tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-100180582012-01-27T09:13:35.096-05:00A tale of that wacky world of infertility that has now spiraled into the fascinating world of Guatemalan adoption and now... Parenting a child who's smile lights up the world, has a laugh that would drive the meanest person to hysterics and who also happens to have a genetic deletion at 16p11.2.Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.comBlogger4291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-79808011879194609602012-01-27T09:13:00.003-05:002012-01-27T09:13:35.103-05:00

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR UNITED STATES SENATORS AND ASK THEM TO COSPONSOR THE KEEPING ALL STUDENTS SAFE ACT (S.2020). This bill will protect children with disabilities nationwide from restraint, seclusion and aversive practices used in the public school system. The need for this legislation is exemplified yet again in a horrific a situation regarding the use of school seclusion rooms, this time in

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-55081258840044147102012-01-18T08:58:00.004-05:002012-01-18T08:58:57.141-05:00

Please sign this Petition to support the end of restraint and seclusion in Florida schools.  We will tackle this state by state if we have to but this needs to end.  I will warn you... the video posted is graphic and heartbreaking.  My heart goes out to this mother!

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-14711780945143112842012-01-13T08:48:00.000-05:002012-01-13T08:48:28.968-05:00

A school in Connecticut is under fire for having and using what they refer to as a "Scream Room".   They are used when a teacher has lost control of a child's behavior and is used as a seclusion room.  They are supposed to be padded for the child's protection.  This room is not.  Scream room: child abuse or good idea?: wtnh.com Children as young as 5 are allegedly subjected to this room

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-54467363190564811482012-01-06T13:20:00.000-05:002012-01-06T13:20:12.997-05:00

Over the years, I have learned about the use of restraint and seclusion being used as a disciplinary tool in our schools. For some children, it has meant severe mental anguish after being locked in a closet during school hours or, in a recent case, forced into a duffel bag, zipped into it until his mother could get to the school and free him. For other children, the use of restraint has resulted

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-745744122257584332012-01-03T15:39:00.001-05:002012-01-03T15:39:12.886-05:00

How do you feel about the use of seclusion and restraint in your child's schools?  Were you aware that your child's teacher and physically restrain your child, lock them in a closet or other room and face no legal action?  This summer, Dylan was injured (slightly) when someone unnecessarily restrained him.  We had no legal recourse against her.  Keeping All Students Safe Act, S.2020 will change

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-18691363932379294292011-12-13T08:55:00.003-05:002011-12-13T08:55:49.518-05:00

Every so often, I see a hit from Australia.  Is that you Kim?  If so, come out, say hi, leave your email so I can say hi back :)

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-56477003460338607632011-12-09T12:52:00.001-05:002011-12-09T12:52:34.625-05:00

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-11875251629024889182011-12-06T09:17:00.001-05:002011-12-06T09:18:10.886-05:00

I got an email from Dylan's tutor today. "When I went into gaga to pick him up, Natalie told me that they kissed on the lips. She told me they are getting married. I told them that they can't get married until they are 18 and they can't kiss. I told Dylan he could only kiss family members. Thought you might want to know."   Oh boy.  And so it begins!

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-78438744694497306262011-12-05T08:47:00.001-05:002011-12-05T08:56:58.707-05:00

Yesterday, we were running errands and it was clear that Dylan was just about at the end of his rope.  Instead of pushing the issue, I told Marc that I'd drop him and Dylan at the park and I'd go do the grocery/veggie shopping and pick them up after.  I ran to the produce store and the grocery store and called him to let him know I was on my way. They got into the car and Marc looked like he was

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-19868372630356868172011-11-30T08:59:00.001-05:002011-11-30T09:09:37.223-05:00

Last week, Dylan's tutor sent us a video of Dylan working.  She always does this for the parents of the children she works with to show us all the magical things our children are learning.  On Tuesday, she worked with him and show the video and he did this weird head/eye roll thing.  I chalked it up to his being silly. Then, after his work with his tutor, he went to go play.  His day care has

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-30279307844152803202011-11-14T16:40:00.001-05:002011-11-14T16:46:49.156-05:00

About a year ago, Dylan won a box of figits from the lovely http://www.ourjourneythruautism.com/.  I had used this as a teaching moment and Dylan wrote her a thank you note.... Recently, Dylan rode in a fund raiser for his stable.  I asked him to write a thank you note and this is what he did.... It's amazing what time and hard work will do.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-70520587065109144202011-11-03T08:09:00.002-04:002011-11-03T08:09:14.589-04:00

Dylan has really been enjoying school this year.  The medication has improved his attention span which is allowing him to learn at a much greater pace.  He's starting to read (he currently loves to point out the word "the") and it's just such an exciting time for us all.  His teacher uses this great website called Star Fall.  He enjoys it so much that he'd rather work on his reading than watch TV

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-62671231373511519492011-10-17T14:48:00.001-04:002011-10-17T14:48:26.595-04:00

When we were told that Dylan has low muscle tone, I did some research.  I wanted to do something fun with him that would help the tone and that's when I discovered therapeutic riding.  I went to the Professional Associates of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and found what was to be our new home. The first time we went out, the owner K, introduced Dylan to her miniature pony. This is a

