A little intro from Christie

[christie]

K, it was mentioned to me that I didn't introduce myself, sorry bout that, well here goes...

I am Christie from Northern New Jersey married to one of the best of the best guys, least in my opinion, Colin.  Together we have 2 great children.  Kodi Lee who is 12 almost 13.  I just love her to bits    Then there is our little man, Christopher, 9 (DS) who is our little Character and I just love him to bits also  ;D  We also have a golden retriever, "Goldie" and a little white rodent named  "JJ".

Christopher was born with a VSD that has closed on its own along with Tachacardia due to WPW which causes his heart to race at about 280 at times    Chris had a procedure "ablation" to correct this but was unsuccessful and we will be trying again this August at Columbia  in New York City.  Most recent a leaky valve was discovered he also has mild hearing loss.  

I remember thinking, when Chris was first born, how will I teach him all he needs to learn, never realizing Chris would be the one teaching me soooo much.

Christopher is one active boy from the second he gets up and even during his sleep    He has been doing horse riding therapy for over 3 years now and takes skiing lessons and just loves it. Anything physical is truly where Christopher shines  

Life is good and I truly feel God has done me well with my two kids ;-)

Would love to post a photo but am clueless as to how
one day maybe I will figure it out.  

Looking forward to getting to know you all

CC

[Monique]

hey CC,

thanks for the post.  I am from Northern NJ too.  I love it there.  I grew up in Bergen County (all over, Saddle River, Franklin Lakes, Englewood Cliffs and more).  We just moved from NJ 3 years ago to FLA.  I am trying to get back!! i miss the seasons and i miss NJ.  What town do you live in?  I would love to know if you think they have good services up there for kids with DS etc and the schools since that is something i am concerned about.

I hope you can post a pic cuz i would love to see you and your family!!

Monique

[christie]

Monique  

How cool is that, YUP Bergen County is where I was born, raised and still living.  As far as the schools, I would have to say I don't think New Jersey offers the best.  Actually awhile ago I saw a list that rated all states and New Jersey was not one of the tops when it came to special education    I may not be the right person to ask bout New Jersey at the moment as we have had to hire an advocate and will be starting mediation on some issues which may or may not end up in court    But I truly can't speak for each school district in New Jersey only mine and today I am not happy with them.  

I grew up in Wyckoff and graduated High School from Franklin Lakes.

I would say if you really want to come back to Jersey, check out the districts in the areas you are looking into moving or let me know and I will see what I can find out for you.  

Glad to meet you, what a small world  

CC

[Monique]

Christie,

You didnt say what town you live in now? I cant believe with the taxes you guys pay in Bergen County that you are having these kind of problems.

By the way  I GRADUATED FROM FRANKLIN LAKES TOO!!
Except I'm pretty sure they don't have a high school cuz Franklin Lakes had to go to Oakland.  I graduated from Indian HIlls High in 1983.. Is that where you graduated from?  What a small world!

I'm glad you at least have an advocate. Sounds like you are paving the road for alot of other kids down the line!! you keep fighting!  I was asked to belong to a Parents Advocacy group and to be on the Board of the EI group for the State of Florida, Unfortunately, i had to turn both groups down right now cuz of the new baby (whenever she decides to get here).  As soon as I am up and running, I hope to participate more actively in these groups.

If you have the ability to make the difference, think what a huge contribution you have made to the future of your son and for all those others after him!!!

Good Luck!!!

Monique ;D

[christie]

Hey Monique    

I graduated from Ramapo High School, which is in Franklin Lakes, George Street I believe.  Although I grew up in Wyckoff, which didn't have a High School so we were sent to Franklin Lakes.  Fuinny now Wyckoff kids go to Ramapo and if you live in Franklin Lakes you have the choice to go to Ramapo or Indian Hills.  

YIKES, Monique you are right on the taxes in this area  

I wanted to correct what I said to you bout the school systems in this area.   They offer plenty of services like PT, OT and ST.  Chris gets 5 days a week speech, 30 min each and that is pretty much unheard of.  The real problem here, which may be in other areas also is that they just don't really have any idea how to include.  They do it but they really don't know how    

I am happy to say that some changes have already been made and are being put in place in our district for next year from mistakes made with Christopher.  I am truly happy if things are made better some way for other children from our fights BUT it does sadden me that Chris loses out by them learning with him,  if you know what I mean.  

So Monique, I assume you still have family up this way?  You should try and come up and visit in September for the New York City Buddy Walk, really is a blast and sooo many people to meet.  Hey you never know me might even be able to meet    But if you can't make it, you should think of sending in a photo they run them right in Times Square in NY City  ;D

CC

[Jackie]

Christie...just a little giggle.....you have a white rodent named "JJ".......LOL....that is what my grandkids call me......(JJ...not white rodent...... )....Jackie

[christie]

Hey JJ aka Jackie    

Your post just cracked me up, glad to hear your grandkids don't call you white rodent YIKES LOLOL  

CC

[heidi-ashlies_mom]

hi CC. can you scan a picture and send it in an email?? if you can you can send it to me at [e-mail] and id love to post it for you. hugs heidi

[christie]

Hey Heidi    

THANKS, if I can't figure this photo stuff out soon I just might take you up on your offer  

Very kind of you to offer.  

CC