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Post by Chris on May 3, 2006 9:04:30 GMT -5
Awww..........she is so adorable!!! What a beauty!
Chris
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Post by Chris on May 3, 2006 9:03:00 GMT -5
Happy birthday, Emily!!! I always enjoy listening to stories about you and your family. Have a wonderful day.
Chris
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Post by Chris on May 1, 2006 19:08:01 GMT -5
We go to a dentist who specializes in kids with special needs. Sarah is very defensive when it comes to doctors.
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 28, 2006 20:08:05 GMT -5
I was able to take a three year leave of absence from my teaching job when I had Sarah. It meant no pay or benefits for those three years and money was very tight but we managed. I had to go back to work a couple of weeks before Sarah turned three. I did not want to go back to work and still wish I could stay at home but it just isn't an option for us.
The truth is that when you work other people have to pitch in to make sure your child gets everything they need. We have not put Sarah in daycare or with a babysitter. My husband and I work our schedule so that she is either with one of us or at school. All you can do is find other people to love and care for your child when you can't be there. Don't waste your precious time or energy worrying about what you can't change. Alyssa and Christian will be just fine. Christian will probably be Alyssa's best teacher and motivator.
Congratulations on your new little girl!
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 26, 2006 15:33:16 GMT -5
Sarah also hates shoes and socks. As soon as we get in the car, she uses the bottom edge of her carseat to pry her shoes off her feet and then flings them toward the back of the van. When the weather isn't too cold, we just wait until we get to where ever we are going to put her shoes and socks on.
Last week, her service coordinator came to our house to make her monthly visit. She commented about Sarah's dislike of shoes and socks. She mentioned that she also hated wearing shoes and took them off as soon as she got home. She said it was a sensory thing and then said she had autism! I was shocked! Anyway, it is exciting to see adults with disabilities succeed.
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 25, 2006 18:08:59 GMT -5
Sarah is only four so she has only had baths, not showers. She loves taking baths and will play until she is a prune. We have had hair washing issues in the past but she is doing really well right now.
I have always kept her hair short because she hates getting it brushed and put in ponytails or barrettes. Her past couple of haircuts were so tramatic that I just don't have the energy to do it again. Right now, I think a small battle with getting her hair out of her face a couple times a day is much better than the complete meltdown she has when getting her hair cut. She is upset for the rest of the day after a haircut.
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 13, 2006 21:14:02 GMT -5
Congratulations on your third gorgeous little girl!!! ;D
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 13, 2006 21:22:59 GMT -5
I am anxiously awaiting Ethan's next haircut! Haircuts have caused us so much grief. We found a hairdresser who has a child with multiple disabilities. We took Sarah to get her haircut and she threw a major fit. This wonderful lady offered to come to our house to cut Sarah's hair. The first time it was much better but each time she comes it has gotten worse. I decided to just let her hair grow but now we fight getting her hair brushed and in a ponytail or barrette. I'm not sure which is worse, a haircut every six weeks or getting her hair out of her face at least twice a day. I'm happy that you have found something that works for Ethan. Keep us updated. Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 17, 2006 13:56:59 GMT -5
Suzi~I just wanted to clarify that I believe Sarah is developmentally ready to stop sleeping in a crib and potty train. She jumps so high in her crib that I am afraid she is going to fall out. I just haven't wanted to put her in a bed because I know she feels safe in her crib. I think she needs a little push to grow up.
As far as potty training, she shows all the readiness signs. She has picked one spot in our living room to hide and poop in her diaper. She is well aware of what she is doing and gets aggravated if we interrupt her. I believe her baby behaviors are not due to her still being a baby developmentally but are due to parenting problems. I think her dad and I are holding her back.
Let me add that Sarah is really, truly stubborn. Anyone who has ever worked with her always says she is the most stubborn child they have ever known. Fortunately, she is just as charming as she is stubborn. It is really tough to assess whether she is just being stubborn or if she just doesn't understand.
I guess all we can do is trust our gut and treat our child on a level that seems appropriate for that particular child.
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 10, 2006 15:48:12 GMT -5
Jessie,
To be perfectly honest, I don't know!!! Like you said, most of our kids are "scattered". They may excel in some areas and lag in others. It does seem that they all excel in the manipulating parents department!
Actually, I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I wonder if letting Sarah sleep in a crib, ride in a stroller and wear diapers is causing her to continue some baby behaviors like throwing toys, waking in the middle of the night and throwing poop. She will be five in September and my goal for the summer is to get her into a twin bed and using the potty. My biggest challenge will be to get my husband on the same page.
I think those of us who have had to deal with our children being medically fragile at some point in their lives have a harder time treating them in an age appropriate manner. It is a parent problem not a problem with the child. I know that Sarah has better behavior at school than she does at home but most kids do.
I am not a tough disciplinarian. I would love to be like MB but the fact is that I'm not. My older daughter was a very hyper child and had difficulty following my instructions but at 15 she is a great and obedient kid. I never have allowed her to be disrespectful which means no talking back, rolling eyes, huffing and puffing, stomping off or slamming doors. Even Sarah understands when I am being serious and will change her attitude. Tantrums should end with toddlerhood.
I know it is much more difficult for those of us who have had our kids since birth to see them as they truly are. It is easier for us to make excuses for them. You are going to have to gently prod your husband into becoming less tolerant when Jason is talking back or throwing a tantrum. You are right, you don't want Jason to teach Ellie those negative behaviors.
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 6, 2006 16:15:40 GMT -5
That stinks, Alice!
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 6, 2006 16:04:00 GMT -5
Wow, Clint! He does look very angelic. Sarah is into everything right now. Funny how she knows how to behave at school but not at home. Hmmm........
Thanks for the update!
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 7, 2006 18:35:11 GMT -5
The Signing Time dvds have been the best! ;D Prevacid made it possible for my little girl to eat solid food. Haberman feeders helped her to learn how to drink a bottle and get off the ng tube. Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 5, 2006 17:47:56 GMT -5
I would love to see it!
Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 5, 2006 18:01:10 GMT -5
I had a student who used to constantly chew on the neck of his shirt. By the end of the day, half his shirt was soaking wet. This child had a mild cognitive impairment.
Sarah chews on many things, too but hasn't been doing it as much lately. She chews on her thumbs, shoes, toys, books, the cat's tail, etc.
Chris
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