Have a meeting soon for Noah

[faithhope]

So I finally took some charge and called to set up appt. for early childhood interventions or whatever it is called.
The lady called me back, I was crying, it is all so sad for me right now. I know that this is what Noah needs. It just sucks still that he does need it.
The nice lady named Jill said that she wanted to meet me to ask me questions about Noah and evaluate whether or not he qualifies for services. I told her that Noah has Ds and if she had any notes of that. She appologized and said that she didn't. She said that in that case Noah does automatically qualify and she would set up a different appt. Etc, etc. I was trying hard to answer her questions and just to sound normal, but the tears were flowing.
Oh this is just the beginning isn't it. Ok sorry friends that I have just been one moan after another, I really am not all miserable all the time. Honestly I am most of the time happy. I just need to vent out these sad moments.
I feel better now

[wrblack]

Good. Early Intervention, aka EI, and aka about a dozen different names in various states, is a very good thing. Hope they do a good job of it in Florida.
Would guess that the nice lady Jill is connected to one of these offices,
Dr. Phyllis Sloyer, Division Director
Early Steps
Children's Medical Services, Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1707
[phone]; [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.cms-kids.com/InfantHome.htm

Lou Ann Long, Director
Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services
2807 Remington Green Circle
Tallahasse, FL 32308
[phone]; [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.centraldirectory.org

I hope they make EI a positive experience for you and Noah, maybe even fun some of the time.
But moan away here anytime you feel like it. Particularly if it makes you feel better.
Oh, those entries came from
www.nichcy.org/stateshe/fl.htm
There's other stuff there that could come in handy from time to time.
Cheers,
Bob

[momofrussell]

Glad you made the call and the "initialism" is overwith... is that even a word? You know if you don't want to start all of this yet you don't HAVE to.... please don't feel like you have to force yourself and Noah because he has DS just yet. We waited a good 6 months before we started Early Intervention. Granted... getting services sooner then later is what everyone suggests... but you know what? WE DON'T HAVE TO!!! LOL

All I wanted was to get to know my son and enjoy having a baby at home... I didn't want anyone coming in just yet.... and so we waited. We were OK with that... that is what WE needed as a family and Russell didn't "suffer" because we didn't do EI the day he was born.

So... I am really encouraging you to NOT do all of this.. just keep in tune with yourself when thinking of Noah... Mommy needs to be in a place of "readiness" or it's going to be no fun and you'll "moan" even more Do it when YOU are ready.

Hugs to you!!

A.

[Ericsmomma]

I agree with A.,....you don't have to start this until You are ready....maybe just get the info, and start some "developmental" stuff at home. You'd be surprised to learn that you are probably doing some of it already, and not even know it...like talking to Noah, have him look in the mirror, and the most important, just playing with him and enjoying the wonder of a newborn.

[twosomy21]

get your feet wet but dont jump in-my summertime analogy
anywho ,take as much time as you and noah need- mom knows best

[laurasmom]

Making that call was the most difficult part. What surprised me about EI was how much of it I was already doing with Laura. So much of it was fun stuff, more playing with Laura, but now I was told the purpose for these things, and what results we hoped to see.

Take it step by step. Take the time you need. You will know when you are ready.

Sharon

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Yes, this is just the begining of a WONDERFUL journey I absolutly agree, if you are not ready for this, wait. Absolutly nothing says you HAVE to do this NOW. Ya know, all the things Brooks theripists did when she was Noah's age were things I was ALREADY doing as a MOMMY True story. Sometimes I tell them even now that I have this that or the other to do and I just don't have time to fit them in my schedual this week, next week, heck sometimes I just need a break so bad I take a break for a month!! LIke this month There was a post awhile back about someone who never had any services and how good her child was doing. I wish I could remember where it was or who it was even. Maybe they'll chime in...hint hint Maybe it's just me or maybe even Brook's girls but they just come, play, mark some stuff off their "list", listen to me bit*h about stuff and go home. I think they know me well. We can talk about anything and it's usually not about Brook I wish I was there to help you through this. I am not Just hang in there and know we are here for you and you can talk to us

[sandi]

Yes, its the beginning of giving Noah the help he needs to progress. I sometimes wondered if it was worth having the ladies come over to my house to help Cassie along. But after reading different things about early intervention, I know its for the best. I just love the ladies that come over to help Cassie. I actually look forward to them coming. They really like Cassie and one of the ladies hugs and kisses her all the time. Its one of the best things I can do for my little girl.

[CC]

Christopher is 15 now so when he went to EI many moons back it was so different then they do it now.

I happen to love the way we did it Chris was just a month old when we started and my daughter came with us. We went 2 x week for 2 and 1/2 hours in the morning. Everything was done there PT, OT, ST and a social class for all the kids that went during that session. What I loved was one learning that the things they wanted me to do for my guy could all be done during the day during the fun play times. I really went there thinking YIKES they are going to make me do this and that for so much time during the day. NOPE was not like that at all ;D

We were lucky too and at the center once a week we had a mothers group meeting OMG that was my favorite part ;D I really missed that part when Chris graduated out of EI and into preschool at age 3.

