Re: severe delay

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:33:03 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

wineandthunder@... writes:

Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

I feel the same way you do. I read these posts and although I am absolutely

thrilled for the kids who are doing so great, I feel " am I doing enough to

help Micah " Micah is almost 5 and is not potty trained and is giving me a

real run for my money. Although he is starting to speak he still has a loooong

way to go. He starts school next week and although he is very well behaved I

am worried for him scholastically. I love him just the way he is though.

He has such a way of capturing your heart with his gentle loving ways. I

wouldn't trade him for the world and I know you wouldn't either, but I know

what

you mean. You feel it is kind of a reflection on you as to how well your

child is doing but you know what, it's not. We can only do what we can do and

love our kids for who they are. To bad you didn't live close by, we could

have a glass of wine and commiserate!!

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:33:03 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

wineandthunder@... writes:

Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

I feel the same way you do. I read these posts and although I am absolutely

thrilled for the kids who are doing so great, I feel " am I doing enough to

help Micah " Micah is almost 5 and is not potty trained and is giving me a

real run for my money. Although he is starting to speak he still has a loooong

way to go. He starts school next week and although he is very well behaved I

am worried for him scholastically. I love him just the way he is though.

He has such a way of capturing your heart with his gentle loving ways. I

wouldn't trade him for the world and I know you wouldn't either, but I know

what

you mean. You feel it is kind of a reflection on you as to how well your

child is doing but you know what, it's not. We can only do what we can do and

love our kids for who they are. To bad you didn't live close by, we could

have a glass of wine and commiserate!!

Loree

[Guest guest]

I imagine that is more average than not. People are not as

inclined to talk about their children who CANNOT read or write. You read a

handful of emails about the kids who can - but that is not the norm IMHO.

is 10 - has severe apraxia - is understood a LITTLE of the time,

can read less than 50 words, writes HORRIBLY and can be a behavior

nightmare. It takes a long time - but finally you just think - OK - it

doesn't matter one iota what other kids are doing - this is what I've got -

I need to deal with it. All of my children have had speech issues,

handwriting seems to be an issue with them as well (the jury is still out on

my 4 year old), but what possible difference does it make? Sometimes I think

" what did I do to deserve all these issues in my children?? " and then I

remember that ALL children have issues - some are more apparent than others.

It's just part of parenting. My kids are healthy and happy and for thank I

am deeply grateful. Hang in there - in Dallas

severe delay

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

__________________________________

Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

I imagine that is more average than not. People are not as

inclined to talk about their children who CANNOT read or write. You read a

handful of emails about the kids who can - but that is not the norm IMHO.

is 10 - has severe apraxia - is understood a LITTLE of the time,

can read less than 50 words, writes HORRIBLY and can be a behavior

nightmare. It takes a long time - but finally you just think - OK - it

doesn't matter one iota what other kids are doing - this is what I've got -

I need to deal with it. All of my children have had speech issues,

handwriting seems to be an issue with them as well (the jury is still out on

my 4 year old), but what possible difference does it make? Sometimes I think

" what did I do to deserve all these issues in my children?? " and then I

remember that ALL children have issues - some are more apparent than others.

It's just part of parenting. My kids are healthy and happy and for thank I

am deeply grateful. Hang in there - in Dallas

severe delay

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

__________________________________

Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

Micah is almost 5 and is not potty trained and is giving me a real run

for my money.

My Nic wasn't fully potty trained until 7 and he still wears a pull up to

bed at night - he's 10. So, you're not alone!

Sandy Love

[Guest guest]

Micah is almost 5 and is not potty trained and is giving me a real run

for my money.

My Nic wasn't fully potty trained until 7 and he still wears a pull up to

bed at night - he's 10. So, you're not alone!

Sandy Love

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

Try not to feel so frustrated and upset with 's progress - keep in

mind all children progress at their own rate, and in different ways. My son

now 21, has very little speech, can sign a few words and will usually let

others know his needs. He still cannot write his name or draw past

pre-school level, certainly cannot read but knows which videos/DVD's are

which. In reality most of the things that are emphasised in mainstream

education are not that important, at times I believe Trent's education in a

special setting was far more worthwhile to life than the schooling his

siblings received.

