It was a big step when Owen's speech therapist Anne told us we were at the step of working on articulation. It meant he had lots of words he was saying. He was doing phrasing. Since that day we have worked on 1 sound. We focused on just one so we could isolate our teaching. After a year and a half I am so proud to report he got it. As early as 2 weeks ago he was still struggling with it.
So as I have been reviewing iPad apps and looking for learning tools. I invested in ArticPix because Owen responded so well to it. They have all sorts of "deck" for every sound. You can make the focus for the beginning of the word, the end or the middle. I downloaded the M deck yesterday. Put it in Owen's lap and the result...perfect M articulation in every position of each word.
Anne, this is for you!!!
fall13 kids
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
a.few.truths
We live our daily lives in way that many around us just don't know what it is like. We have our friends that have children with down syndrome - they know it, they live it but they aren't our family, they aren't our co-workers, they aren't our neighbors, they aren't our friends we have known since elementary.
This new family has been part of our lives in the last 5.5 years. Some we "met" just a few days after Owen was born, and some we are still meeting. It is a bond like no other. To know the secret truths an extra chromosome brings into your family.
Raising a child with special needs doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family
So this is for those of you who may not know...
Truth #1: Children with Down Syndrome are NOT always happy....We actually deal with major behavior challenges. Often times not knowing the best way to handle them. We try all sorts of strategies. We get advice from others. We try to be patient.
Truth #2: There isn't a level or degree of Down Syndrome. They have it. It affects each person differently. Chromosomes are funny that way.
Truth #3: When we shop for houses, we look for a solution beyond the next 13 years. Not just because we don't want to move again but because we look for a house that has space that can be turned into an apartment for Owen. We don't know what will come but we want to be prepared.
Truth #4: EVERY WORD, EVERY STEP, EVERY ACCOMPLISHMENT is inspiring. It is inspiring to know that he can accomplish everything. Our hard work pays off.
Truth #5: Everything is some sort of therapy. Not bad therapy. Not frustrating therapy. Just ways to help improve life. We are always searching, We are always trying new ideas.
Truth #6: We never realized what kind of family we would have. A family of strangers 5.5 years ago but now made up of people that love Owen, that are dedicated to improving his life. They cheer him on, they cry at milestones. They strategize ideas. They check in on him long after they have needed to move on. This is something so hard to explain unless you can experience. To have people love your child so unconditionally. We are so thankful for each of them. I call them his team but they are really his family.
Truth #7: We struggle with trying not to compare. It was easier when he was a baby. There are times where we forget. Those are times when we are at home, just playing, unguarded. But we step out the door and we see it.
Truth #8: Owen has the biggest heart. Not many kids will hug their waiter when they leave a restaurant.
Truth #9: We are honored to be a special family and thankful for everyone that has become a part of it.
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This new family has been part of our lives in the last 5.5 years. Some we "met" just a few days after Owen was born, and some we are still meeting. It is a bond like no other. To know the secret truths an extra chromosome brings into your family.
Raising a child with special needs doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family
So this is for those of you who may not know...
Truth #1: Children with Down Syndrome are NOT always happy....We actually deal with major behavior challenges. Often times not knowing the best way to handle them. We try all sorts of strategies. We get advice from others. We try to be patient.
Truth #2: There isn't a level or degree of Down Syndrome. They have it. It affects each person differently. Chromosomes are funny that way.
Truth #3: When we shop for houses, we look for a solution beyond the next 13 years. Not just because we don't want to move again but because we look for a house that has space that can be turned into an apartment for Owen. We don't know what will come but we want to be prepared.
Truth #4: EVERY WORD, EVERY STEP, EVERY ACCOMPLISHMENT is inspiring. It is inspiring to know that he can accomplish everything. Our hard work pays off.
Truth #5: Everything is some sort of therapy. Not bad therapy. Not frustrating therapy. Just ways to help improve life. We are always searching, We are always trying new ideas.
Truth #6: We never realized what kind of family we would have. A family of strangers 5.5 years ago but now made up of people that love Owen, that are dedicated to improving his life. They cheer him on, they cry at milestones. They strategize ideas. They check in on him long after they have needed to move on. This is something so hard to explain unless you can experience. To have people love your child so unconditionally. We are so thankful for each of them. I call them his team but they are really his family.