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-3889357163128066362011-10-14T16:37:00.001-04:002011-10-14T16:37:25.988-04:00

My dear friend Karen over at Solodialogue just reminded me that I haven't updated on Dylan since we put him on meds.  All I can say is... wow.  It's like the world has been on fast forward for him and giving him this medication put it on pause.  He is noticing things in his environment like he's never seen them before, yet they were there since he was a baby.  The content of his speech has been

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-46521768296787546712011-09-29T08:13:00.002-04:002011-09-29T08:13:34.440-04:00

Well, Dylan's been on the meds for almost 2 weeks now.  After having a knock down, drag out battle with the insurance company and then his pediatrician (in which she called me up at 8:00 in the morning screaming at me), I got his meds covered. It's been an interesting process.  It's almost like the world has been on fast forward and by giving him this medication, we hit the pause button.  He's

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-59235040092069457382011-09-20T12:22:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:22:04.369-04:00

A post on the SPD Blogger Website got me to thinking.  I’ve always considered Dylan a superhero.  Since he was a baby, I’ve said that his smile will change the world (one of his many super powers).    On Beth’s post, I shared with her the one time I saw a child in sensory gear I told him he looked like a superhero which got me to thinking….. Do superheroes have Sensory Processing Disorder????

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-296768993551584952011-09-09T16:12:00.000-04:002011-09-09T16:12:39.159-04:00

This weekend we are going to try meds on Dylan at the recommendation of the researchers in Boston.  We are excited and terrified.  We (Marc, myself and Dylan's developmental pediatrician) have put a great deal of thought and research into the medication.  We needed something dye free (very hard to do), his doctor felt going the stimulant route was best and we all wanted something that was single

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-75072584363207684342011-08-18T16:14:00.000-04:002011-08-18T16:14:38.399-04:00

Last week we went to Boston to participate in the Simons VIP Research program which is investigating the 16p11.2 deletion/duplication.  Dylan has the deletion. We left Wednesday after work, picked up Dylan and headed to the airport.  Strangely enough, we flew through security (that never happens), got some dinner and waited for our flight.  Our paperwork said Gate 6 but at about 15 minutes to

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-75954780030570936442011-08-05T12:43:00.001-04:002011-08-05T12:46:07.233-04:00

Tuesday we discovered that Dylan's advocate's boss physically restrained Dylan which resulted in a finger like bruise to his wrist. The story went like this... Dylan's advocate's boss (let's call her S) was shadowing Dylan and his advocate that day.  Dylan was in last period at camp.  It was gymnastics, something he struggles with greatly because it requires waiting his turn and that's pretty

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-72222865695597650772011-07-20T16:38:00.000-04:002011-07-20T16:38:08.747-04:00

Several months ago, I entered a contest for Dylan to win a box of figets.  He won and we got a box full of cool stuff like stress balls, a wall walker (kinda like a sticky octopus that you toss on the wall and it crawls down), smiley face stick figure, this cool ball made of a hard rubber that Dylan loves to chew on and some other neat stuff.  We had been working on his writing and I figured this

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-30752529311114483352011-07-13T12:55:00.000-04:002011-07-13T12:55:47.504-04:00

Those were the words spoken to me on Dylan's second day of camp.  They were spoken by one of the camp counselors at after care.  She has been going on and on about how much his behavior has improved, how well he listens, doesn't run off, how verbal he's become (and understandable).  What did we do?!?! By the way - our first conversation, she realized that by saying how wonderful he's doing and

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-77809507433712588832011-07-06T12:33:00.000-04:002011-07-06T12:33:30.051-04:00

A brave woman in Guatemala labored to bring an amazing boy into the world.  6 pounds 10 ounces of smiles and love.  2 days later, that child was no longer with his mother but rather a foster mother who would love and care for him for the next five months.  Five months later, he was placed into our arms with the understanding and trust that we would love him and care for him with every fiber of

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-24021045104372650612011-06-16T13:50:00.000-04:002011-06-16T13:50:30.838-04:00

Thankfully, not in our world.  Dylan goes to an aftercare program at a facility that has a wonderful special needs program.  It ranges from children to adults and has everything from Passover Sedars, to drumming programs, to camp advocates and everything in between.  It also prides itself on the fact that "special needs kids don't feel special here".  Meaning, they are treated like everyone

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-78822054328044346972011-06-15T10:45:00.000-04:002011-06-15T10:45:45.192-04:00

I love the SPDBN website.  It has many bloggers facing challenges I face every day.  They also have killer give aways.  They just put up a new one where you can win $250 in sensory friendly products!  Woo Hoo!  I'd love that for my Dylan!   So go check it out SPDBN's website to win it for yourself! While you're there, check out the posts too - there are some amazing writers over there :)

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-69428581572300208002011-06-06T13:24:00.000-04:002011-06-06T13:24:50.422-04:00

Apparently, Kung Fu Panda 2 is generating a lot of conversations. Not just in the adoption world but in the non-adoption world. A friend of mine's 7 year old son saw the movie and really, really got it (this kid is wicked smart).  He came home and started up a conversation with his Mom about the loss the Panda suffered in his adoption.   He connected that loss to a cousin who was adopted.  "Does

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-88597761056003537762011-05-20T09:45:00.000-04:002011-05-20T09:45:14.671-04:00