Frequently, his younger sister will put the knives and forks out for dinner

and Trent will come along and place them correctly. He knows how to cook 2

minute noodles and pasta (just needs to be watched in case he forgets and

burns the contents). He has a better understanding of how to operate the

tv/vcr/dvd than his father and I. Along with a better knowledge of shortcut

keys on the computer, as well as knowing how to use the computer which far

exceeds his fathers knowledge who doesn't even know how to turn it on!

(Hard to believe but true)

Most of the areas Trent achieves well in, are areas that he sees as

important. Why do I need to know what 2 plus 2 equals - but I do know that

I need a $1 coin (larger gold one) to purchase a can of soft drink. As to

writing his name, again he has had no real need to - although these days his

usual signature is +++++.

When Trent was born their were 2 other girls born in the same month at our

hospital, one being 3 days older than Trent, over the years we have remained

friends and naturally I have seen the progress of the other two. All 3,

have progressed at a different rate and excelled in different areas. Trent

being the more physical and daredevlish, the girls better talkers, one with

better social skills than the other.

Also keep in mind, your daughter is going to develop personality

characteristics similar to her parents. So if you are shy, she may be shy.

If you and your husband are easycare if it happens type people, she will

probably have inherited that personality as well.

Relax and enjoy your daughter for who she is, an individual young lady,

who will reach those milestones in life but at her pace and her way.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent, 21yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

>I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

> delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

> language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

> a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

> obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

> marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

> is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

> spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

> skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

> the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

> it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

> reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

> Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

>

>

>

> __________________________________

>

> Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

> http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

>

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

> messages to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

Try not to feel so frustrated and upset with 's progress - keep in

mind all children progress at their own rate, and in different ways. My son

now 21, has very little speech, can sign a few words and will usually let

others know his needs. He still cannot write his name or draw past

pre-school level, certainly cannot read but knows which videos/DVD's are

which. In reality most of the things that are emphasised in mainstream

education are not that important, at times I believe Trent's education in a

special setting was far more worthwhile to life than the schooling his

siblings received.

Frequently, his younger sister will put the knives and forks out for dinner

and Trent will come along and place them correctly. He knows how to cook 2

minute noodles and pasta (just needs to be watched in case he forgets and

burns the contents). He has a better understanding of how to operate the

tv/vcr/dvd than his father and I. Along with a better knowledge of shortcut

keys on the computer, as well as knowing how to use the computer which far

exceeds his fathers knowledge who doesn't even know how to turn it on!

(Hard to believe but true)

Most of the areas Trent achieves well in, are areas that he sees as

important. Why do I need to know what 2 plus 2 equals - but I do know that

I need a $1 coin (larger gold one) to purchase a can of soft drink. As to

writing his name, again he has had no real need to - although these days his

usual signature is +++++.

When Trent was born their were 2 other girls born in the same month at our

hospital, one being 3 days older than Trent, over the years we have remained

friends and naturally I have seen the progress of the other two. All 3,

have progressed at a different rate and excelled in different areas. Trent

being the more physical and daredevlish, the girls better talkers, one with

better social skills than the other.

Also keep in mind, your daughter is going to develop personality

characteristics similar to her parents. So if you are shy, she may be shy.

If you and your husband are easycare if it happens type people, she will

probably have inherited that personality as well.

Relax and enjoy your daughter for who she is, an individual young lady,

who will reach those milestones in life but at her pace and her way.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent, 21yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

>I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

> delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

> language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

> a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

> obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

> marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

> is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

> spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

> skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

> the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

> it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

> reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

> Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

>

>

>

> __________________________________

>

> Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

> http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

>

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

> messages to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:51:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

lovefam98@... writes:

My Nic wasn't fully potty trained until 7 and he still wears a pull up to

bed at night - he's 10. So, you're not alone!

You know it really helps to hear this stuff because you feel like you are

not alone. While I know that with Micah a lot of the reason he is not potty

trained is sensory (I potty trained 4 others just fine and can see the

difference), it still is nice to know that there are others struggling with this

issue.

