Re: Check-in Day!, 8/7/2006, 12:00 am

August 7, 2006

Hello!

Here from Granbury, Texas-

Brenan and Brice are doing fanastic!

Brice is walking all over the place and Brenan does when he feels like it but

still a little wobblely. They sign about 25 signs so able to communicate a

little with us besides whining/crying.

They will turn 2 next month on the 5th! So hard to believe!

They will start a Ds school in Fort Worth at TCU called Kinder Frogs tomorrow.

We are very excited to have got them in and are able to pay for it! At $23,000

a year for both!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. We are burning up here, it's been in

the 100's many, many days! Ready for it to cool down.

The Haedge Family

Brenan and Brice-23 months Ds

Hayden-3 1/2

Kambree-10

August 7, 2006

Multiples-DS wrote:

Reminder from the Calendar of

Multiples-DS

Check-in Day!

Monday

August 7, 2006

All Day

This event repeats on the first Monday of every other month.

Notes:

If you haven't posted in over 8 weeks - you are now at risk for being

removed from Multiples-DS! Please check-in with the group by posting to

the group -- even a small update!

Lurking is NO longer allowed on this group!!

Thanks!

Copyright

©

2006 Yahoo! Inc. All

Rights Reserved.

Privacy

Policy - Terms of Service

Hi All,

Seems like we are finally (I hope) coming in for a landing with these

IEPs that have taken 5 mos and at least 7 meetings to work towards

mutuality. I think a few heads rolled behind the scenes over how our

girls' educations were handled. There's a lot of ignorance about the

law and FAPE in Loudoun County, however, there are some good things

going on, too. The girls would never have made it this far without

our research, advocacy, and a handful of school staff that want to do

the right thing. For this next school year, most of the same staff

will be in place. The ones that have left took with them their

inexperience. I do have a concern about one person still there and am

hopeful that her personality won't continue to intimidate the rest of

the IEP team into resisting to say their professional opinions about

the girls' needs and modifications that should be accommodated for them

to receive FAPE. I hope that everyone has learned a lesson or two with

how our IEPs have been / haven't been handled. What an overwhelming,

full-time experience.

ESY has been alot of work in order to get the 1:1 tutoring the girls

require to make some headway and also have summer school services,

too. I went to the school with little in tow each day to feed the

girls, since no one knew was assigned for the job. (Another long

story...) My opinion was that I would do what I had to do to insure

the girls' social goals progressed over the summer. Initially, the

school only recommended to provide the tutors, not the school services,

too. We wanted both and since we had summer school last year, the

supervisor said that due to "stayput", we would have both for the

girls!

Enough about IEP hoopla!

The girls are coming along with independent walking. I am so

grateful. Carrying them and dealing with a triple stroller was killing

my neck/back. Haley has lower tone but because of her personality, she

is usually the first to do physical stuff. Now, she is bending her

knees and trying to go downstairs while standing. Nikki is still going

downstairs on her belly. She has higher tone but is more resistant and

afraid of getting hurt. As far as speech, Haley starts most words with

"a". Nikki is more resistant to talk and sign. They both know equal

amounts of sign and words. I think they are pretty much otherwise

identical in every other way.

Haley has a dark freckle on the left side of her chin and she wears

pink shoelaces. I try to put her on the left side of pics in group

shots. Nikki has a small freckle on the left side of her nose and just

"grew" a dark freckle on her left cheek. She wears purple shoelaces.

It's obvious in pics which one is!! Ha-Ha!!

All 3 are growing like weeds! For sleeping, we have on a crib

mattress in a tent. This was a quick decision when he started climbing

out of his crib back in February. It's really time to get him a bed.

I would love to do that for the girls, too. They are still in cribs.

I am afraid that they might accidentally sufficate each other. The

other concern is that they won't stay in bed or go to sleep or get in

the bathroom and turn the hot water on or something. Another question

I had is when we do get beds for the kids, what are good

recommendations. The girls sharing a double? Having twin beds with

trundles underneath? Still trying to figure this whole thing out.

Any ideas on any of the above?

Gotta run. Lots going on today. Thanks to all of you for being there

for us and welcome to the new families! This is a great place to be!

Regards,

Granata

Wife to Joe

Mom to Haley & Nikki 47 mos twin girls, both w/DS, & , 28

mos son

Leesburg, VA

August 8, 2006

Hello from central Illinois!