Well, we aren't going in 2 weeks.  Turns out the researcher isn't available to we are hoping to do it the last week in August which would work better - it's between camp and school.  Less daycare to pay, yay! In other news, yesterday they were doing roadwork in front of our house.  We decided to drive up the street to meet Dylan's bus.   For some strange reason, Marc was convinced the bus driver

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-90184594205524073162011-05-18T15:07:00.000-04:002011-05-18T15:07:18.577-04:00

Dylan has been approved to be part of a study for children with the 16p11.2 genetic abnormality (they are studying both children with the deletion and the duplication.  When we received Dylan's diagnosis (he has the deletion) I, the queen of Google, found the wonderful folks at Simons VIP Connect.  There I found a great chat forum and the opportunity for Dylan to participate in this study.  It's,

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-1734017317904098632011-05-13T12:54:00.000-04:002011-05-13T12:54:19.402-04:00

When my dear, IRL friend Cecily asked on twitter if anyone would be interested in a free psychic reading I jumped at the chance.  Okay - stop rolling your eyes.  I knew it was for fun but hey, with all the shit going on around me I figured what could it hurt.   I called the 800 number at http://www.psychicsource.com/.  It was a neat process and one I've never experienced (the few times I've seen

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-78829136003504035262011-05-06T11:18:00.000-04:002011-05-06T11:18:20.362-04:00

As many of you know, a weighted blanket is a great tool for children with sensory processing disorder.  For some, it can mean the difference between a child (and parents) waking every few hours vs. a full night of restful sleep.  Supportforspecialneeds.com is having  a great giveaway on a weighted blanket.  If you need one - go register, tweet about it and blog about it and have a chance to win

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-11106318377464597042011-05-03T14:41:00.000-04:002011-05-03T14:41:59.044-04:00

Last night, Dylan melted.  He melted hard!  Crying uncontrollably.  We haven't had a melt like that since before we pulled him off food dyes.  I even asked him (several times) if he had eaten something that may have had "ickies" in it (our word for food dye).  He insisted he hadn't.  He just cried and cried.  None of our bag of tricks were working.  Not the brushing, the back rubbing, the rocking

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-57997201929985773252011-04-26T09:34:00.001-04:002011-04-26T09:36:05.564-04:00

~insert tongue in cheek~ I pray I am able to raise a young man like we met yesterday. Dylan didn't have after care due to Passover so I left work early and picked him up.  Being a beautiful day, we headed to a local park which features several play areas, a lake and a picnic area.  We met my best friend and her 18 month old and set the two of them up to play.  After a while, Dylan announced

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-38311034393037487442011-04-13T13:58:00.000-04:002011-04-13T13:58:36.224-04:00

We had the pleasure of attending a Passover Sedar for families with adults and children with special needs.  I was so excited to attend when I heard the description of the event.  I was told that if a child needs to walk around, run around, spin, vocalize, bang on the table, whatever, it was a safe place.  It was a sedar where children can be themselves and parents didn't have to try to control

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-57443243044491518172011-03-31T16:18:00.000-04:002011-03-31T16:18:22.765-04:00

We had our IEP meeting - we got everything we asked for.  Yay! Drama. 2 Fridays ago, we had some business to take care of so Marc and I took off work.  It just so happened that Dylan was off school.  Great timing.  We sent him to day care for the morning and we went and took care of our junk.  We went to pick him up at daycare.  He was outside playing.  We asked if he wanted to go to a

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-65366718436676144892011-03-16T16:23:00.001-04:002011-03-16T16:23:45.354-04:00

I called the caseworker at Dylan's school.  I asked her where we stood on our request to get him a one on one.  She said "well... this year isn't going to happen".  I stopped her and explained, again, that we are not unreasonable and we understand that this year is shot where that is concerned.  HOWEVER, I wanted to know if my request for a one on one will be in his IEP.  The answer was yes. 

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-29458192519533770472011-03-08T15:44:00.001-05:002011-03-08T15:44:55.580-05:00

March 2nd was National End The R Word day.  It calls for an end to the word retarded used as slang.  I remember growing up and slinging that word around thoughtlessly.  I cringe at those memories now. Many twitter folks were tweeting and retweeting about ending the R-Word.  I just kinda passed those by.  I had been uncomfortable playing word police.  I don't know why.  If someone used the "n"

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-63097175255460959682011-03-02T08:09:00.001-05:002011-03-02T09:06:00.290-05:00

No clue.  Basically, the doctor said that when a child exhibits the disorders that Dylan has, it will usually fall under a category of some sort (usually Autism).  However, not my boy.  He doesn't fit into any of their little cubbie holes.  He is most definitely not autistic.  He's way too social and makes eye contact and just doesn't have any of the markers they look for to put a child on the

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-2280917130591602582011-02-18T08:27:00.000-05:002011-02-18T08:27:41.858-05:00

When I was a kid, report card time was a terrifying time for me.  I never did well (thanks to an undiagnosed learning disability) and the results of the report card always ended up in having my ass whooped, being told I'm stupid and lazy and other uplifting things like that.  I'd be a mess and the teachers would always tell me that it's never as bad as I imagine it to be.  What they didn't get

