It has been a while

We are currently planning a trip to St. Louis Children's Hospital in early August. We have an appointment with an ophthalmologist there who specializes in the diagnose and treatment of vision issues with children with special needs. Just so happens, the 4th Annual Cerebral Palsy Conference will be held the weekend before the appointment, so we plan to attend the conference as well. Hopefully, between the conference and the appointment, we will gain additional insights on how to help Jake further along in his development. I am not really looking forward to the flight though, I am not a big fan of flying to begin with, and adding Jake to the equation I feel even more stressed out. Things like how to take him to the bathroom; how to change him in case he wets his clothes, etc. worry me, but I am sure when there is a will, there is a way.

Today was Jake’s last day of school at Apply Pre-School, while reality hasn’t fully hit me yet as he still has 6 weeks of summer program left at the school, I know by early August, I am going to feel so sad that I will not step foot into that building anymore, which is something I have done almost daily for the past three years. For the rest of my life, I will think of Apple Pre-School, its teachers, therapists, administrative staffs, classroom aids, nurses, volunteers, even the security guard with fond memories, and much gratitude.

One more thing, Jake is making improvement in his walking. On a good day, he can walk one city block with me holding just his one hand only. I am just thinking if he can master walking while holding one hand by this winter, it will be very exciting. Two winters ago, I said to myself, this is it, this is the last winter I am able to carry Jake around cuz he is getting really heavy. Then last winter came around, I was still carrying him, at times I couldn’t even see where I was going with him wearing a huge winter coat. Again, I thought to myself this is it, this is the last winter I am able to carry him like this. So, I am still hoping that finally, this winter Jake can walk more so I don’t have to carry him as much.

Busy weekend - Jake's birthday party went GREAT

This past weekend was a busy weekend. On Saturday, we were at the car dealer for over 4 hours. We finally purchased a much needed second car, bigger with more leg rooms for everyone. Jake’s strollers and walker will be able to fit in the cargo area.

Then, Sunday was Jake’s birthday and he turned 5 years old. I went to get balloons right before the birthday party, who knew there was such a long line for balloons at Party City. I was online for almost 45 mins, I was worried I was going to miss Jake’s party. :-)

As I wrote in my previous blog, it was the first time we threw a party for Jake, so I especially was a bit nervous. But everyone came, about 30 adults and kids, and everyone had fun. We had swings for the kids, bubbles, some crafts, and lots of other toys. I really wanted to do some group games to get all the parents and kids involved, and we ended doing 2 games and everyone had a blast. Kids wanted more games but we had to cut the cake. After the cake, maybe it was the sugar, the boys went wild chasing after each other but that was expected right?!

Today we are having another little party with Jake’s class in his school. He goes to a school for children with special needs. His teacher, therapists, aids, and kids are so kind to him always, I am going to miss them all after this summer, because Jake is going to a new school starting September. A new chapter will begin and new relationships will blossom.