a blog about raising a daughter with cerebral palsy and learning unexpected lessons along the way

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Good Things

No amount of stress or worry that lands in front of us can mask the good things that happen in this life ~ here are some of the latest happenings for which I am thankful for.

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Good-bye Preschool, Hello Summer Break
Last August, I carried my 2 yr old into her first day of preschool - a special education preschool that is housed within a public elementary. I carried her because she was recovering from a serious ankle injury and was unable to walk. Talk about a nervous momma... she was tender, just days away from her 3rd birthday, and I had never experienced dropping her off anywhere with anyone. About 2 months into the school year, she was moved into a new classroom with a new teacher and it felt like the first day jitters all over again. But thankfully, as I came to know her teacher and class assistant, I was at ease leaving her in the hands of these two ladies and thankful for the change.


Last week, she celebrated the close of her first year in preschool. It's been a positive experience with little tweaking for next year. Preschool is just one year in the scheme of many school years yet to come but it's not to be underestimated. The transition from Early Intervention into Preschool was a big deal. Our girl has come a long way in a year's time. Socially, she's a butterfly, even without many words. She's made friends. Physically, she is stronger, braver, and more reliable. Academically, she is making great progress and loves the school environment. Emotionally, she is over the moon happy about everything. To say she has completed a full year of preschool makes me so proud of her growth, resilience, determination, and sense of independence. Keep up the good work, big girl!

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New iPad
Oia now has her own iPad. (We used one on loan from her school earlier this winter.) We have been jumping in and out of hoops since January to get her one but with the help of a waiver and our wonderful pediatrician, Oia was finally granted one of these tiny miracles, complete with Proloquo2Go and TaptoTalk. Our hopes with the iPad is that Oia uses this as a learning device, not necessarily as her primary means of communication. We also hope to use this as an assessment tool; quizzing colors, numbers, letters, key words, etc. due to her limited expressive language. At this point, I vaguely know what she knows. Oia is so motivated by this and we're eager to see what she is able to show us with it.

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Peace with Pregnancy
And lastly, I am thankfully nearing week 32 of this crazy ride called pregnancy. With good reason, I've spent every day thus far worrying about the baby I've yet to see and hold but one who already has a diagnosis. However, with the tiny dose of hope that was handed to us at our latest echo a week ago, I hesitantly say that I am somewhat able to relax now and enjoy what is such a limited and precious time in a woman's life. With each bump, kick, and hiccup felt from within comforts and assures me that our baby girl is growing strong and will be able to hold her own upon entering this world. I want her in my arms now but I'm trying to savor and enjoy the last weeks of what may very well be my last pregnancy.

6 comments:

  1. I'm so happy to see that preschool went well for her! I visit your blog often to see about little Oia, and just love your updates :) I was wondering about the pregnancy! I haven't seen anything about it. What is her diagnosis you are talking about, if you don't mind me asking. You might have blogged about it and I just missed it or something. I'm SO glad to hear about the IPad too! Grace is in the process of receiving one too from an organization that did a "drawing" for special needs children. And I love to see that they both have the same applications! Well, I hope you enjoy the last weeks of your pregnancy :)

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  2. Oia is one determined, smart lil cookie! But don't forget that we think you are doing an amazing job too! Hope she has fun noodling around with the iPad and we're praying for you all to have a wonderful summer. Sounds like you are holding strong. Hang in there.

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  3. HI MO! WOW TECHNOLOGY HAS CERTANILY COME A LONG WAY! GOOD TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE GETTING HER AN I PAD! IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL BE SOME GOOD FOR HER.. I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE ENJOYING THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF YOUR PREGENCY!!

    MELISSA

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  4. These ARE good things! I'm so glad that Oia did so well with preschool, and even more that you can enjoy the summer with her now!
    A few weeks left to go and you'll be welcoming another perfect little girl! I'm glad you feel a little more relaxed and able to enjoy these last weeks. Email me any time if you need to just "chat".
    :)

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  5. Hi, Mo. I wanted to see how things went today. I a thrilled to hear about Oia's great year! And that you are able to enjoy your pregnancy. And that she has an iPAD! I am sure it's going to make a huge difference in her life; it's opened so many doors of communication for Max.

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  6. What a big year it has been for you guys. Reading about Oia's journey at school has meant so much to me with Sebastian also starting preschool this year. Such a big step. It's great to see her grow so much! Yay for the iPad! And I'm so glad you are feeling peace with your pregnancy and pray you continue to enjoy the final weeks before you welcome your girl into the world.

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