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-12097770610363807832011-02-14T08:15:00.000-05:002011-02-14T08:15:45.734-05:00

For those of you with sensory seeking/avoiding kids, you'll know that there isn't much out there in the way of books for them to read to understand themselves.  Well, a new one was just published and all you have to do is go here to the SPD blogging network to enter for your chance to win.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-85104868070990733572011-02-03T16:12:00.001-05:002011-02-04T08:25:06.682-05:00

Of course, adoption is very relevant.   My question is more towards people's insistence to constantly point out that Dylan is adopted.  I understand it's relevance in his medical reports.  A lack of a medical background is very relevant.  What I don't understand is it's relevance in a behavioral specialists report.  "Dylan lives with his adopted family".  Does she write "Jane lives with her

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-58424773793801627272011-02-02T16:45:00.000-05:002011-02-02T16:45:39.371-05:00

I got to day care yesterday to find that Dylan was in the gymnasium.  I went to pick him up and usually, I can spot him as soon as I open door.  I didn't see him and saw one of the other teachers with an ice pack on a kid's head.  I asked where Dylan was and a teacher, who's back was to me, turned and there was Dylan, hysterical crying with blood just gushing out of his nose.  He took an errant

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-30525135299504310902011-01-31T12:43:00.000-05:002011-01-31T12:43:49.446-05:00

I'm beat.  Glad to be at work today.  Thursday we had a snowtastophie.  About a foot and a half of really wet heavy snow hit the area.  We let Dylan sleep in and when he awoke.... he was miserable.  Angry at everyone and everything.  Not at all like him.  A little while later, we realized it was 10 a.m. and he hadn't eaten or even asked to eat.  I asked him if he was okay and he complained his

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-34377623276336117552011-01-25T08:06:00.000-05:002011-01-25T08:06:23.198-05:00

That's how I feel.  I feel like I'm drowning in information, both a lack of and overload of information.   Every time I think I have a handle on Dylan's challenges either a new one will pop up or an existing one will go into overdrive.  He's sensory seeking like crazy... still.  He gets 3 days of OT a week and hippotherapy on Saturdays and still it's not enough input.   He's still off the charts

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-75712082373103581362010-12-17T09:54:00.000-05:002010-12-17T09:54:51.479-05:00

The meeting at day care went well.  Dylan is having a hard time following directions and it's a safety concern.  We came up with strategies to set him up for success.  Yay! I have been talking a lot with the therapists at school.  Dylan needs more OT than they can offer.  In fact, if Dylan could receive OT 24/7 - he'd be a very happy boy.  His OT said "he'd mainline sensory input if it were

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-35453413499517317822010-12-08T16:34:00.000-05:002010-12-08T16:34:26.381-05:00

When you get an email from the head of your child's day care telling you they need to meet with you.... yeah, I have that right now.  They want to meet with me early next week to discuss strategies to use with Dylan as they've had a few "incidents".  School is complaining because they've had a few "incidents". My heart is breaking because I don't know how to get through to him.  I don't know

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-27070115084435531142010-12-02T08:06:00.000-05:002010-12-02T08:06:28.519-05:00

9 years ago, I was just waking up knowing this would be the day I would wed my love.  9 years ago today, I got up, went to the salon, got myself all done up, went to the synagogue, got dressed and at 4:00 p.m. walked down the isle with my Mom and Dad.  9 years ago today, I married my best friend. 5 years ago, I was looking forward to a nice dinner out but a little sad that we hadn't heard

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-88340771488338148562010-12-01T12:05:00.000-05:002010-12-01T12:05:06.349-05:00

First... for those of you celebrating Chanukah, Chag Samach! Okay - now onto my rant.  Here in Philadelphia, there is a Christmas Village at City Hall.  Vendors are set up selling ornaments, tinsel, tree accessories, etc.  There is one person selling Chanukah stuff and one vendor selling Ramadan stuff.  For the most part though, it's Christmas items. Apparently, some PC idiot got offended and

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-19223193926672130662010-11-26T12:08:00.000-05:002010-11-26T12:08:04.047-05:00

Our day started out nice enough.  Got up, showered and dressed and out the door we went to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.  It was lovely.  Dylan lost his mind when the Scooby Doo float went by.  He's on a Scooby kick.  He was fascinated with the big balloons and worried about Frostie when his strings got caught on a light pole.  He just sat atop Marc's shoulders, eating a soft pretzel

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-55162815899920688882010-11-24T08:26:00.000-05:002010-11-24T08:26:53.575-05:00

I've been worried about Dylan.  Something felt off.   He's been having behavior issues off and on the whole year.  I'd say 90% of those issues are sensory related.  I just didn't feel they were managing his Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD correctly.  I was right. Last week he had a perfect week. No issues with behavior at school or even at home really. I had noticed that a lot of the

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-75571080436707173142010-11-16T12:04:00.000-05:002010-11-16T12:04:45.457-05:00

Where does a parent's responsibility end and the school/state's responsibility begin? Our audiologist has recommended that Dylan use the software program "FastForward" next year. It's software that helps to retrain the brain's ability to process information (neat huh?). The school doesn't offer it. It's several thousand dollars from what I hear and we don't have the money for it. Someone

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-16818285741075135692010-11-11T15:41:00.000-05:002010-11-11T15:41:48.319-05:00

