Christmas Party 2010

On Wednesday, Landon had his Christmas party at school.  And of course, that meant a visit from the BIG jolly guy himself!!  I was wondering how that was going to go, so I decided to stop by his school to see for myself........and to take a few pics, of course!!  Landon could not take his eyes off of the jolly guy as he entered the room.

He was even OK with him walking by him ( a few inches away) and even allowed Santa to speak to him from a distance.  For a moment there, I was pleasantly surprised that his first meeting was going so well.

UNTIL........he motioned closer to Landon to hand him his present.........he.was.not.having.it!!  lol   Landon did not shed a tear, however, he made it very clear to Santa that he did not appreciate him trying to invade his space.  He sat in the same spot, turned his head, and gave him his grunt of disapproval.  I have to admit, it was kind of CUTE=)

Upon realizing he was clearly vertically challenged in comparison to Santa, he turned to Lauren (his OT) for backup!!  lol

(HA! What ya gonna do now, BIG GUY??!!)

After opening his present playing with the tissue paper, it was craft time.  Landon sat in his seat and proceeded to teach his classmates a lesson in art  decorate his bag. lol  Clearly, he was having a good time=)

Just seeing my little peanut fully participating in all activities at school, was hands down the BEST present this mommy could ever ask for!!

Happy Holidays friends!!

Thankful!

........that's how I have been feeling lately!  The days seem to come and go (rather quickly) and the goings on of the day tend to be a blur.  After getting the kids to bed at night, I get to have a little ME time.  Not very long, but long enough to sit and think about the days events.  I'm a bit disappointed that I have been away from my blog for a little while.  I feel like I have missed so much.  But I have been enjoying catching up these past few days.  Thank you to those of you who have continued to stop by and leave comments, and to those of you who have been concerned about my absence and sent me personal messages.  YES, we are still here, LIFE has just been keeping us busy these days.  And these days just keep getting shorter!!  UGH!  Too much to do........so little time=(

I am also THANKFUL to another group of women that play such an important role in Landon's life.  And today,  I think they deserve recognition, and I would like to share with all of you.........their continuous acts of kindness!

I often speak very highly of Landon's EI team (who I blog about on many occasions).  Landon continues to make great strides in many different areas.  I will be sharing his latest with you all shortly.  I'm working on those posts (which are now drafts), SO, I am getting there.  Again, too much to do/say.....so little time=(  Landon's therapists continue to see him at "school" and the staff at his school have been very open to having them there.  And today, this is the new group of women that have me feeling THANKFUL!

Since Landon has been going to "school" full time (since September) he has been making GREAT gains, rather quickly!  I know that this will not ALWAYS be the case, but right now, IT IS!!  And I could not be happier!  Landon's therapists see him for 1 hour every day while he is at school (4 days a week).  They have really been trying to work with Landon during the days regular activities, alongside his peers.  But the important piece in all of this is that Landon's teachers are all actively taking part in learning about each of his therapies.  This way they can continue to work with Landon for the rest of the day/week.

You see, Landon is the first child with Down syndrome to attend this "school".  Looking for a daycare for your child is a very stressful task.  Looking for a daycare for your child with special needs is stressful x10!!  Scott & I decided to send Landon to this school, just like his older brothers.  Yes, even though they were not experienced in teaching children with Down syndrome.  I guess coming from a family of educators, Scott & I share a true belief in "INCLUSION".  There is a part of me that feels that because this school had never taught a child with Down syndrome, they didn't have any preconceived notion or outdated information barriers.  They take things one day at a time and allow Landon to lead the way.  He  does everything that his peers do, and they make accommodations where they are needed, giving Landon the opportunity to reach his fullest potential.  And when they are unsure of something, they communicate with me, Landon's EI staff and accept the opportunity to attend workshops to educate themselves.

Last week, Landon's OT, was hosting an "Including Samuel" workshop.  She invited myself and the staff at Landon's school to attend and to say a few words on our experience with inclusion.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend that evening (but I have had the opportunity to attend an "Including Samuel" workshop in the past).  I did however send a letter (of our experience with Landon and his daycare) that was read following the viewing, to a room full of "mostly" educators.  Not quite the same as being there in person, but still having the opportunity to help spread awareness.  It was such an inspiring documentary that really gave me HOPE for Landon.  I am happy to say that 5 staff members from Landon's school attended this workshop.......on a Tuesday evening, for 2 hours......on their own time!!    A very special "thank you" to Melissa for sharing her thoughts on inclusion too!!  These women continue to go above and beyond........ EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!!  Ever since Landon started going to this school, they have opened their doors and their hearts to our little boy.  They have taken interest in learning about Landon, Down syndrome, and any technique or strategy to help him reach his fullest potential.

I am painfully aware that this concern for Landon may not be shared at each level of his educational experience.  But right now, we have that!  This part of our journey (20 months in) has been very good to us.  I am grateful to have this positive experience so early...........because I have been given the opportunity to see the positive outcomes of inclusion, on a daily basis.  It does work.  And it can be done.  The key is communication between all parties involved in our children's care accompanied by the belief that inclusion does and can work.