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:51:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

lovefam98@... writes:

My Nic wasn't fully potty trained until 7 and he still wears a pull up to

bed at night - he's 10. So, you're not alone!

You know it really helps to hear this stuff because you feel like you are

not alone. While I know that with Micah a lot of the reason he is not potty

trained is sensory (I potty trained 4 others just fine and can see the

difference), it still is nice to know that there are others struggling with this

issue.

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:51:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

lovefam98@... writes:

My Nic wasn't fully potty trained until 7 and he still wears a pull up to

bed at night - he's 10. So, you're not alone!

You know it really helps to hear this stuff because you feel like you are

not alone. While I know that with Micah a lot of the reason he is not potty

trained is sensory (I potty trained 4 others just fine and can see the

difference), it still is nice to know that there are others struggling with this

issue.

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:33:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

wineandthunder@... writes:

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

Heidi,

It's so normal to compare. My son is 7 and is no superstar. He's schedule

or peer pressure potty trained at school, but gives me a devil of a time at

home. He just finished summer school and this is the first time I've actually

heard phrases come out that I can understand. I don't know whether it was the

different teacher, the different speech therapist, a light switch going on in

his brain or maybe it's me -- maybe I began to understand him, but I've really

gotten excited this week. Believe me, no one else understands him, but this

week I've gotten some hope.

The only consistency in his development is that he's hit milestones without

giving off any clues that they were coming. I thought I'd never be able to

understand his language. Even with walking -- one day he just stood up from a

chair and walked across the room. The same with sitting up. So just when you

least expect it she will surprise you. I credit his kindergarten teacher with

his potty training. She hated diapers and sent them all home.

Kathy Liam's Mom (7, DS, Asthma, Diabetes (dx 11/04))

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:33:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

wineandthunder@... writes:

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

Heidi,

It's so normal to compare. My son is 7 and is no superstar. He's schedule

or peer pressure potty trained at school, but gives me a devil of a time at

home. He just finished summer school and this is the first time I've actually

heard phrases come out that I can understand. I don't know whether it was the

different teacher, the different speech therapist, a light switch going on in

his brain or maybe it's me -- maybe I began to understand him, but I've really

gotten excited this week. Believe me, no one else understands him, but this

week I've gotten some hope.

The only consistency in his development is that he's hit milestones without

giving off any clues that they were coming. I thought I'd never be able to

understand his language. Even with walking -- one day he just stood up from a

chair and walked across the room. The same with sitting up. So just when you

least expect it she will surprise you. I credit his kindergarten teacher with

his potty training. She hated diapers and sent them all home.

Kathy Liam's Mom (7, DS, Asthma, Diabetes (dx 11/04))

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

When I read how well Ciarra was doing, while I was happy for her it was

discouraging for me when I compare where is.

Our son (eight and a half) is no where near Ciarra's level.

I think it is important to remember that each child is their own individual.

Our children will progress at their own rates.

I think it is important to be able to share our children's victories and

struggles, especially here on this forum. No one else understands how hard we

work just so they can attain what other parents take for granted and other

children learn with ease.

Try not to compare your child with where anyone else's child is at, even other

children with Down syndrome. It's hard sometimes. When was about five

or six and all his age mates were leaving him behind in dust and making it very

clear to us how delayed he truly was, it was really a struggle.

I started comparing just to himself. Yesterday he could only do this,

now he is learning this! Focusing on finding the things in that are

his strengths helped me.

Rejoicing in the joy that he brings to others as he touches their lives.

has his own path to cut in this world, and it will be different from

anyone elses.

I think it helps to know realistically where your child is at, make small

attainable goals broken down into even smaller steps with information and

procedures how to achieve them, work on finding ways to help your child make

these small steps of success, and celebrating every victory along the way no

matter how small or insignificant it may appear to other people.

Blessings,

Roni

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

When I read how well Ciarra was doing, while I was happy for her it was

discouraging for me when I compare where is.

Our son (eight and a half) is no where near Ciarra's level.

I think it is important to remember that each child is their own individual.

Our children will progress at their own rates.

I think it is important to be able to share our children's victories and

struggles, especially here on this forum. No one else understands how hard we

work just so they can attain what other parents take for granted and other

children learn with ease.