We are doing great and gearing up for school. Luke starts in 2 weeks

and Jake starts in early September. They are ready to go back, but I

admit I'm not quite ready for summer to come to an end. We had a

busy summer: Luke took a speech class at the University of Illinois

and had some definite progress that I am anxious to discuss with his

teachers. He really enjoyed the program and I am looking forward to

enrolling him next summer. We took the boys on a vacation to

beautiful Colorado a few weeks ago and they did so great! We flew

and you would have thought they were seasoned travelers! We were so

excited because we love to travel and won't hesitate to take them

again. We will try a tumbling class starting next month, and while I

know Jake will be fine, I am a little concerned about Luke following

directions. It's a small class of six 3 & 4 year olds, so hopefully

it will work out. I think they will both get a lot out of it. I am

still looking into horseback riding/hippotherapy for Luke and there

is a new place in our town who offers this so I need to check it

out. I am recovering from knee surgery on July 27 and all I can say

is physical therapy is not so fun. But I am getting along great and

trying not to over-do.

I do have one question: when you enroll your child with DS in a new

program or activity, do you typically mention that your child has

DS? Like with this tumbling class, I told the instructor that Luke

has DS because he typically has someone " directing " him or keeping

him on task (like his aide at school) and in this case he'll be more

on his own and I wanted them to kind of know what to expect and I'm

kind of concerned about this. I don't know what the appropriate way

to handle this is, because I don't want to say " Here's Luke & he has

DS " like it's all who he is or something. I'd really like to know

how other parents handle these situations.

Thanks!

--mom to Luke (DS) & Jake, age 4 1/2

August 8, 2006

,

I usually do mention it, because otherwise, when they see her they will fall back to only their pre-conceived notion of what "a DS kid" can do, which is always much less than she really can do.

At a first swimming lesson, for example, I have said " has Down Syndrome, but understands everything you say. Don't be reluctant to enforce the rules. She knows exactly how to do it. If you don't understand what she says, just ask her to repeat herself. She doesn't mind! Then, as I leave, I give the normal instructions about listening to the teacher etc. As the teacher sees me communicate with her just like "every other kid", I think it lets them know not to shy away or baby her. It has worked for us. Other people might have other ideas.

Casey, mom to (DS) and , 6

August 8, 2006

How many years has that picture been on the homepage??

OK check in, Kalena is still getting through a bunch of assessments, 1

for mobility for wheelchair, 2 for Autism Spectrum and 3 for possible

CP. She has always been slow progressing, but seems at 5 years old (in

a couple weeks) she has not made much progress in talking, or motor

skills. She is still pulling her hair, banging her head and

grabbing/scratching when mad. The behavior team intervention is

helping a little, but it just gives me more I am supposed to be doing!!!!

Keane has always been on the high functioning end of DS. He is a

challenge only in keeping up with him and keeping him entertained,

expecially now with summer here. He was going to playgroup but it was

cancelled with no one else showing up except us! He is talking up a

storm and doing GREAT! His PKU is very managable since he always wants

the same stuff to eat day to day, he is not too challenging in wanting

new foods. In fact the PKU diet is mostly fruits and vegatables so we

are constantly introducing new stuff. He likes the fruits ok, but the

vegies are a little trickier.

They both start Kindergarten in the fall at a new elementary school.

Keane will be part time inclusive classroom and the other part of

their 3 hour day in special ed room, but hey it's a start. I fought

pretty hard to get him more than 30 minutes in morning circle time

that they had suggested he start with!

Kalena will need the full 3 hours in the special ed room. She will be

included in the activities with the regular class as appropriate, like

music, pe, cirlcle time etc.

So I guess that's it for now.

Char Robbins

Maple Valley, WA

Mom to Teen and Twins!

16, Keane(DS) and Kalena(DS) turning 5 Aug 22nd!!

>

> Reminder from the Calendar of Multiples-DS

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/cal

>

> Check-in Day!

> Monday August 7, 2006

> All Day

> (This event repeats on the first Monday of every other month.)

>

> Notes:

> If you haven't posted in over 8 weeks - you are now at risk for

being removed from Multiples-DS! Please check-in with the group by

posting to the group -- even a small update!

>

> Lurking is NO longer allowed on this group!!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Set up birthday reminders!

>

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/cal_us/rem/?http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/ca\

l?v=9 & evt_type=13

>

> http://www.yahoo.com

>

> Privacy Policy:

> http://privacy.yahoo.com/

>

> Terms of Service:

> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

>

August 8, 2006

they are so cute! I love seeing pictures.