Today was parent observation day.  A day to go into school and see what my son's day is like.  I came out of it excited and terrified all at the same time.  I love the teaching methods being used as they really seem to be speaking to Dylan.  However, his sensory seeking is off the hook.  I was happy to see one of the aids get and put his vest on him but it did take a while for her to pick up his

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-61784461467287243812010-11-04T08:28:00.000-04:002010-11-04T08:28:43.566-04:00

Yesterday, while waiting for the train, I notice two adorable, fashionably (expensive) dressed little girls.  They were about 5 and 8 and waiting for the train with their mother.  Now, I like to ride in the first car so that was the area I was waiting in.  The train arrives and a crowd gathers where the doors are about to open.  As they open, the little darlings literally threw themselves through

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-30396927912471501482010-10-28T08:20:00.000-04:002010-10-28T08:20:19.213-04:00

We see a behavioral therapist.  We discovered early on that two incredibly different parenting styles + one incredibly intelligent, manipulative little boy = a lot of headaches and heartache.  So... we found a therapist who not only treats Dylan but treats us as well.  Man, he really can call us on our shit when warranted. He can also be incredibly supportive and gives amazing  parenting

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-50457096204794847062010-10-25T10:13:00.000-04:002010-10-25T10:13:17.137-04:00

Baggage & Bug are back!!! ~doing happy dance~

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-38876962329406072622010-10-22T13:19:00.000-04:002010-10-22T13:19:02.095-04:00

I emailed the teacher.  She was out sick Monday and Tuesday and Wed wasn't quite right yet.  The schedule has been off so that would explain why Dylan is off. Okay onto the milestone :) Last night, around 7:15 p.m. Dylan came up to me, placed my hand on his face for some face squishes and said "Mommy, I tired, I go to bed". ~waits for everyone to get over their jealousy~ I said fine, took him

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-40419411100366036722010-10-22T08:10:00.000-04:002010-10-22T08:10:01.820-04:00

GAH! I hate it when this happens. I feel that something is off with Dylan. I can't place it. I think his teacher may have been out this week as nothing has been touched in his book bag all week with the exception of Monday and Wednesday. Wednesday we just got a positive behavior report and that's it. Nothing is written in his work book. No speech work nothing. He also seems a bit off.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-7762704485372633402010-10-21T16:31:00.000-04:002010-10-21T16:31:34.411-04:00

Our new insurance policy begins next month.   Unfortunately, Dylan's therapies are still not covered.  But some of our copays have gone down (yay), well visits are now copay free (yay) but my cost of insurance is up by almost $90 and... my beloved gastocrom is going from $40 for a 2 week supply to $70 ~thud~. I'm going from spending $1,040 for Gastocrom a year (approx) to $1,820 a year. Where

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-75387334730418074012010-10-15T08:26:00.000-04:002010-10-15T08:26:48.723-04:00

Thanks to Dad Gone Mad

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-56111371890027343512010-10-11T16:27:00.002-04:002010-10-11T16:27:57.262-04:00

Yesterday, Dylan got himself into a snit.  After a warning or two, I sent him to his room to cool off.  I went up about 5 minutes later and I could hear him singing to himself "show me the way to go home". 

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-71912296843437286212010-10-07T08:17:00.001-04:002010-10-07T08:19:13.427-04:00

Last Monday - at Dylan's after school care - the woman went on and on about how adorable and sweet he is. Last Friday - at Dylan's after school care - the woman told me that Dylan slapped another boy. We talked to him about it. We reminded him over the weekend that hands are not for hitting, we don't hit our friends, etc. This past Monday - nothing. This past Tuesday - at Dylan's after

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-37858721995177067772010-10-05T12:26:00.000-04:002010-10-05T12:26:40.831-04:00

Tonight is back to school night. We get to hear presentations from the principal and others from the school, meet with his teacher, her aids and the therapists who work with Dylan daily and get to meet the rest of the parents of the kids in the room.  I'm really looking forward to it.  Dylan, in just the few weeks he's been in Kindergarten has been doing incredibly well.  His speech has been

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-27246051436620396352010-10-04T08:19:00.000-04:002010-10-04T08:19:00.749-04:00

Last night, we had the pleasure of attending a birthday party for one of Dylan's classmates. The family lives about 5 minutes from us and has 4 boys. Dylan's classmate is the youngest of the bunch (oldest 16) and is as sweet as the day is long. There were about 4 other children in attendance which was a nice easy number for all the kid to manage.   The birthday boy is older than Dylan (

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-52294942514417349262010-09-29T08:02:00.001-04:002010-09-29T08:03:57.263-04:00

I am currently reading Like Sound Through Water by Karen Foli. It's a story of a mother and her journey to discover her son has an auditory processing disorder. This book has been very difficult to read. It's very well written. But it hits home at every turn. When she speaks of her knowing something isn't right and being told by her husband that their son will be fine and will catch up

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-6275234387863361082010-09-23T16:10:00.000-04:002010-09-23T16:10:16.170-04:00

Dylan loves music in all it's forms. I've sung to him since he was a baby. The first song he ever "sang" was Rainbow Connection and then he just would pipe up with words at the right time. He loves to strum his guitar and sing songs, usually making up words when he can't remember the right ones (which we love) but he never sang WITH me. That was... until the other day. I was driving home,