Try not to compare your child with where anyone else's child is at, even other

children with Down syndrome. It's hard sometimes. When was about five

or six and all his age mates were leaving him behind in dust and making it very

clear to us how delayed he truly was, it was really a struggle.

I started comparing just to himself. Yesterday he could only do this,

now he is learning this! Focusing on finding the things in that are

his strengths helped me.

Rejoicing in the joy that he brings to others as he touches their lives.

has his own path to cut in this world, and it will be different from

anyone elses.

I think it helps to know realistically where your child is at, make small

attainable goals broken down into even smaller steps with information and

procedures how to achieve them, work on finding ways to help your child make

these small steps of success, and celebrating every victory along the way no

matter how small or insignificant it may appear to other people.

Blessings,

Roni

[Guest guest]

I'm glad you wrote in, Heidi

My daughter Cassie is also 7 and will be repeating Kindergarten this year.

Sometimes I get discouraged too. She isn't potty trained yet, speaks only one

word at a time and her signature is CCCCCCCCCCCC a whole page full. But she is

precious to me and her dad and 3 brothers. When I start compairing? that's when

I get down and it can be way down at times. But I believe that " all things work

together " in the end. There is a reason we have the children we have. When I

remember that, that's when I'm thankful and ..... THAT somehow brings

contentment.

God Bless you,

we are off to Speech T.

cathy

[Guest guest]

I'm glad you wrote in, Heidi

My daughter Cassie is also 7 and will be repeating Kindergarten this year.

Sometimes I get discouraged too. She isn't potty trained yet, speaks only one

word at a time and her signature is CCCCCCCCCCCC a whole page full. But she is

precious to me and her dad and 3 brothers. When I start compairing? that's when

I get down and it can be way down at times. But I believe that " all things work

together " in the end. There is a reason we have the children we have. When I

remember that, that's when I'm thankful and ..... THAT somehow brings

contentment.

God Bless you,

we are off to Speech T.

cathy

[Guest guest]

I'm glad you wrote in, Heidi

My daughter Cassie is also 7 and will be repeating Kindergarten this year.

Sometimes I get discouraged too. She isn't potty trained yet, speaks only one

word at a time and her signature is CCCCCCCCCCCC a whole page full. But she is

precious to me and her dad and 3 brothers. When I start compairing? that's when

I get down and it can be way down at times. But I believe that " all things work

together " in the end. There is a reason we have the children we have. When I

remember that, that's when I'm thankful and ..... THAT somehow brings

contentment.

God Bless you,

we are off to Speech T.

cathy

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

Bridget is 12. Her lowest area is communication. She is still on a 3 - 4 yo

level. She does read, but has little comprehension. We started teaching sight

words and reading very simple books ( one sentence per page or 2). This helped

her to see how words were language and she started talking with 1 or 2 words.

I want to invite you to check out Communicating Partners.

www.jamesdmacdonald.org I have started using this with Bridget over the last 2

years. Her speech is making more progress than I ever imagined. Bridget still

is not a very social person. She doesn't seem to know how to interact. We are

working on that slowly but surely.

Hang in there!!! Please continue to vent whenever you need to, that's what we

are here for!

I do know how you feel.

mom to Bridget 12 in SC

severe delay

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

Bridget is 12. Her lowest area is communication. She is still on a 3 - 4 yo

level. She does read, but has little comprehension. We started teaching sight

words and reading very simple books ( one sentence per page or 2). This helped

her to see how words were language and she started talking with 1 or 2 words.

I want to invite you to check out Communicating Partners.

www.jamesdmacdonald.org I have started using this with Bridget over the last 2

years. Her speech is making more progress than I ever imagined. Bridget still

is not a very social person. She doesn't seem to know how to interact. We are

working on that slowly but surely.

Hang in there!!! Please continue to vent whenever you need to, that's what we

are here for!