Truth #7: We struggle with trying not to compare. It was easier when he was a baby. There are times where we forget. Those are times when we are at home, just playing, unguarded. But we step out the door and we see it.
Truth #8: Owen has the biggest heart. Not many kids will hug their waiter when they leave a restaurant.
Truth #9: We are honored to be a special family and thankful for everyone that has become a part of it.
Friday, June 17, 2011
a4cwsn
Wondering what a4cwsn is? Apps for children with special needs....
I learned about this initiative just a few weeks ago through my amazing DS family. It was started by a dad, who has kids with special needs. He has done some amazing work to help other families. I have found so many great apps from this as well as a few free ones. He works with developers to get them to give our families codes to get a free downloads or discounts. It's a bit of a game because they are in limited supply. The group also gives reviews on what is good, videos showing demonstrations and ideas based on what type of thing you are looking for. You can find it at http://www.a4cwsn.com/. There are tons of educational apps there as well so it isn't just limited to a special needs focus. There is also a special FB page for it too, like it and you will see all the free stuff available. IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!
Sometimes paper just isn't enough. Pointing to pictures and trying to make it interesting often causes a melt down, refusals and a very frustrating experience. We all know kids like computers and games. So put the 2 together and we now have some amazing opportunities. When we got our iPad, I didn't really know the impact it could have. We have apps to teach sounds, apps to work on fine motor pinching and drawing and finger isolation, apps to identify numbers, apps to count, apps to match and apps to work on word comprehension just to name a few. All the apps are fun. They think they are playing a game but actually it is helping them learn and even develop some skills.
It isn't a substitute for learning. It is just another method. I am always there - sitting side by side working with them. Trying to make it fun.
There was an opportunity to sign up to be a part of the a4cwsn "team". To be a part of the APPvisory board. I jumped at the chance, filled out a form telling them why I thought I should be chosen. Today they picked the group of 300 out of 1100+ entries. It means you get to test out new apps and provide feedback to the developers. What works, what doesn't, what would we recommend to help others. Thankfully I got picked. I am officially on the "board". I get to represent ways to help our kids. It also means we will get more opportunities to try apps that may work for Owen and also share the knowledge with others. Yay!
I can't imagine when opportunities to help our kids were few and far between. I am excited to live in a time when these types of things are out there. To be able to connect with families around the world that I have never met but share tips on how to better the lives of our kids with an extra chromosome. I couldn't imagine doing what we do without all the resources we have.
If I give Owen a crayon to color he refuses. But if I give him an iPad to draw a picture he jumps at the chance.
I learned about this initiative just a few weeks ago through my amazing DS family. It was started by a dad, who has kids with special needs. He has done some amazing work to help other families. I have found so many great apps from this as well as a few free ones. He works with developers to get them to give our families codes to get a free downloads or discounts. It's a bit of a game because they are in limited supply. The group also gives reviews on what is good, videos showing demonstrations and ideas based on what type of thing you are looking for. You can find it at http://www.a4cwsn.com/. There are tons of educational apps there as well so it isn't just limited to a special needs focus. There is also a special FB page for it too, like it and you will see all the free stuff available. IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!
Sometimes paper just isn't enough. Pointing to pictures and trying to make it interesting often causes a melt down, refusals and a very frustrating experience. We all know kids like computers and games. So put the 2 together and we now have some amazing opportunities. When we got our iPad, I didn't really know the impact it could have. We have apps to teach sounds, apps to work on fine motor pinching and drawing and finger isolation, apps to identify numbers, apps to count, apps to match and apps to work on word comprehension just to name a few. All the apps are fun. They think they are playing a game but actually it is helping them learn and even develop some skills.
It isn't a substitute for learning. It is just another method. I am always there - sitting side by side working with them. Trying to make it fun.
There was an opportunity to sign up to be a part of the a4cwsn "team". To be a part of the APPvisory board. I jumped at the chance, filled out a form telling them why I thought I should be chosen. Today they picked the group of 300 out of 1100+ entries. It means you get to test out new apps and provide feedback to the developers. What works, what doesn't, what would we recommend to help others. Thankfully I got picked. I am officially on the "board". I get to represent ways to help our kids. It also means we will get more opportunities to try apps that may work for Owen and also share the knowledge with others. Yay!
I can't imagine when opportunities to help our kids were few and far between. I am excited to live in a time when these types of things are out there. To be able to connect with families around the world that I have never met but share tips on how to better the lives of our kids with an extra chromosome. I couldn't imagine doing what we do without all the resources we have.