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-68877880020517845322010-09-23T11:53:00.002-04:002010-09-23T11:57:50.986-04:00

That's what Dylan did at lunch yesterday. He spit into the food. I don't know if it was the food for everyone or just his own but ewwwww. I emailed his teacher this a.m. apologizing for his behavior, letting her know we addressed it at home (no punishment as he was given a time out at school) and asked her if she knew what may have caused him to do that. It's very out of character for him.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-17176104195826586862010-09-16T09:07:00.002-04:002010-09-16T09:26:37.475-04:00

Last week, we had our final testing at the audiologist's office. Dylan's behavior therapist, Mr. D., feels that contrary to what his developmental pediatrician thinks, we are looking at a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) vs. your run-of-the-mill ADHD. We found an audiologist who would see us since most won't touch a kid for CAPD until they are at least 7 (not mature enough to handle

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-20194172471100551242010-09-14T08:33:00.004-04:002010-09-14T08:46:44.337-04:00

Is anyone still out there? Sorry it's taken me a year to write but damn life has been busy. I read back over last year's posts and laughed when I read in February 2009 I posted that Dylan had "a bit of a speech delay". Turns out it wasn't that simple. He has a severe speech delay. He also has dyxpraxia, sensory processing disorder, central auditory processing disorder, static encephalopathy

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-10642114318100485382009-07-06T09:33:00.002-04:002009-07-06T09:46:34.238-04:00

Dylan was born. 4 years ago today I was in Boston, staying with our dear friends Andy and Lori just waiting. Waiting to become a mother. 4 years ago today, in Guatemala, a wonderful woman gave birth to the boy who would become my son. She has been on my mind a lot today. I wonder about her and how she is. I would love to reach out to her but my fear (and Marc's fear) is that we will hurt

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-49171399123271468582009-07-02T16:04:00.002-04:002009-07-02T16:05:49.225-04:00

My dear friend Kim, after a very difficult pregnancy, had a beautiful baby girl. Ellie needed a shunt put into her brain so yesterday they did the surgery. After the surgery she was doing well but ended up having to be put on a ventilator. Please keep little Ellie in your prayers (good thoughts/good vibes, etc.)

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-19869169254736553272009-07-01T15:17:00.004-04:002009-07-01T15:27:43.421-04:00

Yeah, I know, not something you'd ever think you'd see here. However, I am saddened by his loss. He, like Farrah, was a huge part of my childhood. I remember going to USA Skating to see the premier of Thriller. I loved his music, his moves, his talent. When the accusations came out that he had molested those kids... part of my childhood was lost. Because of his wealth, he could easily buy

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-63327347646131016782009-06-29T10:33:00.002-04:002009-06-29T10:41:34.548-04:00

My masto is relatively stable so let's talk about the more important things in life.... family :) Dylan is going to be four in just a week. FOUR - can you believe it? My baby is gone and has been replaced with the most energetic and spectacular child. He loves to explore and loves books. He romps with his friends at his new day care and sleeps like a champ. He'd rather play than eat which

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-73565023623420799112009-06-12T13:07:00.002-04:002009-06-12T13:16:04.376-04:00

So while I was up in Beantown, Dr. Castells ordered some additional testing. Some blood work and a urinalysis. I'm happy to report the blood work came back normal. Urine... not so much. My Prostaglandins:D2 levels are, um, elevated. By elevated I mean 10x normal (Normal is between 100-280 and I'm 1241). I was totally freaking out. My dear friend Fiona, a fellow sufferer and genius

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-34363680715175933102009-06-03T10:07:00.002-04:002009-06-03T10:42:01.319-04:00

Holy smokes what a weekend! It started off with us flying out of AC Airport. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed 3 hours and my big fear was not getting up to Boston in time for my appointment. Thankfully, we did take off and had a quick, uneventful flight. Upon arriving in Boston, our darling friend, Andy, picked us up and took us to his house. We chowed down on pizza and beer and just

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-82175746870916802532009-05-26T16:05:00.002-04:002009-05-26T16:24:28.119-04:00

We went out to Boston to celebrate our dear friends, Andy & Lori's, baby naming for their beautiful twins. The three of us flew to Boston (via Atlantic City - what a pleasure!) and things were going beautifully... on the surface. Just under the surface my anxiety was rearing it's ugly head. Pushing it down, I pushed forward determined to just suck it up and deal (instead of doing the

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-86631994428840894772009-05-02T20:34:00.003-04:002009-05-02T20:42:12.433-04:00

My beloved sister who I love with every part of my being asked me to do something. She wanted to do a grandchildren portrait for my Mom for Mother's Day. Ohhhh, what a fun idea! Then I realize, that means my brother's (the one we're in reunion with) would be included. Not that they shouldn't be. It's been over two years they've been in our lives and while we are still not good enough to

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-74306955073070721722009-04-28T17:14:00.002-04:002009-04-28T17:21:16.683-04:00

Been going through my (hopefully) last go around with testing before my appointment with the world renown Dr. Castells. I had emailed her asking what tests she'd like to see prior to my coming up there since I am doing this trip out of pocket and would rather have my testing done and paid for by insurance. So my list is as follows.... Blood Work 24 Hour Urinalysis Bone Marrow Biopsy Bone