Kodi Lee was 3 at the time and went with us and actually had a blast playing with all the siblings of the other children. She was 6 by the time Chris graduated out and she has some very fond memories of going and the therapist were so cool and taught her things to due with her bro during play.

I really don't know how EI goes these days, I just have heard its so much different then when we went.

I really think EI is a good thing and starting now is a good idea as they really can show you things you just may never have thought of on your own.

You said "The lady called me back, I was crying" You know when I set Chris up for EI I was crying on the phone with the lady too. Its OK to cry now and then, BUT in the end its all going to be OK.

Just my thoughts.

CC ~

[jelanismom]

Wow jessika everyone gave you great info and lotsa cyberhugs

And here I am coming in at the end, lol. I guess I'll be repeating somebody! Just don't worry too much, (that's like saying don't breath to me) but you have to know how you truely are a great mom and all your love for Noah won't be quite enough without those interventions...I know, I really didn't want them either. I was lucky to have them as in-home visits for three years. But I had no choice, not really. Jelani was a preemie, so he needed the help or else I would have been setting him up for failure. You'll learn to like watching Noah in his therapies, bouncing on the ball , rolling over and smiling, and sometimes crying, but all in all these first years FLY by.

Anytime you're not happy, that's what we're here for too...I actually get tired of tooo much happiness around here ;D LOL
Keep us updated, keep posting, and if you ever are in Cali, of course you're always welcome....

Anytime you have a second, could you post some Noah pics? pretty please?

[Cbean]

You know, LOL, I had no problem calling EI b/c I knew pre-natally and was soo over all this emotional stuff by the time Em was born. It wasn't any monumental, first step b/c I had gone through so much other nonsense thanks to Dr. Evil, the incredibly uneducated, brilliant, perinatologist. So I'll throw you another way of looking at it. When her therapists came to the house, they brought me info, friendship and taught me how to appreciate my daughter. You will see how wonderful these people can be. They love to work with our kids, because our kids will do things, just in they're own sweet time. They see the children for who they are, not what they have. You will learn that through their example. They will help you put things in perspective. I always say I avoided so much psychological therapy thanks to them!!!

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

OK I have to add this too. I was trying to do seven things at the same time yesterday and well, you know, I forgot. Although Brook's girls do alot of "playing" in my opinion they also were a great resorse for some things I just had no clue of. Brook had reflux and they brought over rice filled bags and wedges for her to use when sleeping. I had no clue to get things like that. They bring her fun toys to play with. They read her books. They bring her pretty dresses to have. The nurse brought her that car she loves to ride in so much. (snow pic's car. the pink one) They really were a great thing when Brookster was just born. I'm not sure if she would be as far as she is if I had not been given the "tools" to help her learn her way. I will forever send her girls x-mas cards. Brook has 1 more year of their school time sesions here at home then they will go the the actual school. I'm so thankful the girls will also be w/ her at school for a couple years before she get's to go to the big girl school w/ all new people.
I guess what i'm trying to say is yes, sometimes I just have had enuf of "therapy stuff" and I take a break BUT I don't regret the girls coming over to hang out w/ Brook and teach her some stuff. I luv em'

[damarasmom]

I agree with the statement that you do not need to start right away. We didn't start until Damara was around 6 mo. old, due to illness, however, it also gave me time with her. BUT...once the OT started coming every week...we just LOVED her and I looked forward to having someone to talk to every week that totally got my fears and was a great emotional help for me and hubby...so...it was very sad when she turned 3 and we no longer got to see this wonderful woman who spent 2 1/2 years every week with us!!!

[Chris]

Jess,

I feel the same as Christine. EI just meant that more people would love and appreciate Sarah. They also will give you lots of moral support. I think it is exactly what you need since you are in a new state.

Chris

[ALLISA]

Sorry I saw this so late....it was way down the bottom of the page !

I'm glad you called EI.

EI isn't anythign scary, weird, or monumental.....it's bascially them coming out and playing with your child....and trust me.....they will LOVE your child ( which will make you feel wonderful).

I wonder why everyone is telling you not to jump in if you aren't ready

I don't see that this is a HUGE undertaking at all.....and DO NOT feel bad if you shed tears during a phone call with them or when they come out to the house.....do you think you are the first mom to feel overwhelmed and confused by all this ? They've seen parents going through every emotion and they understand.

I think starting EI may empower you and make you feel more in control vs the rollercoaster of emotions you seem to currently be riding. ( and I've ridden that roller coaster myself TOO many times !! LOL )

Plus, I find that EI will be as relaxed or as stringent as you want it to be. You'll set the tone and it is all about family involovement.....

Hope you are enjoying Florida !!