I do know how you feel.

mom to Bridget 12 in SC

severe delay

I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

delayed (7DS) is. She has no formal

language, gestures and makes some vocalizations, knows

a few signs, but can't discriminate between them. She

obviously doesn't read. She can hold a crayon and make

marks on paper, but not in any deciferable manner. She

is not potty trained. She can feed herself with a cup,

spoon and fingers. She has fairly good physical

skills. It still upsets me that she is so slow with

the academic piece. she had hydrocephalis inuturo, but

it was gone at birth. I wonder if this is the main

reason for her excessive delays. Sorry, just venting.

Sometimes I want to cry, or maybe scream.

[Guest guest]

Well, I'm glad that Heidi started this thread. And I've appreciated the

replies. Makes me feel not quite so isolated. I was just wondering the other

day if Charlie is trying to set some record as the oldest kid with Ds to

learn to walk independently. And I'd be thrilled if someday he communicates

with some intent, either by sign or sound.

I think it's good to be reminded that our kids fall into a fairly wide range

of abilities and functioning and that even the ones with severe delays and

lots of issues to deal with are still full fledged human beings and not

potted plants.

-- Bob, dad to Charlie, 6, preemie, Ds, congenital cataracts,

hypothyroidism, autism, excessive cuteness

[Guest guest]

Well, I'm glad that Heidi started this thread. And I've appreciated the

replies. Makes me feel not quite so isolated. I was just wondering the other

day if Charlie is trying to set some record as the oldest kid with Ds to

learn to walk independently. And I'd be thrilled if someday he communicates

with some intent, either by sign or sound.

I think it's good to be reminded that our kids fall into a fairly wide range

of abilities and functioning and that even the ones with severe delays and

lots of issues to deal with are still full fledged human beings and not

potted plants.

-- Bob, dad to Charlie, 6, preemie, Ds, congenital cataracts,

hypothyroidism, autism, excessive cuteness

[Guest guest]

I too am glad that this post was started. Sometimes I think I forget

that is delayed. He speaks reasonably well- we can understand

basic requests like toilet, toast , play, whatever video eg Nemo,

Bananas etc, drink and a few other things. For the most part he still

speaks gibberish and we have no idea what he is talking about until he

giggles and slaps his thigh. He is going to be 8 in November and I am

very lucky that he has been toilet trained 1 week since before Natasha

was born and she is now 3 1/2 . He still wears a nappy to bed as he wets

half the time.

At the moment we are going thru a bullying stage. He knocks the kids

books etc off the table at school, he has bitten ppl ( mind you we just

found out he has his 4 6 year old molars coming thru at once) , he is

pinching . That is all at school. He tortures us all at home too. He

turns lights on all the time and I mean ALL the lights ( I remember this

thread from a few years ago and just groan and roll eyes) , he wakes his

brother and sister up, he picks up and puts him IN things. No

biting thank goodness, but is just . yes I adore him,

faults and all. But he makes me so tired. I am very glad we started up

the interchange program and he has another family 1 weekend a month. I

had no idea that the break would be nice. It kills me to send him away,

but at the same time the younger kids, and esp this weekend, mummy needs

the break too. He so enjoys going and seems to know when the month is

coming close because he starts asking for them.

This list is great because here we have a platform to be honest and -

more often than- not not be flamed. We share more good than bad here,

but that is unreal too. I don't feel so alone talking to you guys each

day- being a part of all of your lives. Some days I wonder how on gods

green earth earth I am not gonna kill my first born. It is nice to share

others accomplishments as well as their " heartaches " .

At the moment I am going thru the do I want another baby stage. I have a

full time job- they increased my hours from 30 to 37 hours a week- I

help Trent with his business and still look after the kids and try and

keep the house tidy.We have just moved houses about 4 weeks ago so we

are still trying to fond some of our stuff. I have to find some sort of

time to actually do a traineeship and I have no idea where I am supposed

to fit that in. Add to the mix a house being built and I think I am in

for a few grey hairs. In some ways I want more kids- I have always

wanted a large family. But right now we don't have the funds for me to

stop work as we are renting and paying a mortgage on top of all the

bills etc that come in. We arent destitute- but I like to have SOME

leeway I am also enjoying no midnight feeds- tho 1 of the kids will

come into our bed at 2 am and get turned away only to come back at 4am.