THANK YOU to the staff at Hawthorn Hill Preschool for believing in Landon and all his possibilities.  For not only attending the "Including Samuel" workshop, but for making accommodations for Landon when needed, showing interest in his therapy sessions, for taking the initiative in learning sign language (through the Signing Time DVDs) to communicate with Landon and for passing that knowledge on to his peers so that he can truly feel like he IS included.

The impact that you have on your students is powerful!!  You are opening the door to an inclusive education for so many others (with different abilities) that will follow in Landon's path.  And you are exposing others to the world of differently abled people.  For your willing effort to help spread awareness, we are forever grateful.  I can assure you, that you will help to ease the fears of many parents who may be at the beginning of their  "journey into the unknown".  Landon is lucky to have each and every one of you!

THANK YOU for accepting Landon as he is and for loving him none the less.  

And then.....something like this happens!!!

As parents of children with special needs, we often find ourselves having to make difficult decisions.  We want so badly to live up to the standard that "parents know their children, BEST".  So we inhale, take a deep breath and dive into that intimidating ocean of knowledge,  grasping at bits and pieces of information that we "THINK" and "HOPE" will be valuable information. 

When Landon was three months old, I had to return to work.  It wasn't easy going back when all I could think of was how much faster would Landon do things if I was home (working with him) all day long.  And, would those who were caring for him know exactly what he needed.  Ha, who was I fooling, like I knew myself, what his needs were.  Yes, those first three months were filled with doubt and worry.  After all, raising a child with special needs was suppose to be more work.   But as time past by, I slowly began to realize that I was overanalyzing.........everything.   You see, Landon, was my third and youngest son.  It's not like I was new to motherhood.  I should be a pro by now.  Why would Landon be any different. And so that first big decision was made, Landon would go to the same preschool/daycare with his big brother, Elijah.  And with a deep breath, I dropped Landon off for his first day of school, and off I went to work.  (And.....I survived!!)

I often find myself playing devil's advocate with every decision Scott and I must make, "in the best interest of Landon".  Always doubting and second guessing the choices we make.  Some decisions come a little easier than others, while others cast the darkest shadow of doubt.

You see, last week, Scott and I received Landon's "transition papers".  Yes, Landon received papers to transition from the "infant" room to the "toddler" room.  I was a bit surprised, not that Landon would be transitioning to that room(because we knew he would), but so soon??  Scott and I had been talking lately about how people see and treat Landon like he is still this cute and cuddly infant, and although he is cute and cuddly, reality is - Landon is 13 months old.  Peers his age have already transitioned.  Landon is the only child in the infant room.  Maybe I should have said something sooner, or maybe, I just wasn't ready.  Landon has been "visiting" the toddler room for a couple of months now.  He loves circle time and music.  I have actually been informed that Landon is the page turner during story time and that he is the life of the party when the music is turned on.  Yes, music to my..... "heart"!!  I "KNOW" that Landon should transition, but, I also "KNOW" that he still has needs.  You see, Landon can sit independently....but he cannot get into a sitting position on his own.  And what about snack time.......Landon cannot walk over to the table, sit in a chair and feed himself.  And communication??  Landon has a hand full of "signs" but is pretty much (with the exception of making sounds) non-verbal at this time.  How will he communicate with his peers??

When I picked Landon up from school on Tuesday, I had about a 20 minute chat with his teacher.  I voiced my concerns about Landon's transition.  Surprisingly, I was met with the ultimate accomodation.........either the teacher or a classroom helper would be watching over Landon at all times.  Someone to watch over him as he plays with his peers (in case he falls over), someone (to feed him) at the table that his peers eat and someone to continue using sign language (his current form of communication).  This school has been so good to us and so accepting of our EI team.  Landon's school will be working with our EI team, building workshops for their staff (if & when needed), to give them a better understanding and the knowledge of working/teaching children with special needs. 

I must confess.......although I agreed that it was in Landon's best interest to transition, I still felt a bit hesitant.  How will he communicate with the other children?  Will he be overlooked by his peers?  Will he get frustrated?

And then.........something like this happens!!!

As I entered the toddler room to get Landon, a group of 6/7 children (including Landon) were sitting quietly in a circle for story time.  The teacher told me that the class had been practicing and they would like to show me something.  She proceeded to ask the children if they wanted......"MORE....BOOK.....PLEASE".  And without hesitation the children together......SIGNED.......more.book.please.!   And the flood gates were open.  I was overwhelmed and speechless.  Yes, these children, were between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.  And here they were, SOAKING UP, all of this knowledge.......like the little SPONGES that they are.  Yes, they were learning and being exposed to sign language....not just because of Landon......but because these teachers truly believe in "INCLUSION".  You see, they already knew my fears, and were taking steps to reassure me that this definitely is..........in.the.best.interest.of.Landon:) 

Now............who.could.ever.second.guess.that??!!