreed?
Not a whole lot of anything exciting going on around here these days.
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