---- mommy24@... wrote:

> Hello!

> Here from Granbury, Texas-

>

> Brenan and Brice are doing fanastic!

>

> Brice is walking all over the place and Brenan does when he feels like it but

still a little wobblely. They sign about 25 signs so able to communicate a

little with us besides whining/crying.

>

> They will turn 2 next month on the 5th! So hard to believe!

>

> They will start a Ds school in Fort Worth at TCU called Kinder Frogs tomorrow.

> We are very excited to have got them in and are able to pay for it! At

$23,000 a year for both!

>

> Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. We are burning up here, it's been in

the 100's many, many days! Ready for it to cool down.

>

> The Haedge Family

> Brenan and Brice-23 months Ds

> Hayden-3 1/2

> Kambree-10

August 9, 2006

Hi from New Zealand

Sam and Hamish are enjoying Kindy and Mum is battling as usual with the

establishment to try and get support for Hamish. The number of support hours

is forever being cut: both boys started full time Kindy this term (5

mornings a week)and yes the number of support hours we are able to access

were cut. It would appear that the maximum number of hours a child can

receive just keeps dropping as there are more children to support with the

same amount of money.

The boys are nearly 4 1/2 and nearly school boys. Where has the time gone!

More research and battling for Mum!! But it is worth it - Hamish is a very

happy little boy and every morning (Saturday and Sunday included) he gets up

and says " Kindy Day? " . He is a bit of a little monkey at Kindy and thinks

the toilet area is a great place to play, especially the taps that have so

conveniently been put at his height. In he goes and turns all the taps on

and giggles. He has apparently flooded the toilet area twice all ready!!

But I guess that is what happens when he is unsupervised!

August 10, 2006

Hi everyone, we are just trying to get motivated to get ready for the whole back to school thing. Alyssa will be starting 8th, 5th, Jarod Kindergarten, and still pre-school. It is so hard to think about school again when we aren't ready to be done with summer!!!!! I am just really hoping that will do ok with school this year. Last March I had to pull him out because he ended up in the hospital with the flu. So we are saying a lot of prayers.....he really needs to go to broaden some social skills. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care,

Deanna mom to Alyssa, 13 , 10 Jarod, 6

, 3 (DS) ~i~Jordan (DS) 1/20/03-2/2/03

August 15, 2006

Nice hearing from you ; glad your husband fixed the computer!! Sounds like things are hectic but happy around your house as always!!!

Sherrill

August 15, 2006

Hi ,

I also have 4 1/2 year old twins (girls) one with D/s and she too is enrolled in a tumbling class. I do mention that she has D/s, not that I intentionally do it but when I signed her up for a new class (tumbling was for the summer) in September it's going to be on Saturday's with 18 children and 3 instructors. It's a combo class, gymnastics, ballet and tap. I mentioned she had D/s because I wanted them to know why I was asking so many questions like "will she be overwhelmed" and just how structured is the class since I want her to have fun but also be with kids her own age. Do I always mention it? No And again not intentionally but at this point if it comes up and I need really detailed info I mention it. She's in a class with kids who are 4 and 5 just like her but if the class with 3 and 4 year olds sounded more suitable for her I wouldn't hesitate to put her in that class which is why I mention she has D/s.

Hope it all makes sense!! HA HA

Sherrill

mom to Jillian 8 1/2, and (D/s) 4 1/2

August 15, 2006

Always nice hearing from you Deanna. And don't worry about he'll be fine; but I do know what you mean by needing help in the social skill department!!

Sherrill

mom to Jillian, and

August 16, 2006

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry that it has been soooo long since I've posted. I know

it's not allowed, but it seems I've become somewhat of a lurker. I

will certainly try to contribute more.

My name is ann, and I live in S. CA with my GBB triplets, Malena

(DS), , and . Malena and are currently attending

a wonderful EI school. Malena is very delayed in speech. I believe

this is due to Kaiser not giving her ear tubes for over a year that

I requested. Finally, we are on another insurance and she

immediately received her tubes in June. She is now making sooo many

sounds and even says " mama " , " Papa, purple, and will try to immitate

everything. She has a few signs as well. Since she is 2 1/2, I am

busy getting her folder ready for her IEP, which I am nervous about

even though it's about four months away. I am also nervous that she

will be going to school without me and without her brothers at 3 and

wondering how we can all make that transition.