If I give Owen a crayon to color he refuses. But if I give him an iPad to draw a picture he jumps at the chance.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
No David!
The kids have taken a liking to the No David books. I think maybe because David gets into so much trouble and they think it is silly. We read the books a few days in a row and then Olivia started saying the words on her own. We were a bit surprised at how quickly she remembered each page. But we were even more shocked when Owen did the same thing.....
Monday, June 13, 2011
Iowa Adventure
We headed out on Friday for an adventurous trip to IOWA. A few places to visit and a few things to accomplish.
The benefits of Jason's many travels....hotel points for free rooms. Happy kids! We had a stay over in West Des Moines so the kids got a chance to swim in the pool with Grandma and PJ. And we managed a successful dinner out with 5 kids under the age of 6. Luckily they placed us in a separate party room to make things less stressful.
This hotel had a fantastic pool set up. A kiddie pool just the right size with bubble fountains and a regular pool to do some big jumps in.
After the walk we headed to "the barn". Both my kids can't say the "f" sound very well so when we say we are going to the farm, they call it the barn.
The farm is always a good time and we are so thankful to have family to provide that experience for us.
What is a farm without a new batch of kitties? I can't believe these kitties survived the day. Olivia was attached and started calling it hers. Luckily that kitty decided it needed to stay in Iowa.
Wow, that is a lot of kids! (14 under the age of 9) Tried to line them up from youngest to oldest. It proved a bit difficult even if we had some of them hold on to a kitty.
And to top it all off there are always gator rides to be had. No need to panic, it wasn't turned on, she was just pretending. Plus, she can't reach the pedals ;)
We are so lucky to have such an amazing family to visit. Wish we could make it down there more often. But it does make our visits that much more special.
The benefits of Jason's many travels....hotel points for free rooms. Happy kids! We had a stay over in West Des Moines so the kids got a chance to swim in the pool with Grandma and PJ. And we managed a successful dinner out with 5 kids under the age of 6. Luckily they placed us in a separate party room to make things less stressful.
This hotel had a fantastic pool set up. A kiddie pool just the right size with bubble fountains and a regular pool to do some big jumps in.
Owen is starting to get REALLY good at treading water without going under using a life jacket.
And Olivia is taking less and less time each time at a pool to stop being nervous and ready to swim.
The reason for our stop over in Des Moines was to attend the Ovarian Cancer Walk in honor of my Aunt Jana who passed away last year from the terrible disease. Here is a pic of some of our group, we didn't get the whole shot of the people on the ends (I had the wrong lens on my camera, darn it)
We miss her so much. I think of her every day. She was taken way to soon.
After the walk we headed to "the barn". Both my kids can't say the "f" sound very well so when we say we are going to the farm, they call it the barn.
The farm is always a good time and we are so thankful to have family to provide that experience for us.
What is a farm without a new batch of kitties? I can't believe these kitties survived the day. Olivia was attached and started calling it hers. Luckily that kitty decided it needed to stay in Iowa.
Talking to the cows. Also lucky that these cows needed to stay in Iowa ;)
Wow, that is a lot of kids! (14 under the age of 9) Tried to line them up from youngest to oldest. It proved a bit difficult even if we had some of them hold on to a kitty.
There is nothing better than family. Especially when they read to you!
And to top it all off there are always gator rides to be had. No need to panic, it wasn't turned on, she was just pretending. Plus, she can't reach the pedals ;)
We are so lucky to have such an amazing family to visit. Wish we could make it down there more often. But it does make our visits that much more special.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A little of this. A little of that.
We welcome June with all sorts of celebrations. The first of which is our anniversary. 11 years! It's been an amazing 11 years and I am so thankful for every minute of it. We have had our journey of highs and lows but always in it together. Making every high worth it and standing side by side as we have needed to face any of the lows.
Summertime, Summertime, Summertime.
Finally a weekend without rain. Some heat. Some sun. Some outdoor fun.
End of school. Not just another school year done. This year wraps up the pre-school experience for Owen. He has been in this program for 2.5 years. He has grown leaps and bounds since he started. He has had some great teachers and support who we have grown a bit attached to. But we are ready for the next adventure. And thanks to pictures and memories, we will hold these influential team members close to our hearts.