just sits there on the bed no matter how many time you tell him

to move- and then will eventually come back in if you put him back to

bed- tis annoying because he sits on top of the covers between Trent and

I so some days you feel like you are being chocked. Natasha is coming

along so well and she talks like there is no tomorrow and she translates

for the 2 boys for me. is just about to turn 2 and he is such a

cutie. He has an adorable grin. He will also bully the eldest 2, but he

sticks up for himself. Tasha just screams allot. I am enjoying the fact

the Natasha and have a fair amount of independence and that

is showing signs of toilet readiness..... I have been changing

nappies for nearly 8 years now. I Will leave the baby in Gods hands- I

wail think more on it when the house is actually finished being built. I

don't wanna wait too long as I just turned 34 2 weeks ago and I don't

know how old I Wanna be to have another baby. When was born I

said I Wouldn't have one after 35. Maybe I am wanting a baby because I

am getting close to my own cut off time. I am also scared of having

another DS baby. While in some ways it would be cool, in other ways it

wouldn't be.

This list is important to me because I get to share the Ups N Downs of

everyones lives. It reminds me that we all adore our kids. It gives me a

platform to vent or to shout to the world ( literally) what any of my

kids have achieved- not just BJ. I think good parents are parents who

wonder if they are doing it right. We spend most of our lives wondering

if we are doing everything correctly. I worry about parents who come

into the chemist and KNOW they are doing it all correctly. I question

myself daily - sometimes I question my own sanity- but I always wonder

if I am doing the right thing by my eldest child. IS inclusion the best

way for him? I have no idea- I Will let you know in 20 years time when

he has left school- when he is happy as Larry and I am still wondering

whether the special needs flat he has just moved in to is going to be

okay for him and whether he will cope or not. I think so long as the

parents sanity remains intact then our kids with DS can cope with allot

On that note I will leave this very long email and hope I have

contributed to this thread- I am very tired and very emotional right

this second so I am sorry if I have babbled as usual. I have not had 6

straight hours sleep for over 2 weeks now and am just feeling very

rushed and harried and life too full right now.

Thanks if ya got this far

--

Aussie Leis- mum to BJ - Nearly 8yrs - Oh my Gosh!!, Natasha 3.5 - my

precious lil princess who can speak the legs off a chair and a table and

22 months - lil hellion on 2 legs- but with gorgeous smile

" There is never a cloud the sun doesn't shine through " Helen Steiner Rice

[Guest guest]

I too am glad that this post was started. Sometimes I think I forget

that is delayed. He speaks reasonably well- we can understand

basic requests like toilet, toast , play, whatever video eg Nemo,

Bananas etc, drink and a few other things. For the most part he still

speaks gibberish and we have no idea what he is talking about until he

giggles and slaps his thigh. He is going to be 8 in November and I am

very lucky that he has been toilet trained 1 week since before Natasha

was born and she is now 3 1/2 . He still wears a nappy to bed as he wets

half the time.

At the moment we are going thru a bullying stage. He knocks the kids

books etc off the table at school, he has bitten ppl ( mind you we just

found out he has his 4 6 year old molars coming thru at once) , he is

pinching . That is all at school. He tortures us all at home too. He

turns lights on all the time and I mean ALL the lights ( I remember this

thread from a few years ago and just groan and roll eyes) , he wakes his

brother and sister up, he picks up and puts him IN things. No

biting thank goodness, but is just . yes I adore him,

faults and all. But he makes me so tired. I am very glad we started up

the interchange program and he has another family 1 weekend a month. I

had no idea that the break would be nice. It kills me to send him away,

but at the same time the younger kids, and esp this weekend, mummy needs

the break too. He so enjoys going and seems to know when the month is

coming close because he starts asking for them.

This list is great because here we have a platform to be honest and -

more often than- not not be flamed. We share more good than bad here,

but that is unreal too. I don't feel so alone talking to you guys each

day- being a part of all of your lives. Some days I wonder how on gods

green earth earth I am not gonna kill my first born. It is nice to share

others accomplishments as well as their " heartaches " .