If you'd like to see her, or her brothers, I also have a new blog

www.kwiat3.blogspot.com

I hope everyone is well. I know I don't post much, and when I do,

it's usually for advice. I feel like I'm still so new at this, even

after 2 1/2 years.

Thank you all

ann

>

> Reminder from the Calendar of Multiples-DS

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/cal

>

> Check-in Day!

> Monday August 7, 2006

> All Day

> (This event repeats on the first Monday of every other month.)

>

> Notes:

> If you haven't posted in over 8 weeks - you are now at risk for

being removed from Multiples-DS! Please check-in with the group by

posting to the group -- even a small update!

>

> Lurking is NO longer allowed on this group!!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Set up birthday reminders!

> http://us.rd.yahoo.com/cal_us/rem/?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/cal?v=9 & evt_type=13

>

> http://www.yahoo.com

>

> Privacy Policy:

> http://privacy.yahoo.com/

>

> Terms of Service:

> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

>

August 24, 2006

Hi everyone. It's been busy here. The boys are both beginning to read. I've been busy making them simple books with words and pictures they can sign. Also, they are both becoming more verbal which we are really excited about.

The summer was filled with outdoor fun. The boys continue to take swim lessons and are progressing well. They both like to put their head underwater and look around. They also like to swim short distances towards the swim platform.

Our main challenge is getting them to slow down and follow directions. If anyone has suggestions on discipline which worked with their children, I'm looking for advice. I give stern no's, both verbal and sign, and also send to room for 3 minutes if disobeying, ie. touching something they are not supposed to touch. But they don't listen very well.

The boys begin preschool Sept 6th. They will be in a regular preschool with lots of little talkers. I'm a little anxious about school starting, but I know they need to be around typically developing children.

Hang in there and hug your little ones.

a, and , 3 1/2 yrs twins with DS

Check-in Day!, 8/7/2006, 12:00 am

Reminder from the Calendar of Multiples-DS

Check-in Day!

Monday August 7, 2006

All Day

This event repeats on the first Monday of every other month.

Notes:

If you haven't posted in over 8 weeks - you are now at risk for being removed from Multiples-DS! Please check-in with the group by posting to the group -- even a small update!

Lurking is NO longer allowed on this group!!

Thanks!

Privacy Policy - Terms of Service

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

September 18, 2006

Hello to all,

My name is , husband is and we have 8 year

old twins, Vinnie (DS) and Sloan.

I'm mostly a lurker, I have been on this list since it

was created. I work full time and my children are

another full time job.

I do still enjoy reading, but I just can't find the

time to respond.

I hope everyone is well!

--- Multiples-DS wrote:

>

> Reminder from the Calendar of Multiples-DS

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/cal

>

> Check-in Day!

> Monday August 7, 2006

> All Day

> (This event repeats on the first Monday of every

> other month.)

>

> Notes:

> If you haven't posted in over 8 weeks - you are now

> at risk for being removed from Multiples-DS! Please

> check-in with the group by posting to the group --

> even a small update!

>

> Lurking is NO longer allowed on this group!!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Set up birthday reminders!

>

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/cal_us/rem/?http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS/ca\

l?v=9 & evt_type=13

>

> http://www.yahoo.com

>

> Privacy Policy:

> http://privacy.yahoo.com/

>

> Terms of Service:

> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

>

__________________________________________________

September 19, 2006

Hi, I just wanted to respond to the teacher's aide questions. has a

full time aid in the fully inclusive classroom. She keeps in her

seat, on task, in line in the hallways and helps her in the lunch room

and for her, due to the pacemaker, keeps her safe on the playground.

Casey, You really sound like you have a solid case for an aid and if you

propose sharing this aid, I would think they would be more open to it.

At the very least I would immediate draft a letter with every reason you

can think of, to the Spec. Ed Coordinator, Principal, etc.. and request

a meeting. They can get you one. It does have to be the right person and

not just staff that is avail. in the county. The first aid assigned to

could not speak English clearly at all. I just about died when I

met her. This was clearly a mismatch and I had the support of the school

to request an immediate change. This first aid still works at the school

and helps during lunch time only.

Kay Tiernan, Mom to Jon, and (DS), 7 yrs old, Arlington,

VA

This communication is the property of Qwest and may contain confidential or

privileged information. Unauthorized use of this communication is strictly

prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication

in error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy

all copies of the communication and any attachments.

Sign In

Re: Check-in Day!, 8/7/2006, 12:00 am

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Guest guest

Join the conversation

Activity