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-68187675309015248072009-04-03T09:19:00.002-04:002009-04-03T09:33:53.025-04:00

You know... most people who have a chronic condition or a disease, there is a process. If you are suspected of having a tumor, they do a biopsy. If they find "x" kinds of cells, that means it's malignant and you have cancer and treat it with a number of different things. If they find "y" cells, it's benign and you just keep an eye on it. If your husband has low sperm count and poor morphology

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-22476956278708628662009-03-30T15:29:00.002-04:002009-03-30T15:44:37.715-04:00

We started potty training this weekend. Full force. Just pulled the band aid off and put him in big boy underpants on Saturday - no more pull ups (at least not during the day). It went well. Many lessons learned... such as... The reason you put little boys into briefs instead of boxer briefs or boxers is because things fall out of boxers/boxer briefs as we learned when Dylan, who was

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-4945249442130542412009-03-24T14:02:00.002-04:002009-03-24T14:05:49.244-04:00

Dylan has been fancying himself to be the next Ringo. He insists on bringing his drumsticks into the car where he proceeds to clap them together and then drum on the seat in front of him. He's not half bad either (for a 3 1/2 year old). He's changing day cares to one near our home. We are very excited as it's a Jewish day care center so he'll be getting a Jewish education and there is a big

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-31527588208062891822009-03-12T17:17:00.002-04:002009-03-12T17:23:50.979-04:00

I got an appointment with one of the country's leading mastocytosis physicians. Dr. Castell in Boston. It sucks but there aren't many doctors who seem to really know and treat this disease. I have been trying to wrap my head around it but the second I think I have a handle on it - something new appears on my computer screen. I know, I know, I need to step away from the googling. I can't

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-988417861407028542009-03-09T16:49:00.004-04:002009-03-09T17:06:22.641-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me... the kindness of strangers. Since receiving my diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis, I have, of course, sought out every source of information I could find. Unfortunately, there aren't many of them. I have found two groups on facebook with absolutely lovely people who have been more than willing to not only answer my questions... but answer them honestly. I have

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-23281335546210756922009-03-06T17:12:00.002-05:002009-03-06T17:15:17.369-05:00

I feel like such a shit. It's Marc's Mom's birthday today. We were supposed to go over tomorrow night for a party. She's been sick all week with a fever and stomach stuff. Well, he just called me. Tomorrow night is cancelled and him and his brother thought it would be nice to bring over Chinese food (I really have to avoid MSG) and hang out. He's picking me up, dropping me off at home and

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-26237005489341189402009-03-05T17:19:00.002-05:002009-03-05T17:26:56.209-05:00

Brain fog has taken over. I'm totally overwhelmed by this entire thing. I think I have a handle on it one second and then it's lost by conflicting information I find. I spoke with my doctor yesterday. She wants me to see a specialist in Boston and also wants me to registered at the NIH for trials (not happening). I ordered my MedicAlert charm and a bracelet from Lauren's Hope. They have

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-30281934638127436182009-02-26T09:42:00.003-05:002009-02-26T09:48:41.449-05:00

The test was done on Tuesday and I have to say - all things considered - it wasn't that bad. For any of you who may be on the National Bone Marrow Registry having a biopsy is really not that bad. I'd rather have that than another HsG ~shudder~. Hopefully I'll have some answers in the next day or two. In the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, in case you've ever wondered what kind of

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-47680645890434097722009-02-24T08:46:00.004-05:002009-02-24T09:02:21.378-05:00

I have been up since 3:00 a.m. On top of being apprehensive about my appointment with the hematologist today, I'm getting sick. I have a raging sore throat and I'm congested. Hopefully, whatever needs to be done today won't have to be put off because of this. I don't know how much more waiting my brain can take.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-52896504327393306702009-02-20T14:46:00.001-05:002009-02-20T14:47:16.255-05:00

Kim Kim & Wessel - are you lovelies still around? How are you?

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-17257805565227692882009-02-18T21:57:00.002-05:002009-02-18T22:11:11.720-05:00

I'm so lost right now. This disease... this mastocytosis... what the fuck is it? So far all I know is I get hives, have anxiety, am a lousey sleeper, have a tryptase level of 70 and now... a N-methylhistamine level of 267 (normal is 30-200). I'm healthy. I have a few minor symptoms. I haven't shocked (anaphalaxis) except for one episode where I may have shocked in 97 or 96. I've had some

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-10997910835104879942009-02-16T15:26:00.002-05:002009-02-16T15:39:44.445-05:00

A happy Valentine's day to everyone still hanging around this silly blog. I had such a wonderful weekend. Marc had Dylan "sign" my card. On the envelope Dylan drew a picture of me, Marc, Dylan, the cats with a circle around me which represented him hugging me. I had Dylan do the same on Marc's card. It was too cute. Marc made me dinner after Dylan was in bed. We just sat in the dining

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-82915486275261676612009-02-13T13:51:00.002-05:002009-02-13T13:56:57.975-05:00