At the moment I am going thru the do I want another baby stage. I have a

full time job- they increased my hours from 30 to 37 hours a week- I

help Trent with his business and still look after the kids and try and

keep the house tidy.We have just moved houses about 4 weeks ago so we

are still trying to fond some of our stuff. I have to find some sort of

time to actually do a traineeship and I have no idea where I am supposed

to fit that in. Add to the mix a house being built and I think I am in

for a few grey hairs. In some ways I want more kids- I have always

wanted a large family. But right now we don't have the funds for me to

stop work as we are renting and paying a mortgage on top of all the

bills etc that come in. We arent destitute- but I like to have SOME

leeway I am also enjoying no midnight feeds- tho 1 of the kids will

come into our bed at 2 am and get turned away only to come back at 4am.

just sits there on the bed no matter how many time you tell him

to move- and then will eventually come back in if you put him back to

bed- tis annoying because he sits on top of the covers between Trent and

I so some days you feel like you are being chocked. Natasha is coming

along so well and she talks like there is no tomorrow and she translates

for the 2 boys for me. is just about to turn 2 and he is such a

cutie. He has an adorable grin. He will also bully the eldest 2, but he

sticks up for himself. Tasha just screams allot. I am enjoying the fact

the Natasha and have a fair amount of independence and that

is showing signs of toilet readiness..... I have been changing

nappies for nearly 8 years now. I Will leave the baby in Gods hands- I

wail think more on it when the house is actually finished being built. I

don't wanna wait too long as I just turned 34 2 weeks ago and I don't

know how old I Wanna be to have another baby. When was born I

said I Wouldn't have one after 35. Maybe I am wanting a baby because I

am getting close to my own cut off time. I am also scared of having

another DS baby. While in some ways it would be cool, in other ways it

wouldn't be.

This list is important to me because I get to share the Ups N Downs of

everyones lives. It reminds me that we all adore our kids. It gives me a

platform to vent or to shout to the world ( literally) what any of my

kids have achieved- not just BJ. I think good parents are parents who

wonder if they are doing it right. We spend most of our lives wondering

if we are doing everything correctly. I worry about parents who come

into the chemist and KNOW they are doing it all correctly. I question

myself daily - sometimes I question my own sanity- but I always wonder

if I am doing the right thing by my eldest child. IS inclusion the best

way for him? I have no idea- I Will let you know in 20 years time when

he has left school- when he is happy as Larry and I am still wondering

whether the special needs flat he has just moved in to is going to be

okay for him and whether he will cope or not. I think so long as the

parents sanity remains intact then our kids with DS can cope with allot

On that note I will leave this very long email and hope I have

contributed to this thread- I am very tired and very emotional right

this second so I am sorry if I have babbled as usual. I have not had 6

straight hours sleep for over 2 weeks now and am just feeling very

rushed and harried and life too full right now.

Thanks if ya got this far

--

Aussie Leis- mum to BJ - Nearly 8yrs - Oh my Gosh!!, Natasha 3.5 - my

precious lil princess who can speak the legs off a chair and a table and

22 months - lil hellion on 2 legs- but with gorgeous smile

" There is never a cloud the sun doesn't shine through " Helen Steiner Rice

[Guest guest]

I think my short answer to this thread was going to be the grass always

looks greener on the other side. I try not to but we all compare our

kids. We don't always see our kids " properly " as we are so close to them.

And we always see what they /aren't/ doing. Our emotions are tied into

our kids and wonder how the other kid can do that........ we forget that

the other parent has spent the last 3 years ( for example) working

really hard on that with their kids. We as outsiders just see the

outside............we don't see the other parents emotional

angst...............

One thing I really do adore about having a DS child is that the 2

younger ones are very affectionate and don't mind me hugging and

kissing them - well yet anyhow

Again I hope I Am making sense

>

>

>In a message dated 8/24/2005 8:33:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

>wineandthunder@... writes:

>

>I read all the posts and see just how developmentally

>delayed (7DS) is. S

>

--

Aussie Leis- mum to BJ - Nearly 8yrs - Oh my Gosh!!, Natasha 3.5 - my

precious lil princess who can speak the legs off a chair and a table and

22 months - lil hellion on 2 legs- but with gorgeous smile

" There is never a cloud the sun doesn't shine through " Helen Steiner Rice