Here is Owen with his Speech Therapist Deb. Owen has been working with her most of his time at this school. This year he really got attached to her and started bring home "stories" of Deb. Which was a huge thing for him to tell us who he played with during the day so I knew it was pretty special!
A perfect action shot. Here is Owen working on his OT. Another great team member Gina has helped him make big gains in areas we have been watching ever so closely. I love how this "work" looks like so much fun.
And then there is PT. This is Cris. She is very attached to Owen and every meeting we have about his progress she is practically in tears because she is SOOO proud of how far he has come in the last few years. Those steps you see in the background? He could barely climb them "crawling-up" when he first started. Now he walks up, alternating feet, without needing a hand rail. She got him to pedal a trike more than 3 rotations for the first time.
And one of our favorite teachers. Mrs. Rita. She worked so hard with Owen this year. Had great communication with me (which I appreciate SOOO much) and cared so much for him. Great combination for a teacher.
It is hard to explain the meaning, the importance that these teacher play in our lives. They work so hard so Owen can be his best. We will be moving on to meet a new team but it is always a little hard to find the right words to say thanks for all that they have done.
I need to take some pictures of his "private teachers" (Chris, Rachel, Ruth) to share as well. Because they are also a huge part of this team. Thankfully we aren't moving on from any of them anytime soon! I've had enough goodbyes for now.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Miracle League
This year we decided against the typical T-ball program and went with an adaptive version. We heard of the miracle league and we have been so excited to be able to participate. We haven't had the chance to play since EVERY Saturday has been rained out but today was a beautiful day and we got to play.
The format is great. Each player gets a "buddy". You can bring your own or use one of the volunteers (who are usually kids from the regular leagues over the age of 10). Every child gets a chance to bat and they play two full innings. The game is always a tie.
A pre-warning, I had the setting wrong on my camera. The lighting was WAY off and I am just too tired to edit the photos to fix it so you will just have to see some bright photos...sorry.
Before the game, doing some warm ups with his "buddy" Alex. He was a great kid. He was so sweet with Owen and tried so hard to keep him engaged.
In between innings, playing some more catch.
Second time up to bat. Owen didn't want to go up. Alex tried, I tried, I asked if he wanted dad to go, no. I asked if he wanted uncle Kirk to go, yes. Thanks Kirk for helping buddy Alex get Owen to bat one more time!
Playing defense is always hard. Last year was usually a big disaster and this year it isn't working so well either. Here is the coach of Alex's team trying to get Owen to want to be there. It was cute - after their "talk" Owen gave him a hug.
Olivia cheering for the players.
Final shot with Owen and his buddy Alex. What a great opportunity for both players. And mom and dad. We got to sit down a few times and not worry about him.
We are so thankful to have these kind of opportunities. Not just for Owen but for us too. To be able to sit on the sidelines and watch our kid play. To know that when he just starts running in circles on the field after he hits the ball instead of going to the 1st base that everyone cheering for him is really cheering for him. To feel a little sense of normalcy in our crazy life!
The format is great. Each player gets a "buddy". You can bring your own or use one of the volunteers (who are usually kids from the regular leagues over the age of 10). Every child gets a chance to bat and they play two full innings. The game is always a tie.
A pre-warning, I had the setting wrong on my camera. The lighting was WAY off and I am just too tired to edit the photos to fix it so you will just have to see some bright photos...sorry.
Before the game, doing some warm ups with his "buddy" Alex. He was a great kid. He was so sweet with Owen and tried so hard to keep him engaged.
In between innings, playing some more catch.
Second time up to bat. Owen didn't want to go up. Alex tried, I tried, I asked if he wanted dad to go, no. I asked if he wanted uncle Kirk to go, yes. Thanks Kirk for helping buddy Alex get Owen to bat one more time!
Playing defense is always hard. Last year was usually a big disaster and this year it isn't working so well either. Here is the coach of Alex's team trying to get Owen to want to be there. It was cute - after their "talk" Owen gave him a hug.
Olivia cheering for the players.
Final shot with Owen and his buddy Alex. What a great opportunity for both players. And mom and dad. We got to sit down a few times and not worry about him.
We are so thankful to have these kind of opportunities. Not just for Owen but for us too. To be able to sit on the sidelines and watch our kid play. To know that when he just starts running in circles on the field after he hits the ball instead of going to the 1st base that everyone cheering for him is really cheering for him. To feel a little sense of normalcy in our crazy life!
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