But I think I'd rather deal with IF than this stupid mastocytosis. With IF, I could say to my fellow suffers... "My FsH shot up to 35" and they would understand exactly what I'm talking about. In IF, the medicine makes sense to me. In masto - it makes no sense to me whatsoever... at least not yet anyway and it's driving me mad! It seems like this is a relatively "new" disease so I don't know

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-80878530976949391792009-02-12T10:05:00.004-05:002009-02-13T17:02:05.564-05:00

So, being the super-hypochondriac I am, I have been researching the hell out of mastocytosis. I've found a few blogs (which I need to add to my bloglines) and just reading some of their reactions as it related to this disease has given me some "aha" moments. TMI warning - Like the time I was so sick I was vomiting and suffering horrific diarrhea (at the same time), severe flushing, back pain,

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-81488679456357084512009-02-06T14:30:00.002-05:002009-02-06T15:04:08.950-05:00

Blogging has definitely fell by the wayside as parenting has become my #1 priority. I do miss it and I think I'm going to try to start things up again. So let's see.... The kittens are great! It's the first time I've had cats that had claws (both Shadow & Saffie had come to me declawed... front and back) and I have to say that we've had very few problems (except for when they try to climb up

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-37722072004620406192009-01-15T16:50:00.004-05:002009-01-15T16:56:41.592-05:00

Easy there folks - it's not what you think :) After losing Shadow this summer, we decided no more pets for a while. Then we went to Colorado to visit Marc's family for Thanksgiving. His Dad has two wonderful dogs, a cat and a visiting cat. Dylan was in heaven! Played with the cats and dogs almost non-stop. One morning, on the cats decided to wake us both up for a snuggle at 6:00 a.m. Marc

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-65502119166873874222008-10-14T12:33:00.002-04:002008-10-14T12:37:38.506-04:00

I have no idea who's in this video on You Tube - I love the song and so does Dylan. Apparently it made an impact because when Marc and I were away this weekend we got a call from my Mom.... he pooped on the potty! I think we can officially say we are in full potty training mode :)

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-61298646074678095202008-07-15T16:31:00.003-04:002008-07-15T16:38:47.157-04:00

Monday I went to Andrea's memorial. Just like Andrea, she planned the entire thing. It was beautiful. Her husband Kelly spoke, her minister spoke, her children spoke, her eldest Alec played guitar and say "My Life" by the Beatles which absolutely killed me. One of her friends read a letter that Andrea had written for the occassion. I hope, many many many years from now, when my time

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-23499657456726938872008-07-14T13:07:00.001-04:002008-07-14T13:07:24.875-04:00

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-79477074036345161432008-07-09T16:44:00.005-04:002008-07-09T16:54:12.717-04:00

Andrea Smith Punk Rock Mommy By Michael Matza Inquirer Staff Writer Andrea Collins Smith, 38, the "Punk Rock Mommy" whose online journal about her terminal illness was a heartbreaking yet uplifting fixture in cyberspace since her fateful diagnosis last year, died at her Fishtown home Saturday, just hours after her last blog posting. "I am sure that some of you are profoundly saddened by my

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-7897824843551892072008-07-08T16:30:00.002-04:002008-07-08T16:38:18.334-04:00

Three years ago today I wrote this post. Three years ago today we received our referral of our son, Dylan. He was 2 days old. I can't believe it's been three years (2 1/2 that he's been with us). He is the most amazing child you have ever met. His smile will melt the hardest of hearts. His spirit is wild and adventurous. His speech is coming along nicely although him repeating our random

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-80011568747951918192008-06-27T13:32:00.004-04:002008-06-27T13:42:40.883-04:00

My lovely friend Liana has tagged me with a MeMe and I need something to take my mind off of things so here it goes! 1. What were you doing 10 years ago? Wow - 10 years ago huh? I was working for MicroWarehouse which no longer exists. I was miserably single but doing all the fun things singles do like traveling, going out and partying. 2. What 5 things are on your to-do list for today?

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-54562753967888813722008-06-26T21:01:00.003-04:002008-06-26T21:08:30.375-04:00

Last week Marc and I went away for Marc's 40th Birthday. We went to Vegas. On the next to the last day of our trip, we got a call from our vet's office. Shadow wasn't doing well. His kidneys were failing. The vet said to give it till today to see if he could turn him around. He couldn't. Shadow was 16 1/2 years old and diabetic. He was tired. We sent him to be with Saffie and Zayde.

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-90821441021078416322008-06-18T12:42:00.005-04:002008-06-18T12:48:35.716-04:00

Not for me.... for my dear sweet friend Andrea. Her time on this earth is quite limited but she'll leave behind a large family and they need help. Fast. If you are in a position to help, they need funds for child care, they could use gift cards to Trader Joe's or Target or for gas. If you are in the Philadelphia area, they are looking for people with construction skills/supplies to help

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10018058.post-4266058758094115312008-05-28T17:01:00.002-04:002008-05-28T17:14:59.607-04:00

I've been reading blogs by adoptees lately. I'm posting this here because I don't want to take away from their feelings or thoughts. I'm not saying anyone's feelings are wrong. I'm just trying to get my head around some of them. I don't want Dylan to ever feel anything but loved. He's not second best. He wasn't a last resort. However, there was a journey to him and part of that journey

Foxxy Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10965197890458229684noreply@blogger.com7